Approved minutes

Lansdowne Borough Council
General Meeting
October 16, 2013
APPROVED MINUTES

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday,

October 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall. Present were President Coleman, Ms. English, Ms. Lustgarten, Mr. Radich, Ms. Saylor, Mr. Schleigh and Mr. Wagner. Councilwoman Saylor was absent. Junior Council member Brandon Johnson was present. Also present were Mayor Young, Borough Manager Totaro, Borough Secretary Henry, Borough Treasurer Bartley, Borough Solicitor Scott and Acting Police Chief Donegan. The Fire Company liaison was absent.
President Coleman stated that this meeting would be aired on October 21, 2013 on Comcast channel 10, RCN channel 52 and Verizon channel 44.
Approval of Agenda: President Coleman indicated that the Elm Street Program discussion would be held after Mayor Young’s announcements.
Approval of Minutes: Mr. Schleigh moved to approve the minutes of the

September 18, 2013 General Meeting of Council as submitted by the Borough Secretary. Ms. Lustgarten seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Announcements and Presentations: President Coleman welcomed Debbie Lamborne, the new Elm Street Program manager. Ms. Lamborne gave an overview of the Program’s mission statement, which is to revitalize targeted areas of Lansdowne under the umbrella of the Lansdowne Economic Development Committee and in partnership with Yeadon Borough. The specific goals of the current program include implementation plan details, comprehensive residential improvement projects, including park enhancements, home renovations, youth development, green jobs training, neighborhood crime watch, infrastructure improvements and community service projects. Ms. Lamborne mentioned that if someone buys a home in the blighted area and completes mortgage counseling classes, they are eligible for $5,000 toward closing costs. In addition to the $5,000, the Elm Street Program would provide a $2,500 match toward a down payment or closing costs. Ms. Lamborne mentioned that the Program is also actively investigating additional sources of funding.

Council President’s Report: President Coleman reported that she recently attended the Regional Caucus of Council Presidents, hosted by Darrell Clarke, President of City Council of Philadelphia. Some of the municipalities also present included Upper Darby, Coatesville and some New Jersey towns. President Coleman mentioned that the intent of the program is to share information and form forces, if feasible, to continue and move forward with tackling issues involving education funding and infrastructure.

          President Coleman mentioned that a United Way grant was received by the Friendship Circle Senior Center. This grant will provide funding through the Community Network of Care over a three year period, wherein approximately 1400 individuals will be provided care and services. This grant will also help to provide additional outreach programs and extend the services of the Center. The Center is also helping to discover resources for referral services and the challenges of senior citizens.

Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Bartley presented the September 30, 2013 Treasurer’s Report as follows: General Fund beginning balance $372,413; ending balance $1,285,335. Sewer Fund beginning balance $657,171; ending balance $1,023,223. Liquid Fuels Fund beginning balance $419,602; ending balance $539,235. Capital Reserve Fund beginning balance $89,107; ending balance $87,655. Non-uniformed pension plan beginning balance $1,918,610; ending balance $2,185,349. Police Pension Fund beginning balance $6,889,109; ending balance $7,351,001. Mr. Bartley mentioned that the Borough has sufficient funds on hand to meet current obligations.
Solicitor’s Report: Mr. Scott had no formal report.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Young had no formal report and read a list of calendar items. Mayor Young mentioned that at the November General Meeting, Boy Scout Troop 63 will assume some of the Borough Council roles and present reports to receive credit for their “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge.
Council President’s Report: President Coleman reported that she recently attended the Regional Caucus of Council Presidents, hosted by Darrell Clarke, President of City Council of Philadelphia. Some of the municipalities also present included Upper Darby, Coatesville and some New Jersey towns. President Coleman mentioned that the intent of the program is to share information and form forces, if feasible, to continue and move forward with various planned programs involving, among other issues, education and infrastructure.

President Coleman mentioned that a United Way grant was received by the Lansdowne Circle Senior Center. This grant will provide funding through the Community Network of Care over a three year period, wherein approximately 1400 individuals will be provided care and services. This grant will also help to provide additional outreach programs and extend the services of the Center. The Center is also helping to discover resources for referral services and the challenges of senior citizens.

President Coleman reported that she recently participated in a White House conference call that included President Obama and David Agnew, the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House. Both President Obama and Mr. Agnew answered questions and provided information regarding the Affordable Care Act, how it will affect residents individually and how to locate a local representative for help in negotiating the current options for health care. Enrollment began on October 1, 2013 and will run through March 31, 2014. President Coleman has posted more detailed information and a Q &A section on the borough web site that addresses such issues as pre-existing conditions, who is eligible for coverage under the Act and how to find a personal representative for help in enrolling.


COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Health and Safety – Mr. Schleigh reported that some street lights are not working in the borough’s downtown business area on Lansdowne Avenue. Mr. Schleigh reported that his Committee has recently been focusing on the 2014 budget and the search for a new Police Chief. Mr. Schleigh indicated that the search had been a very competitive process, with 48 applicants from various sections of the country. Second interviews will be held with the five eligible candidates and Mr. Schleigh expects that a new Chief will soon be selected. Mr. Schleigh reported that a merit preparedness meeting will be held next Wednesday and he encouraged the boy scouts in the audience to attend the meeting.
Finance and Administration – Ms. Lustgarten reported that her Committee’s focus has been on the development of the 2014 budget. Last week there was a meeting to review the first consolidation of the budget. Ms. Lustgarten mentioned that at this first meeting, the findings showed there was $332,000 more in expenses than in revenues for 2014. Ms. Lustgarten indicated that some accommodations have been made for unknown expenses, such as increased benefit rates from the insurance carrier, the MMO amount to be paid, additional costs for library staff, state aid, etc. At present, Ms. Lustgarten reported there will be a 2.5% tax increase with no increase in the trash fee. The aforementioned consolidations now bring the deficit down to $96,000. Ms. Lustgarten projected the 2013 ending year balance to be $388,000, which is over 5% of expenses. The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on November 4^th at 7:00 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend this meeting. Mr. Schleigh asked if the results of the audit would factor into underwriting for any type of insurance coverage. Mr. Totaro indicated that it is not a workers’ compensation or health matter and most of the liability is for physical exposure regarding public officials.
Economic Development and Code Enforcement - Mr. Wagner reported that his Committee met last night. The Committee discussed the current noise ordinance, focusing on hours that construction was being done in commercial or residential areas. Mr. Wagner indicated that the language will be revised and recommendations provided to borough council next month.

Mr. Wagner mentioned that signage was also discussed, specifically focusing on temporary signs such as ‘feather signs’. The proposed ordinance would put limits on these and other temporary signage, whereby the temporary signage would be limited regarding the size and number of times the sign can appear on a property. The language will be revised and recommendations presented to borough council next month.

Mr. Wagner also mentioned that the current ordinance regarding foreclosed properties does not address specific bank procedures as they relate to the borough. The revised ordinance would now require banks to alert the borough of pending foreclosures, so that information can be provided to residents to help them save their homes.

Mr. Wagner reported that plans for developing 110 S. Wycombe Avenue are being reviewed. The plans have now been finalized and the hope is that the developer will start pouring the foundation before the weather gets too cold.

Mr. Radich questioned if underwriting standards for the borough would be impacted if the borough got involved in the foreclosure process. Mr. Scott indicated that the main objective of the proposed ordinance is to help stop the looting of copper pipes and had been based on a San Diego model regarding blighted properties. Mr. Radich suggested reaching out to the mortgage bankers to get their perspective on the matter to avoid any unintended consequences for the borough.
Environment – Ms. Saylor reported that the next Environment Committee meeting will be held on October 29^th at 7:00 p.m. in borough hall. Ms. Saylor mentioned that Belmont Park would be receiving new toy equipment. Ms. Saylor reminded residents to rake leaves to the curb and not to use plastic bags in collecting them
Community Relations: Mr. Radich reported that the next Community Relations Committee meeting will be held on October 24^th. Mr. Radich also reported that tomorrow night a seminar will be held at the 20^th Century Club regarding financial options for special needs families.

Infrastructure and Public Works – Ms. English reported that the next Infrastructure Committee meeting will be held on October 22^nd. The 2014 budget was the main topic of discussion at the last meeting.
Junior Council: Mr. Johnson had no formal report.
Communications: - There were no items of communication.
Ms. Lustgarten moved to suspend Roberts Rules of Order to hear visitor comments. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Visitor Comments:

1. 
   Larry Smalley – American Legion Post 65 member. Mr. Smalley mentioned that a Veterans’ Day dinner will be held on November 9^th, 6:00 p.m. at the East Lansdowne borough hall. Cost is $20 per person at the door. Mr. Smalley indicated that a flag burning ceremony was held on September 28^th wherein approximately 300 flags were burned. At the same time, the Post honored Suzanne Spears as a Blue Star Mom, wherein three of her four children are in the military, with 10 deployments to a combat zone among them. Mr. Smalley asked if borough council would consider the family for a Helms Award. Mr. Smalley also asked if borough council was considering a candidate for Police of the Year award.
   

2. 
   Tony Campuzano – Resident of Lansdowne. Mr. Campuzano, in his capacity as Chair of the Lansdowne Democratic Committee and candidate for Mayor, reminded residents to vote on November 5^th. Mr. Campuzano pointed out that the 7^th and 8^th precincts will be voting at the high school.
   

3. 
   John McKinstry - Mr. McKinstry introduced himself as the new head of the Lansdowne Friends School.
   

4. 
   Mike Bolton – resident of Lansdowne. Mr. Bolton mentioned that he was a member of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation and mentioned HLTC’s hope that the Lansdowne Theater will once again become a central community destination. The Theater will be holding a Halloween Ball on November 2^nd from 8 p.m. to midnight.
   

Mr. Schleigh moved to Resume Roberts Rules of Order. Mr. Wagner seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Old Business:

1. 
   10 West Baltimore Avenue. Mr. Totaro reported that the antennas will be removed from 10 West to the south side annex. The plans will need to go through the Historic Architecture Review Board (“HARB”) and Zoning Hearing Board (“ZHB”). The ZHB meeting will be held on October 24^th. President Coleman mentioned that she was in favor of the change as long as the standards are met as set forth by Borough Council. After further discussion regarding the antennae Mr. Wagner moved to approve the plan.
   

Mr. Wagner moved to have Borough Council recommend to the Zoning Hearing Board the approval of the plan for relocating the cell phone antenna off 10 West Baltimore Avenue and onto a newly fabricated chimney at the rear site of 2 West Baltimore Avenue, with the condition that all additional antennae on 10 West Baltimore Avenue be removed and made inactive. Mr. Schleigh seconded. Vote: unanimous.
2. SB-1/R-3/Media Elwyn – Mr. Schleigh reported that structural repairs are needed but funding has been reduced. In that regard, Septa intends to stop operating this rail line. Mr. Schleigh mentioned that former Governor Ed Rendell is leading a protest this Friday at the Media Court House. Mr. Schleigh would like borough council to consider adopting a Resolution in support of opposing Septa’s proposed action.
New Business: There were no items for New Business.
Action Items:

1. 
   Ms. Lustgarten moved to approve bills for the period. Mr. Wagner seconded. Vote: unanimous.
   

Executive Session – Mr. Schleigh moved to convene to executive session to discuss a personnel issue. Ms. Lustgarten seconded. Vote: unanimous. Executive Session convened at 8:40 p.m.
Public Session – No public motions were made upon reconvening to public session.

Adjourn – Mr. Schleigh moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wagner seconded. Vote: unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ann Henry

Borough Secretary

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