Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting April 19, 2017

Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting

April 19, 2017

APPROVED MINUTES

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in Borough Hall.

Council members present: President Schleigh, Ms. Byrne, Ms. English, Ms. James, Ms. Williams and Junior Council member Hoard. Absent: Mr. Aubrey, Mr. Radich and the Fire Company representative. Also present: Mayor Campuzano, Borough Manager Totaro, Borough Solicitor Scott and Police Chief Donegan.

The televised meeting will be aired at 7:00 p.m. the following Monday on RCN channel 52, Comcast channel 5 and Verizon channel 44.

Mayor Campuzano led the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of agenda: Ms. Byrne moved to approve the agenda. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Approval of Minutes: Ms. Williams moved to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2017 Business Meeting of Council. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Announcements and Presentations: The Mayor swore in Officer Michael Kester as the new part time police officer. The Mayor announced that Officer McGowan will be named Officer of the Year by the Upper Darby Rotary Club.

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Totaro presented the Treasurer’s report for the two months March 31, 2017. General Fund: beginning balance $675,523; ending balance $2,539,435. Sewer Fund: beginning balance $1,036,805; ending balance $1,486,792. Liquid Fuels: beginning balance $646,299; ending balance $908,435. Non-uniformed Pension: beginning balance $2,959,093; ending balance $3,096,628. Police Pension: beginning balance $8,378,827; ending balance $8,631,426.

Solicitor’s Report - No report.

Mayor’s Report - The Mayor announced the following calendar events:  May 11 - Town Forum - 7-9 p.m. at 20 CC. Topics for discussion: Finance, Public Works and Lansdowne Theater update.  May 6 - Town Wide Yard Sale. Rain date: May 7.  May 7 - 20 CC dedication ceremony, 1-3 p.m. Showcasing the new patio and landscaping work.

of 6 Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting April 19, 2017  April 28 - Arbor Day, 1 p.m. in Sycamore Park.

 April 28 - Comcast Cares Day and town wide cleanup.

The Fire Company is offering free smoke detectors for residents. For more information contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Smoke detectors last about 10 years.

The Mayor will be meeting tomorrow with the Philadelphia Art Museum representatives to discuss the upcoming InsideOut program.

LEDC events:  May 6 - Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 30 N. Lansdowne parking lot. Rain date: May 13.  May 20 - Philadelphia Flea Market, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 30 N. Lansdowne lot. Rain date: May 21.  May 27 - Lansdowne Farmers Market grand opening.  May 29 - Memorial Day 5k run and parade. Race starts at 7:45 a.m. The American Legion Post 65 and the LBPA will hold the parade, starting at LaCrosse and Lansdowne Avenues. Theme: "Honoring the Unknown Soldier" and "The 100th Anniversary of WW1". The Mayor asked if Council would consider taking out an ad in the Post's Memorial Day book with a contribution.

The Mayor read a letter from an appreciative resident regarding the Streets Department crew, commending them for a job well done. The Mayor reminded residents to vote in the primary election on May 16.

The Mayor commented that he was recently interviewed by Temple students regarding a LEDC project on different aspects of the Borough. He was asked where he sees the vision for the Borough in 5-10 years in terms of expectations, projects, goals, etc. The Mayor felt that he and Borough Council should look into this topic for future discussion.

President’s Report - President Schleigh reported he recently met with Marty Hackett of the LEDC to look over census data and the economic health of the Borough. He presented the following data: (1) median home values rose from $101,000 in 2001 to $180,000 in 2010 but average home values have been down $20,000 within the past five years; (2) number of home owners fell 14% over last 5 years; (3) number of employed residents fell 12% in last 5 years; (4) number of families living in poverty increased from 2619 in 2010 to 2626 in 2015; (5) median income was $52,300; (6) resident population fell by 400 from 2001- to 2010; (7) immigrant population increased 300 since 2000 and stays stable. As of February 2017, 9.8 houses were available for sale and have been on the market 80+ days. Median house sales: $80,000- $109,000. President Schleigh felt the economic metrics need to be looked at a bit closer, decide if the plans are effective and if the Borough is moving forward. President Schleigh commented on the opioid epidemic and the issue of Recovery Houses. The Bristol Township Solicitor confirmed they only have a licensing regulation, not a zoning regulation in this regard, because they thought the State or Federal authorities would do so and a local organization of recovery homes existed that was self-regulating. President Schleigh will reach out to Abington Township for more information on their regulatory process.

2 of 6 Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting April 19, 2017 Applications are now being taken for the Junior Council position for the next school year.

Committee Reports:

Public Health and Safety - Ms. English reported at the last meeting they met with representatives of the Coalition for Community Change. The Committee discussed what signs had been put up due to resident requests. Parks and Rec will be making recommendations about the lights in Sycamore Park. The Committee will be working with the Fire Marshall and Codes Department regarding food truck safety issues. Installation of surveillance cameras in the business district is being considered. Chief Donegan noted that he has looked into pricing and feels it is a worthwhile endeavor. The Mayor concurred, noting that the cameras will not be placed in residential areas.

Finance and Administration - No report was given in Mr. Radich's absence.

Economic Development and Codes - Ms. James reported she had to cancel the last Committee meeting for personal reasons. The next Committee meeting will be held on May 15. The 2020 House is featuring a new Art Show reception on May 6, 4-6 p.m. The show will run May 6 to June 25, open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 p.m. The show, "Leaving Longitudes", features artists Leeann Rimes and Lisa Haskell.

Community Relations Committee - Ms. Byrne reported that a few volunteer spots remain for Comcast Cares Day. She will be meeting with the InsideOut representatives tomorrow and she hopes to have more information for the next Council meeting.

Infrastructure Committee - Ms. Williams reported the Committee met on March 27 and gave updates as follows:  On target for the LED street light work.  Implementation phase of the Plaza Project is underway and the new name will be "The Lansdowne Landing", inspired by the Victorian homes in Lansdowne. Parking spaces will be cordoned off between Veterans Park and the lot while a ground mural in installed. The goal is to have a grand opening on May 27.  LEDC anniversary meeting will be held this Thursday at Avianna restaurant. The LEDC was given a "PA Small Water and Sewer Program" grant of $43,208 for Pennock Terrace.

The next Committee meeting will be held on April 24

Communications -U.S. Department of Homeland Security - FEMA indicating that the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the community has been approved by FEMA and application can now be made for Federal disaster assistance.

Public Comment: Ms. Williams moved to suspend Roberts Rules of Order to hear visitor comment. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

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Visitors:

1. Mary Ann Surla -Ms. Surla commented she has been a Lansdowne resident since 1998 and had seen many finished and unfinished plans for the Borough. Ms. Surla questioned money used for sanitation services and felt that the street cleaning on Marshall Road twice a week was not to be considered any type of specialized service. She also commented that past Borough officials should not be "recycled" for upcoming vacancies. Ms. Surla complimented Chief Donegan on the Youth Aid Panel article in the Spring Borough newsletter, adding that the Mayor had done a fine job with the newsletter.

2. Wendy Smoleski and Alice Hasbrook - Pennock Terrace. Ms. Smoleksi read a group letter commending Borough Council for adopting Resolution 217-03, also known as the Equity Resolution, on March 15, 2017. This resolution "recognizes the contributions to American culture from a diverse population from around the world". It also recognizes that people suffering from war, poverty and persecution have a fair opportunity to access the rights and freedoms of this country. The group hopes that Borough Council's actions inspire other communities and residents to take similar action. President Schleigh asked that the language be posted on the Borough web site and Facebook page.

Ms. English moved to Resume Roberts Rules of Order. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Old Business: 1. 20CC dedication - Ms. Byrne noted this event will be held on May 7, 1-3 p.m. Cricket Catering may be providing refreshments and finger foods inside. The outside will be set up in a similar fashion as for wedding events. Mayor Campuzano felt that local representatives Micozzie, Davidson and Williams, former mayor Young and former Borough Council members (2010 and on) should be invited to the event as they helped in providing resources, time and money to the project.

2. AFL - this is a request for 6-8 tables and 10 chairs each for their upcoming event at 2020 House. There was a brief discussion about who would set up and tear down the setting after the event. The Mayor commented that the same policy for handling chairs and tables for 20 CC events should also be used for 2020 House events.

MOTION: Ms. Byrne moved to allow the AFL the use of tables and chair with setup and removal. Ms. Williams seconded. Vote: unanimous.

New Business - 1. 20CC/Lansdowne Latin Dance -Ms. Williams commented that this business is growing and another space is needed for the weekly dance parties, dance lessons, etc. The 20CC was considered but the $2500 rental fee was not feasible. Solicitor Scott suggested having the dance parties treated as a recreation program and using the 20CC on a night that does not conflict with catering events (Monday-Thursday).

2. Tasting room - President Schleigh commented he had met with Debbie Brodeur of the LEDC to discuss the concept of having a PA brewer sponsored Tasting Room that would not violate home rule. Three breweries are interested and after a brief discussion, there was a consensus to allow it. Mr. Scott noted that the regular bar rules would apply to them as well. 4 of 6 Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting April 19, 2017

3. CDBG - funding - a bulletin was received from the PA State Association of Township Commissioners asking for municipalities to advocate for the preservation of the CDBG funds at 2017 levels that are in danger of being eliminated under the Trump administration.

MOTION - Ms. Williams moved to authorize Mr. Totaro to draft a letter in support of preserving CDBG funding for PA. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.

4. LEDC - projector - request for use of projector for next week's anniversary meeting.

MOTION: Ms. Williams moved to authorize lending the LEDC a projector for next week's anniversary meeting. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

5. LEDC - big chair - request for permission to display it in parking lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue from August 18 to September 17.

MOTION: Ms. Byrne moved to approve the use of municipal parking lot #1 for big chair display from August 18 to September 17. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

6. LEDC - parking. Request to waive parking meter fees in both municipal lots and street meters all day on September 10.

MOTION: Ms. English moved to waive lot fees (in both municipal lots) and street meter fees on September 10 for the Fall Festival Day. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.

7. LEDC - chairs. Request for use of 130 outdoor folding chairs, 20 - 8 foot rectangle tables and 8 - 60" round tables to be delivered and picked up at the Theater.

MOTION: Ms. Williams moved to approve use of chairs and tables subject to the Indemnification Agreement pursuant to the April 11, 2017 request. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.

8. LEDC police no parking. Request for "no parking after 10 p.m." notices along North Lansdowne Avenue near the lot the night before the September Fall Festival. No motion required.

XII. Action Items:

1. Ms. English moved to approve bills for the period. Ms. Williams seconded. Vote: unanimous. 2. Ms. Byrne moved to adopt Resolution 2017-05 regarding off-road trails in the Philadelphia region. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous. 3. Ms. James moved to issue Certificate of Appropriateness to the LEDC for shed in municipal parking lot. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous. 4. Ms. James moved to adopt Resolution 2017-06 regarding the consumption of liquor on September 10. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous. 5. Ms. Williams moved to execute PA Small Water & Sewer Program Grant Agreement and Commitment Letter. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous.

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6. Ms. Williams moved to advertise Ordinance 1307 controlling use of a portion of the parking lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue. Discussion: Hours of operation will be 7 a.m.-10 p.m. This will be open for further debate next month. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous. 7. Ms. English moved to have the Borough expend $100 for ad in the Memorial Day parade booklet put out by the LBPA and American Legion Post 65. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.

Executive Session - Ms. Williams moved to adjourn to executive session. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous. The meeting adjourned to executive session at 8:35 p.m.

Public Session - No motions were made upon reconvening to Public Session.

Adjourn – Ms. Byrne moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Williams seconded. Vote: unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ann Henry Borough Secretary

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