| MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS TOWN of BELLEFONTE, Delaware December 13th, 2004 |
Call to Order
President Dave Wishowsky called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The following Commissioners
were present: Kathy MacDonough, Scott MacKenzie, Terry Thompson, and Curt Nass. Russell
Norris was unable to attend.
Scott made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the November Town Meeting and
the motion was seconded by Terry. On discussion, this motion was introduced to save time in
the meetings. Minutes are posted on the Town Web site and printed copies are available to
anyone at the meetings who requests them. The motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence - Scott reported that the Commission had received a detailed report of
speeding tickets given by NCC police during September. This report will be filed with the bill for
that month.
Treasurer's Report - Curt read the Treasurer's Report for the period ending 11/30/04
(attachment 1) that showed total receipts for the month of $13,299.95, and disbursements of
$10,436.61. Curt also gave the Tax Collector’s Report (attachment 2) showing current
taxes of $9,052.87 and $481.40 of previous year taxes/fees collected during November, for a
total taxes of $9,534.27 collected. Scott made a motion to accept the Treasurer and Tax
Collector's Reports, seconded by Kathy, and the vote was unanimous.
Committee Reports
Town Services Committee
Russell was not present to make a report, but Kathy reported that the grating at Bellefonte
Avenue and Brandywine Blvd. had been repaired.
Charter, Ordinance, and Regulation Committee
Terry made the third and final reading of Ordinance 2004-03 (attachment 3). Terry made a
motion to pass Ordinance 2004-03, Kathy seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Ordinance
2004-03 is now in effect.
Terry made a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $300 for legal services per ordinance
in reviewing current ordinances prior to public reading. Kathy seconded the motion, there was a
brief discussion about how this would save time, and the motion passed unanimously.
Terry reported that revised Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Property Maintenance
ordinances were being drafted by his committee. Zoning ordinances were also being redrafted,
however, Terry is consulting with committee members about the timing issue, since zoning
ordinances should be based on a comprehensive town plan.
Planning and Development Committee
Terry reported that the Planning and Development Committee had met on 11/10 and that
planners from NCC and the State were present to offer advice. The committee prepared a
decision matrix of the pros and cons of developing a comprehensive town plan vs. a "town
overlay." Terry said that the "town overlay" is used by mostly unincorporated towns to retain
town character (Claymont is an example). The town overlay method of planning, however, gives
control over zoning, ordinances, permits, and inspections to the County. The Committee
recommends against following this course and in favor of developing a fully comprehensive town
plan in which the Bellefonte Town Commission retains authority over these matters. Terry would
like to move forward with the formation of a planning commission, appointment of members, and
set a schedule for surveying. These surveys, which will help the Planning Commission develop
the Comprehensive Development Plan by finding out what the citizens want Bellefonte to be, will
be mailed in late February, early March. The membership of the proposed Planning Commission
includes Terry Thompson, Andrew Ritchie, Joan Darvish Rouhani, Curt Nass, Alan Matas,
Kathy MacDonough, and an as-yet-unnamed businessperson.
Terry made a motion to form the "Bellefonte Planning Commission," with membership as stated,
proceed with planning, and spend up to $5,000 to fund the startup of the planning process. The
motion was seconded by Kathy and passed unanimously.
Community Activities and Recreation Committee
Kathy reported that the lampposts in Town had been decorated on November 20th, the Town
tree and Town Hall had been decorated on December 4th, and that a Town Tree Lighting event
had been held on December 11th. The reaction to all these events has been very positive with
more than 40 people coming to Town Hall for the Tree Lighting event on Saturday. Kathy
reported that a decision had been made by her committee to purchase artificial decorations so
that they could be reused. Because of this, the original spending authorization was exceeded.
Kathy made a motion to re-appropriate up to $500 for decoration, supplies, and refreshments
for the event. The motion was seconded by Terry and passed unanimously.
Scott reported that the new roof on Town Hall was completed almost $1,500 under budget
because there were no cedar shakes under the asphalt shingles. Work included new membrane
on the belltower, new sheathing on roofs adjoining the new shingles, removal of two chimneys,
refacing of remaining chimney, installation of weathervane, a 10-year guarantee on workmanship
by R&R Roofing, and 30 years on shingles by the manufacturer.
Scott also reported that a new boiler was installed in day care center over the Thanksgiving
holiday, on schedule, with no interruption to the facility.
Minor renovations to Town Hall are almost complete with interior painting done, curtains hung,
and the brass railing restored. The front doors of Town Hall were also reversed to be in
compliance with Fire Marshal regulations. New side entrance roof for day care center complete.
New draft lease with the day care center is at attorney's office being reviewed and is due on
12/15. Scott will email the draft to all commissioners for review when received and will also give
it to the tenants for review. Because of delay by the attorney, the lease may have to be effective
1/15/05. To date, Scott has received no bids for shoveling snow at the day care center and
invites anyone in the community to make a bid.
Because the framing inside the front doors of Town Hall needed to be replaced when they were
being reversed, Scott made a motion to re-appropriate $575 to pay the contractors for that
work. The motion was seconded by Kathy and the motion passed unanimously.
Scott reported that he has a low bid of $1,275 to construct a fire-safe wall in the day care
center's boiler room to partition the room for supplies. He made a motion to spend up to $1,500
for the construction of a wall and door in the boiler room. The motion was seconded by Kathy
and passed unanimously.
Scott raised the issue of the large pine tree on the side of Town Hall and asked if the Commission
wanted it removed during January or February when tree services traditionally give discounts.
The Commission asked Scott to get bids of for the removal during January or February.
Scott made a motion to spend up to $500 to complete minor repairs and renovations at Town
Hall and the day care center to include replacing ceiling tiles in the day care center, installation of
a step down from the rear entrance to the day care, completion of the signage, and a new gutter
on the back of the day care center. The motion was seconded by Kathy and passed
unanimously.
Inspector's Report
Neither inspector attended this meeting, nor did they prepare reports. Terry noted that not
having reports was going to be a problem once new zoning and building ordinances were
adopted. Dave said that he would call both inspectors and ask them to attend the working
meeting.
Bills
Mr. MacKenzie read the following list of bills and a motion was made by Ms. MacDonough to
pay the bills, seconded by Mr. Thompson, and the vote was unanimous. Bills for November
were:
John Sullivan, Esq.,Election research and conference call with Kathy, 280.00
Conectiv, Town Hall power - Nov, 67.25
Conectiv, Street Lights - Nov, 981.74
Conectiv, Traffic light - Nov., 42.72
ServiceMark, Inv 500001764 - New Boiler for day care center, 7,100.00
Division of Boiler Safety, Boiler inspection fee, 30.00
Waste Management, Dec trash collection, 7,951.96
NCC Police Contractual Services, October activity, 1,207.00
R & R Roofing Inc., Town Hall/DC new roof, 18,445.00
Albanese Outside Services, Town Hall front doors, 575.00
Scott MacKenzie, Stipend & renovation supplies, 737.88
Kathy MacDonough, Holiday expenses, 160.83
Rich Mulhern, Holiday decoration and activity expenses, 270.76
John Esch, ICC Plumbing Codes, 62.99
Newsletter/Web Site
Scott reported that he had made revisions to the Town Web site, www.townofbellefonte.com,
and that the site now contained copies of past minutes and back issues of the newsletter. The site
also contains news clips from recent activities reported in area newspapers.
Old Business
The Commission reviewed the updated Complaint Log and added seven new complaints. They
are:
Complaint 04-06
603 Melrose, drainage problem. Filed by 601 Melrose. Kathy working with state officials to
have situation addressed.
Complaint 04-09
1105 Monterey - uncut grass and undergrowth, Dave to discuss with owner. (property in
question is actually owned by gas station).
Complaint 04-10
704 Phila Pike - BP station noise, light, drainage. Letter sent to wrong property owner - wrong
address given by complainant. Resent on 11-30 to correct address
New Business
Complaint 04-11
810 Brandywine Blvd - tenant puts wooden saw horses in street, lets his dog defecate on Town
Hall property. Kathy will talk to resident.
Complaint 04-12
Complaint filed about drainage problem from 99 Beeson Rd.; Dave to handle.
Complaint 04-13
Commissioners saw trash seen being dumped at 815 Rosedale on 11/20; warning letter sent with
Ordinance 62-4.
Complaint 04-14
Neighbor complained about smell of dog feces at 1213 Brandwyine Blvd. (not in Bellefonte)
Issue will be referred to NCC code enforcement by Kathy
Complaint 04-15
Complaint about graffiti and trash behind Bellefonte Exxon
Complaint 04-16
Graffiti at Ginger's. Original complaint filed at Oct. meeting by Bruce Dunlap.
Complaint 04-17
Oil slick moving from auto detailing garage to storm sewer on Rosedale. No report will be filed
with DNRC unless this event occurs again.
Complaint 04-18
Fire trucks returning from calls are exceeding the speed limit in Town
Announcements
Every effort is being made by the Commission to limit "working meetings" to planning and
discussion; however, with one month delay in appropriations, some decisions to spend will need
to be made at Working Meetings. Because of this, all Working Meetings will now be called
"Working/Special Meetings."
The meeting moved to adjourn at 9:20 pm. The next working meeting for the Bellefonte Town
Commissioners is set for Tuesday, December 28, 7 pm, at Town Hall (this meeting rescheduled
to 1/4). The next Town Hall meeting will be held on Monday, January 10, at 7 pm, Town Hall.
President Dave Wishowsky called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The following Commissioners
were present: Kathy MacDonough, Scott MacKenzie, Terry Thompson, and Curt Nass. Russell
Norris was unable to attend.
Scott made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the November Town Meeting and
the motion was seconded by Terry. On discussion, this motion was introduced to save time in
the meetings. Minutes are posted on the Town Web site and printed copies are available to
anyone at the meetings who requests them. The motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence - Scott reported that the Commission had received a detailed report of
speeding tickets given by NCC police during September. This report will be filed with the bill for
that month.
Treasurer's Report - Curt read the Treasurer's Report for the period ending 11/30/04
(attachment 1) that showed total receipts for the month of $13,299.95, and disbursements of
$10,436.61. Curt also gave the Tax Collector’s Report (attachment 2) showing current
taxes of $9,052.87 and $481.40 of previous year taxes/fees collected during November, for a
total taxes of $9,534.27 collected. Scott made a motion to accept the Treasurer and Tax
Collector's Reports, seconded by Kathy, and the vote was unanimous.
Committee Reports
Town Services Committee
Russell was not present to make a report, but Kathy reported that the grating at Bellefonte
Avenue and Brandywine Blvd. had been repaired.
Charter, Ordinance, and Regulation Committee
Terry made the third and final reading of Ordinance 2004-03 (attachment 3). Terry made a
motion to pass Ordinance 2004-03, Kathy seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Ordinance
2004-03 is now in effect.
Terry made a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $300 for legal services per ordinance
in reviewing current ordinances prior to public reading. Kathy seconded the motion, there was a
brief discussion about how this would save time, and the motion passed unanimously.
Terry reported that revised Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Property Maintenance
ordinances were being drafted by his committee. Zoning ordinances were also being redrafted,
however, Terry is consulting with committee members about the timing issue, since zoning
ordinances should be based on a comprehensive town plan.
Planning and Development Committee
Terry reported that the Planning and Development Committee had met on 11/10 and that
planners from NCC and the State were present to offer advice. The committee prepared a
decision matrix of the pros and cons of developing a comprehensive town plan vs. a "town
overlay." Terry said that the "town overlay" is used by mostly unincorporated towns to retain
town character (Claymont is an example). The town overlay method of planning, however, gives
control over zoning, ordinances, permits, and inspections to the County. The Committee
recommends against following this course and in favor of developing a fully comprehensive town
plan in which the Bellefonte Town Commission retains authority over these matters. Terry would
like to move forward with the formation of a planning commission, appointment of members, and
set a schedule for surveying. These surveys, which will help the Planning Commission develop
the Comprehensive Development Plan by finding out what the citizens want Bellefonte to be, will
be mailed in late February, early March. The membership of the proposed Planning Commission
includes Terry Thompson, Andrew Ritchie, Joan Darvish Rouhani, Curt Nass, Alan Matas,
Kathy MacDonough, and an as-yet-unnamed businessperson.
Terry made a motion to form the "Bellefonte Planning Commission," with membership as stated,
proceed with planning, and spend up to $5,000 to fund the startup of the planning process. The
motion was seconded by Kathy and passed unanimously.
Community Activities and Recreation Committee
Kathy reported that the lampposts in Town had been decorated on November 20th, the Town
tree and Town Hall had been decorated on December 4th, and that a Town Tree Lighting event
had been held on December 11th. The reaction to all these events has been very positive with
more than 40 people coming to Town Hall for the Tree Lighting event on Saturday. Kathy
reported that a decision had been made by her committee to purchase artificial decorations so
that they could be reused. Because of this, the original spending authorization was exceeded.
Kathy made a motion to re-appropriate up to $500 for decoration, supplies, and refreshments
for the event. The motion was seconded by Terry and passed unanimously.
Scott reported that the new roof on Town Hall was completed almost $1,500 under budget
because there were no cedar shakes under the asphalt shingles. Work included new membrane
on the belltower, new sheathing on roofs adjoining the new shingles, removal of two chimneys,
refacing of remaining chimney, installation of weathervane, a 10-year guarantee on workmanship
by R&R Roofing, and 30 years on shingles by the manufacturer.
Scott also reported that a new boiler was installed in day care center over the Thanksgiving
holiday, on schedule, with no interruption to the facility.
Minor renovations to Town Hall are almost complete with interior painting done, curtains hung,
and the brass railing restored. The front doors of Town Hall were also reversed to be in
compliance with Fire Marshal regulations. New side entrance roof for day care center complete.
New draft lease with the day care center is at attorney's office being reviewed and is due on
12/15. Scott will email the draft to all commissioners for review when received and will also give
it to the tenants for review. Because of delay by the attorney, the lease may have to be effective
1/15/05. To date, Scott has received no bids for shoveling snow at the day care center and
invites anyone in the community to make a bid.
Because the framing inside the front doors of Town Hall needed to be replaced when they were
being reversed, Scott made a motion to re-appropriate $575 to pay the contractors for that
work. The motion was seconded by Kathy and the motion passed unanimously.
Scott reported that he has a low bid of $1,275 to construct a fire-safe wall in the day care
center's boiler room to partition the room for supplies. He made a motion to spend up to $1,500
for the construction of a wall and door in the boiler room. The motion was seconded by Kathy
and passed unanimously.
Scott raised the issue of the large pine tree on the side of Town Hall and asked if the Commission
wanted it removed during January or February when tree services traditionally give discounts.
The Commission asked Scott to get bids of for the removal during January or February.
Scott made a motion to spend up to $500 to complete minor repairs and renovations at Town
Hall and the day care center to include replacing ceiling tiles in the day care center, installation of
a step down from the rear entrance to the day care, completion of the signage, and a new gutter
on the back of the day care center. The motion was seconded by Kathy and passed
unanimously.
Inspector's Report
Neither inspector attended this meeting, nor did they prepare reports. Terry noted that not
having reports was going to be a problem once new zoning and building ordinances were
adopted. Dave said that he would call both inspectors and ask them to attend the working
meeting.
Bills
Mr. MacKenzie read the following list of bills and a motion was made by Ms. MacDonough to
pay the bills, seconded by Mr. Thompson, and the vote was unanimous. Bills for November
were:
John Sullivan, Esq.,Election research and conference call with Kathy, 280.00
Conectiv, Town Hall power - Nov, 67.25
Conectiv, Street Lights - Nov, 981.74
Conectiv, Traffic light - Nov., 42.72
ServiceMark, Inv 500001764 - New Boiler for day care center, 7,100.00
Division of Boiler Safety, Boiler inspection fee, 30.00
Waste Management, Dec trash collection, 7,951.96
NCC Police Contractual Services, October activity, 1,207.00
R & R Roofing Inc., Town Hall/DC new roof, 18,445.00
Albanese Outside Services, Town Hall front doors, 575.00
Scott MacKenzie, Stipend & renovation supplies, 737.88
Kathy MacDonough, Holiday expenses, 160.83
Rich Mulhern, Holiday decoration and activity expenses, 270.76
John Esch, ICC Plumbing Codes, 62.99
Newsletter/Web Site
Scott reported that he had made revisions to the Town Web site, www.townofbellefonte.com,
and that the site now contained copies of past minutes and back issues of the newsletter. The site
also contains news clips from recent activities reported in area newspapers.
Old Business
The Commission reviewed the updated Complaint Log and added seven new complaints. They
are:
Complaint 04-06
603 Melrose, drainage problem. Filed by 601 Melrose. Kathy working with state officials to
have situation addressed.
Complaint 04-09
1105 Monterey - uncut grass and undergrowth, Dave to discuss with owner. (property in
question is actually owned by gas station).
Complaint 04-10
704 Phila Pike - BP station noise, light, drainage. Letter sent to wrong property owner - wrong
address given by complainant. Resent on 11-30 to correct address
New Business
Complaint 04-11
810 Brandywine Blvd - tenant puts wooden saw horses in street, lets his dog defecate on Town
Hall property. Kathy will talk to resident.
Complaint 04-12
Complaint filed about drainage problem from 99 Beeson Rd.; Dave to handle.
Complaint 04-13
Commissioners saw trash seen being dumped at 815 Rosedale on 11/20; warning letter sent with
Ordinance 62-4.
Complaint 04-14
Neighbor complained about smell of dog feces at 1213 Brandwyine Blvd. (not in Bellefonte)
Issue will be referred to NCC code enforcement by Kathy
Complaint 04-15
Complaint about graffiti and trash behind Bellefonte Exxon
Complaint 04-16
Graffiti at Ginger's. Original complaint filed at Oct. meeting by Bruce Dunlap.
Complaint 04-17
Oil slick moving from auto detailing garage to storm sewer on Rosedale. No report will be filed
with DNRC unless this event occurs again.
Complaint 04-18
Fire trucks returning from calls are exceeding the speed limit in Town
Announcements
Every effort is being made by the Commission to limit "working meetings" to planning and
discussion; however, with one month delay in appropriations, some decisions to spend will need
to be made at Working Meetings. Because of this, all Working Meetings will now be called
"Working/Special Meetings."
The meeting moved to adjourn at 9:20 pm. The next working meeting for the Bellefonte Town
Commissioners is set for Tuesday, December 28, 7 pm, at Town Hall (this meeting rescheduled
to 1/4). The next Town Hall meeting will be held on Monday, January 10, at 7 pm, Town Hall.