Call to Order: President Michael McGrath called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The
following were also present: Dave Wishowsky, Kathy MacDonough, and Curt Nass.
June 1 Annual Election:
An election was held June 1, 2004 in the Town Hall. It was conducted with paper ballots
and a ballot box. Results were: for the three Commissioner seats: Danielle Lawrence –
32; Scott MacKenzie - 28; Wayne (Russ) Norris, Jr. - 22 ; Michael McGrath - 19.
Curt Nass was unopposed for Treasurer/ TaxCollector. The Commissioners subsequently
learned that, in an election where there are more than one candidate per seat, voting
machines should have been used. Michael McGrath apologized for the error and
announced that the June 1 election will be voided and we will schedule a new one. It is
hoped that this can be done in about 6 weeks. The new schedule will be announced at the
next meeting.
Scott MacKenzie asked if this decision had been confirmed by the Town attorney. We will
be soliciting his formal opinion on the issue of the machines and other questions as soon as
possible.
Bob Nagle said we went through this ten years ago. Wayne Norris questioned if all of this
was in the public record. Richard Perillo stated he supports the Commisioners’ action
and says that the questions of use of machines has only arisen once in the last ten years.
Don McKay questioned whether certain persons should have been allowed in the polling
place.
Fran Norris asked why the date could not be set tonight? Wayne Norris thinks the new
Commissioners should take office tonight. Anne Frampton, past president, said we used
machines more than once.
Special Guests:
The Commissioners are inviting all candidates for the 6th State Rep. Seat and the new 8th
New Castle County seat to visit one of our meetings and make some brief remarks. This is
simply to provide an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves, and not a â
€œmeet the candidatesâ€� night or debate. Diana McWilliams (D), who is running for the
6th District, addressed the meeting. She is a mother of four and the director of a nearby
nonprofit day care center. Special interests include early education and programs for teens.
Bill Smith (R), candidate for the 8th Councilmanic District, also addressed the meeting. He
is employed by the NCC Board of Realtors and is president of the Gwinhurst Civic Assn.
Special interests include increasing police presence in the community.
Minutes: The minutes of the May 10, 2004 meeting were read. Additions and corrections:
Several persons including Franklin Hood, Don McKay, Bruce Dunlap and Thomas
Hutchins stated that they thought the sense of the May meeting was that we would vote on
a traffic calming plan tonight, and that it would be an all or nothing vote. In fact, in the last
few days, one and possibly two anonymous flyers had been circulated in certain parts of
Town representing this as the case; Susan Dunn showed one of these flyers. Danielle
Lawrence stated that her understanding was that we would consider the plan (not vote) and
propose changes. Dorothy Marx agreed with this. In fact, this was so stated in the May
Town newsletter: “Adjustments and revisions will be determined at the June 14th
meeting.�
Richard Perillo corrected and clarified information on the proposal by Sprint to place
telecommunications antennas on the roof of the Fire House. Last month permission to do a
test as to the effectiveness of this project was requested and received. Sprint conducted
the test June 14, and determined the site would serve their purposes. A second test will be
required to determine what height is needed for the antennas. The present height of the
building is 31’11� from the parapet wall to the ground, not 48’ as stated in the
minutes.
Motion to accept minutes as read was made by Dave Wishowsky, and seconded by Kathy
MacDonough. Motion passed.
Bills: The Secretary read the outstanding bills for June. Motion was made by Dave
Wishowsky and seconded by Kathy MacDonough to approve payment of bills. Motion
passed.
Reports: Curt Nass gave the Treasurer’s Report and the Tax Collector’s Report
for the period ending 5/31/04. There was no Building or Plumbing Inspector’s report.
Old Business:
TRAFFIC CALMING: Dave Wishowsky announced that we will suspend action on a
Town-wide Traffic Calming plan. Despite the fact that there had been three meetings held
to collect residents’ input on trouble spots, there is no intention to ram anything down
anyone’s throats. A global, or comprehensive plan was developed because as an
incorporated Town, we presented a special situation for DelDot.
Bob Nagle asked how this whole process got started. It was explained that after
requesting a stop sign at Marion and Euclid, DelDOT stated that they would no longer
consider piecemeal requests, like individual stop signs, and recommended we initiate a
Traffic Calming study. Paul Reilly questioned whether this explanation was true. Beth
Mellody asked if residents were polled to request the study. Again, because we are an
incorporated Town, Michael McGrath explained that it was DelDOT communicating
directly with the Commissioners. It should be made clear that no vote would ever have
occurred at a meeting: DelDOT mails ballots to residents. 67% of the returned ballots
would have to vote yes.
Don McKay proposed a motion from the floor to oppose the plan. Warren Floyd stated
that a traffic light was needed at the intersection of Beeson Rd. and Philadelphia Pike. Fran
Norris said that affected businesses in the surrounding area should be surveyed and
consulted regarding any proposed changes. Wayne Norris Sr. pointed out that we must
insure that everyone on an affected street is notified. Jennifer Hutchins asked why we donâ
€™t have alternative solutions, like radar, other than just speed bumps or no speed bumps.
Nancy Cage of River Road stated that she had not received any newsletters, and
volunteered to help hand deliver them in the future. She also mentioned that traffic and
safety on River Road has gotten worse since the NCC police substation moved out of the
Fox Point Village location. Dorothy Marx posed the question “all or nothing; which is
it?� Dave Wishowsky said we will scrap it all and start over. Don McKay emphasized
that Fire Company input should be taken into account. He does not want speed bumps on
any street. Grace Hayman of Elizabeth Ave. stated that speed bumps delay ambulances.
Jennifer Hutchins stated that she thinks speed bumps will affect snow plowing. Joe
Johnson of Prospect Ave. pointed out that in view of the grid design of Bellefonte’s
streets, we should scrap the plan and look at problem situations individually.
A discussion was held regarding the hiring of off-duty police officers to concentrate on
speed traps at trouble spots around town. Ann Frampton had experience with this in the
past, and advised that the adherence of the hired officers to our requested schedule should
be closely monitored. Joe Johnson asked if we would get a percentage of the traffic fine?
Dave will investigate and thinks that the base fine (approx. $25 per ticket) would come to
the Town. Dave will set the schedule, and the officer on duty should submit a record of his
actual hours. Everyone should note that this effort is for traffic and not criminal law
enforcement.
Dave Wishowsky moved that the Town fund up to 20 hours per month at $50 per hour to
hire extra duty police officers. This would be a marked car, and deployment would be at
our discretion. Michael McGrath seconded; motion passed. Dave has also spoken to
Col. McAllister of NCC police regarding more systematic coverage in Bellefonte.
VARIANCES: Mickey Kostyshyn questioned who should pay for the cost of newspaper
notices regarding requests for variances. Dorothy Marx stated that the building and zoning
variances granted to date should be revisited, as they were done incorrectly. The
composition of the Board of Adjustment did not comply with that stated in the ordinances.
She said that regarding 603 Melrose, the owner was already in violation before the
variance was granted for additional construction. She also stated that 1123 Brandywine
Blvd. subdivision variance should not have been granted because a hardship was not
involved. Susan Dunn of Prospect Ave. asked what the codes and restrictions are; she is
particularly concerned about a vacant parcel that was recently sold.
OTHER: Re: meeting procedures and questions which arose, Ann Frampton clarified that
only the Commissioners vote, not other persons in attendance at the meeting. She also
stated that the public does not have to be allowed the opportunity to speak.
Dorothy Marx asked what is the status of the antennas at the Fire House. Sprint’s
lawyers have called Mike McGrath for copies of relevant building and zoning ordinances.
Richard Perillo states that (as mentioned above) a second test will be conducted to
determine the required height. Sprint has offered to pay rent of $1500 per month. This
would be agreed upon for up to 20 years in the form of four, five-year contracts. We need
to research what if any effect these towers will have on other types of equipment and
reception in the Town. This information should be gathered independently of Sprint.
John Eakin of Wynnebrook stated that work has begun to replace a roof on the
deteriorated property at the corner of Wynnebrook and Schoolhouse Rd.
New Business:
Warren Floyd of 1101 Prospect asked about a so-called “paper road� that exists
on the vacant parcel immediately to the west of his property, and who would be
responsible to the maintenance of falling limbs and overgrown trees affecting his property.
Nancy Johnson of 1111 Prospect volunteered to help distribute newsletters. She also
suggested the use of a tape recorder to facilitate meeting minutes.
Michael McGrath made the first reading of a proposed ordinance strengthening the Townâ
€™s ability to enforce removal of inoperable or untagged vehicles. The text was adapted
from a Town of Elsmere law. Anne Frampton asked if it had been reviewed by our
attorney, John Sulllivan. Michael McGrath said it had. A few modifications and
corrections were made and Michael McGrath made the Second Reading of the proposed
ordinance (text attached). The Third Reading and vote will occur at the July 12 meeting.
Curt Nass presented a proposed budget for 2004-2005 fiscal year (attached). The
projected income and expenditures are the same as last year. After discussion it was
amended from anticipated income and expenditures of $133,000 to $145,000. This
increase will accommodate the funds needed for the extra duty police officers. Kathy
MacDonough moved to accept the budget and Dave Wishowsky seconded. Motion
passed.
Curt Nass presented a proposed tax rate of 40 cents per $100 of the current NCC
assessed value. This also has not changed from last year. Kathy MacDonough moved and
Michael McGrath seconded to accept this rate. Motion passed.
Curt Nass proposed the hiring of Janet M. Densmore, CPA, to perform the fiscal 2004
audit. Kathy MacDonough moved to approve her services and Dave Wishowsky
seconded. Motion passed.
Kathy MacDonough proposed that the Commissioners draft a Resolution commending
Frank Holodick of Michael’s Barber Shop for doing such a fine job outfitting his
establishment and bringing in a business which will be a real asset to the community. This
was approved.
Joe Johnson suggested that a written agenda be made available at meetings. Michael
McGrath raised the question of purchasing a dehumidifier for the Town Hall. It was agreed
to table this until we have more details on the capacity needed and the price range.
Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, July
12, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Hundred Fire House.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen MacDonough, Secretary
Town Meeting Minutes
June 14, 2004