Call to Order: President David Wishowsky called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. The
following Commissioners were present: Kathy MacDonough, Wayne Russell Norris, Jr.,
Curt Nass and Terry Thompson. Scott MacKenzie was absent for health reasons.
Minutes: Since the minutes of the Dec. 13 meeting had been posted on the website,
published in the newsletter, and were available at the meeting in printed form, for purposes
of time, Ms. MacDonough moved, and Mr. Norris seconded, that the reading of the
minutes be waived. No additions or corrections were noted. Motion passed unanimously.
The reading of the bills due was postponed until later in the meeting. Mr. Wishowsky
reported receipt of a letter from NCC Police Contractual Services informing us that the
hourly rate will increase (from $34) to $40/hour effective 1/1/05. This is the first such
increase in four years.
Treasurer's Report: Curt Nass read the Treasurer's and Tax Collector's Reports for the
period ending 12/31/04 (attachments 1 and 2). Total receipts for the month were
$8,036.82, and total disbursements were $35,713.88. The ending balance in the Town
Account for 12/31 was $154,383.18. Total taxes collected were $3,413.70, of which of
$2,685.51 were current taxes and $728.19 were previous year taxes/fees. Ms.
MacDonough moved, and Mr. Thompson seconded, that the reports be approved.
Motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
Town Services Committee
Mr. Norris gave an update on malfunctioning streetlights to be reported to Conectiv. The
snow plowing contract has been signed and delivered to Tom Finocchiaro.
Charter, Ordinance, and Regulation Committee
Mr. Thompson reported that New Castle County is currently finalizing some revisions its
the Building and Plumbing Codes. Since our new Codes will be based on the County's,
we will wait until the County adopts these revisions before we take further action. He also
stated that we will join the ICC (International Code Council) and that will give us access
to all necessary code manuals.
He then addressed Ordinance 57-1 (Prohibiting the Stopping or Parking of Vehicles on
Bellefonte Avenue). This ordinance prohibits parking on parts of Bellefonte Ave. between
Brandywine Blvd. and Philadelphia Pike. It is the recommendation of the Committee that
all parking be banned on this section of Bellefonte Ave.; however, such action now falls
under the jurisdiction of DelDOT. To accomplish the goal, the Committee recommends
that the Town Ordinance be repealed, and that the Commission pass a resolution stating
its intention to ban all parking on the section of Bellefonte Ave. noted above. Then we
will forward this resolution to DelDOT, with a request to relocate and refurbish some of
the "no parking" and "no turning" signage on and adjacent to Bellefonte Ave. Mr.
Thompson will draft the resolution and present at the Feb meeting with an ordinance
repealing 57-1.
Mr. Thompson stated that the revised animal ordinance has been drafted and is ready for
review by an attorney. Mr. Wishowsky said he had spoken to David Facciolo, Esq., of
Facciolo and Minster regarding providing regular legal services for the Town. An
associate of this firm happens to live in Bellefonte. They will speak further about an hourly
rate or retainer.
Town Property and Facilities Committee
Mr. Wishowsky read the following report submitted by Scott MacKenzie:
"No meetings were held with the Committee. The new fire wall and door to partition the
boiler room in the day care has been completed. John Albanese is also installing the
step-down required by code at the rear exit to the day care center, and replacing the
damaged ceiling tiles this week. This completes the urgent repairs to the day care center
until Spring. We are still looking for someone to shovel snow at the day care center.
Anyone interested should contact Scott at 762-7907.
Scott has a bid of $550 from John Albanese to fix the ceiling of Town Hall's vestibule and
build a trap door to access the belltower.
Nothing to report on Town-owned parking lot. Before the next meeting, Scott will survey
the business owners on Brandywine Blvd. about their interest in a public lot.
Some purchases have been made of supplies to complete the signage, etc. on Town Hall
but is being suspended as Scott recovers from minor surgery.
"I make a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $550 to fix the ceiling of the Town
Hall vestibule, to include a trap door at gain access to the bell tower and overhead of the
meeting room." This measure was authorized under bill payment later in this meeting.
"I make a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $500 to fix the damaged and
missing drop ceiling tiles in the day care center (22 small and 5 large). This measure was
tabled until the next meeting when Scott can explain the motion.
Web Site/ Newsletter Report
Apologies to anyone who did not receive the newsletter in time for the meeting.
Production was delayed because of the Holidays. The Town Web site has been updated
to include:
Activities snapshots
A contact list
A schedule of upcoming meetings until the election in June
Planned additions for next month include an "About Bellefonte" section which gives a brief
history of how the Town came to be, what makes it different from the surrounding county,
a map of the boundaries of the Town, and a larger map showing its location in New
Castle Co. Anyone with suggestions about sections that could be added should contact
Scott at 762-7907."
There ensued a discussion of the proposed vote to authorize payment for the vestibule
ceiling work (as the work had already been completed); the cost of that portion of the
work; the status of and plans for damaged ceiling tiles; and other work that remained to
be attended to. Mr. Thompson mentioned that the day care building windows are bad.
Mr. Wishowsky pointed out, however, that most of the major repairs are now complete.
Keith Crawford had complained about the new boiler running constantly and not keeping
up to the required heat standard. It was postulated that this condition was caused by the
extremely cold weather on a couple of recent days. Since then, the Commissioners called
ServiceMark for an inspection. Coincidentally, another inspector visited around the same
time for a 30-day check on the newly installed equipment. Both inspectors reported that
equipment was functioning per specifications. The Crawfords were advised not to turn
the thermostat down at night.
The question was raised: does the ServiceMark maintenance contract cover both
heaters? Ms. MacDonough will check with Mr. MacKenzie on this.
Planning and Development Committee
Mr. Thompson reported that Alan Matas of the Planning Commission has drafted an
in-depth survey instrument, which will be mailed to all town residents for their input in
preparation for drafting the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission will review
the survey questions at its meeting on Jan. 12.
Community Activities and Recreation Committee
Ms. MacDonough recapped the December holiday activities, especially the success of the
tree-lighting party on Dec. 11. The lamppost decorations held up very well through quite
a bit of severe weather. The next event will be a "History Day," where residents will be
encouraged to bring old photos, records, and artifacts. The date for this will be finalized
for inclusion in the next newsletter. Terry Thompson will supply a computer and scanner
for the event.
Inspectors' Reports
Neither inspector attended this meeting. However, Steve Russo submitted a written
report for Dec. activity (attachment 3); a total of $300 in fees was collected on four
properties. Joe Finocchiaro verbally told Dave Wishowsky that he had "nothing to
report."
Old Business
The active complaints on the Complaints Log were reviewed and updates were given on
the following.
Regarding 04-06 [drainage problem at 603 Melrose (Buono) affecting 601 Melrose
(Kelly)], Kathy is still collecting information. We need to confer with Rep. McWilliams on
how this can be addressed via the State's budgeting process and priority list.
Regarding 04-09 (disruption, noise, lights, caused by BP station), a letter has been sent.
Initially this correspondence was mistakenly sent to the wrong address.
Regarding 04-17 (possible oil spill along Elizabeth Ave.), there had been informal
speculation that a possible cause may have been an oil delivery problem at B.H. Fire
House. It was clarified that this situation was not related to the Fire Company in any way,
and an apology was made for any misunderstanding. Dorothy Marx asked that a letter be
sent to the Fire Co. with a formal apology.
04-18 (returning fire trucks are exceeding speed limit), anyone observing such speeding
should make a note of the date, time and location, and report it to Richard Perillo at
764-4901. A similar procedure would apply to anyone observing speeding school buses
or DART buses: record the date, time, location, and details, and call the respective
school transportation office or DART office.
New Business
Paul Penna of 1104 Monterey asked for a status report on scheduling improvements to
the deteriorating gutters on Monterey Place. This will be addressed with Rep.
McWilliams, who has a discretionary budget for street repairs in her district.
Jim Paradise of 1219 Rosedale suggested that an additional stop sign was needed at the
Rosedale and Highland intersection. The current configuration is confusing.
Dave Wishowsky asked that a notice be included in the next newsletter soliciting
recommendations for traffic signage additions or changes. Anyone with input should call
him at 761-9403.
There are four properties not technically in the Town boundaries that are receiving trash
service at no cost. (One on Brandywine Blvd., two at the end of Talley Rd., and one at
the end of Wynnbrook.) We need to clarify with them that they are not "grandfathered"
under Bellefonte's service with Waste Mgmt., and are receiving services illegally, as they
do not pay Town taxes. Curt Nass will work up an appropriate rate for trash service and
the Town will begin to bill these households.
Terry Thompson will write letters to business owners whose properties have been
defaced by graffiti, requesting that they remove it. He asked that a notice be put in the
next newsletter, possibly with the offer of a reward. Anyone observing graffiti-writing in
action should immediately call 911.
Bills
The January bills were read:
NCC Police Contractual Svcs. Policing (month of November) $
612.00
Conectiv Street lights - Nov
981.74
Conectiv Town hall power - Nov
154.96
Conectiv Traffic light - Nov
39.87
Waste Management Trash
7,922.34
KT&D Insurance 3-yr. prepaid Officers/Directors liability premium
641.00
Albanese Services Boiler Room wall:
1,250.00
Install outside step: 50.00
Vestibule ceiling repair: 550.00
1,850.00
Curt Nass Tax Collector's Commission (6%):
6,368.36 Office supplies:
87.61
Postage: 37.00
6,492.97
Scott MacKenzie Secretarial stipend:
50.00
Renovation supplies:
145.16
Concrete step (north door to building):
20.00
215.16
Kathy MacDonough Newsletter printing:
150.00
Supplies: 36.89
186.89
Ms. MacDonough moved, and Mr. Thompson seconded, that the bills be approved for
payment. Passed unanimously.
The meeting moved to adjourn at 9:15 pm. The next working meeting for the Bellefonte
Town Commissioners is set for Tuesday, January 25, 7 p.m., at Town Hall. The next
Town Hall meeting will be held on Monday, February 14, at 7 p.m., Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen MacDonough (for Scott MacKenzie, Secretary)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE
COMMISSIONERS
January 10, 2005
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