minutes-special02-02-05

Special Guests Rep. Diana McWilliams and NCC Councilman John Cartier
All Commissioners were present except Russell Norris. Rich Mulhern attended.

Town Business

Scott reported that he had learned how to add email address links to the web site. He
asked whether the Commissioners minded having their personal email addresses used in
the links. All agreed that it was okay with them.

Terry passed around the agenda that was prepared ahead of time and included the
feedback of all Commissioners.

Representative Business with McWilliams and Cartier

John Cartier introduced himself and gave us an update on the changes that are taking place
in county government. He said that many things are beginning to move again since the
dismissal of the county auditor, who had been delaying many projects, including
Bellefonte's application for grant funding for wheelchair access to Town Hall. He
encouraged us to followup on the CDGB grant (federal money) for that project.

Terry Thompson asked Councilman Cartier if he could explain how the county services
and tax collection worked. Terry went onto to explain that each year Bellefonte gets an
itemized list of services provided by the county and that each of these services has a
specified percentage of the taxes paid by residents to NCC.

Terry questioned three areas specifically, being Planning Services, Parks and Recreation,
and Housing. Terry had already requested an explanation of these services and was
directed to a county attorney. Recreation and parks tax money is collected from the
residents so that they can enjoy activities and parks that are in the area and do not apply
to this money being used to improve Bellefonte Park.

He also inquired about Planning money, since NCC never developed a town plan for
Bellefonte (it being a separate municipal entity). He was told that these services are not
truly available to Bellefonte, so we should request that the taxes and service be removed
from the schedule next year.

With regard to Housing taxes, the attorney explained that this was money paid by all
county residents to support the development of low-income and senior housing.
Bellefonte residents who are seniors have access to this money through applications for
mini-grants to make repairs at their homes. The Bellefonte Town Commission cannot file
for this money on behalf of residents, they must do it themselves, but the Town
government can assist in publicizing these grants from the county.

Cartier said that he would investigate each of these areas to be sure that the answers were
correct, but said that he thought that he might be able to do something about funds to
improve Bellefonte Park through NCC Special Services. He will meet with the director of
Parks and report back to us about what the county can do.
Cartier reported that in the past, many grants were awarded by decision of the county
executive and that Chris Coons had changed this procedure. Cartier stated that now each
councilperson has two or three mini-grants of up to $2,500 to be spent within their
districts. He encouraged us to apply for one of these grants for a project in Bellefonte,
perhaps signage.

Cartier reported that an extensive $200 million capital improvement project for NCC's
sanitary sewers was under way. He encouraged us to contact the project head to see if
any of this project money is designated for work in Bellefonte. (The manhole covers in
Bellefonte have already been upgraded.) Cartier said that Chris Coons woul dbe holding
a "Town Hall" meeting at Claymont Fire Hall on Feb. 7 at 5:30 pm, and encouraged us to
attend and let him know our concerns.

Diana McWilliams reported that she would be able to pay for directional "Caesar Rodney"
signs at Phila. Pike and Marion and at Brandywine Blvd. and Edgemoor Rd. Terry said
that it was important that the signs say "Town of Bellefonte" and not just Bellefonte, so that
people know that we are a municipality. He made a motion that the Commission pass a
resolution requesting the State to have these signs installed. It was seconded by Kathy
and the vote was unanimous.

McWilliams reported that a ruling was expected shortly regarding the proposed BP
terminal. She also said that DNRC would be announcing public hearings soon regarding
two permits from DuPont Edgemoor. She suggested that we watch for these hearings and
attend if possible.

McWilliams reported that her resolution regarding the Weldin House passed. She also
reported to us which legislative subcommittees she had been appointed to, including
Education, Health and Human Development, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and
Economic Development and Commerce.

Cartier also reported that the county is considering a fight to limit development at the old
Sellers estate. He encouraged the Commission and the public to pressure the county to
help preserve historic landmarks on that property and to deny Pettinaro permits for
demolition on a 2000 foot blue granite wall and a schoolhouse on the property.

Additional Town Business

Scott gave a report to the Commission about the status of the new lease agreement with
Crawfords. Scott and Rich met with Ben Crawford just before the meeting. They are
claiming that they can't afford the increase in rent considering the number of low-income,
subsidized children they have at the center. They suggested a price of $1400 per month.

McWilliams, having run a day care center, was asked if she considered the rent being
sought too high. She told us how much rent was at Calvary on Lore Avenue for her
center. She said that it is a difficult business to run and be profitable, but she thought that
the Commission was fair in the way it determined what the new rent would be.

The Commission agreed that the best thing to do is turn over negotiations to Sullivan.
Scott was quoted a price of $275 per hour by John Sullivan. Following a discussion
among the Commissioners, the following conditions would be given to Sullivan as the
lowest conditions: $1900 per month, stepped monthly increase of $100 per month, and
0% increase in rent over the five year lease (with mandatory re-negotiation at the end of
the lease period - no month-to-month continuance). We also agreed that the day care
center sign can no longer be in front of Town Hall -- not negotiable. Scott made a motion
to move the lease negotiations to Sullivan at a cost of $275 per hour, seconded by Terry,
and approved unanimously.