Lansdowne Borough Council
General Meeting
July 15, 2015
APPROVED MINUTES
The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in
Borough Hall.
Present were President Schleigh, Mr. Aubrey, Ms. Byrne, Ms. English, Ms. James, Mr. Radich and Ms.
Williams. Also present were Mayor Campuzano, Borough Manager Totaro, Borough Secretary Henry,
Borough Solicitor Scott, Finance Director/Treasurer Bartley and Police Chief Donegan.
The televised meeting will be aired at 6:00 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. Mr. Aubrey seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Approval of Minutes: Ms. English moved to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2015 Business Meeting of
Council and the June 17, 2015 General Meeting of Council. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Announcements and Presentations:
1. Mayor Campuzano introduced Jim and Linda McElroy, owners of Quality Vacuum across from the
post office on Union Avenue. Mr. McElroy and his wife have been Lansdowne residents for 44 years
and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. McElroy mentioned that the store
primarily services domestic vacuum cleaners but also sells vacuum bags, provides small equipment
repairs and has quality vacuum cleaners for sale. The store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2. Mayor Campuzano presented a certificate of recognition to Emily Simkovich, the 2015 National
Marbles Champion who represented Lansdowne in the playoffs. Emily is 13 years old and started
playing marbles at the age of 6, winning 9th place at the National Marbles Tournament at the age of 8.
She was awarded a $2,000 college scholarship and placed 1st in the preliminary rounds at Naylors Run
Park and received the Sticks Trophy as well. Emily will be attending an adult tournament in two
weeks where cross champions will be present.
Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Bartley presented the June 30, 2015 Treasurer's report as follows:
General Fund: beginning balance $465,267; ending balance $2,631,125.
Sewer Fund: beginning balance $925,072; ending balance $1,148,273.
Liquid Fuels: beginning balance $556,295; ending balance $767,611.
Capital Reserve: beginning balance $63,138; ending balance $40,721.
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Non-uniformed Pension: beginning balance $2,855,109; ending balance $2,963,218.
Police Pension: beginning balance $8,167,087; ending balance $8,027,034.
Mr. Bartley mentioned that the borough has sufficient funds on hand to meet its current obligations. President
Schleigh questioned the current tax revenue collection. Mr. Bartley indicated that 90% of tax revenues have
been collected.
Solicitor’s Report: Mr. Scott had no formal report.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Campuzano reported that he recently attended a meeting of the Senior Community
Service Center in Yeadon. The Center has an "Aging At Home" program that partners with United Way of
Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. The $35 annual fee for this program allows for an array of in
home and community based services, including help with minor home repairs, guidance with health insurance
options, dependable transportation and lifelong learning classes. The office is located on the campus of
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, 1515 Lansdowne Avenue in Darby, PA. Further information about the Center's
programs is available at www.scs-delco.org. During the last two years, the Center provided 423
transportation rides, 84 home repairs, 35 yard cleanups and 135 referral sessions. The Center is currently in
the running for "Best of" Delco for Senior Services.
The Mayor read a list of calendar events as follows:
1. Shredder Event - October 3rd, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Highland Avenue parking lot. Will be
held in conjunction with East Lansdowne borough.
2. National Night Out - August 4th, 6:00 p.m. at Highland Avenue parking lot.
3. Newsletter - expected delivery date: September 1st.
The mayor thanked the Union Athletic Association ("UAA") for the July 4th parade and fireworks display,
with special thanks going to UAA President Mary Kay Bowden and all the volunteers who lent their support.
The mayor thanked the MarWin Market owners for their 85 years of providing quality goods to the borough.
The Lansdowne Economic Development Committee ("LEDC") is discussing alternatives for what could be
put in at the site.
The mayor congratulated Jacob McCann, 2015 Valedictorian of Penn Wood High School in the William Penn
School District and Sara McCann, 2015 Salutatorian and Class President. Both are the children of School
Board President Jennifer Hoff.
Council President’s Report: President Schleigh reported that there will be a placing and unveiling of a
historical marker for famous archeologist Tatiana Proskourakoff on August 1st at noon, at Fairview and
Lansdowne Avenues.
President Schleigh will be attending the upcoming 2 day seminar of the PA Association of Boroughs
to be held in Hershey, PA.
President Schleigh mentioned that the PA Department of the Treasury provides an annual list of
unclaimed property. Go to www.patreasury.gov to see if you are on the list.
President Schleigh and Ms. English recently met with Rep. Margot Davidson regarding the Walk shed
Plan.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Health and Safety: Ms. English reported the Public Safety Committee touched on the upcoming
National Night Out event at their last meeting. Safety measures are in place for visitors. The Fire Marshall
confirmed that the new Walgreen's will be installing a new sprinkler system and Aldi's will have a new fire
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alarm installed. The theater parking issue is being discussed and the Committee will be coming back to
Borough Council to narrow down the Walk Shed objectives. The Committee favors a clear walkway from the
Highland Avenue parking lot and have questions concerning walking near the loading docks. President
Schleigh asked that the Infrastructure Committee look at the Walk Shed points of interest and the Finance &
Administration Committee look at the financial issues in this regard. Mayor Campuzano felt Borough
Council should respond to the theater's proposal on this issue and apprise them of Council's plans going
forward. Mr. Radich will meet with Matt Schultz to discuss.
Ms. English noted that the borough may have to add 3 new crossing guards for the new charter school
at St. Philomena's church.
Finance and Administration: Mr. Radich reported that the F&A Committee did not meet last month and the
next meeting will be held on August 3rd. Mr. Radich recognized Finance Director/Treasurer Joe Bartley and
Tax Collector Joe Urban for their efforts regarding the 92% to date tax revenue collection.
Economic Development and Code Enforcement – Ms. James reported that the EDandCE Committee did
not meet in July and had no formal report. The Committee's next meeting will be held August 17th.
Environment: Mr. Aubrey thanked everyone for their expressions of sympathy regarding his father's death.
Mr. Aubrey reported that the Environment Committee met to go over efforts to educate the public about
reducing the borough's carbon footprint. Mr. Aubrey proposed talking with a consultant in this regard to
move toward renewable energy rather than carbon energy, noting there were several options available. Mr.
Aubrey asked if renewable energy had been looked into regarding the borough's electricity. Mr. Totaro
indicated it had been investigated in the past and it is more expensive. Mr. Aubrey urged borough council to
work toward a renewable green effort.
Community Relations: Ms. Byrne reported that her committee discussed ideas for the borough web site and
suggestions for revising it and making it more interactive and user friendly. The Committee is also looking
into how to maintain the site on a more regular basis. More information will follow as ideas become
solidified.
Library Liaison Report: The library will be present at the Farmers Market on July 25th and the National
Night Out event on August 4th. The library is collecting food that goes to the food bank at the Lansdowne
Presbyterian Church. The Farmers Market also collects food for the same food bank. The library summer
reading program will spotlight a "Female Heroes in History" session on August 6th, 10:30 a.m. at the 20th
Century Club. There will also be an interactive story/show on heroes of flight called "The Franklin Air
Show", sponsored by the Franklin Institute on August 7th, 10:30 a.m. at the 20th Century Club.
The next Community Relations Committee meeting will be held on July 27th at 7:00 p.m. in borough
hall.
Infrastructure and Public Works: Ms. Williams had no formal report as the meeting was cancelled due to
severe weather. The next IandPW Committee meeting will be held on July 28th. Ms. Williams gave updates
on various borough projects:
 Scottdale Road work - paving will begin next month.
 LED street light - expectation is that there will be a RFP to review beginning in August. The new
electrical box has been installed. Lamp post work is underway at the borough green and the Highland
Avenue parking lot.
 A new front door has been installed at borough hall.
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The Hoffman Park renovation work is about 50% complete. There will be 10 new LED lights and a
comfort station located at the tennis courts and it will be solar powered and also serve as a composting
station.
The Ardmore Avenue School project continues and 32 ADA ramps will be put in.
Mayor Campuzano gave an update on the Stratford Court apartment repairs. They are in progress but
asbestos, electrical and water problems are slowing it down a bit. Ms. Williams noted that the outside lights
to the complex will be replaced.
Communications: to be discussed under New Business.
Public Comment: Mr. Aubrey moved to suspend Roberts Rules of Order to hear visitor comment. Ms.
Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Visitors:
1. Mary Ann Surla - resident of Lansdowne. Ms. Surla asked if additional trash cans could be placed at bus
stops and traffic lights in the borough, noting that one could be moved from the closing MarWin market to
Marshall Road and Lansdowne Avenue. Ms. Surla felt that the borough does not have the extra funding in the
budget for dealing with "non-specifics" mentioned at a recent Public Safety Committee meeting. Ms. Surla
also felt that theater goers should use the sidewalks instead of going near the back loading dock areas behind
the businesses near the theater and that a kiosk is not needed for credit card payments at the theater.
2. Lori Jordan - resident of Windermere Avenue. Ms. Jordan asked if the zoning rules that applied to
MarWin grocery store and surrounding discount stores would still apply if a new business took over the
MarWin site. Mayor Campuzano indicated that the Weavers Way Co-Op has been discussed as a possible
tenant but no decisions have been made until further investigation is made as to what would be best for the
borough. Solicitor Scott noted that any new store at that site would be subject to the new code laws.
3. Denise Whitzel - resident of Windermere Avenue. Ms. Whitzel mentioned that she heard talk of a daycare
center going in the MarWin site, noting that under current zoning such a facility is not allowed. President
Schleigh indicated that a new facility would not be grandfathered under the old codes but if another food
market opened there, that particular store would be grandfathered under the old code regulations.
4. Paulette Canuso - resident of Windermere Avenue. Ms. Canuso questioned why a nail care center opened
on Lansdowne Avenue when the variances stipulated that such a business could not operate in that vicinity.
Ms. Canuso expressed concern that a business detrimental to the neighborhood might try to occupy the
MarWin site. Solicitor Scott indicated that the borough adopted new zoning regulations in August of 2008
that limited the number of nail salons within a certain radius.
Mr. Radich moved to resume Robert Rules of Order. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Old Business:
1. Fire Truck Bid. Mr. Totaro passed out a $578,000 bidding spec from Seagrave Co. for further discussion
later in the meeting.
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New Business:
1. Animal Control. There have been issues in the press about the relationship between the Chesco
SPCA, the Delco Animal Protection Board and the Delco Animal Control Board. The Chesco SPCA
has suggested that the Delco Animal Control is not a responsible contractor to bring animals to them.
Chief Donegan reported that as of July, the Chesco SPCA will no longer accept animals from the
borough's contracted agency, the Delco Animal Control. They will still come out to handle wildlife,
stray cats and scan animals but are not allowed to transport at this time. President Schleigh confirmed
that the borough is paying a flat monthly rate of $350 for trying to bring strays home rather than take
them to the shelter. Chief Donegan noted that Chesco SPCA is closing its doors at 5:00 p.m. but
Animal Control can keep them after hours in a safe environment until the owner is found. Ms. English
mentioned that at this point the Delco agent and the Chesco SPCA are going to court but the current
program works for Lansdowne and we are not being charged the $275 Chesco SPCA fee for bringing
in a stray.
Ms. English moved to send a letter of support as requested by Delaware County Animal Control. Mr.
Aubrey seconded. Vote: unanimous.
2. Recycling Contract. Mr. Totaro reported that the borough's recycling contract with ReCommunity
has been on a month to month basis. Beginning August, 2015, ReCommunity MidAtlantic will no
longer offer month to month contracts and will only offer "spot customer" status that would put the
borough at risk of being turned away if there was a work stoppage or capacity issue at the processing
plant. Mr. Totaro noted there may be one other entity in Primos, PA (Waste Management) who could
take the recycling. This entity would charge $20 a ton for transportation charges but that has not been
confirmed at this time. ReCommunity's pricing for spot customers is different than for contracted
customers. For June, the spot rate is $26.90 per ton and the contract rate is $12.58 per ton.
Ms. English moved to have the borough manager enter into a recycling contract (after comparing rates
between the two entities) with the entity who has the best rate. Mr. Radich seconded. Vote: unanimous.
3. Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra. The LSO is requesting that the borough advertise in their
program booklet, as has been done in the past.
Ms. English moved to donate $150 to the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra to place an ad in their five
concert program books next year. Ms. Byrne seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Action Items:
1. Mr. Radich moved to approve bills for the period. Mr. Aubrey seconded. Vote: unanimous.
2. Ms. James moved to issue Certificate of Appropriateness for 48 West Baltimore Avenue. Mr.
Radich seconded. Vote: unanimous.
3. Ms. James moved to issue Certificate of Appropriateness for 14 North Lansdowne Avenue. Mr.
Radich seconded. Vote: unanimous.
4. Mr. Aubrey moved to accept Kathryn Baranackie's letter of resignation from the Parks &
recreation Board. Mr. Radich seconded. Vote: unanimous.
5. Ms. Williams moved to adopt Resolution 2015-08 regarding the disposal of vehicles. Ms. English
seconded. Vote: unanimous.
6. Ms. William moved to advertise for bids for common sewer lateral rehabilitation at Wycombe
and Greenwood Avenues. Mr. Radich seconded. Vote: unanimous.
7. Ms. English moved to reappoint Mr. Richard Smalley to the Civil Service Commission to a term
expiring 6/30/2020. Mr. Aubrey seconded. Vote: unanimous.
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Executive Session: Mr. Radich moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss litigation, personnel and
real estate issues. Ms. James seconded. Vote: unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Public Session: The following motions were made upon reconvening to public session:
1. Mr. Aubrey moved to amend the motion for Richard Smalley's reappointment to the Civic Service
Commission to reflect a term ending 6/30/2021. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous.
2. Mr. Radich moved to accept the new fire truck bid subject to a review by the Lansdowne Fire Chief.
Mr. Aubrey seconded. Vote: unanimous.
Adjourn – Ms. Byrne moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. English seconded. Vote: unanimous. The meeting
adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary
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