Government and Human Services Minutes, March 22, 2006


Meeting called to order at 8:42 by Chairman Smythe

Roll Call: Committee members: Jim Godderz, Mary Lou Parker, Susan Smythe (Ch.)
Other Council Members: Peg Hebner, Also present: Robert Scott, solicitor, Jane Billings, Borough Manager.

There was no public comment

Approval of minutes of the January 25 meeting. Motion to approve: Mary Lou Parker, seconded by Jim Godderz.

1. Review of anti-discrimination ordinance. The committee recommends passage of changes suggested by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights. Council also needs to establish a Human Relations Commission. Both items will be dealt with over the next several months.

2. Discussion of matters relating to a right-of-way at Lincoln Way and the Co-op, particularly as applied to the ramp in front of the co-op, and the patio. Bob Scott summarized the current indemnification agreement between the borough and Co-op, which governs the responsibilities of the parties with respect to the front staircase and ramp. There is an additional issue with regard to use of the courtyard/patio space, who should be able to use it, how and responsibilities for maintenance and oversight. Bob outlined several possibilities for licensing/leasing. After some discussion, it was decided that a license agreement between the Borough and the Co-op would be the best arrangement. It was agreed that a meeting would be scheduled between borough representatives, Smythe, Spiegel and Scott, and Co-op representatives Cavanaugh and Aaron to discuss the details of the license agreement, and that the initial period would be for 1 year.

3. Discussion of a possible ordinance, which would give the borough the ability to regulate anyone wanting to work in the right-of-way, particularly aerial work such as telecommunications. The necessity of this would primarily relate to work not covered by other ordinances or permit requirements. After some discussion, this item was tabled pending further research into telecommunications requirements.

4. Contractor hours of operation. Jane discussed the need for some regulation of contractor hours. There currently is no ordinance regulating hours, and there have been increasing complaints about work at inappropriate times. While the borough does have a general nuisance ordinance, it does not specifically regulate hours, or cover contractors in particular. Jane presented a draft ordinance comprised of two sections: part A limiting hours on weekdays and Saturdays to 7am-8pm, and prohibiting any work on Sundays. Part B, limits hours of use for any power tool or powered garden equipment in residential areas from one hour after sunset to 8:00am the following day. After some discussion, Part A was approved, Part B was eliminated, and it was agree the committee would bring the draft to Council for discussion and public comment.

5. Non-uniformed employment issue. According to the auditors, the Borough needs to add the full-time library staff to the Borough’s pension plan. This will be limited cost, and will not be retroactive to their initial date of employment.

6. The committee agreed to contract with the SPCA for their dog-catching services, and stray handling, rather than paying a per incident fee.

7. Brief discussion regarding a proposal from Mary Lou Parker regarding a resolution from council asking the Governor to bring home the Pennsylvania National Guard troops and equipment home from Iraq. Lansdowne has just recently passed a similar resolution. Susan Smythe agreed to get a copy of the Lansdowne resolution for further study. The committee currently felt it was not something Council should go ahead with based on lack of jurisdiction on the matter.

8. Library consultant’s report. The Library hired a consultant to advise on space use issues. The initial results, which are still in draft form, suggest that the Library needs a good deal more space for the current collection, and that space needs are likely to expand due to the proposed increases in collection size, especially in alternate media. The report is still in draft form, and the trustees have proposed a number of changes, especially emphasis on how the current space can be reconfigured for better space use.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:40am

Respectfully submitted,