Government and Human Services Minutes, September 27, 2006


Meeting called to order at 8:42am by Chairman Smythe

Roll Call: Committee members:, Jim Godderz, Mary Lou Parker, Susan Smythe (Ch.)
Also present: Jane Billings, Borough Manager, Robert J. Scott, Borough Solicitor

There was no public comment

Mr. Godderz’s motion to approve the minutes of the August 23 meeting was seconded by Ms. Parker and unanimously approved.

1. Mr. Scott presented an update of issues related to the Co-op and the previous indemnification agreement for the front steps. This agreement prohibited the cart corral on the sidewalk and does not address the current preferred location on the side of the building. Mr. Scott advised that Council would need to amend the agreement to reflect the change in location since it’s a recorded document. He would also like to clear up the language on indemnity.

The committee suggested having a site plan and spec. for the corral to bring before the entire council. There were questions about the design of the corral and the safety of the carts. The matter will be presented to the full council at the next work session by Mr. Scott since Ms. Smythe will be away.

2. Human Relations Commission. Lansdowne is working on training for their new Human Relations Commission members with the State Human Relations commission. We will work with Landowne on trying to coordinate a training session.

The committee agreed to accept Dorothy Philipson’s application to be a member of the Human Relations Commission.

3. Verizon. Ms. Billings gave an update on the franchise agreement, and indicated that a bill allowing statewide franchising is close to passage in the state senate, not moving in the house. The bill’s sponsors have made amendments to the bill to insure better PEG access. The bill would still guarantee 5% of revenue to municipalities.

Our COG is actively negotiating with Verizon for local agreement. Will likely have the local agreement in place before statewide agreement. Verizon plans to start wiring in 2007.

4. DCED grant. State Senator Erickson has offered a $5,000 grant for the town clock through a DCED grant. Application is simple, but needs to go through the Borough. The next grant round is in December and the committee decided to wait until then.


Meeting adjourned at 9:32am
Respectfully submitted,

Susan Smythe