GHADA Meeting Minutes  June 16, 2008

Opening comments by President Francis Swift

President Francis Swift called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Swift introduced himself as the new GHADA President as well as a member of the DRAC as well as other numerous groups.  His history with GHADA was that his father, Mr. Francis Swift Sr. was the 1^st president of GHADA in the 1960’s.  GHADA was created to solve problems in the community in an orderly fashion.  Mr. Swift will be expanding the GHADA board to include more committees.  The main committee will be Land Use chaired by GHADA Vice President, Mark Blake.  GHADA wants to retain a village atmosphere that includes safe traffic patterns, as well as a positive effort to achieve commercialism.  Other committees will include public safety chaired by Mike Terranova, legislative, membership, by-laws, finance and legal affairs, and resource.  He has met with Ken Murphy and Joe Lake to coordinate efforts.

Administrative Reports:

Secretary’s Rpt:  The minutes from the May meeting were sent via email to all board members -  A motion was requested and accepted to approve the May minutes.  Attendance at tonight’s meeting was 46 community members; 19 board members.

Treasurer’s Rpt. – none given

Land Use rpt from Mark Blake – see separate attachment (below)  

Valley Road school construction project - Per Nellie Manlove – the County has been notified of the parking violations where patrons are parking on the construction site.  The owners have placed post and chains to be put up at night when the contractors leave; however, Mr. O’Neil has stated that the chains are not being put up at night.

A motion was made by Larry Thurrell and approved for GHADA to contribute $300.00 to the Hockessin Pike Creek Rotary Club for the 4^th of July parade and fireworks fund .  All in favor, none opposed.

Comments from Elected Officials:

- Rep. William Tansey was not in attendance; however, his assistant Nellie Manlove attended the meeting and was available for any questions.

- Sen. Liane Sorenson:  provided a handout answering questions related to the State of Delaware that were asked at the May GHADA meeting

- Sen. Charles Copeland – We are coming to the end of legislative session and there is a significant budget situation with a $217 million dollar shortfall to get to year-end through $109 million of cost cutting. 

Committee Reports:

Hockessin Planning Partnership update was given by Ken Murphy. Mr. Murphy gave brief comments regarding the HPP website, Hockessinplp.org.  He showed pages from the website and provided an overview of the HPP definition and navigated through the website and showed a map of the areas within Hockessin that are included in the HPP.

Public Safety update:  Mike Terranova has been working closely with County Police on crime statistics in Hockessin.  The main crime issue at this time in Hockessin is graffiti.  They are currently offering $100.00 reward for graffiti offenders.  Mr. Terranova then introduced the public safety speaker for the meeting, Lt. Craig Weldin.

Lt. Craig Weldin stated that the #1 problem in Hockessin is graffiti and the faster it is removed the more frustrated the “taggers” become.  A lot of what is done in Hockessin is known as tagging.  A lot of people see it as gang activity.  Most of what is done in Hockessin is tagging and it is a form of art in the young person’s mind.  They travel across several states from Maryland to New York to do their tagging.  An example of how it’s working effectively is graffiti that is done in their area.   The police would like a picture of the graffiti before it is covered over to be used when trying to make an arrest.  The majority of the time, the “tagger” is from within the community.  He suggests that the community work together to stop the graffiti. 

The Hockessin business community is being looked to in order to help stop the graffiti before it starts.  Monetary fines are typically not given to the criminals.

Del Dot will replace signs if they are contacted.  There is a new paint that Del Dot that is being used, but inhibits the ability of the graffiti to be seen but is extremely expensive to buy.  They are also working with Delmarva Power because their power boxes are being painted.  Rpts. of graffiti should be called into the non-emergency no. 573-2800.

Ron Breitigan from ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) – part of Dept. of Homeland Security.

An issue currently in Hockessin pertains to the noise level from the Zoo Lounge establishment on Rt. 41.  Any questions about an establishment that sells alcohol or tobacco, residents should contact ATF.  They work out of the state bldg. and if there are any questions or complaints, the number to call is 577-5210.  ATF was specifically asked to look at the Zoo Lounge, which holds a tap room license.  The license was given to them as a tap room.  They have no requirement to serve food.  The Zoo Lounge applied for a variance for external speakers but there was a protest hearing and the variance was approved.  The speakers must be turned off at midnight and 2 times in May the speakers were playing after midnight.  They have been violated 2 times for non-adherence to the variance that was granted to them.  Violations result in $550.00 fine for the 2^nd time – the next time they have to appear before the alcohol commission with the State of Del. and suspension and/or revocation of their license.  The owners said they were trying to cooperate and are working to remove everything from the patio.  They must follow title 4 and part of title 4 states that if you try to go to enforcement division and they haven’t solved the problem, you have the right to get 10 residents to sign a petition and a protest hearing must be held.  The Fire Marshall or the County would address the gas heaters that are used in the patio in the winter.

A noise violation is a County Code not a State law and that is why the NCC Police are involved.  This issue is being taken very seriously with the NCC Police and ATF and they will stay on top of it.

NVF Property Update:

Boyd Sorenson from Yorklyn Planning Group – the Yorklyn Planning group was asked to provide insight on the development of the NVF property – CCS investors.  YPG met with CCS and tried to get the facts about the development.  In Oct. 2007 YPG wrote an article for the Hockessin Community News stating the facts to the public.  Mr. Sorenson introduced Wendy Stabler to talk about the issues related to the view of open space and development in Yorklyn.

Update from Wendy Stabler:  Drake Cavanaugh, David Carpenter, Dennis Snavely of CCS Investors own the property.  They also own the Walker Farm and their office is in Yorklyn.  NVF listed a portion of their property, but they need to retain 14 acres of the site for their reorganization.  CCS Investors has purchased 2 parcels. The parcel known as the Gun Club parcel is zoned residential and currently has 5 houses and there is a proposed additional 16 lots for a total of 21 lots single family lots.  The plan is in the beginning process of getting approved.  45% of the property will be open space.

The other side of the road is zoned heavy industrial and permits all types of heavy manufacturing.  The proposal is to develop for office and retail – 50,000 sq. ft. office building and an underneath parking level.  85% would remain open space.

Both plans were recently submitted for approval.

Comments from Carlos Alejandro – member of the Yorklyn Planning Group, and owner of the Yorklyn post office and surrounding buildings.  The parcel is slated for a bldg of 50,000 sq ft and 185 parking spaces.  After built, they will propose another 50,000 sq ft bldg but cannot discuss at this time due to septic issues.  The forest that will be removed is the size of 2 football fields and the size of the building is the size of 2 football fields.  Warren Reynolds has property next to the parcel and he is donating his development rights and is also working with numerous people to purchase the gun club property in order to preserve the property.  He feels that there is more to the plan than is being discussed.

The Yorklyn Planning Group does not have a clear decision regarding this proposal.

Wendy Stabler – correction to statements made by Carlos – 85% of the parcel will be open space and they will continue to work with land use and preserve a significant amt of open space.  It has always been part of the discussion that they want to make it part of a Greenways project but needs to be requested to the parcel owner.

Boyd Sorenson:  The YPG works on an adhoc basis and they cannot say that they speak for the community as they are not sanctioned as such.  They want to see revitalization of Yorklyn, but they did not take a position. 

Jack Harrison: Hockessin should realize that they are impacted by this project.  Every 5 years the State of Del. Has to report on the amount of impervious cover allowed, but the rpt. has not yet been done and is due.

Mr. Copeland:  He will look into it.

Agenda Item: Hockessin Town Center – McGovern Rd and Rt. 41.

Proposed concept for redevelopment.  Glimcher Development Services Inc.

Matt Cochran – Glimcher Development Company specializes in retail development.  Scott Luedtke and Robert Glimcher were also in attendance.  They are in the early stages of performing a site feasibility evaluation for potential retail development.  They have solicited Apex engineering representative Carol Ohm, who is assisting in the evaluation.  They are looking for input and insight in these early stages so they have a complete understanding in order to perform a development of this concept.

There are 3 parcels included in the plan.  1 parcel is known as the Glen Parcel.  The 2^nd 2 parcels are on McGovern Rd. and are owned by Tom McVaugh.  The proposed concept consists of an anchor retail store and retail strip space beside it.  The site would be accessed along McGovern road and would probably include a traffic light.  The anchor store could potentially be a grocery store.  The total sq ft is 84,000 sq feet with 378 parking spaces. 

The purpose of them attending this meeting is to gauge the community’s interest in this development plan.  It is currently zoned suburban neighborhood and would need a re-zoning to commercial.  A quick evaluation indicates that it would be 25% impervious cover and not exceed the 50% disturbance rule. 

 -         Carol Ohm: To clarify, the entire parcel is not in Cockeysville Aquifer.  As part of the study it would confirm the limits of the Cockeysville.  The recharge area extends above and it is felt that the possibly the service station is not permitted in the recharge area.

 Comments from audience:

-         Why would anyone want to rezone from suburban to commercial?

-         1 large anchor tenant and 4 – 5 small retail; no restaurants

-         Would this involve widening of McGovern road? Yes.

-         Traffic light? yes

-         Why isn’t it staying residential?  Why does it have to be changed to commercial?

-         Has a survey been done of the current empty retail space in Hockessin area?

-         Stormwater runoff plans

-         What is the background of the owners that led them to believe that another grocery store is needed or wanted in Hockessin?

-         A traffic impact study will be needed.

-         Lantana Acme is 54,000 sq ft.

-         This is outside the DRAC village overlay.

-         There will be no dirt or forest removed along Lancaster Pike

-         The feel is that we do not want residential changed to commercial.

-         Why is it being called a Town Center?  It looks like a strip mall.  A) They would like to put more streetscape.

-         What % do you expect to be residents from Pennsylvania?  They expect them to be local Delaware residents.  The proposed tenant may have done studies.  Shoppers would come from within 3 – 5miles. 

-         Total is 9 acres of development on total of 34 acres.

-         Was residential development ever considered?  Unknown.

-         Tom McVaugh owns one of the parcels and he was approached to sell his property.  The other parcel has been for sale for some time.

-         What would be the next step after tonight?  More investigation or decision not to proceed.

-         Per Mark Blake, a focus group will be formed and interested residents will be asked to be part of the group and their input will be taken into consideration for all of the plans.

 The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.   The next meeting will be held July 21, 2008.

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GHADA – Land Use Monthly Report – June 16, 2008

 Brackenville Plaza (Happy Harry’s)

Exterior building signs installed. Estimated Summer ’08 opening

 Commerce Bank – Hockessin Fire Hall

No change.

 NVF – CCS - Boyd Sorenson to provide update

 (Pulte) Traditions at Pike Creek

No change

 Sunrise of Hockessin – Limestone Rd

No change

 Goddard School –  Valley Road

No change, ground breaking has not yet begun, anticipating summer construction.

 Hockessin Crossing, Valley Rd – Children of America Day-Care

It appears that a major zoning violation for the NC-21 parcels exists due to the Eight (8) 2nd story apartments and balconies that are planned. The issue is how can a day-care/school facility with multiple residential apartments on/in the same building/parcel be allowed to be built under Residential NC-21 zoning designation, since the current NCC zoning for NC-21 does not allow for this type of development.

 WSFS – Medori - WSFS has filed their exploratory major land development plan with the county, application #2008-0423. WSFS is seeking to rezone two parcels directly across from Lantana Square Limestone Rd entrance next to the Hair Advantage salon, to build a mini branch (2,500 sq ft) with a drive-up and ATM window and lobby banking and a small office building (3,000 sq ft) at the rear of the bank building.

New Business:

Walgreen’s/Happy Harry’s – Limestone & Valley Rd is asking for community comment on a request for a pylon sign to be located on the Limestone Rd side of their parking lot. The sign would also have an electronic message board. I have rendering from Walgreens showing the placement and design they are looking to install.

A related issue is the large quantity of banner signs mounted on the parking lot poles, which I think are overkill and unsightly, combined with the signs posted in four (4) of the building’s windows which state the same messages as the banners (Drive thru Pharmacy, 24 hour photo), along with the store hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Blake,

GHADA – Land Use Chairman

.........................................................................................................................................

GHADA Meeting Minutes from  May 19, 2008

Opening comments by President John Flanagan

Introduced board members and gave overview of agenda and advised everyone to sign attendance sheets.  The minutes of the April meeting are on the GHADA website. www.ghada.com .  The attendance at tonight’s meeting was 17 general attendance, and 24 board members.

Mr. Flanagan reviewed the agenda and requested that comments regarding the land use report be held until the open forum portion of tonight’s meeting.

 Treasurer’s Rpt. Given by Neil Greenstein:  The beginning balance in the checking account was $1,022.75.  $80.00 was received for dues, and $ 25.57 was spent for the electric bill leaving an ending balance of $1,077.18. The balance in the savings account is $3,551.45 for a total of $4,628.32.

Elected officials in attendance:  Councilman Bill Tansey, Sen. Liane Sorenson, and County Land Use representative Mary Grace Novak.   There will be a primary in September, and a general election in November - Any candidates in audience were given the opportunity to introduce themselves. 

Sen.  Liane Sorenson – running for re-election

Rich Abbott – running for 4^th senate district seat

John Clatworthy running for 4^th senate district seat

Comments by Elected Officials:

Senator Liane Sorenson:  Delaware is in difficult budget situation and she a member of the financial leadership group.  They are trying to work thru the deficit for next year.  They are looking at making cuts and re-engineering government.  They are trying to reduce the number down to $200 million.  On the local level, there may be less money for local projects like streetscape, fire departments, non profits, and agencies.  They are doing the best they can with a bad situation.  They must balance the budget.

Councilman Bill Tansey:  One of the considerations (for the budget problem) is the real estate transfer tax and they are hoping it doesn’t get touched.

Agenda Item:

Hockessin Planning Partnership:  Ken Murphy:  The purpose of the presentation is to highlight some of the community activities that are going on.  The HPP formed last June and does most of its work thru other non-profit groups in the Hockessin Area.  There are 50 – 60 organizations.  The partnership builds bridges between the organizations.  It is done through committee structure.  There are committees for community parking, economic, administrative, transportation, historic, and misc.  The Design and Landscaping committee is chaired by Patricia Boyd and partners with 3 garden clubs in the community.  Previously, each committee would do projects individually and they have now come together.  One of the projects is the landscaping in different areas in Hockessin.  Since formed in Nov/Dec 07, they have been working to coordinate Lancaster Pike landscaping agreements with Del Dot, designed the Hockessin Village signs, and the landscaping at Valley Road and Limestone Road.

When Del Dot puts landscaping in, they cut the grass and they usually look for a public or private partnership.  A small sign is typically placed within the landscaping indicating the partner responsible for landscaping maintenance.  When SR 41 was put in, there were 15 designated landscaping areas.  There are sponsors signed up to maintain those properties as of this month.  In exchange for maintenance they will be allowed to put up a sign stating that they have maintained the site.  The other landscape work that has been done is on Valley Road and Limestone Road and was sponsored by GHADA, the Hockessin Fire Com, and the Hockessin Historical Society.  The money that was used was raised by the Hockessin Athletic Club for selling bricks.  The HAC has agreed to maintain the trees and HPP landscape committee arranged for the work to be done.   Eleven trees were planted and there are also landscaping beds.  This landscaping matches on both sides of the road.  Pat Boyd has done extensive work on these projects and coordinated with Del Dot.  Pat Boyd, Peg Castorini, and Clyde Roberts are on this committee.

Q. Is there any special insurance needed when performing this landscaping?

Ken: Del Dot has every sponsor sign a right of way agreement stating they will not sue the state if they get hurt.  Del Dot suggests professional landscapers for median landscaping, but the landscaping on the sides of the road is safer.

Q. These groups are doing a wonderful job….Del Dot was failing at keeping these areas cleaned up and maintained.  I have a concern about what the businesses are doing.  Some businesses are helping but other businesses are putting up signs along the road.    Illegal signs should not be allowed.

Liane Sorenson:  There are laws around these signs, and sometimes Del Dot does pick them up.

Ken: The Hockessin Village boundaries have an overlay and currently DRAC is taking an inventory of all business signs and will determine what signs are illegal.  Businesses will be encouraged to conform to the Hockessin Village sign guidelines.  Businesses will be visited in late May or early June.

When it was looked into before, there were 2 people assigned to take down signs for the entire state. 

Q. On the other side of Valley Road and Limestone intersection, why weren’t there any plans to match the landscaping on the other side?

Ken: I suggested that the entire intersection be done and it is being looked at to do that.

Q. Is there any thought in putting trees in the median areas? 

Ken:  At the time it was discussed there were many people who opposed the trees.  The request was made to Del Dot to make enough room for trees, but put low landscaping for now.

Land Use Rpt. Given by Mark Blake – see separate report below.

Agenda item:

Nomination and election of GHADA board of directors and officers.

Jeff Dixon:  Thanked Cathy Censurato for being part of the nominating committee. 

Names of members whose 3 year term has expired and agreed to remain on the board:

Cathy Censurato, Michael Censurato, Jeff Dixon, Jack Harrison, Ken Murphy, Check Quon, Lawrence Rasero, Betty Sapp, Hank Stack, Francis Swift

The nominating committee identified 2 new members; Michael Lawson from Hampton Pointe and Michael Kamps from Hockessin Woods.

In addition, Michelle Jordan has agreed to replace Elinor Knodell from the Village of Manley.

There were no appointments made at the annual meeting since May 2007.

The GHADA officers Board of Directors voted for approval and asked for a 2^nd motion for the nominations – All were in favor; none opposed.

GHADA Board of Directors voted for the following officers:

President: Francis Swift

1^st Vice President: Mark Blake

2^nd Vice President: Jeff Dixon

Treasurer: Neil Greenstein

Secretary: Diane Hagerty

A request was made for any additional nominations from the audience and there were none.

Jeff asked for approval of the Board of Directors nominations and asked for a 2^nd motion – All were in favor, none opposed.  This completed the GHADA officer’s election.

Open Forum:  any questions, comments, suggestions from audience?

Jack Harrison – Q. for Mark Blake….by law, every 5 years the state must determine impervious cover throughout the state.  That was supposed to be have been done at end of 2007, are you aware of this and should you be aware? 

Mark: That is a valid point and I have requested a lot of reports; I have tried to get that particular rpt. Online, but if Jack has a source….Jack said to talk to Jerry Coffman or Liane Sorenson and ask her what she’s doing about it.

Liane:  She was not aware of this, but will look into it.

Q. Mike O’Neill – At the December Board of Adjustments meeting concerning the school on Valley Road, they were granted a variance due to 500 feet of propane tank.  The variance stated they must build a blast wall.  Has anyone seen a plan on that?

Mark: No, we have not, but it must be erected before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Mary Grace: I know a blast wall is required, but I don’t know specifics about it.  The County Code states that one caretaker apartment is permitted for NC21.  Multiple apartments are not permitted unless a rezoning is requested.    The plans do not show multiple residential usages.

Mark: How does the county allow them to build with all those sliding doors?

Mary Grace: A lot of times the plans come thru showing what they are building.  Everyone is aware of what is going on with the buildings.  They may be making it look like multi residential and just leave the space as storage etc. 

Q. Jack Harrison:  The newsletter of the Civic League regarding the yard waste ban stated that yard waste would only add 1.5 inches to the landfill per year.  Yard waste is biodegradable and we should realize that we are being lied to stating that the landfill will fill up rapidly due to yard waste.

Liane, were you aware of that fact that the landfill was grossly overstated due to yard waste per an engineer that published in the civic league newsletter.

Liane:  I don’t know if those were the numbers, but we agreed to try to reduce the amount of use of the landfill.  They would like to encourage alternative ways of disposing yard waste rather than going to the landfill. 

Mr. Harrison requested that she confirm the engineer’s numbers vs. the state/county info. that was provided regarding the landfill.

Q.  We have a mess with many garbage collectors in the area…I would like to propose to the county to decide on specific days that refuge collectors come into Hockessin. 

Liane: Kent County has trash districts where they bid by district.  Some in NCC would like to see that.  Individual neighborhoods are currently trying to do that.

Ken: In our neighborhood, we have 91 lots, when they rec’d 75% agreement to one collector, they got a 20% reduction in the rate.

Tansey:  I would like to defend the county.  We are interested in the trash district, and are in negotiation on that issue.

Mike: Goddard school TIS rpt. – what is a preliminary rpt? 

Mark: I have not seen it.  The rpt. Is being compiled but Del Dot did not allow full access.

Tansey: it is not a full TIS.

Mike: Will a full one be done?

Mark:  As I recall it was a mini TIS because they used the one that was from a previous study.

Thurell:  Nuisance crime continues in Hockessin – spray painters hit his building Thursday night and items were stolen from the Creative Arts building in Yorklyn.

Ken: Has anyone ever seen anyone spray painting?

Aud. Member: I am a believer in more security cameras to prevent these types of things.

Jeff: As far as graffiti – there was an article in the News Journal where they arrested an individual and some people think it is artwork, while others think it is a serious crime. He was 20 years old and the estimated loss of property damage was in the thousands.

Mark suggests that everyone do their part and in reporting incidents they see.  If you see something being done, report it to the police.

Flanagan:  At a previous GHADA meeting, a state police officer recommended not to follow or confront anyone, just get license or description of the person.  All we can do is report it if we see it.

Elinor: What do you think GHADA should do to get a traffic light at the end of Lantana where the new WSFS building will be?

Mark:  There are some folks that don’t want a traffic light.  A focus group will be formed within the next couple of weeks and that will be looked at.

Liane: At a meeting last week, Del Dot was there discussing the light issue.  Del Dot brought a report with different scenarios for that intersection.  Someone was there and they had a letter from Del Dot that was called a temporary entrance for lantana and was supposed to be upgraded when Limestone Road was widened and it was never done. The temporary entrance became the permanent entrance.  It should be right in, right out and no access across.  Also a turning lane was put in when the road was widened.  Another option showed no exit out, only entrance.  Another option is to have a full signal.  Del Dot did not give an opinion at the meeting, but they don’t want to put in a signal due to lack of money.  There is also an issue with the distance from the other light.

Q. How much does the light cost?

Mark: I couldn’t get an answer.  I suggested that WSFS help with the funding and Lantana also said they may possibly help as well.  Del Dot does agree that the intersection is dangerous and will get worse and they know it is inevitable that a light will be needed in the future.  The community needs to take a stand on what they want.

Q. Is the WSFS an approved site?

Mark: No, it is not yet, and there have been several other commercial businesses interested in the property.  It is currently zoned NC21 and needs to get rezoned to office neighborhood.  Impervious cover is now under the requirement.

Ken: Is GHADA going to enter a deed restriction to prohibit them from making changes after?

Mark:   All of the details are to still to be determined and are up for discussion.  Mark showed a drawing of the planned WSFS building.

Flanagan:  it is NC21 and they need rezoning.  A lot of discussion needs to take place and it will need to come before the GHADA board of directors for approval.

Q. has there ever been a re-zoning that has been turned down?

Flanagan: I don’t know the percentage, but there has been more than one occasion where a zoning was proposed and then tabled due to lack of community support and they usually come back later on.

The Route 7 focus group has pulled back re-zoning requests due to community opposition, for example, the proposed Genardi’s on Route 7.

Abbott: You have to be careful when re-zoning because the contract could be flipped.

Tansy: There have been rezoning requests withdrawn due to lack of support from the community.

Mark: Mr. Abbott is correct – the Route 7 focus group got together several years ago, and said if you had a choice for Limestone Road, do you want it to look like Pike Creek, Newark, and 202, and all along the way there have been NC21 that have not gone to CN or CR.  Commercial re-zoning are typically not supported on Limestone Road between Pike Creek and the Pennsylvania state line.

Abbott: As a customer of Hockessin Dry cleaning, why has the median been extended to prohibit a left turn into that shopping center? 

Comments were made by several that no one knew why that had been extended.

Liane will check with Charlie Copeland and Nick Manolakis who represent that area.

Del Dot needs to look at all of the changes in the area because traffic lights are needed at several places in the area.

Mark: Questioned Liane Sorenson about why the state can’t mandate that "jake brakes" not be used in the state of Delaware.  The signs that were put up don’t help because they are not enforced.    The state could change the law, but it still needs to be enforced.

Q. Is there any way to get more enforcement in Lantana?

Ken: Centerville hires an off duty policeman to tag cars and that is the only way to decrease it.

Ken: Given the announcement of the new President of GHADA – I would like to thank John Flanagan for his service the past 2 years.  Everyone on the board is not paid and I express appreciation for their hard work for the benefit of the community.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.  The next meeting will be held June 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

GHADA – Land Use Monthly Report – May 19, 2008

 Brackenville Plaza (Happy Harry’s)

No change. Estimated Summer ’08 opening

 Commerce Bank – Hockessin Fire Hall

No change.

 NVF – CCS – Meeting was held on April 24^th at the Creative Arts Center outlining the planned development for part of the former NVF site

 Plute Traditions at Pike Creek

Pulte has confirmed that they are no longer pursuing the proposed development on Papermill Rd. The current land owners are looking go forward with the plan and have filed with the county. They have 4-5 years to complete development before they would have to re-file a different new plan.

 Sunrise of Hockessin – Limestone Rd

The BOA granted the variance at the April 24^th meeting to allow the roof peaks to be 51-62 feet maximum. The site is a rolling meadow and only the buildings at the rear of the site would have the added floor, essentially below grade of the rest of the site. The Sunrise Focus Group voted to support the variance request, and the GHADA board to vote in favor of this variance and support the application.

 Goddard School –  Valley Road

The owners are moving forward with the plan and have advised GHADA that they should be breaking ground sometime in May/June. The DELDOT mini TIS report did not favor granting a curb cut to allow two-way entry and exit from the property. Currently the parcel will retain a right-in, right-out access.

 Hockessin Crossing, Valley Rd – Children of America Day-Care

Residents have expressed concern over the possible zoning violation for the NC-21 parcels. At issue is a day-care/school facility with multiple residential apartments on/in the same building/parcel. It would appear that the current NCC zoning for NC-21 does not allow for this type of development. We will be setting up a meeting with NCC land use and possibly the County Executive in an attempt to address these issues.

 New Business:

WSFS is seeking to rezone two parcels directly across from Lantana Square Limestone Rd entrance next to the Hair Advantage salon, to build a mini branch (2,500 sq ft) with a drive-up and ATM window and lobby banking and a small office building (3,000 sq ft) at the rear of the bank building. The former Medori home at the top of the property will be demolished and the lot landscaped (reforested). We’ve met a few times with the applicant and the developer (Medori Enterprises) and most recently with a DELDOT representative, to review the proposed plans. The focus group will be meeting shortly to review and address issues with the proposed plan, as the project moves forward. We also have artist renderings of the Bank & Office buildings and overall site plans for review.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Blake,  GHADA – Land Use Chairman

================================================================================

GHADA Meeting Minutes from April 21, 2008 Meeting

President John Flanagan opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing the GHADA Board of Directors and Elected Officials.

Administrative Reports:

• Land Use: Mark Blake – see separate attachment below.  A Board of Adjustment meeting will be held on 4/24 at 6pm at the NCC building.  A motion was made on the floor for GHADA to support the variance request for Sunrise of Hockessin – Limestone Road.  The motion received a 2^nd motion from the floor; results were one opposed; one abstention; all others were in favor.
• Treasurer’s Rpt – Neil Greenstein – not present. No report given.
• Secretary’s Rpt – Minutes are on GHADA website.  Attendance at tonight’s meeting was 29; 17 Board Members.
• Vice President: Jeff Dixon, nominating committee.  Jeff is currently contacting people whose term expires this year to see if they want to remain on the board or if they have someone to take their place.  He has not received a very good response.  He has also contacted people whose terms will not be expiring this year, but have not attended meetings regularly to see if there are people to take their place.  Names will be submitted at May meeting.  Nominations close at the May meeting.

Elected Officials in Attendance:  Councilman Bill Tansey, Senator Liane Sorenson

Comments by elected officials:

Senator Sorenson announced that the Yorklyn Planning Group is having a Yorklyn community meeting Wednesday April 23 from 7:00 – 9:00 with CCS Investors scheduled to talk about their development proposal on the NVF property for 15 homes.

Councilman Bill Tansey:  Mr. Tansey commented that the County is in a deficit situation and are asking for newer sources of revenue – i.e.: lodging tax like the city of Wilmington has.  Also, the County receives $1.00 per landline call to the 911 service, but nothing for cell phone calls, so they are losing revenue.  They are also losing revenue from the real estate transfer tax due to the housing market slump. 

Senator Liane Sorenson: The Wilmington lodging tax was formed due to a task force that was formed, so she suggests that a task force possibly be formed for the County.

Agenda Item I:

Jim Sapp, HFC Fire Chief, announced that the Fire Company just received a new fire truck to replace a truck that was sent to Mississippi to help Katrina victims.  The truck was purchased with the funds provided by donations from community and State funds.  The HFC Fund Drive is about to start and the mailings will be sent out shortly.  Brochures are available at tonight’s meeting and they are trying to raise $180,000.00 this year.  The new engine is unique because it holds 1000 gallons of water and firefighting foam which is very effective when fighting fire.  The truck will help the most in non-hydrant areas which is about 65% of the district where there are no hydrants, ponds, or streams.  The engine cost was around $600,000.00 and should last around 25 years.  Mr. Sapp sent letters to all of those associations to offer to go to each association to talk about the Fire Company and their services.  If anyone is interested in the Fire Co. coming to talk to their civic group or association, contact Jim Sapp.

Agenda Item II:  Cards were distributed to audience members for questions to be submitted.  Verbal questions will also be allowed.

Red Clay Candidates:

Gary Linarducci District "A" incumbent

Charles Cavanaugh District "B" incumbent

Leah Davis District A opponent

Douglas Suiter  Candidate – could not attend

Kenneth Woods District B opponent

Candidates were given time to introduce themselves:

Gary:  current member.  Married 32 years, 2 children pursuing graduate degrees.  Gary Has a business degree, tax degree, and law degree.  He practices as an attorney representing the disabled.  He has been on the Red Clay board for more than 4 years.  Red Clay school district is a very diverse and the school board is very challenging.  He wants to increase the financial stability of the district.  He would like to get the community involved in how the school district operates their budget.  

Leah: opponent in District "A".  She has chosen to run because she has lived in the district for 30 years and retired from the district in 2006.  Her children graduated from Red Clay schools.  She has degree in education.  She would like to bring a balance to the board and would like to bring a teacher’s perspective to the board. Charter schools and Choice have been very successful.  She would like to bring some discipline to the board in the upcoming fiscal year.

Charlie:  current member.  Lifelong resident of Red Clay and attended Red Clay schools – his 3 children attended.  He graduated in 1968 from McKean and then went to Del Tech.  He has been an employee of DuPont Co. for 40 years.  His involvement began as a PTA president when his son was in kindergarten.  One of the biggest challenges as a district is working with the legislatures to help them better understand the financial situation within the Red Clay district.

Ken:  Opponent – attended Red clay schools all his life.  He is running to restore services that were cut and accountability for the budget.  He is a new face with fresh ideas.   There seems to be very little communication between the school board, the teachers, and the PTA groups.  If there was a financial review committee in the 90’s, why are there so many problems with the budget now?  He has knowledge of bids and contracts and monitors school construction and can find ways to save money.

Q1.  Do you believe school board members are individually responsible for the way the money is spent or misspent?

Gary: Yes, it is important that the money is spent wisely.  The financial recovery team had 20 recommendations, but none of them stated that they were being misspent or not spent on the children.

Leah: Yes, it is one of the jobs of the board members.  At the last school board mtg. Gary had a motion on the floor to make a review committee for the budget.  From my point of view, that has been his job for the past 4 years and was not done.

Charlie: Yes it is the job, but there are many facets of the school board member’s jobs.  They review the line items of the budget.  The past financial crisis was questioned by the school board in 2006. 

Ken:  I would say it is the board members responsibility.  After looking at things and attending financial review meetings, you see these types of things.  You have to look at everything and not trust anyone.  You must always have oversight of your money.  Board members have to get involved with line items.  Every month there are different expenditures for construction and they must be checked individually to bring Red Clay back in line.

Q2.  The state just cut funding 8 – 10 %, we just had a referendum that would not cut after school activities.  Will you pledge to never cut costs for these services in the future?

Gary:  I cannot make a pledge because I have no idea what the funding will look like.  We are hoping that it is not an 8 – 10 % reduction across the board and will be more painful than it was in previous years.

Leah:  I would never say never, but I would agree with Gary that it is going to be a difficult time.  There are ways of consolidating things among the district or across the state.  We should look for solutions to the problem.  One of the things I am hoping for is that Hockessin supported the all day kindergarten and make sure that is what the money it was raised for.

Charlie:  This discussion happened at the last board meeting.  My proposal at that meeting is to discuss with them exactly what our financial situation is.  The tax rate would have to be cut back until the full day kindergarten happens because it may take 100 – 150 teaching units to make that happen.

Ken:  I would like to try to get local businesses to help finance some of the afterschool programs.  There are things we can do besides waiting for the state funding.  It may be possible to have a business sponsor a school or an activity.  The cuts will be devastating to Red Clay.

Q3.  Since the school board has ….what are your plans to return these students to AI, Dickinson, and McKean?

Gary:  Since we put a charter school at Wilmington High, we can’t keep them out.  Prior to that, we couldn’t get kids to go there.  We need to make sure that McKean and Dickinson improve their services and provide a curriculum to draw kids to those schools.  We want to attract students to a school, not force them to go to a specific school.

Leah:  I do support charter schools, but I feel we have enough in Red Clay.  We may need to look at how we fund them.  We need to make McKean and Dickinson more attractive.  I think we need partnerships with businesses.  That is what makes the Charter schools so successful –they have support from area businesses.  Smaller schools within the schools make them attractive to students.

Charlie:  Before Choice I was concerned that schools would lose enrollment.  A policy was put into place that a school that dropped below 80% of enrollment had to provide a plan to entice enrollment.

Ken:  I also support Charter schools, but one of the things is that we have magnet schools that we can control in the district.  The charter schools take the best of the best and our high schools are lacking in the best students.  His idea is to do the same thing as the charter schools in the regular schools.

Q4. Leah: How would you have handled the recent fund mismanagement differently?

Hindsight is wonderful, but I would like to think that if I were on that board that I would have been much more aware of the finances.  I am learning the process now and I would be asking a lot of questions that I don’t think were asked. 

Q5: Incumbent: 

Charlie: Knorr enterprises was a group that worked with city students who had problems and they worked with the student and parents to help solve their problems.  Knorr Enterprises was a no-bid contractor but the only group who provides this service.

Gary:  I want to add that you might have remembered fights are Wm. Penn and Mt. Pleasant and one of the things did was to let us know when fights would take place.  Also the district spent money on alternative schools and takes the disruptive child and puts them in a smaller class setting. 

Q6  The district refused outside donations in order to maintain after school activities,  is that something they would consider going forward now that the referendum has passed?

Gary: I don’t know -  the board would have to vote on them.  The donations were not accepted because they were from affluent areas and were specific to programs and schools.

Leah.  I agree with Gary.  We don’t know what kind of cuts we will have, but I do believe that a pool of money would be equitable to be distributed to all schools.

Charlie:  One of the things would be to come up with alternative ways to save money instead of cutting teachers and support staff.  I encourage all legislatures to come to a meeting with the school board to discuss these alternative ideas.

Ken: One thing I would have to say is that I look at donations from different groups and I have to agree that we should try to accept money, but put it in a pool so that all children benefit from it.  If someone wants to contribute to a particular school, we should look at that and evaluate.

Q7. incumbents – In Spring 2006 the Board voted against smaller class room sizes due to money, but also voted for the Linden park lease that cost $8000.00 per year – what based that decision?

Charlie:  The Linden park decision was based on the fact that the office space at Brandywine Springs was needed for classrooms.  The smaller class was more than likely the waiver that is voted every year.  There are variables that make the class room size go up and they have to be voted on every year.  The issues are separate but the movement was based on the space need at Brandywine.

Q8.  Suggestions: cutting money for summer school, and get rid of DSTP.

Would you be in favor of those 2 suggestions as a way of saving money for district?

Gary: I agree with getting rid of DSTP testing – it was a waste of money and does not provide accurate test results.  You have to look at ways to save money.

Leah:  It is my understanding is that we are under contract with DSTP until 2010.  We as a district have been looking at a growth test and will save money and it is important that it is aligned with content that we teach our children.

Charlie:  Summer school cut was another suggestion at board meeting.  Working with legislatures will make that happen.  The growth model test will test at the beginning of the year and then again at the end of the year. DSTP costs $10 million dollars.

Ken: I agree with doing away with DSTP.

Q9:  There were comments about charter schools – with regards to the Wilmington High school feeder, do you think it is fair that these students don’t have a feeder since this school closed15 years ago?

Gary: 15 years after the fact, we need to re-visit.  With no child left behind, there is an issue every month, the district is working on a type of feeder pattern for Wilmington students.

Leah. I believe that kids in Wilmington have been “homeless” for a long time.  It is hard to ask them to come to McKean or Dickinson – they have no sense of community.  I believe that some kind if feeder will work.  There is talk of putting a high school in Wilmington.

Charlie: I am part of the Wilmington feeder and after Wilmington was changed to a charter school, those feeder students were sent to AI, Dickinson, and McKean and it is time they have their own school.

Leah: Originally when it came to choice and charter, Wilmington high school students were supposed to be given first choice and I don’t think that happens.

Ken: I would have to say that if you visit any city schools, then come to the suburbs there is such a difference.  You have to bring that sense of community back to the Wilmington students. With the finances, it may not be possible.

Q10.  To compensate for the state funding cut, would you favor another referendum?

Ken: I supported the last referendum, but I don’t think we can go to the public again and ask for more money and now that money is not going to be used where it is supposed to be used.

Charlie: There is no way to ask again.  There are things that need to be addressed thru state and funding mechanisms from the state need to be changed.  We need to have some sincere discussion to avoid having to go to community every 3 years for funding.  Without the funding mechanisms being changed, it will never change and it is tougher each time to get referendums passed.

Leah: No I would not go for a referendum.  This is a joint concern between legislatures and school board.  We are one of few states that have to go to referendum for school funds.  It is becoming more difficult to get the referendums passed.  We need to find solutions.

Gary: I would also say no.  When the state funds 70% of school costs, it would be unsustainable to make that up with local dollars.  We have to address the state funding first.  Red Clay residents are doing more than their share.  3 million dollars every 10 years goes to Colonial and other districts and that needs to be fixed.

Q11. What would the incumbents or opponents do to get more detailed info. on how district money is being spent and make it more transparent to community?

Ken: We need to sit with administration consistently and make them account for every penny. There are an awful lot of gray areas that need to be addressed.  We need to have independent audits.  I can see where money is being wasted in construction. 

Charlie:  We had a lot of construction.  How will you make it more transparent going forward?  We need to find better ways to communicate with the community.  We have asked for audits from the state auditor’s office to have a more in depth audit than they do currently.  Mr. Wagner said they could provide more detail but would not have been an in depth audit that was needed to uncover the financial problems that exist today.

16 out of 25 schools had major construction and a lot of the projects were stopped due to funding issues.

Leah: The district suffers from a trust problem but now they are attempting to be more transparent.  I have background knowledge and I would say we need an independent audit and we have to say that enough is enough.  As a board we need to listen to taxpayers.

Gary: My suggestion is to put every dollar that is spent on the website.  Every taxpayer is contributing to that and they have a right to see that.  I spend about 3 nights at meetings concerning the school board to make sure we are on track with the budget.  The problem isn’t that we weren’t paying attention; it is that we didn’t have the correct information in front of us.  We need to make sure that we dig deeper into information.

Q12. How would you handle children with disabilities?  What would you put in place for a child that has a documented disability?

Ken: I don’t have a lot of knowledge on what a child would need for specific disabilities.

Charlie:  All the Federal laws tell what services you must provide for each disability.  It is already spelled out in law and make sure they are adhered to.  The school board has to address these issues that are brought to the school board.  He suggests that people go thru proper channels before going to school board.

Leah: It is federally mandated.  Depending on severity, we have tuition reimbursements to make sure that children with severe problems get the services they need.  Students in Red Clay will be in the least restrictive environment for them to succeed.

Gary: It goes without saying that everyone with a disability is entitled to an education.  As a matter of fact the law states they are entitled up to age 21.  It is an expensive issue for the school board.

Questions from Audience:  None

Mr. Flanagan thanked the candidates.  School board elections are May 13 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

.................................................................................................................................................

GHADA – Land Use Monthly Report – Apr. 21, 2008

 Brackenville Plaza (Happy Harry’s)

Exterior completed, interior work progressing. Estimated completion is summer ‘08

 Commerce Bank – Hockessin Fire Hall

Construction activity resumed. The completion date is unknown at this time.

 NVF – CCS – The Yorklyn Planning Group and Councilman Tansey will hold a public meeting in conjunction with CCS Investors to discuss a development proposal for a NVF land parcel of mostly undeveloped open land. The meeting is this Wednesday, April 24^th fro 7-9 PM at the Center for Creative Arts on Creek Rd. All interested residents are encouraged to attend.

 Plute Traditions at Pike Creek

Pulte has confirmed that they are no longer pursuing the proposed development on Papermill Rd. They advised that their options will expire at the end of April and they have communicated to the land owners that Pulte will not go forward with the development they presented to the community at a previous community meetings. However, the current land owners are seeking to move forward with the plan and are currently working to select a development company for the plan.

 Sunrise of Hockessin – Limestone Rd

A requested variance to the NCC UDC height limit of 40 feet to allow roof peaks to be 51-62 feet maximum, will be presented at the BOA meeting this Thursday, April 24^th starting at 6 PM at the NCC Government Center on Reeds Way. The proposed 125 independent living units and 80 assisted living units & parking on the Naudain property is consistent with the development desires the community has expressed for the non-commercial in-fill of Limestone Rd/Route #7 corridor. The Sunrise Focus Group voted to support the variance request, and requests the GHADA board to vote in favor of this variance and support the application. (A motion req’d to 2^nd & vote needed.)

 Goddard School –  Valley Road

The owners are moving forward with the plan and have advised GHADA that they should be breaking ground sometime in May. Presently, a DELDOT TIS report is pending of current traffic conditions on Valley Rd and might favor a curb cut to allow two-way entry and exit from the property. The Craig’s have expressed their continued desire to work with GHADA on the project as they move forward and have pledged to keep the community informed of their progress. We have a rendering of the proposed building, which is complementary with the surrounding neighborhoods and reflects high quality design, materials and a residential look.

 Hockessin Crossing, Valley Rd – Children of America Day-Care

Building construction continues. We will meet again with NCC in an attempt to address the two (2) other lot entrances/exits and attempt to find a workable compromise on access and usage.  We are hopeful that the applicant will work in cooperation with GHADA to reach an acceptable agreement for all parties and that ensures a good outcome for the entire Hockessin community.

 New Business:

WSFS is seeking to rezone two parcels directly across from Lantana Square Limestone Rd entrance next to the Hair Advantage salon, to build a mini branch (2,500 sq ft) with a drive-up and ATM window and lobby banking and a small office building (3,000 sq ft) at the rear of the bank building. The former Medori home at the top of the property will be demolished and the lot landscaped (reforested). We met with the applicant, representatives, developer (Medori Enterprises), Councilman Tansey, along with several nearby neighbors, adjacent land, business owners at the site to review the conceptual plans (Lantana, HH, HG, Hair Advantage, etc.). Overall, the plan was well received and those attending agreed with the applicant, that a traffic signal would be the best way to prevent accidents as the intersection is currently dangerous. Many noted that with a traffic light, they would fully support the plan. John Flanagan will contact DELDOT to explore what needs to occur to determine if a traffic signal is warranted. A focus group will be formed to work with the applicant and provide input as the project moves forward. We have artist renderings of the building and site plans for review.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Blake,

GHADA – Land Use Chairman

................................................................................................................................................

GHADA Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2008

Opening Comments and Announcements:

Mr. Flanagan opened the meeting by introducing Executive Board Members and elected officials in attendance and made the following announcements:

1) Mr. Flanagan attended mtg. with Executive Chris Coons  and heads of civic umbrella groups – a neighborhood resource page is avail on NCC website, so if help is needed on property maintenance codes, go to NCC website.

Also, county finances were mentioned – transfer tax revenue is down, as well as loss to the county due to interest rate decrease by Fed.

The County budget will be presented by Executive Coons on March 18, at 6 p.m.

2) Jeff Dixon commented about the GHADA nominating committee – Jeff will be the head of the nominating committee with Cathy Censurato.  Tina Goldrick will not be available to help this year.

A motion was made for Jeff and Cathy to be the nominating committee, and there was a 2^nd from the floor.  All were in favor, and none were opposed.

In addition, Jeff stated that the there are openings for board members for terms that will expire this year.  Anyone interested should see Jeff Dixon after the meeting.

Administrative Reports:

Land use Rpt. provided by Mark Blake (also see separate attachment below)

Treas.Rpt. not provided

Secretary’s Rpt. Meeting minutes are available on GHADA website.

Attendance at tonight’s meeting was 36 general attendance; 25 Board members.  

Land Use agenda item:  Sunrise Plan for Naudain Property:

Representatives from Sunrise Assisted living were in attendance.

Wendy Stabler, Lynn Naudain, the Malloy's, and Dave Ennis from Sunrise and Tom from engineering.

Lynn Naudain provided background information on the property:  There were originally two parcels – Naudain/Chambers property, and the Dennison property.  Mr. Dennison died and Mr. Naudain and his brother purchased one side of the property and continued farming on the property.  It is now Naudain Enterprises, which is a paving and site contractor.

Jack and Donna Malloy have 1 parcel – and the other where the chicken house used to be is owned by Mr. Naudain and his brother.  His mother owns the 3^rd parcel next door.

Adare village is a new development next to them and they have now decided to open up to a development. There was a proposal from Weiss grocery store as proposed developer, but due to too much opposition they decided against the proposal.  Approximately 3 years ago Sunrise proposed to them the development of the property that would not impact traffic, was environmentally friendly, and would not change the structure of the property setup. 

Dave Ennis, Sunrise project manager: Sunrise is a large senior living provider in the country.  They currently have many home developments in the United States, Canada, and UK.  Demographic studies were done and Hockessin was found to have good demographics as far as elderly population and also elderly children - 46–64 year olds who are placing their parents in assisted living facilities.  Hockessin has a strong demographic in this area but not a lot of competition.  Hockessin would be a great market for Sunrise due to elderly services being needed. 

The proposed development is for 125 units of independent living – average age is 78 years old; 80 units of assisted living homes - average age is 85 years old.  The difference between the 2 – assisted living residents need 24 hour care and can no longer take care of themselves.  Independent living is apartment style living.  Services will be offered like meals, fitness, etc. Individual residents will drive; Assisted Living residents will not drive.  Staff times are staggered so they are not reporting during rush hour and will not impact current high traffic times. 

Buildings are residential and not institutional.  Decorating and landscaping are well maintained.  The average assisted living room is 450 sq. feet; and the Individual living space is 1000 sq. feet.

Wendy Stabler:  Showed a map that the property is on Limestone Road and consists of 20 acre aggregation of properties and would have three 4 story buildings. There would also be a number of acres of open space.  They are currently applying for property re-zoning and Naudain Enterprises would be eliminated from the property. 

Tom: The property is entirely within Cockeysville aquifer.  25% of the site will be re-forested.  State regulation passed recently that volume management is done on the property in the form of retention basins for water storage and used for landscaping.  24% will be impervious cover.  All other land will be open space with walking trails, gardens, gazebos, etc.  Sanitary sewer existed on the property.  No sewer capacity at this point.  NCC has a plan to upgrade Pike Creek system and should be complete by construction time.

Wendy:  Re-zoning will be needed to ST from SP to allow higher capacity.  The re-zoning process has begun with an exploratory plan  - the height restriction is 40 ft. for ST – the proposed bldg is a 3 story structure with a peaked roof which puts them in excess of 40 ft. restriction. 

Rezoning is an 18 month process.

Jeff Dixon: Sunrise currently operates on Shipley Road in Wilmington.  The building is for Assisted Living and is 78 units with 54000 sq ft.  It is quite a bit bigger but is only on 5 acres.

Historic structures on the property will be used as sales office and marketing approximately 14 months prior to opening.  Post opening, there are no plans for the structures, except to be restored and used as office space.

Jack Harrison:  The county has done a survey of how well the retention ponds have worked or not worked.  Question: According to RPTC, ponds are supposed to drain in 48 hours but they do not- is there something unique about your ponds that is different?

Answer: these are not infiltration based; they are holding ponds and are there to hold the water to be pumped out for landscaping and watering needs on the property.

Wendy: Am confident that they can bring it from 24 to 20% but cannot be feasibly done within this project. 

Q. Will there be a fence in addition to the trees?

Answer: No fence is planned at this time.

Q. What is best guess of when this will be up and running?

Answer: 18 months for approval and then 14 months for construction –planned opening in 2010.

Q. Why have they not included skilled care beds?

Answer: Manor Care is down the street and they have plenty of nursing home beds there and there is a nursing home planned for Pike Creek.  We are not in the nursing home business – we are in the assisted living business.

Mark Blake: Naudain has been approached by many different developers and when the community was polled, this was what they said they would like to see there.

Q. what else could go there if not the Sunrise plan?

Wendy:  Under current S zoning with sewer – they could probably get 28 - 30 lots and open space requirements would be a lot less.

Q. What are the fire safety requirements?

Answer: The entire bldg. will fall under Delaware Fire safety code based on the use.  The bldg. is designed to have fire lanes around the entire bldg. with limited parking against the bldg.  The plan has been approved by the Fire Marshall’s office.

The assisted living bldg. will be fully sprinkled and will be a concrete and steel bldg. 

Agenda Item:

Panel discussion with elected officials moderated by Joe Amon. 

Panel of elected officials were introduced: Lt. Gov. John Carney; Sen. Charlie Copeland 4^th district, Sen. Liane Sorenson, Rep. Joe Miro 22^nd district, and Rep. Nick Manolakis 20^th district.

Questions were submitted previously, but were also submitted by audience members.

Q1. Lt. Carney – we need to stop taxing property owners for education –do you support state income tax for education?

Carney: No, we have a mix of revenues that support all services that the state provides.  States that have allocated sources get into deep trouble.  The State of Delaware has challenges – but to provide adequately for education we would need to look at all avenues.  They looked at it about 10 years ago, but were not felt it was the best to do.  Instead they decided to propose a reduction to senior citizens for property tax and now if you are 65 years of age or older you get a 50% reduction in property tax.

Nick Manolakis: the referendum process is a unique opportunity for citizens to vote regarding their taxes.  School tax is the one single tax that taxpayers can voice their opinion on and is separated from the general election process that take place.

Q2. Are you in favor of having 1 school district in each county to reduce expenses?

Manolakis: No, there is a possibility of some consolidation for districts that are close, but school districts and their Board members represent local communities and there is a great deal of resistance outside of Delaware to that type of process.

Carney: Not in favor of 1 district in the county and would be regressing in the education process and would dilute the power that people have. School board elections and referendums are intended so people have a say.  You need to have the ability for people to have a say in their educational system.

Sorenson:  Not 1 district, but could be consolidated some. The business roundtable and Rodel just did a study to find out how to get more money – we have 19 districts in a small state - I don’t’ think 1 is the answer, but we could consolidate.

Copeland – Christina had a $20 million deficit problem, Red Clay had a deficit not as bad, but close, and Brandywine had to get their referendum through so they wouldn’t be in trouble.  Decreasing or increasing the no. of districts will not change this.  It comes down to our ability to understand where they are spending the money.  That would be a transparent accounting system that is audited every year and posted online so everyone has access to view.  It’s not a matter of how many districts, but that the district finances are transparent.

??  The prospect of saving money by having fewer districts is appealing.  One of the things that always comes to mind when you ask people, but it is not the no. 1 priority.  On the business side there are efficiencies that could improve and consolidate.  I do know that we should look for opportunities in efficacies in the Administrative side of the operation and I agree with the transparency issue to give residents of the district access to the correct data.

17. Can the legislature be bold and consolidate all school admin. Functions?

??  I suggested that is what we should be doing as we are a very small state…I have friends in Texas, California, and Delaware is the size of a county in most states.  Districts were consolidated in 1968 so it can be done.

Copeland:  It makes sense to consolidate admin. functions but there is no way to determine what is being spent in each district to even try to consolidate.  There needs to be a way for each district to account for each so they can be separated.

Sorenson:  Efficiencies could be had with purchases, energy, transportation, etc… but it is more important is that we can’t take books from each district.

Miro – The first step to consolidation could be purchasing power in districts and the fact that we have the same tests across state there is no reason why we could not have the same books used across the state which would save money, consolidate personnel and have more efficiency and effect.

Manolakis:  Most issues have been touched, but there are professional associations within all levels of education across the state.  There are standards of conduct and carrying out of responsibilities.  Each job is conducted in a manor that is open to public and has a good two way conversation with the public.

Q. Del. Law allows any district resident to vote on an increase even they don’t pay taxes – I call this representation without taxation.  They get a free ride – do you think that’s fair?

Sorenson: 18 is the age to vote and we should stick with that.  I don’t see making exceptions to voting.

Copeland:  I agree with Liane – you have to have a system and not all systems are fair and they have issues with it.  I feel we should re-assess and that is scary process to elected officials b/c you want it to be neutral b/c some taxes will go down, and some will go up.  And there should be re-assessment every 3 years.

Carney:  In all cases of Democracy all should be able to vote.

Miro:  In addition to what has been said, 18 is the age to vote and higher participation is always welcome.  Also, those individuals who may vote for the increase, they are also going to receive an increase in their rent if they are not a homeowner.  An increase in the school tax will reflect an increase in the rent whether, directly or indirectly. 

Manolakis:  I’ve spent 29 years working in education and this issue comes up frequently and is reflective of a larger problem in the community.  It in many ways brings out the fact that the discussion was heated.  The recent tax increase brought out many issues regarding school board member’s length of service and that school board elections should be aligned with general elections.  I would be supportive of referendums and school board election at the same time.

Q. Do you support and will you enact legislation to make districts fully report all spending in the district?

All responded that should be the law now and a bill is in progress.

Miro: I have a bill now that says that every district in the state has to be accountable for all money and if an individual cannot account, they will be taken to civil court.  It is time for us to bring forward to legislation for individuals and school board to be accountable.

Q. What is the state population growth rate and what percent is due to illegal immigration?

Sorenson:  The numbers are difficult to be certain, but from July 2001 – 2007 it went up 78,000 and it is estimated that 11,000 are unauthorized.

Miro:  It is difficult to determine a status of an individual.  U of D students who come from different parts of the World to study, their status as student ends, but often there is a different number of students in Newark who stay pending employment.  They will be considered as illegal until they are employed and their status changes.

Manolakis: On educational level, we are seeing significant strains with regard to English language learner programs for non-English speaking students.  In the last 6 – 7 years, those numbers have more than doubled while the resources have not been increased and this is driving up cost to accommodate those individuals.

Q. What is the impact on the state of both legal and illegal immigration and what will you do about it?

Sorenson: New people into state – particularly seasonal workers who are important to the economy, but social services to unauthorized aliens will be a cost for everyone.

Miro: This is a federal issue and I think we lost an opportunity this past spring to bring immigration reform into this county.  I will not take a position one way or other, but the opportunity was there at the Federal level and did not happen.  We will not see changes this year until after the election.  I will say that one of things that need to happen is to make sure that borders are secure and that issues should get resolved before we do anything in terms of immigration reform.  Deportation is not the answer. Immigration has always been the fiber for this cou