Council MInutes

April 7, 2009

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 – 7:00 PM

1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL

President Donchez called the meeting to order. Laura Lawrence, of Baha’i Faith, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, J. Michael Schweder and Robert J. Donchez, 7.

Moment of Silence

President Donchez asked the assembly to remain standing for a moment of silence in memory of the three police officers slain in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and their families.

President Donchez relayed to Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, that the FOP are very grateful that the Police Commissioner allowed Police Officers to travel to Pittsburgh for the funeral of the slain Police Officers.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of March 17, 2009 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)

Recycling – Event Operators

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, speaking on behalf of Peter Crownfield who could not attend the meeting, said it appears that a requirement for event operators to take responsibility for recycling has not been incorporated into the ArtsQuest Use Permit Agreement. Mr. Grubb asked whether that has been addressed in the Use Permit Agreement.

Mayor Callahan affirmed that the changes in the Use Permit Agreement relate to the dates and no changes have been made in matters pertaining to recycling.

Intermunicipal Transfer of Liquor License – Sands Casino – Cobalt Cafe

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said a notice has been posted for the Cobalt Café restaurant at the Sands Casino but the hearing preceded the notice. Mr. Scheirer thought that Council’s Resolution was being undermined. Mr. Scheirer expressed his opinion that Council should take more time if things come in at the last minute.

Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, noted he sent a memorandum dated March 18, 2009 and affirmed there has been compliance and Attorney Ziev has satisfied the provisions of the Resolution.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Tabled Items

None.

B. Unfinished Business

1. Establishing Article 314 – Security Cameras
2. Gift of Real Estate – LVIP
3. Bill No. 28 - 2008 – Amending Zoning Ordinance – Various Sections
4. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties of Historical Interest
C. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. City Solicitor – Amendment No. 1 to ArtsQuest Use Permit Agreements – Musikfest 2009

The Clerk read a memorandum dated April 3, 2009 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed resolution authorizing the execution of Amendment No. 1 to ArtsQuest Use Permit Agreements between ArtsQuest and the City for use of various City properties and streets for Musikfest 2009, according to the terms of the Agreements.

Recycling – Musikfest

Ms. Dolan asked if it would be possible to review the Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest with regard to the recycling program, and to have a memorandum drafted inquiring if anything related to recycling is specifically stated. President Donchez asked that a memorandum be drafted and a response requested prior to April 21.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be placed on the April 21 Agenda.

B. Recreation Commission – Parks and Recreation Plan – 2009 Addendum

The Clerk read a letter dated April 1, 2009 from Patrick Herrity, Chairman of the Recreation Commission, to which was attached an addendum to the most recent Parks and Recreation Plan requested by City Council and compiled by the Recreation Commission with recommendations for consideration including input from citizens and the list of “shovel-ready projects” referred to in the report.

President Donchez referred the request to the Parks and Public Property Committee.

C. Elm Street Manager – DCNR Grant for Fairview and Friendship Parks Design

The Clerk read a memorandum dated April 3, 2009 from A. G. Pitsilos, Elm Street Manager, to which was attached a proposed resolution to accept funding in the amount of $35,000 from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the planning phase for Fairview Park and Friendship Park in the North by Northwest Neighborhood. The amount will be matched by Elm Street program funding.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be placed on the April 21 Agenda.

D. Police Staff Lieutenant – 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

The Clerk read a letter dated April 2, 2009 from Ashley Heiberger, Police Staff Lieutenant, regarding the Police Department’s application for the 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $354,538, of which $172,216 is allocated to the City of Bethlehem to be used by the Police Department for School and Parks Overtime, to purchase bicycles, uniforms and equipment, computers, and for reinstatement of the Mounted Patrol Unit. The remaining funds are allocated to several other Northampton County municipalities for whom the City of Bethlehem serves as fiscal agent as required by federal guidelines. For serving as fiscal agent, the City of Bethlehem will receive an administrative fee of $18,232.00, which represents ten percent (10%) of each municipality’s JAG funding.

President Donchez stated that a Public Hearing has been scheduled on April 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

Casino Tour

President Donchez announced that City Council will tour the Sands Casino project on the rescheduled date of Thursday, April 16 at 4:30 PM.
1. Councilmanic Appointment – John R. Augustino – Environmental Advisory Council

President Donchez appointed John R. Augustino to membership on the Environmental Advisory Council effective until January 2012 to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Arthur Kney who resigned. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-63 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – Robin Beaty – Fine Arts Commission

The Mayor reappointed Robin Beaty to membership on the Fine Arts Commission effective until February 2012. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-64 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

2. Administrative Order – David Remely – Fine Arts Commission

The Mayor reappointed David Remely to membership on the Fine Arts Commission effective until March 2012. Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-65 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

3. Administrative Order – Jeffrey B. Long – Fine Arts Commission

The Mayor reappointed Jeffrey B. Long to membership on the Fine Arts Commission effective until March 2012. Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-66 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

4. Administrative Order – Sharon Yoshida – Sister City Commission

The Mayor reappointed Sharon Yoshida to membership on the Sister City Commission effective until March 2012. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-67 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

5. Administrative Order – William L. Lee, Sr. – Civil Service Board – Fire

The Mayor reappointed William L. Lee, Sr. to membership on the Fire Civil Service Board effective until February 2013. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-68 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

6. Administrative Order – Dr. Joseph B. Lennert – Civil Service Board – Fire

The Mayor reappointed Dr. Joseph B. Lennert to membership on the Fire Civil Service Board effective until March 2013. Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No. 2009-69 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

7. Administrative Order – Beth Starbuck – Board of Historical and Architectural Review

The Mayor reappointed Beth Starbuck to membership on the Board of Historical and Architectural Review effective until February 2014. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-70 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

8. Administrative Order – George Z. Heimbach – Board of Historical and Architectural Review

The Mayor reappointed George Z. Heimbach to membership on the Board of Historical and Architectural Review effective until March 2014. Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-71 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

C. Human Resources and Environment Committee

Mr. Reynolds, Chairman of the Human Resources and Environment Committee, presented an oral report of the meeting that was held on March 19, 2009 on the subject of Fire Department Personnel Changes that was unanimously approved by the Committee. A memorandum will be sent to the Controller.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 9 – 2009 – Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services

The Clerk read Bill No. 9 – 2009 – Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 9 – 2009, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2009-11, was declared adopted.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

None.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Intermunicipal Transfer of Liquor License – Sands Casino – Cobalt Restaurant

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No. 2009-72 that approved the Intermunicipal Transfer of Restaurant Liquor License No. R-9268 owned by Lisa M. Colver, previously licensed to conduct business at 1607 Northampton Street, Borough of Wilson, Northampton County, Pennsylvania to Steel Hospitality Associates I, L.P., trading as Cobalt Café, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Dolan asked Attorney Spadoni to explain that the applicant met all the requirements.

Attorney Spadoni affirmed the correspondence dated March 19, 2009 lists the items that need to be addressed, including certification of the parties to be notified, and notice of the meeting this evening. Attorney Spadoni further responded to Ms. Dolan that Resolution 15,083 states there must be a summary of the submission indicating where the documentation can be reviewed in detail, as well as the date, time and place of consideration by the City. Attorney Spadoni confirmed this was done, and the parties were notified. Attorney Spadoni informed the assembly there is no requirement under the Resolution that the property be posted. Ms. Dolan pointed out that one cannot get on the property in question. Attorney Spadoni mentioned that an amendment may be something to consider.

President Donchez noted the matter can be referred to the Community Development Committee.
Chairman Schweder agreed to have the matter reviewed in Committee, and added he would also like to review the notification requirements for Zoning changes.

In response to Mr. Reynolds, Attorney Spadoni advised that the requirement stated in Resolution 15,083 is to notify property owners within 500 feet of the subject of the application. Mr. Reynolds asked how many property owners are within 500 feet of the property in question.

Attorney Joel Ziev, representing the applicant, explained that, because of the way the project is set up and the location of the restaurant, his office notified the three people within the project that own the land. The parties notified were the condominium association, the retail, and the gaming group. Attorney Ziev confirmed to Mr. Reynolds the parties notified were all associated with the casino because that was the case with this particular restaurant.

Mr. Schweder pointed out the requirement is to notify property owners within 500 feet for liquor license transfers, versus within 300 feet for Zoning Hearing Board notices.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Authorizing Agreement of Sale and Easement Agreement – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – West Third Street at Wyandotte Street

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution No. 2009-73 that authorized the execution of (1) an Agreement of Sale with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the purpose of granting and conveying approximately 2,634 square feet to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for right-of-way required along a portion of property of the City of Bethlehem located at the intersection of Third Street and Wyandotte Street, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and (2) an Easement Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the purpose of granting a temporary easement for construction purposes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation along a portion of property of the City of Bethlehem located at the intersection of Third Street and Wyandotte Street, in accordance with the terms of the Easement Agreement.

Mr. Schweder asked what is the purpose of the agreements.

Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, responded it is for an easement for intersection improvements as part of the Route 412 project. The intersections at Wyandotte Street and Third Street will be improved by moving the curb line a few feet on either side on Third Street, and an additional left turn lane will be added traveling from St. Luke’s Hospital onto the Hill to Hill Bridge and the lanes on Wyandotte Street need to be widened to accommodate this movement. Mr. Alkhal further informed Mr. Schweder that the improvements are not directly related to the new ramp for the Hill to Hill Bridge but are part of the same project. Mr. Alkhal confirmed to Mr. Schweder that the improvements are not part of the One Way Pairs project.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

C. Authorizing Records Destruction – Public Works

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No. 2009-74 that authorized the disposition of the public records from the Public Works Department as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on July 16, 1993 and Resolution 13,076.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

Motion – Considering Resolutions as a Group

Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Leeson moved to consider Resolutions 11 D through 11 G as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 409 East Fourth Street

Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-75 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to restore the façade at 409 East Fourth Street.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 1324 Prospect Avenue

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No. 2009-76 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install an 8” x 11” bronze historic plaque at 1324 Prospect Avenue.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 832 East Fourth Street

Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-77 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate the façade and install signage at 832 East Fourth Street.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 9 West Fourth Street

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No. 2009-78 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a sign at 9 West Fourth Street.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 D through 11 G: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolutions passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS

President Donchez welcomed the Boy Scouts in attendance from Troop 37.

President Donchez commended Mr. Alkhal for the quick response to the calls from State Representative Joe Brennan and from President Donchez regarding the traffic situation related to the scheduled painting project on the Hill to Hill Bridge and the timing of the traffic signals.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

School Crossing Guard; Security Cameras – Five Points

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, informed the assembly that the Bethlehem Area School District will be proceeding with further action regarding the school crossing guard at the blinking yellow light on the hill on Route 378. Referring to the pictures he distributed to the Members of Council concerning security cameras particularly in the Five Points area, Mr. Rodriquez advised he thought there was an obstruction from a tree limb but that is not the case. Mr. Rodriquez continued on to advise that the City Forester commented that the east bound side of Broadway had several trees that were an obstruction to the cameras from the Ahart’s food store location and Pete’s Hot Dog shop. Mr. Rodriquez observed that because of the angle of the security camera on northbound Route 378 at the Ale House building it blocks the view of the camera, and when the branches start to bloom there will be a problem. In addition, there are several posts and boxes in the way. On the eastbound side of Broadway the trees are in alignment with the visibility of the security camera. Mr. Rodriquez noted that the desk sergeant indicated there was an obstruction from tree branches. Mr. Rodriquez recommended that the camera be moved across the street on the opposite westbound side so there will be a better view and angle, and the negative activity will be able to be seen in all the areas of the Five Points whereas now it cannot. Mr. Rodriquez remarked the negative element knows what to expect and how to avoid the security camera that is presently in the wrong position. Mr. Rodriquez continued on to say a desk sergeant was unable to see Gaugler’s jewelry shop on Broadway from the camera at the top of the Wachovia Bank building.

Mr. Leeson stated he was at the intersection of Five Points and examined the angles of the security camera to which Mr. Rodriquez referred and he thinks Mr. Rodriquez is right in that moving the camera a few feet and having it realigned might provide a better view. Mr. Leeson asked if the matter can be checked into.

President Donchez asked Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, to review the request.

One Way Pairs; School Street – No Parking Sign

Terry Meixell, 56 E. Goepp Street, thanked Council for responding to his letters regarding the One Way Pairs at Five Points. Mr. Meixell said the letter he received today conflicts with the letter he received April 3. Mr. Meixell commented if there is a final plan he would like to review it, and commented the letter he received today stated there will not be bulb-outs at Wyandotte and Fourth Street, and there will not be a left hand turn from northbound Route 378 onto Broadway.

President Donchez notified Mr. Meixell that the information he received first was a history of the debate of the One Way Pairs project and the information he received today from Mr. Alkhal is an update since the debate.

Mr. Meixell advised that School Street is a very narrow street where there is a utility pole, a curb, and a no parking sign. Mr. Meixell informed the assembly that when a vehicle is parked legally he cannot get through with his vehicle. Mr. Meixell advised he has requested that the no parking sign be moved up at least 15 feet to resolve the issue, and to avoid the current situation when people have to go on his neighbor’s property to get around the vehicles parked legally.

President Donchez asked Mr. Alkhal to check into the matter.

Traffic - Hill to Hill Bridge Painting Project

Dean Bruch, 555 Spring Street, said on Wyandotte Street last week around 4:00 PM cars were backed up from Five Points to Packer Avenue.

President Donchez informed Mr. Bruch that is the situation he mentioned earlier regarding the traffic situation as a result of the Hill to Hill Bridge painting project and the timing of the traffic lights that Mr. Alkhal has already addressed.

CDBG Funding – Federal Stimulus Package

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, noted that as a result of the Federal stimulus package the City will be getting about $450,000 additional in CDBG funding. Mr. Grubb highlighted the fact that South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center has had a drastic reduction in its programs as a result of a reduction in United Way funding in light of the downturn in the national economy, and observed this will place strains on many existing organizations to meet the community’s needs. Mr. Grubb, noting that the City has traditionally funded bricks and mortar projects with CDBG funds, recommended that consideration be given to a one time allocation to an agreed-upon organization that is delivering a high level of human services so that people who need it can receive help.

Broughal School

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, stated that Council would have the power to revoke the demolition permit issued for Broughal School and go to court. Mr. Scheirer highlighted the fact that the City of Hazleton went to court regarding the demolition of Hazleton High School and won over the school district. Mr. Scheirer pointed out that Broughal School has architectural features not immediately visible such as wide window sills and particularly an auditorium that he said would be a wonderful place for the academy of performing arts and community center. He added according to experts the acoustics in the auditorium are better than at any other place in the Lehigh Valley. Mr. Scheirer noted it was learned last night that the School District does not have the money to demolish Broughal School and voted to borrow $11 million to demolish it as well as Northeast Middle School. Mr. Scheirer thought the addition to Broughal School built in the 1950’s did not need to be kept that would give more space for athletic fields.

Broughal School; Cell Phones

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, communicated that the Bethlehem Area School District would give the Broughal School building to Lehigh University for free and in turn Lehigh University would give the lower part of the other side of the street to the School District which would give them a field. This would allow Lehigh University to incorporate all the buildings on Packer Avenue, Brodhead Avenue, and Warren Square into the Broughal building. Mr. Antalics suggested that the City support this thought because it is a win-win.

Mr. Antalics said the public would appreciate that all Members of Council speak closer into the microphones so they can hear what is being said.

Mr. Antalics noted an individual went before Philadelphia City Council to ask that legislation be passed to prevent the use of cell phones while driving. She was driving her car and was incapacitated as a result of her use of a cell phone, and wished that no one else would suffer the same consequence. Mr. Antalics said Philadelphia is passing an Ordinance to preclude cell phone usage within the City. Mr. Antalics urged that the City initiate passage of an Ordinance to preclude cell phone usage while driving and let someone else say it is unconstitutional, rather than waiting for a serious incident to occur.

President Donchez stated he will ask the Council Solicitor to review the matter.

Traffic - Fourth Street; One Way Pairs

Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, stressed that the traffic on her street is unbelievable. Ms. Pongracz informed the assembly she has to wait 15-20 minutes to come out of her garage onto Fourth Street. Ms. Pongracz advised the intersection at the Wachovia Bank building is blocked on all four sides. Ms. Pongracz, continuing on to communicate that the One Way Pairing will not work, remarked that accidents will occur, lawsuits will result, there will be stress and strain on the Police Department, and it will be difficult for emergency vehicles. Ms. Pongracz stressed that motorists ignore the yellow pedestrian markings on the streets. Ms. Pongracz asserted the City is making it easy for people to drive through town rather than driving into town.

Traffic - Fourth Street; One Way Pairs; Broughal School; and Martin Tower

Louise Valeriano, 3114 East Boulevard, expressing her agreement with Bill Scheirer, Stephen Antalics, and Mary Pongracz, thought that the One Way Pairing traffic plan will be a disaster that will be regretted and will cost money to undo. Explaining the difficulty to get to St. Luke’s Hospital, Ms. Valeriano highlighted the fact that the present situation of closing Daly Avenue and diverting traffic from Hayes Street onto Fourth Street and to Route 378 causes traffic backups, and advised it is impossible to get through traffic to go west on Fourth Street. Informing the assembly that she attended the Bethlehem Area School Board meeting last evening, Ms. Valeriano stated she was chagrined to discover the School District is borrowing money to destroy Broughal School. Ms. Valeriano stated that Broughal School should be preserved for its historical aspect and the fact that it is a good, functioning school. She continued on to point out the schools are overcrowded now, and questioned why Broughal School cannot be used for another elementary school. Ms. Valeriano, also noting that the plan for Martin Tower was discussed at the School Board meeting, observed when the project is completed there will be 1,000-1,500 students living there and questioned where are they going to go to school. She thought it would be easier and cheaper to bus those students to Broughal School than to build more schools. Ms. Valeriano commented that the density of the Martin Tower project is too much. Ms. Valeriano urged Council to do everything they can to preserve Broughal School for community use or as a school and to reduce the density of the Martin Tower project.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.