Delaware County Daily Times - May 18, 2000 Article

NEWS FROM AROUND DELAWARE COUNTY

Delaware County Daily Times (Primos - Upper Darby, PA) - Thursday, May 18, 2000

Aston

Town leaders agree to resignation plan by local sewer authority

* The board of commissioners last night agreed to extend its deadline for taking over the Southwest Delaware County Municipal Authority until July 19 -- one day after two authority board members have agreed to resign.

Each month thereafter another board member will resign, said township solicitor Nick Emper, with the entire board of directors resigning by Oct. 18.

Emper said attorney A. Leo Sereni, special counsel who represents the authority board, has indicated the authority board of directors has agreed to abide by the action.

The commissioners last night unanimously appointed commission president James McGinn to immediately fill the vacant authority seat representing the township's 5th Ward, and commissioner Frank Murphy to immediately fill the vacant seat representing the 6th Ward.

"This is something I struggled with," Murphy said. "This board of commissioners is going to be held responsible, and in order to ensure a smooth transition I want to be on the front line to find what is going on."

The two commissioners are expected to serve on the authority board, without pay, for up to six months. Meanwhile, they will be seeking experienced people who can serve permanently.

"I believe what we need are individuals who want to be involved," said commissioner Bill Jones. "I hope we can find those who are not politically motivated and who want to serve the community."

-- TERRY PETERS

Chadds Ford

Search for Katelyn continues

* Investigators continued the search for missing toddler Katelyn Selena Rivera -Helton yesterday, concentrating on an area near Longwood Gardens, close to where she was last seen alive.

Delaware County District Attorney Patrick Meehan confirmed the search and called it routine.

"We've continued to do everything possible to find Katelyn Rivera since the day of her disappearance," Meehan said. "And we will continue to work different grids, especially in the Brandywine Valley because of its geographical proximity to where she was last seen."

Meehan said yesterday's search was not based on a tip or any new evidence.

Katelyn 's father, Robert Rivera , has been charged with her murder. According to the D.A.'s office, Rivera was last seen with Katelyn at approximately 7:17 p.m., Aug. 10, 1999, at the Sunoco gas station at the intersection of routes 1 and 100. A gas station attendant recently testified that Rivera returned to the Sunoco shortly after 9 p.m. without Katelyn .

-- TIM LOGUE

Yeadon

* A new ordinance that prohibits smoking in borough hall may put an end to the Yeadon Fire Company's 22-year tradition of Saturday bingo nights, and fire officials aren't happy about it.

A letter sent to the fire company yesterday by borough Manager Richard Schnaedter outlined 12 different terms and conditions of the use of the second-floor auditorium, including the prohibition of smoking and the borough's right to reserve the auditorium for five Saturday nights a year. Council is expected to pass the ordinance at tonight's council meeting.

"My major concern is council said they would bargain in good faith, and they are not bargaining in good faith when they come to me 24 hours before they are to vote on this," said Yeadon Fire Company President Mike DiIenno. "They are not giving me an option to negotiate."

-- BRIAN FREEMAN

Media

Borough debates brick ordinance

* If you've got brick sidewalks, you're supposed to keep brick sidewalks. That's the essence of a borough ordinance. But property owners with sidewalk repairs in store are appealing to council for relief from the law.

Council members have debated the issue almost every time it has been raised, as with a recent request by a Front Street law firm. Either uphold the ordinance or change it, said Councilwoman Gail Whitaker volleying with colleague Paul Robinson.

Borough engineering consultant F. Clark "Sande" Walton said there is an economic value to brick sidewalks. Communities with good sidewalks, shade trees and curbing add 10 percent to real estate values, according to some industry standards. Walton said the borough's sidewalk ordinance allows for changes in technology, meaning brick could be replaced with an appropriate alternative such as pavers simulating brick, formed concrete or other methodology with municipal approval.

Given the repeat attention the subject gets, council said it may take another look at the ordinance.

-- SUSAN L. SERBIN