PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilman A’Harrah, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwomen Shay, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Fire Marshal Valesky, Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Brown, SARS Assistant Chief Davidson, Treasurer Smith, and Library representative Johson were present.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the April 22, 2024, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Ruegg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf read the Public Comment policy on the back of the agenda regarding addressing Council and time allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – There was no public comment.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Brown stated for the month of March the fire company responded to 13 calls 6 of which were in the Borough. He also stated they had 3 weekly drills, 1 body meeting, and 3 overnight duty crews.
President Brown stated personnel totals are 116 firefighters for an average of 9 per call and this month they handled elevator rescues, brush fires, assisted EMS with Patient packaging and extrication carbon monoxide alarms, and 1 rescue of a cat in a tree along with assisting neighboring fore departments.
President Brown stated March showed numbers for drills and fire calls remain constant and consistent and with the nice weather be on the lookout for members training and doing various drill throughout the Borough.
President Brown stated after March’s meeting he is pleased to announce that they ran out of yard signs and ordered more.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated today is Earth Day and thanked Kelly and the EAC for another great event.
Mayor Schultz stated there will be a Pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Fire Company at the Masonic Lodge and to look for flyers advertising.
Mayor Schultz stated he and Chief Ruegg had their first coffee chat at The Hatboro Dish and will have another one on May 3rd at 8:00 A.M.
Mayor Schultz stated Crooked Billet Day is Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Mayor Schultz stated Cruise nights will begin next month on the third Friday.
•EAC CONTEST WINNER PRESENTATION – Kelly A’Harrah and Robin Laufer presented prizes to the 3 winners of the EAC art contest for Earth Day.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
•PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked Kelly A’Harrah and the EAC for a great well attended Earth Day event.
President Bollendorf stated tomorrow is the primary so please go vote.
President Bollendorf stated he met with Victorian Village last week for their quarterly meeting and have been meeting with the various HOA’s.
President Bollendorf stated pool memberships are now on sale.
•TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending March 2024 is $ 2,024,101.16 with interest earned in the amount of $ 3,061.63.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on Land Developments and routine matters with the Borough Manager and staff.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she submitted the Community Facility Grant for Pennypack improvements in the amount of $ 2,000,000.00. (no match grant)
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated PC Commission Met and made a recommendation to send the Land Development application for 100 Meadowbrook to Council for approval. They also issued a resolution in favor of Aqua’s application to Pennvest for funding for phase 1 water main replacement project that includes County Line Road in Hatboro.
ZHB met and issued a favorable decision for a waiver for a new business at 318 Springdale Avenue, Reale Ponds. The conditions on the approval include a buffer for neighbors on Tanner and Jefferson as well as a promise to keep the property in a clean condition. Next steps are they need to go to settlement and then go through the U&O, Fire Marshal inspection process as well as meet the DDD.
Working with ZHB, Solicitor, other party, and staff to schedule the Hearing on the Souslin Matter, the Souslin’s appeal the ZHB decision, and the matter was remanded back to the ZHB for further testimony, hoping to have this hearing in July.
Preparing for the hearing in May for the appeal to my decision regarding Station Park and the use of the parking lot for a business, commercial truck storage as well as a CDL school. Notices were sent to adjoining property owners as per the zoning code. The hearing is on the second Wednesday in May at 7 PM in this room.
Shade Tree Commission met, however since Mr. A’Harrah is no longer involved, I do not have an update to share as the commission did not send anything over as requested.
Met with a second firm to discuss removal of mug wort in Miller Meadow. They were able to visit the site and now PW can mow the area, it is not looking that great right now and she received the proposal today and is happy to report we can now place this on the May Agenda for council to discuss and consider.
Thank you to Kelly A’Harrah, Vickie Giovinazzo, Public Works, and the staff from Arbutus Bio of Warminster for doing their corporate earth day volunteer project at PP. They tended to the community garden preparing for planting as well as mulching trees.
West Moreland Bridge Update. Nothing to report, no updates received, just a letter reminding the Borough about the weight limit, it is posted correctly and asking to complete a permit should our vehicles weigh more than the posted limit, i.e. Fire Trucks. The letter and permit request were sent to Public Works, Enterprise Fire Company as well as HHSD.
Just a reminder there are several events this week at Pennypack. Tomorrow is primary election day, Wednesday is the Zoning Subcommittee Walk Around Hatboro zoning open house, come out and give us your input on zoning in the Borough. Thursday the Montgomery County Borough’s Association is hosting a dinner at the facility for local Boroughs. Hatboro is co-hosting with Jenkintown, Rockledge, and Bryn Athyn. This is not a public event, just putting it out for neighbors when they see activity at the facility and that Saturday is the Crooked Billet History Fair.
In closing, thank you to the Hatboro Patch for posting a story about the new pool slide, because of the story the Borough received several emails and calls from persons who thought they could get the slide much cheaper than the quote we discussed at the last meeting. Many experts in this field who have reached out feel that the slide cost of $153,000 is too expensive. We appreciate the tips to find a cheaper slide, and no one works more at finding the best cost alternatives for council than the staff, we strive to spend taxpayer money as efficiently as possible. The issue is the pool is a commercial aquatic facility that requires commercial grade equipment to function. Our insurance to operate a pool is expensive, unlike residential slides and water features, commercial pool slides are built to withstand heavier usage, weather conditions of all kinds, higher water volumes, and other factors. Unfortunately, heavier duty equipment comes at a higher more expensive price. Over the past 5 years the Borough has done extensive research on multiple slide options ranging between $90,000 to $200,000, each of these slides differed in size, height, flume length and durability. When reviewing the slide options staff needed to consider compatibility with plumbing available for water features, our pool only has several features that can be installed at the pool prior to reaching capacity, this includes the slide, mushroom, and Kidde slide. We needed to look at the size of the structure and the flume, we need a slide that fits within the current existing concrete footprint of the pool deck. Any slides that are too large for the pool deck would require relocation of the fence, additional concrete installation, and encroachment of the nearby creek, all of which come with their challenges and additional costs that are both budgeted.
Thanks to the many emails and callers we were referred to a vendor, Willygoat, which offers commercial pool equipment for very low prices. The staff did take the time to research this equipment at the request of many and unfortunately, I am sorry to report that it comes with its downfalls. Slides do not have a staircase and use a platform based climbing system, for safety purposes the Borough is looking for a slide that has steps to ascend and descend from the slide platform, this helps regulate lines for the slide, prevents injury when climbing and is easier to send someone back down should they not be old enough to use the slide, cannot swim or just afraid once up there. The slides offered have a specific shape and size and would need to be altered to fit our current footprint and space and finally the costs on the website do not include freight and shipping.
The Borough does not take this purchase lightly, the new slide is not made of gold, and we have been researching replacement slides now for almost 5 years to determine the best option and fit for layout and needs for the facility.
STAFF REPORTS –
•POLICE – Chief Ruegg stated they started to work with the vendor to implement the crime watch website which is customizable, and they welcome any ideas.
Chief Ruegg stated the next coffee talk date is May 3rd at the Dish.
Chief Ruegg stated the Hatboro PD will be participating in a drug takeback on April 27, 2024, from 10:00 A.M until 2:00 P.M.
Chief Ruegg stated the overtime reimbursement check came for the January aggressive driving program.
Chief Ruegg stated that several officers completed training regarding testimony in court and was a free class for Courtroom testimony practice.
•TAX COLLECTIONS – Manager Hegele stated the total amount outstanding at the end of March 2024 was $ 3,557,703.00 and the outstanding amount as of today is $ 675,216.00 which is due by June 30, 2024.
•PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated that they Assisted Engineer with site visit to Pennypack for Grant Application and set up and clean up from various events last week and this week.
Manager Hegele stated they participated in the Earth Day event, with recycling truck, gator, and sweeper.
Manager Hegele stated they have been working at the pool and preparing for Community Day on 5/18 and ordered some new pool furniture.
Manager Hegele stated they have been street sweeping weekly on York Road as well as Borough roads.
Manager Hegele stated Foreman Young has been working with herself and Engineer Goff on Road Paving recommendations for your consideration at the May meeting.
Manager Hegele stated she is still working on verification for placement of new slide, assisted staff with review of another vendor.
Please be reminded that trash collection slows down this time of the year and we will still be there just not as early as residents may be used to during the winter. Nicer weather means more trash curbside as well as yard waste due to spring clean outs.
Thank you to Councilwoman Shay and Councilman A’Harrah for visiting PW today, getting a tour and meeting the staff while discussing the operation of the department, and a tour of the facility.
•DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – DDD Bollendorf stated she continues to update business owners on events, projects, land development, as well as reminders for property maintenance, fire marshal inspections/emergency contact forms, BPT anything else that may come up. She also stated that she has been collecting and processing BPT which ends April 30th before a penalty is assessed and we have collected a little over half and so far, what I have received shows that our businesses are thriving so please continue to shop locally as much as possible.
DDD Bollendorf stated to be on the lookout for upcoming grand openings- Ross & Co. – 58 S. York, Sweet Baby’s Tea Room – 109 N. York and Siempre Bella Boutique/Global Services – 20 E. Montgomery Avenue A & BDDD Bollendorf stated that on Community Day she will have a table with business information, swag bags and a couple contests so make sure you stop at the DD table after you purchase your pool membership.
•FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated for the month of March: Property Maintenance Breakdown:12 Work w/o permit complaints, 0 Unregistered rental complaints, 1 Unregistered business complaints, 7 Grass/tree/overgrowth complaint, 6 Safety/Fire complaints (water leak, sinkhole, address), 2 Misc. Complaints (parking issues, low hanging wires, street issue), Residents are reminded that permits are required for various different amounts of work and if you aren’t sure if you need a permit, please call or stop down to the office to check.
March fire calls included: One investigation for a deck fire. I also responded to a special service, a building investigation, and an outside gas leak. Fire Marshal Valesky stated April recap: I attended Montgomery County Eastern Group Emergency Management meeting and the Bucks County Fire Marshal Association meeting, in addition to meeting with the Red Cross. The Borough is pleased to work with the Red Cross to offer free smoke alarm installations and any resident needing detectors should reach out to the office. A post will be made on the Fire Marshal Facebook page and included in a future newsletter.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated, just as an FYI, the Borough offers a special needs/special assistance registry. Anyone can register any special notes, such as usage of oxygen, difficulty getting around, etc. The information is kept confidential but is to assist first responders in the event of an emergency.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated spring cleaning is here and now is a great time while cleaning to check a few things. First, make sure all extension cords are in good working order. About 2,000 fires a year are caused by damaged extension cords. Second, make sure you have a clear path to all doors and windows. And third, spring is a great time to clean your lint traps on your dryers.
Residents are reminded that my contact information is listed on our webpage, or you can call down to Borough Hall to get my email and phone number if anyone has any questions, issues, or concerns.
•SECOND ALARMERS – Assistant Chief Davidson gave his quarterly report which included preliminary call data, administration report, staffing report for January through March, average total of call times and volume by day of week for calls in Hatboro.
Assistant Chief Davidson stated that SARS annual skills review sessions were held on 3/23, 3/27, and 3/28 and all providers reviewed several existing skills and treatment methods as well as received training on a new medication they will be carrying for use treating patients with agitated mental status.
Assistant Chief Davidson stated all field providers completed HIPAA refresher training using a course created by Page Wolfberg and Wirth.
Assistant Chief Davidson stated all ALS providers completed and in service on a new medication, Droperidol, that SARS will be carrying which is a sedative used as an anti-psychotic.
Assistant Chief Davidson stated EMS week is May 19th until the 25th and will have information out soon regarding activities scheduled for that week.
•UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Johnson stated the library has 47 new card members since March 1st.
Borough Representative Johnson stated since March 1st they have ordered and received 188 new books.
Borough Representative Johnson stated they held 40 programs since 2/20 and 2700 books, DVDs, etcetera have been checked out since March 1st.
Borough Representative Johnson stated their second quarterly newsletter was published.
Borough Representative Johnson stated the teen council sponsored their first annual Beauty and the Beast Tea Party and was such a huge success, so they had to add an additional seating, and both were sold out.
Borough Representative Johnson stated they are still looking for businesses or individuals who may want to sponsor one or all their triple L concert series this summer.
Borough Representative Johnson announced their upcoming events.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilman A’Harrah made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, Treasurer’s Reports, EAC Minutes, and Shade Tree Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of April 2024. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MARCH 25, 2024, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the March 25, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APRIL 8, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman A’Harrah made a motion to approve the April 8, 2024, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobis, all ayes. Morion carried 7-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of February 2024 in the amount of $ 13,151.27. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of March 2024 in the amount of $58,466.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ONLINE BILL PAYMENT RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-25, authorizing staff to make online payments for bills. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PAYMENT #3 – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Payment #3 for the Pedestrian Improvement Project to Marino Corporation in the amount of $ 56,975.28. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
SECOND ALARMERS PAYMENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the payment request submitted by Second Alarmers in the amount of $ 6,458.20. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FREEDOM STEPS BANNER REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Freedom Steps banner hanging request. Motion was seconded by Councilman A’Harrah. President Bollendorf asked if the Borhg received all documentation including insurance. Solicitor Geiser stated it was brought to her attention that the hardware fir the banners are attached to private properties and there is no agreement so the insurance company is concerned as there is a safety issue and would like to see an agreement regarding hanging the banners and she agrees with what our insurance company recommends therefore there should be an agreement between the Chamber and the two property owners the hardware is mounted to before we continue to hang banners and make sure the Borough is covered and they also want to make sure the hardware is inspected and want to make sure we are I compliance with PennDOT. Solicitor Geiser stated she has not seen any documentation for anything requested by the insurance company. 7-0, All nays, motion failed.
RESOLUTION TO SELL 420 S. YORK ROAD CONDO C-F – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approved Resolution 2024-26, authorizing the acceptance of bids for the sale of Borough Property located at 420 S. York Road, Condo C-F. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESIGNATION OF TODD A’HARRAH FROM THE SHADE TREE COMMISSION – Councilman Myers made a motion to accept Todd A ‘Harrah’s resignation from the Shade Tree Commission. Motion was seconded by Councilman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
RESIGNATION OF TODD A’HARRAH FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to accept Todd A ‘Harrah’s resignation from the Environmental Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
SHADE TREE APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Kyle Stolarik to the Shade Tree Commission for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman A’Harrah, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST: Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of April 2024 in the amount of $ 23,620.00. Moton was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Mark Hanisco, 120 Summit Avenue, stated that there is a business whose alarm often goes off early in the morning and asked if we could speak to the business owner about it.
Maryann Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, asked if there was a match for the grant for Pennypack and President Bollendorf stated there is no match for that grant. Mrs. Reymer thanked Manager Hegele for her help when she fell.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the April 22,2024 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the April 22, 2024, Council Meeting at 8:03 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary