PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Treasurer Kalnajs, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Hyne, Solicitor Kilkenny, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – None
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the April, 2018 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the invocation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – Charlie Hess, 26 N. Penn St. stated he attended the April 9th Committee meeting in which the Commuter Parking Ordinance was discussed and asked whether or not Council would be voting on the Ordinance later in the meeting. Manager Hegele stated that Solicitor Geiser is currently drafting the ordinance and that it will be ready for Council’s review once complete. Mr. Hess asked if there was a timeline for when Council will be voting on the Ordinance. Mayor Guenst stated that Council would most likely be voting to advertise the ordinance at the May Council meeting. Manager Hegele stated that some comments have been received from residents and Council since the Committee meeting and that these comments are being considered with the drafting of the ordinance. Mr. Hess
Reverend Josh Blakesly, the minister from Love In Action at 350 S. York Rd. stated that he has been the pastor of his foundation for over 6 years which has called Hatboro home for the last year. He stated that his congregation was excited to move into the Hatboro community because of how accepting it is and that the welcome diversity through their open and affirming practice. He stated that the Human Relations Ordinance would show that Hatboro is an open and accepting community to existing residents and those who are looking to move into Hatboro. He added that members of his congregation and a lot of residents are extremely excited about the possibility of this ordinance being enacted. Josh also announced that his congregation recently put Hatboro on the map and received coverage from CNN and MSNBC in an interview in which he expressed how wonderful and accepting Hatboro is.
Marianne Schaeffer, 101 Crooke Billet Rd, asked what the upgrades to the pool will be. Preisdent Bollendorf stated that these upgrades include a new pavilion, the installation of barbeque grills, lockers, and an extension of the existing fence.
John Teets, 420 S. York Rd. discussed the proposed Human Relations Ordinance. Mr. Teets stated that he is in opposition of the proposed ordinance because this ordinance can negatively affect sex education. He stated that neighboring municipalities and 98% of all of the municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania do not have these ordinances as they can create unintended consequences. He added that these consequences can include women’s sports, education, and contradicting the beliefs of individuals. Mr. Teets stated that he is against any law that is vague and unnecessary. Since there have been no complaints or problems in Hatboro, he stated that this ordinance is not needed. He encouraged Council not to pass the ordinance and that everyone in Hatboro is accepting and cooperative without it.
Leslie Jones, 207 Crooked Billet stated that she is fully in support of the proposed Human Relations Ordinance and that it is extremely overdo. She stated that she was upset with past Council when the ordinance was not passed previously. She stated that there are already 44 municipalities in Pennsylvania that have passed similar ordinances and that it is time that Hatboro does the same. Ms. Jones stated that Hatboro is not less tolerant than other municipalities that have enacted these ordinances and that any personal prejudices within the community should not prevent Council from enacting this ordinance in Hatboro. She stated that Hatboro should be known for inclusivity and acceptance rather than exclusivity and intolerance.
Mr. Teets stated that this ordinance could also cause legal problems within the Hatboro Horsham School District.
Tom Teller, 165 Spring Avenue, suggested that Council tables the Human Relations Ordinance so it can be reviewed by a qualified Human Rights Attorney in addition to the Borough Solicitor. He recommended that Council does not pass any ordinance that supersedes a higher law or Supreme Court ruling.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that she and members of Council attended the Hatters Hold Em Casino Night fundraiser for the Hatboro Horsham Educational Foundation. She stated that this was a great event which raised over $25,000.00 for the Educational Foundation.
Mayor Guenst stated that she, members of Council, and staff met with the Hatboro Storm Swim Team to develop for the swim team to have a successful season, not only in 2018, but for years to come.
Mayor Guenst stated that she attended a road dedication ceremony hosted by Representative Tom Murt and his staff. She stated that a section of Blair Mill Road was dedicated to Marine Corporal Michael Cook who lost his life in Desert Storm in 1991.
Mayor Guenst stated that the Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Events are taking place throughout the summer. She noted that these are fantastic events and that the events are extremely well organized. Mayor Guenst stated that these events are also listed on the Borough Website.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the next Zoning Hearing Board Meetings for the Wawa hearing will be taking place on Monday, April 30th and Wednesday, May 2nd at 7 PM in Borough Hall.
President Bollendorf reminded residents that the May Council meeting dates will differ from the regular second and fourth Monday schedule due to the Memorial Day holiday. He stated that the May Committee meeting will be taking place on Monday, May 7th and the May Council Meeting will be taking place on Monday, May 21st. Both meetings will take place at 7 PM in Borough Hall.
President Bollendorf addressed fellow members of Council. He stated that Council will be voting on matters that individual members may not agree on; however, they have made a lot of progress over the last four months in office and one disagreement should not halt that progress going forward. President Bollendorf stated that regardless of a disagreement, they all have the best intentions for Hatboro and its residents in mind.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs gave the Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Kalnajs stated that as of March 31, 2018, the total funds for Borough accounts was $4,014,064.60 with a year to date interest in the amount of $1,764.95 at a rate of .68%.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that his offices have been working with Manager Hegele on the Commuter Parking Ordinance, the Human Relations Ordinance, various right to know requests, and personnel matters.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Hyne stated that he met with the DEP regarding the mapping deficiencies for the Borough’s MS4 permit. He noted that they made a few revisions and that the Borough will have to submit a revised plan over the summer.
Engineer Hyne stated that he is getting estimates for costs to repair the sinkhole on N. York Road so that the sinkhole can be fixed as soon as possible.
Engineer Hyne stated that the 2017 CDBG project is under review by Montgomery County and that the project will be put out to bid upon approval from the County. He added that this project is expected to be underway by the summer.
Engineer Hyne stated he is also working with PennDOT to begin the improvements to the Jacksonville Road and Montgomery Avenue signal.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated the Borough Authority did not submit any minutes for Council’s review, so they will not have to vote on this matter during the meeting.
Manager Hegele stated that she will be touring the Memorial Pool snack stand with a prospective vendor. She noted that he has a lot of great ideas and is very eager to sun the stand this summer.
Manager Hegele announced that DVIT informed her that they will extend the Borough’s insurance coverage to cover the Hatboro Storm Swim Team so they will be able to hold their events at the pool this summer. Manager Hegele added that the swim team has submitted a number of event requests for review by Council and that Council can review these event requests later in the evening.
Manager Hegele stated that the Planning Commission will be meeting on May 1, 2018 to review the proposed Parking Overlay Ordinance.
Manager Hegele stated that the CDBG submission for improvements to stormwater management and Celano Park. She noted that the Borough’s Engineer wrote this grant.
Manager Hegele stated that she and Assistant Secretary DeRenzis applied for the DVRPC TCDI Grant for a park trail feasibility study.
Manager Hegele thanked Superintendent Sine for creating and the new sign for the Police Station and noted that the Borough will be getting a sign for Celano Park in the coming months.
Chief Gardner stated that the fiber optics for the York Road Traffic Signals have been restored to their normal working condition after being slightly disrupted during the Police Station Renovations in 2017. He noted that there are two signals still not working correctly, but that Superintendent Sine is working with the contractors to get the signals functioning correctly again.
Manager Hegele reminded those in attendance to vote for the Sweetest Bakery In America contest to help Hatboro’s own Lochel’s Bakery win a second year in a row.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that the Hatboro Police Department will be participating in the Buckle-Up PA Program between May 14th and June 3rd. He noted that the Department will receive reimbursement from additional patrolling during this program through a PennDOT grant.
Chief Gardner stated the department will be participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28th. He added that if residents cannot attend the event, the Department has a permanent collection bin in their lobby.
Chief Gardner stated that the he applied for the Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program that helps fund body armor purchases up to 50%. He stated the Department has a few vests that are due for replacement within the next few years and this program will help fund the purchase of replacements.
Chief Gardner stated that equipment for the dash and body camera systems has been arriving at the Police Station. He stated that he is currently performing policy training with the officers and that installation of the systems will take place in the middle of May. He added that the cameras should be functional by the end of May.
Chief Gardner stated the Department’s bikes have been serviced in preparation of the bike patrol reactivation. He noted that uniforms for the officers have been ordered and that the officers will attend training in June.
Chief Gardner stated he is continuing active assault training in the community. He reminded that anyone who is interested in receiving the free training can contact the police station.
Chief Gardner stated the Department is participating in 7-Eleven’s Operation Chill in which children will receive coupons for Slurpees if they are observed doing good deeds or practicing bike safety.
President Bollendorf asked if the Hatboro Storm could receive the active assault training. Chief Gardner stated yes, he can arrange training for their organization.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works tested a John Deere Tractor that is similar to the model being considered by Council later on the agenda. He noted that the department was extremely impressed with the tractor’s capabilities and that this purchase would be a great addition to Public Works’ aging fleet of lawnmowers.
Superintendent Sine stated that he recently renegotiated the contract that provides uniform rentals and cleaning for the Public Works Department. He stated that he has enrolled the Borough in the US Communities Program that will provide a 50% savings on the Borough’s Contract at no cost.
Superintendent Sine stated that the pool has been filled and is currently filtering. He stated that Public Works is currently performing other maintenance work in order to get the pool ready for opening day.
Superintendent Sine stated that he has started interviewing candidates for the open Public Works position. He noted that the department received about 80 resumes with 25 meeting the minimum qualifications. Superintendent Sine stated that he will be providing Manager Hegele with a list of 3 of his top choices.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated he met with Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, and office staff to make proactive changes to the department on April 3rd. He stated that these changes have only been in effect for 13 days, and yet he is already seeing a large increase in productivity. He stated that he is currently working toward resolving sidewalk violations along York Road as the weather becomes warmer.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that on April 16th, the Emergency Management team and Manager Hegele kept a close eye on the flooding issues that took place; however, there were no evacuations needed.
EPA PRESENTATION – Alex Mendel, Jose Redmen, Kelly Shady, and Collin Wade gave a presentation on the Raymark superfund site, specifically the subject of vapor intrusion.
Jose Redmen, project manager for the Raymayk Superfund site at 220 Jacksonville Road, stated that groundwater has carried contaminants from the site to other locations in the Borough over the years. Jose stated that the EPA has been studying the vapor intrusion in houses and schools in the area as well as installing and monitoring wells in the vicinity of the superfund site. He stated that the EPA has not found any levels of contaminants that are a concern or hazard to residents.
Kelly Shady stated that vapor intrusion gives chemicals the capability of entering buildings in the areas surrounding the superfund site. She noted that they have sampled less than 20 homes to collect samples. She noted that the samples taken from the homes did show trace levels of contaminants, but did not show any cause for concern. Kelly noted that there were a few homes that had high levels beneath the homes in which the EPA approved funding to install radon mitigation systems in these homes as a precaution.
Mayor Guenst asked if the levels have been consistent over the years, or if they are increasing. Kelly stated that the levels are decreasing in the groundwater over the years. Jose Redmen noted that the EPA has a treatment center at the Superfund Site which is making progress in reducing contaminants.
Kelly stated that the EPA will be performing more studies into the summer. She noted that they also performed air sampling and that none of these samples concluded an increase in levels.
Mayor Guenst stated that there were once water wells at the site that have since been sealed and are no longer used, so residents should not be concerned about their drinking water. Kelly agreed that the drinking water is safe and not a concern.
Mr. Teller stated that the Borough municipal water authority used to treat the water years ago and asked if the Superfund Site caused the wells to be closed. Jose stated that there were wells that were contaminated and in the past. Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough Authority sold the water system to AQUA and that the Borough has since operated on Public Water. Mr. Teller asked if the contaminated groundwater has any effect in the fish within the Pennypack Creek. Jose stated that there have been ecological studies performed and that there have been no effects on the fish thus far.
Resident, N. Penn St., stated that he has a well erected outside his home in the past and asked if the EPA will be sampling this well again. Jose stated that they have not sampled from this well since its installation but that they will most likely sample from it again. Resident asked if contaminants could affect septic tanks in the Borough. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that septic tanks are a separate issue and that if residents see seepage or sinking in their property, it could just be settlement of the ground or groundwater from flooding in the area. Councilwoman Anzinger noted that if residents are observing prevalent issues, they should have someone look at the cause of concern.
Nancy Barr, Wood St., recommends that residents allow the EPA to install wells on their property if they ask. She noted that it is a simple procedure and they were very cooperative.
Mr. Hess, N. Penn St., stated that this was the first time he was hearing of this issue and asked what the sample home selection process is. Jose stated that the EPA initially created a radius around the superfund site and selected 15 sample homes within that radius. Kelly stated that the EPA then saw elevated numbers on Bonair Ave. which caused them to move outward from that point. Mr. Hess stated that this issue is concerning to him and that the EPA should sample every home.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that residents are on municipal water, so the drinking water is safe and that vapor intrusion is the main interest of the EPA; however, air samples are still low.
Kelly noted that she does not want to concern residents because the levels are not a health concern at this point.
Alex Mendes stated that the EPA will continue to work with the Borough and perform community outreach for the issue. He noted that EPA personnel will have information on the Borough website and that the Library also has information on this issue.
Councilman Forgeng asked if there was a connection between the EPA’s work and the medical field. Kelly noted that they work with the CDC. Councilman Forgeng asked if this part of the County exhibits higher levels of contaminants. Kelly stated she was unsure because she is not an expert in that area.
Alex Mendes noted that the EPA also works closely alongside local and state health departments to talk about specific cancer clusters and that the EPA has a specific team with specialists in all fields.
LIBRARY PRESENTATION – Diane Wilkes, representative from the Library Board gave a presentation on how the Library benefits the community. She explained the library’s large amount of information, activities, and resources for the community. Ms. Wilkes noted that 80% of the active members of the Library are residents and that the library is able to host a lot of events despite the small staff and limited funds. She announced that if anyone would like to volunteer or help out, they are more than welcome to do so. Ms. Wilkes stated that residents are encouraged to provide input and comments to the Library to help them improve their programs and events. Ms. Wilkes stated that most Boroughs have a special tax for the Library in which they receive a millage from tax revenue. She noted that the Library deserves more funding in order to continue providing Hatboro with exemplary services and asked that Council considers the Library during the budgeting process.
Mayor Guenst thanked Ms. Wilkes for the wonderful presentation and noted that the proposed Library Tax must be voted on by residents. Mayor Guenst stated that the library was working on paperwork to get the referendum for tax millage on the ballot when she was on Council years ago and asked why it was not completed then. Diane Wilkes stated the Library was told there was no interest by previous Council. Councilman Hegele stated that he has been on Council for 6 years and never heard of anyone turning the Library down. Mayor Guenst stated she believes that the residents would be in support of this tax and encouraged the Library to work on the referendum paperwork.
Diane Wilkes asked that Council still considers the Library during budget time. President Bollendorf stated that Council will be beginning the budget process early and will consider the library.
Mr. Teller stated that the Library does a lot of good work and that he would support the referendum if he saw it on the ballot.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Treasurer’s Report, and the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of April 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MARCH 26, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the March 26, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APRIL 9, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the April 9, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motioned seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger. Councilman Hegele abstained because he was not at the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of March 2018 in the amount of $14,796.40. Motion seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
POLICE ACCREDITATION – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve Chief Gardner to move forward with the Hatboro Police Department Accreditation process. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF POOL UPGRADES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the purchase and installment of upgrades to the Memorial Pool including a 12ft by 20ft pavilion, two to three picnic tables, five grills, lockers, and fence improvements in the amount of $27,500. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton. A vote was cast with 6 ayes and one opposition from Councilwoman Benjamin. Motion carried 6-1.
Vice President Stockton asked if the Borough is accepting donations as a reimbursement for the grills. President Bollendorf stated yes, the Borough is taking donations for the grills and that one donation has already been received. President Bollendorf stated that the Borough would be receiving $2,500.00 back from the donations.
PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL PURCHASE – JOHN DEERE LAWN MOWER – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Public Works Capital Purchase of a John Deere Zero-Turn-Radius Lawn Mower in the amount of $10,083.68. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HUMAN RELATIONS ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the advertisement of the proposed Human Relations Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton.
Councilman Forgeng expressed that he has similar concerns as Mr. Teets who spoke earlier in the meeting, especially regarding the impact this ordinance would have on women’s sports. He added that the idea of perception of oneself could cause issues with restroom use and cause issues with the police. He stated that he respects everyone’s differing opinions; however, he does not agree with this ordinance.
Councilman Hegele stated that it is important for residents to take a look at the ordinance and review it before Council officially votes on the ordinance.
A vote was cast with 5 ayes. Councilman Forgeng and Councilman Rich were in opposition. Motion carried, 5-2.
2018 MEMORIAL POOL FEES – RESOLUTION 18-09 – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 18-09 for the 2018 Memorial Pool Fees. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PENNYPACK SCHOOL PRESENTATION BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT – Councilman Rich motioned to award the bid for the Pennypack School Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project to CMR Construction in the amount of $324,230.00. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton
President Bollendorf asked if this was the lowest responsible bidder. Engineer Walsh stated yes and that they were within project budget for both the DCEC grant and the matching funds provided by the Borough and the Hatboro Horsham School District. Engineer Walsh stated that this project is a 70-30 split with 70% of the funds coming from the DCEC grant and the remaining 30% is split between the Borough and the school district. He noted that the Borough is responsible for around $60,000 for the match.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
335 & 337 LANCASTER AVENUE SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUEST – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the sidewalk waiver request for 335 & 337 Lancaster Avenue in the amount of $10,000 as a fee in lieu of installing the sidewalks. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
STATION PARK LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE NO. 4 – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Station Park Line of Credit Release No. 4 in the amount of $333,577.50 for the completion of required site improvements at the development. Motion seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HATBORO STORM SWIM TEAM EVENT REQUESTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the Hatboro Storm Swim Team Event Requests for the 2018 Season. These requests included the swim team practices, a car wash, pasta party at the pool, an Italian food night, timed trials, picture day, and various swim meets. President Bollendorf noted that the pool will be open during the Swim Team’s Sunday night parties this year. Councilman Hegele asked if the Borough’s insurance carrier would cover the car wash. Manager Hegele stated that yes, DVIT agreed to cover the events. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
REVISED ROLLING ACRES ASSESSMENT APPEAL SETTLEMENT STIPULATION – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the revised Rolling Acres Assessment Appeal settlement stipulation for a refund of $4,863.56. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
NEW BUSINESS
BLANKET SOLICITOR FEE – 2018 HATBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FARMERS MARKET – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the blanket solicitor fee for the 2018 Hatboro Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market in the amount of $1,500.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
DVRPC TCDI GRANT – RESOLUTION 18-10 – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 18-10 for the submission of the DVRPC TCDI Grant. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger.
Vice President Stockton thanked office staff for their hard work and dedication while submitting all of the grants this year.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – Nancy Barr, Wood St. asked what the Borough’s laws regarding open burning are. Fire Marshal Myers stated that it is illegal to burn refuse within the Borough, but residents may have a small, contained, and controlled campfire. He noted that Ms. Barr should call 911 whenever she smells something burning or suspects a fire has become out of control.
Mr. Hall asked what the vote for the advertisement of the Human Relations Ordinance was. President Bollendorf stated the vote was 5-2 with Councilman Forgeng and Councilman Rich opposing the advertisement.
Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy, stated that she attended the Chamber of Commerce Spring Cleanup on April 21st; however, she was the only person that showed up for the event. She stated that she spent 4 hours picking up litter throughout the Borough. She noted that she cleaned up around Little’s, Bob John’s law offices, and the Bunny Trail, all of which had a decent amount of litter present. Ms. Nuss noted that the Bunny Trail was full of dead brush and trash. She stated she was disheartened that no one else attended the event and requested that the Borough issues reminders to residents to maintain their properties in an orderly fashion. She also suggested adding more promotion throughout the Borough for events to better inform residents. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he took note of the properties she mentioned and that he will contact SEPTA and Bob John about the Bunny Trail.
Mayor Guenst asked if the Borough has incorporated the Chamber of Commerce’s event calendar with its own on the website. Vice President Stockton stated that the Chamber of Commerce is a separate entity and that the Borough has been working to more actively promote their events on social media. Vice President Stockton added that the new Borough website will have a community calendar once it is live. He noted that the Borough’s current website has limitations due to the way it was constructed; however, once the new website is live the Borough will have more control over features like a community calendar.
Councilman Forgeng stated that there are things such as sidewalks, conditions of the storefronts, etc. that the Borough is not responsible for taking care of. Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough is not responsible for taking care of these issues; however, the Borough is responsible for enforcing the property maintenance code that regulates these issues.
President Bollendorf stated there was recently an issue in which someone was trying to take down a tree in front of 332 S. York Rd. Mayor Guenst stated she observed the unpermitted removal and contacted Borough Hall to have the work stopped. Manager Hegele stated that Secretary DeRenzis created a beautification flyer in conjunction with Main Street which she will walk along York Road to deliver them to businesses once the weather becomes warmer. Manager Hegele noted that the Borough does not advocate that residents walk along the railroad tracks to clean up and that she has a contact at SEPTA that she will talk to about the unsanitary conditions.
Mr. Teller stated that there is a wayfinding sign on Byberry Road that directs motorists to Borough Hall for the Police Station. Chief Gardner stated that he is aware and the signs will be changed.
Mr. Teller stated that his neighbors and Rolling Acres generate a lot of trash and put it in the Pennypack creek. Mr. Teller stated that he had a tree in his backyard that created a dam in the creek that he was forced to remove because neither the Borough nor Upper Moreland would remove it. President Bollendorf stated that the Borough will look into the issue and contact Upper Moreland. Mr. Teller asked if 4-wheelers were permitted in the creek. Chief Gardner stated they are illegal and that Mr. Teller should call 911 if he observes them.
Mayor Guenst stated that she was recently driving through the Station Park section of the SEPTA lot and could not locate the box where motorists must pay the dollar fee. Chief Gardner stated this coin-box is located at the train station. Mayor Guenst stated this is confusing and asked if the Borough could look into getting a box installed at the Station Park lot. Chief Gardner stated that there have recently been tractor trailers parked in the numbered spots in this lot due to a new business in Station Park. President Bollendorf stated the Borough will contact SEPTA to ask about the additional coin-box and inform them of the increase traffic flow that the commuter parking ordinance might cause. President Bollendorf stated if the commuter parking ordinance is passed, a leaflet campaign will be enacted to inform commuters of available parking lots, including the SEPTA lot at Station Park.
Mr. Hess stated that there are signs on Penn St. stating there are parking lots; however, no one listens. Chief Gardner stated the Borough can send a letter to SEPTA to tell them that the ordinance will cause increased traffic in SEPTA lots and that they should post clear signage.
ADJOURNMENT – The April 23, 2018 adjourned at 8:57 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis