PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwomen Shay, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Ide, and Board Member O’Neill were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Reichner and Councilwoman Jacobus were excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the April 24, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENT/OATH OF OFFCIE FOR NEW POLICE OFFICER – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Tristan Kimball to Police Officer of the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Chief Gardner and Mayor Schultz administered the Oath of Office to Tristan Kimball for the position of Police Officer at the Hatboro Police Department.
APPOINTMENT/OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW POLICE SERGEANT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Officer Aaron Simon to the rank of Sergeant for the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Chief Gardner and Mayor Schultz administered the Oath of Office to Officer Aaron Simon to promote to the rank of Sergeant at the Hatboro Police Department.
APPOINTMENT/OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW POLICE SERGEANT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Detective Conner Dilks to the rank of Sergeant for the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Chief Gardner and Mayor Schultz administered the Oath of Office to Detective Conner Dilks to promote to the rank of Sergeant at the Hatboro Police Department.
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 –
Keith Hibbs, 263 S. Chester Avenue, stated the events at Pennypack have been great but the traffic pattern as it was set up that cars can only go one way and they are going both ways and asked if Council could do something about the traffic pattern. Chief Gardner stated they can redo it.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated April was a very busy month with the Spring Egg Hunt, Women of Hatboro event with the Girl Scouts and women business owners, business owner’s mixer in which a good crowd attended, Earth Day and thanked everyone especially Kelly A’Harrah and the EAC.
Mayor Schultz stated there is a staff appreciation day at Pennypack tomorrow.
Mayor Schultz stated that there was a Ribbon Cutting to welcome Mr. Wish to Hatboro which is located at 133 S. York Road.
Mayor Schultz announced the May events.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that Earth Day was a great event and Bingo was a huge success. President Bollendorf stated Pool memberships are on sale at Borough Hall.
President Bollendorf asked everyone to be careful as there are more bikes and motorcycles out as the weather is getting nicer.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts at the end of March 2023 is $ 4,222,311.64 with interest earned in the amount of $ 3,700.77.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she worked on/is working on RTK Requests and routine matters with the Borough Manager.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated this past month she has been helping staff review various project eligibilities.
Engineer Goff stated that she is working with Borough staff to get the easement for the Meadowbrook flasher project.
Engineer Goff stated she is waiting for the review from the fund agency for the Lancaster and Windsor project.
Engineer Goff stated they addressed comments and resubmitted for the Miller Meadow project.
Engineer Goff stated she helped borough staff and the contractor close out documents for the Loller Academy project.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated just a reminder there is an event on May 3rd, Coffee with Manager and Council so you can come out and meet three members of Council to ask questions, discuss issues or just get updates on goings on in Borough.
Manager Hegele stated Pool Memberships are on sale at Borough Hall during business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Manager Hegele stated she is working with the Public Works Committee on a future presentation on Zero Waste Initiatives for residents and Penn State Extension Program offers guest speakers so stay tuned for more information.
Manager Hegele stated the DCNR Lawn to Meadow Presentation is via zoom this Wednesday 4/26 at 6 PM and information is on the website and Facebook on how to join the conversation. She stated there will be a 30-minute presentation followed by a 25-minute Q&A for participants and DCNR will be talking about their Lawn Conversion Program, the benefits of Lawn Conversion, maintenance of such projects and a display of photos of the process so residents can know what to expect. If you miss this, we will tape and share the presentation on our website.
Manager Hegele stated Wawa has provided the engineer with an updated construction schedule; they are waiting to confirm dates with PECO which is ultimately controlling when they can resume work at the site. PECO is expecting to start underground work next week depending on delivery of precast supplies and the availability of their contractor doing the work. They are hoping once that is done their GC can mobilize to start the HOP and storm water work and Wawa punch list items the week of May 8th.
Manager Hegele stated as far as road work, Hatboro is a mess with traffic due to many road projects not done by the Borough. PECO is doing new gas main installations on West Moreland Avenue, Broad Street, S. Chester & N. Warminster Road West Moreland is now, Broad Street is next week, S. Chester is May 1st and N. Warminster is beginning on 5/9. PECO has or will be distributing notices; the Borough is sharing everything we receive as well. PECO has also been out on Jacksonville Road doing electric upgrades last week and again today. While I am beginning to think no one at PennDOT or PECO likes us, there is nothing we can do about these projects. They are much needed infrastructure work. I find many complaints when they are inconvenienced and again when their power is out or there is an issue with gas complaints again. It is needed and there is nothing we can do. Utility work is not governed by the Borough, they do not ask us, they tell us when they are doing it.
Manager Hegele stated another issue we are getting calls about is the Warminster Road project and there has been work occurring there. PECO has had work to do before the bridge contractor can begin. Overhead lines had to be moved, the gas main had to be capped, all of this could not happen while the road was open. We have heard many complaints about traffic. The detour is posted. Honestly the issue is the motorists are not obeying the signs and are ignoring the detour signs, believing that PennDOT just hung the signs to inconvenience them, and the road is actually open. They then get stuck and instead of turning around they either are familiar with the area and use the roads known to them or use waze which puts them onto Borough roads, which are public roads. I can tell you we tried to correct waze and google maps once and by the time the correction took effect the road was reopened.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Deputy Chief Ruegg stated the PD has completed over 30 hours of aggressive driving details and a fair number of citations were written up. He also stated that they do not have any more details coming up but will continue to focus ion the areas where most of the citations were issued.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated the pool is progressing well and PW is on target for opening on Community Day.
Manager Hegele stated grass is growing and that means lots of mowing and PW crew are out weekly in Parks.
Manager Hegele stated Yard Waste is picking up which means additional staffing is needed for collection days so don’t forget you can put out yard waste in biodegradable bags twice a week on your collection days. Yard Waste is either first on the cycle of collections or if staffing does not permit, it is done after trash and recycling. This time of the year it is good practice to put your trash, recycling, and yard waste out the night before your collection to ensure you do not miss collection. Another reminder if you do not see a truck at the time used to over the winter, do not worry this is the time of the year when trash gets heavier and there is more for the guys to pick up. If you still have stuff curbside after 12:00 and before 3 PM please give us a call.
Manager Hegele said Thank you to PW for the continuing support of all the events, they have been very busy with set up and take down for various events the past month and will be doing it again the month of May. This is in addition to mowing, trash collection, street maintenance, vehicle maintenance, and all the other duties I give them, they do a great job.
Manager Hegele stated we are looking for seasonal help so if you know any college kids or High School kids over 18 looking for a summer job, they can apply on our careers page for a summer job at PW.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Manger Hegele stated last week we had a business mixer for the business owners who had a chance to meet each other as well as tour the Pennypack Facility and the Downtown Development team talked about the facility, proposed developments on York Road, parking, and the Hatboro App. We also shared information with them from the Monto PA Commerce Department and Senator Collett’s office. It was a nice turn out and we are planning on having them more often and we thanked them for all they do for our community. She also stated that regarding the T Mobile Grant, we are still waiting to hear from the vendor for the delivery of the planters, benches, and seating and unfortunately, I am at his mercy right now. This is happening but I am just not sure when exactly but will keep everyone posted regarding that as well as plans for the dedication of the new upgraded community space.
Manager Hegele stated we attended the ribbon cutting with the Chamber and some of our team last Thursday for their soft opening. They had their Grand Opening on Saturday, and it was great to see how busy it was! The business owner Tan is very excited to be in Hatboro and wants to be a part of our events as well as everything Hatboro, so we welcome Mr. Wish and thank them for making Hatboro their home! She also stated that Bindy had a fabulous day on Saturday meeting all the vendors and residents and thanks the EAC and Kelly A’Harrah for organizing the event as a great day was had by all!
FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated the Fire Marshal handled several property maintenance issues and just a reminder that grass needs to be cut.
Manager Hegele stated just a reminder to property owners along York Road, while the PW department spruces up once a week, Property owners need to clean up tree boxes of weeds as well as mow grass out front of businesses and pick up trash.
Manager Hegele stated that the weather is nice, there has not been a lot of rain, therefore the ground is dry and there has been an increase in calls for mulch fires. If you smoke, please make sure cigarettes are out around mulch and this goes for open flames when grilling, use common sense.
Manager Hegele stated tomorrow the FM office is going to 6 ABC to pick up free smoke detectors, we will have these for anyone who may need one.
FIRE COMPANY – President Ide stated the Fire Company had 20 calls for the month of March 2023.
President Ide stated the Fire Company attended the Earth Day event.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board Member O’Neill stated full size library cards will be coming soon.
Board Member O’Neill stated alarm codes have been changed and restricted key holders have their own personal code.
Board Member O’Neill stated the annual book sale will be held Saturday May 13 from 9-2.
Board Member O’Neill stated that the library will participate in the Earth Day and History events at Pennypack.
Board Member O’Neill stated the Life Screening Program is on May 16th from 10-2.
Board Member O’Neill stated the Sherlock Homes Historic House Detective event May 17th beginning at 6:30 P.M if you want to learn how to date an old house.
Board Member O’Neill stated they are working on a date to begin Triple L Friday (Lunch on Library Lawn)
Board Member O’Neill stated they are working on starting a seed library and would appreciate donations of seeds to get started.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Public works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and transfers for the month of April 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes, Motion carried 5-0.
MARCH 27, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the March 27, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
APRIL 10, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the April 10, 2023, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay and President Bollendorf abstained as he was not present for the meeting due to illness. Motion carried 4-0 with 1 abstention.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of March 2023 in the amount of $ 17,769.16. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
KAT HALL WIFFLE BALL EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the kat Hall Wiffle Ball Event Request taking place on September 3, 2023, at the little league Complex. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PRPS TICKET SALES PROGRAM – Councilman Myers made a motion to participate in the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society Ticket Sales program. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Moton carried 5-0.
MONTCO 2040 GRANT APPLICATION RESOLUTION – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-30, memorializing the application to the Montco 2040 Grant Program for a bridge project between Cressbrook and Miller Meadow. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
JUNIOR COUNCILPERSON PROGRAM – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-31, authorizing the participation in the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Junior Councilperson Program. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF BOROUGHS VOTING DELEGATE DESIGNATION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Borough Manager Diane Hegele as the voting primary voting delegate for the 2023 Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Conference. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
BOROUGH HALL ELECTRICAL CONTRACT – FINAL PAYMENT – Vice president Stockton made a motion to approve the final payment for the Borough Hall Electrical Contract to MJF Electrical Contracting Inc. in the amount of $ 2,994.30. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL CONTRACT – FINAL PAYMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the final payment for the Borough Hall Mechanical Contract to Guy M. Cooper Inc. in the amount of $ 26,402.64. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPRESSION CONTRACT – FINAL PAYMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the final payment for the Borough Hall Fire Suppression Contract to Guy M. Cooper Inc. in the amount of $ 7,218.18. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
WAWA LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE #3 – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Line of Credit release #3 for the Wawa Project in the amount of $ 247,362.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PITNEY BOWES POSTAGE METER CONTRACT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the updated Postage Meter Lease with Pitney Bowes for a term of 60 months. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure list for the month of April 2023 in the amount of $ 16,864.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION GRANT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to apply to the Watershed Restoration and Protection Grant for the Phase II Streambank at Eaton Park project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
Kelly A’Harrah,145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked if all aspects of the projects could be looked at, if they weren’t, before making their decision.
Gary Hentschel,138 Spring Avenue, asked if there was more information available regarding these projects. President Bollendorf stated that Phase I was from 3 or 4 years ago but unfortunately most of it was washed away. Vice President Stockton stated that there are projects listed on our website with charts, so it is easier to understand.
Mayor Schulz asked if trees would be planted and Engineer Goff stated the project would include stabilization, restoration, and will include a riparian buffer which we would need to get credit for our MS4.
GREENWAY TRAILS AND RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT – No motion was made.
Vice President Stockton stated that he is not in favor of this grant as it is a lot of money. He stated the project needs to get done but it is too many projects with a lot of the borough would have to put out for the match.
FLOOD MITIGATION PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to apply to the Flood Mitigation Protection Program Grant for the analysis of the Pennypack property. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Cindy Giovinazzo, 33 Abbotts Lane, in regard to the 3 projected land development projects, she asked how old the sewer system is and wanted to know if it will be able to handle it. President Bollendorf stated that all projects have to be approved by the UMHJSA as the developers will have to pay to tap and Manager Hegele stated they have to prove they got their EDU’s or they will not get a building permit issued from the Borough and she was encouraged to attend their meetings.
David Rodgers, 68 Williams Lane, property owner 100 Earl Lane, stated that they noticed the refuse fees have greatly increased. Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough has done many studies and trash collection continues to get more expensive. He also stated that rental properties are treated like businesses and therefore they have a separate fee. He also stated that Council will be looking at the trash fees more closely again during budget season in the fall. Manager Hegele stated that the ordinance was enacted in the early 2000’s and currently staff is tasking a look at the ordinance and will come to Council with recommendations in the summer.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she loves having trash collection twice a week but understands if we would have to go to one day due to costs and reminded everyone that there are a lot of things others want in the Borough and due to circumstances do not get and just because everyone wants twice a week does not mean they will get it especially if it is not cost effective.
Tatyana Luczaj, 419 N. York Road, asked for a recommendation for a zoning attorney. Solicitor Geiser stated she can check the Montgomery County bar Association.
Gary Hentschel,138 Spring Avenue, stated that the traffic isn’t that bad due to the Warminster Road Bridge project and thinks it’s working well from what he has seen.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the April 24, 2023, Council Meeting at 8:18 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf