PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilman Hendrickson, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Myers, Councilman Hoover, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer MacNair, Fire Marshal Valesky, EFC President Croak, EFC Chief Hauser, SARS Chief Davidson, Treasurer Smith, and Library Borough Representative Kennedy were present.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the April 28, 2025, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.

MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR ROY “BUTCH” THOMAS – Mayor Schultz asked for a moment of silence in memory of Butch Thomas.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Ruegg led the Pledge of Allegiance.

OAKDALE AUTO BODY RECOGNITION – Councilman Hoover recognized Oakdale Auto Body and congratulated owner Bill Penrose on his retirement after operating his business in the Borough of Hatboro for 65 years.

BIRD TOWN PRESENTATION – Heidi Shriver congratulated the Borough on becoming a Bird Town and gave a presentation.

VALLEY FORGE TOURISM PRESENTATION – Valley Forge Tourism gave a presentation on what they offer and memberships.

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.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated it is national volunteer week and he thanked all our volunteers, thanked Borough Council as we have watched the Borough grow especially in population, held a lot of town halls for resident and business owner feedback. He also the 1st of 9 First Fridays is this week, there are a lot of senior programs on Wednesdays, EAC had their 3rd Earth Day event which went well, and state eh looking forward to the upcoming summer events.

OFFICER’S REPORTS –
•PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked the Mayor and all the businesses in town for the first 1st Friday, asked everyone to watch bicycles, motorcycles and kids playing now that the weather is getting warmer, just signed the Police Contract and is happy to announce both the PD and PW contracts have been settled, announced there is no meeting next week and will have a combined one on May 19th due to lack of agenda items for next Monday, and wished all a Happy Mother’s Day. President Bollendorf announced an executive session was held from 6:30 until 6:45 regarding a legal issue.

•TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated that the balance in all accounts for the period ending March 31, 2025, is $ 2,030,694.14 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,180.71.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that it was a quiet month and handled routine questions/business for Borough staff.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer MacNair stated G&A is reviewing submittals for conformance with the approved plans as site work proceeds at 21-23 & 37 N York Road, continuing to observe site construction at Milliner Lofts, issued a review on 2/13/25 for 206 Wood Street and is awaiting a revised submission, held a pre con meeting for crosswalks and curb ramps at 237 Jacksonville Road, provided recommendations to the Borough for meeting the DEP MS4 permit requirements and provided comments to the Dep on the draft MS4 permit documents published for the next permitting cycle, reviewing the Boroughs current road opening ordinance, and provided recommendations for two storm water issues such as the Corinthian Avenue ROW and 501 S. York Road.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated Continue to work with staff, engineer, and council on the ADA playground project for Memorial Park. We will be sharing a concept plan with the public at the May meeting. The Town Hall to discuss parking has been scheduled for May 13th at 7:00 PM at Pennypack Community Center. This town hall is for residents only who want to discuss on street parking. Working with committee and restaurants on an exciting event in October. Stay tuned for more information in May. The committee has their first planning meeting in two weeks. Sent out notification to various agencies as well as posts regarding the Hungry Hideaway on Williams Lane is back this Friday. Williams Lane will be closed from Friday afternoon through Monday morning for outside dining this weekend. Septa have notified the Borough of upcoming work on the Warminster Line from May 2 to May 18th. The link to find out more information is posted on our website, social media as well as Septa sites. The work involves platform construction at the Glenside station and waterproofing of the bridge over Easton Road. If you use the train you are encouraged to check schedules during this time frame. Linked Souls Paranormal Research along with Councilman Myers and Councilwoman Hendrickson have been having fun doing paranormal studies of Borough Hall and last night at Pennypack. They are doing studies with smaller groups and hope to present publicly results in the coming weeks. They have a few more places they want to study. Last week was National Volunteer Week. Thank you for all our amazing volunteers who give so much time back to make the Borough of Hatboro a great place to live, work and visit. Not sure we could get so much done in Hatboro without all these volunteers. Happy to see there is a week to recognize some who give much more back than just a few days a month. Community Day is fast approaching, Saturday, May 17th from Noon to 4 PM at the pool, the community can join the pool, swim, and have fun. There will be many community groups in attendance. If you are a community group and you want to participate, please reach out to Borough Hall to sign up. Senior Activities, reminder every Wednesday there is a different event at Pennypack for our active adults, this week President Bollendorf will be teaching a class on senior scams. To find out more information about events, like the Hatboro events page. Since the May committee meeting is cancelled, this is just a reminder the PC meets on Tuesday, May 13th at 7PM, there is no ZHB hearing this month. Council will hold a combined meeting on Monday May 19th at 7 P.M. This week is a busy week, Crooked Billet Day is this Thursday (this is my favorite event), First Friday and Party in the Park at Pennypack so there’s going to be a few fun days in the Borough.

STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Ruegg stated the PD was recognized as lifetime sponsors for the Hatboro Little League and that the PD outs out of their own pocket to sponsor a team every year, they have been preparing for all of the upcoming events, and Officer McMahon attended school for supervisor experience.

TAX COLLECTIONS – The Tax Collector’s report was electronically submitted.

PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated the pool is almost full and PW staff have been working hard at getting the pool ready for the 2025 season but we Need a few warmer days, the water is cold.PW is working with various community groups, tree tenders mulching trees, community garden at Pennypack getting raised planters prepared and soil for planting as well as new fencing, we are going to retire the snow fence this year. They are also working with the Gardeners of Crooked Billet on getting soil for planting at the Ryan Allen Memorial Garden. Sadly, we said goodbye on Friday to one of our co-workers, retired PW Superintendent Butch Thomas. Pastor Sutton gave his eulogy on Friday at his service and summed up a life well lived, a great friend, co-worker and someone who never asked for much but gave a lot to Hatboro. We were all shocked when we got the call that he had passed away. It was nice to see so many past co-workers come together to celebrate Butch. Some of us are already working on a few ideas for a memorial in Hatboro to honor Butch. For those of you who have been around Hatboro for a long time, we laughed knowing that his former boss, Bob Stauch was waiting for him and Butch probably could not wait to tell him about all the cheesesteaks shops opening in Hatboro. Bob loved a good cheesesteak.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Manager Hegele stated We have a few new businesses coming to the Borough: Bleigh Street Cafe on York, Philly Philly Steaks, Yehenii Tattoo on York Road, Phoenix RX LLC on Lincoln Avenue, and there are a few more businesses planning on opening in Hatboro. I just want to remind everyone that we need to give these new businesses a chance, I see so many negative comments lately about our businesses and want to remind everyone that we often are told when we meet with new businesses that they see these comments. Please as customers we need to support our small businesses, they are the ones that sponsor Little League teams, school fundraisers, events in town, I have yet to see Amazon sponsor. Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hatboro

FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated The Borough of Hatboro Fire Marshal’s Office provides the following report of activities for the month of March 2025. INSPECTIONS: 1 Commercial Fire Inspections (YTD: 25) *NOTE: This number includes Fire Inspections and Commercial U&O Inspections. -2 Fire Re-inspection 7 Residential U&O Inspections (YTD: 19) -2 Residential U&O reinspection 32 Units/ 18 Properties Rental Inspections (YTD: 114 Units/60 Properties) -2 Rental Re-inspection FIRE CALLS/INVESTIGATIONS: 5 Fire Calls (YTD: 28) -DETAILS: Electrical fire, assist other agency 2 Investigations (YTD: 8) -DETAILS: 5 E. Monument Fire, 205 S. Warminster Rd Fire SMOKE DETECTOR INSTALLS: In partnership with the Red Cross, I assisted with installing 3 smoke alarms (YTD: 15) *Note- I have found homes during U&O inspections or rentals that do not have working smoke detectors, or enough working smoke detectors. By code, you are required to have one smoke detector on every level of your home, and one in each bedroom. I recommend every home have at least one CO detector, but two would be better. If you need smoke detectors, please reach out. TRAINING: I attended the monthly Bucks County Fire Marshal Association meeting. I coordinated the acquired structure training for Enterprise Fire Company as well as getting the PD access. I attended a class on Firefighter Health & Safety. I attended a class on lithium-ion batteries. PERMITS: 0 Fire Permits (YTD: 0) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: We received 50 complaints (YTD: 106). The breakdown is as follows: 15 Work w/o permit complaints 1 Unregistered rental complaint 0 Unregistered business complaints 5 Grass/tree/overgrowth complaint 7 Safety/Fire complaints 7 Misc. complaints (trash/graffiti) 15 Shade Tree COURT: 1 Case for non-shoveled sidewalks in the winter. Defendant plead guilty and paid the fine. OTHER: I met with the property representative at 118 E. Moreland re: multiple fire code violations and property maintenance violations. I met with the Borough Manager, Asst. Borough Manager, and Building Code Official with the property owner for 451 Oakdale Ave re: work completed without permits and future work to be completed. I met with the property owner of 7/15 S. York Rd to discuss multiple issues with both properties. MONTHLY SAFETY MESSAGE: April let’s talk about fire pit safety. It’s an enjoyable outdoor activity that a lot of people like to participate in. Here in Hatboro, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor cooking grills, outdoor patio stoves, chimneys and factory-built metal novelty stoves are permitted in the Borough. They must be used solely for their intended purpose and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This means that open pits, burn barrels, your own constructed burn pit, are all prohibited, and you will be told to put them out. If using an appropriate container, here are a few safety tips:

1. Don’t use indoors or in any enclosed areas that are not properly ventilated.
2. Don’t use them within 10 feet of any building or a structure. The further the better.
3. Clear the area before use. Make sure all flammable materials including dry leaves and branches are removed.
4. Avoid burning under low-hanging branches.
5. Don’t burn if it’s windy or there are burn bans in effect. Be aware of your surroundings.
6. Never leave the fire unattended.
7. Never use accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids to start or maintain the fire.
8. Supervise children and pets around fire pits and keep them at least 3ft away.
9. If able, use a spark screen. Keep the fire manageable and don’t build a fire that is too large for the container.
10. When done, make sure the fire is completely extinguished. Check to make sure no embers remain.
11. Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby, along with a first aid kit.
12. Always inspect your container before use to ensure there is no damage or wear and tear that will affect it. Keep it clean before burning again.

The Borough of Hatboro Emergency Management Coordinator provides the following report of activities for the month of March 2025.

TRAINING: I attended the virtual Montgomery County EMC Meeting where the topic was the living with dementia. I attended a Public Relations 101 class.

OTHER: I monitored conditions for the windy days we had. I entered our planned events into the WebEOC. I completed a bi-annual review of our Emergency Operations Plan and conducted routine updates. Continued working on our special needs’ registry. If any resident wishes to be on the special need’s registry, please reach out to Borough Hall.

MONTHLY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TIP: For April, let’s talk about Flood Awareness. Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

1. If you are under a flood warning, find shelter.
2. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
3. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you over. A foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
4. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
5. Sign up for emergency alerts. Listen to officials and follow orders.
6. Prepare ahead of time! Have flood insurance, plan (include your pets) that includes where to go, what to do, and what you need to protect yourself.
7. Keep important documents in waterproof/fireproof container. Have digital copies.

FIRE COMPANY – President Croak stated, Council, please accept this report for the Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro for the month of March 2025. Total Calls for March: 19 Calls in Hatboro: 6 Assists to Other Townships: 13 • 3 to Horsham (#15) • 1 to Northampton Twp (#B-3) • 7 to Upper Moreland Twp. (#35) • 2 to Warminster Twp. (#B-90). Notable Calls In the past month, the department responded to a working fire in Hatboro: • March 31st working commercial fire at 205 S Warminster Road. Multiple agencies for mutual aid, as well as three crews from Enterprise Fire Company. Along with fire operations, assisted Fire Marshall in investigation and the rescue of one family pet. Working smoke detectors save lives. Check them often! Training Activities The team has been proactive in expanding their skills and knowledge. • Held Hazardous Materials Awareness Classes. • Operational testing of Ladder 95 ladder pipe to ensure proper operation and training for new members. • Conclusion of hands-on exercises at the Petrucci buildings at 21 N York Rd. Training sessions included forcible entry, tool usage, ground ladder and aerial deployment, as well as restaurant kitchen extinguisher operations. • Completed annual hose testing. Community Events Attended the Boro Easter Egg Hunt Attended the Pack 17 Crossover Event (Cub scouts to BSA) Planning to attend (April 26th) Crooked Billet History Fair.

SECOND ALARMERS REPORT – Chief Davidson gave his Q1 report which included calls and staffing and that all expenditures in Q1 were $1,895,707.42. He also stated There is a fee for service if you are treated by SARS and we will bill the patient’s insurance company when possible. Many insurance plans have a patient responsibility such as a co-payment or deductible. If a patient is a subscribing member of SARS, we will write off any out-of-pocket patient expenses as a courtesy. For non-subscribing members those expenses are the patient’s responsibility to pay. For our 2025-2026 subscription drive the costs are as follows: Individual $70.00 Household $95.00 Senior Single $45.00 Senior Couple $65.00 SARS fund drive will be going out towards the end of May. Anyone interested in subscribing online can do so at http://www.sars.org SARS next EMT class be held June 24th through October 11th. SARS next EMT class will most likely be starting in early 2025 HB 1152 – Access to EMS and Patient Billing Protections • Establishes a statewide fee schedule for 911 EMS response • Requires commercial insurance carriers to pay EMS agencies directly • Prohibits balance billing and works to minimize patient co-insurance/cost-share Representative Guenst is an original co-sponsor of this legislation and Representative Sanchez recently signed on.

UNION LIBRARY – Borough Representative Kennedy stated since March 31, 2025, they have 31 new members, ordered, and received 184 new books, held 42 programs, and 2,044 books, DVDs, etcetera have been checked pout of the physical building. She stated that construction should be completed by May 23 and to stay tuned for the grand re-opening announcement and announced the upcoming events.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilman Hoover made a motion to acknowledge receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, Treasurer’s Reports, Shade Tree Minutes, EAC Minutes, and UMHJSA minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, 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, Manuel Checks, and Transfers for the month of March 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilman Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

MARCH 24, 2025, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the March 24, 2025, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention as Councilwoman Jacobus was excused from the meeting.

APRIL 14, 2025, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the April 14, 2025, Committee Meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention as Vice President Reichner was excused from the meeting.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of March 2025 in the amount of $ 12,097.32. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Library Expenditure List for the month of March 2025 in the amount of $ 20,668.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

24-28 S. YORK ROAD FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE #1 – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve Financial Security Release #1 for the Miliner Lofts Project in the amount of $132,148.00. This will leave a Financial Security Balance for the developer in the amount of $ 321,221.40. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PENNYPACK EVENT ALCOHOL WAIVERS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to ratify approval of the Alcohol waivers for the Party in the Park events taking place on May 2, June 6, July 11, August 1, and September 26, 2025, Adult Trunk or Treat on October 217, 2025, and the Holiday Sip N Shop on December 6., 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SALE OF BOBCAT – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve the sale of the Bobcat to the winning bidder from Municibid in the amount of $30,700.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SALE OF EXPIRED HAND SANITIZER – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the sale of expired hand sanitizer to the winning bidder on Municibid in the amount of $ 2.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hoover, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Vice President Reichner made a motion to approve Ordinance 1081, amending the regulations for the Hatboro Historical Commission to allow the Historian to serve as an alternate on the commission. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIBRARY AGREEMENT AMENDMENT – Councilwoman Shay made amotion to approve the amended Library Agreement including provisions for the hanging of banners and flags throughout the year. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.

NEW BUSINESS –
HATBORO STORM CAR WASH DATE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve an amendment to the Hatboro Storm Car Wash Special Event Request changing the date from July 13, 2025, to June 29. 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: HUNGRY HIDEAWAY – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Hungry Hideaway Williams Lane outdoor Dining Area on Friday, May 2, 2025, for the weekend. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

MIKE WILLIAMS RESIGNATION FROM EAC – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the resignation of Mike Williams from the Environmental Advisory Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

MAY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf announced the combined May meeting in his report earlier this evening.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the April 28, 2025, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the April 28, 2025, Council Meeting at 8:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer

Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary