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, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Mount, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Fire Marshal Hauser was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 16, 2019 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 – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY)
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst thanked everyone who attended the annual Union Library Tree Lighting event. She noted there was a great turnout as the number of attendees continue to grow each year. Mayor Guenst wished everyone a Happy New Year and Happy Holidays.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf President Bollendorf also thanked everyone for attending the Tree Lighting event at the Library and thanked Enterprise Fire Company for escorting Santa to the Library as well as around Hatboro. President Bollendorf announced that Staff Reports will only be given at Council Meetings beginning in 2020 instead of having staff report twice per month. President Bollendorf he met with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the events for 2020 and propose more events for the year, including a spring and fall event.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele delivered the Treasurer’s Report. She stated that in November 2019, the Borough earned a total of $1,011.36 in interest and maintained a total account balance of $2,105.063.19.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated her offices continue to work with Borough Staff daily with routine legal matters.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated RVE is waiting for the plan approval for the Jacksonville and Montgomery Ave. traffic signal project. She stated the Corinthian Trail lighting plan has also been submitted and RVE is waiting for approval. Engineer Goff stated Council will be voting on the first/final payment and change order for the 2019 Road Program later this evening. She stated Council will also be voting on the application for the PA Small Water Sewer Grant for Celano Park later this evening. Engineer Goff stated that the Miller Meadow project received 5 bids for the project ranging from $220,000 to $309,000. She stated these bids are still being reviewed for completion.
MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Hegele stated she attended a Walk Works grant meeting to learn more about the program and obtain ideas for Hatboro’s walking route. Manager Hegele stated she and Councilwoman Anzinger attended the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Trail Committee trail walk over the weekend where they explored trails within both municipalities to obtain ideas for new trails and possible connections. Manager Hegele stated Borough Hall and Public Works will be closed for Christmas and New Years. Manager Hegele stated the YMCA closes on December 18th and the new facility on Davisville Road will be fully operational. Manager Hegele stated the Borough received a certificate of recognition from its insurance company for no property/liability losses within the year 2018. Manager Hegele stated the Hatboro 2040 comprehensive plan is available for public review and comments can be submitted to Borough Hall. Manager Hegele thanked outgoing Councilmembers for their service over the years and wished them the best of luck. Manager Hegele wished everyone a happy holiday season.
President Bollendorf asked is there was any update on the Hatboro Station Trail Lighting. Manager Hegele stated the Hatboro Station HOA will be meeting soon to discuss the proposal for the lighting/installation. She noted this meeting would have happened sooner but had to be rescheduled.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner wished everyone a happy holiday season and thanked outgoing Council for their service to the community over the years.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works is fine tuning winter equipment so the department is prepared for winter weather. He stated there was a minor flooding incident at District Court when the water heater leaked over the weekend. Superintendent Sine thanked outgoing Council and Councilman Hegele for his dedication to Public Works over the years. He concluded by wishing everyone a happy holidays.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Hauser was absent. His report was submitted in advance.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT – Fire Company President Mount did not have anything to report.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Downtown Development Director Simon stated over the last month, she worked on small business Saturday social media efforts which were well received. She thanked Creative Inkling for allowing her to use the Love painting during the event. She stated she has attended various community events over the last few weeks as well as meetings of the Montgomery County Commerce Department, PA Downtown, and Valley Forge Tourism. She stated she continues to work on the business spotlight and work with new business owners who come into Hatboro.
ORDER OF BUSINESS & VOTING ITEMS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilman Hegele motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Tax Collector Report, and Treasurer’s Report. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, 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 December 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the November 18, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton. Councilwoman Benjamin abstained as she was absent from the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes, motion carried 6-0.
DECEMBER 2, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the December 2, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of November 2019 in the amount of $6,993.34. Motion seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 POLICE VEHICLE PURCHASE – Councilwoman Hegele motioned to approve the purchase of a 2019 Dodge Durango, upfitting costs, and emergency gear for the vehicle in the amount of $41,400. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked how soon the new vehicle will be in the Borough. Chief Gardner stated the new vehicle is in stock and should be arriving in February.
ESCROW ACCOUNT TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the transfer of $30,000 from the Escrow Account to the General Fund for legal and administrations costs owed from Escrow Invoices. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Vice President Stockton thanked Manager Hegele for cleaning up the escrow accounts as this was long overdue.
RESOLUTION 19-30: PA SMALL WATER & SEWER GRANT – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve Resolution 19-30 for the application to the PA Small Water and Sewer Grant for the Celano Park Stormwater Pipe Replacement Project in the amount of $214,696.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2019 ROAD PROGRAM CHANGE ORDER #1 – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve change order #1 for the 2019 Road Program resulting in a total reduction of $7,353.84. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2019 ROAD PROGRAM PAYMENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the payment request for the 2019 Road Program to Meco Constructors Inc. in the amount of $56,601.16. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
TAX RATE ORDINANCE (1058) – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1058, affixing the property tax rate for the year 2020. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 19-28: 5 YEAR SMOOTHING PLAN FOR NON-UNIFORM PENSION – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve Resolution 19-28, authorizing a 5 year smoothing plan for the non-uniform pension plan. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 MEETING SCHEDULE – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the 2020 Meeting Schedule for Borough Council and Borough Boards/Commissions. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HATBORO STATION LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE NO. 8 – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Hatboro Station Line of Credit Release No. 8 in the amount of $96,095.00. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 19-29: APPOINTMENT OF HATBORO FEDERAL SIGNERS – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 19-29, appointing signers for the Borough’s Hatboro Federal Bank Account. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CODE OFFICIAL – Vice President Stockton motioned to appoint Borough Manager Diane Hegele to the position of Deputy Code Official. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
COVANTA CONTRACT EXTENSION – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the extension of the Borough’s contract with Covanta for 1 year. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele. All voted in favor except for Councilwoman Benjamin who voted against the extension. Motion carried, 6-1.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
ANNOUNCEMENT: EVENT REQUEST DUE TO BOROUGH HALL BY JANUARY 22, 2020 – Chief Gardner stated there is an increase of Community Events in Hatboro and surrounding towns for the year 2020. He noted that this means Fire Police schedules will fill up fast. As a result, he is requesting all event requests be submitted by January 22, 2020.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF REVIEW PERIOD FOR HATBORO 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Manager Hegele stated that the Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan is available for the 45 day Public Review. She stated that draft copies of the plan are available online and in Borough Hall and that comments can be submitted to Borough Hall. She stated the Planning Commission will then be reviewing the plan in January and Council will be able to adopt the final plan in February.
DISCUSSION ON HOW TO RECEIVE COMMENTS FOR THE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Manager Hegele stated staff can gather comments for the 2040 Comp plan or the Montgomery County Planning Commission can do so. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if staff will have time to review and collect these comments. Manager Hegele stated yes. President Bollendorf stated comments should be collected in-house by staff.
ORDINANCE FOR CRESSBROOK HOUSE – Solicitor Geiser stated Council must adopt an ordinance to accept the transfer of the Cressbrook House from Victorian Village. She stated this ordinance will be advertised following the meeting so that the property can transfer during settlement in a few weeks.
PRESENTATIONS FOR OUTGOING COUNCIL – Mayor Guenst presented Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich and Councilman Hegele with plaques commemorating their years of service to the Borough of Hatboro and years serving on Borough Council. She and the rest of Council thanked Councilman Forgeng, Rich, and Hegele for their service and noted they will be missed greatly.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Bruce Hart, Earl Lane asked when the grass will be cut at 181 Earl Lane. Chief Gardner stated a bench warrant was issued for the owner and the constable is attempting to locate her. He stated he will talk to Judge Leo at District Court and setup a court date to get the issue resolved in a way other than the owner’s arrest.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the December 16, 2019 Council Meeting at 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted, Deena DeRenzis Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis