PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Hendrickson, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer MacNair, Fire Marshal Valesky, Fire Company President Brown, Treasurer Smith, and Library Borough Representative Johnson were present.
ABSENT – Councilman Hoover was excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 16, 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.
RECOGNITION OF FRED POWELL & POWELL’S ELECTRIC SERVICE – The Borough recognized Mr. Fred Powell for his upcoming 103rd birthday and for all he has done for the Borough and Powell’s Electric Service for serving our residents and surrounding communities since 1922.
SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Ty Dean to the position of Police Officer with the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
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 the 64th annual Parade was a great success and thanked everyone who helped, the tree lighting was also a great success, and thanked Enterprise Fire Company for escorting Santa through Hatboro yesterday.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
• PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated there are some opening s on Boards and Commissions, the Sip N Shop was a success with a lot of people and thanked Rob Jacobus for his hard work organizing and wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
President Bollendorf stated Council held an Executive Session from 6:30 P.M. until 6:42 P.M. regarding a real estate, legal, and personnel matter.
• TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated that the balance in all accounts for the period ending November 30, 2024, is $ 1,732,406.77 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,809.80.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she worked on some zoning matters, the sale of District Court, and routine matters with the Borough Manager and staff.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer MacNair stated G&A is reviewing the remaining minor plan comments for 21-23 7 37 N. York Road before the project moves into construction phase, continuing to observe construction at 24 S. York Road, working on the environmental documentation required for the scoping filed view meeting for the Memorial Park Trail, provided recommendations to the Borough for meeting the DEP’s MS4 Permit requirements, requested recommendations for addressing two stormwater concerns located on Borough property, and preparing requested recommendations for addressing bridge maintenance.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated PECO has announced that they will be replacing natural gas equipment to enhance service beginning 12/20 in the area of Warminster Road between Byberry and Tanner. Work will be done Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM. The work is expected to be completed by February 2025. The work is being done by Riggs Distler, notices have been delivered by PECO to residents in this area and the Borough has shared info on our social media platforms. PW will be monitoring the work and may have to adjust trash and recycling collection in this area. Residents should watch Borough social media or sign up for Savvy Citizen for updates. If we miss trash or recycling due to construction, PW staff will return.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough is issuing payment to contractor Land Stewards for the Miller Meadow Project, the payment request is on the warrant list for tonight. Per Mr. Moser, both meadows were managed throughout the past year, the wildflower meadow was the only intended to get re-seeded as the managed meadow has good establishment and generally looks in good shape. Some of that area did get seeds, but only spot seeding, whereas the entire wildflower meadow was seeded completely. The Borough is not mowing as Mr. Moser states the meadow should be left intact to serve as a habitat, seed sources, and visual interest during the winter and mow in late winter, early Spring. I am working on getting training for our staff regarding the care of the seeded meadow over the winter.
Manager Hegele stated Pennypack Meadow – DCNR will be out this week on Wednesday to seed the new meadow at Pennypack. The Borough will have a representative present for the seeding.
STAFF REPORTS –
• POLICE – Chief Ruegg stated Livescan – All livescans completed thus far in 2024 were submitted to the clerk of courts and the appropriate assessments were added to the cases which are still open. Internal operations were adjusted to ensure the processing forms are going to the correct place moving forward. OT Reimbursement – Overtime reimbursement was received for election related details in Oaks. Building Update: All HVAC repairs have been completed and everything is operating as it should. We also retained some control modules from the repaired Air handler that are compatible with the other unit we have. If we have any issues with the other unit in the future, we won’t have to buy new parts which are very expensive. Also looking for some alternative arrangements for the building automation system to bring down costs in the long run. I will keep u updated on how that goes. Training: The remainder of the department completed Officer Resilience training. Sgt Bruckner attended a 3-day advanced crypto currency investigation school. Officer Figueroa attended a one-day school on social media and open-source investigation. Case Updates: We had a strong-arm robbery on the 11th of December on Horsham Road. The offender was known to the suspect. The suspect was quickly identified, a warrant was issued, and he was arrested the following day. Thefts from Vehicles – Hatboro along with all the municipalities in the region have seen an increase in theft from vehicles. Unfortunately, we tend to see this at this time of year. In 99 % of these cases the cars that are entered were left unlocked. I will just remind everyone to protect your property and make sure you are locking your car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight. Also, if you discover your car has gone through but nothing has been taken, still call the police so we can investigate. Just because nothing was taken does not mean we cannot prosecute someone for doing so.
• TAX COLLECTIONS – The Tax Collector’s report was electronically submitted.
• PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated Holiday Hours are Borough Hall will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, closing early on Tuesday, December 31st and closed all day on Wednesday January 1st. Public Works will be closed on both holidays and leaving once trash and recycling is collected on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Public Works will be collecting Christmas trees as well beginning after Christmas, please leave them curbside and a truck will be out on one of your collection days to get.
• DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated that 25 businesses opened in the Borough in 2024 and so far, we have 4 more set to open in 2025 so stay tuned for more new business announcements.
• FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated Fire Marshal Valesky was excused tonight to attend a holiday function outside of work. Her report was in your packet this week and a recap of inspections for the month of November that were in her report submitted and are in your packets. Her monthly safety message to all is install co alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area on every level of your home.
• FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Brown stated for the month of November the EFC responded to 30 calls in which 12 were in the Borough, 3 weekly drills, 1 body meeting, 1 BOD meeting, 338 FF using IAR for an average of 11 FF per call, the Fire Police had 24 calls with a total of 71 FP response, they were dispatched to assist surrounding companies for a few fires on e a warehouse fire in Hatfield and the crew assisted with a lot to the interior operations to bring the fire under control, and the EFC wises everyone safe and Happy Holidays.
• UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Johnson stated since January 1, 2024, the library has a total of 2,744 card holders, ordered and received 1,535 new books, held 264 programs, and 20,359 books, DVDs, etcetera have been checked out of the building. She also stated during the Parade the library handed out 1300 redeemable at the tree lighting for a free book, 163 visits with Santa during the tree lighting, the sidewalk repair is in progress, permits were dropped off to the Borough for the new vestibule, Director Christine has been selected to Office of Commonwealth Libraries Board for Training new directors, letters were mailed out to shareholders, and Electric Violinist Caryn Lyn will be at the Library December 18, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. for a free concert.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Shay 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 Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Reichner made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manuel Checks, and Transfers for the month of December 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DECEMBER 16, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – This item was tabled in order for some corrections to be made.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of November 2024 in the amount of $ 18,104.12. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes, Motion carried 6-0.
2025 FEE SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-42, adopting the 2025 Fee Schedule. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-25, approving terms and conditions for the Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for fiscal year 2025.
TAX RATE ORDINANCE – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-43 adopting tax rates for the Borough of Hatboro for the year 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FINAL 2025 OPORATING BUDGET – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the 2025 Operating Budget for the Borough of Hatboro. Motin was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PA ONE CALL RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Hendrickson made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-44, memorializing the Borough of Hatboro’s support of safe digging and the PA One Call program in Pennsylvania. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2025 MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the 2025 meeting Schedule for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS – Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Geri Weideman to the Zoning Hearing Board for a term of 4 years. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DISTRICT COURT SALE – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the sale of the former District Court property located at 420 S. York Road in the amount of $ 300,000.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CONTRACT RENEWAL – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the contract renewal between the Borough of Hatboro and Constellation Energy. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO ROTARY BINGO EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the special event request for the Hatboro Rotary Bingo Event taking place on May 3, 2025, at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SOLAR PRESENTATION EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the special event request for the Environmental Advisory Council’s Solar Energy Presentation Event taking place on January 29, 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
POLICE CHIEF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – Councilwoman Jacobus made amotion to approve an updated employment contract between the Borough of Hatboro and Chief Ruegg. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked what fees have changed and the new tax rate and President Bollendorf stated there were several and it will be posted on our website, and that millage has not changed but that all owner occupied will have a separate line item for the trash.
Kelly A’Harrah, 175 W. Lehman Avenue, asked if the millage rate was changing and President Bollendorf stated no millage change but there will be a trash fee.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made amotion to adjourn the December 16, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the December 16, 2024, Council Meeting at 7:36 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary