PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, Solicitor Kilkenny, Enterprise Fire Company President Mount were present.

ABSENT – Councilman Hegele, Manager Hegele, and Treasurer Kalnjas were absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 17, 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 – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas with regard to addressing Council and Time Allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue stated that she learned about the Second Alarmers EMS Tax on Social Media and her first concern was that this was not exposed to all of the residents. She stated she felt that only a small portion of the Hatboro population is on Social Media and thinks that a greater portion is not on Social Media and may not be aware of the proposed tax and that it is being voted on. Her second concern is the time frame for which this particular decision is being made. She feels that this particular item is being rushed and there was not enough time for public comments or questions. She asked Council to consider tabling this vote tonight and to use 2019 to discuss, question, investigate, and then possibly review the tax for the 2020 Budget. She also suggested adding a note with the 2019 tax bills, assuming Council tables vote tonight, alerting residents of this potential EMS tax increase for 2020. Marianne also stated that after doing research on the Borough Website, she saw the 2017 Budget but could not see the 2018 final approved budget.

Vice President Stockton confirmed that the 2018 Budget is on the website and that he could show Marianne where it is after the meeting. Marianne said she has a lot of questions and asked if Council wanted her to proceed with them now.

President Bollendorf said before she moved forward he wanted to explain to her how this particular tax came about. When they had the Budget Workshop, Second Alarmers initially asked for funding out of the Budget, not an EMS tax. It was determined by Council that they could not provide funding due to the fact it did not fit into the current budget because they were trying to get the budget on the right path. SARS asked them to do, under Pennsylvania law, a small tax without a referendum, which went through the proper committee at the December 3, 2018 meeting.

President Bollendorf also stated that it was put on the website to make all of the residents aware that it was to be voted on at the December 17, 2018 Council Meeting. President Bollendorf informed Marianne that Council received a lot of feedback regarding this tax and was willing to go over it with her. He felt this was not rushed in any way. Marianne said she did not see anything on the website regarding this tax and President Bollendorf said he would show her.

Marianne questioned what the Borough provides to Second Alarmers and could not recall if they pay rent for the garage. President Bollendorf informed her that they pay the Borough $1.00 a year, and Borough pays for utilities as well as major repairs and said the building is owned by the tax payers with a 20 year lease. Marianne asked how many communities Second Alarmers served and if those communities paid said tax and if so how much do they pay?

Ken Davidson, Second Alarmers Assistant Chief informed Marianne that SARS serves 7 municipalities in Montgomery County. Up until this year, Abington Township was the only municipality that paid this specific EMS tax and their tax was 0.01 mills. As of 2018, their tax has been increased to 0.05 mills. Some other municipalities are going to provide funding in 2019 but not necessarily through a tax. Upper Dublin and Whitpain Townships have increased their funding for 2019 for SARS. The only remaining municipalities are Jenkintown, Rockledge, and Upper Moreland but they are still working with them to establish the funding for 2019. SARS started the funding process with Hatboro June 2018. On their website they explained how they came up with the new rate. Ken stated they appreciate the fact that Hatboro provides them with the building and it has been a great relationship. The fact that SARS operates at the station rent free was taken into consideration when they came up with the new rate that they are asking for. The number was calculated by the average cost per call, average revenue per call as well as billable calls in Hatboro. The numbers are based on an individual municipality, meaning, they do not use one municipality to off-set another. Marianne stated that she was sorry but she felt it should not be rushed through and that it should go through a referendum.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst said Happy Hanukkah and wished her friends a Blessed and Happy Christmas. She thanked the Borough employees for their hard work all year and wished all of the residents of Hatboro a wonderful holiday and New Year.

Mayor Guenst stated Crooked Eye #59, which is a pale ale, will be available at the fundraiser for Louie which is January 12, 2019 at Crooked Eye Brewery. All proceeds go to the K9 account which has raised $22,889.87 to date. Mayor Guenst went on to say thank you for the Christmas tree
lighting and that the Chamber did a fabulous job organizing the event.

PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMA TO SGT MARK RUEGG – Mayor Guenst and Chief Gardner presented Sargent Mark Ruegg of the Hatboro Police Department his Diploma that he received from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. Chief Gardner stated he was very honored to present Sargent Ruegg with this Diploma as it was a very comprehensive and challenging 22 week program which he completed earning A’s in all of his classes. A standing ovation was given as Council congratulated Sargent Ruegg for his accomplishment.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf said he was very pleased with the turn-out at the Christmas tree lighting and had a chance to walk the town after wards and was happy to see the town very crowded with the residents enjoying the festivities. He went on to thank everyone on Council for a great 2018. He felt this Council accomplished a lot in one year and thanked Borough staff for helping the goals be accomplished. More ordinances were passed in one year than the last four and we were approved for more grants than ever before.

President Bollendorf announced that there are some openings for the planning and vacancy committees and anyone who would be interested should let council know via email through the Borough Manager.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnjas’ report was electronically submitted.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny said his office has worked with Borough staff on several ordinances as well as advising the staff on EMS tax, several zoning, and right to know matters this month. Also, Rebecca Geiser attended the ZHB meeting which was continued to January when Council authorized her to oppose the application.

ENGINEER GOFF – Engineer Goff gave update for MS4 Program that inspections are ongoing. She stated they have submitted the revised PRP and Map to staff for review and a draft version to DEP. Update for the 2017 CDBG curb ramp project they are recommending payment tonight in the amount of $110,787.82.

Engineer Goff stated RVE is recommending payment in the amount of $120,396.68 for the 2018 road program. She stated that the Corinthian Trail surveying is currently underway. She concluded her report by recommending the release of escrow #5 for the Hatboro Station Planning Project in the amount of $353,399.00.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele was absent therefore Assistant Borough Secretary Deena DeRenzis gave the Manager’s report. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis started off by thanking Enterprise Fire Company for escorting Santa around Hatboro yesterday. It was a
great time for all of the kids. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis thanked Chief Anders for his years of service as Fire Chief and stated how thankful we have been to have him. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis announced that with the holidays coming up, Borough Hall will be closing at noon on Christmas Eve and 2:00PM on New Year’s Eve. Borough Hall and Public Works will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day so there will be no trash or recycling pick-ups on those days. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis also announced that the planning commission will be meeting January 15, 2019 to review a proposed amendment. She stated that this will widen the avenues for people seeking a conditional use. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis also announced the Zoning Hearing Board will be meeting on January 9, 2019 and will take place at 7:00 PM in Borough Hall. It will be the continued application for RAV Collision. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis stated the Hatboro Holiday Parade is now being aired on the school districts TV Channel. The Parade Video is also available on You Tube and the link is on the Borough’s Facebook page and website. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis concluded her report by saying on behalf of Manager Hegele and Borough Staff we wish Council, the rest of Borough Hall Staff, as well as the residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

STAFF REPORTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Chief Gardner wanted to update Council regarding the Emergency Management radios which were discussed at the Committee meeting. He went on to say unfortunately to achieve the financing that was discussed the purchase has to be over $40,000. He said we are no were near that and it wasn’t learned until after purchasing the radios was discussed. Chief Gardner stated that his recommendation, after consulting with Fire Marshal Myers, is to table this until January after getting together with Enterprise Fire Company because there may be a need for radios there with the new County radio system. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if there was a deadline and is there an immediate need for the radios. She wondered if it could wait until next year. Fire Marshal Myers responded with we could only possibly get an extension until the end of January. Chief Gardner felt they should wait until he finds out what the total need for the radios is in January. Chief Gardner concluded his report by saying on behalf of the Hatboro Police Department he wanted to wish Council, all staff and resident a Happy and safe New Year.

TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted electronically in advance.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine updated two capital projects. He stated that the New Fuel Management system has been fully installed and is operating as expected with no problems so far. Crews have been installing new LED light fixtures last week. This project consists of replacing 82 older fixtures on the East side of town with more energy efficient LED models. As of last Friday, 17 have been completed. Also, there is a special recycle day on December 26, 2018, for single stream recycling on the Tuesday (Zone2) route ONLY. No trash or yard waste will be collected on this day. Superintendent Sine, on behalf of the entire Public Works Department, wished everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers begin his report by speaking about an accident over the weekend in regards to a very historic structure in Hatboro. The complete structure was not damaged as Enterprise Fire Company, along with surrounding fire companies, did an excellent job keeping the fire in check. Fire Marshal Myers continued on a sad note by saying when he came to work for the Borough of Hatboro in 2015 one of the first people he met outside of Borough Hall staff was Chief Jim Anders. He stated that Chief Anders has provided him with so much leadership and understanding of Hatboro and unfortunately he is stepping down and not continuing his term as Chief. FM Myers wanted to thank Chief Anders as there are not too many people who have the natural born leadership qualities that Chief Anders has. Fire Marshal Myers concluded his report by wishing Council a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY REPORT – Enterprise Fire Company President Mount stated that Chief Anders is stepping down but he is not going anywhere and he will still be around. President Mount also state that they have a working elevator now that is fully functional. She concluded her report by wishing Council Happy Holidays and thanked them for their continued support.

VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal reports and UMHJSA minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of December 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
NOVEMBER 19, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the November 19, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

DECEMBER 3, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the December 3, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Councilwoman Anzinger and Councilman Rich abstained from the vote. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0 with two abstentions.

FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company List for the month of November 2018 in the amount of $16,060.08. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2019 POLICE ENTRANCE EXAM – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to direct the Civil Service Commission to obtain a list of qualified candidates from the 2019 Police Entrance Exam. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SECOND ALARMERS EMS TAX – No motion made to approve an EMS Tax for the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad at a rate of 0.12 mills. Motion died on floor. President Bollendorf stated that he received a lot of emails regarding this item and all but one were against it. Councilwoman Anzinger said she would like to see some of the other larger communities step up to the plate to help SARS. Vice President Stockton said it was too early to vote and will revisit the item in the future.

2017 BOROUGH AUDIT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to accept the Audit for the year 2017. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the purchase of a Records Management System from CarriganGeo in the amount of $19,900. Councilwoman Benjamin seconded the motion, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

CHIEF GARDNER LABOR CONTRACT – Councilman Rich made a motion to approve the labor contract for Chief Gardner for post – retirement benefits. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

TOLL BROTHERS ADDRESS ISSUE – No motion was made to change the addresses on Nottingham Lane in Hatboro Station. Motion died on the floor. Solicitor Kilkenny suggested a motion to instruct the Borough Manager to convey that this issue was raised to council and for her to write a letter to Horsham Township and Representative Stephens informing them of Council’s lack of action on this.

President Bollendorf said that they reached out to Hatboro residents and that they were overwhelmingly against changing the addresses. Therefore President Bollendorf agreed with Solicitor Kilkenny and asked for a motion to direct the Borough Manager to notify the residents of Nottingham Lane (Hatboro and Horsham), Emergency Services, utility companies, Representative Stephens, Representative Murt and any other parties they deem applicable regarding this issue.

Vice President Stockton stated he did not think changing the addresses was the right way to solve the issue and would help in any way possible and would not mind reaching out to UPS and FedEx.

Mayor Guenst stated that she spoke with Representative Murt and he told her he had his legal people look over this and he was told that it is strictly a Post Office Issue and that his intention was to get in touch with the Borough Manager when she returns and would go to the Horsham Post Office and find out what the issue is. Mayor Guenst also stated that there was no issue with Emergency Management Services.

President Bollendorf said they reached out to Horsham residents and that they said it is a Fed Ex issue and they will send a letter to Fed Ex.

Vice President Stockton made a motion to direct the Borough Manager to notify the residents of Nottingham Lane (Hatboro and Horsham), Emergency Services, utility companies, Representative Stephens, Representative Murt, and any other parties deemed applicable. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ORDINANCE NO.1054 – TAX RATE ORDINANCE FOR 2019 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1054, establishing the tax rates for the year 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

TAN PROPASALS – Councilman Rich made a motion to authorize Manager Hegele to sign and execute Tax Anticipation Note agreement between the Borough of Hatboro and the desired financial institution. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2019 FEE SCHEDULE – Councilman Rich made a motion to approve resolution 18-26, approving the fee schedule for the year 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2018 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM – CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2018 Road Paving Program, reducing the total project cost by a total of $32,825.82. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2018 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM – FINAL PAYMENT REQUEST – Councilman Rich made a motion to approve the final payment request from Bray Brothers Inc. for the 2018 Road Paving Program in the amount of $120,396.68. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2017 CDBG CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to approve Change Order No. 1 for the CDBG Project, reducing the total project cost in the amount of $34,251.20. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2017 CDBG PAYMENT REQUEST NO. 1– Councilman Rich made a motion to approve Payment Request No. 1 to NJS Concrete, LLC for the 2017 CDBG Program in the amount of $110,787.82. Motion seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

HATBORO STATION FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE NO. 5 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Financial Security release No. 5 for the Hatboro Station Project in the amount of $353,399.00. Motion seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

GREEN LIGHT GO GRANT COST ESTIMATE INCREASE – Councilman Rich made a motion to approve the Green Light Go Grant Cost Increase for the Jacksonville Road and Montgomery Avenue Project, for a new project total of $365,444.75. Councilwoman Anzinger asked why there was an increase. President Bollendorf explained due to the diligence of Borough Staff in following up on the grant, we received $2000.00 more towards the Grant. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2019 MEETING SCHEDULE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the 2019 Meeting Schedule. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SPECIAL UPDATES
SPECIAL HOLIDAY RECYCLING COLLECTION – President Bollendorf announced that there will be a Special Holiday Recycling Collection on Wednesday December 26, 2018 for the residents in Zone 2.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

PUBLIC COMMENT – Marianne Reymer form 120 Summit Avenue asked if the 2019 will be posted on the website. Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis informed her that it was on the websites home page and would be happy to show here where it is after the meeting was adjourned.

Marianne than stated that flag at the Police Station on the Communication Tower is torn and asked if it can be taken down until a replacement comes. Superintendent Sine and Chief Gardner informed her that a new flag was ordered and that we do not own it and have no access to that secure facility. Chief Gardner said Borough staff took care of it and it takes about two weeks for the new flag to come in. President Bollendorf asked that Borough Staff follow up on the new flag.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the December 17, 2018 Council Meeting at 7:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Bollendorf

Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf.