BOROUGH OF HATBORO
PUBLIC MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Jacobus, 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 Treasurer Smith were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Reichner and Fire Marshal Valesky were excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 18, 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.
PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT PLAQUE FOR DETECTIVE SERGEANT GOOLD – Chief Gardner presented a retirement plaque to Detective Sergeant Goold and thanked him for his 35 years of service to the Borough.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE TO HONOR GEORGE AND ANNE MYERS – Mayor Schutz presented a certificate to honor George and Anne Myers for their quick response to getting emergency personnel to a house fire that had a 97-year-old resident trapped on the second floor.
COMMENDATION FOR SERGEANT SIMON AND OFFICER MCMAHON – Mayor Schultz presented commendations to Sergeant Simon and Iffier McMahon for th9ier heroism in recusing a 97-year-old resident from a fire in his house on Thanksgiving morning.
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 commended Sergeant Simon and Officer McMahon for their bravery at the fire rescue on Fairview Avenue. Mayor Schultz stated he was very grateful to be Mayor and thankful to have the opportunity to work with such great staff. Mayor Schultz wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
- PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated Sergeant Simon and Officer McMahon did a great job with the fire rescue at Fairview Avenue. President Bollendorf stated tonight council will be voting on the budget tonight and wanted everyone to know there is a new tax for EMS and Fire.
President Bollendorf stated the holiday season is upon us and please shop locally. - TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending November 2023, is $ 2,826,744.49 with interest earned in the amount of $ 3,800.57.
- SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated Council had an executive session meeting from 6:30 P.M. until 6:45 P.M to discuss litigation matters. Solicitor Geiser stated her office attended the ZHB meeting for 14 E. Moreland Avenue where the use was an issue, and the Borough can appeal their decision. Solicitor Geiser stated she helped handle the amount of right to Know Requests that continue to come in.
- ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she submitted the LSA Grant for the Borough for improvements to Memorial Park such as a trail and rain garden. The amount applied for was $ 818,378.40 and this is a no match grant.
- MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated Foreman Young and herself met with representatives from the county concerning the West Moreland Avenue bridge project. They are continuing to have issues with utility relocation and the purpose of the meeting was to get everyone on the same page. We met with Aqua who is going to begin some utility work after the holiday. There will be
no closures, only lane restrictions during working hours. They are working on permits and will try and give us ample notice to post information. PECO is holding up the replacement as they are still negotiating easements with the owners of the apartments. While there several pedestrians walked by which prompted me to again ask about pedestrian access to and from Upper Moreland and
Hatboro. I did not get an immediate yes, but I did not get a no either, so I will keep being persistent.
Manager Hegele stated that as far as the Warminster Road bridge, she received notice that PennDOT has indicated mid-January for a possible opening. Manager Hegele stated that PW was prepared last night for the flooding, crews came in earlier in the day on Sunday and cleaned drains as well as packed up barricades and sandbags and staff will be calling PennDOT and Septa tomorrow to get them back out to clean downstream by Warminster Road. While the area that damns up is not in the Borough, neither agency likes hearing from me so I think they may do this to shut me up.
Manager Hegele stated just a reminder there is no trash and recycling collection on Monday, 12/25 and Monday 1/1 for the holiday. There is a special recycling collection for property owners with Monday recycling only, that is Wednesday, 12/27. Manager Hegele stated that Christmas trees will also be picked up for those of you that take them down right after the holiday. Please place them curbside on one of your trash days and PW will get them. Yard Waste collection does change due to less stops and staffing, so make sure you have them out by 0700 hours the day of collection, the truck maybe through before regular trash and recycling collection. Manger Hegele stated note about operating hours this Friday, 12/22. Borough staff will be holding their annual holiday party, so
Borough Hall will be closing early and will remain closed for the remainder of the day. We will reopen on Tuesday 12/26 at 7:00 AM. Manager Hegele stated Borough operations have returned to Loller completely and hours are M-F from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Manager Hegele stated just a reminder Council reorgs on January 2, 2024, at 7 PM. On behalf of all the Borough Hall, PW staff and myself we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to working with everyone in 2024.
STAFF REPORTS –
- POLICE – Chief Gardner Officer Wessels, who was sworn in at the last meeting graduated from the police academy last week and is in the process of getting geared up to go out on patrol and had his first day in the office today. Chief Gardner wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
- TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
- PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated there will be a special recycling pick up on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, for residents who do not have their regular pick up due to the holidays. Manager Hegele stated that Christmas Trees will be picked up for those that take it down early so place curbside on one of your trash days and Public Works will take them.
- DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated she has been getting settled in her new office and getting things ready for the New Year. The Downtown Development Team (George, Diane, Reichner, and Shay) met last week to go over some changes for 2024. These changes are how to continue to encourage everyone to shop locally and to get the business owners
more engaged with the community as well to only name a few and now that I am moving into this role full time, in January I plan on getting out and about to meet with all the business owners which should take a bit but I will also be giving them a survey as some business owners have ideas so we will hopefully get everyone engaging with each other as our one common denominator is Hatboro.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. - FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky was excused from the meeting and submitted her report in advance.
- FIRE COMPANY – President Ide stated that the Fire Company responded to 17 calls and 10 were in Hatboro.
President Ide thanked the HPD for their quick response to the house fire on Fairview Avenue.
President Ide stated they delivered Sant and Mrs. Claus to the Library tree lighting.
President Ide stated they drove Santa around Hatboro yesterday.
President Ide thanked Council for all their support. - UNION LIBRARY REPORT – President A ‘Harrah stated the library had 26 programs with 162 participants.
President A ‘Harrah stated they have 43 new card members.
President A ‘Harrah stated thanked everyone who participated in the tree lighting and thanked Public Works for hanging the lights
twice.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Public Works, Fore Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of December 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman
Jacobus, all ayes. Motin carried 6-0.
NOVEMBER 27, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DECEMBER 4, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the December 4, 2023, Committee meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0 with 2 abstentions as President Bollendorf and
Councilwoman McMenamin were nor present for the meeting.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fie Company Expenditure list for the month of November 2023 in the amount of $ 6,266.25. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motin carried 6-0.
LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of December 2023 in the amount of $ 40,482.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2024 OPERATING BUDGET FINAL ADOPTION – Vice President Stckton made a motion to approve the final adoption of the 2024 Operating Budget for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TAX RATE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1076 affixing the tax rates for 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2024 FEE SCHEDULE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-41, adopting the fee schedule for the year 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MEMORIAL PARK STREAMBANK NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD – This item was tabled.
WINDSOR AND MEADOWBROOK INTERSECTIN NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD – This item was tabled.
2024 MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the 2024 Meeting Schedule for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO STATION LAND DEVELOPMENT RESOLUTION AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve resolution 2023-42, amending the Hatboro Station Land Development requirements to reflect a fee in lieu of for landscaping. Motion was seconded by
Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
FIRE LANE DESIGNATION ORDINACE – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize the Fire Marshal and Solicitor Geiser to begin preparing the Wawa Line of Credit Release #4 in the amount of $ 716,530.33 This will leave a remaining balance of $ 130,219.04 in the developer’s financial security. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
WAWA LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Wawa line of credit release #4 in the amount of $ 716,530.33. This will leave a remaining balance of $ 130,219.04 in the developer’s financial security. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman
McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Bob Wipplinger, 17 & 36 S. York, 107 N. York, 20 & 25 E. Moreland, stated that he is concerned about the owner of 14 E. Moreland Avenue. He also stated that he has been trying to educate everyone because they do not know that Council has nothing to do with the ZHB decision.
Solicitor Geiser stated that Council can only appeal the decision for the use and not for parking.
Joe Hanesco, 120 Summit Avenue, stated that he supports Mr. Wipplinger and thinks the Borough should update/change the ordinance.
Shirley Worrell, 10 Drexel Road, stated that she supports Mr. Wipplinger and asked how the appeal would work if Council were to do so.
Solicitor Geiser explained how the appeal process works.
Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, asked about eminent domain or would we be able to pay to lease some parking spots. She said she is not sure what we are able to do but these are just a few ideas of how we can come up with a solution.
Andy Anderson, 107 N. York Road, stated that he supports Mr. Wipplinger and would like Council to appeal the decision.
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked if the property owner can lock the gates at Moreland tower and President Bollendorf stated that unfortunately he can because it is his property. Manager Hegele stated that she testified to the safety of the Moreland Tower residents at
the hearing.
Sarah Cunningham, 221 N. York Road, stated that she supports Mr. Wipplinger and would like Council to appeal the ZHB decision.
Rob Illuminati, 120 S. York Road, supports Mr. Wipplinger and would like Council to appeal the ZHB decision.
Jeff Clark, 354 Windsor Avenue, stated that he supports Mr. Wipplinger and would like Council to appeal the decision.
Jaclyn Wipplinger asked Council if they are a separate entity from the ZHB. President Bollendorf stated that Council appoints them, and if they are hearing a case that the Borough has an interest in, they instruct the Borough Solicitor to oppose an application. Vice President Stockton
stated that by law, Council is not allowed to interfere in any way, and they are appointed with staggered terms. Miss Wipplinger stated she is concerned that she is standing in front of the people who appointed the people that are screwing them. Councilwoman Shay stated that Mr.
Wipplinger was appointed to the ZHB and Miss Wipplinger stated that he recused himself. She stated that her family does a lot for Hatboro, and she is upset about what is happening. She asked if they plan on appealing the ZHB decision and President Bollendorf stated that it will be
decided at the January 8, 2024, Committee meeting once they receive the information from the Borough Solicitor and when they appoint people, they look at their background not their political affiliation or anything else and those appointed have a background in zoning.
John Greener, 3 Edward Road, asked if the ZHB members were Hatboro residents and Solicitor Geiser stated they are required by law to be Hatboro residents.
Vice President Stockton asked if they were being asked to violate the law based on their community contributions because they have to make decisions based on the law and the ordinances. He also stated that everyone on the dais is there because they also want what is best for Hatboro and he is very frustrated to hear people accuse him of corruption, turning his back on businesses and residents in the Borough. He also stated that he has been doing this for 6 years and he has read horrible things online and stated that everyone is entitled to feel the way they feel the way they do, and he understands that not everyone will not agree with their decisions but doesn’t think it is right to accuse them of things that are untrue.
Alison Wipplinger stated that it appeared the decision had been made before the meeting and that is where they think the corruption is.
Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she attended the ZHB meeting and felt very uncomfortable with how it happened and is concerned with the future of the ZHB.
Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated that he tried to volunteer but he couldn’t find the positions that are/were available. Councilwoman Shay stated he can email the Borough manger and ask what positions are available.
Mike Cavanaugh, 19 S. York Road, asked if they are allowed to ask if the ZHB can provide a report on how they came up with their decision.
Solicitor Geiser stated yes, it is not available yet, but he can submit a Right to Know Request once the report becomes available to the Borough.
Jim Campoli, 1 S. Penn Street, stated he will be in the mason building for 32 years in January and he sees too many businesses leave and he has very little people in Hatboro come in his store and everyone has to work together to make the own work.
Alan Fox, 33 S. York Road, stated he covered his windows in the winter to save heat and was asked to remove and there are businesses with paper on it. President Bollendorf stated that it was before his time and stated they will check the code regarding business windows.
Councilwoman Jacobus stated she appreciates everyone’s passion, and they are also residents and they do care about what they care about.
Councilwoman McMenamin stated that in 2020 Marty Palmer was reappointed because no one else was interested except him and in 2021
Laurie Vasoli replaced someone and again, no one else was interested, and then in 2022 Geri Weideman was reappointed because no one else was interested regarding the ZHB.
President Bollendorf stated that there is an opening for the ZHB in January 2024.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the December 18, 2023, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the December 18, 2023, Council Meeting at 8:44 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary