PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwoman Hendrickson, Councilman Hoover, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer MacNair, and Treasurer Smith were present.

ABSENT – Councilwoman Shay was excused.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 2, 2024, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

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

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz led the invocation.

MEETING NOTES –
o President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agenda with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT – (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – There was no public comment.

NEW BUSINESS
1.Public Safety Committee
• ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Included in your packet is the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of November 2024 in the amount of $ 18,104.12. This item was moved to December 16, 2024, voting meeting for approval.
• POLICE OFFICER OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus stated in November, Borough Council authorized a conditional offer of employment to a new Police Officer. The candidate has successfully completed all pre-employment testing. At the December 16th meeting, Borough Council will need to make a formal appointment with these personnel.

2. Finance/Grants Committee
• PORTNOFF LAW PAST DUE TAX COLLECTION SERVICES ORDINANCE – Councilman Myers stated at the November 18th meeting, Borough Council approved an agreement and resolution appointing Portnoff Law as the delinquent tax collection authority for the Borough. As previously discussed, the last portion of this process is the adoption of an ordinance that memorializes this appointment as well as establishes associated fees. This ordinance has been advertised as required and is on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration.
• 2025 FEE SCHEDULE – Councilman Myers stated Included in your packet is a copy of the draft 2025 fee schedule and a memo detailing proposed changes to the fees for 2025. Staff is requesting that Council review both documents and provide feedback, suggestions, etc. on these items. The final fee schedule will be on the December 16th voting meeting agenda for consideration.
• TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE – Councilman Myers stated Manager Hegele is working with the Borough’s financial advisors on a TRAN (similar to Tax Anticipation Note). With this note, the Borough will need to enact a resolution that coincides with the application for the note. The resolution will not be ready for the December 2nd meeting; however, it will be ready for the December 16th meeting. As a result, this item is a placeholder, and information will be provided to council once ready.
• TAX RATE ORDINANCE – Councilman Myers stated in accordance with final adoption of the 2025 budget, Borough Council will need to adopt the 2025 Tax Rate Ordinance which establishes the millage rates for General, Fire, Sinking, Library, and Second Alarmers funds. Manager Hegele is working with Solicitor Geiser to prepare this year’s ordinance which will also reflect the new refuse fees. This item was moved to the December 16, 2024, voting meeting for consideration.
• FINAL ADOPTION OF THE 2025 OPORATING BUDGET – Councilman Myers stated on November 18th, Borough Council approved the preliminary adoption of the 2025 Operating Budget. The preliminary budget is available at Borough Hall for public inspection during business hours. At the December 16th voting meeting, Borough Council will be considering final adoption of the budget along with the 2025 Tax Rate Ordinance.

3. Community Outreach & Events Committee
• UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilman Hover announced the upcoming November events.
• NEW BUSINESSES: Councilman Hoover stated The Recovery Vault – Chiropractor located at 420 S. York Road SUITE A just opened.
• FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilman Hoover stated the Friends of Cressbrook did not meet this month but are still working on by law changes, membership drive, and grant opportunities.
• 2025 BINGO EVENT REQUEST – Councilman Hoover stated Included in your packet is a copy of the Special Event Request for the Pennypack Committee Spring 2025 Bingo Event taking place on March 8, 2025. The Borough 2 typically waits to approve event requests in February of each year; however, the Committee would like to begin promoting this event sooner than later. As a result, this item is on December 16, 2024, voting meeting for consideration.
• CHILDREN’S MARKET EVENT REQUEST – Councilman Hoover stated The Borough was recently made aware of a Children’s Entrepreneur Market taking place on December 6th following the Union Library Tree Lighting. Although sponsored by the Union Library of Hatboro, this event is taking place down the street in the parking lot of Dollar General. This event will feature businesses from local children and anticipate a large turnout. Manager Hegele has spoken with the Chamber and no services are required from the Borough for this event. Manager Hegele has also notified emergency services that there will be additional foot traffic in accordance with this event following the tree lighting, so they are aware. Council will need to amend the library’s previously submitted event request to include the addition of the Children’s Market as a housekeeping item. This item is on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration.

4. Public Works Committee
• SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Councilman Hoover stated included in your packet is the final draft of the Solid Waste Ordinance. • Updated definitions for commercial establishments and dumpsters • Updated general regulations to prohibit burning of trash (this was previously contained elsewhere in the old ordinance but relocated for consistency) • Updated eligibility requirements and provided provisions for properties who would like to opt out of collection • Provided specific guidelines and requirements for properties looking to opt out of collection that require these properties to utilize dumpsters only, comply with requirements for dumpsters contained in the Zoning/SALDO portions of the ordinance, and collection must coincide with Borough collection days. • Provided provision to grandfather properties using privatized can collection for a specified period of time. • Requirement for all properties wishing to opt out to make requests prior to January 1st of each year and require these properties to provide a detailed proposal to the Borough for review prior to engaging in private collection. All proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Borough prior to any properties engaging in private collection. • Penalties were updated. This ordinance has been advertised as required and is on the voting portion of the agenda for consideration by the Borough Council. Once approved by Council, staff will notify property owners of the changes within the ordinance and work to review any opt out requests received between now and January 1, 2025. John Morisette, 53 S. York Road, asked how to opt out of the trash pick up and Manager Hegele stated that letters and forms will be going out to business owners who are eligible to opt out and he will have to fill out the form and submit it to the office once received.

• PA ONE CALL RESOLUTION – Councilman Hoover stated each year, PA One Call requests that Municipalities adopt an ordinance memorializing their support of safe digging in Pennsylvania. Included in your packet is a sample ordinance recognizing Hatboro’s dedication to dialing 8-1-1 prior to digging anywhere in the Borough. This item will be on the December 16, 2024, voting meeting for consideration.
Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, asked what the PA One Call Resolution was, and Manager Hegele explained that the Borough is a member of 811 (call before you dig) and they ask municipalities to recognize safe digging month, which is in the Spring, but she figured Council could just approve it now.
• MUNICIBID SALE OF EQUIPMENT – Councilman Hoover stated Borough Council previously approved the sale of various items on Municibid. The auctions have been active for the last month and are scheduled to end on November 30th. On December 2nd, staff will compile a list of winning bid amounts and will email out to Council for review. We request that the Borough Council authorize the release of these items to the winning bidders on December 2nd so staff can begin working with the winning bidders on payment and pickup prior to the holidays. This item will be on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration.

5. Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
• EAC UPDATE – Councilwoman Hendrickson stated the EAC will be meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The EAC will be wrapping up year-end items including discussion of their 2025 meeting schedule. A more detailed update will be available at the January 2025 meeting.

6. Administration Committee
• MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Vice President Reichner announced the upcoming meetings.
• 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE – Vice President Reichner stated Included in your packet is a memo detailing the proposed 2025 meeting schedule. There are multiple dates in the memo that need to be discussed by Borough Council as they conflict with holidays. This item will be on the December 16th voting meeting agenda for consideration.
• VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS- Vice President Reichner stated The Borough of Hatboro is always looking for volunteers who are interested in serving on our many Boards and Commissions. A list of current vacancies and terms available for appointment/reappointment are listed under the Boards and Commissions Appointments/Vacancies item below.
• BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS/VACANCIES – Vice President Reichner stated Included in your packet is a list of Boards and Commissions terms that expire December 31, 2024. Staff are currently reaching out to all individuals whose terms expire to discuss to see if they are interested in returning as well as accepting letters of interest for any new volunteers wishing to serve. If anyone is interested in volunteering on a Board or Commission, please contact 2 Manager Hegele at dhegele@myhatboro.org. A list of prospective appointments will be listed on the December 16th agenda for consideration.
• LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Vice President Reichner stated Land Development updates are as follows: CVS Property: Construction continues. 21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The applicant is currently working with PennDOT, and we will keep everyone updated when the developer applies for and is issued his demo permits. Victorian Village: Construction continues. 100 Meadowbrook: The applicant was issued his demo permit. 104 W. Lehman Avenue: All plans were recorded with the County and therefore the property is officially subdivided and was resold. We will keep everyone posted if and when we receive application for new construction on the empty lot. 2-4 Home Road: The applicant for the 2-4 Home Road Project is working on finalizing the financial security agreement for this development and confirmation from RVE that it is OK to move forward. 410 N. York Road: The applicant is still working with their planner to make amendments to their land development application and is currently waiting for a response from PennDOT regarding the driveway. Gamburg’s: We will continue to keep everyone updated regarding the sale and proposed use of the property when the time comes.
• ZONING REWRITE UPDATE: Vice President Reichner stated The County presented the zoning rewrite to the Planning Commission members on June 11, 2024, Planning Commission meeting and the PC met on September 10, 2024, to discuss procedures and policies on how they would like the County to present the rewrite. They met on October 8th and November 12th to discuss R1 and their next meeting will be in January.
• DISTRICT COURT SALE – Vice President Reichner stated The Borough continues to actively advertise for a buyer for District Court. This item is a placeholder in case an interested buyer arises prior to December 16, 2024.
• AUTHORIZATION OF SOLICITOR TO OPPOSE 18 HORSHAM ROAD ZONING HEARING BOARD APPLICATION – Vice President Reichner stated as you are aware, Council previously discussed the Zoning Hearing Board application filed for the property located at 18 Horsham Road. During the November 18, 2024, meeting, Council decided to table this matter until December after Solicitor Geiser indicated the applicant and their attorney were working on a possible amendment to their scope of work that could remove the project from the floodplain. The applicant’s attorney stated that they would like to meet with Solicitor Geiser, Engineer MacNair, and staff after the Thanksgiving Holiday; however, as it currently stands, no revisions to the project scope have been made. The Zoning Hearing Board meeting for this application is taking place on December 11, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM. If an amendment to the application is made prior to the December 11th meeting, the Solicitor may not be needed; however, Council will still need to discuss this item and make a vote during the voting portion of the December 2, 2024, meeting in case the hearing takes place as currently scheduled. The applicant’s attorney asked for a continuance after the agenda was posted therefore this item has been tabled.
• 246 E. COUNTY LINE ROAD ASSESSMENT APPEAL SETTLEMENT STIPULATION – Vice President Reichner stated included in your packet is a copy of an assessment appeal settlement stipulation for the property located at 246 E. County Line Road. If approved by Council, this will result in $6,317.86 in tax funds owed to the Borough of Hatboro. As the memo states, Solicitor Geiser recommends Council approve this stipulation as-is. This item is listed on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the December 2, 2024, Committee Meeting at 7:23 P.M.

VOTING MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 2, 2024, Voting Meeting to order at 7:23 P.M.

PUBILC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – There was no public comment.

SALE OF ITEMS ON MUNICIBID – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve the sale of items on Municibid in accordance with the winning bids. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PORTNOFF LAW ORDINANCE – Councilman Myers made a motion to adopt Ordinance 1079, appointing Portnoff Law as the delinquent Tax Collection Agency for the Borough of Hatboro and establishing associated fees. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE – Councilman Hoover made a motion to adopt Ordinance 1080, amending the Solid Waste regulations for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

TREE LIGHTING EVENT REQUEST AMENDMENT (CHILDREN’S MARKET) – Councilwoman Hendrickson made a motion to amend the previously approved Tree Lighting Event Request to include the Children’s Market taking place in the Dollar General Parking Lot on December 6, 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

18 HORSHAM ROAD ZONIG HEARING BOARD – This item was tabled.

246 E. COUNTY LINE RAOD ASSESSMENT APPEAL STIPULATION – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the assessment appeal settlement stipulation for 246 E. County Line Road resulting in $ 6,317.86 owed to the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

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

NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.

PUBLIC COMMENT –
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked why events were voted on that were not advertised. President Bollendorf stated that they haven’t voted on events and that the only time an event has to be approved is when PW or Police services are requested which are not needed for the bingo event. He also stated that the events are approved in February which isn’t enough time to promote the spring bingo event and that is why it was voted on separately tonight.

Mayor Schultz stated that he wanted to thank everyone who volunteered and helped with the parade as it was a great day and another successful year.

Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, asked how the collection agency was going to collect the delinquent taxes and asked what their fees are, and Solicitor Geiser stated that the collection agency is more aggressive than the County and the delinquent property owner will pay all the fees not the Borough.
Solicitor Geiser stated a lot of municipalities use Portnoff and the fee is tacked on to the property owner who is delinquent and that they are more persistent and aggressive than the County.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilman Myers made a motion to adjourn the December 2, 2024, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the December 2, 2024, Voting Meeting at 7:35 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary