December 21, 2020 Committee Council Meeting Minutes

PRESENT VIA ZOOM – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Schultz, Chief Gardner, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff.

ABSENT – Superintendent Sine, Treasurer Rich, Tax Collector/Fire Company President Mount were absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 21, 2020 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz was given by Mayor Schultz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

President Bollendorf stated that Council held an executive sesssion regarding a personnel matter on Friday, December 18, 2020 which lasted 21 minutes.

NEW BUSINESS
1) Public Safety Committee

  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of November 2020 is $ 9,768.13. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – NEW POLICE OFFICER – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that the Civil Service Commission met on November 23, 2020 and certified a list of eligible candidates for the position of Police Officer for the Hatboro PD. Chief Gardner stated it is his recommendation to Borough Council to consider formally voting to authorize the Conditional Offer of Employment to their top candidate on the list which is Anthony Walker. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

2) Finance/Grants Committee

  • PA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION KEYSTONE HISTORIC PRESERVATIONS PLANNING GRANTS – Vice President Stockton stated that this was brought to their attention by State Representative Elect Guenst and he would like office staff to look into this Grant to see if it would be a good fit for the Borough. He also stated that the funds would be between $5,000.00 and $ 25,000.00 with a 50% match and thinks this might be a worthwhile endeavor.
  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated that the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of December 2020 is $ 7,458.65. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • EATON PARK PAYMENT REQUEST #2 – Vice President Stockton stated that the Eaton Park Payment Request #2 for the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration Project is in the amount of $ 74,181.10. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFINANCE ORDINANCE – Vice President Stockton stated that with the current economic circumstance, a lot of lending rates are more competitive so Council has been looking at refinancing some of the Borough’s debt to see if we can lock in a better rate. This is to approve Ordinance No.1065, approving the refinance of the General Obligation Bond in the amount of $ 3,380,000.00. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2021 FINAL BUDGET – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to approve the final 2021 budget for the Borough of Hatboro. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • TAX RATE RESOLUTION – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to approve Resolution 2020-56, establishing the tax rates for the Borough of Hatboro for the year 2021. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

3) Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • HISTORIC OVERLAY ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated that both the Historic and Planning Commissions have met and discussed this and will meet again in January to continue to work on this.
  • NEW BUSINESSES – Councilwoman Reichner stated that the new businesses in Hatboro for the month of December are:
    1) Ashcroft & Moore located at 14 E. Moreland Avenue is an auction house specializing in every aspect of auctioning from appraising, photography, and marketing.
    2) VP Fitness located at 467 Jacksonville Road offers one on one training sessions with a personal trainer.

4) Public Works Committee

  • SPECIAL HOLIDAY RECYCLING COLLECTION ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that there will be a special holiday recycling collection on December 30, 2020 for residents who will be affected by their Friday recycling pick ups due to Christmas and New Year’s Day.
  • LIQUID FUELS ROAD PAVING PROGRAM CHANGE ORDER #1 – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that this is to approve Change Order #1 for the Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project in the amount of $ 46,767.50 which is a credit. This item was moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • LIQUID FUELS ROAD PAVING PAYMENT REQUEST #1 – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that this is to approve payment request #1 for the Liquid Fuel Road Paving Project in the amount of $ 157,851.50. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

5) Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PROGRAM – Councilwoman Anzinger stated she meant to pull this from the agenda as due to the deadline, they unfortunately will not be able to select a project in time. She stated she would like to table it until next year and would like to move forward with it with the EAC.

6) Policy Committee – There was nothing to report.

7) Administration Committee

  • BOROUGH HALL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to approve the environmental assessment for Borough Hall in preparation of the RACP Grant for HVAC upgrades in the amount of $ 4,000.00. This item was moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • CONSTELLATION ENERGY AGREEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that that this is to approve the Constellation Energy Agreement and authorize Borough Manager Hegele to sign the agreement. THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO THE December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • U & O ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to authorize staff to draft an amendment to the U & O Ordinance. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • ZONING UPDATE DISCUSSION – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that it is a priority that we review our zoning ordinance as they need to be updated but due to constraints with the budget due to the pandemic, it was not top priority. She also stated that Manager Hegele met with the County and they can assist the Borough with this as part of our contract with the County.
  • APPOINTMENT OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to appoint Edward Frydlewicz to the position of Superintendent of Public Works. This item has been moved to the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: JANUARY 7, 2021 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that Councik will be approving staff and board commission appointments for 2021.
  • 2021 1ST QUARTER MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to approve the meeting schedule for the first quarter of 2021. This item was moved to the December 21, 2020 Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • JANUARY 2021 MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that the following are the meetings in January 2021:
    – January 4, 2021 – EAC 6:30 P.M.
    – January 5, 2021 – Historical Commission 7:00 P.M.
    – January 7, 2021 – Special Council Meeting 7:00 P.M.
    – January 12, 2021 – Planning Commission 7:00 P.M.
    – January 13, 2021 – ZHB 7:00 P.M.
    – January 25, 2021 – Committee/Council Meeting 7:00 P.M.
  • BOARDS/COMMISIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that we have various boards and commissions that have openngs for the upcoming year and staff is putting together a list for the January meeting with letters of interest.

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

NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the December 21, 2020 Committee Meeting at 7:31 P.M.

BOROUGH OF HATBORO
COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2020

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting to order at 7:31 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated that he wanted to express his appreciation and gratitude to the entire Borough Council, President Bollendorf, Manager Hegele, Representative Elect Nancy Guenst, and Chief Gardner for thier confidence in him and he stated he is honored that they have appointed him for the remainder of Mayor Guenst’s term and he looks forwrd to working with everyone by bringing the community, businesses, and local government together for our mutual benefit. He also stated that he wanted to wish Happy Holiday’s to everyone and to stay safe, please wear a mask, observe social distancing, and lets get to this COVID finish lie all together.

OFFICER’S REPORTS

  • PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that he cannot stress enough the importance of supporting your local businesses right now. He also stated that due to the shut downs, some businesses are not doing well and these are the businesses that sponsor little league teams and fundraisers so it is time to give back and help them as they need it.President Bollendorf also stated that we are one of the few municipalities who are not doing a tax increase next year and that is because when they plan a budget, they like to do it conservatively.
    President Bollendorf also stated that he wanted to think the Public Works Department for doing what they do as they plowed and salted through the night and picked up trash the next day.

    President Bollendorf wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and to stay safe.

    • TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that at the end of November 2020, there was an ending balance of $ 4, 095,544.64 in all accounts with interest earned in the amount of $ 654.31.00.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that with down time in December she has been drafting the bylaws and moving forward for the Borough with the Friends of Cressbrook and thinks Council will review documents in January.

Solicitor Geiser stated that they have also received notification that the Commonwealth Court has tentatively scheduled the oral arguments for RAV Collision in March 2021.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that under our MS4 services, RVE has begun their suspected source investigation and that this is a requirement under our MS4 permit and this investigation will look into different sources that would be polluting our water ways.

Engineer Goff stated that under the Jacksonville and Montgomery Avenue signal project there has been a change to the plan at PennDOT and SEPTA are reviewing the change with them and they are hoping to get that construction going again soon.

Engineer Goff also stated that under the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration Project, construction on the streambank will conclude shortly and at this time recommend payment of No. 2 to the contractor.

Engineer Goff also stated that under the 2020 Liquid Fuels Road Program, that project was completed last month and she recommends payment to the contractor.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the Borough of Hatboro is proud to announce the receipt of an automated red light enforcement grant also called ARLE to fund additional intersection improvements at York and Williams Lane and the Borough was awarded $ 74,028.00 to improve that intersection with an overhead flashing beacon for pedestrians. She also stated that this project is going to improve the overall walking and accessibility along York Road and she is very excited to see these improvements.

Manager Hegele stated she wanted to apologize to anyone trying to email Borough Hall as there were some issues with the email and it has since been fixed.

Manager Hegele stated that she wanted to thank the Library on their virtual tree lighting and thanked everyone who participated in the video.

Manager Hegele stated that Public Works is returning to pick up more PPE this week for the Chamber of Commerce and if any business owners are interested in obtaining any please reach out to the Chamber of Commerce.
Manager Hegele stated that the County has announced a new restaurant grant program to support local restaurants and food service businesses through pandemic challenges and grant awards are expected to be between $ 10,000.00 and $ 5,000,000.00 in funding.

Manager Hegele stated she wanted to congratulate this years winners of the Hatboro Horsham favorite restaurant business of the year which was done by the patch and the following Hatboro Businesses made the list: Amy’s Pizzeria at 332 S. York Road, Hatboro Pizza at 213 N. York Road, Hatboro Dish at 102 S. York Road, and Lochel’s Bakery at 5 S. York Road.

Manager Hegele stated that she wanted to congratulate Fire Company Chief Croak on his re election to Fire Chief for the next two years. Manager Hegele stated that she was sorry but Sant Claus will not make it around the Borough on the Fire Truck this year due to COVID.

Manager Hegele also stated that she wanted to thank Borough staff on a great job this year as it was a difficult year to work but everyone stepped up to the plate and did a great job and wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Chief Gardner stated that he apologizes but the Police Department’s email is still down and has been all weekend as they are able to receive but cannot send anything but the IT people are working on it.
Chief Gardner stated that Hatboro has had 238 positive cases of COVID since th pandemic began earlier this year with 5 fatalities and 130 of those case have occurred in the last 30 days with 4 deaths. He also stated that County wide the numbers seem to leveling off in the last 7 days. He also stated that he reminds everyone to mask up and paractice social distancing.

Chief Gardner stated that he wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year and to be safe.

TAX COLLECTIONS – The Tax Collectors report was submitted electronically.

PUBLIC WORKS – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that last week our region experienced the first significant winter event of the season and is pleased to report that all went well. She also stated that both equipment and man power performed fine with no mechanical break downs and thanks the residents that moved their portable basketball nets and cars from the street because it helps Public Works do a more efficient job plowing the roads.
Councilwoman Benjamin stated that Public Works will be collecting live Christmas trees and to please place them curbside on your trash day and make sure it is free of all decorations and lights. SHe also stated that the trees are recycled at Upper Moreland’s compost facility and made into mulch.

Councilwoman Benjamin stated that on behalf of the entire Public Works Department, happy holidays and a healthy New Year to all.

FIRE MARSHAL – The December 2020 Fire Marshal Report was submitted electronically.

FIRE COMPANY REPORT – There was no report given.

UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Librarian Celec stated that they continue to be open for parking lot pick up 6 days a week for books and other materials and the e library is open 24/7.

Librarian Celec stated that the tree lighting video has debuted and you can see Santas message if you click the link at the top of their website.

Librarian Celec stated that Hatboro Federal Savings has made an EITC Grant to the Library in the amount of $ 35,000.00 to support their summer reading and children’s program.

Librarian Celec stated that they have been working out their Keystone Grant with Engineer Goff and Library Arcjitect Jim Keller to figure out what all of the projects are going to cost. He also stated that this grant is a 50% match and he should have more of an update next month as they are close to having the plan finalized.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPTS AND REPORTS – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s reports. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of December 2020. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

NOVEMBER 16, 2020 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the November 16, 2020 Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Vice President Stockton abstained as he was not present at the meeting. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention.

DECEMBER 7, 2020 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the December 7, 2020 Special Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of November 2020 in the amount of $ 9,768.13. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – NEW POLICE OFFICER – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to make a conditional offer of employment for the position of police officer. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of December 2020 in the amount of $ 7,458.65. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

EATON PARK STREAMBANK PAYMENT REQUEST #2 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve payment request #2 for the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration Project in the amount of $ 74,181.10. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1065, approving the refinance of the General Obligation Bond in the amount of $ 3,380.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

2021 FINAL BUDGET – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to adopt the 2021 Operating Budget for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

TAX RATE RESOLUTION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2020-56, establishing the tax rates for the Borough of Hatboro for the year 2021. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIQUID FUELS ROAD PAVING CHANGE ORDER #1 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Change Order #1 for the Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project in the amount of $46,767.50. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIQUID FUELS ROAD PAVING PAYMENT REQUEST #1 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve payment request #1 for the Liquid Fuel Road Paving Project in the amount of $ 157,851.50. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

BOROUGH HALL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the environmental assessment for Borough Hall in preparation of the RACP grant for HVAC upgrades in the amount of $ 4,000.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

U & O ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to authorize staff to draft an amendment to the U&O Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

CONSTELLATION ENERGY AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the Constellation Energy Agreement and authorize Borough Manager Hegele to sign the 4-year agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to appoint Edward Frydlewicz to the position of Superintendent of Public Works. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

2021 MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the meeting schedule for the first quarter of 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

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

NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to adjourn the December 21, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the December 21, 2020 Council meeting at 8:03 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele / Borough Manager

Transcribed by Cynthia Bollendorf