PRESENT – Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, and Treasurer Smith were present.

ABSENT – President Bollendorf, Manager Hegele, Mayor Schultz, and Councilwoman McMenamin were excused.

CALL TO ORDER – Vice President Stockton called the December 4, 2023, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

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

INVOCATION – Vice President Stockton led the invocation.

VOTE –
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Donnell Wessels to the position of Police Officer for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
APPOINTMENT/SWEARING IN OF OFFICER – Judge Paul Leo swore in Donnell Wessels to the position of Police Officer for the Borough of Hatboro.

MEETING NOTES – Vice president Stockton 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.

NEW BUSINESS
1.Public Safety Committee
•ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus sated included in your packet is a copy of the Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of November 2023 in the amount of $6,266.25. This item was moved to the December 18, 2023, Council Agenda for approval.
•POLICE DEPARTMENT OPEN RECORDS OFFICER – Councilwoman Jacobus stated included in your packet is a memo from Chief Gardner recommending the appointment of Police Operations Clerk, Mary Kovach, to the position of Right to Know Officer for the Hatboro Police Department. This item will be on the December 4, 2023, Voting Meeting agenda for approval.

2.Finance/Grants Committee
•UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the Union Library expenditure list for the month of December in the amount of $40,482.00. This item has been moved to the December 4, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
•FINAL ADOPTION OF 2024 BUDGET – Vice President Stockton stated Borough Council will be considering the final adoption of the 2024 Operating Budget on Monday, December 18, 2023. He stated staff is working on finalizing numbers and making any last-minute changes from Preliminary Adoption and will have the final proposed budget ready for Council on 12/18.
•TAX RATE ORDINANCE – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the proposed tax rate ordinance for 2024. This ordinance proposes a millage increase for the general fund and fire protection fund as well as the levying of an EMS tax of 0.05 mills. This will equate to a tax increase of approximately $100.00 per average household. This item will be on the voting meeting portion of the agenda so staff can advertise the ordinance prior to the December 18th meeting.
•2024 FEE SCHEDULE – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the proposed fee schedule for the year 2024. This includes increases for the following: a. Building Permits: 3% increase b. Zoning Permits: $5.00 increase per permit type c. Event Fees for Staff: 3.5% increase to cover staff time and increased benefit costs d. Contractor License Fee: $5.00 increase e. SALDO Fees: Increases made to each line to cover increased costs for staff, experts, postage, supplies, etc. 2 f. Zoning Hearing Board: Fees increased to more accurately reflect costs to Borough and the imposition of a continuance fee to cover costs for hearings that take more than one meeting. g. Fire Marshal Fee: Increase of $5.00 per building over 6,000 square feet to cover increased staff time for inspections and processing h. Fire Lane Parking Violation: Increased to $50.00 I. Refuse Fees: We are still working on finalizing proposed refuse fees for 2024. The existing fees are already on a sliding scale as Council proposed during the budget workshop (i.e., a single -family home rental pays $860, a duplex pays $1,720, a triplex pays $2,580, etc.) We are working on a possible refuse ordinance amendment that would help alleviate the issue brought up by residents at the Budget Workshop who have a second home that is occupied by family without an exchange of funds. We will have additional information for Council prior to the December 18th meeting. j. Street Opening and Sidewalk/Curb Permits: Increase of $5.00 k. ***Pool Fees will be adjusted when the Pool Committee meets prior to the Council Meeting.
•MEMORIAL PARK STREAMBANK NOTICE OF INTENET TO REWARD – Vice President Stockton stated RVE is currently reviewing bids for this project and Engineer Goff requested this be placed on the agenda as a placeholder in case they are finished reviewing bid documents prior to the December 18th meeting.
•WINDSOR AND MEADOWBROOK INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD – Vice President Stockton stated RVE is currently reviewing bids for this project and Engineer Goff requested this be placed on the agenda as a placeholder in case they are finished reviewing bid documents prior to the December 18th meeting.

3.Community Outreach & Events Committee
•COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT – BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – Borough Council welcomes resumes and letters of interest from residents who wish to serve as volunteer members of Borough committees, authorities, and commissions. The following are the boards and commissions for the Borough of Hatboro: • Civil Service Commission: Oversees the hiring and promotion process within the Police Department, as required by the Pennsylvania Borough Code and meets when needed. • Environmental Advisory Committee: Serves to educate and inform Borough residents about issues of environmental importance to the community and meets the first Monday of the month. • Historical Commission: Participates in the overall management of historical preservation projects when directed by Borough Council and meets the first Tuesday of the month. • Human Relations Commission: This board meets as needed to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, and public accommodations within the Borough. • Library Board: The mission of the Union Library Boar is to provide all of the members of the community and serviced areas with access to materials that will fulfill their cultural, informational, educational, recreational, and technological needs. • Parking Commission: Oversees the orderly development and maintenance of adequate public parking facilities, both on public streets and off-street, within the Borough limits of the Borough of Hatboro, and advises Borough Council on matters concerning the operations and maintenance of parking facilities owned or leased by the Borough of Hatboro. 2 • Planning Commission: Makes recommendations to Council on proposed projects/developments, Subdivision and Land Development and Zoning code for the Borough of Hatboro. The Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month as needed. • Shade Tree Commission: The Shade Tree Commission of the Borough of Hatboro issues Shade Tree permits for the pruning, maintenance, removal, or replacement of all shade trees within the Borough of Hatboro. • Civil Service Commission: Oversees the hiring and promotion process within the Police Department, as required by the Pennsylvania Borough Code and meets when needed. • Uniform Construction Code Local Appeals Board: Carries out its interests in promoting public health and safety, the Appeals Board hears appeals, requests for variances or extensions of time under the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and authorizes other necessary action and meets when needed. • Zoning Hearing Board: The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Hatboro hears and decides requests for special exceptions and requests for variances from the Borough of Hatboro Zoning Code and meets on the second Wednesday of each month, as needed. From time-to-time the Borough Council may create sub-committees of residents for certain projects within the Borough. Currently there are two steering committees in place regarding the use of the inside and outside of the Pennypack Property. Residents or property owners should stay tuned to our website at http://www.myhatboro.org for opportunities or our Facebook page @Hatboro Borough and if you would like to serve on one of these committees, please send a letter to the attention of the Borough Manager, Diane C. Hegele, 414 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040, or email at dhegele@myhatboro.org Borough Council would like to thank all the residents of the Borough of Hatboro who serve their community as many residents and business owners volunteer many selfless hours to make Hatboro a better place to live, work, and play!
•NEW BUSINESS – There were no new businesses.
•UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner reminded everyone about the upcoming Sip n Shop event this Sunday.
•FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Friends of Cressbrook Organization has a meeting tomorrow night.
•BUSINESS REGOGNITION – LOCHEL’S BAKERY – Councilwoman Reichner stated Councilwoman Reichner stated Lochel’s Bakery, located at 57 S. York Road, was started in 1942, in Philadelphia. Previously to their current location in Hatboro, the bakery was in Levittown, Pa. and sadly on Labor Day 1995, the bakery caught fire, and everything was destroyed. Only very little could be salvaged and saved, which was devastating to the family and customers, however they managed to fill their orders with help from a neighboring bakery, their good friends at Piazza’s Bakery. The Lochel family started over in Hatboro, Pa. in November 1995 and Rob and Kathy purchased the family bakery in 2005. The Lochel family uses only the finest quality ingredients and works hard so the bakery is here for generations to come! They offer a large selection of products that are made from scratch daily including Butter cakes, Cookies, Danish, Decorated Cakes, Donuts, Miniature Items, Sugar Free Items, Tea Biscuits and much more. Their highly sought
-after donuts, including Fastnacht’s (made only on Fat Tuesday) keep customers coming back and their custom decorated cakes for all occasions become a center of attention for many parties! They also offer some hard-to-find items like George Washington Cake, German Apple Cake, Bee Cake, Springerle Cookies & Stollen at Christmas and on top of all that, we can’t forget to mention their “special treats” for Philly Sports and Presidential Elections! Customers near and far line up on the sidewalk daily to get their hands on delicious treats from the Sweetest Bakery in America where not only will you have a large selection to choose from, but also a hardworking, friendly staff to help you. The Borough of Hatboro recognizes Lochel’s Bakery for their outstanding support of Hatboro Residents, Business Owners, and organizations. For almost 3 decades, this 3rd generation family bakery continues to positively impact lives within Hatboro and neighboring communities on a daily basis. The Borough of Hatboro is extremely grateful for all of their work in making Hatboro a great place to live, work, and play.

4. Public Works Committee
•SPECIAL RECYCLING PICK UP – Councilwoman Reichner stated each year, the Public Works Department holds a special recycling only collection during the holiday season for residents impacted by the Borough’s closure for Christmas and New Years. This year, residents with a Monday recycling day are impacted by the holidays. As a result, Public Works will be holding a special recycling only collection for residents with a Monday recycling pickup on Wednesday, December 27th. A copy of the flyer to be delivered to residents is included in your packet for reference. This will also be placed on the Borough website and Facebook page following the Council Meeting.

5.Facilities
•FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Facilities Committee will be holding their annual Winter Sip N Shop event at the Pennypack Facility on Sunday, December 10th from 2 PM to 6 PM. This event will feature a variety of vendors, food, and a special photo opportunity with Jack Skellington. We hope to see everyone there! A portion of Borough Staff moved back to Loller Academy on Wednesday, November 29th. Residents are welcome to visit both Loller and Pennypack to conduct business until the remainder of the staff moves back to Loller later in December. The move went well, and the staff is still working on unpacking and settling back into their new offices at Loller. When we have a date for when the remainder of the staff will be moving back to Loller, we will make an announcement, so residents are aware.

6. Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
•EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC continues to meet monthly to discuss a plethora of matters including Earth Day 2024 Preparation, Land Development Projects, and more. As a reminder, their meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
•SHADE TREE COMMISSION UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Shade Tree Commission met on Thursday, November 30th to ratify previously approved permits as well as discuss procedures for reviewing shade tree permits submitted.
•JANUARY 8, 2024, Q&A SESSION – DCNR MEADOW PROJECTS – Councilman Myers stated Included in your packet is a copy of the official flyer for the DCNR Q&A Session to be taking place on Monday, January 8th. This session will take place during the Committee meeting and will inform residents about the proposed Meadow planting taking place at Pennypack. This flyer is being posted routinely on the Borough’s website and Facebook page to gain interest from residents.

7. Administration Committee
•MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Vice President Stockton announced the meetings for the next month.
•2024 REORGANIZATION MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Vice President Stockton stated Borough Council will be holding a reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, beginning at 7 PM.
•2024 MEETING SCHEDULE – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the proposed 2024 meeting schedule for the Borough. Please review the schedule and make any changes as needed. This item was moved to the December 18, 2023, voting agenda for approval.
Lynda Clauser, 205 E. Mill Road, asked if the ZHB decision for 18 Horsham Road must go before Council for approval. Solicitor Geiser stated that it does not have to go before Council.
•LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough is receiving numerous questions regarding upcoming and ongoing Land Development projects and the following is the updates on the large projects taking place within the Borough:
CVS Property: The CVS Project was issued Conditional Use and Land Development Approvals on Monday, November 27th. The developer is working on the next steps of filing agreements, posting financial security, etcetera.
21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Borough will be holding a conditional use hearing on Monday, January 22nd for the 21-23 & 37 N. York Road project.
Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials. They are beginning to perform more sitework in the preparation of construction and we should have additional information to provide in the coming months.
Gamburg’s: The Borough has not received any applications pertaining to the Gamburg Property. If an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the public will have ample time to provide comments and feedback on the project.
2 Home Road: The owners of 2 Home Road are working on finalizing plans for the new home to be constructed on the subdivided lot. We will continue to provide updates on this project as they are available.
•ZONING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the Zoning Sub Committee continues to meet monthly to discuss possible improvements to the Borough’s existing Zoning Code. The group will hopefully have a draft prepared for public comment and review some time in 2024.
•BOARDS AND COMMISSON APPOINTMENTS – Vice President Stockton stated staff issued letters to all volunteers whose terms are expiring in 2023. These volunteers have been asked to notify the Borough whether they are interested in returning prior to the Council Meeting so Council can make appointments on December 18th. There are still multiple vacancies on the Parking Commission if anyone is interested in volunteering.
•HATBORO STATION SALDO RESOLUTION AMENDMENT – Vice President Stockton stated Solicitor Geiser is working on an amended resolution for the Hatboro Station Project that reflects the removal of the trees that is being required by PECO and the fee in lieu being filed in place of these trees. The draft is not yet prepared as of packets being sent out, so this item is a placeholder.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT –
Ron Battis, 320 W, Moreland Avenue, stated the Warminster Bridge project seems to be moving very slowly. Vice President Stockton stated he will get an update for everyone.

Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked if there was a special holiday recycling day and Vice President Stockton stated that it is only for the residents who have Monday as recycling, and it will be December 27, 2023.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton adjourned the December 4, 2023, Committee Meeting at 7:33 P.M.

VOTING MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – Vice President Stockton called the December 4, 2023, Voting Meeting to order at 7:33 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

VOTING ITEMS
ADVERTISEMENT OF TAX RATE ORDINANCE- Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to authorize the advertisement of the Tax Rate Ordinance for the year 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

POLICE DEPARTMENT RIGHT TO KNOW OFFICER – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Mary Kovach to the position of Right to Know Officer for the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion was carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the December 4, 2023, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Vice President Stockton adjourned the December 4, 2023, Voting Meeting at 7:34 P.M.

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