PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Detective Sergeant Goold, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Tax Collector Mount and Fire Marshal Hauser were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 10, 2020 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas regarding addressing Council and Time Allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Councilwoman Ostrander stated the Public Safety Committee 2020 goals. These goals are listed as follows: Grow a stronger relationship between the police department and the community. Continue to support the K9 Dog Unit. Explore technology and what is needed to improve public safety. Maintain the police department law enforcement accreditation. Hold emergency management tabletop drill. Finally, address the problems with pavements around the borough and improve the safety of those who walk through the community.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company expenditure list for the month of January 2020 in the amount of $14,957.83. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ENTERPRISE FIRE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Capital expenditure list for the month of January 2020 in the amount of $2,900.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE CONSORTIUM TEST FINANCIALS – Manager Hegele stated that Hatboro is undertaking financial authority for the Montgomery County Police Consortium testing. Manager Hegele stated that Assistant Secretary DeRenzis is going to be opening and managing a checking account for which the testing fees will be deposited into. She noted there is no formal action required by council for this matter.
CIVIL SERVICE POLICE EXAM – Manager Hegele stated that Chief Gardner is asking Council to direct the Civil Service Commission to produce a list of eligible candidates for the position of Police Officer for the Borough of Hatboro Police Department. Manager Hegele stated that at this time there are no vacancies at this time for such position, but it is prudent that the department has a list of candidates in the event that a vacancy presents itself. Manager Hegele stated that this is an annual housekeeping item and that Chief Gardner asks for the Borough of Hatboro to participate in the upcoming Montgomery County Consortium Police Test, which is on April 25th.
FINANCE/GRANTS COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Vice President Stockton stated the goals for the Finance/Grant Committee for the year 2020. These goals are listed as follows: Continue to build and develop savings account for Differed Retirement Option Plan (DROP Program) to ensure the Borough has adequate funds saved for retiring officers. Work to achieve a smooth contract negotiation with the Public Works Department. Finally, establish a Capital Projects timeline for buildings, large purchases, etc. that includes plans for 1-3-5-7 years in advance.
MONTCO 2040 GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated that last year Hatboro successfully obtained the MONTCO 2040 Grant and would like to obtain it again this year. Vice President Stockton explained that for this year’s grant, Council is looking into improvements for the intersection of Bonair Avenue, Penn Street, and Monument Avenue. The grant would allow for updates to that intersection to increase safety. Manager Hegele stated that Hatboro has a plan drawn up that should be sufficient for the submission of the grant. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if there are rough cost estimates for all of the roads. Vice President Stockton stated that Council will look into it. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
KEYSTONE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated that there are funds set aside for Loller Academy HVAC improvements and that Council wants to look into a grant for renovations to the bell tower. Vice President Stockton stated that this grant is a 50% match, but the Borough has funds set aside for it. Vice President Stockton stated that Hatboro did not receive this grant last year but hopes to receive it for this year. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
DVRPC TCDI GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated that the DVRPC TCDI Grant is a grant that helps with planning, for example, coming up with conceptual plans for applying for other grants. Vice President Stockton stated that Council decided on using the grant for traffic calming for the north end of York Road. Vice President Stockton stated that a traffic island can be installed at that section of the road. Vice President Stockton also stated that that area can be used to install a “Welcome to Hatboro” sign so that area can be used for traffic calming as well as a welcome anchor to the community. He also explained that Council is looking deeper into the matter to find, the exact location, cost, and other factors that go into the grant but expresses that it would be a good use of that grant.
ACE GRANT – Engineer Goff explained that the ACE Grant (Alternative Clean Energy) uses funds to replace current equipment with equipment that is more energy efficient. The Engineer discussed with Borough Staff about using the funds to replace the HVAC and Electrical components for Loller Academy.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Councilwoman Reichner stated the goals for the Community Outreach Committee for the year 2020. These goals are listed as follows: Use the main website calendar to create a comprehensive list of community events and promotes these events accordingly. Work with the Downtown Development Director to hold quarterly business mixers. Review and revise the current Sign Ordinance to modernize and update the Borough’s sign regulations. Work to reestablish Main Street Board and recruit new members. Finally, create a LERTA District within the Borough to encourage developers and new businesses to move to Hatboro.
FEBRUARY EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner read a list of upcoming events for the month of February 2020 including the first quarterly Business Mixer for the year, President’s Day Make It and Take It, Chamber of Commerce’s News at Noon Luncheon, Serving Those Who Served Veteran’s Breakfast
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Councilwoman Benjamin stated the goals for the Public Works’ Committee for the year 2020. These goals are listed as follows: Continue to provide the best possible service to the residents and business owners of Hatboro. Continue LED Street Light upgrades. Replace damaged concrete curbs and sidewalks at Borough facilities (ongoing since 2017). Work with Public Works Committee and Borough Council to update trash and recycling ordinances using recommendations from the Technical Assistance Report. Greater passive enforcement of rules to increase recycling rates combined with more educational components (short videos, school visits, handouts, etc.). Continue to extend the capabilities of the department by completing capital projects in-house as much as possible and stay within budgetary manpower/scheduling constraints. Aggressively pursue grant opportunities. Finally, create alternative opportunities for recycling certain materials to reduce recyclables in trash stream.
MUNICIBID LISTING – Superintendent Sine stated that Council was given a list from both Public Works and the Police Department of equipment that would be listed for auction. The list of equipment is as follows: 2009 Crown Victoria, various truck parts (tailgates and bumpers), Snap-On Scanning Tool, 2 walk behind mowers, 2 skids of assorted small parts, and finally a Ford 500. Mayor Guenst asked Superintendent Sine what the Scanning Tool is. Superintendent Sine stated that the Scanning Tool is a diagnostic tool which is fifteen years old and is obsolete and has since been replaced.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS/PARKS COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Councilwoman Anzinger stated the goals for the Environmental Affairs/Parks Committee for the year 2020. These goals are listed as follows: Create Parks and Rec Board Ordinance, establish board itself, and appoint members. Work to obtain grants through the Environmental Advisory Committee. Create Pollinators Plan and obtain pollination certifications for some of the Borough’s gardeners. Continue working on the mural for the Hatboro Pool with local artists and have mural created/painted. Obtain a grant for Phase II of Miller Meadow park improvements. Complete/Implement Master Trail Plan and Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan by Summer of 2020. Continue work with Eaton Park and Memorial Park Streambank Restorations. Finally, complete and approve Montgomery County 100% Clean Energy Resolution. Establish Memorial in Memorial Park.
ENACTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated Council will hold a public hearing for the Environmental Advisory Committee Ordinance on February 24th. She added that Council will then vote on the ordinance after the hearing.
PURCHASE OF SHADE STRUCTURE AT MEMORIAL POOL – Superintendent Sine stated that there are two options for the color and design of the shade structure installation for Memorial Pool. Superintendent Sine also stated that there are different cost estimates for each design of the shade structure. Council responds that they will decide on February 24th when the public has the chance to see the design options.
POOL BROCHURE/INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT – Manager Hegele presented Council with the Memorial Pool brochure for the 2020 season. Manager Hegele stated that the brochure was created by Assistant Manager DeRenzis. The brochure has information on opening/closing times, event dates and times, membership rates, and other important information.
POLICY COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the goals for the Policy Committee for the year 2020. The goals are listed as follows: Compile and analyze the Borough’s existing policies and procedures. Create an internal work plan that includes priorities and tentative deadlines for completion. Complete Work Plan according to deadlines detailed. Finally, create mechanisms and procedures to assure policies remain current and compliant.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
2020 COMMITTEE GOALS – Vice President Stockton stated the goals for the Administration Committee for the year 2020. The goals are listed as follows: Determine a viable use for the newly obtained Cressbrook House property. Finally, update the Borough’s employment application both online and in-house to modernize and assure compliance with.
JUNIOR COUNCIL PROGRAM – Vice President Stockton stated that the Administration Committee is for Hatboro to join the Junior Council Program. This program allows students to shadow current Council Members to give them a better understanding of how the Borough is administered and for the students to learn the intricacies of being a local government figurehead. Major Guesnt asks which grade these students would be in and Vice President Stockton responds that the students will be around 11th or 12th grade.
RECORDS DISPOSAL PROGRAM – Vice President Stockton stated admin staff would like to dispose of old records that are cluttering the basement. These records are from the early 2000’s and older. All records are being disposed of according the PA municipal records manual. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
FIRE HOUSE GRANT EXTENSION – Vice President Stockton stated that staff is working with the state to close out the Fire House grant. The grant must remain open during the reimbursement period. As a result, the Borough must request an extension for the grant. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
SNACK STAND RFP – Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough is looking for interested parties to administer the Snack Stand at the Pool for this upcoming season. All interested parties are welcome to submit an application, which can be found on the Borough’s website (www.myhatboro.org). Councilwoman Benjamin asked if a background check for all employees can be added to the application process. President Bollendorf responds that a background check is already required by law and is already written in the RFP.
AV UPGRADE RFP – Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough is submitting a RFP for a upgrade to AV equipment for the council room at Borough Hall. This upgrade will include new microphones, speakers, audio/visual upgrades for the council meeting broadcasts, as well as a presenter’s podium. President Bollendorf asked if the funds for the upgrade have been set aside. Vice President Stockton responds that the funds have been set aside by past Council.
ASSISTANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR – Vice President Stockton stated that Council has to vote to appoint Nicholas Neapolitan as a new Assistant Property Maintenance Inspector. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
JACKSONVILLE GREEN STOREFRONT CONVERSION – Presenters Bruce Nicholson and Edward Moser presented a plan to convert an existing, unused storefront at Jacksonville Green Apartments to a residential apartment and a common space. Mr. Nicholson explains that Jacksonville Green is located in a HI-MU zoning district. Land development stated that there must be a commercial space incorporated. Mr. Nicholson stated that numerous realtors were contacted to fill that commercial space, but they cannot fill that space. Mr. Nicholson stated that they are here today to ask Council if they can instead fill that space with an additional residential apartment and a “work area/common space” for residents of the building. President Bollendorf stated that Council will investigate the matter and perform more research. This item was moved to the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
2040 COMP PLAN/PARKS PLAN – Manager Hegele stated to Council reminding them that at the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting, they will have a public meeting to adopt the 2040 Comp Plan. The Borough Planning Commission will meet February 11th at 7pm where they will be making their recommendations to Council to adopt the plan. Regarding the Parks Plan, Manager Hegele stated that she has met with Community Planner Chloe Mohr. Together Manager Hegele and Community Planner Mohr plan to announce at the February 24, 2020 meeting the schedule and beginning processes to adopt the Parks Plan. Manager Hegele stated that on February 25th, 2020, drafts of the plan will be disturbed to various agencies with a copy being available at Borough Hall. On March 10th the Planning Commission will review the plan. Manager Hegele stated that if everything goes well, then on April 13th Council can advertise a special meeting where the plan will be formally adopted.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Vice President Stockton stated that there are announcements for upcoming meetings. The Planning Commission will hold a meeting on February 11th. The next Borough Council Meeting will be held on February 24th. The next Committee Meeting will be held March 9th. Finally, there will be a Zoning Hearing Board Meeting on March 11th. The Zoning Hearing Board will be reviewing an application for a resident for the property located at 469 Jacksonville Road, for a variance to convert commercial storefronts in a Highway Business District into residential apartments.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the February 10, 2020 Committee Meeting at 7:39 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis