PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilman Hegele, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Treasurer Zollers, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Anzinger and Enterprise Fire Company President Mount were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 11, 2019 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas with regard to addressing Council and Time Allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough Ball took place on Saturday, February 9, 2019 and the event was a great success with over 150 attendees. Mayor Guenst thanked the 2019 award winners, Manager Hegele, Patricia Beadling, and Gary Chamberlain from the YMCA.
Mayor Guenst stated the fundraising for the K-9 unit is ongoing and K-9 Officer Louie’s health package will be paid for this week.
Mayor Guenst stated she met with the Hatboro Horsham School District earlier in the day to discuss a mural project in the Borough. She noted she will have more details regarding the project at a later date.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated Councilwoman Anzinger was not able to attend the evening’s meeting due to a business trip. President Bollendorf reminded everyone that the Steering Committee open house will be taking place Tuesday night from 7:00-9:00 PM in Borough Hall. He stated the open house held at the library was well attended and they are looking for the same turnout to gain as much feedback from residents as possible.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that she attended mandatory CDBG training earlier in the morning with Engineer Goff and Superintendent Sine. She added they have a prospective project; however, they are performing more research and if the project is CDBG eligible, Council will have more information in March.
Manager Hegele stated that the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration project is underway and Borough Staff has been contacted by numerous residents regarding pink markings on trails and trees. She stated that the Borough Engineer has confirmed that it was not their markings and that staff will continue to look into the matter.
Manager Hegele stated although it does not feel like pool weather, the first pool committee meeting will be taking place on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Manager Hegele stated that the Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual membership meeting on Wednesday, February 20th at the Bray Lodge.
Manager Hegele stated that Council is in receipt of the Special Event Requests for 2019. She stated that there is an event request for a Spring Cleanup Day along York Road. She stated that she is working with the Chamber of Commerce to turn the event into a Hatboro-wide cleanup day to encourage both commercial and private property owners to clean up their properties.
Manager Hegele stated that she met with PECO regarding a gas odor along the York Road corridor. She stated that PECO changed some lines along the Byberry/York intersection which should alleviate the issue.
Manager Hegele stated that the consultant for the Borough’s DVRPC Trail Grant has been chosen and will be awarded this week. She stated that the steering committee for the project will begin meeting after that.
Manager Hegele stated the Boyscouts will be holding their ham and turkey supper in March and the Hatboro Horsham Educational Foundation is holding their casino night on April 13th at the Talamore Country Club and Merle Reese from the Eagles will be attending the event.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated he met with PennDOT District Six’s new Assistant County Maintenance Manager David Jackson regarding response time from PennDOT regarding state roadway maintenance matters such as potholes, state road signs and infrastructure. He stated that Mr. Jackson assured a better response time from PennDOT and cooperation on these matters and agreed to replace storm drain covers on County Line Road.
Superintendent Sine stated that the LED Streetlight project is complete and he is currently working with PECO to make the appropriate billing adjustments. He commended Public Works Staff for installing these lights within an 8 week period of time while completing their other duties.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Municibid Auctions for two of the Borough’s old vehicles ended earlier in the day. He stated the 2003 Ford Explorer sold for $725.00 and the 1977 Kubota Tractor sold for $3,464. He stated he will be making contact with the winning bidders and arranging transfer of ownership in the coming days.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that there is bad weather expected later this evening and encouraged motorists to drive carefully. Chief Gardner congratulated Manager Hegele for receiving the Service to Public Award at the Borough Ball.
Chief Gardner stated that there was an Emergency Management Meeting held on Friday to go over future plans. He stated that they are also working on holding a tabletop drill.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers congratulated Manager Hegele on her Service to Public Award. Fire Marshal Myers stated that the Emergency Management meeting mentioned by Chief Gardner was a great success. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he attended the 6 ABC Operation Save a Life event to obtain free smoke detectors for the Borough. He stated that anyone who needs a smoke detector can come into Borough Hall.
FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – President Mount was absent.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that RVE has submitted a final payment recommendation for the 2017 CDBG project in the amount of $4,960.98. She stated that RVE is addressing comments for the Borough’s pollutant reduction plan. She stated RVE is also working on right of way research for the Corinthian Trail project, assisting staff with grant applications for Miller Meadow and Borough Hall, as well as preparing a cost analysis for the 2019 Road Program.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that the documents for the TAN are prepared and ready for Council’s execution. She stated that the Zoning Hearing Board will issue their decision for the RAV Collision appeal on Wednesday. She stated that the Borough will be filing its response to the Land Use Appeal for the Wawa matter. She stated that after the response is filed, the case will be assigned a judge in the court of common pleas and move forward from that point.
PUBLIC SAFETY
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST
Councilman Forgeng stated that Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for January 2019 in the amount of $7,622.39. This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST
Councilman Forgeng stated that Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Capital Expenditure List for January 2019 in the amount of $5,352.00. This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
LIVE SCAN FINGERPRINTING SYSTEM
Councilman Forgeng stated that Council is in receipt of a memo from Chief Gardner regarding a Live Scan Fingerprinting system. He stated that the cost of the system is $37,500.00 which will be covered by a grant; however, the system requires a dedicated T1 line which will cost the
Borough $3,500 per year and there will be a system maintenance fee for the software in the amount of $6,500 per year after the first year of operation.
Chief Gardner stated that the department currently uses a card and ink system for fingerprinting and is very outdated. He stated that the department will receive $285 per defendant scanned with the Live Scan system. He stated that the department would have seen $14,820 from Montgomery County from fingerprinting if the Live Scan system was used. Chief Gardner stated that the officers currently have to transport some prisoners to other departments that have Live Scan which isn’t ideal due to overtime costs and the liability of transporting systems. Chief Gardner stated that there is no formal action by Council needed; however, he wanted to make Council aware.
Councilman Forgeng asked about the add-ons for the Live Scan system. Chief Gardner stated he looked into the add-ons, including one that would allow the department to have video arraignments at a yearly cost of $389.00. He stated that the department can due video arraignments through a laptop, but using the Live Scan kiosk would perform better. He stated this add on can be added later on if the department chooses. Councilman Hegele asked if there would be a grant later on. Chief Gardner stated he will look; however it is not included in the grant right now.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked if this system will assist in the accreditation process. Chief Gardner stated that this system is more of an operational benefit as opposed to an accreditation requirement. He noted this can help with fingerprinting for the public.
FINANCE/GRANTS COMMITTEE
LIBRARY REFERENDUM
Vice President Stockton stated that the Union Library is seeking additional funding through a referendum and he wanted to make an announcement for an informational standpoint so residents are aware. Vice President Stockton stated that the Library has taken a look at their budget and stated they are underfunded when compared to other libraries. They note on their website that more funding will allow them to provide more services to the public including longer hours, museum passes, streaming services, computer services, and more. Vice President Stockton stated that the Library has previously been funded through the Borough and Council allocated $93,000 to the Union Library in 2018 as their funding. Vice President Stockton stated the Library is seeking a referendum of 0.55 mills while will equate to a $70.00 per year impact on the average household in Hatboro. He noted that this millage will be separate from the Borough taxes and tax payers will be able to decide whether or not they would like this tax enacted during the May primary elections. He stated that the Library needs at least 120 signatures of support to get the referendum on the ballot and that there is a sign-up sheet in the back of the room for anyone who supports it.
Mayor Guenst asked what revenue the requested 0.55 mills would generate for the library. President Bollendorf stated it will bring in around $124,000 for the Library. Mayor Guesnt asked what Council would do with the extra revenue that was previously allocated to the Library within the operating budget should they receive the referendum. Vice President Stockton stated that if the Library receives the referendum, the money would go back into the general fund. Mayor
Guenst asked if Council would reverse taxes or lower taxes as a result. Vice President Stockton stated yes, Council would lower or adjust taxes if possible and try to help offset the Library’s millage rate with the General Millage Rate. He noted that it can be hard to predict expenses and future financial situations; however, they will do whatever they can to look for ways to offset the Library Millage should it be enacted.
Vice President Stockton stated that this decision is up to the residents to decide and as a result they need to vote in the May primary elections to have their opinions heard.
DIGITAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Benjamin stated there was nothing on her agenda for this evening
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Councilman Hegele stated there was nothing on his agenda for this evening.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Anzinger was absent. Councilman Forgeng stated that there was nothing on their agenda for this evening.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Anzinger was absent. Vice President Stockton stated that there was nothing on their agenda for this evening.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
2019 EVENT REQUESTS
Vice President Stockton stated Council is in receipt of a lengthy list of Special Event Requests for 2019 and that it is shaping up to be an exciting year. Vice President Stockton read a list detailing all of the proposed special events for 2019.
President Bollendorf asked if the YMCA is going to use the Borough’s Pool for their meets this year. Manager Hegele stated she is unsure as of yet and will reach out to the YMCA to ask for meet dates again.
Mayor Guenst asked if National Night Out could be moved to Miller Meadow instead of the Shopper’s Lot as it will help give the event more exposure. She noted it would also allow the new K-9 Louie to come out for demonstrations and more. Manager Hegele stated she will work with the Chamber to make arrangements.
This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BOROUGH HALL/BOROUGH HALL GRANTS
Manager Hegele stated that there are a number of grants that staff and the Borough engineer are pursuing including a grant to make improvements to the Bell Tower in Borough Hall as well as a grant for the HVAC upgrades in Borough Hall. This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
MONTCO 2040 MILLER MEADOW IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough will be seeking the Montco 2040 Grant Program funding from Montgomery County for the Miller Meadow Improvements again. He noted that the Borough’s application in 2018 was turned down by Montgomery County because they did not believe the project was shovel ready at that time. He stated that the Borough’s engineer, the 2040 steering committee and the Montgomery County Planning Commission have made suggestions and improvements to help get the resubmittal approved.
This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
RESOLUTION 19-06: TAN FROM TD BANK
Vice President Stockton stated as Solicitor Geiser noted, Council will need to sign a resolution for the TAN this evening. This item was moved to the voting agenda at the end of the meeting.
POLICE SIDE CONTRACT LETTER
Chief Gardner stated that this side letter is strictly to provide provisions to cover the K-9 officer wages during off duty work and care of the animal.
Councilwoman Benjamin what would happen if Officer Allen were to leave the area. Chief Gardner stated that there could be kenneling fees associated; however, the K-9 can be taken care of by someone with the skills and experience.
This item was moved to the voting meeting at the end of the agenda.
2017 CDBG PROJECT FINAL PAYMENT REQUEST
Councilman Rich stated that Council is in receipt of a recommendation for final payment for the 2017 CDBG project to NJS concrete in the amount of $4,960.98. This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
GREEN LIGHT GO PROJECT: BYBERRY & WARMINSTER
Councilman Rich stated that the Green Light Go project for Byberry and Warminster Roads is scheduled to begin in 2019. While no specific start time has been given, PennDOT plans to complete the work by January 12, 2020. Councilman Rich stated that Upper Moreland Township plans to widen Warminster Road, installing a left turn lane in the northbound side of the road prior to the Green Light Go signal work being performed. Councilman Rich stated that the Borough’s match requirement for the project is $208,938.75 which equates to 50% of the agreement and staff will keep in contact with PennDOT with regard to a specific start time.
Manager Hegele stated she needs to know whether or not Council would like to still commit to this project. She stated that Upper Moreland Township agreed to pay for the road widening on Warminster Road and are just asking for confirmation from the Borough that Council still intends on following through with the project.
Vice President Stockton stated that he is in support of this due to the intersection layout. Councilman Hegele agreed that these improvements are long overdo.
Manager Hegele stated there is no formal action needed by Council because they already formally approved it, so she will inform Upper Moreland Township that they are still in support.
LAMPLIGHT LANE UPDATE
Solicitor Geiser stated that she has researched the Lamplight Lane matter after residents approached Council requesting a street dedication and/or services from the Borough. She stated that the Borough Code does not allow for a partial dedication of a street, nor does the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance permit a street with Lamplight Lane’s small dimensions to be dedicated. Solicitor Geiser stated that she also spoke with Superintendent Sine, who stated that Public Works would have difficulty navigating the cul-de-sac with trash trucks and snow removal vehicles. As a result, Solicitor Geiser stated it is her recommendation that dedication of Lamplight Lane is not appropriate.
This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
SHADE TREE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT: CAROL BRUNNER
This item was moved to the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES – None
PUBLIC COMMENT – Ron Battis, W. Moreland Avenue asked what millage rate Second Alarmers was requesting at the end of 2018. President Bollendorf stated they were looking for 0.12 mills per year. Mr. Battis stated this is considerably less than the Library and stated that the ambulance service is more important than the library and they should have had a referendum. President Bollendorf stated that Second Alarmers did not ask for a referendum, instead they asked Council to impose a low millage rate without seeking a referendum which is permissible by law. Mr. Battis asked if they could seek another EMS tax. President Bollendorf stated yes, but it is up to Second Alarmers and they could seek a referendum if they wanted to. President Bollendorf emphasized that Council is not deciding whether or not the Library Tax is passed and that the tax is up to the voters. They are simply announcing the referendum to make the public aware. President Bollendorf stated that Council has discussed that if the Library referendum passes, Council will not give the Library the money previously allocated within the General Fund.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the February 11, 2019 Committee Meeting at 7:42 PM.
VOTING MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 11, 2019 Voting Meeting to order at 7:42 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – None.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
RESOLUTION 19-06: TAX ANITICIPATION NOTE – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 19-06, approving a Tax Anticipation Note from TD Bank in the amount of $700,000. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
POLICE SIDE CONTRACT LETTER – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Police Side Contract Letter. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the February 11, 2019 voting meeting at 7:43 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis