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

ABSENT – President Bollendorf was excused.

CALL TO ORDER – Vice President Reichner called the February 11, 2025, 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 –
Vice President Reichner 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 January 2025 in the amount of $ 22,058.34. This item was moved to February 24, 2025, a voting meeting for consideration.
•EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Included in your packet is a memo from Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator, Kate Valesky detailing an update to the Borough’s Emergency Operations Plan. Updates to this plan are for housekeeping purposes and do not require approval from Borough Council; however, we wanted to announce that minor changes to the following items were changed: 1. Updated names and contact information for elected officials. 2. Added three more areas to the list of flood prone areas for emergency responders. 3. Updated general contact list 4. The updated date that the plan will be redistributed to applicable personnel 5. Updated the total Borough population. Once this announcement is made, Fire Marshal Valesky will distribute the updated plans to elected officials, emergency personnel, and Borough Staff serving on the Emergency Management team. If you have any questions regarding these updates, please contact Fire Marshal Valesky.
•FIRE INSPECTION ORDINANCE/ PROCEDURES – Councilwoman Jacobus stated for the last few months, Fire Marshal Valesky has been reviewing the Borough’s current Fire Inspection Ordinances and Procedures as well as researching the same for other municipalities. The Borough’s current ordinance does not include the following items that will need to be added: a. Who is responsible for paying fees: The current ordinance only states that fees need to be paid. It does not clearly state whether the landlord or the tenants are responsible for paying these fees. For citation purposes, the Borough’s ordinance needs to clearly state who is responsible for these inspection fees. b. Inspection Process: The current ordinance does not contain a detailed inspection process and only notes that inspections must be performed once per calendar year. Fire Marshal Valesky would like to include detailed inspection processes and timelines for enforcement purposes. c. Inspection Details: The current ordinance does not contain a list of items that need to be inspected by the Fire Marshal. The current inspection guideline was established decades ago by prior Fire Marshals and is more along the lines of an internal process. Fire Marshal Valesky is requesting that the process be detailed within the ordinance itself for enforcement purposes. d. Building Classifications/Types: The current ordinance is very vague when it comes to different building classifications and how frequently they need to be inspected. Fire Marshal Valesky would like to make sure the new ordinance clearly defines each building type (i.e. Commercial, Commercial Common Area, Apartment Common Area, etc.) and the frequency in which they should be inspected. All of the above amendments are being proposed to increase the enforceability of the ordinance. This is extremely important when Fire Marshal Valesky needs to issue citations for noncompliance or in the event that she needs to close a business or require emergency repairs due to Fire Code violations. Fire Marshal Valesky will have more specific details ready for the February 24, 2025, voting meeting. We wanted to leave this item on the agenda as a placeholder so that Council could authorize her to work on a formal amendment with Solicitor Geiser. If Council authorizes this in February, Fire Marshal Valesky hopes to have a final draft available for enactment by Council in March. This item has been moved to February 24, 2025, Council Meeting agenda for consideration.

Councilwoman Jacobus stated she has a report from Chief Ruegg regarding the Eagles Super Bowl win celebration last night and stated The Hatboro Police Department is happy to report the celebration on York Road following the Eagles victory yesterday went off without any major incidents and a safe and great time was had by all. During the celebration only one arrest was made for Public Drunkenness after an intoxicated male attempted to set off a large-scale firework in the middle of York Road before fleeing from police on foot. Our Officers also investigated a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at York Road and Summit Avenue. The pedestrian who was struck was examined by medical personnel on scene but was not transported to the hospital. Events such as these are not possible without the assistance of our public safety partners in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. We would like to express our gratitude to the following agencies for their assistance: Montgomery County Department of Public Safety – For providing logistic support as well as equipment in support of this incident, The Montgomery County MAJOR INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, which is comprised of officers and personnel from numerous police departments and the Sheriff’s Department in Montgomery County, Plymouth Ambulance and the Montgomery County Urban Search and Rescue Team, Enterprise Fire Company, Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, Horsham Police Department, Upper Moreland Police Department, Lower Moreland Police Department, Upper Dublin Police Department, Towamencin Police Department, Lansdale Police Department, and Warminster Police Department. We would also like to thank our Department of Public Works for assisting in the set up and breakdown of equipment and making it look like nothing even took place on York Road after everyone cleared up for the night. Again, we are glad our Eagles brought home the victory and everyone in Hatboro and surrounding communities were able to gather and celebrate in a safe and responsible manner.

2.Finance/Grants Committee

PHS TREE GRANT – Councilman Myers stated The Montgomery County Conservation District recently announced the 2025 Trees for Watersheds (TFW) grant round is officially open. The deadline for submitting grant applications to Montgomery County Conservation District (for project sites located within Montgomery County) is February 28, 2025. In your packet is the grant information for what is needed to apply. We have a short window to do this. We also did not allocate any funds for tree planting this year. We unfortunately missed the deadline due to meeting schedule for the PHS Spring 2025 Tree program, that was 2/11/25. The EAC sent a request for the Borough to order trees for planting in several locations, totaling 28 trees. The locations included Loller, Tanner and Bank Street, all locations that would have to be discussed and unfortunately by the time we received the information it was not on time for Council to consider, discuss and vote.

FIREHOUSE GRANT EXTENSION – Councilman Myers stated as you are aware, the Borough applied for and received an RACP grant for Fire House improvements in the early 2000s. Due to a multitude of issues with the original construction, remediation, and paperwork, this grant has taken years for staff and the Grant Consultant to review and process for submission. All required paperwork and backup for the Fire House Project was submitted to the Office of The Budget at the end of 2024. The Office of The Budget has reviewed the payment request documentation and is currently working on reviewing the Special Conditions Submission for the grant. Their offices require the grant to remain open until the reimbursement is paid to the Borough and final closeout reviews/audits are conducted. As such, Council will need to authorize an extension of the original grant agreement. This item will be on February 24, 2025, voting meeting agenda for approval.

2025 INSURANCE COMPANY RISK CONTROL GRANTS – Councilman Myers stated Each year, the Borough receives Risk Control Grant funding from our insurance company, Delaware Valley Trusts. These Risk Control funds can be used for purchases designed to reduce risk to employees or property, injury to employees, general liability, etc. Including funds carried from 2024, the Borough currently has the following funds available: $3,866.94 in Property/Liability Funds: These funds can only be used for projects that reduce risk to Borough properties (i.e. concrete repairs that eliminate tripping hazards at facilities, purchase of barricades for road closures, etc.)$5,360.84 in Workers Compensation Funds: These funds can only be used for purchases that reduce risk to Borough employees (i.e. Personal Protective Equipment, High Visibility Attire, etc.)

PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CHANGE ORDER #3 – Councilman Myers stated Included in your packet is a copy of Change Order #3 for the Pedestrian Improvement Project. This change order results in a contract reduction of $103,340.34 and this project is 100% completed and there will be no further change orders submitted. This item will be on the February 24, 2025, voting meeting agenda for consideration.

PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FIANL PAYMENT REQUEST – Councilman Myers stated Included in your packet is a copy of the final payment request for the pedestrian improvement project. This payment request is in the amount of $38,959.06 made payable to Marino Corporation. This project is 100% completed and there will be no further payments for this project. This item will be on the February 24, 2025, voting meeting agenda for consideration.

3.Community Outreach & Events Committee
UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilman Hoover stated Borough Bingo Night – 3/8/2025. Doors open at 6 and Bingo will begin at 7. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, contact Rob, Nicole, or Karen. For more information, please visit our events page.

NEW BUSINESSES: Councilman Hoover stated the Borough has received applications for several new businesses and once they have completed their paperwork, finished their fit outs, and have received their certificates to occupy, we will let you know about their Grand Openings!

FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilman Hoover stated The Friends of Cressbrook met on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to discuss items including their 501(c)3 status, future archeological work proposed for the property, and fundraising.

2025 SPECIAL EVENT REQUESTS – Councilman Hoover stated Included in your packet are the Special Event Requests for 2025 and Council will need to review and consider approving. Borough Staff is in the process of reviewing all event requests to determine what is needed from the Borough for each event. Once all department heads sign off on the applications and an estimated fee is established for each event, we will provide total estimated costs for Council at the February 24, 2025 meeting. This item has been moved to February 24, 2025, Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.

RATIFIACTION OF BOY SCOUT BINGO ALCOHOL PERMIT – Councilman Hoover stated At the January Committee Meeting, Borough Council approved a special event request for the Boy Scouts Designer Bag Bingo Event. As in prior years, the Boy Scouts requested that this event be BYOB. Chief Ruegg and Manager Hegele have issued approval of the alcohol permit as the event was previously approved; however, we are asking Borough Council to ratify this approval at the February 24, 2025, voting meeting for housekeeping purposes.

4. Public Works Committee
SALE OF BOBCAT – Councilwoman Shay stated Last month Council authorized the purchase of a new bobcat and Manager Hegele has stated that the current bob cat would be listed on municibid this month and will be setting the reserve for bidding at or close to $10K and this money would be returned to the Gen Cap account to help offset the purchase. Prior to listing the old equipment on Municibid, Council will need to authorize staff to list the equipment for sale. This item has been moved to the February 24, 2025, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

5. Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

EAC UPDATE – Councilwoman Hendrickson stated the EAC did not meet in the month of February and will meet March 3, 2025. The Borough is still looking for volunteers to serve on the EAC and if interested should submit a letter of interest to Manager Hegele.

EARTH DAY – Councilwoman Hendrickson stated the EAC Earth Day event is scheduled for Saturday April 12, 2025, and please stay tuned to their website and Facebook page for more information.

CERTIFIED BIRD TOWN APPLICATION – Councilwoman Hendrickson stated attached is an application to become a Birdtown and the EAC has reviewed the application as well as had some input on some of the sections of the form. Council will need to approve the submittal of the application and appoint a committee.

6. Administration Committee
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Vice President Reichner announced the upcoming meetings.

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): Their demolition permit is currently under review, and we will keep everyone updated when the demolition is to take place. Victorian Village: Construction continues. Gamburg’s: We will continue to keep everyone updated on sale and proposed use once the time comes. 4 Home Road – Applicant was issued his permits to begin construction of the new single-family dwelling. 333 N. York Road – Applicant has received zoning approval to build 4 townhomes. The Applicant next steps is to submit an application for land development for review by the Planning Commission. We will advise when that application is received.

ZONING REWRITE UPDATE: Vice President Reichner stated The Planning Commission continues to meet monthly to discuss the ongoing Zoning Re-Write. The Commission will be meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to review setback requirements for residential properties, the proposed R-3 residential zoning district, and the proposed R-O residential office zoning district. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings to provide feedback and comments on the proposed zoning re-write. If you are unable to attend these meetings, copies of slideshows and corresponding documents will be uploaded to the Zoning Re-Write page of the Borough’s website (found under the “About” menu tab”). Residents who cannot attend but who have questions regarding the process or proposed zoning can contact Manager Hegele at dhegele@myhatboro.org or 215-443-9100.

2025 EMPLOYEEE MILESTONES – Vice President Reichner stated included in your packet is a list of Employees who will have a milestone anniversary with the Borough of Hatboro this year. Each year we like to recognize these employees and their tenure with the Borough.

24-28 S. YORK ROAD BALCONY REQUEST – Vice President Reichner stated The Borough received a request from the Milliner Lofts Developer (24-28 S. York Road) to amend the original construction plans which would turn the third-floor roof space into usable balconies for two apartments. The portion of the roof in question is the flat area of the 3rd floor roof that was created through the step-back. The developer is proposing that this roof area be divided into two equal parts with a 60-inch dividing wall down the center to split the two balconies. There would also be a small black metal railing installed on the lower part of the step-back for safety purposes if approved. A copy of the proposed plans is included in packets for your review. Staff will also have these graphics available to show on the screen during the meeting. Upon receiving this request, staff asked both Solicitor Geiser and Planner Kennedy to review the proposed changes. Neither of them saw any issues with this change and indicated it would not require any land development amendments. Building Official Valentin also reviewed the proposed change, and it would be compliant with applicable codes. Solicitor Geiser, Manager Hegele, and the Developer thought it would be prudent for Borough Council to review the change as well and determine whether you would be in favor of the same. This item will be on February 24, 2025, voting meeting agenda for consideration.

CELANO PARK AQUA EASEMENT – Vice President Reichner stated Aqua recently notified the Borough of a large water main replacement and improvement project scheduled for Summer 2025. This project will impact the following streets: According to Aqua, they will begin work after the school year ends. As a part of this project, the Borough needs to replace a section of water main that is located within Celano Park. This park was previously home to the Drummers Way condos and was bought out by the Borough with FEMA funding in the early 2010s. Because Aqua needs to perform work within Celano Park, an easement agreement will need to be executed between the Borough and Aqua prior to the project proceeding. A copy of the draft easement agreement prepared by Aqua is included in your packets for review. This easement agreement still allows the Borough to have complete use of the land; however, it would prevent the Borough from erecting any buildings, structures, trees, or shrubs on the easement area and also prevents the Borough from regarding the land on top of the water main. Celano park is subject to extremely strict requirements from FEMA pursuant to the abovementioned buyout project. As a result, the Borough cannot erect any structures, buildings, or perform regarding of the park even without restrictions from an easement. The Borough is, however, currently permitted to plant vegetation in the park. The easement would prohibit the Borough from doing so in the area surrounding the new water main. Manager Hegele and Solicitor Geiser are also reviewing this document prior to Council considering approval of the easement. This item will be on February 24, 2025, voting meeting agenda for consideration.

120 E. MONTGOMERY CELL TOWER LEASE AMENDMENT – Vice President Reichner stated over the last few months, Manager Hegele has been working with SBA Communications on the decommissioning and demolition of the cell tower located at 120 E. Montgomery Avenue. SBA Communications now no longer wishes to decommission this tower and would like to continue using it for one of its vendors. To keep the tower in use, SBA is requesting that the Borough execute an amended lease agreement. Included in your packet is a copy of an email from Manager Hegele detailing the lease terms being requested by SBA Communications. These requests are as follows: Lease Term: Extend the current lease by 25 years. (in order to offer stability to the Currier), Revenue Share to exclude the anchor tenant, Base Rent: The starting base rent needs to be reduced to approximately $1,500 per month. The Borough currently receives $3,041.75 per month in rent for this cell tower. The proposed $1,500 per month rent is $1,541.75 less than the current lease. SBA is no longer using the tower; the lease would only be for one vendor.

350 N. YORK 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 350 N. York Road (Wynfair Apartments). As in previous instances, the assessment appeal settlement was handled by the School District. Through this settlement stipulation, the Borough will be owed a total of $35,346.99 in taxes from years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Borough Council will need to approve this settlement stipulation if you agree with the funds owed back to the Borough. Once approved at the February 24, 2025, voting meeting, Solicitor Geiser will work on processing the settlement stipulation.

EAC APPOINTMENTS – Vice President Reichner stated The Borough has received a few letters of interest for the openings on the EAC. Some of the letters received were from non-residents. There is one letter of interest from a Borough resident. This letter will be forwarded to the Administration committee for review and possible consideration. There is also an opening for a chair. The current ordinance states that the Council appoints the chair for this committee. The EAC met on January 16th and had a meeting scheduled for 2/3. That meeting was cancelled due to the EAC meeting being held late in January to give Council an opportunity to look for more volunteers as well as Council look to appoint a chair.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT –
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she felt the grant was submitted in a timely manner and it is hard to accomplish anything when meetings are cancelled. She also stated that she feels disrespected and frustrated and is unsure of what the Borough wants the EAC to do. She stated that it is inconsiderate that Katrina Nuss isn’t considered to be appointed as she knows a lot about the Environment. She stated one goal is they would like to be on the same page as the Borough.

Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, asked that the borough include the businesses regarding feedback when updating the annual fire inspection ordinance AND Vice President Reichner stated that they would.
Lynda Clauser, 205 E. Mill Road, stated that the v=curb appeal throughout the Borough isn’t pleasing and asked if the Borough could have property owners clean up their properties including the tree boxes which need maintain. Councilwoman Jacobus asked where so she could go take a look and Ms. Clauser just stated everywhere. Councilman Myers stated that we do remind the business owners often to maintain their stare fronts that we cannot make them use the same material in the tree boxes, but we can make suggestions to them to help them.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Reichner adjourned the February 10, 2025, Committee Meeting at 7:43 P.M.

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