PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwoman Shay, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary Derenzis, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Ide, Treasurer Smith, and Library Board Member Muriel O’Neill were present.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 13, 2023, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

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

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.

NEW BUSINESS
Public Safety Committee
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated this is to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of January 2023 in the amount of $ 31,149.86. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated this is to approve the Capital Expenditure List from Enterprise Fire Company in the amount of $241,982.00 and this request is being made to allow the fire company to purchase 31 new air packs. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

WARMINSTER ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated work is still scheduled to begin on 4/1/2023 and we will continue to update everyone as we received updates for this project.

UPDATES TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN – Councilwoman Jacobus stated pursuant to the appointment of Fire Marshal Dermer as Emergency Management Coordinator, there are required updates to the Emergency Management Plan and these updates are strictly demographic updates that will change information on the plan from Chief Gardner to Fire Marshal Dermer as well as update names within the plan to reflect sitting council. She also stated Fire Marshal Dermer is working on finishing the name changes within the plan and we will provide Council with a copy of the updated plan prior to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting. Councilwoman Jacobus thanked the Chief and PD for their preparation for the Super Bowl in the event their might have been a celebration on York Road.

Finance/Grants Committee
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated the Union Library has not completed their expenditure list for the month of February yet and they have informed the Borough that they are working on preparing the list with the new Librarian, Christine Law, and may have something together by the Council Meeting on February 27th. He stated we have left this item on the agenda as a placeholder in the meantime.

WINDSOR/LANCASTER GRANT AUTHORIZATION TO BID – Vice President Stockton stated Borough Staff would like to proceed with bidding for the Windsor/Lancaster/Meadowbrook intersection improvement project and we have sent notifications to residents in the area about this project; however, have not heard any feedback from those living in the area. He stated since this project is taking place under grant funding, we would like to proceed with bidding the project. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

BOROUGH HALL WINDOW PROJECT PRESENTATION – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the different types of windows for the Borough Hall Window project. The quotes are from Pella and the different types described were –traditional screen is $311,000.00, no screen is $ 308,000.00, and integrated roll screen is $ 319,000.00. She stated that these prices also include the remediation of deteriorated sills, etcetera. After the presentation, Council decided on the third option of integrated rolling screens as staff can open the window while regular screens would change the look of the building and the rolling screens would not. She stated staff can apply for the Historical Preservation Grant for this
project as the maximum award would be $100,000.00 and there is a 1:1 match. Tim Morris, 109 Harding Avenue, asked how many windows are to be replaced. Engineer Goff stated there are 37 windows total.
Joe Hanisco, 120 Summit Avenue, stated that it comes out to $8,000.00 a window and why are they so expensive. Engineer Goff stated the prices are more due to the historical nature of the building but everything is included in the price. Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked why expensive windows were chosen and Engineer Goff stated the project will go out to bid and they used the Pella windows only as a base design. Mr. Henstschal stated that he doesn’t think people need to open windows since a new HVAC system was installed. President Bollendorf stated there are times when you do not use heat or air and staff would like to open the windows and get fresh air as it is more efficient. Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, stated the windows are expensive and why are we getting windows so expensive. President Bollendorf stated again that they are not choosing the Pella windows used as an example in the
presentation as the project will go out to bid.

DCNR GRANT DISCUSSION – Vice President Stockton stated during the January Council Meeting, Council tabled the DCNR Grant matter to allow Engineer Goff to determine costs for various possible applications and since then, the Pool Committee met and discussed the existing pool slide which will need to be replaced within the next year or so. He stated as a result, staff is recommending that Council authorize the application to the DCNR Parks Rehabilitation and Development Grant to obtain funding for a new pool slide. This grant requires a 1:1 match and staff is still working on obtaining updated quotes for the slide; however, the slide will likely range in the $185,000-$200,000 and this means, the Borough would be looking to apply for a grant in the amount of $92,500-$100,000 with a match requirement of the same. This matter is on the voting meeting agenda following the Committee meeting for consideration.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION– Vice President Stockton stated applications to the 2023 Community Development Block Grant Program are now available and this grant program funds community development activities including acquisition, rehabilitation, disposition, relocation, clearance, demolition, removal of architectural barriers, historical restoration, planning activities, public works projects, infrastructure improvements, public services, housing activities, and economic development. He stated we are asking Council to see if there were any projects, we would like to consider applying for under this grant program. Some sample projects include Park improvements, Senior Center at Pennypack, or Stormwater Improvements. He also stated depending on the project, the CDBG program will cover 100% of the costs. The Borough will only need to pay for any engineering or staff time as a “match requirement” for the funding. It was agreed to choose a stormwater project. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

WILLIAMS LANE AND SUMMIT AVENUE PROJECT UPDATE – Engineer Goff stated this project includes improvements along York Road at the intersection of Williams Lane and Summit Avenue with flashers, bump outs, and ADA ramps. She stated they are working ion finalizing the specs and the project will be ready to bid and would like to bid these two projects as well as the next bullet point as it will save the borough money if we bid all three flasher projects at the same time.

MEADOWBROOK FLASHER PROJECT UPDATE – Engineer Goff stated she is currently working with staff on an easement for this project and will go out to bid with the Williams Lane And Summit Avenue projects.

VICTORIAN VILLAGE ESCROW RELEASE #2 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the financial security release of $1,345,734.44 for Victorian Village for the completion of site improvements at the development. After this release, the total amount of financial security remaining is $348,771.56. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

WAWA FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE #1 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the release Financial Security Release of $198,574.50 to the Wawa Developer for improvements made at the site to date. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT PAYMENT #2 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the payment of $44,202.10 to Lenni Electric for the Hatboro Station Trail Project. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

Community Outreach & Events Committee
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: VALENTINE’S DAY IN HATBORO – Councilwoman Reichner read the spotlight encouraging everyone to shop locally.

NEW BUSINESS – There were no new businesses in February.

UPCOMING EVENTS – There are no events in February.

FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated The Friends of Cressbrook met on February 9, 2023, and during this meeting, the organization discussed upcoming events for Friends of Cressbrook including a Battle of Crooked Billet Dinner and the 2023 Brews and Blues Festival. She stated the Organization will also be taking part in the Millbrook History Fair taking place in April.

HATBORO HORSHAM SOCCER CLUB PENNYPACK EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Borough received a special event request from the Hatboro Horsham Soccer Club for the use of the Pennypack Fields from Mid-March through June 11, 2023. She stated this use of fields will include games, practices, and other training associated with the Club. We have placed this matter on the voting meeting agenda tonight for consideration so the soccer club can proceed with scheduling for their upcoming season.

SPECIAL EVENT REQUESTS – Councilwoman Reichner announced the event requests that were submitted for 2023 which have been moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

Public Works Committee
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated in 2022, Borough Council voted to hold quarterly recycling events going forward due to a change in DEP regulations that prevents the Borough from collecting these items curbside. She stated staff would like to see if Council would be interested in holding an electronics recycling event during the Earth Day Celebration that is being planned by the EAC. This event would allow residents to dispose of qualifying electronics (i.e., televisions, computers, laptops, etc.) free of charge at a central location and once the electronics are collected, they will be sent to eCovanta in Philadelphia for recycling and processing. This item was moved to the
February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

Facilities
FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Pennypack Building Committee is meeting actively to determine events and future improvements for the Pennypack Facility. The past week, the library and old Art Room were painted by Public Works and prepped for new carpet that will be installed in the coming weeks. She also stated the Committee is working to arrange additional Bingo events for 2023 as well as a Pennypack Food Festival and details on events for the Committee will be forthcoming as they are available.

LOLLER UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Contractor at Borough Hall is almost finished construction of the new HVAC and Fire Suppression system and once construction is completed, Public Works will begin painting and recarpeting the building so the Borough can begin to transition public meetings and staff back into the building.

Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Pennypack Steering Committee has released a public survey to obtain feedback on how residents vision the future of Pennypack. He stated a copy of the flyer is included in packets indicating where residents can obtain and complete the survey.

EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC had a meeting 2/6/2023 and are planning the Earth Day Celebration which will be held at Pennypack this year.

LAWN TO MEADOW UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated that he has an upcoming meeting with Manager Hegele with a DCNR representative on February 27, 2023, to discuss possible projects and funding and will give a presentation to the residents.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – Councilman Myers stated on the voting meeting agenda following the Committee Meeting, there are two EAC Appointments proposed. He stated he has put forth the following recommendations: a. Vacancy #1: Luann Kline of the Planning Commission and b. Vacancy #2: Katrina Nuss, Kelly AHarrah, or Tim Schultz. Council agreed on Luann Kline and Kelly A’Harrah. This item was moved to the February 13, 2023, Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

SHADE TREE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Councilman Myers stated included in your packet is a memo from the EAC detailing changes they would like to be made to the Shade Tree Ordinance as well as a draft copy of the ordinance that expands the commission to 5 members. If Council is agreeable with the changes recommended by the EAC, Solicitor Geiser and Staff can work to prepare a new draft for Council’s consideration that incorporates all changes requested. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

POLLINATOR MURAL CONTEST – Councilman Myers stated he requests that we place this item on the agenda for Council’s consideration. He stated The Mayors to Monarchs program provides guidance for Municipalities to create pollinator murals within their town and he is proposing this mural to be placed on the rear wall of Pennypack. Residents can both submit their own designs and vote for which design they prefer and once submissions are gathered, he can provide additional information on this program if Council has any questions.

Administration Committee
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the meetings for the remainder of February and March.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING/RESOLUTION FOR MONTCO INTERCHANGES GROUP – Included in your packet is a copy of a draft memorandum of understanding for the Eastern Montgomery County Interchanges Group. She stated if you recall, Matt Edmond from the Montgomery County Planning Commission delivered a presentation at the January Council Meeting detailing the group’s mission, goals, etcetera. She stated based on feedback received she is still concerned about the $ 10,000.00 for a 3-year commitment which is an equal price for the other municipalities and wanted to discuss if the Borough should move forward. Councilman Myers stated that he has concerns as well regarding this. Councilwoman Jacobus agreed. Manager Hegele stated that Mr. Edmond went back with our concerns and took back to the other members which is Horsham, Abington, Upper Moreland and Upper Dublin. She stated he took back the number $5,000.00 to the rest of the group and it was decided that they want all municipalities to contribute equally and if we do not decide to contribute, they would want us to participate but the Borough would not be able to vote on anything if there were to be any voting and could not use the grant consultant. Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked what the benefit would be if we were to decide to do this. President Bollendorf stated there really wouldn’t be one. All members of Council did not want to vote on this item.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough is in receipt of a letter of interest from new Librarian, Christine Law, who would like to serve on the Historical Commission. She stated Christine is a 30 year National-Board Certified History Teacher as well as 2022 National Teacher of the Year and 2020-2021 State History Teacher of the Year. She has an extensive career in history and cultural work, and she has a huge passion for preservation of historical resources and sites. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

PARKING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough is in receipt of a letter of interest from resident Kelly Kennedy, who would like to serve on the Parking Commission. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

MECHANICAL DEVICE ORDINANCE UPDATES – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Borough Staff is now handling the collection of Business Privilege Tax and Mechanical Device Fees instead of Tax Collector Mount and included in your packet are copies of the following: the Borough’s current Mechanical Device Ordinance, a sample Mechanical Device Ordinances from Horsham and East Norriton and a sample Device Registration Forms from multiple towns. She also stated staff is recommending the following changes (highlighted on the copy of the Borough’s current ordinance. 1. Update the definitions for mechanical devices to include a broader definition of mechanical devices. This includes removing specifics such as “Bagatelle, Baseball, etc.” that are archaic machines that may not be used anymore. Many other municipalities use broad, yet specific, language that addresses any and all coin operated machines that may exist now or arise in the future. At this time, mechanical device fees are charged for: a. Coin Operated Video Games, b. Juke Boxes or Music Devices, c. Video Gambling Machines, d. Bubblegum or Toy Machines, e. Vending Machines, f. ATM machines, and g. Any other device that charges money for use within an establishment. 2. There are many locations within the Borough that have video poker or video gambling machines. These types of devices are technically prohibited under the Borough’s current ordinance; however, they have existed within the Borough for at least 15 or more years at some locations. Council will need to decide whether you would like to allow video gambling machines under the new ordinance. If so, these devices would still be charged a mechanical device fee as they are now. If not, there would be a loss in mechanical device revenue. She stated staff is asking Council to review the Borough’s current ordinance as well as the sample ordinances to see if you would like any other changes made other than the above. Once council determines which changes they would like reflected in the new ordinance, staff will work with the solicitor to prepare a draft amendment to the ordinance for Council’s review. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

DEPUTY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated there are some instances where the Borough Manager is required to issue citations for Property Maintenance matters OR where in the Manager needs to testify in court for certain Property Maintenance issues. She stated to be able to do this, Manager Hegele will need to be appointed Deputy Property Maintenance Inspector. This item was moved to the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting Voting Agenda for approval.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the February 13, 2023, Committee Meeting at 7:50 P.M.

VOTING MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 13, 2023, voting meeting to order at 7:50 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

DCNR GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize the application to the DCNR Grant for a pool slide. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

KEYSTONE HISTORIC GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize the application to the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant for the Borough Hall Window Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

EAC APPOINTMENTS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Luann Kline to the EAC. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Kelly A ‘Harrah to the EAC. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes.
Motion carried 7-0.

HATBORO HORSHAM SOCCER CLUB EVENT REQUESTS – Vice president Stockton made a motion to approve the special event request submitted by the hatboro Horsham Soccer Club for use of the Pennypack facility for outdoor games and practices for the 2023 season. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked if there was anything in the request regarding parking because there is a lot of double parking that goes on and he feels it’s a safety hazard and asks there be parking guidelines for the soccer events. President Bollendorf stated they will reach out to them and remind them. Manager Hegele stated once it is approved, a request will be made in writing regarding parking.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Joe Hanisco, 120 Summit Avenue, stated he wanted to call out the rudeness of Councilman Myers and Vice President Stockton at the last meeting as George Forgeng and Marianne Reymer voiced their opinion on the Pride Flag in Miller Meadow. He also stated to President Bollendorf that “being president is more than sitting there and banging his gavel with his name on his shirt because he needs to keep these people under control and be a leader and if he can’t, then he has lost his ability to lead. “President Bollendorf thanked him and stated his comment is noted.

Tom Smith, 237 Jacksonville Road, stated he attends every meeting from the last couple of years and the people that Mr. Hanisco spoke of were being loud, rude, and belligerent as they didn’t just state their piece, they were looking for an argument and he feels this Council has 100% in mind what is best for the Borough as they gain nothing personally regarding anything they vote on. He also stated that everyone is not always going to get answers or what they specifically want as Council doesn’t get what they always want, no one does. He also stated that he thinks that Mr. Hanisco’s comment is inaccurate.

ADJOURNMENT –Vice President Stockton made a motion to adjourn the February 13, 2023, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the February 13, 2023, Voting Meeting at 7:58 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf