PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Ostrander, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Gardner, Superintendent Sine, Solicitor Grieser, Engineer Goff, and Downtown Development Director Simon were present.
ABSENT – Mayor Guenst, Tax Collector Mount, and Fire Marshal Hauser were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 24, 2020 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Councilwoman Anzinger gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.
PUBLIC HEARING: ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ORDINANCE
A public hearing for Ordinance 1060, establishing an Environmental Advisory Committee was held beginning at 7:00 PM. Solicitor Geiser stated this ordinance will establish an Environmental Advisory Committee with varying term lengths. There was no public comment on the ordinance.
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1060, establishing an Environmental Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
The Public Hearing for the Environmental Advisory Committee adjourned at 7:02 PM.
PUBLIC HEARING: HATBORO 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Public Hearing for the Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan was called to order at 7:03 PM. Chloe Mohr of the Montgomery County Planning Commission delivered a presentation on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She detailed the process the Steering Committee went through in the development of the plan and the public workshops that were performed in order to engage residents in the formulation of the plan. Chloe Mohr reviewed the visions and goals for the plan including: People, Community, and Government, Community Health, Emergency Services, Borough Structure/Government Services, Transportation, Environmental/Utilities, and Land Use/Housing.
President Bollendorf stated the Borough and Steering Committee performed a lot of public outreach for this Comprehensive Plan in order to get the community involved and that the Borough is already using some of the ideas in the Comp Plan to apply for grants throughout the Borough.
Mr. John Kirby, 237 Jacksonville Road asked how those with disabilities are included in the plan. Chloe Mohr stated the plan includes recommendations and ideas to further the diversity of residents and to become a disability friendly community. Mr. Kirby stated he did not know about the Comprehensive Plan and asked if disabled persons were contacted specifically about the plan. President Bollendorf stated that Council is aware of issues facing disable persons in Hatboro and are always accommodating to their needs.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – None.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst was absent.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the first business mixer at Aaron’s was a success. He stated the next Veterans Breakfast event will be taking place on March 21st. He stated that he, Councilwoman Anzinger, and Councilwoman McMenamin held meetings with residents concerned about the Corinthian Trail project and were able to obtain helpful feedback.
President Bollendorf stated the School District will be holding a meeting to discuss the closure of Pennypack School on February 25th. President Bollendorf thanked the Steering Committee for their work on the Comprehensive Plan and that the meetings, research, and hard work has paid off. President Bollendorf congratulated Mr. Ron Battis for becoming Chair of the Planning Commission.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele delivered the Treasurer’s Report. She stated at the end of January 2020, the Borough maintained a total account balance of $1,520,305.65 and earned year to date interest in the amount of $861.80.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Grieser stated his offices have worked on the Environmental Advisory Committee Ordinance, the storefront conversion for 301 Jacksonville Road, reviews for 399 Springdale Ave. improvements, and day to day legal matters with staff. Solicitor Grieser stated oral arguments for the Wawa Appeal will be given at Commonwealth
Court on March 17th. He added that Plumstead Township still has not received an opinion on their Wawa Appeal. Vice President Stockton reminded the public that they can attend the oral arguments; however, they cannot participate.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated the Jacksonville and Montgomery Green Light Go project will go out to bid on March 2nd. She stated the revised plans for the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration Project are still being reviewed by DEP and that she will report to Council when the plans are received.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated pool memberships will be on sale on April 1st. She discussed new membership incentives and a new alert system for the pool for the 2020 Season. Manager Hegele stated Chief Gardner was selected to participate in a Police Chief Panel on Pennsylvania State Boroughs’ Association’s TV Channel. Manager Hegele stated she began
preparation of the 2019 Audit with the Borough’s auditor over the last few weeks. Manager Hegele stated she has also been working on the Walk Works route and added that signage locations and a draft map have been prepared.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated the new police vehicle is officially in service and that the old vehicle will be stripped/listed for sale at a later time. Chief Gardner stated the department’s Automatic License Plate Reader was installed in the new vehicle. Chief Gardner stated the Accreditation Assessment went well and thanked officers from State College, Easton,
and Hanover Townships for their favorable report. He added the accreditation vote will take place on March 12th. Chief Gardner announced that the Montgomery County Police Consortium will begin accepting applications on April 25th. Chief Gardner stated he is working with School
District Officials to determine traffic patterns for the new Crooked Billet School. Chief Gardner stated he has coordinated with the Fire Police to arrange coverage for the approved 2020 Events.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works has been working on concrete and sidewalk maintenance in February. He stated they have also been working on housekeeping items at Borough Hall. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if recycling bins are still available. Superintendent Sine stated yes and that residents can call Borough Hall if they would like another. He added the bins will be relocated in the summer to free-up the pool.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Librarian Celec stated he attended the Business Mixer at Aaron’s which was a great event. He stated that the Library continues to provide services and activities to residents including yoga and new online resources. He added information on adult programming and book sales will be forthcoming.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Hauser’s report was submitted in advance.
FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – President Mount was absent.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT – Downtown Development Director Simon stated the Business Mixer at Aaron’s was a great success with over 80 attendees. She stated future business mixers will be arranged throughout the year. Downtown Development Director Simon stated she has been interacting with business owners, attending trainings,
preparing a list of vacancies in Hatboro, and preparing the My Hatboro social media pages. She announced that the Business Spotlight for March 2020 is WNJ Automobile and Upholstery. Councilwoman Ostrander stated Downtown Development Director Simon did a great job in organizing the Business Mixer and added that she is looking forward to future mixers.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Tax Collector Report, Treasurer’s Report, and the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of February 2020. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JANUARY 27, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the January 27, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FEBRUARY 10, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the February 10, 2020 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motioned seconded by Vice President Stockton all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of January 2020 in the amount of $14,957.83. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of January 2020 in the amount of $2,900. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion
carried 7-0.
AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVIL SERVICE TESTING – Vice President Stockton motioned to direct the Civil Service Commission to establish a list of eligible candidates for the position of Police Officer with the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded my Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MONTCO 2040 GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 2020-16 to apply for the 2020 Montco 2040 Grant for intersection improvements at Bonair/N. Penn/E. Monument Avenue in the amount of $200,000. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
KEYSTONE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve Resolution 2020-17, applying for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant in the amount of $100,000 for the Loller Building Bell Tower Restoration Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
DVRPC TCDI GRANT – Councilwoman Anzinger otioned to approve Resolution 2020-18, authorizing the application for the DVRPC TCDI Grant to perform a placemaking and streetscaping study of the York Road Business District in the amount of $20,000. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MUNICIBID SALE OF ITEMS
Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to sell a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to sell three unused tailgates on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Reichner motioned to sell a snap-on graphing scanner on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Vice President Stockton motioned to sell a 1998 Bunton Walk-Behind Mower on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to sell a 2004 Texton Bunton Walk-Behind Mower on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to sell 2 skids of assorted parts on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to sell a Ford 500 on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PURCHASE OF SHADE STRUCTURE AT POOL – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to purchase a shade-sail structure for the pool in the amount of $29,851.41. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner. Council agreed that this structure should have gray posts and blue sails. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JUNIOR COUNCIL PROGRAM – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution No. 2020-19, authorizing the Borough of Hatboro’s participation in the Junior Council Program. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
President Bollendorf stated there will be two Junior Councilperson spots available.
RECORDS DISPOSAL RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve Resolution 2020-15, authorizing the disposal of certain Administration records under accordance with the Municipal Records Retention Regulations. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE HOUSE GRANT EXTENSION – Vice President Stockton motioned to apply for an extension for the Fire House Grant, extending the deadline to March 31, 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SNACK STAND RFP – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to award the 2020 Snack Stand RFP to Mike DeLeo in the amount of $1,500. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JACKSONVILLE GREEN COMMERCIAL STOREFRONT CONVERSION – Vice President Stockton motioned to permit Jacksonville Green to renovate their previously required commercial space to residential space. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner. Councilwoman Anzinger Abstained as she lives in the building. A vote was cast, all ayes.
Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS – There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING HEARING BOARD MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf Stated the Zoning Hearing Board will be meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 to review the application submitted by John Paul Pomeisl, 469 Jacksonville Rd. in request of a variance to allow residential apartment units in a highway business district.
PARKS PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT – Manager Hegele stated the Parks Plan is ready for public comment. She stated the Planning Commission will be reviewing the plan on March 10th and Council will be reviewing the plan at the April 20th Council Meeting.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of February 2020 in the amount of $8,720.79. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Kirby, 237 Jacksonville Rd. requested that Council develop a plan to help emergency services/personnel communicate easier with persons with disabilities. He stated a basic sign language course could help or that the department can provide a card for deaf individuals that will inform Police Officers of their disability. He added that he is willing to work with the Police Department to help with this education and program.
President Bollendorf stated Hatboro does have their Special Needs Registry that allows disabled persons to register with Emergency Management Personnel in case of an emergency situation. Chief Gardner stated education for Officers and a card for disabled persons is a good idea. Mr.
Kirby stated he can help Chief Gardner with this idea.
Mr. Ron Battis, W. Moreland Ave., asked why the shade structure at the pool is so expensive. Councilwoman Anzinger stated the fabric is woven and helps block harmful rays. Superintendent Sine stated there is also a warranty for the structure of 6 years and the shade sails should last at least 12 years. Councilwoman Anzinger stated the pool committee reviewed possible improvements to the pool and this structure was selected for Council’s Consideration. She stated the funds for this structure comes out of the pool funds. Mr. Battis asked if the sails would be taken down during
dangerous weather. Superintendent Sine stated yes, they will also be taken down during winter to improve the longevity of the sails.
ADJOURNMENT – The February 24, 2020 Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis