PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Councilwoman Anzinger, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Fire Company President Mount, Engineer Hyne, Solicitor Kilkenny, and Treasurer Zollers
ABSENT – Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 25, 2019 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner.
RETIREMENT CITATION FOR JUDITH EMIG
Representative Thomas Murt was present to deliver a retirement citation for retiring Tax Collector, Judith Emig. Representative Murt stated it was an honor to serve the Borough in Harrisburg and that the retirement Citation for Judith Emig was unanimously voted on and passed.
Representative Murt stated that Judith Emig served as Tax Collector for 34 years in which is extremely impressive. He noted that during her service as Tax Collector, Mrs. Emig served with integrity, honesty, and dedication. He emphasized Judith’s problem solving skills, noting that while being the Tax Collector is not an easy task, she was always compassionate and understanding. He concluded by congratulating Judith Emig on her retirement and delivered a signed Citation by the House of Representatives.
Mayor Guenst delivered a proclamation to Judith Emig, honoring her for her service as Tax Collector. Mayor Guenst and Council thanked Judith for her years of service as both Tax Collector and other involvement in the Hatboro Community and wished her the best of luck in retirement. Mayor Guenst presented Judith Emig with a plaque commemorating her service as the longest serving tax collector in the history of Hatboro.
LIBRARY BOARD PRESENTATION
Michele Johnson of the Hatboro Library Board gave a presentation on Union Library Statistics for the year 2018. She stated the library received 44,220 visitors in 2018 and a total number of 8,529 Library cards issued by the end of 2018. She noted that 4,258 of these library cards belong to adult residents and 1,632 cards belong to juvenile residents. She stated that over 2018, 22,496 checkouts were performed and that the library held over 149 events over the year. She stated that anyone wishing to attend an event at the Union Library should watch the Library’s Website and Facebook page for updates and announcements.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst did not have a report for the evening.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the Pool Committee met for the first time on February 21, 2019 to discuss the upcoming season and possible improvements to the Memorial Pool for 2019. President Bollendorf stated that both of the Steering Committee open houses were a great success and very well attended. He noted that the Steering Committee will have their last meeting in March to finalize the comprehensive plans before presenting the final copies to the residents.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Zollers stated at the end of January 2019, the Borough retained a total account balance of $1,688,591.67 with a year to date interest in the amount of $1,312.21.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that the final documents for the Tax Anticipation Note have been finalized and that Council and Mayor Guenst will be signing them after the meeting. He stated he is working with the Borough Manager on zoning matters, right to know requests, and other issues as well.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Hyne stated RVE is recommending final payment for the 2017 CDBG project which is under consideration later on the Agenda. Engineer Hyne stated that RVE is resubmitting the comments from the Pollutant reduction plan to the DEP for review. He noted that once these comments are submitted, the Borough will have to go through another advertising period. Councilwoman Anzinger asked how long this advertisement period lasts. Engineer Hyne stated 30 days. Engineer Hyne stated that RVE prepared the preliminary plans and are getting ready to submit these plans to PennDOT for a safety review.
Engineer Hyne stated RVE filed a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Application. He stated the total project cost for improvements to the Bell Tower in Loller Academy will be $110,000 and the grant comes with a 50/50 match requirement. Engineer Hyne stated that RVE has also submitted an RACP grant for HVAC improvements in Borough Hall.
Engineer Hyne stated RVE is working with the Montgomery County Planning Commission to develop the Montco 2040 Grant Application for Miller Meadow. He noted this project will include trails, landscaping, parking, etc. He noted this grant application will be formally submitted at the end of the week.
Engineer Hyne stated that Engineer Goff is currently working with staff to prepare scoping and cost estimates for the 2019 road program.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked when the Borough will hear about the result of the Montco 2040 Grant Application. Engineer Hyne stated they are expecting to hear back in the summer.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the 2018 Audit is almost complete and the Auditor hopes to finalize everything within the next few weeks. Manager Hegele stated she still has not received dates for the YMCA’s swim meets; however, they will be submitting special event requests for the use of the pool as soon as possible.
Manager Hegele stated that she and Engineer Goff are working on a stormwater issue at Warminster & Fulmor. She noted that residents have reported drainage issues and Hatboro Station plans to install a permanent rain garden in the area that will alleviate the problem.
Manager Hegele stated that Upper Moreland Township plans to begin road widening work at the intersection of Byberry & Warminster in late April/early May. She stated that once this road widening is completed by Upper Moreland Township, the work associated with the Borough’s Green Light Go Grant will begin in the area.
Manager Hegele stated that she received an email from Governor Wolf’s office proclaiming that February is Love Your Dog month. She encouraged everyone to license their dogs.
Manager Hegele stated that the Zoning Hearing Board met on February 13, 2019 to render its decision on the application submitted by RAV Collision on Springdale Avenue. She stated that the ZHB denied the application and RAV Collision has 45 days from the time of decision to render an appeal.
Manager Hegele stated that she received information from Pennypack and Crooked Billet Elementary Schools with regard to their annual Pool Days. She stated Crooked Billet will be using the pool on June 13th and she is waiting for information on Pennypack’s date.
President Bollendorf asked if the Crooked Billet School Pool Day will include students from Hallowell. Manager Hegele stated the school district has relayed that it may include some students from Hallowell.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner reported that the Emergency Management Team will be participating in a state and county wide weather emergency drill on March 26th which will serve as the tabletop drill.
Chief Gardner stated that there were multiple downed wires across Hatboro earlier in the day due to the severe winds. He noted that the cell tower behind the Police Station also endured damage. He stated that they have contacted the Cell Tower Company to come make the repairs.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount stated that the collectable balance at the beginning of January 2019 was $3,721,094.46 and the total taxes collected in was $120,313.23 which left a collectable balance of $3,600,781.23 at the end of January 2019.
Collector Mount reminded residents that tax bills have been mailed out and if anyone needs a copy, they can contact her office. Collector Mount stated that in addition to the office hours during the week, she will have office hours every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Collector Mount stated she will also be offering online payment for tax bills in the coming month.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated he attended a meeting with JP Mascaro Inc. which is the company that operates the Borough’s recycling center. He stated that flexible plastic packaging is currently not recyclable; however, Mascaro has developed technology that could make these items recyclable in the next two years. He noted that these items are still not recyclable, but that he will notify everyone once they are. He also reminded everyone to clean their recyclables before putting them out for collection.
Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works crews continue to fill potholes daily and that residents who notice a pothole should contact Borough Hall.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated that he has completed 54 out of 59 Fire Inspections in Zone 1 as of the meeting. He stated that staff has been notifying property owners of rental inspections and diligently sending out notices. He noted that about 85% of rental applications for 2019 have been returned and processed. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he is working with the YMCA Camp for their Super Hero week which will be ended with a presentation from the Fire Company, Police Department, Fire Marshal, Emergency Management, and will be having a medical helicopter visit the camp.
FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – Fire Company President Mount stated that Enterprise Fire Company has multiple fundraiser coming up and instructed residents to watch the Enterprise Fire Company Facebook Page for more details as they are available.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT – Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht was absent due to Main Street Manager Training in Harrisburg. Manager Hegele stated that he submitted his report to her in advance. Manager Hegele stated Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht continues to meet with business owners, is working with the Chamber of Commerce to obtain Farmers Market Vendors, and reaching out to prospective businesses. She noted that she and Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht also attended a Main Street Board meeting.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton 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 Councilman Rich, 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 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2019 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Forgeng motioned to approve the January 28, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FEBRUARY 11, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the February 25, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Councilwoman Anzinger abstained as she was absent from the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of January 2019 in the amount of $7,622.39. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of January 2019 in the amount of $5,352.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2019 EVENT REQUESTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the 2019 Event Requests as detailed in the memo submitted to Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RACP GRANT APPLICATION – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the application for the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant for HVAC improvements to Borough Hall. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
KEYSTONE GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the application to the Keystone Grant for improvements to the Borough Hall Bell Tower in the amount of $56,603.00
RESOLUTION 19-07: MONTCO 2040 GRANT – Councilman Rich motioned to approve Resolution 19-07 for the application to the Montco 2040 Grant for the Miller Meadow Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2017 CDBG FINAL PAYMENT REQUEST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the final payment request to NJS Concrete for the 2017 CDBG Project in the amount of $4,960.98. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LAMPLIGHT LANE – President Bollendorf called for a motion to dedicate Lamplight Lane, allowing the Borough to provide services. No motion was made and the agenda item died on the floor.
SHADE TREE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to appoint Carol Brunner to the Shade Tree Commission for a term of 4 years. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS – None
NEW BUSINESS – None
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – Jim Dehope from Williams Lane stated that the new pedestrian bridge from Horsham Road to Pennypack School was very well done. He thanked Council and noted that the bridge replacement was overdue. President Bollendorf thanked Mr. Dehope and stated that the bridge work was also performed with grant funding.
ADJOURNMENT – The February 25, 2019 Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis