PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Ciuca, Solicitor Ciuca, Engineer Hyne, Engineer Hanna, and Fire Marshal Myers.
ABSENT
Treasurer Kalnajs was absent
CALL TO ORDER
President Bollendorf called the February 26, 2018 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the night’s invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf announced that Council held an executive session before the meeting to discuss a personnel matter and a legal matter.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – None
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that she held her first movie night on February 13th and it was a great success. She stated that on Friday, March 16th she will be celebrating Women’s History Month with a showing of A League of Our Own. She stated that this is a fantastic film about the first women’s professional baseball team and noted that the film has received high praise from the Library of Congress. Mayor Guenst stated the movie night will begin at 7 PM and will include free popcorn for those in attendance.
Mayor Guenst stated that she and Main Street Manager Barth attended the Montgomery County Association of Township Officials meeting on Friday, February 23 in which they discussed ways to improve the town’s main street corridor.
Mayor Guenst stated that she would like to welcome Hatboro’s newest Librarian, Michael. While he was not in attendance, Mayor Guenst stated that everyone should feel free to stop by the Library to help welcome him to our town.
OFFICERS’ REPORT
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that Hatboro hosted the Montgomery County Borough’s Association Dinner on Thursday, February 22nd. The dinner was held at Bernie’s and was attended by 90 people from over 16 Boroughs throughout the County.
President Bollendorf stated that he, Superintendent Sine, and Acting Manager Hegele met with PECO in the previous week to discuss a grant that has been outstanding for a few years. He added that after the meeting, his is happy to announce the issue with the grant has been resolved. President Bollendorf stated that Superintendent Sine noted during this meeting that PECO owes the Borough 3 years-worth of credits for the installation of LED street lights. PECO is currently working on this matter. President Bollendorf also stated that PECO is going to address an existing issue on York Road so the Borough can move forward with paving the road.
President Bollendorf stated that there will be a Zoning Hearing Board meeting for the Wawa application taking place on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 PM in Borough Hall.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs was absent. Vice President Stockton stated as of January 31, 2018, the total funds for Borough accounts was $1,909,213.29 with a year to date interest in the amount of $1,209.28.
President Bollendorf stated that tax bills were sent out at the beginning of the month and that the Borough will begin to receive tax revenue.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that his firm has been working closely with administrative staff on various staff changes and personnel matters, litigation matters, assessment appeals, and various right to know requests.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Hanna stated that Remington and Vernick has begun to work on preparing plans, cost estimates, and other required bid documents for the 2017 CDBG curb ramp project. He is expecting the project to go out to bid by the end of March. Engineer Hanna stated that his firm and Borough Staff met with Council to discuss the deficiency letter for the Borough’s MS4 Permit. During this meeting, a plan for the MS4 Permit was discussed, and he has been updating the required mapping and application so it can be submitted by March 26th. He added that Remington and Vernick has also been working on Chapter 94 Sewer Projections for the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority that he will be submitting at the end of the week.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Acting Manager Hegele reminded those in attendance that the Planning Commission will be meeting on March 6, 2018 at 7 PM to begin their review of the new Crooked Billet School Project.
Acting Manager Hegele stated staff and Main Street Manager Barth are finishing the Montco 2040 Grant application that is due at the end of the week. She stated this grant application is requesting funding for an improvement project in Miller Meadow.
Acting Manager Hegele stated that the Zoning Hearing Board met on Wednesday, February 21 to hear an application requesting a variance to open a Boutique at the property located at 6 S. York Road. She stated that this variance was granted and that the business owner is planning to open the boutique on April 1st.
Acting Manager Hegele stated that the Municibid item was removed from Council’s agenda due to an issue with bidding. She stated that the winning bidders withdrew from the purchase and are no longer interested, so Municibid is contacting the next highest bidders in order to see if they are interested.
Acting Manager Hegele stated she has received two applications for the position of Pool Manager and she is planning to conduct interviews in the coming weeks.
Acting Manager Hegele stated that she has been working with the DEP/EPA in order to schedule a time for them to give a presentation to Council regarding the Borough’s Superfund Site. She stated that she hopes to have a representative give a presentation at the March meeting.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Chief Gardner stated the Police Department is launching a program to work with local churches to give Active Assault training in case of an active shooter situation. He stated that the department is trying to educate the community on the best practices and standards when it comes to security should an active assault take place. Chief Gardner stated this program will feature the ALICE/Run Hide Fight system. He stated that with the recent active assault incidents in the country, this is a very important program. Chief Gardner stated that he has made arrangements with 3 churches in the community and will be reaching out to the others. Chief Gardner stated that one of the Department’s officers who is a member of the Regional SWAT team will be assisting in this training and has made the offer to make site visits to local churches to give security assessments along with this training. He added that he has had a great relationship with the Hatboro Horsham School District over the years and recently met with their head of security to discuss security plans for the district and the new Crooked Billet School
Chief Gardner stated the department will be holding its 22nd session of the Citizen’s Police Academy in conjunction with Horsham Police Department. The academy will start on April 3, 2018 and will run Tuesday evenings through June 5, 2018. This program will be held at the new Hallowell Elementary School in Horsham. He stated this free 10 week course is open to residents in Hatboro and Horsham and covers topics such as traffic enforcement, crime scene investigation, patrol procedures, drug enforcement and more. He added that applications can be picked up at the Police Station, Horsham Police Station, and the Borough’s Website.
Chief Gardner stated that the Department’s new speed display sign was delivered and that the department will be training with the company on March 9th. He stated that once training is complete, the department will implement the sign in locations in which accidents and speeding are common.
Chief Gardner stated he is obtaining figures in order to reactivate the Department’s Pike Patrol. He stated this was a large part of the Department in the past; however, Officer Plum, who recently retired, was the last trained officer. He stated he looked at the Department’s existing bikes and, while they would need a tune-up, they would work well for the reactivation of the patrol. He stated he is obtaining a quote for the bike repairs and uniforms that he will have for Council in March. Chief Gardner stated he has two officers that are interested and would like to send these officers to training in Upper Darby in June.
Chief Gardner stated that he and Sergeant Goold will be attending the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Conference in Harrisburg on March 26th and March 27th. They plan to obtain as much information as possible on the accreditation program so Council can begin to take the necessary steps toward accreditation for the Department.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works Crews met with Engineer Hanna at 490 N. York Road to enter and assess any damage caused by the current sinkhole. He added that upon entering the sinkhole, Public Works crews encountered a strong smell of gas which led to the dispatch of the Fire Department. Superintendent Sine stated that he, Engineer Hyne and Engineer Hanna have been working on getting this situation resolved; however, Public Works will not be able to enter the sinkhole until the gas leak is resolved. Superintendent Sine stated that he received an email from Exelon Gas Company who are in the process of making PA One Calls to resolve the leak.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Public Works bucket truck was returned to the department a few weeks ago. He stated the lift has been refurbished and the truck has been put on a new chasee and body. Superintendent Sine stated that the Department is now in the process of repairing street lights that may have been out while the truck was being repaired. He stated that Charlie Young from Public Works drove the truck to the meeting and that if anyone would like to look at it, the truck is in the parking lot.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Department’s efforts to fix potholes is ongoing and the department has dispatched 8 tons of patching material since the January Council Meeting. He added that PennDOT was also in Hatboro twice to work on the Borough’s State Roads. Superintendent Sine stated that if anyone sees a pothole, they should report it to Borough Hall via email, Facebook, or telephone.
Superintendent Sine stated that sanitation crews recently worked alongside Tax Collector Emig to find 8 parcels within the Borough who were not paying for refuse collection, or were paying an incorrect amount. He stated that these efforts resulted in around $5,400.00 in additional revenue to the Borough. He would like to continue this work with Tax Collector Emig quarterly to stay updated.
Superintendent Sine stated that he and Public Works employee Greg Puceta met with the PA-DEP to review the Borough’s 902 Recycling Grant Application. He stated they reviewed the application page by page and suggested that the Borough include recycling bins along with the proposed recycling truck purchase. He stated that the application deadline is April 7th and he, Greg Puceta, Secretary DeRenzis, and Acting Manager Hegele have been working as a team to gather information for all aspects of the grant requirements.
Superintendent Sine stated the 904 Recycling Performance Grant is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2018 and that the work completed for the 902 grant will easily transfer to the 904 Performance Grant.
Superintendent Sine stated that on Council’s Agenda are a number of staff appointments including the appointment of Charles Young to Public Works Foreman. Superintendent Sine stated that Mr. Young has excelled in everything the department does over the years and has a rare combination of experience, education, and ability that makes him the perfect candidate for the position of Public Works Foreman. He added that Mr. Young’s character, integrity, and ability are unmatched and that he highly recommends Council’s decision to appoint Charles Young to the position of Public Works Foreman.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated that he ended the month of January making an assessment of York Road with the help of Main Street Manager Barth. He stated that they are still working together in order to clean up York Road as spring approaches. Fire Marshal Myers stated that spring is coming which means that property owners will be able to plant trees along York Road where needed. He stated there were two incidents over the last month, one including an underground fire on York Road and the second incident being a power outage that affected Moreland Towers and a large section of the East side of Hatboro. Fire Marshal Myers stated that the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety delivered 60 oxygen bottles during this outage to be used if residents in Moreland Towers needed them. He stated that he was in contact with PECO throughout the outage and that he was able to get the power outage shortened to 45 minutes.
Fire Marshal Myers reminded residents that Borough Hall has free smoke detectors and that he also carries some in his truck to hand out as well. He also stated that he has been working diligently on Zone 1 Fire Inspections.
Fire Marshal Myers stated he has been locating grants for Emergency Management and Code Enforcement which he has been working on with Acting Manager Hegele.
Fire Marshal Myers stated he is in the process of updating the Borough’s Special Needs Registry. He stated that if anyone knows someone who needs special assistance during Emergency situations, they can call Borough Hall to sign up or schedule a meeting with him to complete the form.
President Bollendorf asked if the Special Needs Registry information was on the Borough TV Channel and website. Secretary DeRenzis stated that there are currently slides for the Montgomery County Web-Based registration as well as directions for the individual Borough Special Needs Registration. Chief Gardner commented that they would like to turn this registry into a digital database in the near future for easier use by emergency personnel. Vice President Stockton stated that web-based storage in an emergency should always have a backup in case something goes wrong and the server is not accessible.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked if the Special Needs Registry would be kept on a secure server due to the sensitive nature of the information. Fire Marshal Myers stated that any database used would be HIPPA compliant and extremely secure. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if this registration form and information is included in the Borough Newsletter. Acting Manager Hegele stated that this information has been included in numerous issues of the newsletter.
Councilman Forgeng stated that he has been looking at trees along York Road and he would like to see a tree outside of Mr. Lanzetta’s property, Aerodrome Salon. Acting Manager Hegele stated that she will be getting in contact with Mr. Lanzetta to come up with a plan. Councilman Forgeng stated that he has remembers how great the trees at the intersection of York Rd. and Lehman Ave. looked and is disappointed that they have been taken down. He added that the Borough needs to be concerned with our shade trees as they beautify the Borough. Mayor Guenst asked why the trees were taken down at this intersection. Councilman Forgeng stated that the trees were taken down to perform sidewalk work and that while he was told there was an issue with the base of the trees, he did not notice an issue with 3 out of 4 of the trees that were taken down. He stated that the cutting of these trees was unwarranted as they enhance the beauty of the Borough. Mayor Guenst asked what was going to be done about these missing trees. Fire Marshal Myers stated that the trees outside of Aaron’s were removed because it was believed that the roots were buckling the sidewalk. Fire Marshal Myers said the property owners asked what their options were to fix the tripping hazards and he stated they wanted to remove the existing trees and replace them which is permitted under ordinance. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the Borough incurred any of the cost to remove the trees. Fire Marshal Myers stated the cost is completely on the property owner. Mayor Gunest asked how long Aaron’s was given to replace the trees. Fire Marshal Myers stated that they have pulled the permit to replace the trees and that they have plans to replace them. Councilman Forgeng stated that the permit to replace the trees was pulled in October and the missing trees have been a tripping hazard since then. Councilman Forgeng stated that there are alternatives to cutting down the trees such as fences surrounding the treeboxes similar to what Bernie’s had installed. Councilman Hegele asked if the sidewalk was cracked due to the trees at Aaron’s. Fire Marshal Myers stated that there were cracks in the sidewalk. Councilman Forgeng stated that he has photos of the sidewalk showing that only one of the sidewalk blocks was cracked, and he does not believe this was caused by a tree. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Borough should look into replacing the current trees with trees that have shallower root systems or encasing the roots of the trees to allow for the trees to grow larger without affecting the sidewalk. She added that some of the removed trees could be replanted in the Borough’s parks instead of being cut down. Councilman Hegele asked what role the Borough’s Shade Tree Committee has in this situation. Acting Manager Hegele stated that Mr. McKnight is the Chairman of the Shade Tree Committee and makes recommendations as to what types of trees will thrive and flourish in the York Road environment. Acting Manager Hegele stated she will look at the permit issued for this property to see what he recommended. Vice President Stockton stated that there should be a list of recommended trees available for business owners. Acting Manager Hegele stated that the list of recommended trees is currently a part of the Borough’s Shade Tree Ordinance.
Councilman Forgeng asked if Public Works could plant trees in Borough Parks if people were to donate trees. Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works is always able to accommodate and plant trees in the Borough Parks.
MAIN STREET MANAGER PRESENTATION – Main Street Manager Barth gave a presentation to Council detailing the duties of Main Street Hatboro and how they focus on economic development throughout the Borough on a daily basis. He stated that Main Street Hatboro and staff has created a very close relationship and have worked together over the years to improve the downtown district. Manager Barth stated that residents and business owners want to see higher end stores and unique businesses open in the Borough to stimulate this economic development. He stated that the Borough currently has 45 million dollars in new investment throughout new housing developments and a transit oriented downtown that is highly sought by younger generations. He noted that the Borough’s downtown district has seen a lot of improvements and new businesses in recent years that has helped with beautification and revitalization efforts. Main Street Manager Barth said he recently hired Michelle Shire to help businesses who is an expert in window displays, merchandising, and finances for small businesses. Manager Barth stated that he has been working with SEPTA in addition to local businesses to help increase the Borough’s ease of access and walkability. He also stated that he has been looking into various sculpture and mural possibilities for Main Street.
President Bollendorf stated that Council is currently working on changes to the Borough’s parking ordinance and creating a beautification ordinance that will help the revitalization efforts.
Mr. Bruce Hart asked if the railroad station will be restored. Main Street Manager Barth stated that the railroad station will remain the same; however, they have plans to repaint the station at the moment.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Treasurer’s Report, Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Minutes, and Borough Authority Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers or the month of February 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the January 22, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FEBRUARY 12, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the February 12, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of January 2018 in the amount of $17,334.59. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MONTCO 2040 GRANT RESOLUTION 2018-03 – President Bollendorf asked what the required Borough match is for the grant. Acting Manager Hegele stated the required match is 20%. Councilman Hegele motioned to approve Resolution 2018-03 for the Montco 2040 Grant application. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ASSESSMENT APPEAL – ROLLING ACRES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the assessment appeal for Rolling Acres. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
VICTORIAN VILLAGE SIGN APPEAL SETTLEMENT STIPULATION – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Victorian Village Sign Appeal Settlement Stipulation. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
REMOVAL OF ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY MORTGAGE – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Removal of the Enterprise Fire Company Mortgage. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
YORK & MORELAND INSTERSECTION STUDY – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the York and Moreland Intersection Study. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Councilwoman Anzinger asked when this letter of request will be sent to PennDOT. Manager Hegele stated she has the letter ready to send after the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2018 EVENT REQUESTS – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve the 2018 event requests. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich. President Bollendorf asked Chief Gardner if he looked over all of this year’s event requests. Chief Gardner stated that yes, he reviewed all of the applications and that he, Superintendent Sine and Acting Manager Hegele met with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss all of the events submitted. He stated that there was also an event that had been withdrawn.. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – None
OLD BUSINESS – There was no old business before Council.
NEW BUSINESS
RESIGNATION OF MANAGER ZOLLERS – President Bollendorf read a statement of resignation from previous Manager Zollers dated February 23, 2018. Councilwoman Anzinger Motioned to approve the letter of resignation. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENT OF ZONING OFFICER – President Bollendorf stated that since Mr. Zollers is no longer the Zoning Officer, the Borough needs to appoint new Zoning Officer to fill in for the Wawa Hearings. He stated that Council received numerous bids and that the lowest came from Barry Isett & Associates at the rate of $65.00 per hour. Councilman Rich motioned to approve the appointment of Barry Isett & Associated to the position of Zoning Officer. Motion seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN – Councilman Hegele motioned to appoint Charles Young to the position of Public Works Foreman. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng. Presidet Bollendorf stated that Mr. Young has received glowing recommendations from Superintendent Sine and Acting Manager Hegele and that he is extremely qualified for the position. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENT OF BOROUGH MANAGER – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the appointment of Diane Hegele to the position of Borough Manager. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng. President Bollendorf stated that Mrs. Hegele has been a Hatboro resident and employee since 1997. She served as the Assistant Borough Secretary since 2006 and has trained several past Borough Managers. He noted that this appointment would make her the Borough’s first female Borough Manager and that working with her over the last weeks have proven that there is no one else as qualified for the position. Councilman Hegele abstained from the vote. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
Councilman Hegele stated Diane’s family were in attendance and noted Diane’s immense experience and knowledge of the Borough. He added that she is a respected member of the Hatboro community and that he is extremely proud of her accomplishments.
Manager Hegele thanked Borough Council and stated she would not have been as successful as she is today without the encouragement and help of her father, who was in attendance.
APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT BOROUGH SECRETARY – President Bollendorf stated that Manager Hegele has given Secretary a glowing recommendation and Secretary DeRenzis. He stated that Secretary DeRenzis has done a great job working with Vice President Stockton on the technology aspects of the Borough over the past few months and has been extremely helpful. He added that Manager Hegele and Council know it is extremely important to have someone who is reliable and whom they trust in this position and they could not think of a better candidate.
Vice President Stockton motioned to appoint Deena DeRenzis to the position of Assistant Borough Secretary. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Manager Hegele stated Secretary DeRenzis started at the Borough as an intern with her High School CAPS Program and was hired upon graduation. She stated that Deena is a respected member of Borough staff and has exceeded every expectation set for her over the years.
TRANSFER OF FIRE HOUSE ATTORNEY – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that the Borough has an ongoing litigation matter for the Enterprise Fire House that will need to be settled before the Borough can move forward with closing out the Fire House Grant. He stated that the previous firm, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin have been very busy and that staff has recommend the transfer of the Fire House matter to the Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny.
Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Transfer of the Enterprise Fire House matters to the Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – None.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the February 26, 2018 Council Meeting at 8:21 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis