PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwomen Shay, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Fire Marshal Valesky, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Ide, Treasurer Smith, were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Jacobus, and Fire Marshal Valesky were excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 26, 2024, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance for the last time.
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR CHIEF GARDNER’S RETIREMENT AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THR BOROUGH (Mayor Schultz)
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf read the Public Comment policy on the back of the agenda regarding addressing Council and time allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, stated that he is concerned about the price of the windows for Borough Hall and asked why they are so expensive and doesn’t think staff needs windows that open. Vice President Stockton stated that the difference in cost for windows that open was not that extreme form ones that do not and there would be some days staff will want to open the windows for fresh air and they are expensive which is why staff has sought out grants for the project. He also stated that it is an old building and staff cannot go to a regular store to purchase them, but Council is always open to suggestions. Manager Hegele stated that there has been a difference in price since the first estimates which were in 2020 but the difference is not that much between windows that open and windows that do not ($ 11,286.00) and stated that the conditions of the windows are terrible and are desperately needed.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated the biannual Borough Ball will be held Saturday March 9, 2024, at Springville Manor and congratulated the 2024 award recipients: Service to Public – Kelly Cindel, CBE Principal, Community – Charlie Oski – WG YMCA, Youth – Justin Ryan – Cubmaster Pack 27, Business – Mike Sharp – Owner of Hatboro Lumber, Life of Service – Police Chief James Gardner.
Mayor Shultz announced the calendar for the 2024 events is available and announced them.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the parking commission and human relations committee met and thanked them.
President Bollendorf stated the weather is getting nicer so please watch for children in the street.
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TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated that the balance in all accounts at the end of January 2024 is $ 1,632,061.14 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,695.92.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she drafted the Conditional Use decision from the January hearing.
Solicitor Geiser stated arguments for the Zoning Appeal for 26 Horsham Road are scheduled for April 4, 2024, and Manager Hegele will attend with her to represent the Borough.
Solicitor Geiser stated that she helped address various matters that arise with the Borough manager and staff.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she has been working with staff to identify grants for the Borough.
Engineer Goff stated the Hatboro Pedestrian Flasher Project is currently under construction and is funded by various grant programs.
Engineer Goff stated she reissued her 5th review letter for the proposed development qat 24-28 S. York Road.
Engineer Goff stated she reviewed the resubmission for 21-23 & 37 N. York Road and will be issuing her review letter.
MANAGER’S REPORT –Manager Hegele stated that PECO will replace a gas main on Warminster Road and the borough is still waiting for official notification.
Manager Hegele stated that PennDOT will be doing stormwater work along County Line Road.
Manager Hegele stated just a reminder to everyone that the Borough does not always get timely notifications from utility companies, it has been frustrating because roads are closed, and traffic is an issue and people look to us for the info and we do not have it and the Borough does issue notices on our website and Facebook when we know of road work.
Manager Hegele stated that the Warminster Road Bridge is open.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough was notified on Feb 20th that Verizon has filed for a permit with the DEP under Chapter 15 Water Obstruction/Encroachment General Permit to install two temporary underground communication conduits, five permanent aerial/underground
communication conduit, five temporary pole mounted overhead cables and five permanent pole mounted overhead cables across an unnamed tributary to the PP Creek in the vicinity to county bridge #38 for the W. Moreland Avenue bridge Project. She also stated while she has not heard any additional information from the county regarding the bridge replacement, she is assuming this is related to the project.
Manager Hegele stated she is working with Meals on Wheels for the use of this room for their program as they recently found out they need to move from their current facility in Warminster. MOW has always had office space at Loller and this facility since I have worked for the Borough therefore it makes sense for them to use this facility. She also stated the Solicitor prepared a lease which MOW has signed, this will be on the March agenda for discussion and consideration by Council.
Manager Hegele stated that she attended several meetings this month.
1.PC Meeting, there were two applications in front of the PC, only one applicant showed – 100 Meadowbrook, this is for a variance for an addition.
2.STC, caught the end of this meeting, thank you to Secretary Todd A Harrah for providing a recap, they are working on policies and procedures as well as the tree inventory which needs to be completed along York Road as well as all parks.
Manager Hegele stated that for the Shared Energy Management Program, today Deena and I had our first call with Wilson Engineering, during this call we reviewed our goals/projects and expectations from this program. Wow in the 45 minutes we met with the team, we got even more ideas and resources for some of the items we talked about. She also stated she will have more information to share with the public in March and will have this as an agenda item so the public can ask questions.
STAFF REPORTS –
•POLICE – Deputy Chief Ruegg stated Warminster Bridge is open and the HPD have been doing extra patrols and it seems to have eased some congestion along York Road.
Chief Deputy Ruegg stated Sergeant detective Dilks has gotten the ball rolling regarding training at the Pennypack Facility later in the year and will coordinate with staff.
•TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
•PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated that she and Foreman Young met with Provider who is looking at retro fitting lighting at Borough Hall/Pennypack and Public Works under a PECO grant program and should have a proposal on costs, savings, and possible tax credits. She also stated there are almost 300 light fixtures in Pennypack, changing these would be a great savings to the Borough for this facility.
Manager Hegele stated Household Hazardous Waste events were advertised and there are several dates, please note that these events require registration at http://www.MontcoPARecycles.org
Manager Hegele stated PA One Calls received for utility work in Borough, Aqua water main replacement on Meadowbrook between Penn and Summit, no notification received from Aqua so we do not have exact dates and times, obviously we will be watching this one closely due to the proximity of the school.
•DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated I will keep my report brief this evening but want everyone to know we have a table set up outside the Council Room with information from Hatboro businesses such as business cards, menus, etcetera so please when you come to Borough Hall, stop by the table, and help yourself and pass along to anyone you know that might be interested. I have been out and about finally getting a chance to meet a lot of the business owners I have not met yet and have been inside their businesses and it has been very interesting, and I am excited to meet the rest of them. Still collecting swag from business owners so once I have completed, they will be available one bag per family. As I have mentioned many times that the Borough has over 350 businesses and while I realize not every business is for everyone, I ask you help spread the word because even if it is somewhere, you might not shop, pass anything along to someone you may know who does.
Tonight, on the voting agenda Council will be voting on roughly almost 20 events between the Borough and Chamber (and besides Borough Staff, Kathy from the Chamber, events Committee, and our volunteers who plan/organize and execute the events themselves) none of them would be possible without the sponsorships and in-kind donations from our businesses. So please continue to support them any way you can as a thank you to them for supporting our community.
Cindy Bollendorf stated as most of you know by now, we updated the community space by Produce Junction which the Borough received from a grant from TMobile in 2022 in the amount of $ 39,642.00. Due to supply and delivery issues and our Public Works Department BUSY schedule, we haven’t been able to dedicate the space. For those who are not aware this space will be dedicated in memory and honor of Officer Ryan Allen. Manager Hegele and I decided on a May 2024 dedication during National Police week this year which begins Sunday May 12th. Once a date has been decided on, which will be very soon, we will let every know to save the date. In the meantime, Ryan’s plaque is still safe in my office which I on purpose did not have installed and will have PW installed right before the dedication. Thank you again to PW and Crooked Billet gardeners for all of their help as I would not have been able to complete this without their help.
•FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated in January the Fire Marshal found 13 work without permit complaints, 6 unregistered rental complaints, 10 fire safety complaints, 9 miscellaneous complaints and Fire Marshal Valesky responded to a chimney fire complaint.
•FIRE COMPANY – President Brown stated the Enterprise Fire Company is one of the few that are 100% volunteer.
President Brown stated in January new officers were installed and he announced them.
President Bollendorf stated responded to 23 calls and 14 were in the Borough.
President Brown stated the Fire Company conducted a lot of training in January.
•UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Representative Johnson stated 55 new library cards have been issued since January 1st.
Representative Johnson stated the library ordered and received 254 new books since January 8th in which the Borough funded 148 adult books.
Representative Johnson stated 36 programs were held since January 8th and the Borough funded 18 of them.
Representative Johnson stated 2,736 books, DVDs, etcetera have been physically checked out of the building since January 1st.
Representative Johnson stated they have been distributing their new quarterly newsletter.
Representative Johnson stated they are collaborating with Hatboro federal on several finance workshops to be held at the library and presented by the bank.
Representative Johnson stated they are looking for summer program sponsors to sponsor one or all of their triple L Concert Series this summer.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes, Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of February 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
JANUARY 22, 2024, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motin carried 5-0.
FEBRUARY 12, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – This item was tabled and moved to the March 25, 2024, Council Meeting Agenda.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of January 2024 in the amount of $ 22,853.72. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 5-0.
POLICE TEST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to direct the Civil Service Commission to establish a list of eligible candidates for the position of Police Officer. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes, Motion carried 5-0.
COMPUTER LEASE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize staff to proceed with obtaining finance documents for the proposed computer lease. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 5-0.
HATBORO STATION TRAIL CHANGE ORDER #1 – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve change order #1 for the Hatboro Station Trail Project resulting in a reduction of $ 21,420.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 5-0.
FINAL PAYMENT HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the final payment for the Hatboro Station Trail project to Lenni electric in the amount of $ 3,273.38. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PAYMENT #1 – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve payment #1 for the Pedestrian Improvement Project to Marino Corporation in the amount of $ 98,053.02. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
COVID – 19 FACILITIES PROGRAM GRANT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize the application to the COVID -19 ARPA Capital Projects Fund Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Project for the Borough Hall Window Project and the Pennypack HVAC Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myes, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
FIRE HOUSE PROJECT GRANT EXTENSION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the extension request for the Fire House RACP Grant Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-16 amending the 2024 Fee Schedule to add appeal fees. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
2024 SPECIAL EVENT REQUESTS – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the 2024 Special Event Requests. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
2024 BANNER SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the 2024 Banner Schedule as submitted by the Chamber of Commerce. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
SALE OF ITEMS ON MUNICIBID – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to authorize the sake of Unit #3 and an air compressor on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION FROM EAC – Councilman Myers made a motion to accept Tom Bilotta’s resignation from the EAC. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT – Councilman Myers made a motion to make an appointment to the EAC. Motin was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
EAC NON-VOTING MEMBER APPOINTMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Todd A ‘Harrah to the EAC as a non-voting member. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Patricia Johnson, 130 Manor Road, asked if there were any grants for stormwater management for the area of Lacey Street. Manager Hegele stated that the Engineer would need to research it and the Fire Marshal is trying to mitigate but nay not correct it. She stated that staff could look at no match grants and get a cost for a feasibility study. President Bollendorf asked Councilwoman Shay to get the information for them and will investigate it further.
Halil Cinar, 321 Horsham Road, stated he has flooding issues on his property and is waiting for an answer from the Borough. Manager Hegele stated that herself and Engineer Goff did a site visit and Mr. Cinar asked to make improvements and he was told to submit permits. She also stated that he installed a large pipe without permits.
Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she appreciates all the information that the Borough puts out.
ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to adjourn the February 26, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the February 26, 2024, Council Meeting at 8:18 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary