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February 27, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes

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

ABSENT – Councilwoman McMenamin was excused.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.

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

COMMENDATION PRESENTATION – Chief Gardner and Mayor Schultz presented a commendation to Deputy Chief Ruegg and Officer Figueroa for their lifesaving efforts on a resident who was in cardiac arrest. Chief of Second Alarmers Ken Davisson presented a commendation to EMT Kim Garrett, and Paramedics Michael Smaltini and Jordan Costic for their lifesaving efforts on a resident who was in cardiac arrest.

POLICE ELECTRIC BIKE PRESENTATION – WK Bray Lodge, Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, and Hatboro Federal Savings Bank presented the Hatboro Police Department with an Electric Bike.

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 – There was no public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Bray Lodge on March 17, 2023. Mayor Schultz stated there will be breakfast with the Easter bunny at the Bray Lodge on April 1, 2023. Mayor Schultz stated there will be an egg treat hunt on York Road on April 1, 2023. Mayor Schultz read a statement regarding the incident at Amy’s Pizza.

OFFICER’S REPORTS

  • PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf agreed with Mayor Schultz’s statement. President Bollendorf stated he received an email the Borough will be receiving the $200,000.00 from a grant for the purchase of the Pennypack property.
  • TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending January 2023 is $2,254,940.01 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,102.02.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on routine matters with staff. Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on Right to Know Requests with Manager Hegele.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she has been working on grant application writing with staff. Engineer Goff stated she has been working on Miller Meadow Phase II. Engineer Goff stated she has been working on the York Road flashers project with staff and the Solicitor. Engineer Goff stated the contractor is working on punch list items for the hatboro Station Project. Engineer Goff stated she has been reviewing the 24-28 S. York Road SALDO application.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated she met with New Fire Chief and Deputy with Amanda, Alex, and Nicole Shay for a tour of Fire House as well as discuss its needs. She stated the Fire Company is always looking for help with recruitment and the Borough is working on ways to spread the word. Manager Hegele stated she is working with the Mayor on Solar Projects for the Borough. Manager Hegele stated she attended the ZHB Hearing in February for the 26 Horsham Road variance request, the ZHB continued the hearing until March 13th to give the applicant time to provide additional information as well as have the Borough engineer provide a review on information received at the hearing. Manager Hegele stated she continues to work with Zoning Sub-Committee reviewing residential and office uses
and zoning. Manager Hegele stated the PC will be meeting in March on the 14th to conditional use and land development application for the CVS Property, 24 – 28 S. York Road. Manager Hegele stated the Warminster Road Bridge set still on schedule to close on April 1 for 6 months for bridge replacement. Manager Hegele stated she submitted the State Annual Report on Floodplain Management Duties for 2022. Manager Hegele stated Continuous Welded Rail Delivery Work Septa Warminster Line will be on Saturday, March 18th from 5:00 AM for approximately 10 hours. The work area will stretch from the Roslyn Station to north of the Warminster Station, the day long project will impact 12 grade crossings in this area which include all crossings in the Borough. As a result, vehicles at these crossings could face much longer wait times due to the 2,000-foot length of the work train and the need for it to move at a slow speed to accommodate the work being performed. Emergency Services in Hatboro has been notified. Signage will be posted at all stations and due to the nature of the work, shuttle buses will transport regional rail riders between Warminster, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Crestmont, Roslyn, Ardsley, and Glenside stations. Rail service will resume normal operations on Sunday, March 19th.

STAFF REPORTS

  • POLICE – Deputy Chief Ruegg stated Sergeant Valleley and Sergeant Paul completed FBI Leadership
    Training and once a new Sergeant is hired, they will complete the training as well.
  • TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.
  • PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated Trash collection changes – Effective immediately, Public Works is making some changes to the Trash and Recycling Collection routes as a safety precaution for employees, Warminster Road and County Line Road will no longer have their trash collected first thing in the morning on Tuesdays and Fridays. Instead, Public Works will be collecting their trash/recycling later in the morning on Tuesdays and Fridays (rather than during rush hour). Residents and business owners are accustomed to having trash collection first thing in the morning, we are being proactive by trying to announce this change as so many of our residents call as soon as the trashman is late. These changes are being made as a safety precaution for our employees and will help keep our public works employees as safe as possible while out on the main roads. Manager Hegele stated Pool the weather has been nice and as a result PW has been taking advantage of and doing work at the pool, by mother nature cooperating has allowed us to possibly get pressing projects out of the way vs. waiting until April 1st to begin work. Manager Hegele stated PW has been cleaning up and getting Loller ready for the return of meetings in the council chambers followed by staff. We found out last week that the new fire alarm works, after setting it off. As long as the weather cooperates, fingers crossed we could be back for meetings in April. Manager Hegele stated PW has been doing projects around the Pennypack Facility. She stated the library is ready for classes with new paint and carpet. The Art Room was painted, PW continues to work on the lighting issue and some maintenance outside the facility. Manager Hegele stated there may be an interested party to purchase Lighted Stop Signs and fingers crossed, specs sent to them (It is another municipality) and they can use them. Manager Hegele stated she is hoping that the weather tonight holds off and the snow is north of here but regardless, if it changes, we are ready to go
  • DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated the order for the seating and planters for the T Mobile Grant site has been placed and is expected to arrive the end of March. Public Works will be installing and once complete we plan our ribbon cutting with T Mobile to dedicate Hatboro’s updated community space. Will keep everyone updated. Cindy Bollendorf stated Attended today with Manager Hegele and Councilwoman Shay and spoke to the business owners in attendance about our Downtown Development Team and our goals. Our main goal is to continue to encourage everyone to shop locally. The Borough and Chamber have many events which would not be possible without sponsorships and in-kind donations which all come from our businesses who also care about the community we reside in. While I know there are not shops for everyone as they may not have the product you need or may not offer a service you are looking for, please know they support all of our events. Cindy Bollendorf stated the Downtown Development team is hosting a business owners mixer Thursday April 20, 2023, in this room so the Business owners can network with each other, tour the Pennypack Facility and our team will be sharing information and providing resources to them from our speakers. (Fire marshal, chamber, state reps’ office,). Cindy Bollendorf stated Lately there has been a lot of comments referring to all of our vacant commercial spaces and I am going to give everyone an update on that tonight then will update moving forward. The Downtown Development Team keeps a list of vacant commercial space in the event we receive interest from a potential business owner. Previous DD Director submitted a list of vacant space prior to her departure on 9/23/20 which had 42 vacant spaces listed, 19 of which were on York Road. The current vacant list has 17 vacant spaces, 8 of which are on York Road.
  • FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Dermer stated for the month of January 2023, he completed 12 Commercial Fire Inspections, 7 U&O Inspections, 12 Rental Inspections, responded to 6 fire calls with 2 investigations, and attended 1 Court Hearing.
  • FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company responded to 17 calls. Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company is always looking for volunteers and there are lawn signs available if anyone is interested in displaying one.
  • UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board Member O’Neill stated Christine Law is the new Director and has been working hard the past month. Board Member O’Neill stated the library received Stated grant funds for $ 29,562.91. Board Member O’Neill stated they continue to work on their security systems and to date they have installed 2 additional security cameras and all non-working cameras have been replaced. Board Member O’Neill stated they have new motion sensors ion the 1849 room. Board Member O’Neill stated Christine has been working on securing the building by replacing locks on entrances, the book drop, director’s office, and two wall cabinets. Board Member O’Neill stated they have new phones and both lines are working. Board Member O’Neill stated the HVAC has been serviced and repaired and the AQUA backflow is complete. Board Member O’Neill stated the new watercolor workshop on Saturday mornings has been so successful they added another day, and you can sign up on their website and there is a fee for supplies. Board Member O’Neill stated there is Yoga on Wednesdays at 6:30 P.M and there is a $5 fee to take the class. Board Member O’Neill stated Storytime with Mr. Jim is on Friday mornings at 10:30 P.M. Board Member O’Neill stated Steve Guenst has taken on getting more bookshelves from Pennypack and thanked the Borough for the donation. Board Member O’Neill stated a new Tv screen is to be mounted in the Thomas Room and one of the uses of the screen will be to publicize Library Events & Programs via a new Chromebook purchased from a district grant. Board Member O’Neill stated the library has 3 new volunteers in the past two weeks.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, manual Checks, and transfers for the month of February 2023. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

JANUARY 23, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Myers made a motion to approve the January 23, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FEBRUARY 13, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the February 13, 2023, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of January 2023 in the amount of $ 31,149.86. Motion was seconded Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of January 2023 in the amount of $ 241,982.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATES – Councilman Myers made amotion to approve Resolution 2023-24, updating the Borough of Hatboro Emergency Management Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

WINDSOR/LANCASTER/MEADOWBROOK PROJECT AUTHORIZATION TO BID – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to authorize Engineer Goff to finalize the project documents for the Windsor/Lancaster/Meadowbrook Project and begin the bidding process. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION – Councilman Myers made amotion to approve application to the Community Development Block Grant Program for a stormwater improvement application. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

VICTORIAN VILLAGE FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE #2 – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Financial Security Release #2 for the Victorian Village project in the amount of $ 1,345,734.44. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

WAWA FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE #1 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Financial Security Release #1 for the Wawa project in the amount of $ 198,574.50. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT PAYMENT #2 – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Payment #2 for the Hatboro Station Trail Project to Lenni Electric in the amount of $ 44,202.10. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2023 EVENT REQUESTS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the list of Special Event Requests for the year 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SHADE TREE ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin preparing a draft amendment to the Shade Tree Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-25, appointing Christine Law to the Historical Commission for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PARKING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-26, appointing Kelly Kennedy to the parking Commission for a term of 4 years. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

MECHANICAL DEVICE ORDINANCE UPDATES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin preparing a draft amendment to the Mechanical Device ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

DEPUTY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-27, appointing Diane Hegele to the position of Deputy Property maintenance Inspector. Motion was Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

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

NEW BUSINESS
1) EVENT REQUESTS (RECEIVED AFTER 2/13/2023 COMMITTEE MEETING)

  • EARTH DAY 2023 EVENT REQUEST – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Special
    event Request for the 2023 Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Pennypack. Motion
    was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • Y2K9S NOSE WORK ODOR RECOGNITION TEST EVENT REQUEST – Councilman Myers made amotion to approve the Special Event Request for the Y2K9s Nose Work Odor Recognition Test on Sunday May 7th in the Pennypack Gym. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • CROOKED BILLET 5TH GRADE POOL DAY EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Crooked Billet 5th Grade Pool Day on June 13, 2023. This event will have a rain date of June 14th if needed. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • HATBORO ROTARY LOBSTER POT EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve
    the Special Event Request for the Hatboro Rotary Lobster Pot on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Memorial Park. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • WINTER SIP N SHOP – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Special event Request for the Winter Sip n Shop Event on December 2, 2023, at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • WINTER BINGO EVENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Winter Bingo event on October 7, 2023, at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Moton carried 6-0.
  • SPRING SIP N SHOP EVENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Spring Sip N Shop on May 6, 2023, at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • SPRING BINGO EVENT – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Spring bingo Event on April 15, 2023, at the Hatboro Pool. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Moton carried 6-0.
  • COMMUNITY DAY EVENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Community Day Event on May 20, 2023, at the Hatboro Pool. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
  • 3RD ANNUAL BREWS AND BLUES EVENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the 3rd Annual Brews and blues event on September 22, 2023, at the Cressbrook Property. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ZONING CHANGE HEARING – 21-37 N. YORK ROAD – Vice President Stockton made amotion to authorize staff to advertise a Public Hearing for a Zoning Change Request at the property located at 21-37 N. York Road. This hearing will be scheduled for March 27, 2023, at 7 P.M. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no Public Comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to adjourn the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the February 27, 2023, Council Meeting at 7:42 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

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