by kclarkk
Bookmark

January 22, 2024 Borough Council Meeting

BOROUGH OF HATBORO
PUBLIC MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024.


CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – 21-23 & 37 N. YORK ROAD
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf opened the Conditional Use Hearing at 7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE 21-23 & 37 N. YORK ROAD
VOTING ITEMS –
Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Conditional use Application submitted by the Developer at 21-23 & 27 N. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040 to permit a development consisting of 102 residential apartment units and 4,732 square feet of first floor retail/ commercial/office use space. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Conditional Use Application submitted by the Developer at 21-23 & 37 N. York Road,
Hatboro PA 19040 to permit a reduction of required parking for the mixed-use development of up to 10% per section 27-1208.1. K (10) of the code of ordinances. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned at 7:52 P.M.
Notes of testimony were transcribed by Tim Kurek and can be found on our website and are attached to the minutes.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
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 –
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting to order at 8:56 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 the Borough Ball is Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 6-11 PM at Spring Manor Country Club. Mayor Schultz stated the Hatboro Chamber Luncheon is Wednesday February 7, 2024, at Bray Lodge.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –

  • PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked the Chief, Deputy Chief, and Public Works for all of their hard work during the past two winter storms.
  • TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending December 31, 2023, was $ 2,249,337.20 with interest earned in the amount of $ 3,258.36.
    SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has worked on some legal matters.
    Solicitor Geiser stated Solicitor Geiser stated she prepped for tonight’s Conditional Use Hearing.
    Solicitor Geiser stated she worked on several ordinances which are on the voting agenda this evening.
    ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated PennDOT approved the permit for Miller Meadow.
    MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele gave the following project updates: York and Summit: On January 22, 2024, Marino Corporation and Danella Construction (contractor for Verizon) will be working at the intersection of York Road and Summit Avenue to relocate an existing fiber
    optic line. While this work is taking place, there will be a complete closure of Summit Avenue from 9 AM to 3 PM. Marino has informed the Borough that Summit Avenue will also be closed as needed from 9 AM through 3 PM on Tuesday, January 23rd through Thursday, January 25th.
    Crews will continue to work at York and Summit on Friday, January 26th, January 29th, February 1st, and February 2nd; however, no closures of Summit Avenue are currently expected for these days. Local Businesses in this area were notified. York and Williams: Marino Corporation will be working at the intersection of York Road and Williams Lane from Monday, January 29th through
    Friday, February 2, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM. At this time, no road closures are expected at York and Williams; however, there will be temporary traffic restrictions in the area while work is taking place.
    Jacksonville and Meadowbrook: Marino Corporation will be working at the intersection of Jacksonville and Meadowbrook on Tuesday, January 23rd through Tuesday, January 30th from 9 AM to 3 PM. The Borough is working with the school district to ensure the safety of students,
    parents, teachers, etc. due to the project’s proximity to school bus stops and Crooked Billet Elementary. There are no expected road closures at this time. The Borough is working with the school district on relocation of a bus stop at this intersection for Keith Valley Middle School kids.
    Please note, all work mentioned above is weather dependent and is subject to delay. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, if possible, to avoid delays in the area.
  • All Hatboro Businesses continue to be open and operating while work is taking place. Messages have been shared on websites, Facebook as well as signage in town as well as several updates from Cindy to the business owners.
  • Manager Hegele stated beginning February 1, 2024, through April 1, 2024, Aqua will be performing a water main relocation project on West Moreland Avenue from Flamingo to Broad Street. This work is being performed in preparation for the West Moreland Avenue Bridge Replacement Project. Please note, there is still no start date determined for the bridge replacement project. This work being performed by Aqua will be like that of PECO earlier in 2023 where utilities will be relocated to prepare for the bridge reconstruction. During periods of work, there may be intermittent lane closures on West Moreland Avenue between Broad and Flamingo; however, access to the road will still be available for residents, emergency services, public works, and deliveries. This work will be weather dependent and is subject to change. Aqua has informed the Borough that this work could be delayed again should be bridge project continue to be delayed. We will inform residents of
    any changes in this work schedule as Aqua provides updates. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Borough Hall at 215-443-9100.
  • I also heard that they may be doing work on County Line Road too in the future, trying to get more information and she received an email this afternoon from the engineer for the county that they are still waiting on PECO Real Estate Department to respond regarding necessary procurements on the Upper Moreland Side for Right of Way work. The bridge that I get asked about almost daily, I have no further information to share about the Warminster Road Bridge. While on the train last week I saw that there was a bridge, so hopefully the January opening time is now realistic. It would be nice to get this bridge open. On some days I could walk up York Road from Borough Hall to home faster than I could drive. Manager Hegele stated The January PC meeting was postponed due to weather, we tried to coordinate another meeting for January, but it was impossible to get a date that worked for a majority as well as the applicants on the agenda. It was decided to just meet at the regularly
    advertised February date, 2/13 at 7PM. Manager Hegele stated the January Zoning Hearing Board met and reorganized, and it was a quick meeting, they had one application, Yarrington Mills. Mr. Yarrington was in attendance and requested to withdraw his application until he was further prepared. He needs approval from the DEP for what he is proposing, and it was prudent to withdraw vs. meeting every month while he works through this process.
  • The Hatboro Shade Tree Commission met, and their leadership remained the same for 2024. The shade tree commission will be looking at some trees at the Pennypack Property that may have to be removed, we are trying to produce an approved method to mark trees so when the Shade Tree Commission visits a property, if it has many trees like Pennypack they can easily find the tree or trees in question. They also discussed how to inventory trees in Hatboro in accordance with the ordinance. They are tasked with providing a report to Council every year in October and are trying to figure out the best way to do this to get this done. The Historic Commission met as well and is working with staff on a policy and procedure for review of permits for properties that are historically designated. The Old Mill will be the first opportunity that they will be doing a review under the Historic Overlay ordinance. Staff wanted to make sure that everyone was on the same page.
  • The EAC met as well and reorganized. Mrs. A ‘Harrah will be the new chair. The EAC is working on an earth day event, staff is working on a zero-waste initiative event at Pennypack in April.
  • The Pennypack Outside Committee meets tomorrow night to review the data collected from the November public workshop.
  • Manager Hegele stated Thank you to Fire Company President Steve Ide, tonight is his last meeting sitting at the table with us as Fire Company President. He has made the decision not to run again for this position. Mr. Ernest Brown will be assuming this leadership position and will be joining us at the table next month. I have met with Ernest and begun the transition of sharing information, so he is ready to take over. We will be sorry to see Steve leave. Being the Fire Company President is not easy at times. This is where all the financial decisions are made for the smooth operation of the company. In addition to being President he has a full-time job and is an active member of the fire company, often seen driving the fire trucks. I do not believe he is totally retiring from the fire company, and we will still see him around town serving our community. He can announce the new board under his report. The line officers for the fire company operations side have changed as well, Chief Zollers has made some changes to his line officers and once we have that information we can share with the community. Thank you, Steve, for all you did and thank you again to the volunteers of the Enterprise Fire Company for continuing to serve the Hatboro and surrounding communities. Just remember if you can hear the siren at your home or business somewhere a volunteer is leaving their family to help others.
    STAFF REPORTS –
  • POLICE – Chief Gardner stated he had no report this evening.
  • TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
  • PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated she will pass along the thanks to the PW staff for their hard work during last week’s storms. Manager Hegele stated she wanted to remind everyone that during storms staff are not shoveling walks in parks. The only park that
    has walks done is Celano due to the kids walking to CB School… We will be posting signage at the parks that you will have to walk at your own risk during snow.
  • Manager Hegele stated thank you to Joe the owner of Old School Burgers in Upper Moreland for staying open for local PW staff for a place to eat, even offered a special for snow plow drivers which was very nice of him, when many businesses close because of the weather and staffing, Wawa is convenient, it is nice to see a small business owner in another municipality reaching out to offer a hot meal to our men as well as Upper Moreland. Manager Hegele stated PW remains busy doing inside jobs at Facilities during the winter and is looking forward to warmer temperatures this week, but not a lot of rain. They will be out this week clearing drains and prepping for the melting snow and rain and switching from snow to flooding.
  • Manager Hegele stated she is happy to announce that the 2022 grant application was approved last week by DEP and the Borough was awarded $25,155 for our recycling activities in 2022. We are preparing 2023 numbers now. Manager Hegele stated we also received the preliminary results of the recycling composition audit done by the consortium in October 2023. I just received this late last week and will sit down and review and will have this on the February agenda under PW to
    share with the public.
    DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – DDD Bollendorf stated Councilwoman Shay and I welcomed new Daddypops owners Anna and Constantine Bogiatzis and thanked them on behalf of the entire Borough for keeping Daddypops in Hatboro! We also welcomed Dat Complete Dentistry, located at 43 S. York Road and Dr. Dat took over Dr. Cerrones’ practice. She also stated that she found it to be
    interesting that today we met with business owners who took over businesses in which the previous owner retired. DDD Bollendorf stated for 2024 we are making just a few changes such as recognizing businesses who have supported Borough Events, new businesses as well as businesses who celebrated milestones with us. I will be spotlighting every single business in the Borough as there is a lot going on in our small Borough off of York Road that everyone will be amazed at. As an example, Station Park is a facility off of Warminster Road that is over 400,00 square feet and one of the 10 tenants is a multimillion-dollar business that runs right here in our backyard. I am positive our 9 nail salons appreciate all of the free marketing as they get talked about so much, but we have 41 automotive businesses that I want to include as well along with our other 337 business so stay tuned!!!
  • DDD Bollendorf stated Business Privilege tax forms were sent out to the business owners last week and the DD budget comes from their revenue so once we start receiving those, we will go back to our monthly shop small promo baskets. The idea is a theme will be picked for each month (let’s take February for example because its valentines Day) so I will purchase gift cards and when the winner
    goes shopping, hopefully they spend more than the gift card which will up the business owner’s revenue and will come back when they pay BPT. Perfect example of how the money recirculates when we shop locally.
  • DDD Bollendorf stated that some things on her To Do – resident survey – where everyone has shopped and currently shopped, fill the vacant storefronts, Business owner survey get their insight on events, etc. decorating windows each month, council or myself working in the business, Station Park, Red Barn Mall, opening a business in the borough, presentations, DD table outside the council
    room, release the list of vacant BUT everyone will have top dop their homework by checking zoning to see what is allowed as opposed to just saying what someone would like as we all would like this or that but there is a process and when I do my business presentation, you will see what is involved and how the process works. DDD Bollendorf stated this is only a few things on my to do and hope to execute everything as soon as possible and in the meantime, while I realize there are businesses where you may not patronize, someone else is and all townships and boroughs have multiple businesses that are the same and instead of complaining please know its takes confidence and courage to open a business where there are multiple kinds of the same one. While everyone doesn’t have to agree on everything, one thing we all have in common is we all want what is best for Hatboro.
  • FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated In December, we received 21 complaints, 8 were for work without permits, 4 for nonregistered rentals, 4 for safety issues, 3 overgrowth issues, and 2 business related issues. One of the safety issues was the diesel spill
    in the creek at Eaton Park. That was cleaned up immediately and followed up by herself and the Warminster Fire Marshal. Fire Marshal Valesky stated she attended ESO training for record management system and completed multiple Fire Marshal inspections and she investigated one fire in Hatboro and assisted on one fire in Lower Moreland. Fire Marshal Valesky stated with the winter season upon us, just a reminder that every home need 1 CO detector by code. It is ideal that every home has at least two CO detectors, especially near the sleeping area. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly if undetected. Along with CO detectors, please make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home, and one in each bedroom.
  • FIRE COMPANY – President Ide stated in December the Fire Company responded to 24 calls, 11 of which were in Hatboro. President Ide stated for 2023, the fire Company responded to 252 calls, 128 of which were in Hatboro. President Ide thanked everyone for their support while he was the Fire Company President.
  • UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board member Johnson gave the following updates for the library: 21 new library card members since 12/1/23. Since 12/1/23 they have received 223 new books, 68 were borough funded, since 12/1/2023, 2323 books have been checked out, Christopher Buckley has started his volunteer intern work in the Holt room, they have a new Quarterly newsletter to be
    published and distributed by 2/1/24 for winter edition, and Director Christine represented Hatboro at the Greatest Generations First Coin Strike at the Philadelphia Mint on 12/13/24.
  • Board Member Johnson announced the upcoming library events which are the following:
    Elder Financial Exploitation – January 31st @ 2:30 P.M – presented by Hatboro Federal Savings
    Wednesday Afternoon Book Club- February 7th 2-3 PM – The Clockmaker’s Daughter
    Thursday Night Book Club – February 8th 7-8 PM – I Am Malala
    Watercolor Class – February 3rd & 17th – 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM
    The Writers Connection: Adult Writers Group – February 10th 3-5 PM
    Beyond the Book Radio Show: February 15th @ 7:30 A.M
    George Washington Celebrates His Birthday @ Hatboro Library – February 22nd @ 6:30 PM
    ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
    ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS     – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Public Works, Fire marshal, Tax Collector and Treasurer reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman McMenamin make a motion to approve Warrant List, payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of January 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes, motion carried 7-0.
    DECEMBER 18, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the December 13, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention as Councilwoman Reichner
    was excused from the meeting.
    JANUARY 2, 2024, REORGINAZATION MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the January 2, 2024, Reorganization Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    JANUARY 8, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made amotion to approve the January 8, 2024, Committee Meeting Minutes
    ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of December 2023 in the amount of $ 25,181.02. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Morion carried 7-0.
    FIRE LANE ORDINANCE ADOPTION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1077, amending the Borough’s Fire Lane Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all yes. Motion carried 7-0.
    EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Reichner made amotion to appoint Kate Valesky to the position of Emergency management Coordinator. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    WAWA LINE OF CREDIT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize Solicitor Geiser to pursue the Wawa project Line of Credit to obtain payment for past due escrow bills. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    REFUSE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an amendment to the Refuse Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, motion carried 7-0.
    ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATIONS FROM EAC – Councilwoman Jacobus made amotion to accept the resignation of Carol Brunner from the Environmental Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. Councilwoman Shay made amotion to accept the resignation of Judy Swanson from the Environmental Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD – Vice President Stockton made a motion to accept the resignation of Muriel O’Neill from the Library Board. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS –
    o Councilwoman Jacobs made a motion to appoint Bill Tompkins to the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Board for a five-year term. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
    o Vice President Stockton made motion to appoint Alan Mosebach to the Civil Service Commission for a six-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Vice President made a motion to appoint Kelly Kennedy to the library board for a term of one year. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Shay mase a motion to appoint Eric Tinari to the historical Commission for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Jacobus made amotion to appoint Linda Connor the Human Relations Commission for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Kathy McGeary to the Human Relations Commission for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Jim Macaroni to the EAC for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Mike Williams to the EAC for a two-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Ryan Fairman to the EAC for a two eyer term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Kyle Stolarick to the EAC for a one-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes, Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Jackie Jones to the Parking Commission for a four-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, All ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Desire Nicholls to the Parking Commission for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Richner made a motion to appoint Delores Forget to the parking Commission for a three-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myes, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    o Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Louis Smith to the parking Commission for a two-year term. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
    NEW BUSINESS –
    PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE     – Deputy Chief Ruegg stated that Hatboro PD received a $10,000.00 donation in which the donor wished to remain anonymous. He stated the money will be used to purchase needed items for the PD that will now not be a cost to the taxpayers. He stated they
    also received $250.00 donation and thanked the donors.
    INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE ADOPTION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1078, adopting the 2018 international property maintenance Code. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    200 TANNER AVENUE ASSESSMENT APPEAL – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the 200 Tanner Avenue Assessment Appeal resulting in an assessment increase for the property resulting in a refund to the Borough in the amount of $8,440.19. Motion was second by
    Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-01, amending the fee schedule for the Borough of Hatboro to include specific fees associated with liquor license hearings. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
    14 E. MORELAND AVENUE ZONING APPEAL – No motion was made to appeal against the decision issued by the Zoning Hearing board for the property located at 14 E. Moreland Avenue.
    PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked where the new District Court is located. Deputy Chief Ruegg stated it is located at 903 Sheehy Drive SUITE A Horsham Pa 19044. Mr. Battis asked what will be done with the space and President Bollendorf stated they will sell it after they have it appraised.
  • Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated she feels the ordinance should be updated that defines retail. Councilwoman McMenamin stated there will be a Zoning Sub Committee workshop at the Pennypack property on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 5:30 P.M until 7:30 P.M.
    ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting at 8:48 P.M.
    Respectfully submitted by:
    Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
    Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary