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 Company President Ide, Treasurer Smith, and Library Board Member Muriel O’Neill were present.
ABSENT – Fire Marshal Dermer was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 23, 203 meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Deputy Chief Ruegg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION HONORING FORMER FIRE CHIEF PETE CROAK – Mayor Schultz, Representative Guenst, Senator Ferri, and Adam Blum read a proclamation honoring former Fire Chief Pete Croak’s retirement and thanked him for his service.
PROCLAMATION HONORING PASTOR DOUG STRATTON – Mayor Schultz, Representative Guenst, Senator Ferri, and Adam Blum read a proclamation honoring former Fire Chief Pete Croak’s retirement and thanked him for his service.
PUBLIC HEARING: RC-2 ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Notes of testimony were transcribed by Tim Kurek.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 23, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 8:57 P.M.
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 – Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that in regard to the fee in lieu of for the Hatboro Station, she feels the Engineer thinks the plantings are necessary and could they be planted elsewhere. Engineer Goff stated #9 on the agenda is for Council to vote for her to begin negotiations to Toll Brothers to submit a fee in lieu of for some of the landscaping improvements specifically along the trail. She stated that some of the plantings that have been planted are not thriving and some may grow to tall and reach the power lines so they will have to be trimmed every few years by PECO. She stated that was why the fee in lie was brought up and stated she could see if the plantings can be placed elsewhere. President Bollendorf stated that it was a good idea to see if we can negotiate putting them somewhere else on the property. Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, stated that there are two grants under new business and there is a blank space and wanted to know
what it is for. President Bollendorf stated they will discuss what the project will be when they get to new business. She also stated that during the budget workshop, Council stated that they would not be pursuing more grants and asked why there was two on tonight’s Agenda. Vice President Stockton stated they did say they would continue to seek grants for projects that were already considered a necessity and that they would stop seeking grants that had a high match.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated announced the Chamber’s Annual Luncheon on Monday February 27, 2023, at Trattoria Valona at noon and if you are interested in coming contact Kathy at KP Kitchen Craft or at the Chamber Office in the Red Barn Mall.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Pennypack Steering Committee will be meeting to go over some events and once the events are approved next month, a new sponsorship guide will be coming out.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending December 2022, is $ 2,667,513.49 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,137.36.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she met with the Borough Manager and Council for an executive session before tonight’s meeting and discussed a couple of matters of litigation as well as some personnel matters. Solicitor Geiser stated she worked on an ordinance this month with Panner Kennedy.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated earlier this month her firm lifted cease operations at the Wawa site as their engineer presented evidence showing the remediations they did which resulted in compliance with OSHA standards. Engineer Goff stated she is working on finalizing the bid packages and technical specs for a couple of the transportation improvement projects including Williams Lane and Summit Avenue intersections as well as the intersection at Meadowbrook and Jacksonville.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated reminded everyone Warminster Road Bridge will be closing tentatively on April 1st and last through October 27th and signs will be posted for detours and we will continue to remind everyone at meetings and on our various platforms. Manager Hegele stated tax Bills will be mailed very soon, watch for them in your mailboxes the end of January/beginning of February.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Deputy Chief Ruegg stated they completed the written portion of the police testing for the new hire and the next step which is physical agility which will be February 4th and following that will move onto the interview process. Deputy Chief Ruegg stated several officers are scheduled for training to fill some positions that have been vacated due to retirements and the transitioning in the department is going smoothly.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated they are looking at and assessing Borough Roads for the 2023 Paving Project and will provide a list to the Engineer and hoping to get this done sooner than later. Anticipating February or March Agenda for discussion. Manager Hegele stated PW is busy doing work in Pennypack, new mirror installed for the side driveway and work to connect outside lights, so we do not have to use a portable lighting system. She also stated they will begin the process of painting the Art Room, Library and Gym. Manager Hegele stated since the weather has been cooperating and the white stuff has not been falling, PW has been sweeping around town. She stated typically the sweeper is away for the winter months but since we are doing this, she hopes it does not jinx
us and no snow has been very good for the budget.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated this week she has a site visit regarding the T Mobile grant and will be meeting with the sales rep from the vendor we have chosen regarding the commercial seating we will be updating which will enhance that community space outside Produce Junction at 49 S. York Road. Cindy Bollendorf stated she sent an update to the business owners giving them some updates regarding some changes for example Borough Staff is taking over BPT Collections which Manager Hegele mentioned in her report and I also introduced Councilwoman Shay and welcomed her to our Downtown Development team! She stated that once special events are approved next month, I will let all businesses know so they can save the date and prepare for the extra foot traffic these events bring.
FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated Fire Marshal Dermer’s yearly stats for 2022 are he completed 348 commercial business inspections, 413 rental inspections, 123 Use and Occupancy inspections, 241 property maintenance complaints, 11 court appearances, 127 high grass warnings were issued, 69 fire responses, and 9 fire investigations.
FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated they responded to 25 calls in December 2022 for a yearly total of 277 calls. Fire Company President Ide stated they had 36 weekly drills in 2022 and attended many events. Fire Company President Ide stated there are yard signs available if anyone would like to display one as they are always looking for volunteers.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board Member O’Neill stated the annual plan for the use of state aid has been submitted. Board Member O’Neill stated several issues documented by the Fire Marshal have been remedied. Board Member O’Neill stated new books have been ordered. Board Member O’Neill thanked Borough Council for donating and delivering the bookshelves for the Thomas Room. Board Member O’Neill stated they are in the process of finalizing a new Library Director.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of January 2023. Motion was seconded by Council woman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
DECEMBER 19, 2022, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the December 19, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Shay abstained because she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
JANUARY 9, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the January 9, 2023, committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of December 2022 in the amount of $ 9,013.58. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SERGEANT PROMOTIONAL EXAM – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to direct the Civil Service Commission to conduct a testing process to establish a list of eligible candidates for the position of Sergeant with the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
CONTRACT RENEWAL – LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION SERVICES, LLC – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to renew the contract with Law Enforcement Accreditation Services, LLC for a term of 3 years and total contract value of $36,000.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT PAYMENT #1 – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Payment #1 for the Hatboro Station Project to Lenni Electric Corporation in the amount of $ 59,279.22. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HATBORO STATION FEE IN LIEU OF IMPROVEMENTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize Engineer Goff to begin negotiations with Toll Brothers for a fee in lieu of certain landscaping improvements for the Hatboro Station project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MONTCO 2040 GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize the application to the Montco 2040 Grant Program for a bridge project at the Cressbrook Property. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #14 – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Borough Hall Project Mechanical Payment # 14 in the amount of $ 13,303.50. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPPRESSION PAYMENT # 11 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Borough Hall Project Fire Suppression Payment #11 to Guy M. Cooper Inc. in the amount of $ 607.60. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION – AMERICAN LEGION POST 798 POTLUCK BINGO – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Special Event request for the American Legion Post 798 potluck Bingo event to be held at Pennypack on March 11, 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
CROSSWALK LOCATIONS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize the installation of a piano key crosswalk at the intersection of Horsham, Academy, and Moreboro Roads which will replace the existing crosswalk to improve visibility and ADA accessibility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JACKSONVILLE GREEN PROJECT CLOSEOUT – Vice President Stockton made amotion to authorize the release of the maintenance security for the Jacksonville Green project in the amount of $ 158,377.71 as this release is pursuant to the project closeout. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
BOROUGH HALL CARPET AND PAINTING – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to accept the # 3,000.00 credit from Guy M. Cooper for the Borough Hall Project and subsequently authorize Public Works to perform the painting and carpeting of Borough Hall. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
DCNR GRANT DISCUSSION – This item was tabled until they have an amount.
BOROUGH HALL WINDOW PROJECT –The presentation was given last year but due to overage from the Borough Hall HVAC project, the window project was delayed and needs to be done. Vice President Stockton stated he didn’t feel the need to spend the money to advertise something that could be voted on this evening. This item was tabled until next month when Engineer Goff gives another presentation on the different types of windows with project costs.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked why we would need screens in the windows at Borough Hall. President Bollendorf stated on nice days staff would most likely enjoy some fresh air and next month will be another presentation regarding the project which will explain the different types with costs.
George Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, he recently spoke with a veteran who completed 3 tours in Vietnam and therefore he feels the Borough should honor the veterans in any way we can and how other townships have an MIA/POW flag and feels Hatboro should do the same. Councilman Myers asked if Manager Hegele had an update regarding the flag poles for memorial Park. Manager Hegele stated she did not at this time.
Karen Shubick, 37 Fulmor Avenue, asked what was going on with the parking spots at 14 E. Moreland Avenue and Manager Hegele stated the Borough is aware of the situation and is currently handling the matter.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated at the last meeting she questioned if there could be more than five members on the EAC and didn’t think it was nice that no one checked to see if it were possible. She also stated there is a ton of work that needs to be done in Hatboro and that 7 is the recommended number form the national organization and therefore she asks Council to consider have 7 members as opposed to just 5. Councilman Myers stated that they kept it at 5 because the ordinance states it is recommended that 1 person be from the Planning Commission and at the time, there was no interest and there was no vacancy at the time. She also stated that she objects a business owner was chosen as opposed to the 3 other people who are residents of Hatboro. Manager Hegele stated there was not enough time for it to be on tonight’s agenda and will be on the February agenda to vote.
Tim Morris, 109 Harding Avenue, asked if there were any other plans for the intersection at Chester and Moreland so the intersection can be made safer. Deputy Chief Ruegg stated that it was mentioned at a meeting last year that reflective posts will be installed for more visibility as it’s a 4 way stop and the intersection cannot be changed and is continually on their patrol list. Mr. Morris stated that the Borough already has a second flagpole and asked why the POW flag isn’t flown on that one. President Bollendorf
stated the Borough has a lot of flag poles and Mr. Morris stated that the Borough has two at Horsham Road, the American and the pride flag that he doesn’t feel represents everybody and asked why they can’t vote tonight to place the flag there. Solicitor Geiser stated that they cannot vote on it tonight as due to the Sunshine Act, it doesn’t allow them to add anything to the agenda after its posted 24 hours prior to the meeting and also the pride flag is government speech. Mr. Morris asked if we could honor the request to fly something that is a little more uniting and that is better for the town as it would represent it as a whole. Solicitor Geiser stated again that there is no policy and Mr. Morris stated that he was not speaking to her and would like Council to answer his question. President Bollendorf stated that she is the Borough Solicitor and Council refers to her. Mr. Morris stated that Council were cowards and President Bollendorf stated that Council just installed a Gold Star Garden to honor veteran and that that it was cowardly to say that Council does not honor veterans and that his comment has been noted.
George Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, stated when the second pole was installed, he doesn’t believe there was permission granted to install it. Solicitor Geiser stated that to her understanding it was donated and is government speech and Mr. Forgeng stated that someone could donate a POW flag or another type of flag and he really felt for the gentleman who did 3 tours of Vietnam and thinks he should be
honored with others. Councilman Meyers stated he had to stop him as a veteran of the armed services who is also LGBTQ, asked if he could separate the two as there are thousands of veterans in the country who are also LGBTQ+ and Mr. Forgeng should be ashamed. Mr. Forgeng stated that if there are then they are not supposed to be in the military then. President Bollendorf stated everyone was out of order.
Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, stated the flag in the Meadow is a source of contention, conversation, and is emotional for both sides as well as residents in general who do not support it. Vice President Stockton asked Mrs. Reymer to explain the other side and she stated that Council does not address the issues for those who do not support the flag. Mr. Forgeng stated he did not bring up the LGBTQ flag and that he just stated he felt he wanted to support the veterans. Councilwoman McMenamin stated that it is her understanding that there are already plans prior to tonight to fly the POW flag in Memorial Park to honor the veterans. Muriel O’Neill, 300 Horsham Road, stated she was happy to see something about the crosswalks there and asked if there were going to be any lights as it is a blind curve by the apartments where she lives. President Bollendorf stated they are going to be making improvements to the intersection and some improvements will happen sooner than later due to a PennDOT permit that needs to be obtained.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the January 23, 2023, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the January 23, 2023, Council Meeting at 9:47 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf