PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Company President Mount, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Fire Marshal Hauser was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 27, 2020 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.
CORINTHIAN TRAIL PRESENTATION
Engineer Goff and Justin DiBiase of Remington & Vernick Engineers delivered a presentation of the preliminary design of the Corinthian Trail Project. This presentation included the proposed location/design of the trail, possible lighting, ADA Acessibility, sidewalks, crosswalks, and retaining wall design for the project. They noted this project is being funded by the Transportation Alternative Program and will serve as a safe route to Crooked Billet School for students who walk. The trail will extend from Jefferson Avenue to Jacksonville Road and will also include intersection improvements at Oakdale and Meadowbrook. Oakdale and Meadowbrook will receive new crosswalks, ADA ramps, light poles and a retaining wall.
Jacksonville to Lincoln will receive ADA ramps, a crosswalk, and the possible removal of trees due to the construction of the trail. Lincoln Avenue will receive sidewalks, ADA ramps, signage, crosswalks, and drainage improvements. Springdale Avenue will receive sidewalks and ADA
ramps. All of the improvements will be made in order to connect the 6 ft wide asphalt path being installed on Corinthian Avenue to Crooked Billet School.
Ed Cornwell, 421 Springdale Ave., asked what drainage improvements will be made. Justin DiBiase stated the trail will have a stone infiltration trench on one side of the trail to collect water and help alleviate any flooding in the area.
Tom Doyle, 437 Springdale Ave., explained the definition of a paper street and stated that Corinthian Avenue was abandoned by the Borough. He stated that because of this abandonment, the Borough must re-obtain the rights for the paper street and use of the right of way area from the residents. Solicitor Geiser stated she performed a legal review of the active easements in the area. She noted she appreciates his concerns; however, this project is not meant to be a legal battle because everything is being constructed within the public right of way. Mr. Doyle stated none of the residents reviewed the plans before the meeting and this is the first time they are seeing the possible design of the project. President Bollendorf stated it is the first time Council is seeing the design as well. President Bollendorf added Council would like to schedule a meeting with the concerned residents to discuss their properties and how they may be affected by the installation of the trail. Justin DiBiase noted that the project is not slated for construction for a while and these are just the preliminary design plans. He added that Remington & Vernick is making this presentation in order to obtain public comment on the project and make revisions to the design as needed. Solicitor Geiser stated that residents need to understand this is the first time Council is also reviewing the plans, so it does not mean the project is finalized.
Sharon Cornwell, 421 Springdale Ave., stated the design of the trail is pretty; however, traffic speeds up and down Springdale Ave. which will cause an issue with pedestrian safety. She advised a pedestrian bump out or stop sign be added. She also asked if her fence or property would be affected and stated she has vandalism concerns. President Bollendorf stated Council will have a meeting to address individual property concerns with residents as there is simply not enough time to do so during the Council Meeting. Chief Gardner stated he will investigate the traffic in the area in the meantime and send a traffic detail to Council once completed.
Pat Swillwell, 428 Springdale Ave., stated he wants the trail installed because the current paper street is overgrown and unsightly. He also added he likes the idea of lighting for safety.
Wendy Wadkins, Lincoln Ave., stated she is about to have her 32nd flood at hear property and that the Borough previously installed drains on her property, but that they do not always work. They stated that more pavement in the area will not help to alleviate the flooding issues. Justin
DiBiase stated the trail will have drainage elements that will help reduce flooding in the area.
Robin Meyer, 414 Lincoln Ave., stated Springdale and Lincoln are flood areas and that the trail needs to have drainage if installed.
Mr. Doyle recommended improving the path to Tanner Park instead of constructing the trail and claimed the Borough does not own the property the trail is being installed on. Justin DiBiase stated the improvements will be made within the Public right of way and they will minimize the impact on individual properties. Mr. Doyle stated if the trail goes through, he would like to see something nice installed that is properly maintained with lighting for safety.
Councilwoman Anzinger reminded everyone that these plans are preliminary and that Council is not going to approve anything until they receive more information and the possible impact of residents’ properties. She added that all of the comments received will help Council revise the
plans accordingly.
Ms. Cornwell stated she does not want a 6 ft path. Engineer Goff stated the trail has to be 6 ft wide due to ADA compliance.
Bill, 430 Springdale Ave., asked if the trail will be measured from the center line of the paper street and outward. Justin DiBiase stated that the location of the trail varies in each area and sometimes will deviate from the center line of the paper street so that it is closer to property lines due to grading for ADA compliance; however, the trail will have a fence alongside of it to keep pedestrians off of private property. Bill asked who maintains the trail once installed. Engineer Goff stated the Borough will maintain the trail.
Mr. Lawson, 436 Springdale Avenue, stated she recommends the trail be installed somewhere else due to the amount of body shops in the area. He noted these businesses could be a safety concern. Chief Gardner noted this trail has been in development for over 10 years, so research on the area has been performed.
President Bollendorf stated anyone with concerns about their private property can schedule a meeting through Danielle at Borough Hall so that they can discuss the impact of their property with Council. He noted these meetings will be scheduled in small groups so everyone is heard appropriately.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated Tom Murt recently announced his retirement from his position as State Representative. She thanked Representative Murt for over 14 years of service and for being an advocate for veterans, children, and women. She stated she would like to have a proclamation for him later in the year.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Pool Committee met during the previous week to plan for the 2020 season and to discuss possible capital improvements to the facility including new furniture and possible shade areas. He stated the Dog License event held in Borough Hall was a huge success and would like to continue this event in future years. He
thanked everyone that attended the first Veterans Breakfast event and reminded everyone that the second Breakfast Event will take place in February.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated at the end of January 2020, the Borough maintained a total account balance of $1,825,182.67 and earned interest in the amount of $1,190.45.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on the review of the Miller Meadow Project bids, the Environmental Advisory Committee Ordinance, and the land donation from Victorian Village.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated the Jacksonville and Montgomery project is moving forward and that she will be meeting with the PUC later in the week. She stated the project was bid; however, no one bid on the supply contract, so they will have to try again.
Engineer Goff stated the Eaton Park Streambank Restoration project landscaping plan is being reviewed by the DEP. She stated RVE is recommending the award of the Miller Meadow project to Holly Days Nursery, who is the lowest responsible bidder. She stated RVE is performing
surveying on York Road for the pedestrian improvements at York/Williams and York/Summit.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked what issues were noted in the DEP review for the Eaton Park Streambank Project. Engineer Goff stated DEP would like to see more trees instead of shrubs to maximize the amount of MS4 credits received for the project.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the Census will be presenting at the February Committee Meeting. She stated that the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Trail Committee will have preliminary plans drafted in the spring. Manager Hegele stated that comments on the 2040 Comp Plan are still being received at Borough Hall and a public hearing
will take place at the February Council Meeting. She stated that Montgomery County is working on the final design of the W. Moreland Avenue Bridge. Manager Hegele stated she held a meeting with the Hatboro Station HOA regarding the installation of lighting on the trail. She stated the Fire Marshal will be attending the 6ABC Save A Life event during the week for free smoke detectors for residents. Manager Hegele also stated she is working on the Walk Works program to conceptualize a possible route throughout Hatboro.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that Department’s Accreditation is ahead of schedule and will have their assessment in February. Chief Gardner shared a story about the benefit of LiveScan technology and how it recently helped the department detain an individual who was a
fugitive for assault in Puerto Rico.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount read her report for the month of January 2020.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works continues to make facility repairs. He stated the new recycling truck has been delayed again and will not arrive until sometime in February. He reminded residents that if they see potholes on their street, they should
call Borough Hall. He stated that the department also began direct hauling trash to Covanta in Plymouth and that the process is going smoothly.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Hauser was absent.
FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – President Mount stated that Fire Company Elections went smoothly. She also stated that the Fire Company was awarded $15,000 to improve the front ramp of the facility by the Fire Commission.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Librarian Celec stated the Tree Lighting in December was a huge success with over 800 attendees. He announced numerous events taking place over the coming weeks. He stated that the Library will soon have expanded hours, Museum passes, streaming, building improvements, and other services.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT – Downtown Development Director Simon stated she continues to meet business owners throughout the Borough and continues to plan the first quarterly business mixer at Aaron’s. She stated the February Business Spotlight is McDonald’s. She stated she is working on a vacancy inventory of the Borough and vision
statements for the business community.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Tax Collector Report, and Treasurer’s Report. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of January 2020. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2019 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the December 16, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JANUARY 6, 2020 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve the January 6, 2020 Reorganization Meeting Minutes. Motioned seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JANUARY 13, 2020 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the January 13, 2020 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander. President Bollendorf abstained as he was absent from the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of December 2019 in the amount of $6,095.41. Motion seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin. Councilwoman Benjamin abstained from the vote due to not reviewing the expenditure list. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with one
abstention.
RESOLUTION 20-14: POLICE RECORD DISPOSAL – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve Resolution 20-14, authorizing the disposal of certain police records in accordance with the Municipal Records Retention regulations. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 902 RECYCLING GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to authorize the application to the 2020 DEP 902 Recycling Grant for the purchase of a dump truck with liftgate. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PURCHASE OF JOHN DEERE GATOR – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to authorize the purchase of a 2020 John Deere Gator and utility trailer in the amount of $21,999.03, financed for a period of 3 years. President Bollendorf added payments for this purchase will be quarterly. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
REPLACEMENT WALK BEHIND MOWER – Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to authorize the purchase of 2 2020 John Deere walkbehind mowers in the amount of $4,349.25 each, financed over 3 years. President Bollendorf noted payments for this purchase will be made quarterly. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PA ARTS COUNCIL GRANT – Councilwoman Reichner motioned to apply to the PA Arts Council Partners In The Arts Project Stream Grant in the amount of $2,500. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ADVERTISEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to advertise the Environmental Advisory Committee Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 POOL FEE SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 2020-01, establishing the 2020 Memorial Pool Fees. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JOHN KENNEDY 2020 ZONING SERVICES PROPOSAL – Councilwoman Reichner motioned to approve the proposal for 2020 Zoning Services from consultant John Kennedy. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
AWARDING OF BID FOR MILLER MEADOW PROJECT – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to award Phase I of the Miller Meadow Improvement Project to Holly Days Nursery, Inc. for the Base Bid No. 1 and Alternate Bid No. 1 in the amount of $220,989.50. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 EMPLOYEE RATIFICATION LIST – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve the 2020 Employee Ratification List. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 2020-13, DESIGNATION OF SIGNER FOR CORINTHIAN TRAIL REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Ostrander motioned to approve Resolution 2020-13, designating Borough Manager Diane Hegele to sign the Corinthian Trail Reimbursement Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 2020-03, APPOINTING ALTERNATE TO ZONING HEARING BOARD – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 2020-03, appointing Dave Rich to the position of Zoning Hearing Board Alternate Member. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2020 SPECIAL EVENT REQUESTS – Councilwoman McMenamin motioned to approve the 2020 Special Event Requests for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – President Bollendorf stated that Hatboro was listed as #12 in the ranking of best communities in PA listing. He stated this is a major accomplishment, but would like to break the top ten in the future.
OLD BUSINESS – There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION OF 2020 POOL OPERATING HOURS – Manager Hegele stated there were recently some question regarding the operating hours for the Memorial Pool. Councilwoman Reichner stated she would like to see the pool open early on Sundays for members only.
President Bollendorf stated the pool should open for Members Only each Sunday morning from 10:30 AM to 12 PM as some members come early on these days just to obtain a spot. He directed staff to alert Second Alarmers, put this information on the pool brochure, facebook, etc. President Bollendorf stated there will also be a TV mounted onto the wall inside of the pool house that will contain information on events. President Bollendorf stated the other pool hours will remain the same as 2019.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES – Manager Hegele stated there are many county/state grants opening up, including ones for Eaton Park/Memorial Park playground equipment. She stated a feasibility study for the pool is also a possibility. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if there are any grants for a gender neutral changing room at the pool. Manager Hegele stated the feasibility study will pinpoint areas where one can be installed. Manager Hegele stated staff will be applying for Miller Meadow Phase II under the DCNR Parks grant as well.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Ed McCash, 44 E. Montgomery stated there is no crosswalk near the Police Department as it was previously removed when Jacksonville Road was paved. Chief Gardner stated a new crosswalk is being installed as a part of the Jacksonville and Montgomery traffic signal improvements.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the January 27, 2020 Council Meeting at 8:41 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis