PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Fire Company President Mount, Engineer Goff, Solicitor Geiser, Treasurer Zollers, and Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Anzinger was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 28, 2019 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Ron Battis, W. Moreland Ave., asked Council to provide any liabilities and costs associated with the Borough or Public Works with relation to the Crooked Billet School agreements.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst welcomed the new Fire Chief, Pete Croak who has over 40 years of firefighting experience. Mayor Guenst thanked everyone who attended the Louie fundraiser at MaGerk’s and noted that the department raised over $500 for the event which brings the total funds raised to $30,000. She noted that they have fully paid for Louie and the scent training as well.
Mayor Guenst stated on Saturday, February 2nd, the Steering Committee will be holding an open house at the Union Library to receive input and feedback on the draft comprehensive plans.
Mayor Guenst stated that HAT Packs celebrated their 1 year anniversary. She thanked everyone in the HAT Packs organization for feeding the hungry children in the Hatboro Horsham School District. She noted they are up to 150 children that take advantage of this program and it is such a great organization.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated Council held an executive session prior to the meeting from 6:30-6:50 to discuss a personnel matter.
President Bollendorf read a press release for the Borough’s new Downtown Development Director, Bertram Gottbrecht, and welcomed Bert to the Borough.
President Bollendorf stated the Parking Commission met on January 17th to discuss the needs of parking throughout the Borough. He stated that this commission is extremely important as they will assess the current parking in the Borough, future parking for developments, and improvements to parking in the Borough. He noted they will be meeting again in March.
President Bollendorf stated that the Borough Ball will be taking place on Saturday, February 9th and tickets can be purchased through the Chamber of Commerce.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Zollers stated gave the Treasurer’s Report. She stated the at the end of 2018, the Borough maintained a total account balance of $1,962,309.06 and earned year to date interest in the amount of $25,852.96.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that her offices have been drafting the Tax Anticipation Note documents for the Borough. They have also been drafting the Financial Security documents for the Crooked Billet School Project. She noted that these agreements assure that items such as roads, curbs, sidewalks, etc. are completed during the project. She stated that the amount of the agreement is lower than the amount calculated by Gilmore and Associated and the Municipalities Planning Code.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that she has been working on the conditions plan for the Corinthian Trail, grant applications for the Loller Building, and developing items for the Montco 2040 grant application.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that Council previously discussed the purchase of a scanner for the Admin department. She stated that the Borough hired part time employees to scan documents for the Records Management System and they are ahead of schedule. As a result, the scanner purchase was removed from the agenda as it is no longer needed.
Manager Hegele stated that she is working with the Engineer to assess water issues throughout the Borough and are working toward solutions.
Manager Hegele stated that Gilmore looked at the possible tripping hazard on the Pennypack Bridge that a resident discussed at the Committee Meeting. Gilmore and Associates informed her that this was already on their radar and it is on their punchlist for repairs.
Manager Hegele stated she visited the Train Station with DVRPC this past Friday in accordance with the Transportation grant. She stated there will be more information to come as time goes on.
Manager Hegele stated that Special Event Requests are due to Borough Hall by January 31st.
Manager Hegele stated that she will be meeting with the Hatboro Library with regard to a grant application that will need the support of Council.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that the Borough’s Accreditation Manager that the Borough received in 2018 moved on. He noted that the Borough did not expend any funds on him, so they will be moving forward with accreditation another way.
Chief Gardner welcomed Fire Chief Croak and Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht and stated he is looking forward to working with both of them.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s final report was submitted in advance
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated he received the end of year recycling report from the Montgomery County Consortium which noted that residents recycled 28 tons more in 2018. He noted this is very encouraging to see and Public Works will continue with education and passive enforcement in 2019.
Superintendent Sine stated that snow is expected this evening and the following morning. He encouraged motorists to drive with caution.
Superintendent Sine reminded everyone that if they see a pothole on a Borough Road, they should contact Borough Hall to have Public Works make the repair. If a pothole is on a State Road, residents should call PennDOT to report it.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Hat has been returned to the top of the Welcome to Hatboro Sign after it had been reported missing at the previous meeting. He thanked Assistant Secretary DeRenzis who freehanded a template for the hat and Public Works Employee Joe Hnosko who cut and painted the new hat.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers welcomed Fire Chief Croak. Fire Marshal Myers stated he will be attending the 6 ABC Operation Save A Life event the following day to receive free smoke detectors for the Borough Residents. Fire Marshal Myers stated he, Manager Hegele, and Assistant Secretary DeRenzis are working on a revised vending machine ordinance as well.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT – Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht thanked Council and Hatboro Residents for the opportunity. He stated that he has been working for two weeks and has already met with over 100 businesses. He stated he is working to build and improve relationships with existing businesses as well as striving to bring new businesses into the Borough. He stated he is looking to build a 1-3-5-10 year vision for Hatboro and will aim to improve the town accordingly. He announced 3 new businesses in Hatboro: Studio 11 Body Piercing, Eagles Wings and Halal Food, and Cuddle Sleep Dreams, a new children’s clothing store.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Tax Collector Report, Treasurer’s Report, and the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of January 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the December 17, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
JANUARY 14, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the January 14, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motioned seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of December 2018 in the amount of $11,608.79. Motion seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of December 2018 in the amount of $3,534.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
POLICE VEHICLE PURCHASE – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the purchase of a 2019 Dodge Durango including a camera system for the K-9 Unit in the amount of $51,758.00. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2019 EMPLOYEE RATIFICATION LIST – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the 2019 Employee Ratification List. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO STATION FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE NO. 6 – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the Hatboro Station Financial Security Release No. 6 in the amount of $87,250.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO HORSHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL LAND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Solicitor Geiser stated there are two other agreements for the Hatboro Horsham Crooked Billet School Project including the Stormwater Agreement and the Monument Agreement. She stated these are standard agreements that require a financial security put aside in case anything goes wrong. She stated that the School District is paying for these agreements. Mr. Battis, W. Moreland Ave. asked if the Borough would be liable for any problems that arise with the Stormwater. Solicitor Geiser stated yes, the Borough would not be liable for any problems that arise. She also noted that the Monument agreement notes that the monument cannot be moved without an approval from both the School District and the Borough and includes provisions that the school district will be financially responsible for restoring the monument.
Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the Hatboro Horsham School District Crooked Billet School Project Land Development Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
399 SPRINGDALE AMENDED FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the 399 Springdale Amended Final Land Development Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele. Vice President Stockton asked if the developers have addressed all of the requirements given. Engineer Goff stated that the developers indicated that their submission will reflect all of the required changes. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS
HI-MU CONDITIONAL USE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Cary Nace, representing Sullivan’s Scrap Metal, stated that the scrap metal facility would like to open a small café space to sell coffee to customers or neighboring businesses and sell/showcase art created from scrap materials. She stated it would be limited to coffee, soda, and prepackaged food. She noted they originally thought they could seek a conditional use; however, the HI-MU ordincance does not allow conditional use without a residential component. Ms. Nace prepared a draft ordinance to allow a conditional use for commercial uses that was reviewed by the planning commission. She noted that the PC has feedback and the ordinance was revised accordingly, as it provides two separate conditional uses (one for commercial conditional use and one for residential). She stated they are looking for the Authorization of an advertisement of a hearing for the proposed Zoning Ordinance Change.
Mayor Guenst stated that this is a very special circumstance as a scrap metal facility has become an appealing, unique business. She stated that Sullivan’s Scrap goes above and beyond and encouraged everyone to visit the artwork if they haven’t seen it.
Downtown Development Director Gottbrecht stated he supports everything that Michael Sullivan is trying to accomplish with this conditional use ordinance amendment.
Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the advertisement of the HI-MU Conditional Use Ordinance Amendment. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MONTCO 2040 WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENTS – President Bollendorf reminded everyone of the upcoming Steering Committee open houses previously mentioned by Mayor Guenst.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION 19-04: JACKSONVILLE ROAD BIKE LANES
President Bollendorf stated that PennDOT contacted the Borough regarding the addition of Bike Lanes to Jacksonville Road during their upcoming paving project. Councilman Hegele stated that the resolution notes the addition of Bike Lanes on Jacksonville Road from Montgomery Ave. to Meadowbrook Ave. Councilman Hegele asked if a study was performed on the area. Chief Gardner stated he was unsure. President Bollendorf stated that the goal would be to connect to the Corinthian Trail. Vice President Stockton stated that these plans were conceptualized during the Steering Committee meetings and the plans fit. He noted that he sees a lot of bicyclists traveling down Jacksonville Road on the sidewalks which can be dangerous and he believes the bike lanes would be a good fit. Councilman Hegele stated he is just concerned of safety. Councilman Hegele also stated that Public Works will be liable for removing snow from the bike lanes and PennDOT would reimbursed as usual. Councilman Hegele asked if the Corinthian Trail will be both bike and pedestrian accessible. Manager Hegele stated yes. Mayor Guenst stated these improvements are long overdo.
Engineer Goff stated that RVE is currently working on survey work to see how long the Corinthian trail can extend, but the final plans are long off.
Chief Gardner stated it would be nice to see the Bike Lanes extend all the way to the train station. Manager Hegele stated that DVRPC would like to help the Borough obtain grants to install sidewalks and bike lanes going toward the train station. Chief Gardner stated this would alleviate people from walking through the Police Station driveway. He noted it is signed to say do not enter, but nothing that says no pedestrians can travel through it.
Vice President Stockton motioned to adopt Resolution 19-04 supporting the installation of bike lanes on Jacksonville Road. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION 19-05: PENSION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS PROCEDURES RESOLUTION – ACT 44
Solicitor Geiser stated that the Borough was contacted by Pennsylvania’s municipal pension auditor who informed the Borough that they need to adopt procedures for procurement of professional services for municipal pension plans. She stated this is a housekeeping item that will bring the Borough up to compliance with Act 44 that has been around for some time. Councilman Hegele asked if the Borough would need to hire another auditor. Solicitor Geiser stated no, but the Borough would have to follow procedure in the future.
Councilman Rich motioned to adopt Resolution 19-05, also known as the Pension Professional Services Contracts Procedures Resolution (Act 44). Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – Manager Hegele thanked Tax Collector Emig for over 34 years of service and wished her the best in her retirement. Manager Hegele stated that April Mount is the new tax collector and during the transition between tax collectors, there are a few kinks in the system and asked for everyone’s patience during that time.
Mayor Guenst wished President Bollendorf a happy birthday.
ADJOURNMENT – The January 28, 2019 Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:47 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis