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January 8, 2024 Committee Meeting

BOROUGH OF HATBORO
COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024.


PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwoman McMenamin, mayor Schultz, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, and Treasurer Smith were present.
ABSENT –
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 8, 2024, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
DCNR MEADOW Q&A PRESENTATION – Teddi Stark and Alyssa Keiser from DCNR gave a very informative presentation regarding the Lawn and Meadow project on Spring Avenue and they answered some of the questions the residents had for them.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agenda with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
NEW BUSINESS

  1. Public Safety Committee
  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated included in your packet is a copy of the Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of December 2023 in the amount of $25,181.02. This item was moved to the January 22, 2024, council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • FIRE LANE ORDINANCE HEARING – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Solicitor Geiser and Fire Marshal Valesky have prepared an amendment to the Fire Lane Ordinance and included in your packet is a copy of the draft ordinance for review and Council previously authorized the advertisement of the ordinance.
  • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR APOINTMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus stated with the upcoming retirement of Chief Gardner, who also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough, Council will need to appoint a new Emergency Management Coordinator. Fire Marshal Valesky would like the position if Council will be agreeable, this appointment will be on the January 22nd agenda for consideration. Once the appointment is made,
    proper paperwork will be submitted to the state to finalize the appointment. This item was moved to the January 22, 2024, council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • FIRE CODE ADOPTION – Councilwoman Jacobus stated at the end of 2023, Borough Council authorized the advertisement of the Fire Code Ordinance Amendment which would adopt the current version of the Fire Code. We will be advertising this ordinance in January for adoption at the January 22, 2024, meeting. This item was moved to the January 22, 2024, council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • Chief Gardner gave an update on the upcoming storm as 4 inches of rainfall are expected and for everyone to be aware of flooding.
  1. Finance/Grants Committee
  • WAWA ESCROW FEES/LETTER OF CREDIT UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough is still waiting for Wawa to pay past due escrow invoices to the Borough. Solicitor Geiser stated the developer in in arrears with many borough invoices including RVE and Kilkenny Law. She also stated Manager Hegele has been in contact with them multiple times with the developer and we still have no clear answer as to why, so she is suggesting Council authorize herself and Manager Hegele to pursue the letter of credit. This item has been moved to the January 8, 2024, Council meeting agenda.
  • KEYSTONE CLOCK TOWER GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated the PA Historical Museum Commission is opening their Keystone Construction Grant Program in the coming months. This would fund improvement projects like the clock tower restoration. This program funds grants of up to $100,000 and has a 1:1 match requirement. We are asking Council to discuss this grant and determine whether you would like to apply. If you are interested in applying, staff will attend an
    upcoming webinar on the grant itself. Manager Hegele stated there is about $15,000.00 of funds available for the clock repairs.
  1. Community Outreach & Events Committee
  • BUSINESS RECOGNITION – RINA’S ROCKS – Councilwoman Reichner recognized Rina’s Rocks.
  • UPCOMING EVENTS –There are no upcoming events.
  • NEW BUSINESS – Councilwoman Reichner announced the 2023 New Businesses MAY 400 Lincoln Avenue – VARTECH 224 N. York Road – TIFLISI NAIL SALON (same use, different tenant and name) 209 N. York Road – ARIELLA’S KID EXCHANGE JUNE 555 N. York Road – SUNOCO 105 N. York Road – CHINO’S BARBER SHOP 260 E. County Line Road – ADVANCED BUILDING CONTRACTORS 134 S. York Road – AMOR ALA MEXICANA SEPTEMBER 51 N. York Road – GATCHA GALLERY OCTOBER 206 S. York Road – YORK CONVENIENCE/SMOKE SHOP NOVEMBER 405A Springdale Avenue – L J E AUTO AND TRUCK REPAIR 232 N. York Road – DADDYPOPS – NEW OWNERS!! 58 S. York Road – ROSS & CO – OPENING END OF FEBRUARY 2024 DECEMBER 405B Springdale Avenue – BAZE GARAGE Welcome to our new businesses and thank you to all of them for choosing to make Hatboro their home!
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Friends of Cressbrook met Wednesday January 3, 2024, and discussed upcoming events for 2024 and their next meeting is February 6, 2024.
  • 2024 SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated 2024 Special Event Requests will be due February 5, 2024, for review by Council at the February Committee Meeting.
    4) Public Works Committee
  • REFUSE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman Shay stated in 2023, the Borough discussed updating the refuse ordinance to modernize language. Included in your packet is a copy of the current ordinance for review. Notable changes staff is proposing for the ordinance are: 1. Addition of definitions for blood relatives and family occupied dwellings similar to the Rental Ordinance 2.
    Language updates to provide clarification on what businesses are eligible vs. non eligible. 3. Procedure for businesses or property owners to obtain exemption from the ordinance. Tis item was moved to the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting agenda for approval.
    5) Facilities
  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Facilities Committee is working on upcoming events for 2024 including the Sip N Shops, Bingos, etc. and will be preparing event requests accordingly for future review by Council. The Facilities Committee will be working with Department heads in 2024 to determine any improvements needed at facilities in the upcoming year and in future years.
    6) Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
  • EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC met on Wednesday, January 3rd and appointed a new chair, Kelly A‘Harrah. The group discussed plans for 2024 events, grant opportunities, DCNR initiatives, etc. The Commission will meet next on February 5, 2024, at 6:30 PM.
  • PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Pennypack Steering Committee continues to work with Montgomery County representatives to compile information and feedback from the public workshop in the fall. The Committee continues to meet regularly to prepare a future plan for the Pennypack Property.
  • SHADE TREE DISCUSSION – Councilman Myers stated the Shade Tree Commission is working on the yearly Shade Tree Inventory that was not able to be completed in 2023. This inventory involves the examination of every tree along York Road and in Borough Parks. The Commission has found the Pennypack Property to be somewhat challenging as far as inventorying goes.
  • ACCEPTANCE OF EAC RESIGNATION – CAROL BRUNNER – Councilman Myers stated the Borough is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Carol Brunner from the EAC. Carol’s resignation and an appointment for her replacement will be on the January 22, 2024, agenda.
  • ACCEPTANCE OF EAC RESIGNATION – JUDI SWANSON – Councilman Myers stated the Borough is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Judy Swanson from the EAC. Judy’s resignation and an appointment for her replacement will be on the January 22, 2024, agenda.
  1. Administration Committee
  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the upcoming meetings for the next month.
  • LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin gave the Land Development update which is as follows: CVS Property: The CVS Project was issued Conditional Use and Land Development Approvals on Monday, November 27th. The developer is working on the next steps of filing agreements, posting financial security, etc.
    21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Borough will be holding a conditional use hearing on Monday, January 22nd for the 21-23 & 37 N. York Road project. The property will go before the Planning Commission with architectural renderings on January 9, 2024.
    Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials. They are beginning to perform more sitework in preparation for construction and we should have additional information to provide in the coming months.
    Gamburg’s: The Borough has not received any applications pertaining to the Gamburg Property. If an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the public will have ample time to provide comments and feedback on the project.
    2 Home Road: The owners of 2 Home Road are working on finalizing plans for the new home to be constructed on the subdivided lot. We will continue to provide updates on this project as they are available.
  • ZONING SUB COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Zoning Sub Committee continues to meet monthly to discuss possible improvements to the Borough’s existing Zoning Code. The group will hopefully have a draft prepared for public comment and review some time in 2024.
  • ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION MURIEL ONEILL LIBRARY BOARD – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough received a letter from Muriel Oneill resigning from the Library Board. This item was moved to the January 22, 2024, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS & BOARDS/COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated included in your packet are letters of interest from volunteers for various boards and commissions. Below is a spreadsheet noting vacancies, descriptions, people interested in reappointment, etc. You will be making an appointment for everyone except for the Planning Commission on January 22, 2024. You will be appointing a planning commission member on the January 8th agenda due to the PC meeting on January 9th. Below are the board/commission, description, terms, interested in reappointment, new Appointment:
    Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority – This board assists in the operation of the sewer authority. 1 term (5 years) Bill Tompkins / N/A
    Planning Commission – Makes recommendations to Council on proposed projects/developments, Subdivision and Land Development and Zoning code for the Borough of Hatboro. The Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month as needed. 1term (4 years) Kris McMenamin N/A
    Civil Service – Oversees the hiring and promotion process within the Police Department, as required by the Pennsylvania Borough Code and meets when needed. 1 term (6 years) Alan Mosebach N/A
    Library Board – The mission of the Union Library Board is to provide all of the members of the community and serviced areas with access to materials that will fulfill their cultural, informational, educational, recreational, and technological needs. 1 term (1 year) N/A Luann Kline Geri Weideman
    Historical Commission – Participates in the overall management of historical preservation projects when directed by Borough Council and meets the first Tuesday of the month. 1 term (3 years) N/A Ryan Fairman Erik Tinari
    Human Relations Commission – This board meets as needed to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, and public accommodations within the Borough. 2 terms (3 years) Luann Kline Vacant Desiree Nicholls Dolores Forget Jackie Jones Jennifer Hendrickson Louis Smith Scott Stern
    EAC – Serves to educate and inform Borough residents about issues of environmental importance to the community and meets the first Monday of the month. 3 terms (3 years, 2 years, and 1 year) Jim Maccaroni Carol Brunner (replacement needed) Judi Swanson (replacement needed) Desiree Nicholls Dolores Forget Jackie Jones Jennifer Hendrickson Louis Smith Scott Stern
    Parking Commission – Oversees the orderly development and maintenance of adequate public parking facilities, 4 terms (1 year, 2 years, 3 N/A Desiree Nicholls Dolores Forget and Jackie Jones.
  • STAFF ANNIVERSARIES: Councilwoman McMenamin stated we would like to acknowledge major staff anniversaries that took place in 2023: Cindy Bollendorf: 5 years, Tim Grady: 20 years, Brett Paul: 15 years, Mark Ruegg: 20 years, Drew Valleley: 20 years, Jen Felton: 10 years, Joe Kovach: 10 years, Mary Kovach: 15 years, Kenny Sheldon: 5 years, Brian Groo: 10 years, Filippo Panariello: 15 years.
  • MORELAND AVENUE AQUA WORK ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Councilwoman McMenamin 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 similar to 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 215-443-9100.
  • CONDITIONAL USE HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT: 21-23 & 37 N. YORK ROAD – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Borough Council will be holding a Conditional Use Hearing for the property located at 21- 23 and 37 N. York Road on Monday, January 22, 2024, beginning at 7 PM and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.
    OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
    PUBLIC COMMENT – Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked for an update for the pedestrian crossing project and Manager Hegele stated it was stopped due to utilities needing to be relocated underground. Engineer Goff stated they uncovered some underground utilities that were not initially marked out, therefore that have to reconfigure the design and are waiting for PennDOT. Mr. Battis asked if there was a clause/insurance so the Borough should not have to pay twice for the engineer to have to design due to no error of the Borough. President Bollendorf stated that this project was a grant therefore the Engineering fees are submitted through the grant.
    Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked if Victorian Village is donating a piece of playground equipment. Manager Hegele stated that yes, they are donating a piece of equipment (sliding board/jungle gym) that will go to Pennypack.
    Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, thanked council for explaining the boards and commissions but asked where the openings were posted as he couldn’t find them and how to apply. Manager Hegele stated that it is posted on our website year-round and the applications that were received came in the past few months but at the time there were no openings because typically they wait until the end of the year and see who resigns. She also stated it’s up to the applicant to let the Borough know which board/commission they want to be on and if they do not specify, she will tell them the openings and ask which they specifically want. Manager Hegele also stated that if someone’s term is going to expire, staff will send a letter asking if they want to resign or be reappointed.
    Kathy McGeary, 40 Franklin Avenue, asked when the letter had to be in as she was interested in the Planning Commission. President Bollendorf stated there is a planning Commission Meeting tomorrow and that is why there is a vote tonight.
    Mr. Blickley stated that at the January 2nd meeting it was stated that the available positions would be announced at tonight’s meeting and Councilwoman McMenamin stated that they did say there was an opening on the Planning Commission and that she responded to his email
    stating the openings.
    Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked if there were descriptions for each position and President Bollendorf stated that Councilwoman just read each one a few minutes ago.
    ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the January 8, 2024, Committee meeting at 8:39 P.M.
    VOTING MEETING AGENDA
    CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called to order the January 8, 2024, Voting Meeting to order at 8:39 P.M.
    PUBLIC COMMENT – Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated they should postpone the vote until Council receives the appropriate interest. Solicitor Geiser stated that the vote couldn’t be postponed because according to the manager there is a quorum of members. President Bollendorf asked if there were any objections and Vice President Stockton stated that he felt comfortable voting this evening.
    Todd A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated the specific terms should be stated on the website so people can decide what they would be interested in and now what they are getting into.
    Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, stated the Planning Commission is very difficult and has no authority whatsoever and they work hard, including himself who served for 11 years. He also stated that they are about to take the Chairman out right before an important meeting and it isn’t right because its very hard to run that committee and he has been involved and has studied this and is doing a great job and he doesn’t think it’s right.
    Councilwoman McMenamin stated at the November 12, 2023, she stated there will be an opening on the Planning Commission in January and to submit letters of interest and the Borough only received one. She also stated that she stated it again at the January 2, 2024, meeting.
    Councilwoman Reichner stated that she agreed with Vice President Stockton and Mr. Battis that it is not fair to leave the Planning Commission without a Chair tomorrow because it is an important meeting and Councilwoman Jacobus agreed as well.
    Tom Smith, 237 Jacksonville Road, stated that it would be a different situation if Kris did not send his letter in and doesn’t think it matters if they received 100 letters of interest, Kris knows the job, has been doing the job, and he is content working with him and beside him.
    Councilman Myers stated that he agrees as well because Mr. McMenamin has been working hard the last few years.
    Mayor Schultz stated that he would like to see them vote tonight as well.
    Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that the problem they have is the residents should receive more specific information regarding openings.
    President Bollendorf stated that this item was on the agenda that was posted last Friday not right before tonight’s meeting.
    VOTING ITEMS
    PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Kris McMenamin to the Planning Commission to a term of 4 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention. (Councilwoman McMenamin
    Abstained)
    PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
    ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the January 8, 2024, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the January 8, 2023 voting Meeting at 8:47 P.M.
    Respectfully Submitted by:
    Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
    Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary