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January 9, 2023 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Reichner,
Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwoman Shay,
Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff,
and Treasurer Smith were present.

ABSENT – Mayor Schultz was absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 9, 2023, Committee Meeting to
order at 7:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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.

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION UPDATE – Matt Edmond gave a
presentation regarding the turnpike corridor reinvestment project. This project involves several
surrounding municipalities who would each contribute $10,000.00 to the project along with the
County’s $ 25,000.00 contribution. Council stated they thought Hatboro should not pay as
much as the surrounding municipalities as our roads do not tie directly into the turnpike and we
are a small municipality. Manager Hegele stated a memorandum of understanding of the
project will be coming shortly to Council.
NEW BUSINESS

Public Safety Committee

  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated
    this is to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of
    December 2022 in the amount of $ 10,373.77. This item was moved to the
    January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SERGEANT PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Chief
    Gardner recommends Borough Council directs the Civil Service Commission to
    conduct an examination for the position of Sergeant. This item was moved to the
    January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • CONTRACT RENEWAL – LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDIDATION SERVICES, LLC – Councilwoman Jacobus stated this is to approve the contract renewal for Law Enforcement Accreditation Services, LLC. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • NOMINATION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Chief Gardner has stepped down from his position of Emergency Management Coordinator effective December 31, 2022, and Fire Marshal Tyler Dermer has expressed interest in becoming Hatboro’s newest Emergency Management Coordinator. Per state regulations for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Fire Marshal Dermer must be nominated for the position of Emergency Management Coordinator by Borough Council. She also stated following the nomination, staff will send all necessary paperwork to PEMA to have Tyler considered for the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. Once the state reviews and approves the paperwork, Fire Marshal Dermer will be formally appointed as Hatboro’s EMC and there is no resolution for this appointment as there is formal paperwork that will need to be completed following the nomination. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • WARMINSTER ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated the Borough received an email update today regarding the Warminster bridge project which stated as part of their detour coordination with the local community and PennDOT they are reaching out to us to provide advance notice of an upcoming closure of Warminster Rd (SR2040) in the vicinity of the Borough of Hatboro and Upper Moreland Township. This detour will be instituted to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the existing bridge carrying Warminster Rd over Pennypack Creek. At this time, they anticipate the detour to begin on April 1, 2023, and last through October 27, 2023. As this is a highly trafficked area PennDOT has developed the attached detour plans for this project. Please note there are separate passenger vehicle and truck detours which differ significantly. As they get closure to the closure date, they will let us know of any further coordination or changes. Manager Hegele stated staff has already passed the information on to the Hatboro businesses and residents on S. Warminster Road who will be directly affected by this.
  • POLICE BIKES – Councilwoman Jacobus stated the Hatboro PD has purchased two new Electric Bikes that were funded by the Chamber and Bray Lodge. She stated there will be an E bike training at Pennypack in April.

Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated the Union Library has not completed their expenditure list for the month of January yet and they will be submitting a copy prior to the Council Meeting for review and this item is left on the agenda as a place holder. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT PAYMENT #1 – Vice President Stockton stated Engineer Goff recommends Hatboro Station Trail Project Payment #1 to Lennie Electric Corporation in the amount of $ 59,279.22. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO STATION FEE IN LIEU OF IMPROVEMENTS – Vice President Stockton stated In December 2022, Engineer Goff walked the Hatboro Station property with representatives from Toll Brothers and based on the site visit, there are several landscaping items that have not been installed to date and some trees that were planted have died and some shrubs/grasses were not yet installed. He
    stated Engineer Goff indicated that she does not believe some of the required vegetation would thrive in the proposed areas and additionally, some of the proposed planting areas reside along the trail where there is already vegetation present. As a result, Toll Brothers is asking whether Borough Council would consider a fee in lieu of these landscaping improvements. Council decided they would like Engineer Goff to negotiate a fee in lieu of. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • MONTCO 2040 GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated applications for the Montco 2040 Grant are now Open and the focus categories for the 2023 round remain the same for this year
    and include: Walk Montco and Bike Montco – Trails, Paths, Sidewalk Connections, and Bike Facilities, support of Downtowns and Community Destinations, and Adaptation and Resiliency and other projects that fit the goals of the county comprehensive plan. He stated in year’s past, the grant awards projects up to $200,000 and there is a minimum match requirement of 20% and some possible ideas for this grant are as follows: Pennypack Stormwater/Recreational Facilities, Eaton Park Stormwater or Recreational Facilities, Cressbrook Preservation, and Memorial Park Pervious Pavers or
    Playground. He stated he doesn’t think we are ready to lay out $40,000.00 for a grant match at the moment which is his only concern. He stated he thinks Cressbrook would be a great idea and possibly The friends of Cressbrook could assist with the match. Al agreed and Vice President Stockton stated he would like to be reasonable with the amount request and would like to only request $80,000.00 tops. Manager Hegele stated it can be discussed at the next Friends of Cressbrook meeting on Thursday when it can be discussed further and come back with a recommendation in two weeks.
  • BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #14 – Vice President Stockton stated Engineer Goff recommends Borough Hall Mechanical Payment # 14 to Guy M. Cooper in the amount of $13,303.50. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPPRESSION PAYMENT # 11 – Vice President Stockton stated Engineer Goff recommends Fire Suppression Payment # 11 to Guy M. Cooper in the amount of $ 607.60. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.

Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Business Spotlight is Downtown Development and Hatboro’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
  • NEW BUSINESS – There were no new businesses this month.
  • UPCOMING EVENTS – There are no January events.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated The Friends of Cressbrook participated in the 2022 Winter Sip N Shop selling Ornaments depicting Loller Academy and there are still ornaments available for sale and all funds benefit the Friends of Cressbrook Organization. She stated The Friends of Cressbrook look forward to a successful 2023!
  • SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION: AMERICAN LEGION POST 798 POTLUCK BINGO – Councilwoman Reichner stated this is to approve a special event request from American Legion Post 798 for a Potluck Bingo Event to be held at Pennypack on Saturday, March 11, 2023, beginning at 6 PM. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2023 SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated Council and Staff are requesting that all special event requests for 2023 be submitted to Borough Hall by February 8, 2023, and that all special event requests for this year will then be reviewed and considered by Council at the February 13, 2023, Committee Meeting. If you need a copy of the Special Event Request Form, please contact Borough Hall at 215-443-9100.

Public Works Committee

  • CROSSWALK LOCATIONS – Councilwoman Reichner stated following comments regarding possible crosswalk locations made at public meetings in 2022, Engineer Goff performed Crosswalk Feasibility Studies at two locations: South Penn St. Near Hatboro Train Station and Horsham Road & Academy Road. She stated included in your packet are copies of memos detailing RVE’s findings and recommendations for crosswalks in the abovementioned areas and both areas studied have improvements that can be made to pertaining to signage and the ADA Accessibility of the crosswalks if Council would like to pursue improvements to the crosswalks in these areas, staff can work with Public Works to determine a cost estimate for the improvements noted in the studies. Area of Horsham, Academy, and Moreboro Roads was decided on with a possible piano key crosswalk. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.

Facilities

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated while she is new to Council, she is not new to the facilities committee as she has been working with this committee since the summer and have been meeting with staff regarding events and the community regarding the use. She stated in December there was the winter Sip N Shop and there has been many other uses planned for the building. She stated they have received many inquiries for use of the building and the committee has been working the logistics out for the use and upcoming events. She also stated staff had been training to use the new HVAC system at Loller Academy and will be painting and getting get building ready for Borough operations and meetings to return in the next few months. She also stated in the
    coming months she will be touring facilities with Department heads and the Borough Manager to help plan for future needs.

Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated staff spoke with Co-Chair of the Pennypack Steering Committee, Jenn Hartigan on Friday, January 6th. Co-Chair Hartigan noted that the committee is currently reviewing, editing, and organizing questions for a public survey that will be released by the Committee. He stated the Committee will be holding their next
    meeting on January 31st at 6:30 PM and will begin the process of finalizing the survey for release.

Administration Committee

  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the meetings for the next month.
  • ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS & BOARDS/COMMICCIONS APPOINTMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Over the last few months, staff contacted volunteers whose terms expired 12/31/2022 to see who was interested in renewing their term. She stated the Borough has also received interest from persons wishing to serve on boards and commissions. She reviewed who was interested in returning and who is interested in being selected for the positions.
  • JACKSONVILLE GREEN PROJECT CLOSEOUT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Steve Walsh regarding the conclusion of the Jacksonville Green Maintenance Period (which began on September 20, 2020) and that all punch list work has been completed to date. She stated as a result, Gilmore is recommending that Council authorize the release of the developer’s maintenance security and close-out this project. She also stated Engineer Walsh is here to answer any questions Council may have. If Council agrees with the recommendation, you will need to approve the release of the maintenance security at the January 23rd Council Meeting. This item was moved to the January 23, 2023, Council meeting Agenda for approval.
  • PUBLIC HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT: RC-2 TEXT AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated at the December 19, Council Meeting, Borough Council voted to hold a public hearing for the RC-2 Ordinance Amendment at the January 23, 2023, Council meeting. She stated this hearing will take place beginning at 7 PM in the gym of the Pennypack Facility, 130 Spring Avenue. This ordinance has been advertised in the paper, is available at the law library, and is available at Borough Hall. She stated the public is invited and encouraged to attend this hearing and the following Council meeting.

OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked why Mr. Bilotta resigned from the EAC, why was
he reappointed. Councilman Myers stated because he notified Council, he was interested in returning again. Mrs. A’Harrah asked who the current members of the EAC were and Councilman Myers stated Judi Swanson, Anne Menichelli, Tom Bilotta, Carol Brunner, and Jim Macaroni. Anne Menichelli, 176 W. Lehman Avenue, stated she thinks it would be a shame if Katrina Nuss did not get appointed to the EAC again because she brings a lot to the table for the EAC. Councilman Myers thanked Mrs. Menichelli for her input.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the January 9, 2023, Committee Meeting at
7:48 P.M.

VOTING MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the January 9, 2023, voting meeting to order at 7:48 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS 2023
BOROUGH MANAGER – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Diane Hegele to the position of Borough Manager. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SECRETARY – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Diane Hegele to the position of Borough Secretary. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Deena DeRenzis to the position of Assistant borough Secretary. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes, Motion carried 7-0.

OPEN RECORDS OFFICER – Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Diane Hegele to the position of Open Records officer. Motion was seconded by councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ZONING OFFICER – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Diane Hegele to the position of Zoning officer. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

CHIEF OF POLICE – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint James Gardner to the position of Chief of Police. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Ruegg to the position of Deputy Chief of Police. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

FIRE MARSHAL – Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Tyler Dermer to the position of Fire marshal. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Matt Hauser to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal, motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Pete Croak to the position of Assistant Fire Marshal, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Tyler Dermer to the position of Property Maintenance Inspector. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

DEPUTY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Matt Hauser to the position of Deputy Property Maintenance Inspector. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to nominate Tyler Dermer to the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

TREASURER – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Tom Smith to the position of Treasurer. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

VACANCY BOARD –Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Steve Guenst to the Vacancy Board. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SOLICITOR – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint The Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny to the position of Borough Solicitor. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ENGINEER – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Remington & Vernick to the position of Borough Engineer. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

CODE ENFORCEMENT/BCO – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to appoint Barry Isett & Associates to the position of Code Enforcement and BCO. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

EIT/LST TAX COLLECTION AGENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Berkheimer and Associates as the Borough’s EIT/LDT Tax Collection Agency. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDITOR – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Lopez, Teodosio, & Larkin, LLC to the position of Borough Auditor. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Judy Emig to the position of Deputy Tax Collector. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

JOINT BOARD OF APPEALS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint James Anders to the Joint Board of Appeals. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ZONING HEARING BOARD SOLICITOR – Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Bruce Eckel to the position of Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

TAX COLLECTION COMMITTEE

  • Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint April Mount to the position of primary voting delegate for the Tax Collection Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
  • Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint bill Stone as the first alternate voting delegate for the Tax Collection Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
  • Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Diane Hegele as the second alternate voting delegate for the Tax Collection Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS
ZONING HEARING BOARD – Vice president Stockton made a motion to appoint Marty Palmer to the Zoning Hearing Board for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PLANNING COMMISSION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to appoint Keith Hibbs to the Planning Commission for a term of 2 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PLANNING COMMISSION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Tom Smith to the Planning Commission for a term of 2 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

UMHJSA – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to appoint Alex Kalnajs to the Upper Moreland hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Board for a term of 5 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Judi Swanson to the Environmental Advisory Council for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
  • Vice President Stockton made a motion to appoint Tom Bilotta to the Environmental Advisory Council for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus opposed. Motion carried 6-1.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Christopher Neapolitan to the Historical Commission for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIBRARY BOARD – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Muriel O’Neill to the Library Board for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to appoint Suella Guthrie to the Human Relations Commission for a term of 3 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PARKING COMMISSION – Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Robert Hegele to the parking Commission for a term of 4 years. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

VOLUNTEER POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf announced the following vacancies:

PARKING COMMISSION – 3 SEATS VACANT, HISTORICAL COMMISSION – 1 SEAT VACANT,
UMHJSA – 1 SEAT VACANT

President Bollendorf stated that anyone interested in filling any of these positions can email a
letter of interest to Manager Hegele.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to adjourn the January 9, 2023,
Committee Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried
7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the January 9, 2023, Committee meeting at 7:58 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf