PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Treasurer Kalnajs, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Kilkenny were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Benjamin and Vice President Stockton were absent
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the July 23, 2018 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
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
REMINGTON & VERNICK ENGINEERS PRESENTATION – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the Borough’s MS4 Program and required permits.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked Engineer Goff to explain impervious surface. Engineer Goff stated that an impervious surface is any surface that water cannot infiltrate through, i.e. a paved driveway.Ed Henry, Bonair Ave. asked if Engineer Goff has examined the retention basins at Hatboro Station
as one of them is not properly secured. Engineer Goff stated that she has been working closely with Hatboro Station and will investigate the basins.
Councilman Hegele asked if all municipalities have to have an MS4 program. Engineer Goff stated that the municipality has to be urbanized and meet requirements from the DEP in order to have an MS4 program
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that she recently attended the Mayor’s Association Conference in Lancaster which included seminars on law enforcement, cyber law & election protection, and Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania funding. She added that this conference was extremely beneficial and educational.
Mayor Guenst stated that State Representative Tom Murt asked if the Borough could install a library box at the Hatboro Pool. Superintendent Sine stated Public Works could install the post. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that Superintendent Sine can create an estimate for the work and provide to Council.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that there was a time capsule found in the base of the Crooked Billet Monument that is presumed to be from 1967. He noted that the box of the time capsule has been compromised due to weather over the years; however, they are hoping to salvage as much as they can from the contents.
President Bollendorf stated that the Borough will be accepting credit cards in the coming months. This will allow the Borough to accept payments online, in-house credit card payments, and online check payments. Councilman Hegele asked if there were fees associated with the payments. Manager Hegele stated there will be fees and the Borough is working out who will pay the fees, be it residents or the Borough.
Councilman Forgeng asked if residents could pay tax bills with credit cards. Manager Hegele stated the tax collector is a separate entity and she would have to setup a separate account.
President Bollendorf stated that he, Vice President Stockton, Mayor Guenst, and Manager Hegele attended the Borough Authority Meeting on July 1st. He stated that the Authority has agreed to the Public Works building renovations, but denied the Jacksonville & Montgomery traffic signal and the Loller Building windows. They will be reconsidering the proposed capital projects and will report back in August.
President Bollendorf stated that Creative Inkling, a new crafting business, opened in the Borough. He noted it was a unique business and a beautiful facility that includes lodging space. He added that they are also working with other businesses in town to provide lodging guests with a unique Hatboro experience.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs reported that at the end of May, the Borough accounts had a total of $4,022,697.63 and a year to date interest earned of $12,022.44.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated he has been working with staff on the Massage Parlor Ordinance, the Crooked Billet Street Vacation Ordinance, the Commuter Parking Ordinance, litigation matters, and personnel matters.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that she is working on the Borough’s MS4 deficiency response. She added that the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp project rebids are under review. She stated that 2018 road program bids will be opened on August 13. She also stated that there was a Corinthian Trail Project kickoff meeting held and beginning stages of the project are underway.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that she attended the Corinthian Trail kickoff meeting earlier in the day. She added that the project is expected to start in 2020 and engineers will be in the area surveying soon
Manager Hegele stated that residents have been obtaining their permits in preparation of the Commuter Parking Ordinance. She added that Public Works will be installing signage within the week. Staff has been notifying commuters of the new Commuter Parking Ordinance and will continue notifying them further should the ordinance pass.
Manager Hegele stated she recently asked the Post Office about the lack of postal boxes in the Borough. They stated that they have no intentions of adding more boxes in the future.
Manager Hegele announced there will be a member appreciation event at the Hatboro Pool on August 19th from 3 PM to 7 PM.
Manager Hegele stated that Assistant Secretary DeRenzis submitted the TreeVitalize application for a project in Eaton Park. If approved, the Borough will be able to plant at least 30 trees around the Eaton Park stream bank.
Manager Hegele stated that the Montgomery County Conservation District and Engineer Goff have been closely monitoring the Hatboro Station Project. Manager Hegele noted she is also keeping an eye on the rodent problems occurring in the Jacksonville Road and Meadowbrook Avenue areas.
Manager Hegele stated that staff is continuing to make changes to the warrant list format and that this month, Finance Manager Wells is already working on the 2019 operating budget.
Manager Hegele stated that she has joined the Valley Forge Tourism Association which will help with advertising, economic development, and more within Hatboro’s downtown. Councilman Hegele asked why this organization was not joined before. Manager Hegele stated that the Chamber of Commerce is a member and she is unsure as to why they do not promote it to their members.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that the Moonlight Memories Car Show will be taking place on Saturday, July 28th and road closures will take place beginning at 12 PM as in years previous.
Chief Gardner announced that the annual National Night Out event will be taking place on Friday, August 10th at 5:30 PM in the shopper’s parking lot. Mayor Guenst asked if there was a dunk tank this year. Chief Gardner stated yes, and that they are looking for volunteers.
Chief Gardner stated that the department switched over to the new county-wide RMS and the system is running smoothly.
Chief Gardner stated that the department will begin enforcing the new 2 hour parking zones beginning August 1st. He noted that anyone who does not have a permit should park in the Borough owned lots or in the SEPTA lot behind Station Park. Chief Gardner stated he wants to encourage people to park in that lot while some of the spots need re-numbering, there is plenty of parking available. Chief Gardner stated Manager Hegele has a meeting coming up with SEPTA and she will relay the Borough’s concerns regarding the parking and signage.
Chief Gardner stated that there has been an increase in the use of fireworks this summer. He noted that this is due to the state’s change in firework regulations. Chief Gardner reminded residents that consumer fireworks cannot be used within 150 feet of an occupied building and does not believe anywhere in Hatboro is eligible. Solicitor Kilkenny stated that other municipalities are experiencing the same problems and that he will send copies of sample ordinances to the Borough. Mayor Guenst asked if the Borough can use the noise ordinance to enforce the discharge of fireworks. Chief Gardner stated that the legality of enforcement is up in the air and that the department wants to do whatever it can to keep people safe in the Borough. Councilman Hegele asked if there was anything in the crimes code that regulates fireworks. Chief Gardner stated no.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated the Micro-resurfacing project was completed in July 10th and 11th. He stated there were minor issues; however, they were handled during the project.
Superintendent Sine stated that the new pavilion for the Memorial Pool will be delivered the week of Labor Day. He noted there was a delay in manufacturing which pushed the delivery back. Councilman Forgeng asked what size the pavilion is. Superintendent Sine stated the pavilion is 12 feet by 28 feet.
Superintendent Sine stated that the recycling technical assistant will be completing their review in August or September and he will forward the expert’s findings to Council once received.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if there was an update on the Lanternfly. Superintendent Sine stated he has not received anything for Hatboro as of yet.
Mayor Guenst stated that Academy Road was micro-resurfaced and looks great.
President Bollendorf thanked Public Works for installing the parking signs at Borough Hall and for the signs that will be placed at the Pool.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated he evaluated all of the Borough’s current Fire Lanes over the last few months and made changes and some additions to the Fire Lane Ordinance that will better help emergency services. He stated they will be contacting everyone who does not have signage at their property to ensure all fire lanes are met.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that he, the police department, Public Works and Second Alarmers to create an emergency management plan for the car show.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to acknowledge the receipt of Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Treasurer’s Report, UMHJSA Minutes, and Borough Authority Minutes. This motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
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 July 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the June 25, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 5 -0.
JULY 9, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the July 9, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5 -0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of June in the amount of $10,100.64. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of June in the amount of $57,167.97. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
FIRE LANE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the advertisement of the revised Fire Lane Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
ABOLISHMENT OF THE FIRE ADVISORY BOARD ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the advertisement of the ordinance abolishing the Fire Advisory Board. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL PURCHASES – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Public Works Capital Purchases for 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
LED STREET LIGHTS – Superintendent Sine stated that the Borough has a replacement plan for the Borough’s street lights to replace high-pressure sodium lights with LED lights. He stated that DVRPC came up with a program which takes care of the entire street light procurement and installation process. He stated that Public Works could perform the work at a lower cost.
Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough should not outsource work that the Public Works Department is capable of performing. Councilman Hegele asked if choosing DVRPC to perform the work will cause a labor action. Superintendent Sine stated that he cannot speak for the Union; however, it has the possibility to cause an issue.
Councilman Rich motioned to pursue the in-house LED streetlight replacement program. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUTER PARKING ORDINANCE – Councilman Rich motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1046, also known as the Commuter Parking Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
GREEN LIGHT GO BYBERRY RD. AND WARMINSTER RD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL APPROVAL (RESOLUTION 18-15) – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-15, approving the Green Light Go Traffic Signal for the intersection of Byberry Rd. and Warminster Rd. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION (RESOLUTION 18-16) – Councilman Rich motioned to approve Resolution 18-16 to authorize the submission of the Montgomery County Transportation Program Grant. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (RESOLUTION 18-17) – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-17 to adopt the Montgomery County 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
CROOKED BILLET STREET VACATION ORDINANCE – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the advertisement of the Paper Street Vacation for the Crooked Billet School Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
MASSAGE PARLOR ORDINANCE – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the advertisement of the Massage Parlor Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Councilman Hegele motioned to appoint Jennifer Hawkins Cox to the Human Relations Commission for a term of 1 year. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
Councilman Rich motioned to appoint Suella Guthrie and Laura Lasher to the Human Relations Commission for 2 year terms. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
Councilman Hegele motioned to appoint Luanne Kline and Kathy Lochel to the Human Relations Commission for 3 year terms. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – President Bollendorf welcomed the new Fire Company President, April Mount to the staff table.
NEW BUSINESS
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Ed Henry, Bonair Ave. stated that the Commuter Lot has signs for crosswalks by the train tracks on Byberry Road; however, there are no crosswalks on the road. He proposed that SEPTA consider a shuttle from the Station Park Lot to the train station. Manager Hegele stated she is meeting with SEPTA in the following week and will discuss with them. She also noted that crosswalks at this location will be installed as a part of the Hatboro Station project. Mr. Henry asked how many will be installed. Manager Hegele stated there will be one installed per the agreement.
Mr. Henry expressed concern with the unsecured drainage basin at Hatboro Station in which a post and rail fence is not secured. President Bollendorf stated that Engineer Goff visits the project frequently and that she will look into it.
Austin Moseby, 33 S. York Rd. stated that he lives on York Road and is not provided parking by his landlord and as a result parks on neighboring streets. He stated that he regularly parks on N. Penn St.; however, he can no longer do this due to the Commuter Parking Ordinance.
Mr. Moseby stated that commuters already pay monthly SEPTA fees and that it is frustrating to pay extra money for parking. He noted that parking in some lots also adds to commute times. Mr. Moseby stated that everyone needs to look at the parking situation from the commuters’ perspective.
Mr. Moseby suggested that residents should not have to pay for parking in Borough lots if they live on York Road. Mayor Guenst asked where he currently parks. Mr. Moseby stated that he parks on York Road; however, it does not get enforced. He noted that there is plenty of parking in Hatboro, but there are also plenty of restrictions.
Treasurer Kalnajs stated that he is a commuter as well and agreed that paying for parking does add a reasonable expense on top of their monthly SEPTA passes.
Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough passed the Commuter Parking Ordinance to increase the quality of life for residents who were affected by Commuters and that she is surprised that landlords do not provide parking.
President Bollendorf stated that the Borough is looking to reinstate the Parking Commission and that they are seeking volunteers.
Mayor Guenst suggested the Borough provide free parking behind Burdick’s. Chief Gardner stated they has discussed moving the kiosk from that lot which would mean free parking.
Mayor Guenst asked if Mr. Moseby would be interested in volunteering for the Parking Commission. Mr. Moseby stated yes.
Councilman Forgeng asked if Solicitor Kilkenny has any advice for the Human Relations Commission based on a recent Supreme Court Case.
President Bollendorf stated that the members of the Human Relations Commission will be trained by the County and that this training will be free.
Solicitor Kilkenny stated that his firm has looked into the recent issues surrounding a Human Relations Commission in Colorado and that the issue was involving unprofessional and biased remarks by the Commission. He noted that they are not questioning the legality of the Commission, but the decision made by the Commission.
Councilman Forgeng read a statement about religious subordination and stated that he still does not believe people should be required to give up their religious freedom and change their viewpoint for others due to the Human Relations Ordinance.
President Bollendorf stated that the Human Relations Ordinance was passed. Mayor Guenst stated that the Ordinance is law and that it gave human rights to everyone within the Borough, especially to the LGBTQ community. Mayor Guenst stated that that if Councilman Forgeng is so unhappy, he should resign.
Solicitor Kilkenny stated that the Ordinance is legal and that he will immediately let Council know if anything changed.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that Council is a body of people that govern people of all races, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs and that it is their job to protect everyone within the Borough.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the July 23, 2018 Council Meeting at 8:26 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis