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June 19, 2023 Committee Council Meeting Minutes

PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Shay, mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary Derenzis, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Treasurer Smith, Fire Company President Ide were present.

ABSENT – Councilwoman McMenamin and Fire Marshal Valesky were excused.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the June 19, 2023, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.

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

COMMENDATION FOR RETIRING SERGEANT JOHN CARR – Mayor Schultz and Chief Gardner gave a Commendation to Sergeant John Carr for his retirement after 31 years at the Hatboro Police Department and thanked him for his service.

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 –
Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy Road, asked for clarification regarding the DCED Multimodal Grant regarding its purpose. Vice President Stockton stated when it comes up on the agenda he will elaborate during his report.

Todd A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that the Hatboro Horsham Soccer Club has been advertising an event at Pennypack before it has been approved by Council as it is supposed to be voted on tonight. He also asked if the Ordinance has been revised with Pennypack as a park. Manager Hegele stated that they are currently working on the ordinance now and that the Soccer Club put an application in that has been pending and were notified that they did not have approval yet for that request.

NEW BUSINESS
1) Public Safety Committee

  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of May 2023 is $ 16,055.99. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated on the agenda for June is a housekeeping update regarding Emergency Management. She stated the Chief has accepted the offer to continue as Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough until February 2024 when he officially retires, and he has appointed Kate Valesky as a Deputy. During this time, she will finish getting the remainder of the necessary credentials so she can assume the role when the Chief retires. She has an EM Background as she serves in a similar capacity in Lower Moreland Township. There is no action needed by Council as the Chief is still listed as our EM as the former FM, Tyler Dermer did not finish getting what he needed to assume this role, and this is just for the purposes of announcement and getting into the minutes.

2) Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated the Union Library Expenditure List for the months of May & June 2023 is $ 16,055.99. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • GRANT UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated going forward monthly, we are going to provide an update on where staff is with all open grants, so Council and the public are aware of how these projects are progressing.
    • Fire House Project – Currently under review with third party grant consultant, staff meeting with him this month to review and answer any questions he may have. Once the grant consultant signs off, we can submit to the State Office of Budget for reimbursement for costs of this project, $500,000 owed per grant contract.
    • Loller Project – Now that the contractor has been issued payments (still holding retainage) we have begun gathering paperwork and will complete grant forms to get reimbursement of $250,000.
    • Williams Lane & Summit Avenue Project – finalizing bid package.
    • Meadowbrook Flasher – easement recorded, will be bidding next.
    • ADA Playground – Concept Plan just completed this week, under review with the parks committee.
    • Hatboro Memorial Streambank – Waiting for approvals from DEP and Army Corp of Engineers.
    • Lancaster/Windsor Intersection – finishing review of final bid package.
    • Miller Meadow Phase 2 – addressed comments from PennDOT and responded back on 5/17
    • Hatboro Trail Lighting – work done, placement of 3 additional lights proposed to be installed in Celano, waiting on approvals.
    • Urban Planting Grant – supplies in and being put together by Public Works.
    • T Mobile Grant- supplies in and staff working with PW on date of installation.
    • Traffic Garden – PW working with staff and county on markings and painting.
  • DCED MULTIMODEL GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated applications for the DCED Multimodal Transportation Grant Program are being accepted through July 31st and this grant program funds transportation asset improvements, streetscape improvements, lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, connectivity, and bike lane improvement projects. He stated this grant has no match requirement and the grant awards projects between $100,000 and $3,000,000. Bridge from Cressbrook to Miller Meadow (previously applied under Montco 2040, however, the project not selected) was decided as the project for this application. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE SET ASIDE GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Transportation Alternative Set Aside Grant is now accepting applications through July 17th and this grant program does not have a match requirement and funds projects between $50,000 and $1,500,000. He also stated this grant program funds Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities, Bicycle and Pedestrian Education, Vegetation Management for Roadways, Stormwater Management, and Wildlife Mortality Mitigation. ADA Trails and Bridge in Memorial Park (to accompany ADA playground being installed) was decided as the project for this application. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated this will be tabled until July. (This grant has a 20% match requirement)
  • ANNOUNCEMENT: 2023 LITTLE LEAGUE FUNDING CONTRIBUTION – Vice President Stockton stated included on the warrant list for this month is the 2023 Little League Funding Contribution in the amount of $11,200. This is the amount reflected in the 2023 budget and will be used by the Little League for their annual improvements to the field.

3) Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Spotlight for the month of June is the Hatboro Memorial Pool and Street food Sandwich Shop is the snack stand vendor for the second year in a row.
  • NEW BUSINESSES – Councilwoman Reichner announced the new businesses in Hatboro are:
    • 224 N. York Road – TIFLISI NAIL SPA – Nail Salon (NEW OWNER)
    • 209 N. York Road – ARIELLA’S KIDS EXCHANGE – Children’s Consignment Shop
    • 555 N. York Road – SUNOCO – Gas station and Convenience Store
    • 105 N. York Road – CHINO BARBERSHOP – Barber Shop (NEW OWNER)
  • UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner announced the upcoming events.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the FOC is currently working on the upcoming Brews and Blues event in September and are working on raising funds to restore the Cressbrook House.
  • HATBORO HORSHAM SOCCER CLUB 3V3 EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner stated included in your packet is a copy of a special event request from the Hatboro Horsham Soccer Club for use of the Pennypack Fields Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from July 10th through August 3rd for 3 vs. 3 soccer games. She stated the soccer club has already begun advertising these games; however, Council has not yet approved a request. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval. Kristen Stout, HHSC VP, 416 Madison Avenue, explained the event to the public.

4) Public Works Committee

  • ROAD PAVING ORDINANCE DISCUSSION – Councilwoman Reichner stated resident Jim DeHope from Williams Lane attended the May Council meeting inquiring about road paving requirements after utility agencies open roads for maintenance and repairs. The Borough currently has an ordinance, Chapter 21: Streets and Sidewalks, Section 21-209 Permanent Restoration; Responsibility for Maintenance and Mr. DeHope’ s concern was that the roads around his residence have recently been torn up due to underground utility infrastructure upgrades and he was hoping the entire road would be paved once work was completed. Restoration and maintenance are included on our permit forms and enforced by Public Works and Borough staff; most utility companies are aware of the requirements. In some cases, in the past the trench work has necessitated the paving of entire blocks of streets, in the case of the recent AQUA and PECO work, this was not the case as the openings did not meet the requirements set forth in our current ordinance. We have also reached out to Aqua as they have done utility work in the past few weeks on Chester Avenue and the steel plates in the road are shifting and they have informed us they are sending someone out to fix.
    Per your request at the May meeting, we have reached out to Aqua and PECO with a list of streets we are bidding to pave in 2023 to ensure they are not due for any infrastructure work. We also asked for roads/infrastructure work planned in Hatboro for the next three years. We are still awaiting a response from both utility agencies. We have asked on several occasions and will continue to ask to make sure we get a response before Council authorizes bids to pave.

5) Facilities

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Facilities Committee continues to meet to coordinate the remaining events for 2023 including Brews and Blues, Bingos, and the Winter Sip N Shop. The Committee is hard at work ensuring that these events are bigger and better than ever and if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for upcoming Borough Events, please contact Vickie Giovinazzo at Borough Hall (215-443-9100).
  • LOLLER UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Borough planned to move all public meetings back to the Loller Building effective June 1, 2023; however, there was an emergency issue with the air conditioning that took place right before meetings were set to resume at the facility. She stated the Borough has been working with the contractor over the last few weeks to resolve the issues with the air conditioning and we received an email from the Borough engineer the morning of June 16th stating that the air conditioning is working at the facility; however, due to advertising constraints, the Borough had already readvertised the meeting for Pennypack. There are still some issues taking place with the heat at the facility; however, meetings will be able to resume at the building effective July 1, 2023, and staff will remain at Pennypack until later in the summer when Public Works has availability to relocate offices to the Loller Building. Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated he thought Pennypack we going to be demolished and the property would be wetland with a possible garden and /or nature garden and is it worth putting the money into the building. President Bollendorf stated that the building will remain but everything else will happen in the fields eventually but the goal of retaining the building was to prevent developers from developing houses on the property.

6) Environmental Affairs and Parks

  • EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC met on Monday, June 5th at Pennypack and the board discussed locations for the plantings of milkweed, upcoming meeting dates, website updates, green energy, and mowing procedures for Miller Meadow. He stated the EAC will be meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2023, beginning at 6:30 PM. Please note, this meeting will be taking place at Pennypack rather than Loller Academy.
  • URBAN FARMING GRANT UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the materials have been ordered for the Urban Garden and he is coordinating a possible Rotary Service Day where Rotarians can assist Public Works in constructing the garden. Please stay tuned for information on when the garden will be constructed.
  • PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Pennypack Steering Committee met with representatives from Montgomery County on Tuesday, May 30th regarding future steps for the Committee. There was a very productive discussion and the County obtained information needed to create a plan of action for the Committee going forward that mirrors the goals and concerns of the committeepersons. The Pennypack Committee would like Council to consider the future removal of committee members who have not shown up to meetings in quite some time. As there are a number of people appointed to the committee who no longer attend or participate in discussions and the committee believes that they can be removed from the Committee. If Council agrees, this will be on the future agenda for consideration and please note, the Committee will not be meeting in June and will resume meeting at the end of July.
  • ALTERNATE MILKWEED PLANTING LOCATIONS – Councilman Myers stated included in your packet is a memo from Manager Hegele detailing alternative Milkweed planting locations and the request to use the Borough’s Gator for the plantings. He also stated that previously it was discussed, and Council voted on 3 locations but now it has been discussed that it may be easier to take care of in 1 location and the recommendation is Eaton Park, which a rain garden was part of the 2040 Plan. Manager Hegele stated that the group will have to come up with another way to water them as the gator is not equipped to do so and wherever the milkweed ends up, Public Works has been educated and is aware of the difference so they can work around it. Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked why the milkweed is not being planted at Cressbrook anymore. Councilman Myers stated that they feel it would be easier for Public Works top maintain if it was in 1 location and since Eaton was already picked for a rain garden, Eaton was chosen as the 1 location. Mrs. A’Harrah stated she thinks they should be planted at Cressbrook for pollinator and erosion control. Bill Hartigan, 26 S. Linden Avenue, asked to see exactly where in Eaton they would be planted. Mayor Schultz showed him where the trail curls around and Mr. Hartigan stated that they would be in the way of water flow as the water needs to move and doesn’t want anything in the way of the flow and feels the Borough has done nothing to deal with stormwater management as his and his neighbor’s property have been the stormwater management and doesn’t want the plantings there. Mayor Schultz stated that he hears Mr. Hartigan’s concerns and understands trees prevent the flow of water, but these plantings are basically weeds and will not impede the flow, but the water will move over them. Solicitor Geiser stated that his concerns should be directed to the Borough Manager and assured him the professionals would look at the concern and handle it accordingly, but it should go through the Borough Manager first. Engineer Goff stated she isn’t familiar with milkweed and would have to look into it, but most plantings do absorb the water and help with stormwater management.
    Mr. Hartigan stated he doesn’t think this Council, the previous Council, and previous Borough Managers understand. Vice President Stockton stated he disagreed, and Mr. Hartigan told him he was wrong. Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she respects Mr. Hartigan’s concern but the way to handle the stormwater is to slow and spread the flow and while this does not move the water quickly like he would prefer, it would slow it down and absorb into the ground and not sending it down into pipes and fells there is a difference in understanding the purpose of this project. Councilman Myers stated that there are plans for stormwater management and this is only one part of the plan and asked he address further concerns in an email to the Borough Manager as the Solicitor stated. He also stated would like to vote this evening on a location as the plants will not be viable much longer and we that they can discuss the different locations and decide now between Eaton and Cressbrook. Manager Hegele stated they might be easier to water at Cressbrook and they could be split between Cressbrook and Pennypack. Councilwoman Reichner stated that she doesn’t like to make residents angry and stated to plant at Cressbrook and we can see how they grow and become more educated on them then decide later to plant them elsewhere. Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman stated that she understands not wanting to make residents angry, but the facts are this is about the environment and decisions made should be based on what is best for the environment and not because of an unhappy resident. Councilwoman Reichner clarified that she meant if we plant at Cressbrook and see that they did not have a negative effect, them the next time we can plant elsewhere as she is aware this is about the environment and not unhappy residents. Manager Hegele stated that she is aware of the water at Eaton and has seen the pictures and videos and suggested a grant for a rain garden at Eaton and then do as Councilwoman Reichner suggested to plant elsewhere once we see how and if the plantings work. Vice President Stockton stated that while he respects Mr. Hartigan’s right to disagree, he just spent 10 minutes trying to find something that backs up what he is saying regarding the milkweed and water and cannot find anything. He stated if he has data that backs up what he is saying to please email him but as of now, he cannot find anything that backs up his comments therefore there is no reason to scrap a project as there is a lot of data stating a way to mitigate storm water is to plant plants. Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy Road, stated she has planted milkweed for many years, and they are perennials and there is a ton of data that states plantings with deep roots will help with water management. Councilman Myers stated he would like to vote tonight for the milkweed to be split between Cressbrook and Eaton.

7) Administration Committee

  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMETS AND MEETINGS RETURNING TO BOROUGH HALL – Vice President Stockton announced the upcoming meetings and that all meetings will return to Loller Academy in the Council Room beginning July.
  • LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough is receiving numerous questions regarding upcoming and ongoing Land Development projects and he would like to provide the following updates on the large projects taking place within the Borough:
    • CVS Property: As many are aware, the building at the former CVS property has been demolished over the last few weeks. Please note, the developer does not have any conditional use or land development approvals to begin building at this time. The developer went before the Planning Commission in March; however, the Borough’s Engineer, Planning Expert, and Montgomery County required numerous changes to the project plans. The developer is currently working on these amendments to their plans and is unsure of when their resubmission will be made. When the resubmission is made and the project is ready to go back to the Planning Commission, we will make an announcement so residents can attend the meeting.
    • 21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Borough has not yet received a land development application nor a conditional use application for the property located at 21-23 & 37 N. York Road. Once an application is received, it will be sent to the Planning Commission for review. At this time, the public will have ample time to comment on both applications and provide feedback to the Developers, Planning Commission, and Borough Council.
    • Wawa: The Wawa Project is actively moving forward. The project was briefly delayed due to PECO; however, is back on track for the store opening around November/December of this year. As the gas tanks, canopy, and store are being constructed, residents will see an increase in trucks and construction vehicles in the area.
    • Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials and they are beginning to perform more site work in the preparation of 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.
  • POOL RATIFICATION LIST – Vice President Stockton stated this is to approve the 2023 Pool Ratification List. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • APPEALS BOARD APPOINTMENTS –Manager Hegele stated the Borough has an issue with a property located at 59 Crooked Billet and there are ongoing property maintenance and other zoning issues on the property. She stated to date the owner owes the borough roughly $18K in fines and costs because of the numerous citations filed and we have been to court with this property owner for the past three years and he still refuses to take care of or maintain his property, it is an eyesore, and the neighbors are frustrated. She stated at the last court hearing, he plead guilty and was issued the maximum amount for fines and she asked the Judge what we could do since he pleads guilty and makes minimum payments to the court. The property is in foreclosure and the owner will not allow the bank to access the property to take care of the issues and it is a waste of taxpayer money to place a lien on the property as it is in foreclosure, and we will have to wait in a long line of other creditors to get paid and that it is honestly more about getting the property cleaned up then the money. She stated she spoke to the Solicitor, and she has suggested since we have had a recent change in staff that the new Fire Marshal send a final notice as well as make sure that the IPMC violation cited can go before the Hatboro Property Maintenance Board of Appeals (we do not currently have one). Once the FM sends the final notice (Which can be sent this week after a joint board of appeals is appointed) and should he not respond or exercise his rights to appear before the appeals board, we can then proceed with administrative court action. She stated the Borough has an ordinance in place for this board, but we just need appointees and per the Solicitor it cannot be staff, but it can include Council. She stated she has spoken to other Manager’s and Lower Moreland has offered us to use their appeals board one time if needed. A one-time agreement could be drawn up. We have attached the ordinance for your review. Appointments would be made like others by resolution. This item was tabled as we have no letters of interest yet.
  • HISTORIC NOMINATION – CRESSBROOK PROPERTY – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the Historic Nomination for the Cressbrook Property and the Planning Commission has reviewed the Historical Commission’s recommendation on June 13th and ultimately recommended that Council approve the nomination. Pursuant to this nomination, Borough Council will need to hold a public hearing at the July 17th Council Meeting. This hearing will be advertised, the Cressbrook Property will be posted, and all proper notifications according to the ordinance will be made. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • VICTORIAN VILLAGE LAND DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION – Vice president Stockton stated included in your packet is a letter from the attorney of Victorian Village II requesting a time extension to complete secured improvements. He stated as you are aware, developers have a certain timeframe to complete improvements covered by their financial security when their land development applications are approved and due to the cost of labor and materials at this time, Victorian Village has not yet been able to complete all of the improvements. As a result, they are requesting an extension until April 15, 2024. This item has been moved to the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the June 19, 2023, Committee Meeting at 8:04 P.M.

COUNC IL MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the June 19, 2023, Council meeting to order at 8:04 P.M.

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 –
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument, asked when the Ski Shop at York and Moreland would replace the door. Manager Hegle stated that the Fire Marshal is working with the absentee landlord from Utah.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked if Council could look into a grant regarding the mug wort at Miller Meadow because it is very big and problematic. Bill Hartigan, 26 S. Linden Avenue, stated that he has no problem with planting and has sent the mayor other ideas of where to plant the milkweed as where he is it would be an issue for him. Councilwoman Jacobus asked Mr. Hartigan what he would like planted there and he stated nothing. Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked what will happen with traffic and pedestrians during the bridge replacement on Wes Monument. Manager Hegele stated there will be detours and they are waiting to hear back from the county regarding a pedestrian walkway.
Kate Kirsch, 205 W. Monument Avenue, asked if the residents in the area of the bridge will be notified when the replacement will begin. President Bollendorf stated yes, they will be notified.

MAYORS REPORT – Mayor Schultz congratulated Sgt Carr on 32 years of service at the hatboro PD.
Mayor Schultz stated during the pandemic in 2020 he wanted to plant milkweed and was a simple idea and ordered 150 plants and 3 years later they were delivered and he sorry it’s a point of contention for some and just wants to plant them and will be ok with whatever decision is made tonight. Mayor Schultz stated the Community Market is the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month at Pennypack. Mayor Schultz stated had a second successful cruise night and reminded everyone that the 30th Anniversary Moonlight Memories Car Show is just around the corner.

Mayor Schultz thanked Fire Marshal Valesky for helping to clean up an eye sore and possible fire hazard on Linden Avenue.

OFFICER’S REPORTS –

  • PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated school is out and asked everyone to be careful as there are a lot of kids on bikes. President Bollendorf asked everyone to follow the rules regarding yard waste. President Bollendorf reminded everyone to apply for permits when doing any work to your residence or the penalty will be double the permit fees.
  • TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts at the end of May 2023 is $ 4,871,146.46 with interest earned in the amount of $7,678.12.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT –
Solicitor Geiser stated that the ZHB case for 14 E. Moreland Avenue was continued until August.
Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on routine matters with staff. Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working with Manager Hegele on Right to Know Requests.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated her office continues to advise Borough Staff on various Grant opportunities as they come up. Engineer Goff stated they received the recorded easement for the Meadowbrook Flasher project and submitted it to PennDOT on June 6, 2023. Engineer Goff stated received additional comments back form PennDOT for the Miller Meadow project on June15, 2023 and are reviewing them. Engineer Goff stated they will be taking core drill later this month of the various roads that are to be paved.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated per Council and public request at last meeting, a letter was sent to the County to request temporary pedestrian access for the West Moreland Avenue bridge project, no response received yet. Manager Hegele stated she attended the annual PSAB conference and as the voting delegate for Hatboro participated in voting for 13 resolutions of those 13 voted, I will list the ones that most impact Hatboro:

  • Urge PA General assembly to amend the insurance company law by repealing ACT 84 of 2015 and require insurance carriers to reimburse the ambulance companies directory for 911 emergency medical services provided regardless of whether the EMS Agency is part of the insurance carriers’ network. As you know this remains an issue for SARS.
  • Support reauthorization of the 911 law for another term to provide funding formula that adequately supports current county needs and ensures funding sources and distribution support needs into the future, this includes newer technologies and GIS Data to ensure NG911 is properly supported and maintained.
  • PSAB seeks legislation amongst other remedies for the removal of advertising in the newspaper of general circulation requirements for the PA Borough Code and recommends advertising to be permitted electronically or in a data base administered by the Commonwealth which would levy a nominal fee. This is important as many do not receive or read a newspaper and tonight is a perfect example of advertising. Because of advertising requirements, I had to make the decision on Wednesday to move the meeting back to Pennypack, on Friday I received word that repairs were made, and we could meet at Loller but again due to advertising constraints we are here tonight.
    o Use of Radar, no comment on this one, many councils and PSAB as well as Police have been trying forever to get this.
  • PSAB urge the state legislature to formally require PennDOT to maintain all stormwater collection systems found in their state route right of ways, regardless of being in a borough or township, another important one for us, as you know we had to make repairs to an underground pipe on York Road and it cost the taxpayers a lot of money that was not budgeted for.
  • PSAB Support of legislation to amend the Right to Know law to define terms regarding vexatious requestors as well as provide remedy for relief and or appropriate fees and reasonable response times to address commercial data miners, many requests I receive take time out of my busy day to process these for companies wanting information on permits to solicit for business.

What happens with these resolutions is the PSAB has staff that lobbies for Boroughs for these changes, the resolutions give them guidance on what the membership needs and is looking to change. Some of these I have already reached out to our representatives in Harrisburg to ask for support for the Borough.
Manager Hegele stated she attended ZHB meeting, only item on the agenda was the application for a waiver of the flood plain ordinance for 26 Horsham Road, this matter has been on the ZHB meeting schedule since February and was continued again at this meeting while additional information is compiled and received. Manager Hegele stated the Wawa underground tanks are being installed this week, our engineer will be on site during installation. The contractor has requested the first of a few canopy inspections as well. Manager Hegele stated as reported previously that staff have been working on a new connection for lighting at PP, in the last report we were waiting for PECO approval. PECO had a representative on site and has given the thumbs up to proceed. We are finalizing paperwork to establish the new account, but found out during the site visit, the pole that works the best for this connection, is owned by Verizon and we are now working with them to secure permission. The staff is working on completing the application as well as securing the necessary insurance limits from our carrier and will send over everything as well as continue to work on this. This has been in the works for several months and despite what some are saying this is not an easy process to just connect to utilities that we do not own and after we secure all the approvals, we must see if the PUC needs to review.
Manager Hegele congratulated Sergeant Carr on his retirement.

STAFF REPORTS –

  • POLICE – Chief Gardner stated they are participating in the Montgomery County blue envelope project with our DA office and Montgomery County police Chiefs Association and have a quantity of the envelopes at the PD to distribute to drivers with special needs and will help with communication between police and drivers with special needs.
  • TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was submitted electronically.
  • PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated the pool is open full time; things are going smoothly and just waiting for warmer days and nights to warm the water and two PW staff members recently attended and successfully completed their Certified Pool Operator requirements. Manager Hegele stated the crews are working with EAC on smothering milkweed and the area has been marked by EAC Member Kelly A’Harrah and working on getting this scheduled to start the process. Manager Hegele stated PW is working with Assistant Secretary Derenzis on the traffic garden installation.
    Manager Hegele stated as far as the upcoming October Recycling Composition Audit, the contract calls for a new composition audit prior to the start of the third year of the contract and then again, every two years following, therefore in July, the Borough will need to gather and submit data on our recycling tonnages as well as our routes so the auditor can confirm what is needed for a representative sample which she will provide updates to council and the public as we receive them.
  • DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated she continues to update the businesses regarding events and property maintenance. This is the time of year when they will receive several updates and reminders as the car show approaches and as everyone knows, July is pretty much a car show month, so we make sure our businesses are prepared for the extra foot traffic.
    Cindy Bollendorf stated as everyone can see, the vendor was finally able to deliver the planters, benches, and café seating for the T Mobile site which is located at 49 S. York Road (Produce Junction/Joes Pizza). As Manager Hegele mentioned, Public Works has been extremely busy so once they are able to install everything, we will inform everyone when the dedication of our updated community space will be. Please be advised, they may not be able to do it all in one shot so if you see planters appearing but no dirt or flowers etcetera or maybe you only see one bench, just sit tight, we can assure you this space will be beautiful once completed as well a very appropriate dedication for the space. We would appreciate everyone’s patience as PW main responsibility is trash and maintaining the entire Borough, so the extra projects happen when they have the manpower and the time.
  • FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated Fire Marshal Valesky was excused this evening as she is finishing up a series of training classes that she started previously, and tonight is the final class. Her report is as follows: Thank you everyone for a successful first month of being your Fire Marshal. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of residents and business owners through completing U & O’s/Inspection’s (completed 9, and site checks for property maintenance (54) or which 28 were handled and closed. Driving around the Borough she observed a lack of addresses being clearly marked. In addition to this being an ordinance, it’s extremely important for homeowners and business owners alike to have their address clearly visible from the street. This saves valuable time when there is an emergency for first responders to find the location and mitigate the emergency. Will be sending friendly reminders in her travels. Working with staff getting a list of all businesses with good contact info and emergency contact info. This will help the police, ambulance, and fire personnel in the event of an emergency at your location. Forms will be sent out as well as dropped off as the Office of the Fire Marshal completes the annual fire and life safety inspections.
    Additionally, I am working to spread awareness and work on a Knox box program in the Borough. Knox boxes help first responders in the event of an emergency to access the building with no damage to the building. The goal is to have all Borough businesses get Knox boxes.
    Assisting the Borough Manager with a commercial vehicle parking issue that has become problematic in different areas of the Borough. Worked with Aqua in the cleanup of the Linden Avenue pumping station, that was in disrepair and in need of property maintenance. Thank you, Mayor Schultz. In closing there was a fire two weeks ago next to and which spread to the rear of Crooked Eye Brewery. On behalf of the Borough thank you to all the fire companies that responded, the police, and the EMS crews who were present to assist. With everyone’s help, the fire was contained to mostly brush in rear yards and with minimal damage done to the Crooked Eye building. As you know it has been very dry and small fires like this, when not extinguished quickly spread, mutual aid was very much appreciated and due to the swift response from Warminster and Willow Grove the fire was put out quickly. Mutual Aid is very much appreciated during incidents like this. Just a reminder to residents, business owners or council, if you have an issue or need to report something, you can contact Borough Hall anytime or myself via email or phone.
  • FIRE COMPANY – President Ide stated the Fire Company received 21 calls in the month of May 2023.
  • UNION LIBRARY REPORT – The Library announced all of their upcoming events and you can view these on their website or call the library.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of June 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

MAY 23, 2022, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the May 22, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus and Councilwoman Reichner abstained as she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 with 1 abstention.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of May 2023 in the amount of $16,055.99. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the months of May and June in the amount of $ 33,729.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6 -0.

DCED MULTIMODEL GRANT APPLICATION -Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the application to the DCED Multimodal Grant Program. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

TRANSPORTATION SET ASIDE GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the application to the Transportation Set Aside Program for an ADA bridge at memorial Park. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION GRANT APPLICATION – This item was tabled until Council receives cost estimates.

HATBORO HORSHAM SOCCER CLUB 3V3 EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Hatboro Horsham 3v3 Soccer Game Special Event Request. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ROAD PAVING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Manager Hegele and Solicitor Geiser to begin researching updates to the Road Paving Ordinance for Utility Companies. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ALTERNATE MILKWEED PLANTING LOCATIONS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to plant the milkweed at Cressbrook only and see how it does then address another location in the future. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay. Motion carried 5-1. (VP Stockton nay)

POOL RATIFICATION LIST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the 2023 Pool Ratification list. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPEALS BOARD APPOINTMENT – This item was tabled until the Borough receives letters of interest to appoint.

HISTORIC NOMINATION – CRESSBROOK PROPERTY – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to advertise a hearing for the Historic Nomination of the Cressbrook Property. This hearing will take place during the July 17, 0223 Committee/Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

VICTORIAN VILLAGE LAND DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Land Development Extension Request for Victorian Village, extending the completion deadline for secured improvements until April 15, 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

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

NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked if there were any plans to include Juneteenth as a holiday and President Bollendorf stated they are considering it and can propose for next year.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton made amotion to adjourn the June 19, 2023, Council meeting, Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the June 19, 2023, Council Meeting at 8:43 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf