PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Benjamin, Engineer Hyne, and Solicitor Kilkenny were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the June 25, 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
HATBORO ROTARY PRESENTATION – Robert John from the Hatboro Rotary gave a presentation detailing the Hatboro Rotary’s band shell project which has been underway since 1999. Mr. John highlighted that adding a band shell to one of Hatboro’s parks will bring in unique activities and musicians to Hatboro as well as provide a location for community events and create memories. Mr. John stated that the Rotary will be able to construct the band shell in Eaton Park in the next year with the help of DCNR grant funding and Borough Council.
Mr. John presented Council with a proposed plan of the band shell. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the Rotary was set on the design of the proposed band shell. Mr. John stated the Rotary is flexible with the design.
Mayor Guenst asked why the Rotary is not considering Miller Meadow as a location for the band shell as it have ample public parking compared the Eaton and Memorial Parks. She noted that it would be easier to have the band shell closer to Main Street and good for the band shell to be visible from York Road. President Bollendorf stated that the Borough might have to petition to Montgomery County to put the band shell in Miller Meadow as it is a designated open space. Mr. John stated the parking lot at the Hatboro Pool and the parking in Memorial Park to accommodate for the Eaton Park band shell location. He noted that events would not be held during pool operating hours to ensure parking is available. Mr. John also noted that the Rotary did not consider Miller Meadow because of the noise level from York Road traffic.
Councilman Forgeng asked about the Miller Meadow Memorial. Councilwoman Anzinger stated the memorial is being planned for Memorial Park as it currently does not have a memorial or a flag contrary to its namesake.
President Bollendorf asked how much funding the Rotary has. Mr. John stated the Borough previously committed $150,000 for the project. He stated they also had other organizations interested in donating funds for the project.
President Bollendorf asked what the estimated cost of the band shell is. Mr. John stated the estimated project cost is around $675,000. Mr. John stated the Borough agreed to do the site plans and the parking plan for the project.
President Bollendorf instructed Mr. John and the Rotary to meet with the Environmental Affairs Committee and the Steering Committee to determine a location to place the band shell as it is a large element of the Hatboro 2040 plan. He also recommended the Rotary talk to the Police Chief to discuss parking.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that she would like to meet to determine a set location for the band shell and would like to make sure the Rotary is spending money on an agreeable design. President Bollendorf stated that the Borough can use some of the County Planning funds to contribute to the design of the band shell to save money.
SECOND ALARMERS PRESENTATION – Ken Davidson, Assistant Chief of Second Alarmers, gave a presentation on the duties, operations, and funding challenges of Second Alarmers. Mr. Davidson noted Second Alarmers has been serving the Borough since 1999 and has been in service for over 80 years. Mr. Davidson noted that Second Alarmers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that aims to save lives, provide quality service to the town, and keep the community safe. Mr. Davidson noted that Second Alarmers personnel makes up a large amount of their budget and while their employees provide high quality service, their pay is often low. He noted that Second Alarmers is funded by service revenue, grants, donations, and other supplements and that less than 1% of their funding comes from the Municipality being served. Mr. Davidson stated that Second Alarmers does not get a lot of reimbursement money from responses due to insurance and federal programs and that if this trend continues, Second Alarmers will not be able to sustain their service as is. Mr. Davidson noted that Second Alarmers is asking for more municipal funding now before their funding situation worsens.
Mr. Davidson proposed that the Borough creates an EMS Tax at a rate of 0.12 mills which would average about $18.00 per property per year. Mr. Davidson stated that an EMS tax is a trend across the state as other organizations are experiencing the same problems.
Mayor Guenst asked what other communities Second Alarmers serves. Mr. Davidson stated Second Alarmers serves Willow Grove, Upper Dublin, Jenkintown, Rockledge, Abington, Hatboro, and Whitpain. Mayor Guenst asked if Second Alarmers would continue the Fund Drive in place with this EMS tax. Mr. Davidson stated yes, they plan to keep the Fund Drive as stopping it would almost double the amount needed through the EMS tax. Mayor Guenst asked if the other municipalities give Second Alarmers a free building to use. Mr. Davidson stated that Whitpain, Hatboro, and Abington give Second Alarmers a free building while the others do not. Mr. Davidson stated that each municipality has its own agreement which is why this differs.
Mayor Guenst asked how much money the average EMT makes. Mr. Davidson stated that the average EMT makes $15.00-$18.00 an hour. Mayor Guenst stated this was not enough. Mayor Guenst asked if Second Alarmers still utilizes volunteers. Mr. Davidson stated that there are not many volunteers needed as the facilities are staffed 24/7. Mr. Davidson stated that volunteers are often trainees and often only assist calls.
Mayor Guenst asked if any of the $5,085,000 in assets that Montgomery County Second Alarmers has are liquid. Mr. Davidson stated that only a few $100,000 is liquid and that Second Alarmers does not really have a fund they can dive into for quick money in an emergency situation.
Mayor Guenst asked if receiving a yearly donation from the Borough is easier than obtaining a referendum for a percentage of millage. Mr. Davidson stated that according to the tax authority, the Borough can tax up to .5 mills for EMS services without a referendum.
Mr. Davidson stated that Second Alarmers will accept money either via EMS tax or donation; however, the trend in other areas is to add a tax for EMS to prevent Second Alarmers from requesting funding each year during budget. Mayor Guenst stated that Hatboro has a very stagnant tax base and asked what the expected cost increase would be in future years. Mr. Davidson stated that there is only a slight increase expected.
Councilman Forgeng asked how Second Alarmers finds employees who will work for the low salaries. Mr. Davidson stated it is very difficult and that their staff often works multiple jobs and that a lot of employees are not loyal to Second Alarmers in the long run.
Mayor Guenst asked if Second Alarmers is looking to expand to other municipalities in the future. Mr. Davidson stated they will only do so if it makes sense to do so.
President Bollendorf stated that the Public Safety Committee should meet with Second Alarmers and create a recommendation for Council. President Bollendorf stated he likes the millage idea better and asked if Second Alarmers would consider community training events for the Borough. Mr. Davidson said yes, they do whatever they can to get involved with the community. President Bollendorf added that Second Alarmers would also get a seat at the table if the referendum takes place so taxpayers can obtain updates on what tax dollars are being used for.
Lee Phillips asked what percentage of return Second Alarmers gets from the fund drive in Hatboro. Mr. Davidson stated it is only around 14.2%. Ms. Phillips stated that the percentage is upsetting and that she believes taxpayers will support the EMS tax. Mayor Guenst added that having the ambulance in Hatboro is comforting for residents and that taxes would have to be raised to accommodate the EMS tax if implemented otherwise another area of the Borough budget will be reduced.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst announced that she gave a proclamation for the Hatboro Lions Club’s 70th Anniversary. Mayor Guenst stated she, President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilman Hegele, and Manager Hegele attended the PSAB conference from June 10th-13th and it was a very educational opportunity. Mayor Guenst stated that she will be attending a Mayor’s meeting with fellow Mayors from other Boroughs in Narberth as well.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the PSAB conference was very successful and added that it is important to send Borough staff to future training events. President Bollendorf stated that he and Manager Hegele attended a DVIT seminar to learn about insurance costs, employee relations, and contract negotiations.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs reported that at the end of May, the Borough accounts had a total of $3,986,665.55 and a year to date interest earned of $6,501.94.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that her office continues to work with Borough Staff regarding litigation, personnel matters, and the drafting of ordinances such as the massage parlor ordinance and the street vacation ordinance for the Crooked Billet Elementary School project.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated the bid opening for the 2017 CDBG project took place on June 20th; however, the bids must be rejected due to non-compliance with the required bid documents. Engineer Goff stated that she is working on the Growing Greener Grant Application for a streambank restoration project in Memorial Park. She stated that Remington and Vernick is also working on a grant application that will supplement a portion of the Borough’s required match for the Jacksonville and Montgomery Avenue Green Light Go Grant. Engineer Goff stated that she is working on the 2018 Road Paving project bid documents and will be prioritizing the roads in the following order: Loller Rd., with the alternates being Summit Ave., Lincoln Ave., and Chester Ave.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele thanked Council for the opportunity to attend the PSAB conference and DVIT seminar as they were both great professional development opportunities. Manager Hegele announced that PennDOT will be coming before Council on July 9th to request a waiver from the Borough’s noise ordinance to allow them to mill and pave York Rd. during the overnight hours. Manager Hegele announced that the July Bulk Trash Collection dates have been changed due to Independence Day and that the pickups will take place on July 11th and July 18th. Manager Hegele stated that the York Road sinkhole has been repaired by Public Works and that safety was a priority during the job. Manager Hegele stated that Borough staff will be sending letters to commuters in the areas affected by the Commuter Parking Ordinance to notify them of the change. She added that Borough Hall has ordered permits and is compiling a contact list to call residents once they arrive.
Councilman Forgeng asked if the Borough received any reimbursement from PennDOT for making repairs to the York Road sinkhole. Manager Hegele stated that no, the Borough cannot receive reimbursement for the work due to a change in laws. Councilman Forgeng asked is paving York Road is the Borough’s responsibility. Manager Hegele stated no, PennDOT is paving. Councilman Forgeng asked why the Borough had to pay for the sinkhole repair if PennDOT will pay for paving. Superintendent Sine stated that the new laws establish that Boroughs specifically are responsible for repairs on and under state roads.
Manager Hegele stated that the Hatboro Horsham School District notified her earlier in the day that the Crooked Billet Monument is being moved within the next week and will take residence in Oreland to be restored during the school construction. Manager Hegele stated that the Historic Commission is also looking for a temporary home for a cannon that was found in the basement of Crooked Billet School. Chief Gardner stated that he can store it in a safe place until the new Crooked Billet School opens.
Manager Hegele stated that Borough Hall is selling Hate Has No Home lawn signs for $5.00 per sign
Manager Hegele thanked Chief Gardner for receiving his PEMA emergency management certification.
Manager Hegele congratulated Councilwoman Benjamin on the birth of her son. Mayor Guenst stated this was the first time a Councilwoman deliver a baby.
Manager Hegele announced that Lochel’s was named one of Montgomery County’s best donut. She reminded everyone to vote for the Sweetest Bakery in America Contest. Councilman Hegele asked why the Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Manager are not supporting this competition. Manager Hele stated that the Chamber will not due to tax implications and that she will ask the Main Street Manager why he is not supporting and promoting the contest.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that the Police Department’s bike patrol is up and running. He noted that this patrol will be utilized during the summer and during events. Chief Gardner stated that the new Tanner Park security Camera has been installed and is operational. Chief Gardner stated that the new records management system for the department is live as of June 25th. He stated that the majority of the department has been trained in the new system. Chief Gardner stated that the records management system is much more capable than the old system and will be much more efficient. Chief Gardner stated that the Department is doing well with training and that Officer Swoyer and Officer Paul recently attended the Montgomery County Emergency Services for Crisis Specialization. These officers are now certified as Crisis Intervention Specialists. Chief Gardner stated he plans on sending other officers to this free training in the future.
Chief Gardner announced that the Police Department and the Montgomery County SWAT team will be training in the Crooked Billet School on June 26th and June 27th. This training will include explosive breaching. He stated letters will be delivered to nearby homeowners and that the information will be posted to Nixle, the Borough Facebook and Borough website.
Chief Gardner stated that the department is beginning to post press releases to the Borough’s website. He stated this information can be found on the Police page of the Borough website. Chief Gardner added that the department will also look to post traffic studies from speed signs on the website as well.
Chief Gardner stated that the Pennsylvania Radar Coalition notified him that there have been updates to Senate Bill 251 that will affect the department’s use of radar. He stated he believes radar use should be permitted in the state of Pennsylvania.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works repaired the York Road sinkhole between June 11th and June 15th. He noted that this work was completed in-house for around $8,000 compared to external bids upwards of $16,000. Superintendent Sine thanked Remington and Vernick for their help during the project.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Micro-resurfacing project is expected to being in mid-July. Councilman Forgeng asked is the same number of streets will be resurfaced as years’ previous. Superintendent Sine stated that the number of streets has remained consistent over the years and this resurfacing saves the Borough a lot of money. Superintendent Sine noted that this micro-resurfacing project is paid with a portion of the Borough’s liquid fuels money.
Councilman Forgeng asked how Horsham Road is holding up since being mirco-resurfaced. Superintendent Sine stated it is holding up well and that Public Works cut out a small section of the road to repair a water leak and patch the pothole this leak created.
Councilman Forgeng asked if residents must obtain permits for street openings. Superintendent Sine stated yes, utility work requires a permit from Borough Hall if they must open the street.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated he submitted the Firehouse Subs grant for the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle and is waiting to hear for their response. Fire Marshal Myers stated that there was a brief emergency management situation when the Carnival came to town in May. He stated that this incident lasted 12 hours and thanked volunteers and staff for helping during the incident. He added that Peco was able to divert power for residents as well. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he is utilizing the FEMA schedule to bill the responsible party for the costs associated with the incident. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he had an intern with him during the month of May.
Councilman Forgeng asked what happened with the Firehouse’s elevator. Manager Hegele stated that the Firehouse elevator is not under warranty and that the Fire Company must pay for the repairs.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton 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 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of June 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MAY 21, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the May 21, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6 -0.
MAY 24, 2018 CAPITAL BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the May 24, 2018 Capital Budget Workshop Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6 -0.
JUNE 4, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the May 7, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6 -0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of May in the amount of $7,902.59. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PURCHASE OF CRIME SCENE CAMERA KIT – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Hatboro’s Police Department’s purchase of a crime scene camera kit in the amount of $3,699.87. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2018 MICRO SEALING PROGRAM – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Borough of Hatboro to piggyback on the Whitpain Township paving contract for road sealing as per Borough Manager and Superintendent of Public Works. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2018 ROAD PAVING PROJECT BID AUTHORIZATION – Vice President Stockton motioned to authorize the bidding of the 2018 Road Paving Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION 18-13: COMCAST FRANCHISE AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-13, authorizing the execution of a cable franchise agreement between the Borough of Hatboro and Comcast of Pennsylvania, LLC. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES
TREEVITALIZE GRANT UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that TreeVitalize notified the Borough that they are not eligible for the basic TreeVitalize grant that was originally applied for and that they must apply for the Urban Riparian Buffer Grant or a Community Education grant. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Borough would still request $1,500 in funding. Councilman Forgeng asked how many trees the Borough will get through this grant. Assistant Borough Secretary stated if Council wants to pursue the Urban Riparian Buffer Grant, the state will tell the Borough what types of trees can be planted in the area based on the current vegetation and this will determine how many trees the Borough can purchase.
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the application for the TreeVitalize Urban Riparian Buffer Grant. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
2017 CDBG CURB RAMP PROJECT BID REJECTION – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to reject all bids for the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp Project due to nonconformity with the required bid specifications. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2017 CDBG CURB RAMP PROJECT BID AUTHORIZATION – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the rebidding of the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Mr. Joe & Parker Hall stated they run the Kat Hall Wiffleball Classic each year in the Hatboro Little League Field. This event helps families in need and brings the community together for a fun event. Parker Hall noted that Crooked Eye Brewery would like to sponsor the 2018 event and will donate money for every beer purchased during the event. Chief Gardner stated that selling alcohol in a Borough park would need an exception or waiver to the ordinance and possibly permission from Horsham Township since the park is in their jurisdiction. Chief Gardner stated that they will need to complete a park use application and note the special request. Councilman Forgeng asked if there would be a cost for the solicitor to look into this matter. Manager Hegele stated it would fall under regular business. Councilman Hegele stated that the Borough has had questions about the Little League Field and the laws that regulate it since the Borough of Hatboro owns it but it is located in Horsham Township. Councilman Hegele stated it would be a great idea to finally investigate the matter to determine what can and can’t be done on the property. Solicitor Geiser stated that she is the solicitor for Upper Moreland Township as well and that she believes they have raised similar questions.
Lee Phillips stated that Lochel’s Bakery is wonderful and congratulated them on their recent award from Montgomery County. She stated that Lochel’s often donates donuts to Ben Wilson Senior Center and it is a very kind gesture. She added that Main Street Hatboro should be promoting such a wonderful business.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the June 25, 2018 Council Meeting at 9:20
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis