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March 13, 2023 Committee Meeting Minutes

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

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 13, 2023, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

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

MORELAND AVENUE BRIDGE PRESENTATION (MONTGOMERY COUNTY) – Tom O’Brian, Administrator of Roads, and Bridges for Montgomery County stated the Moreland Avenue bridge is structurally defective and has a low sufficiency rating of 4 with zero being the worst, and it is beyond repair and replacement is clear. He stated it’s his understanding that the biggest impact regarding replacement is the Hatboro Pool and parking as they requested temporary use of 4 of the parking spots at the pool but they might be able to construct out of sequence so they may not use the 4 spots depending on pool opening and start of bridge construction and that regardless if they use the spots or not, there will still be clear access to the pool as they do not want to disrupt the community during the summer. He also stated he is begging the Borough to sign off so they can begin work. Councilwoman Jacobus asked how much a little bit of time is.
Mr. O’Brian stated that part of construction may only take a month and that the project is expected to take a year so for them a month is only a little bit of time. Manager Hegele asked when they are proposing to start the project and Mr. O’Brian stated that they were hoping to have the Right of Way by the end of April and the project would be complete November 2024. Manager Hegele stated the Warminster Road bridge project is scheduled to begin April 1st and Mr. O’Brian stated he is aware of
that project, and it may not start then based on communication he has had. Mr. O’Brian’s Engineer stated that their goal was to get the bridge under construction ASAP because once they schedule their contractor, they have to wait for Verizon which would take 12-16 weeks to come to the site to start moving utilities therefore the demo might not happen until after January 1st 2024 and that the road will be closed for at least one pool season but the access to it will not be impacted at all. Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked about the procedure leading up to the start of construction. The Engineer stated utility companies will not move utilities until they have selected a contractor, and they require 12 – 16 weeks before coming to the site. Mr. Battis questioned why it is taking so long and Mr. O’Brian asked for his email to send him why bridge projects take long but that getting the ROW is a lengthy process. He also stated they have a 2-million-dollar bridge project they are trying to out in before they have to close the road and if they wait and do not get all the approvals in line then they will have to close it until it gets built. The Engineer stated because of the conditions, they will eventually have to close the bridge if we wait too much longer but the real culprit here is Verizon as unfortunately they are also at the mercy of their schedule and if they do not get utility clearance (ROW) then they will not be able to go to 100% plans and it will delay the project and then it could be a redesign and as stated before, the bridge will have to be closed due to the conditions that were previously stated. She also stated they do not want to be forced to close it and be in a position where they cannot replace and would be a lose/lose for the County and the Borough. Vice President Stockton stated that he is more concerned with the bridge falling down than the pool schedule and knows it is a pain but wants to put safety first. Manager Hegele stated that knowing this ahead of time, when memberships are sold for the 2024 season, we will be able to inform residents of the project so they will be made aware of the situation. The County ROW Officer stated that they are currently working with the property owner in the corner house and the Borough to get the documents signed and they are hoping to get the negotiations wrapped up in the next two months. Mr. O’Brian stated that he hopes to get the project moving froward quickly, so they do not have to close it. He also stated he will leave his email with the Borough so anyone can contact him with questions or concerns regarding the project as well as educational materials regarding design, timing and permitting process.

MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agenda with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

NEW BUSINESS
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 February 2023 in the amount of $9,127.14. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • POLICE HIRING UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Chief Gardner’s memo states they have concluded the competitive testing process for this year’s entry level police officer eligibility list and have also completed polygraph examinations on the top three candidates and are working on background investigations. The Civil Service Commission is meeting on March 22, 2023, to consider the certification of the list of candidates. Accordingly, he anticipates the names of three eligible candidates will be presented to the Council at the March 27, 2023, Council meeting. At that time, I will recommend a candidate for a conditional offer of employment to fill a vacancy in the police department created by the retirement of Sgt. John Carr.
  • WARMINSTER ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated the Warminster Road Bridge Replacement Project is scheduled to begin April 1, 2023, and as a result of this project, detours will be in place to direct motorists away from the work site. She stated wo separate detours are designated (one for cars and one for trucks) and motorists should plan for delays when traveling in the area of work or along the detour routes. Residents living within the area of the bridge may also experience increased traffic on side streets due to the bridge closure. Staff is passing out notices to residents near Mill Road to remind them of the possibility of increased in their area. The bridge project is expected to last through October 2023 and all information relating to the project and detour routes is listed on the Borough website. She stated we will continue to announce updates as they are available.
  • SEPTA UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated that on March 18, 2023, SEPTA will be performing maintenance to the Warminster Regional Rail line as they will be unloading a train carrying continuous welded rail to replace the existing rail between the Roslyn and Warminster stations and is expected to take approximately 10 hours to complete.

Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated the Union Library has not yet completed their expenditure list for this month and as a result, we have left this as a placeholder for when their list is submitted for Council’s Review.
  • WILLIAMS LANE AND SUMMIT AVENUE PROJECT UPDATE – Engineer Goff stated this is a grant
    funded projects and permits were just approved.
  • MEADOWBROOK FLASHER- Engineer Goff stated this is a grant funded project and waiting for the signed easement and once they receive the document, PennDOT will approve the permit and both projects will be put out to bid.
  • FIREHOUSE GRANT EXTENSION – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough’s grant consultant is still in the process of finalizing the documents for the Fire House Grant Submission and because grant consulting is no longer his full-time job, he needs additional time to process the information needed and submit everything to the state. As a result, we must request an extension from the state for the grant. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO STATION TRAIL PRIOJECT PAYMENT #3 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending payment request #3 for the Hatboro Station Trail Project to Lenni Electric in the amount of $56,914.30. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HUD APPROPRIATIONS GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated congress has opened applications for their 2023 Committee Appropriations Grant Funding and there is no limit to how much the Borough can apply for monetary wise and there is no required match. Upon researching requirements and project eligibility, the Facilities Committee proposed applying for HVAC and Kitchen Upgrades at the Pennypack Facility. As most are aware, there is no air conditioning within the Pennypack Facility, which limits the building’s use during the summer months. Heating is also inconsistent throughout the building due to the age of the existing HVAC system. In addition to the HVAC upgrades, the Facilities Committee would also like to include the purchase of some basic commercial equipment for the kitchen of the Harriet Ehrsam Community Center. Both of these improvements will help the Borough utilize the Community Center for a senior center, warming/cooling center and evacuation center for emergency management purposes, year-round community programming, and more. Because this grant is due on March 15th and has no match requirement, staff has begun preparing an application and Council will need to ratify the submission of the application at the March 27th Council Meeting. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • DCNR GRANT APPLICATION- Vice President Stockton stated following the February 27th Council Meeting, Staff and Engineer Goff met with DCNR to discuss an application for a new Memorial Pool Slide (as approved by Council). Unfortunately, DCNR advised the Borough that we will need to conduct a feasibility study prior to their organization considering an application for a pool slide. As a result, staff and Engineer Goff are requesting that Borough Council authorizes the approval for a feasibility study of the pool facility in place of the slide application approved last month. This study will aid the Borough in receiving other recreational and aquatics grants for the pool in the future as well as help Borough plan future improvements to the facility based on its current needs. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL CHANGE ORDER #3 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the approval of Change Order #3 for the Borough Hall Mechanical Contract. This change order will result in a contract reduction of $18,429.00. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #15 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending Payment #15 for the Borough Hall Mechanical Contract to Guy M. Cooper Inc. in the amount of $14,324.66. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPPRESSION CHANGE ORDER #2 –Vice president Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the approval of Change Order #2 for the Borough Hall Fire Suppression Contract. This change order will result in a contract reduction of $13,193.79. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL ELECTRICAL CHANGE ORDER #4 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the approval of Change Order #4 for the Borough Hall Electrical Contract. This change order will result in a contract reduction of $39.47. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • WAWA FINANCIAL SECURITY RELEASE #2 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the second financial security release for the Wawa project. RVE is recommending a total financial security release of $454,463.00 for the completion of required site improvements at the development. After this release, there will be a total of $1,094,111.37. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BEEKEEPER GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated the EAC has requested that Council consider application to the Montgomery County Beekeeping Association grant and this grant could provide funding for beekeeping operations within the Borough and educational information. The Borough is currently working with our insurance company and solicitor to determine whether there are any legal issues with the Borough keeping bees and will report back to Council with our findings.

Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Councilwoman Reichner announced the Business Spotlight for the month of March is March 29th is Mom and Pop Small Business Owners Day and encouraged everyone to shop locally.
  • NEW BUSINESS – There were no new businesses in February.
  • UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner announced the April events.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Friends of Cressbrook Organization met on Tuesday, March 7th and the Board discussed their upcoming Cressbrook Cookout Event as well as their participating in the upcoming Millbrook History Fair. She stated the Board will also be beginning to sell magnets and memberships to the organization as a fundraising opportunity.
  • 2023 BANNER SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the following is the banner schedule and Wednesday dates were used as the start for the banners to go up since in the past that has been the best day of the week for Public Works to do the hanging of the street banners. Car Show- Hatboro Chamber Banner- June 28th thru July 26th , National Night Out- Hatboro Chamber Banner- July 26th thru August 16th , Lobster Pot- Rotary Club of Hatboro Banner- August 16th thru September 6th, St John’s Bosco Fall Festival- St John’s Church- September 6th thru September 20th, Hatboro Federal Savings Skeleton Skurry- Hatboro Chamber- September 20th thru November 1st, Hatboro Holiday Parade- Hatboro Chamber- November 1st thru November 29th, and Happy Holidays- Hatboro Chamber November 29th thru January 3rd. She also stated they are also requesting that the Hometown Hero Banners are on display from May through November. If the banners can stay up until after the Holiday Parade that would be great if scheduling allows.

Public Works Committee

  • 8-1-1 SAFE DIGGING MONTH – Councilwoman Reichner stated included in your packet is a resolution celebrating Safe Digging Month in Pennsylvania and we would like to remind residents to always dial 8-1-1 prior to performing any digging at their properties to keep themselves, family, and property safe. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • ELECTRONICS RECYCLING CONTRACT – Councilwoman Reichner stated in 2022, the Borough of Hatboro contracted with eCovanta for the disposal of electronics recycling and this contract expired at the end of 2022 and as a result, the Borough needs to sign a new contract with eCovanta in order to continue collecting electronics recycling. She stated this contract is identical to the previous contract signed with the exception that it will automatically renew each December 31st. She also stated as a reminder, the due to changes in DEP regulations, the Borough needs to have a valid contract with a licensed disposal company in order to conduct electronics recycling collection and events otherwise collection of these materials is prohibited. If the Borough Council would like to proceed with renewing this contract, Staff will have Solicitor Geiser to review the updated contract prior to the March 27, 2023, Council Meeting. Once the contract is reviewed and considered by Council, Staff will proceed with filing the remaining documentation with the DEP. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

Facilities Committee

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated President Bollendorf, Manager Hegele, and herself met with the County to discuss the possibility of adding a traffic garden to the Pennypack Facility and will present to us in April. She also stated the Pennypack Committee has been planning the 2nd Bingo event.
  • LOLLER UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated if everything goes accordingly, Borough Hall should be back in full operation in April. She also stated that Public Works will be opening the pool Aril 1
    st and Pool Memberships will go on sale in April as well/

Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC met March 6th and will meet again April 3rd. He
    also stated they will be having an Earth Day event on 4/22/23 at the Pennypack Facility.
  • URBAN FARMING GRANT UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Borough is happy to announce the receipt of $2,100 in Urban Farming Grant Funds from the Commonwealth. These funds will be used for the installation of community garden beds at Pennypack. Please stay tuned for more information on this project.
  • APPOINTMENT OF EAC CHAIR – Councilman Myers stated the current EAC Chair Tom Bilotta has requested to step down from his position of chair. While he will remain on the EAC as a member, he can no longer lead the group due to time constraints and personal availability. He stated as a result, Council will need to appoint a new chair of the EAC and both Kelly A’Harrah and Judith Swanson have expressed interest in becoming the new EAC chair and that both of these individuals have an immense passion for the environment and conservation. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • PARKS RULES ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated as a result of purchasing the Pennypack Property, Council will need to update the Parks Rules Ordinance to list Pennypack as an official Borough Park. He stated this will subject the property to all of the rules applicable to other parks within Hatboro. In order to draft an amendment to the Parks Rules Ordinance, Council will need to authorize Staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an amendment for review at a future meeting. This item was moved to the March 27, 2023, Council Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • DCNR LAWN TO MEADOW INITIATIVE – Councilman Myers stated he and Manager Hegele held a meeting with representatives from DCNR to discuss the Lawn to Meadow Initiative. DCNR has set aside $21,000 for the first round of projects in Hatboro and a second, smaller round may be available in the near future. At this point in time, DCNR is requesting the finalization of project sites so they can proceed with the bidding process with their preferred contractors for the work. Included in your packet are several projects which have been identified as viable. Each acre would be equal to $6,000 of the available funds which amounts to a total of approximately 3.5 acres. Councilman Myers is suggesting that the projects included in the first round be as follows (total of 3.53 acres): 0.53-acre riparian buffer repair at the LL facility, 1.21-acre riparian buffer repair at the PP facility, 0.68-acre meadow installation at the PP facility, 0.6-acre riparian buffer repair at the PP facility, 0.51-acre riparian buffer repair at Eaton Park. He also stated while there are many areas of our riparian buffers and parks system that would benefit from this program, these specific projects are in direct response to public input over the past few months and he is suggesting that projects included in the second round include: 0.82 acre riparian buffer repair at Memorial Park, additional suggestions include but are not limited to the riparian buffers on the Cressbrook property, riparian buffer repairs at Celano Park, riparian buffer repair and/or a meadow installation at Eaton Park, etc. He also stated we are working to schedule a public Zoom meeting with the representative from DCNR for residents that would include a presentation on this initiative and time for a Q&A session. If approved, DCNR is projecting that installation for the two rounds of funding would occur in the Fall of 2023 and the Spring of 2024. DCNR is glad to include civic participation of the design of the meadow and buffers which could include the EAC and the Gardeners of Crooked Billet. Volunteers from the community, if interested, can participate in the spreading of the seeds for projects that are approximately 0.5 acres (LL facility and/or Eaton Park).

Administration Committee

  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the upcoming meetings
    for the next month.
  • ZONING CHANGE HEARING REMINDER: 21-23 & 37 N. YORK ROAD – Councilwoman McMenamin stated as a reminder, Borough Council will be holding a public hearing to review a zoning change request received for the property located at 21-23 & 37 N. York Road on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 7 PM (prior to the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. She stated the applicant is requesting to change the zoning of these properties from HB-Highway Business District to RC-2 Retail Commercial District. The Borough has scheduled numerous updates on Facebook and the website to remind residents of the hearing and the public is encouraged to attend to provide feedback on the application. A copy of the application is available for review at Borough Hall during business hours.
  • TOWN CENTER ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Borough Planner Kennedy is working diligently alongside the Zoning Sub Committee and the Montgomery County Planning Commission to prepare a draft of a proposed Town Center District for the Borough’s business district. Planner Kennedy has completed a draft of the ordinance which will be considered by the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. She stated the public is invited to attend to provide feedback on the proposed ordinance and participate in the discussion. Once the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the ordinance, it will be forwarded to Borough Council for review.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked Engineer Goff how the Borough is progressing on the riparian buffer repair in Memorial Park. Engineer Goff stated that we are still waiting for approval from the DEP for that project.

Gorge Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, asked what the plan was for the riparian buffer for the Pennypack property. President Bollendorf stated it will be done but still in the early planning stages and will keep everyone updated.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the March 13, 2023, Committee Meeting at 8:01 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:

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