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March 14, 2022 Committee Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 14, 2022, Special Council Meeting to order at 7:00 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.

PENNYPACK SCHOOL PRESENTATION – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the Pennypack School property.

PUBLIC COMMENT

  • Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, asked about the demo cost of the building.
  • Bill Tomkins, 161 Spring Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Kelly Aharrah ,145 W. Lehman Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Bob Griffenberg, 74 Horsham Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Priscilla Hollerback, 52 W. Lehman Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Diane Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Rich Seeds, 40 Horsham Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Jen Hartigan, 26 S. Linden Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Wayne Weaver, 127 Academy Road, asked if the school district would take a redueced offer and President Bollendorf stated that the Borough’s offer is based off the appraisal they had done on the property. Mr. Weaver did not state if he supported the Borough making an offer or not.
  • Brian & Christine Schlacta, 221 Mill Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Ann Menichelli, 176 W. Lehman Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Bill Trent, 225 Horsham Road, asked about a business on the property and is concerned about light pollution and President Bollendorf stated if the Borough acquires the property there will be no business going into the building therefore residents do not have to worry about light pollution.
  • DJ Schultz, 52 Orchard Avenue, stated the ways to get in touch with a school board member because they welcome all opinions as well as encouraged all to attend meeting the next meeting, which is March 21, 2022, at 7:00 P.M.
  • Tenant, 111 N. Chester Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, asked if the Borough has the money on hand for this transaction and where is it coming, from. President Bollendorf stated there are funds in Gen Cap and there is also over $2,000,000.00 available from the Authority money and it is the Borough’s “rainy day” fund. Mrs. Reymer stated she would encourage the Borough to use the rainy-day fund as that is why it was set up years ago. She also stated she supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property. Councilman Myers stated we have a way to get some of the money back through DCNR if the transaction should happen.
  • Howard Weitz, 169 Spring Avenue, urged everyone to attend a school board meeting and supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Kate Kollar, 48 Horsham Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Laura Lasher, 211 Loller Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Suzanne Dougherty, 464 Lincoln Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Ed Henry, 238 Bonair Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Colleen Seeds, 40 Horsham Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
    Cory Kollar,48 Horsham Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • Joan Forgeng, 116 W. Lehman Avenue, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.
  • James Maccaroni, 423 Moreboro Road, supports the Borough making an offer on the Pennypack property.

NEW BUSINESS

VOTING ITEMS
MOTION TO SUBMIT OFFER ON PENNYPACK SCHOOL PROPERTY – Councilman Myers made a motion to submit an offer of $400,000.00 on the Pennypack School property. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to adjourn the March 14, 2022, Special Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. President Bollendorf adjourned the March 14, 2022, Special Council meeting at 8:00 P.M.

COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

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

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 14, 2022, Committee Meeting to order at 8:13 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 – Joseph Reymer,120 Summit Avenue, stated that the pride flag has been flying for 22 months in the sign garden at Miller meadow and asked Council if they would consider changing it every few months to also fly military flags. He asked if they would start with the Marine Corps flag as there are several employees who are vets. He also stated the light that shines on the flag is out and Manger Hegele stated they will have Public Works check it.

NEW BUSINESS
1) Public Safety Committee

  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of February 2022 is $ 26,534.63. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SPRINGDALE AVENUE PARKING BY WATER TOWER – Councilwoman Ostrander stated during one of our town halls, residents brought up about vehicles parked near the water tower and she asked Superintendent Frydlewicz to investigate the feasibility of paving this area. She stated as part of the process he was to meet with Aqua to discuss ownership of the area and access to the water tower and if council is interested in making changes, the next steps would be to discuss the matter with the Chief of Police and Solicitor to ensure we have proper ordinance for enforcement.
  • POLICE RECORDS DISPOSAL RESOLUTION 2022-07 – Councilwoman ostrander stated this is a standard housekeeping item done yearly and the resolution will allow the Chief to dispose of records. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • WARMINSTER ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT – There was no update on this project.
  • SEPTA CROSSING UPDATE PROJECT – Councilwoman Ostrander stated Septa will be renewing the Warminster Road grade crossing, along the Warminster line. The tentative dates for construction will be from Friday, April 8th at 9:00 AM through Monday, April 11th at 6:00 PM. Septa will post detours for the project.

2) Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated the library has not sent one over for this month and that the Director has been asked for it twice, but nothing has been sent. He stated if received over the weekend, staff will send on Monday and if not, this matter will have to be removed from the agenda at the meeting.
  • GRANT PRESENTATION – BONAIR, E. MONUMENT, N. PENN – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the Bonair, E. Monument, N. Penn Intersection project with revisions since the last time it was presented to Council with one major revision on E. Monument which was widening the road and showed it is 4 ½ feet wider.

    Kevin Lavery, 200 N. Penn Street, asked if the existing trees at the corner property would be impacted due to the widening of the road. Engineer Goff stated the tress would have to be removed if widening the road. Mr. Lavery asked if the stop signs are to be relocated and Engineer Goff stated that they were being relocated buy the stop bars which were shown on the revised plans. Mr. Lavery asked when the project would begin if approved and Engineer Goff stated once it goes out to bid construction could begin as early as the summer. She also stated that the grant expires at the end of the year, but they can ask for an extension if needed.

    Frank Given, 201 Bonair Avenue, asked if his fence would have to be removed and if it was going to be replaced and who would be responsible. Engineer Goff stated that we would maintain the fence and if it was damaged during construction, it would be replaced.

    Tom Rafferty, 224 N. Penn Street, asked about emergency vehicle turning and if an analysis was done and engineer Goff stated that they did a vehicle turning analysis in the intersection and it will be wide enough for emergency vehicles, buses, and trucks.

    Ed Henry, 238 Bonair Avenue, asked if parking would be allowed on both side of the street in the intersection.

    Kevin Lavery, 200 N. Penn Street, stated that on weekends when there is a family gathering, guests park on both sides of the street in the intersection and asked if they would still be able to park there after the project is complete based on the revised plans shown.

    Ken Bishop, 40 E. Monument Avenue, asked if both sides at the intersection will be paved with sidewalks. Engineer Goff stated that there will be a small section of sidewalk along the curb line on both sides with ADA ramps.

    Tricia Pizzo, 38 E. Monument Avenue, asked if sidewalks were necessary and Engineer Goff stated that sidewalks were included in the grant application, and they would have to ask if they would allow grant funding without sidewalks as the grant was for not only traffic calming but also walkability purposes.

    Susan Parker, 233 N. Penn Street, asked if the shrubs would be low or high and maintained and President Bollendorf stated they would get samples of low growing vegetation that is low maintenance for residents.

    Frank Given, 201 Bonair Avenue, stated it’s a lot of work for the residents to have to maintain the shrubs and the shoveling of the proposed sidewalks and doesn’t feel like they were given a choice about the sidewalks so why should they have to be responsible. President Bollendorf stated that sidewalks were part of the grant application.

    Vice President Stockton stated that they aren’t putting in sidewalks to know where and that the reason for the sidewalk is for pedestrian safety.

    Ken Bishop, 40 E. Monument Avenue, stated his complaint about the intersection is the stop sign as most people cruise through the intersection and maybe slow down, but they do not stop.

    Chief Gardner stated that there haven’t been any accidents at that intersection and that he doesn’t see cars flying through there, but the lane narrowing is traffic calming and it should help.

    Vice President Stockton asked if residents would like Council to scrap the grant and residents stated yes, they would, but still wanted improvements done in the area to alleviate issues that grant work would help solve.

    Chief Gardner stated that he has seen speed tables but not at an intersection and unless you sit an officer there 24/7, you will not be able to get everyone that doesn’t stop as there are over 200 stop signs in the Borough and only a few officers patrolling so he can’t have them doing stop sign enforcement. He also stated that regarding the parking on the weekends, they enforce parking based on complaints, and technically parking is not allowed by law in an intersection to begin with.
    Mr. Lavery asked about the possibility of additional signage and President Bollendorf stated they will check that possibility as well.

    Chief Gardner suggested the removal of some signs and adding yield signs as the issue is not being able to see when you stop so you must go into the intersection to see and possible the yield signs would work as we are seeing technical violations and not accidents.

    Councilwoman Ostrander stated this Council has a good track record as far as grants go and if we do not use this, there is a possibility we will not be able to in the future.

    President Bollendorf asked Engineer Goff to check the samples of shrubs for the residents and in two weeks they will vote to move forward or not.

  • GRANT PRESENTATION – WINDSOR, LANCASTER, MEADOWBROOK – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the Windsor, Lancaster, and Meadowbrook intersection project. Christine Schlacta, 221 Mill Road, asked how far the proposed sidewalks will extend. Engineer Goff stated on the bump out and on the school side. Manager Hegele stated there are also stormwater improvements with this grant.
  • DISCUSSION FOR GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SIDEWALKS IN AREA OF CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL – Vice President Stockton stated that from the townhalls they have conducted most residents are against sidewalks because of the age of the trees and they would encroach on property lines that are already small, so he doesn’t suggest putting more work into grant funding that isn’t reflective of what the people that live there want.
  • MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARPA GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated this application is due April 30 and suggested applying for a stormwater project. Manager Hegele stated Council would have to vote at the next meeting to direct staff to prepare and at April meeting vote for submission and staff could come up with a couple of stormwater projects. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL ELECTRICAL PAYMENT #2 – Vice President Stockton stated this is to approve Borough Hall Electrical payment #2 to MJF Electrical Contracting in the amount of $ 20,475.00. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPPRESSION PAYMENT #4 – Vice President Stockton stated this is to approve Borough Hall fire Suppression payment #4 to Guy M. Cooper in the amount of $ 18,420.08. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2022 POOL FEE SCHEDULE – Vice President Stockton stated this is to ratify the 2022 Pool Fee Schedule. He stated the changes are Nonresident memberships are shown with a $5.00 increase and no resident rates have been increased. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

3) Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Councilwoman Reichner stated that the Business Spotlight for the month of February is Hatboro Lumber.
  • EVENTS COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner announced upcoming events.
  • GOLD STAR GARDEN UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the committee met earlier tonight and discussed the project itself, the groundbreaking, and the Beef and beer fundraiser. She stated to stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this project.
  • GOLD STAR GARDEN EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner stated this is to approve the Gold Star Garden groundbreaking on May 21, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. in Miller Meadow. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • CROOKED BILLET PICNIC EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner stated this is to approve the Crooked billet picnic event request from the Crooked Billet HSA to use the pool for a picnic in June. She stated the form will be reviewed and completed by staff before the March council meeting. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • YMCA SWIM MEET EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner stated the YMCA has submitted three event requests to the Borough for the use of the pool in 2022. She stated the dates are 6/30,7/12, and 7/19 and council will need to vote on these requests at the March council meeting. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the FOC meet monthly and last meeting they discussed use of the grant money received from State Representative Guenst. She stated the money will be used for Heating, Roofing, electrical and security and the group is planning some fundraising events for 2022 to raise additional funds for other work needed. FOC will be working with the Solicitor on a lease agreement
  • LEASE FOR FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK/TANNERY – Councilwoman Reichner stated FOC will be working with the Solicitor on a lease agreement with the Millbrook Society.
  • WAIVER OF PARKS RULES FOR SIP N SHOP EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner stated this event will require a waiver from Council for the use of the park as well as the Chief of Police for alcohol in the park. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

4) Public Works Committee

  • LIGHT TOWER PURCHASE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated Superintendent Frydlewicz researched light towers to be used in the Borough for a multitude of things including but not limited to Emergency Management, Emergency work, Police crime scenes, disasters where lighting or emergency power is needed, and special events. She stated the two options are buying brand new or something from a rental fleet with low hours and to purchase 2 new towers is a total of at $24,000 or two used 2020 towers for $18,900. She stated Superintendent Frydlewicz would recommend the used towers for cost saving, the previous towers we used for an event were older than the above and had no issues and that we can take our mechanic to go over them for functionality before purchasing. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • AIR COMPRESSOR PURCHASE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated that Superintendent Frydlewicz has requested the need for replacing an Air compressor as their current unit is not working and is beyond repair. She stated the compressor was acquired from the Water Authority and is approximately 48 years old and due to the age, parts are obsolete, and we have done all we can do to fabricate parts to keep it alive. She stated this piece of equipment is crucial in all areas of Public Works from roadway repairs, concrete work also opening and closing of our pool, and she has quotes from five different vendors for us to get the best pricing and recommends we go with H.A De Hart & Sons at a cost of $23,616.10, and this includes all the equipment as others would add at an additional fee. She stated they use their compressor frequently for all our road repairs, concrete work, crack sealing and as mentioned above the opening and closing of our pool. When closing and winterizing the filter system the compressor provides enough air pressure to blow all water from the pipes to prevent freezing to occur and cause costly damage and stated they have used this piece of equipment approximately twenty times in 2021. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • JOB POSTING FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated they try to utilize free software whenever possible, and our posts were not getting many applicants, so they switched systems and encourage those to check our website and social media for the postings.
  • BYBERRY AND YORK TRAFFIC LIGHT – Councilwoman Jacobus stated that public Works is aware of the traffic light issues at the intersection of Byberry and York from an accident last year. She stated that PW is working with the vendor to get this repaired.
  • STREET SWEEPER DEMO – Councilwoman Jacobus stated that the company came out to Public Works for a demonstration of a street sweeper and Deputy Superintendent Dermer is applying for a grant for this.

5) Facilities

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Ostrander stated the Committee met last week to discuss Loller Academy (Borough Hall) and the needs for this building. The staff is working with the committee to look at the needs, costs and planning for those needs. Currently the building is getting much needed and long-awaited improvements, which include electrical upgrades, lighting, new heating and air conditioning and fire suppression.

6) Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • EAC UPDATE – Councilwoman Myers gave an update on the EAC.
  • EARTH DAY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Myers stated the EAC will be holding an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23rd from 10 AM to 2 PM and to please stay tuned for more information on this event.
  • ADA PLAYGROUND PRESENTATION – Councilwoman Myers stated on March 9th, the Borough was informed that we were awarded $460,000.00, which is a no match grant, in federal funding to construct an ADA Playground in Memorial Park and this funding was made possible through Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and we are extremely excited to complete this project. In the packets are renderings of the ADA Playground that will be constructed, and we will have more information on this project, a timeline, etc. once available through Congresswoman Dean’s office.

7) Administration Committee

  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the meetings for the next month.
  • SOLICITATION ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Borough Council, Staff, and the Solicitor have expressed interest in updating the Borough’s solicitation ordinance which is outdated. She stated the update would include improved regulations, fees, etc. and make our ordinance in line with other municipalities and that if Council is interested in updating the ordinance, they will need to vote to authorize the solicitor to begin drafting an amendment to the ordinance at the March 28th Council Meeting. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • CVS PROJECT LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Developers for the CVS Property went before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 9th and that the developers still have multiple comments to address on review letters from the engineer, John Kennedy, and Montgomery County. She also stated the Planning Commission will continue its review of the application on April 12, 2022.
  • 2 HOME ROAD SUBDIVISION – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that 2 Home Road went before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 9th to discuss the proposed Subdivision for the property and after review, the Planning Commission recommended that Council approve the proposed subdivision (taking a large lot currently zoned office and subdividing a small portion for the construction of a home for their parents). She also stated the applicants would like for the newly subdivided lot to be zoned R-1 Residential and Council will need to make two votes at the Council Meeting: a. Vote to approve or disapprove the minor subdivision b. Vote to hold a public hearing at the April Committee or Council meeting for the zoning change of the property. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL HISTORIC RESOURCE NOMINATION – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Planning Commission reviewed a submission from the Historic Commission to add Borough Hall to the Historic Resource Registry. She stated this will be the first property on the Registry if approved by Council and in 2 accordance with this application, Borough Council needs to have a public hearing at the March 28th Council meeting to consider the application. This item was moved to the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

C PACE PRESENTATION ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated County Planner Chloe Mohr would like to attend the March 28th Council meeting to give a C Pace presentation to Council and the County has been traveling to other municipalities delivering this informative presentation.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT – Diane Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked what was to be done with the former CVS building. President Bollendorf stated there will be 36 apartments with commercial space on the first floor.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the March 14, 2022, Committee Meeting at 9:30 P.M.

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