PRESENT VIA ZOOM – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Schultz, Chief Gardner, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Superintendent Frydlewicz, Deputy Superintendent Dermer, and Librarian Celec were present.
ABSENT – Treasurer Rich was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called that March 15, 2021 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.
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
1) Public Safety Committee
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that this is to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of February 2021 in the amount of $ 13,891.43. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
POLICE CAPITAL BUDGET REQUESTS – LESS LETHAL DEVICES – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that this is to authorize the capital budget purchase of tasers and extended range impact devices (4mm Launcher) in the amount of $20,425.00. Chief Gardner stated that it is time to put another five-year plan in effect which he has put together and now is the time to increase their less lethal devices and there is a lot of technology out there that can help police use a lesser level of force. He also stated that he reached out to DVIT and they are on board with the decision and stated that the Chief will be able to use grant funding to purchase these devices and that $8,265.00 is what remains that can be used towards this purchase. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
2) Finance/Grants Committee
INTEGRATED PAYABLES AGREEMENT – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to authorize the Borough Manager to sign the integrated payable agreement with TD Bank. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
RESOLUTION 2021-19 (MONTCO 2040 HATBORO STATION TRAIL GRANT) – Vice President Stockton stated that approve Resolution 2021-19, authorizing the application to the Montco 2040 Grant for the installation of lighting at the Hatboro Station Trail. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
RESOLUTION 2021-21 (KEYSTONE COMMUNITIES GRANT FOR CRESSBROOK) – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to approve Resolution 2021-21, authorizing the application to the DCED Keystone Communities Grant in the amount of $60,000.00 for improvements to the Cressbrook property. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
BONAIR, N. PENN, E. MONUMENT UPDATE (MONTCO 2040 GRANT) – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to authorize the engineer to proceed with the Bonair, N. Penn, and E. Monument Avenue intersection project. Engineer Goff showed the updated plans for this project and stated that a couple of concerns were brought to their attention such as Fire truck access and Royson Engineering vehicles so they did a vehicle analysis and revised the curb lines to account for vehicles and also removed two trees as a result of revising these curbs.
John Kirby, 237 Jacksonville Road, asked that since we are removing trees, can they be replanted in a different area or can we sell or donate them. Engineer Goff stated that the trees that are to be removed are too large to replant and other trees will be planted and as far as selling them for profit will have to be up to the Borough.
Kevin Lavery, 200 N. Penn Street, asked if they planned on bumping the storm drain out along with the curb. Engineer Goff stated that it will be bumped out and they will be extending the pipe that comes off his property as well so that the storm water is not affected on his property. He asked if the street would be narrower and parking was a concern and Engineer Goff stated that parking will still be allowed as it will not be narrower on the other side. He also asked if the gradual speed bumps are still on the table to help reduce speed at the intersection and Engineer Goff stated yes. John Kirby stated that he was concerned about speed bumps if a snowplow came through and damaged the plow. President Bollendorf stated that that is the issue with having speed bumps and Superintendent Frydlewicz is looking into that. Chief Gardner stated that they did a speed study and 85% were well below the 25mph speed limit. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
LANCASTER, WINDSOR, AND MEADOWBROOK GRANT UPDATE (CBDG GRANT) – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to authorize the engineer to proceed with the Lancaster, Windsor, and Meadowbrook CBDG Grant. Engineer Goff showed the plans for this project and stated that they also did a vehicle analysis. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
MILLER MEADOW PHASE II UPDATE (DCNR PARKS GRANT) – Engineer Goff showed the updated preliminary concept that she has right now and went over where the parking is to go at Miller Meadow. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if how much space as an off set for the turn arounds versus just extending the lines. Vice president Stockton stated that he would like to keep as many spots as we can since a lot of events there have been discussed and it’s to be a destination park but trying to keep as many spaces available at this sight would be his preference.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton stated that this is to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of March in the amount of $17,539.75. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council meeting Agenda for approval.
3) Community Outreach & Events Committee
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: HHEF FUNDRAISER WALK – Manager Hegele stated that the HHEF board just voted to approve the walk for Horsham and Hatboro and she met with the interim director Stephanie Simon and they discussed a possible route for Hatboro and she will be coming forth with an Event request next month. This item was tabled until the April meeting.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: PRIDE FESTIVAL – Councilwoman Reichner stated that this is to approve the special event request submitted by SAGA Community Center for the Bucks/Mont pride Festival. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council meeting Agenda for approval.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT LOCATION/DATE ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated that this is to authorize the Chamber of Commerce to hold National Night out in Miller meadow on August 13, 2021. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
NEW BUSINESSES – Councilwoman Reichner stated that the new businesses are The Hungry Moon located at 36 S. York Road and DeLoach Essentials located at 216 N. York Road.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: HATBORO PIZZA GRILL – Councilwoman Reichner stated Hatboro Pizza Grill is the March Business Spotlight and they are located at 213 N. York Road.
HISTORIC OVERLAY ORDINANCE UPPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated the Planning Commission and Historic Commission have been meeting with Borough Staff and County Planner Mohr and they are moving a long and the draft ordinance should be ready for Council to review soon.
ZONING SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated that they had their first zoning sub-committee meeting March 9 and everyone is excited to be working on this project and they are looking at the zoning in the business district first then will phase out from there.
4) Public Works Committee
RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that this is to engage in a recycling technical assistance composition study in the amount of $406.56. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
SAFE DIGGING RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that this is to approve Resolution 2021-20, supporting Safe Digging Month in Pennsylvania. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
MUNICIBID UPDATE (SALE OF TRASH TRUCK) – Councilwoman Benjamin stated that a trash truck was listed on Municibid for sale. Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that truck 15 was listed and the one bid for $10,100.00 did not meet the reserve price. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if we could see it at that price even if the reserve price was not met. Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that we can. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
5) Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION GARDEN CERTIFICATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that they joined the National Wildlife Federation and are now in their program and through this program the EAC aims to make Hatboro healthier, greener, and more wildlife friendly. She also stated that as a part of this program the EAC is challenging residents to have their gardens certified according to NWF standards.
EAC UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that they had their reorganization meeting March 1 and Jill Murray is now the President of the EAC. She also stated that the EAC is working on a partnership with the High School and also working with Public Works to potentially certify and future plantings in Miller Meadow as a protect the pollinator plan.
6) Administration Committee
HOOKAH LOUNGE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to advertise the draft Hookah Lounge Ordinance. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council meeting Agenda for approval.
STOVEWORKS FEE IN LIEU OF – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to authorize the solicitor to draft a resolution for the fee in lieu of improvements for the Stoveworks Project. Manager Hegele stated that this project, which is now Hatboro Lofts, has been done for a couple of years and it was discovered that some of the public improvements were not done. And that the Borough worked with the developer of the property to try to get the improvements taken care of and the developer has come forward with a proposal for a fee in lieu of which the proposal is for $37,000.00. The initial cost was $130,000.00 but since it has been a few years the developer felt his offer is fair and Council will have to decide if they want to accept the offer and apply for grants to off-set the remining cost. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council meeting Agenda for approval.
CLAIMS/ACCIDENTS UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that currently we have five open claims for property and structures being hit such as stop signs and parking meters and one involved a squad car that was hit during a traffic stop.
EMPLOYEE YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that currently there have been discussions about the importance of recognizing employees and their commitments to the Borough. She also stated that they will recognize employees who have reached milestones with the Borough.
COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that this is to approve the Council Meeting Schedule for Spring 2021 as follows: Monday April 19, 2021, Monday May 17, 2021, and Monday June 21, 2021. This item was moved to the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda for approval,
MARCH 2021 MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced all the meetings for March 2021 which will be held virtually via zoom.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Marianne Reymer, 120 Summit Avenue, asked if there will be handicap parking at Miller Meadow and Engineer Goff confirmed that there will be. President Bollendorf stated that they should have a parking spot for Veterans as well.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the March 15, 2021 Committee Meeting at 7:49 P.M.
BOROUGH OF HATBORO
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting to order at 7:49 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – There was no public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated that the Chamber of Commerce has been meeting with the Borough regarding events they have planned, and this weekend is the first event called Spring into Hatboro for restaurant weekend.
Mayor Schultz also stated that with Earth Day coming up he will be talking to Councilwoman Anzinger and the EAC and they would like to coordinate some events on April 24 in one of the parks.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that he and Councilwoman Reichner were part of a pool meeting and that they are hoping to open the pool but will be subject to state, county, and the Chief’s guidelines for opening it and are planning some events for the pool if they can open and have given Superintendent Frydlewicz the go ahead to assemble the shade structure.
President Bollendorf stated that he and Councilwoman Reichner also met with the developer who purchased the Cannalley property from TNT Diner down to Bruder Electric and showed some preliminary plans and will be going through the zoning committee as well as the Planning Commission.
President Bollendorf state that the Borough was informed that as part of the recovery package signed by President Biden the Borough will be receiving some funds and have not received an amount yet but the preliminary ones he has received are significant and he has asked Solicitor Geiser to research this so that the funds are spent correctly with the terms of the stimulus money.
President Bollendorf read the Borough Employee Milestone Recognition List.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegle stated that at the end of February 2021, the balance was $3,750,458.58 with interest earned on all accounts in the amount of $514.03.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that today she had an argument in Commonwealth Court involving RAV Collision’s appeal from the Hatboro Zoning Hearing Board for the property at 318 Springdale Avenue and they will not rule on this quickly like the Wawa appeal.
Solicitor Geiser stated that she is working on development agreements for Victorian Village and that this project will be moving forward.
Solicitor Geiser stated that right now the state has their articles of incorporation for Friends of Cressbrook and this has been filed with the state and we have our tax ID number.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that they have been assisting Borough Staff with various grant applications that they are pursuing.
Engineer Goff stated that under the MS4 services they are undergoing the source investigation throughout the Borough.
Engineer Goff also stated that under the Jacksonville Montgomery Signal Project, SEPTA is still working on improvements that are on the west side of the intersection and as far as the east side they said it was OK to start work on that section this week.
Engineer Goff stated that under the Loller Academy improvements project, this project s currently out to bid and that the bid opening is March 26.
Engineer Goff stated that under the ADA ramps to Crooked Billet School their survey crew was out last week and they are now developing the existing conditions plans.
MANAGER’S REPORT –Jacksonville & Montgomery Update: Manager Hegele stated that Carr & Duff is working there again doing ramp work in effort to open the east side of the intersection for pedestrians.
Capital Budget Update: Manager Hegele stated that staff is working with departments to review each of their capital budget needs for the next 5 years and that once we are done with each, then a public capital budget workshop will be scheduled.
Manager Hegele stated that PECO recently notified the Borough that their contractor Intren will be performing inspections on natural gas meters and regulators to assure the safety of their customers. She also stated that representatives will have PECO contractor ID badge and will be visiting properties throughout the area. There are no costs to the customer, no interruption of service and they will not need to enter homes and if anyone has questions call PECO, all information is on the Borough website and fb.
Manager Hegele stated that Community Day at the Pool is Saturday 5/22 and the pool opens Saturday, May 29th. Memberships will be going on sale soon, stay tuned to Borough website and Facebook. She also stated that we are still looking for lifeguards for the 2021 season if anyone is interested please reach out to Borough Hall for an application.
Manager Hegele stated that the Fire Marshal is reminding everyone with the recent springtime change to check all smoke detectors. The Borough also has smoke detectors if anyone needs one.
Manager Hegele stated that over the weekend the NWS issued a red flag warning. A red flag warning means weather conditions combined with wind speed and dry fuels will allow for rapid wildfire spread and growth. While we asked everyone this weekend to take extra care during this period to not discharge cigarettes from moving vehicles or into vegetation or mulch, we want to remind you that with the lack of rain to still be very careful.
Manager Hegle stated that Friday March 16th at noon, Senator Collett will be hosting a virtual tax prep town hall to answer questions about tax filing during COVID. Information about this program is on our FB page.
Manager Hegle stated that the Borough is launching a new spotlight program. As Council is aware the first of each month, we spotlight a different business and this month we wanted to begin to acknowledge and thank our volunteers who serve on different boards and commissions, this month we thanked longtime public servant Richard Guyer from the Civil Service Commission. Manager Hegele also stated that volunteers will be spotlighted the second week of each month and the third week of the month we will spotlight one of the Borough’s parks and lastly the final week of the month is reserved for spotlighting a staff member so please stay tuned to our Facebook page to learn more about our great local businesses, your neighbors who volunteer, the beautiful parks we have and the staff that make Hatboro a great place to live and work.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Chief Gardner stated that he wanted to report that he recently attended a ceremony at the DA’s office recognizing the service of Chief County Detective Sam Gallon. He stated that he recently retired for the County Detective’s who is a big part of Hatboro who served at the Hatboro Police Department for 23 years retiring as Chief of Police in 2002 and he wanted to extend his congratulations.
TAX COLLECTIONS – Tax Collector Mount stated that the starting balance in the beginning of the month was $4,206,594.03 and that $135,906.02 was collected the month of February leaving a collectable balance of $4,070,688.01.
PUBLIC WORKS – Superintendent Frydlewicz stated that they have packed up the snow equipment and have been cleaning up the streets and have begun to get the parks ready and the beginning of next month they will be starting to get the Hatboro Memorial Pool ready.
PARKS REPORT – Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that they are getting mulch to get the parks ready and that the mulch bin at Memorial Park is stocked right now and will be kept stocked throughout the summer.
Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that they are getting the pool ready.
FIRE MARSHAL – The February 2021 Fire Marshal report was electronically submitted.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT – There was nothing to report.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Librarian Celec stated that the Library building is open again by appointment for browsing and computer use and that you can call them or email to make an appointment.
Librarian Celec stated that he and his staff are talking about how they will do a reading program this summer and they may possibly do it hybrid.
Librarian Celec stated that wireless hot spots are available to loan and very soon they will be circulating laptops.
Librarian Celec stated that the building committee has made progress toward a final plan and he will report once it is completed.
Librarian Celec state that they are not able to do a shred this year and may do a mini book sale instead.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice president Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of March 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FEBRUARY 22, 2021 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the February 22, 2021 Committee/Council Meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Anzinger abstained as she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of February 2021 in the amount of $13,891.43. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
POLICE DEPARTMENT CAPITAL BUDGET PURCHASE: LESS LETHAL OPTIONS – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to authorize the capital purchase of tasers and extended range impact device in the amount of $20,425.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
President Bollendorf asked Chief Gardner if the grant was going to offset some of the cost and Chief Gardner stated yes and it will be less than half of the amount.
INTEGRATED PAYABLES AGREEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the Borough Manager to sign the integrated payable agreement with Td Bank. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 2021-19: MONTCO 2040 GRANT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-19, authorizing the application to the Montco 2040 Grant for the installation of lighting along Hatboro Station Trail. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 2021-21: KEYSTONE COMMUNITIES GRANT– Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-19, authorizing the application to the DCED Keystone Communities Grant in the amount of $60,000.00 for improvements to the Cressbrook Property. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
BONAIR, N. PENN, E. MONUMENT MONTCO 2040 GRANT – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion toto authorize the engineer to proceed with the Bonair, N. Penn, and E. Monument Avenue intersection project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LANCASTER, WINDSOR, AND MEADOWBROOK CDBG GRANT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize the engineer to proceed with the Lancaster, Windsor, and Meadowbrook CDBG Grant. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure list for the month of March in the amount of $17,539.75. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: HATBORO HORSHAM EDUCTIONAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER WALK – This item was tabled until an Event Request is submitted.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: PRIDE FESTIVAL – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the special event request submitted by SAGA Community Center for the Bucks/Mont Pride Festival. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner. Councilwoman Anzinger abstained because she sits on the Board. President Bollendorf asked for a written letter stating why she abstained from the vote. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT DATE/LOCATION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to authorize the Chamber of Commerce to hold National Night Out in Miller Meadow on August 13, 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASISTANCE GRANT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to engage in a recycling technical assistance composition study in the amount of $406.56. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SAFE DIGGING RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-20, supporting Safe Digging Month in Pennsylvania. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HOOKAH LOUNGE ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to advertise the draft Hookah Lounge ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
STOVEWORKS FEE IN LIEU OF – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to authorize the solicitor to draft a resolution for the fee in lieu of improvements for the Stoveworks Project. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Council Meeting Schedule for Spring 2021 as follows: Monday April 19, 2021, Monday May 17, 2021, and June 21, 2021. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
AUHORIZE SALE OF TRASH TRUCK #15 ON MUNICIBID – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to accept the bid for the sale of trash truck #15 on Municibid for $10,100.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
GRANT FOR STOVEWORKS (HATBORO LOFTS) IMPROVEMENTS – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to allow staff to apply for a grant for the Stoveworks (Hatboro Lofts) improvements. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to adjourn the March 15, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the March 15, 2021 Council meeting at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele/Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf