PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Officer Ruegg, Solicitor Ciuca, Engineer Hanna, and Fire Marshal Myers
ABSENT
Councilman Hegele, Treasurer Kalnajs, Engineer Hanna, and Solicitor Kilkenny were absent
CALL TO ORDER
President Bollendorf called the March 26, 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 Officer Ruegg.
MEETING NOTES
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough has had two new businesses open. The first was Nutz About Popcorn in which she highly recommended. The second business was Healthy Nails and Spa which is a beautiful new business located near Daddypop’s.
Mayor Guenst thanked everyone who attended the March Mayor’s movie night which featured A League of Their Own. She stated that she has not yet picked out a movie for the April movie night, but that she will announce it as soon as the movie is chosen.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked Public Works for their wonderful job during the recent snow storm.
President Bollendorf stated that he, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Superintendent Sine, and Manager Hegele visited the Hatboro Pool to review some possible upgrades to the facility and the current status of the pool. He stated that Council hopes to have a list of proposed upgrades at the April Council Meeting.
President Bollendorf stated that he, Manager Hegele, and Chief Gardner have been working on a property maintenance issue at a property on New Street. He stated they visited the property and that the issue is being resolved in an expeditious manner.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs was absent. Vice President Stockton gave the Treasurer’s Report. Vice President Stockton stated as of February 28, 2018, the total funds for Borough accounts was $2,175,936.62 with a year to date interest in the amount of $2,221.41.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Ciuca stated that his firm has been working with the Fire Company over the last month on some litigation issues regarding construction issues with the Fire House. He added that his firm has also successfully removed the mortgage from the Fire House property during the last month. Solicitor Ciuca stated he also reviewed a draft of the proposed Parking Ordinance and has been working to obtain the official State of Pennsylvania appointment of Fire Marshal Myers for the position of Emergency Management Coordinator.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Hanna stated that he and Engineer Hyne met with Borough Staff to discuss ongoing projects.
Engineer Hanna stated that the Borough’s application for the MS4 permit was submitted earlier that day and that the Borough will be able to meet the required pollutant reduction standards. He added that Remington & Vernick will look into grants and additional funding to help offset any costs the Borough might incur while implementing the required pollutant reduction measures.
Engineer Hanna stated that PECO completed repairs to the gas leak on York Road earlier in the week and that the Borough can now move forward with the submission of the Highway Occupancy Permit.
Engineer Hanna stated that the 2017 Community Development Block Grant Program bids documents will be completed by his firm within the week and that the accepting of bids will commence shortly after.
Engineer Hanna stated that he and Superintendent Sine will meet in April to go over the 2018 Road Paving Program and that he will prepare a cost estimate for the scope of work.
Engineer Hanna stated that he planned to meet with traffic engineers for the intersection of Jacksonville Road and Montgomery Avenue during the month of March; however, the nor’easter prevented the meeting from taking place and he will be rescheduling in April.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the March Warrant List was reformatted in a more organized manner and if Council has any feedback, she will forward the information to the finance office.
Manager Hegele stated that there was a small change in the meeting’s agenda earlier in the day with regard to the Borough’s Recycling Grant. She stated that since this is a standard yearly recycling grant and does not require matching funds, there is no action required from Council.
Manager Hegele stated that Council was in receipt of a revised Fee Schedule and that while there are minimal changes, she would like to highlight some of them. She stated that the Borough is adding Property Maintenance Fees to the Fee Schedule and that adding these fees to the Fee Schedule will help the Borough recover costs of staff cleaning up property maintenance problems if residents refuse. Wireless Telecommunications Permit Fees were also being added and these fees will help cover the fees of the third party used by the Borough to ensure that no taxpayer dollars are used. Manager Hegele stated that Special Event Fees were also being changed. She noted that the previous Fee Schedule was not dollar specific, so staff has updated the Fee Schedule with specific numbers corresponding with the FEMA 2017 Schedule of Equipment Rates. Lastly, Manager Hegele stated that there will be changes in the Memorial Pool fees as well and that these fees will be presented to Council during the April Committee Meeting.
Manager Hegele stated that she and Borough staff have been working daily to resolve the property maintenance issue on New Street.
Manager Hegele stated that Borough Hall has received numerous event requests for reoccurring events that do not require an action from Council. These events include the Hatboro Farmer’s Market, the Library Book Sale, and Crooked Billet School Day at the Memorial Pool.
Manager Hegele stated that several grants are due at the end of the week including a PECO grant for improvements at Eaton Park, a CDBG grant in which she is working on with Engineer Hanna, a DCNR grant, and a DVRPC grant for transportation improvements and bicycle trails in the Borough.
Manager Hegele stated that she had a productive engineering meeting and that the Borough plans to study some parking issues taking place in and around the SEPTA station.
Manager Hegele stated that she sent a thank you letter to every Public Works employee the previous week for their hard work and dedication during the winter. She stated that Public Works has done a fantastic job this winter and commended them for their dedication.
Manager Hegele stated that the Borough had some new faces in attendance for the meeting. The first was Officer Ruegg who was filling in for Chief Gardner and the second was Public Works employee Greg Puceta.
Manager Hegele stated that Diane Wilkes from the Library was in attendance as well. Ms. Wilkes stated that the Union Library has a new Library Director, Michael Celec. She stated that Michael is a welcomed addition to the Library. Mr. Celec stated that he has been getting to know staff and members of Borough Council over the previous weeks. He stated that anyone who has not met him yet can visit the Library to do so at any time. Mayor Guenst commended Michael for his article in the Intelligencer. She added that the Borough is very excited to have him. Ms. Wilkes stated that the Library will be at the April Council Meeting to give a report on the Library and discuss funding.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Officer Ruegg stated that if the bike patrol is approved by Council later in the meeting, everything is in order for its reinstatement. Officer Ruegg added that the Department is making progress with the Tanner Park security cameras.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that a tree in Eaton Park had fallen during the most recent nor’easter and had damaged a resident’s fence. He stated that Public Works removed the debris the next day and repaired the fence. He thanked Manager Hegele for reaching out to Ron McKnight of the Shade Tree Committee who inspected the tree and stated that the tree had some dead branches that should be removed. He stated that while the resident wanted the tree removed, Public Works consulted a contractor to remove the dead branches as they are too large for Public Works to safely remove.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Recycling Technical Assistance Application was submitted. He stated that the consulting firm is contacting the PA DEP to recommend the approval of the Borough’s application. He reminded Council that there is no cost to the Borough for this technical assistance and will give the Borough $7,500.00 in free consulting services which equates to around 50 hours of service.
Superintendent Sine stated that he is finishing the Borough’s 902 Recycling Grant which is being submitted for the purchase of a new recycling truck and new recycling bins. He stated that the grant funding will total about $265,000 in which the Borough is responsible for a 10% match. He stated that Greg Puceta from Public Works has done a fantastic job working on the grant and gathering all of the information. Superintendent Sine stated that the DEP required a massive amount of information for the grant and that he could not have done it without the help from the finance department, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, and Tax Collector Emig.
Superintendent Sine stated that he received an email from Project Manager Joe Zadlo earlier in the day in which Mr. Zadlo stated he no longer believes the fire alarm issue at the Public Works Facility is the responsibility of Gordon Baver. Superintendent Sine stated that he is disappointed because Mr. Zadlo previously supported the withholding of payment to Baver Construction until the issue was resolved and now he has changed his opinion. Mayor Guenst asked if the Borough has looked into having a third party review the fire alarm system to see if it was installed properly. Superintendent Sine stated that he would like the Borough’s current alarm company to review the alarm system and make a recommendation based on his findings. Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough spent a lot of money on the fire alarm system and that it should work properly. Vice President Stockton asked if Mr. Zadlo provided any reasoning for his sudden change of heart. Superintendent Sine stated that Mr. Zadlo indicated that past management made a change in the type of heating system that is apparently causing the ongoing issues.
Superintendent Sine and Greg Puceta gave a presentation to Council on the Public Works Department’s standard procedure for trash and recycling disposal, bulk trash procedures, as well as the Department’s costs for refuse collection. Superintendent stated that the Borough collects a large tonnage of trash each year and that the DEP has recommended that the Borough should emphasize and encourage recycling in a more aggressive manner. Superintendent Sine noted that the Public Works Department is operating in a deficit and does not make any money from trash, recycling, and bulk item collection. Superintendent Sine stated the Public Works is currently hiring and applicants can submit resumes to Borough Hall.
Mayor Guenst stated that Public works does a fantastic job and that the idea of twice a week recycling collection is a good idea and it would greatly benefit the Borough. Superintendent Sine added that Public Works implements passive enforcement in the form of handouts to remind residents what can and can’t be recycled while they are out in the field.
Lee Phillips, asked what the term White Goods means. Superintendent Sine stated that this term referred to appliances such as washers, dryers, etc.
President Bollendorf asked if other townships run a similar deficit. Superintendent Sine stated he is not sure. President Bollendorf asked what the Borough charges for commercial refuse collection. Superintendent Sine stated that the Borough only has 90 commercial properties that pay for collection. Manager Hegele stated that commercial fees for refuse collection are $735.00 per unit and annual refuse fees for residential properties that are non-owner occupied are $357.00, and that she can obtain information on regular residential refuse fees. She also stated that she can find out whether or not other municipalities run a similar deficit.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked what steps would need to be taken to move to twice a week recycling collection and once a week trash collection. Superintendent Sine stated that residents need to be more educated on what can and can’t be recycled and that the Borough would need to implement an enforcement mechanism. He stated that he would have to dedicate an employee to examine what is being done right and wrong with recycling collection to improve the system. Superintendent Sine stated that Upper Moreland Township has an employee that is dedicated to this duty and it works well with their system.
Matt Coyle, North Penn St. stated that he has never had a problem with the Public Works employees, but that the twice a week trash collection is important because a buildup of trash could cause a rodent issue. Superintendent Sine stated that this presentation was not meant to propose any changes, but to inform everyone of the Department’s current procedures.
Frank Hierholtzer, 236 E. Moreland Ave., stated that the Public Works employees have a hard job and they are great people. Superintendent stated that the employees take pride in their work and that they are willing to do whatever they can to expand their service to the residents.
Michele Johnson suggested that the Borough move away from non-recyclable cutlery in restaurants in town and stated that Public Works does a great job.
Councilman Forgeng stated that recycling becomes second nature over time.
Greg Puceta, Public Works, stated that commercial businesses that do not recycle greatly impact the Borough’s performance reviews and the Department’s collection tonnage. He noted that adding an enforcement measure could help with this problem.
Manager Hegele stated that once the Borough receives the results from the technical assistance study, Council can see if the Ordinance needs to be changed. She noted that recycling is promoted amongst all departments and that new residents receive information on what can and can’t be recycled upon moving in. She stated that the Public Works Department does not make a lot of money for their positions and yet they never complain. Superintendent agreed that they do a great job and work extremely hard.
Nancy Barr, Wood St., stated that Public Works did a great job trimming trees along Wood Street last summer and that they have done a wonderful job clearing snow this year.
Superintendent Sine stated that the Borough is always available to answer questions and help residents. He thanked Mr. Puceta and Assistant Secretary DeRenzis for creating the presentation and for the rest of Borough Staff for their hard work on a daily basis.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated that Borough Administration, Public Works, Police Department, and Fire personnel had an emergency management debrief to discuss the Borough’s response to the recent storms and to brainstorm various improvements. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he has been reviewing various fire lanes throughout the Borough and working to obtain updated emergency contact information for businesses. He added that he will be meeting with the Hatboro Horsham School District Director of Safety to review the KNOX Boxes and emergency access to schools in the event of an emergency. Fire Marshal Myers also stated that the proposed addition of the property maintenance fees will help the Borough implement quicker enforcement of violations for years to come.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Treasurer’s Report, and the Upper Moreland Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers or the month of March 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
FEBRUARY 26, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the February 26, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MARCH 12, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the March 12, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of February 2018 in the amount of $6,081.38. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
POLICE DEPARTMENT BICYCLE PATROL REACTIVATION – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve the Police Department Bicycle Patrol Reactivation. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
Officer Ruegg stated that the bike patrol should be up and running around June.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE (RESOLUTION 18-04) – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 18-04 updating the Borough’s Emergency Management Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TANNER PARK SECURITY CAMERA – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the placement of the Tanner Park Security Camera. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
Vice President Stockton stated that Elm Street Hatboro will be purchasing the actual security camera equipment and that the Borough will be responsible for purchasing the monitor for the camera and the $50.00 per month modem fee.
PUBLIC WORKS MUNICIPAL RECORDS DISPOSAL (RESOLUTION 18-05) – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve Resolution 18-05 for the Public Works Municipal Records Disposal. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TREE VITALIZE GRANT – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the application for the Treevitalize Grant. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PECO GREEN REGION GRANT (RESOLUTION 18-07) – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-07 for the application for the PECO Green Region Grant. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
RULES OF CONDUCT FOR MEETINGS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Rules of Conduct for Meetings. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton.
Councilwoman Benjamin stated that she never received the final version of the rules of conduct. Vice President Stockton stated that the rules remained unchanged from the first version submitted to Council at the Committee Meeting.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
JUNE MEETING DATE CHANGE – Vice President Stockton motioned to change the June Committee Meeting Date to June 4, 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked why the meeting was being moved. President Bollendorf stated that there is a Borough’s Association Conference taking place during the original June 11, 2018 meeting date that Council would like to attend.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE (RESOLUTION 18-06) – Councilwoman Anzinger Motioned to approve Resolution 18-06 for the update to the 2018 Fee Schedule. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
RORER AVENUE CDBG PAYMENT REQUEST #2 – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Rorer Avenue CDBG Payment Request #2 in the amount of $3,027.23. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton.
LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger Motioned to approve the appointment of Michele Johnson to the Library Board. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
Vice President Stockton welcomed Ms. Johnson to the Board and thanked her for volunteering.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS – Mayor Guenst stated that Tom Murt’s office will be holding a shredding event on Saturday, May 12 in conjunction with Hatboro Federal. Councilwoman Benjamin stated they will also collect e-waste with the exception of monitors.
NEW BUSINESS – None
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Matt Coyle, 47 N. Penn St., stated that the parking situation on the streets surrounding the train station is horrendous and that he has presented this problem to previous Council. He noted that commuters are parking on the streets surrounding the train station rather than paying to park in the commuter lot. He stated that there were previously signs on his street that limited parking to 2 hours; however, they were deemed unenforceable and removed. He stated that Council should look at the traffic flow through Hatboro to come up with a solution. Mr. Coyle noted that the intersection of N. Penn and Montgomery Avenue is particularly problematic due to the high number of accidents that occur there.
Mayor Guenst stated that she met with Chief Gardner to discuss this issue and that Council will be discussing a proposed solution at the April Committee Meeting.
Mr. Coyle stated that this is not an isolated problem and that commuters are even refusing to park in the Station Park overflow lot. He added that trucks have also been parking on his street and that he was told there was no ordinance to prohibit this. Mayor Guenst stated she would look into this.
Officer Ruegg stated that he believes that the ordinance prohibits the parking of any truck above a class one on a residential street and that the department has run into this issue before.
Mr. Coyle stated that the previous solicitor had mentioned permit parking was illegal in the state of Pennsylvania; however, this is not the case. Mayor Guenst agreed. President Bollendorf stated that Council will be discussing this issue and a proposed solution at the April 9th Committee Meeting.
Manager Hegele stated that the engineer is going to be performing a study on the parking in the area to devise a solution to the parking problem as well as the traffic flow in the area.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated she also lives on Penn St. and that motorists often speed up the street and cause an issue with visibility.
Frank Hierholtzer, 236 E. Moreland Ave., stated that commuters have been parking on his street for years and this is not a new problem.
Nancy Barr, Wood St., stated that Best Line Equipment has been idling trucks and equipment lately that is causing issues for her and her dog. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if this idling was legal. Officer Ruegg stated that idling is legal in certain areas, but if they are creating a lot of noise, Ms. Barr can call 9-1-1 to report the issue. She stated she has tried to talk to the Best Line employees, but they are not listening to her.
Mr. Coyle agreed that the Best Line Property should not be idling their vehicles per state law and that their property is disorderly and messy. President Bollendorf stated that Fire Marshal Myers will take a look at the condition of the property.
Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy, asked for an update on the Pennypack Bridge replacement. Manager Hegele stated that the Borough secured a grant for the project and that it will be going out to bid shortly. She added that the School District does not want to replace the bridge until school is on summer break in June.
Ms. Nuss asked what the stakes in the ground in the area of the bridge mean. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that this could be a wetlands delineation or survey markings in preparation of the bridge replacement. Ms. Nuss added that she has noticed the uneven terrain in the area which is unsafe for the young children. Manager Hegele stated she has been talking to the school district and they agreed to maintain the area a little better until the bridge can be replaced.
Ms. Nuss stated that she would be willing to join a beautification committee if Council ever formed one. She also stated that Council should consider hiring someone to walk York Road to pick up trash that builds up on the sidewalks.
President Bollendorf asked if Public Works can handle this. Superintendent Sine stated that the department does have a street sweeper, but that it is out for repairs at the moment. He stated that Public Works will pick up items in the roadway if they see them. Ms. Nuss stated that the trash is more of a problem on the sidewalks themselves.
Ms. Nuss asked if Council had any details on the Spring Cleanup taking place on Earth Day. Marianne Schaeffer, 101 Crooked Billet, stated the Chamber of Commerce is arranging this event from 8 AM to 3 PM. Manager Hegele stated the Borough has noticed trash on York Road as well and that it will be handled personally with property owners.
Mayor Guenst stated that property owners could use a reminder to clear trip hazards and remove trash from the exterior of their properties. Manager Hegele stated she will work with Main Street to come up with a plan.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked if the Borough could initiated targeted Code Enforcement for this problem. Manager Hegele stated that yes, she has noted specific properties in the past and has worked with specific property owners to remediate issues.
Marianne Schaeffer asked if the Borough is still planning on initiating the Business Improvement District. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Borough is still reaching out to businesses and property owners to designate an area to establish the district. President Bollendorf stated that Council is reaching out to other municipalities for sample ordinances and plans to implement this type of district. He added that the fees associated with this district could help pay for beautification efforts like litter removal. Councilwoman Anzinger stated it could also help pay for power washing facades and cleaning storefronts.
Mayor Guenst asked when Public Works Seasonal employees are expected to return to work. Superintendent Sine stated that they are scheduled to return on April 16th. He added that he is looking forward to running the Borough’s street sweeper to clean up the streets after the long winter.
ADJOURNMENT – The March 26, 2018 adjourned at 8:21 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis