PUBLIC HEARING – BOROUGH HALL HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATION
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to open the March 28, 2022, Public Hearing regarding the Borough Hall Historic Register Nomination. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC HEARING: BOROUGH HALL HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATION – Solicitor Geiser stated we are here pursuant to the Historic Preservation Ordinance which is an ordinance the Borough which is an ordinance that was enacted in January 2021 and according to the ordinance, Council needs to hold a public hearing when there’s consideration to move a building onto the registry in this case it’s Loller Academy located at 414 S. York Road. Solicitor Geiser also stated that the Ordinance requires a description of the building to be nominated and that Loller Academy is a historic building located in Hatboro which the original section was built in 1811 and is a two-story stucco building which features a Belfry clock and was housed as a school until 1960 and in 1978 it was added to the National Registry of Historic places and is now home of our own Borough Hall. Solicitor Geiser also stated this nomination was put forward by Hatboro’s Historic Commission and pursuant the Ordinance, it was advertised on March 14th and March 21st of this month. Solicitor Geiser asked if there was any comment from Council or the public regarding the nomination. President Bollendorf thanked the Historic Commission.
Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to close the March 28, 2022, Public Hearing. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf closed the Public Hearing.
VOTING ITEMS
MOTION: Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the nomination of Borough Hall (Loller Academy) to the Historic resource registry, and subsequently approve the addition of the property to the register. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to adjourn the March 28, 2022, Public Hearing. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the March 28, 2022, Public Hearing regarding the Borough Hall Historic Register Nomination at 7:05 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING
PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Ostrander, Councilman Myers, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Chief Gardner, Deputy Superintendent Dermer, Fire marshal Dermer, Fire Company President Ide, and Treasurer Smith were present.
ABSENT – Mayor Schultz and Councilwoman Jacobus were excused. Superintendent Frydlewicz was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
INVOCATION – Manager Hegele led the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – There was no public comment. Borough Manager Hegele swore in Tyler Dermer as the Hatboro Fire Marshal.
MAYOR’S REPORT – There was no report.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Borough submitted an offer on the Pennypack property to the School District and are waiting for a response from them.
President Bollendorf stated we had a Gold Star Garden meeting earlier tonight and the committee continues to meet every two weeks and the project is moving along well. He also stated the groundbreaking is May 21, 2022, at 9:30 AM.
President Bollendorf stated Friends of Cressbrook had a meeting and gave a tour to the Millbrook Society to see if there is any interest. He also stated that they received a $60,000.00 grant and that will be used to replace the roof and install heat and some other repairs.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the ending balance on all accounts for February 2022 is $3,001,218.97 with interest earned in the amount of $ 385.05.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated this month she worked on Pennypack and drafted the agreement of sale and submitted that to the school district.
Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on various matters involving Cressbrook including drafting an agreement between Millbrook and friends of Cressbrook.
Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on any routine matters with Borough staff.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she is working on permits for the Hatboro Memorial Streambank.
Engineer Goff stated she has been working with Borough staff on various grant applications including the DCNR grant application for the Pennypack property acquisition.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated staff will be meeting with pool management to get staff on boarded for the 2022 season, still looking for guards, snack stand and front desk staff, information on how to apply is on our website under careers and pool memberships go on sale on April 18th.
Manager Hegele stated Sidewalk Survey notices were sent to property owners in the 300 block of Bonair, N. Penn, Lancaster & Windsor.
Manager Hegele stated that as far as the Warminster Road SEPTA UPDATE: Work begins on Friday, April 8th at 10 PM through Monday, April 11th at 6:00 AM and Septa will be performing full-depth renewal of the South Warminster Road grade crossing, which includes removal and replacement of ties, rail, and panels. Work will occur during the overnight hours and residents in the area have been notified. Shuttle buses will run from the Warminster station to the Willow Grove Station as trails will not run through the Borough during this project.
Manager Hegele stated that CVS Update – as previously reported this matter has been before the PC and Council and is scheduled to return to the PC on April 12th. Staff has been working with the property owner and his representative along with the BCO to issue the permit to demo the building. They are still working out logistics and notifications. Stay tuned for when this work will be scheduled. There may be sidewalk closures as well as parking restrictions both out front on York Road and behind the building.
Manager Hegele stated that the Corinthian Trail work has resumed, light poles and installation is scheduled weather permitting the end of the week of April 4th. Final seeding and mulching will take place after with final inspection scheduled in mid-April.
Manager Hegele stated that for the Hatboro Station Lighting Project Grant, the bid documents are ready, this will be on your April agenda to authorize advertising. This work should begin in the early summer pending bids received.
Manager Hegele stated that April is a busy month for events, stay tuned to the Borough and Chamber Facebook pages for events, dates, and times.
Manager Hegele stated that the Earth Day event April 23rd from 10 to 2 at Eaton Park
Manager Hegele stated that she met with committee to discuss ADA Playground in Eaton Park.
Ron Battis, 320 w. Moreland Avenue, stated he thought the playground was going in memorial park. President Bollendorf stated because of the floodplain, the Borough doesn’t want to violate their own ordinance so the playground will go in Eaton Park.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Chief Gardner stated he and Sgt. Ruegg attended a Law Enforcement conference.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS – Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated Public Works has started some post winter maintenance including a lot of park maintenance and started some upgrades to the pool last week. He stated they replaced the windows in the snack stand.
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT PARKS REPORT – Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated on March 15th he submitted the application for the DCEDLSA Grant and thanked Council for allowing Public Works to use that grant to hopefully upgrade their much aging fleet.
Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated in March they did $ 3, 175.00 in sales on Municibid.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated I have one item this evening which is great news for Hatboro. Borough Staff had mentioned the past few meetings a no match grant we applied for and submitted in December 2021, and I mentioned last meeting we were selected as recipients of this grant. Staff submitted a project idea with a budget of $ 39,642.00 and we are happy to announce that the T Mobile review team was impressed by our project’s potential impact in the community and the thoughtful planning and feasibility of the project and therefore has chosen Hatboro as one of the recipients. This Hometown Grant will fund a streetscape revitalization at 49 S. York Road in front of Joe’s Pizza & Hatboro Garden Nail & Spa. This project includes the replacement of sidewalks, pavers, the addition of planters and benches, as well as new trash and recycling receptacles. This project is part of the Hatboro 2040 Plan, which proposed to bring the residents, visitors, and the Hatboro business community together to enjoy a beautiful outdoor leisure area. The proposed project location is directly in the center of town, which has over 250 businesses most of which are small family run shops and restaurants. As if that isn’t exciting enough, the T Mobile team will have a check presentation celebration in Hatboro on Wednesday April 6, 2022, at 11:00 A.M at the project site.
Council, Staff, residents, and the business community are welcome and encouraged to attend this celebration as there will be treats and giveaways. As we move forward, staff will keep Council, residents, and business owners updated regarding the start, duration, and completion of this project which will begin and finish within the year. (Per agreement March 31, 2023) Thank you, T Mobile, Smart Growth America, and Main Street America, for choosing Hatboro and helping the revitalization of our Main Street.
FIRE MARSHAL – The Fire Marshal report was electronically submitted.
FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company responded to 28 calls for the month of February 2022.
FC President Ide stated they will be participating in the earth day event in April.
FC President Ide reminded everyone enterprise is 100% volunteer and always looking for volunteers.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Director Celec stated the library went back to being mask optional a few weeks ago following guidance from the County.
Director Celec stated that story time is back in person with Mr. Jim on Friday’s and may add another one.
Director Celec stated that they made some repairs to the building including the roof, heating system, and the room that flooded, which is a public space, is being restored and should be up and running for the public again before the next meeting.
Director Celec there will be in person summer programming starting the week after the end of the school year.
Director Celec stated there will be a book and plant sale and shred on May 7th and State Representative Nancy Guenst is sponsoring the shred.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, Public Works, fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
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 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FEBRUARY 28, 2022, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the February 28, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MARCH 14, 2022, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the March 14, 2022, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of February 2022 in the amount of $ 26,534.63. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
POLICE RECORDS DISPOSAL RESOLUTION 2022-07 – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve resolution 2022-07, Authorizing the disposal of certain police records pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipal Records Manual. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of March 2022 in the amount of $ 19,853.39. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARPA GRANT – Councilman Myers made a motion to direct Borough Staff to prepare a stormwater project application for the Montgomery County ARPA Grant for review at the April Committee Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOROUGH HALL ELECTRICAL PAYMENT #2 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve payment certificate #2 for the Borough Hall Electrical Contract to MJF Electrical Contracting Inc. in the amount of $ 20,475.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPRESSION PAYMENT #4 – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve payment certificate #4 for the Borough Hall Fire Suppression Contract to Guy M. Cooper in the amount of $ 18,420.08. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2022 POOL FEE SCHEDULE – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-08, adopting the memorial Pool Fees for 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
GOLD STAR GARDEN EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the special event request for the Gold Star Garden Groundbreaking event to take place at 9:30 AM on Saturday May 21, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
CROOKED BILLET PICNIC EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the special event request for the Crooked Billet 5th grade picnic to take place at the Memorial Pool. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
YMCA SWIM MEET EVENT REQUEST
Vice President Stockton stated that the last time Council approved multiple events only one was utilized so he wants to make sure all are utilized.
Bill Seeds, Executive Director Willow Grove YMCA, stated that their plans are to go ahead with all events and the reason not utilizing all events in the past was due to COVID restrictions.
Councilman Myers stated that they would keep the events to two this year and were there any Mr. Seeds preferred and Mr. Seeds stated he preferred the first two if all three would not be approved.
MOTION: Vice President Stockton made amotion to approve the TMCA Swim Meet request for 5 PM to 9 PM on June 30, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Councilman Myers made amotion to approve the YMCA Swim Meet request from 5 PM to 9 PM on July 12, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: No motion was made to approve the YMCA Swim Meet request for 5 PM to 9 PM on July 19, 2022, and no vote was taken.
WAIVER OF PARK RULES FOR SIP N SHOP EVENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the waiver of Park Rules, allowing the consumption of alcohol in Miller Meadow during the Sip N Shop event on April 9, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
LIGHT TOWER PURCHASE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the purchase of two used light towers in the amount of $ 18,900.00. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
President Bollendorf asked to wait to purchase until end of April when the Borough is in receipt of more tax money.
AIR COMPRESSOR PURCHASE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the purchase of an air compressor in the amount of $ 23,616.10. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
SOLICITATION ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the Solicitor and staff to begin drafting an amendment to the Solicitation Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
2 HOME ROAD
MOTION: Motion to approve the minor subdivision application submitted by 2 Home Road. (This item was tabled until April so it can be voted on along with the zoning change).
MOTION: Councilman Myers made a motion to hold a public hearing at the April 25, 2022, Council meeting for the proposed zoning change at 2 Home Road. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES
NEW BUSINESS
FIRE HOUSE EXTENSION – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the extension for the Fire House Grant to allow the grant consultant additional time to close out the grant. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPOINTMENT OF FIRE MARSHAL – Councilman Myers made a motion to appoint Tyler Dermer to the position of Fire Marshal and property Maintenance inspector for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE MARSHAL GRANT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion for Fire Marshal Dermer to apply for the FM Global Grant Program, which is a no match grant, for the purchase of a tablet. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DVRPC TCDI RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-09, authorizing the application to the DCNR Grant Program for a subdivision and land development ordinance update project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DCNR RESOLUTION – Councilman Myers made amotion to approve Resolution 2022-10, authorizing the application to the DCNR Grant Program for the Pennypack School Property Acquisition. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, asked the progress on Borough Hall as they have been there 5 months already. President Bollendorf stated there were a couple change orders and an extension as when work began there were unseen issues. Manager Hegele stated she was in there recently and they are laying water lines and there is a lot of work going on in there.
Mr. Battis asked what the YMCA is giving the Borough for two meets at the Pool as in the past they have given the Borough something in exchange for using the pool. President Bollendorf stated that they cover the costs for staff. Mr. Battis asked if we could use their pool and Mr. Seeds stated the YMCA would agree to that. Mr. Battis also requested they plan for parking as they park everywhere and suggested a parking attendant as the lots fill up, but they keep going in anyway. President Bollendorf said the Borough would let the league know.
Mr. Battis asked if the meetings would stream live on Facebook when the meetings return to Borough Hall and President Bollendorf stated that yes, they will and the reason we can’t now is due to the sound because of the high ceilings and Wi-Fi in Crooked Billet.
Mr. Battis stated to Chief Gardner that he noticed Louie has returned and Chief stated that yes, he is in training and Mr. Battis asked if he has a new handler and Chief Gardner stated yes, his new handler is Officer Thompson. Mr. Battis stated it is very sad about Officer Allen, but he is happy to see Louie back in service.
Mr. Battis stated that he noticed they are painting around the Moreland Avenue bridge and this project stated in 2017 and they keep doing it over. Manager Hegele stated that the Borough has not been notified and we have no further updates, but she did relay to them that she hoped they would not close the bridge during the summer, but they are a higher power than the Borough and she can only try.
Mr. Battis asked if there was any news on the Warminster Road bridge and Manager Hegele stated that right now there are no updates, but it is added to the agenda every month as a place holder for when we have updates.
ADJOURNMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to adjourn the March 28, 2022, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the March 28, 2022, Council meeting at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf