PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Gardner, Superintendent Sine, Solicitor Grieser, Engineer Goff, and Downtown Development Director Simon were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Ostrander and Fire Marshal Hauser were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 9, 2020 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas with regard to addressing Council and Time Allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
CENSUS BUREAU PRESENTATION
Tricia Jones of the US Census Bureau delivered a presentation on the US Census and its importance to state and local governments. Mayor Guenst reminded everyone that they should complete the census online to make sure they are counted.
PUBLIC SAFETY
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST
Councilwoman Ostrander stated Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company expenditure list for the month of February 2020 in the amount of $20,450.36. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST
Councilwoman Ostrander stated Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of February 2020 in the amount of $3,239.91. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
FINANCE/GRANTS COMMITTEE
CDBG APPLICATON (WINDSOR, MEADOWBROOK, LANCATER)
Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough would like to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for a project at Windsor Ave., Meadowbrook Ave., and Lancaster Ave. She stated this project would improve stormwater management in the area and improve the
streetscape of the area. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
DCNR PARKS GRANT APPLICATION (MILLER MEADOW PHASE II)
Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough would like to apply for the DCNR Park Improvement Grant for Phase II of the Miller Meadow Improvement Project. She stated this project would allow the Borough to install the parking lot, sidewalk, and trail heads. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
MARCH EVENTS
Councilwoman Reichner read a list of events taking place in March 2020 including the Veterans Breakfast and events at the Library.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
2020 ROAD PAVING PROJECT WITH UPPER MORELAND
Superintendent Sine stated he would like to work in conjunction with Upper Moreland Township to pave North Warminster Road. He stated this project would be a collaborative effort and would mill/pave Warminster Road from Byberry Road to County Line Road. He stated that Hatboro
would only have to pay for milling costs and materials. He added that the Borough would not have to pay any labor costs except for regular labor when Public Works employees are working on the job. President Bollendorf, Councilwoman Benjamin and Mayor Guenst agreed it was a
great idea. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if there were any curbing issues related to the project. Superintendent Sine stated no. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE
APPOINTMENT OF EAC MEMBERS
Councilwoman Anzinger stated she has obtained a list of persons interested in serving on the Environmental Advisory Committee. She stated she is recommending the appointment of Theresa McElroy to President of the EAC, Katrina Nuss as Vice President of the EAC, and Carol Bruner as Treasurer of the EAC. She stated she will have a formal list of appointments and term lengths for Council’s Consideration when interviews of prospective Committee Members take place. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
UPPER MORELAND TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE
Councilwoman Anzinger stated a draft of the Upper Moreland Hatboro Trail Project is forthcoming and a copy will be posted for public review at that time.
ANNOUNCEMENT: POOL MEMBERSHIPS FOR SALE APRIL 1st
Councilwoman Anzinger stated Pool Memberships will be available for sale beginning April 1st in Borough Hall.
POLICY COMMITTEE
There was no business on the Policy Committee Agenda this month.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE
Vice President Stockton stated the Borough would like to update the fee schedule in order to charge a mandatory deposit for solar permits. He added this deposit would be put toward the final permit cost and is being proposed due to the amount of solar permits submitted for review that are never executed as projects. He noted the Borough is requiring a $500.00 deposit that would cover the Borough’s costs for permit review if the applicant does not go through with their permit. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST
Vice President Stockton stated the Borough is in receipt of the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of March in the amount of $54,354.05. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
PA ONE CALL SAFE DIGGING PROCLAMATION
Vice President Stockton read a PA One Call Safe Digging Proclamation to support the calling of PA One Call prior to digging to mark utility lines. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
WALK WORKS WALKING PROCLAMATION
Vice President Stockton read a Proclamation supporting the Borough’s WalWorks project. This proclamation included the support of healthy activities such as walking and recognizing that walking throughout the community is important for all Hatboro residents. Manager Hegele noted
that the Borough will have a community walk celebrating the Walk Works trail once the signage and promotional materials arrive.
PARKS PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT
Vice President Stockton announced that the Parks Plan is almost ready for Public Review. He stated the Planning Commission will be reviewing the plan on March 10th.
RESOLUTION 2020-20: 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Vice President Stockton stated Council must approve Resolution 2020-20 that formally adopt the Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This item was moved to the voting agenda at the end of the meeting.
PSAB CONFERENCE VOTING DELEGATES
Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough needs to appoint two voting delegates for the Pennsylvania State Boroughs Association Annual Conference. He stated these delegates allow the Borough to weigh-in on the issues presented at the Conference. Councilwoman McMenamin and Mayor Guenst volunteered to be the voting delegates. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
AV UPGRADE BIDS
Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough received two bids for the AV Upgrade Project. He stated the Borough is in the process of reviewing these bids and their specifications and will have a formal recommendation for Council at the March 23rd Council Meeting. This item was moved to the March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY TRAFFIC SIGNAL BID
Solicitor Geiser stated the Green Light Go grant for Jacksonville and Montgomery Traffic Signal Improvements has strict time constraints for the completion of the work. She stated that the Borough should consider waiving only the review period requirement of the Responsible Contractor Ordinance that would allow the Contractor to begin work sooner than later. Solicitor Geiser stated the Contractors would still be held to all other requirements in the responsible Contractor Ordinance. Enginer Goff stated two bids were received and the lowest bidder was Carr & Duff in the amount of $388,064.50.
Engineer Goff stated Council will have to decide whether they would like to utilize radar detection in the traffic signal improvements or if they want to use video detection. Chief Gardner stated video detection does have some glare issues, but that there typically aren’t many problems with radar detection. Engineer Goff stated video detection uses a camera to detect cars whereas a radar uses a radar signal to detect. President Bollendorf agreed that radar detection is a more reliable option. Vice President Stockton stated radar would be worth paying extra money for the project. Councilwoman Benjamin asked which option was more reliable. Engineer Goff stated
both radar and video have the same lifespan and that video detection has improved over the years. This item was moved to the voting meeting at the end of the agenda.
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY WAIVER OF RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR ORDINANCE
Solicitor Geiser stated she recommends Council approves the waiver of the review period only of the Responsible Contractor Ordinance to help speed up the completion of the Jacksonville and Montgomery Project. This item was moved to the voting meeting at the end of the agenda.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING COMMITTEE – Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough would like to establish a Zoning Committee. Any interested parties can contact Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis.
MILLER MEADOW PROJECT RE-AWARD
Solicitor Geiser stated that the Borough has received bids for Phase I of the Miller Meadow Improvement Project and that no contractors were able to comply with all of the requirements under the Responsible Contractor Ordinance. She stated that because no contractors were able to comply with all of the requirements, Council must re-bid the project at least two times, or until a responsible bidder is obtained. She added that the Apprenticeship Program for Landscaping is the problem that arose with this round of bidding. This item was moved to the voting meeting at the end of the agenda.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice President Stockton read a list of upcoming meetings for the month of March 2020 including the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Parking Commission. President Bollendorf added that the oral arguments for the Wawa appeal will be taking place on March 17th at Commonwealth Court.
WAIVER OF PARKING FOR HATBORO RESTAURANT DAYS
Vice President Stockton stated some areas are waiving parking requirements for their Restaurant Weeks. He stated that the Borough should consider waiving the parking meter fees for restaurant week. This item was moved to the voting meeting at the end of the agenda.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES – None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Battis, W. Moreland Ave., asked if TV Channel updates are included in the AV upgrade project. Vice President Stockton stated yes. Mr. Battis asked if there would be any detours or traffic changes to Jacksonville and Montgomery when the work is being performed. Chief Gardner stated there would not be a closure of the road and that flaggers would be utilized to
direct people through the work zone. Mr. Battis asked what the problem was with the Miller Meadow bid that was previously awarded. President Bollendorf stated the company who was awarded the bid made a change to their bid that was not submitted in the proper way and was not seen until the bid was awarded. They did not want to perform the project as specified, so the Borough had to re-bid the project. Mr. Battis asked if Council could explain acronyms when they are used for the viewers. President Bollendorf stated yes. Mr. Battis asked where people will park when using Miller Meadow. President Bollendorf stated that visitors can park in Borough
Hall until a parking lot is constructed during Phase II of the Miller Meadow Improvement Project. Mr. George Forgeng, Lehman Avenue, stated some people could also park in the meadow itself temporarily.
Holly Days Nursery was present at the meeting and stated that they respect the Borough’s re- bidding of the Miller Meadow Project. They noted that they were previously awarded the bid; however, they made a change in their specifications that was not PennBid approved. They stated they hope to have good relations with the Borough and plan to re-bid. President Bollendorf stated that the changes to the gazebo they proposed could have caused problems with other bidders as they did not comply with the original specs, so the Borough had no choice but to re-bid.
Mr. Battis asked if there are going to be more protective measures for police officers due to COVID-19. Chief Gardner stated callers will be screened with questions by dispatchers at Montgomery County before emergency personnel goes to the scene. Chief Gardner stated he will have the Montgomery County COVID-19 website posted on the Borough’s media outlets for residents to access. Chief Gardner stated he is also talking with Victorian Village, Moreland Towers, and other high risk residents at this time.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the March 9, 2020 Committee Meeting at 7:43 PM.
MARCH 9, 2020 VOTING MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the March 9, 2020 Voting Meeting to order at 7:43 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – None.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY TRAFFIC SIGNAL BID
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to award the base bid and alternate no. 1 for the Jacksonville and Montgomery Ave. Traffic Signal Improvement Project to Carr & Duff in the amount of $388,064.50. President Bollendorf noted this option includes radar detection. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT WAIVER OF RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR ORDINANCE
Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the waiver of the Responsible Contractor Ordinance 30 Day Review Period for the Jacksonville and Montgomery Traffic Signal Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESOLUTION
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution No. 2020-20, adopting the Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
MILLER MEADOW PROJECT RE-BID
Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to reject the bids received for the Miller Meadow Improvement Project and re-bid the project according to the Responsible Contractor Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
WAIVER OF METER FEES FOR RESTAURANT WEEK
Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to waive parking meter fees during the 2020 Hatboro Restaurant Days. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
President Bollendorf stated the Emergency Management team held a meeting to discuss the COVID-19 virus and Montgomery County’s current plans. Chief Gardner stated he recommends that residents obtain information from reputable sources only and that these sources are listed on the Borough’s website. He added that residents will be updated regularly by emergency management staff to ensure everyone remains up to date on the latest information as the virus progresses.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the March 9, 2020 voting meeting at 7:52 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis