PRESENT VIA ZOOM – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Chief Gardner was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May 18, 2020 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Bollendorf.
PUBLIC COMMENT – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy o the back of the agendas with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.
PUBLIC HEARING – CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION: VICTORIAN VILLAGE II, 440 S. YORK ROAD
CALL TO ORDER
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Public Hearing for the Conditional Use Application submitted by Victorian Village at Loller Academy, Inc. for the property located at 440 S. York Road.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
VOTING ITEMS
CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION: VICTORIAN VILLAGE II, 440 S. YORK ROAD – This item was tabled until the June 22, 2020 Council/Committee Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the Public hearing at 7:23 P.M.
*This Public Hearing was transcribed and submitted by Official Court Reporter Tim Kurek.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Safety Committee
POLICE DEPARTMENT BENEFIT SIDE LETTER – President Bollendorf stated that the following the untimely death of Sgt. Petrik, they met with the Police Department’s Renegotiating Board, and they came up with a side letter to their contract. President Bollendorf explained that this is an amendment to Article 10 Section 3 of the existing CBA which would allow the surviving spouse, if any, and/or dependent children of a Police Officer who has reached twenty years of service as a Hatboro Police Officer and who dies pursuant to an illness, injury, or accident not related to the Police Officer’s official duties, shall be permitted to remain covered by the existing hospitalization, major medical, dental and prescription plans, at the spouses expense until such time that the spouse is eligible for Medicaid coverage or its equivalent providing the insurance carrier is agreeable and in compliance with Federal Law. The surviving spouse will remain covered by the Borough’s hospitalization for eight years for this period and the Borough will pay 50% of the costs for the spouse and dependents. This item was moved to the May 18, 2020 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
CROOKED BILLET TRAFFIC PATTERN ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Ostrander stated that this amends one-way traffic zones on North Penn and Bonair during school hours. This item was moved to the May 18, 2020 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
Finance/Grants Committee
BUDGET UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the finance and admin committees met to go over projected revenue changes to see if any corrections needed to be made and he was pleased to announce that the financial health of the Borough remains very stable and strong.
MEMORIAL PARK BRIDGE PROJECT – GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated that this a $240,171.00 grant with a 20% match and will be used to replace the bridge in Memorial Park. This item was moved to the May 18, 2020 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
CELANO PARK RIPARIAN BUFFER – WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated that this is a $ 300,000.00 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority with a zero match and will be used for the Celano Park Riparian Buffer Project. This item was moved to the May 19, 2020 Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
Community Outreach & Events Committee
JUNE EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner stated that the dinners to go at the Hatboro Dish are doing amazing and that meals are available Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.
Councilwoman Reichner stated that Friday June 19, 2020 is the Hatboro Summer Nights Cruise Night which is a Chamber of Commerce sponsored event and will a Cruise Night food drive. She stated that food donations made during this food drive will benefit the local food pantries.
Councilwoman Reichner state that there are some event cancellations. She stated that Community Day at the Hatboro Pool May 30 and Hatboro Summer Nights Farmers Market June 5 are both cancelled. She also stated that the Moonlight Memories Car show has been postponed until August 29, 2020 as well as National Night Out which was postponed until October 9, 2020.
HATBORO NOW – Councilwoman Reichner stated that Downtown Development Director has created this directory which is an online directory of Hatboro Businesses that are open and operating during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Public Works Committee
MEMORIAL DAY TRASH REMINDER – Superintendent Sine stated that Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day and that Public Works is closed. He also stated that residents who have their trash/recycling/yard waste collected on this day will now have a special collection on Wednesday, May 29th and residents are reminded to place everything curbside before 6:30 A.M.
2020 MICRO RESURFACING – Superintendent Sine stated that he has reviewed the roads and the following roads are eligible for this application:
Penn Street from Montgomery Avenue to Moreland Avenue
Moreland Avenue from York Road to the railroad
Montgomery from York Road to Broad Street
Lincoln Avenue from County Line Road to Tanner Avenue
Superintendent Sine stated that the cost estimate for this is $62,442.66 and that is a Liquid Fuels eligible expenditure project and asks Council to consider bumping that number up this year. He stated that some liquid fuels money from 2019 was carried over into 2020 and it is his recommendation that this is a good use of it. President Bollendorf moved this item to the May 18, 2020 Committee Meeting agenda for approval.
Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee
UPPER MORELAND/HATBORO TRAIL PLAN UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated she that this is still in draft and are accepting comments until May 22. She stated that it will need to be voted on in June based on the Grant timeline.
MEMORIAL POOL UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Hatboro Memorial Pool will not be opening for the 2020 season. This item was moved to the May 18, 2020 Committee Meeting agenda for approval.
Policy Committee
POLICY AND EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that the team has been looking at implementing a safety committee. She stated that the team has been hard at work updating the Employee Handbook.
Administration Committee
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that the proposed May 2020 expenditure list is $ 6,998.43. This item was moved to the May 18 Committee Meeting agenda for approval.
JUNE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the following meetings are scheduled for June 2020:
Tuesday June 9, 2020 at 7:00 P.M – Planning Commission Meeting to be held via zoom.
Wednesday June 17, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. – Zoning Hearing Board Meeting to be held via zoom.
Monday June 22, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. – Council/Committee Meeting to be held via zoom.
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY AVE. TRAFFIC SIGNAL PAYMENT NO. 1 – Engineer Goff stated that RVE is recommending payment in the amount of $297,982.96 to Carr & Duff. She stated that this was recommended to them form PennDot in order to make your Green Light Go Grant deadline.
HATBORO PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN ADOPTION – County Planner Mohr gave a presentation on the Hatboro Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Adoption. This item was moved to the May 18 Committee Meeting Agenda for approval.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no comment from the public.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the Committee Meeting at 7:51 P.M.
MAY 18, 2020
COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May 18, 2020 Council Meeting to order at 7:51 P.M.
MAYORS REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that she wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day for everyone to register to vote.
She also stated that Hatboro is up to a 71% response rate for our Census. She urges everyone who has not completed the 2020 Census to please do so.
She also stated that for any residents who are on unemployment and think that they may be running out soon, Pennsylvania has launched a Federal Program that will offer an additional 13 weeks more weeks of benefits.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that he wanted to announce that there was an executive session held on May 11, 2020 form 6:30 P.M. until 7:05 P.M and it was a virtual session. One legal and two personnel matters were discussed.
He also stated that he wanted to thank Chairman Battis and the Planning Commission for holding their first virtual meeting. He stated that technology is not easy for a lot of us and he appreciated the entire Planning Commission for stepping up because there was a need to hold that meeting.
He also stated that himself, the Mayor and the rest of Council have received a lot of emails saying to open Hatboro. He explained that we have no authority to go against County and State regulations. He stated that it is not political but it’s because Hatboro does not have their own Health Department. He also stated that the Borough will not go against County and State regulations when it comes to people’s health.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Rich stated that as of May 18, 2020, the balance is $ 2,036,959.07 with interest earned in the amount of $ 1,232.93.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that the oral arguments for the Wawa matter has finally been rescheduled for June 8, 2020 in front of a panel of the Commonwealth Court which will be held virtually. She stated that Solicitor Kilkenny will be arguing this.
She also stated hat they are working on the submission of the RAV appeal at 318 Springdale Avenue. She stated that this is a matter that the Borough Solicitor was authorized to appear in support of the Zoning Hearing Board.
She also stated that their office drafted the ordinance changing the direction of the two streets, Bonair Avenue and N. Penn Street, regarding Crooked Billet Elementary and changing direction during school hours.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that under the Corinthian Trail Project, RVE is revising the lighting, ADA, retaining wall, and ESC plans.
She also stated that regarding the Eaton Memorial Park Streambank and Stabilization Project, they are still waiting on a response from the DEP.
Engineer Goff also stated that under the Miller Meadow improvements Project, we are still on our 30-day review period required by our responsible contractor ordinance.
She also stated that under York Road Intersection Improvements Project, they are putting together permit plans to be submitted to PennDot for review.
Engineer Goff stated that under the Loller Academy Improvements Project, RVE had a conference call in order to go over the preliminary concept and will be finalizing those plans for the HVAC. She stated that they are also in coordination with the window manufacturer for the window replacement portion of that project.
She also stated that as far as the Public Works building renovation project, a building survey has been completed and plans are being put together for that project as well.
MANAGER’S REPORT– Manager Hegele stated that she wanted to remind everyone that Borough Hall hours remain the same which is Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M until 1:00 P.M with staff available until 5:00 P.M.
She also stated that she wanted to remind anyone entering Borough Hall that masks are required when conducting business.
She also stated that she wanted to thank the staff at Borough Hall during these crazy and unprecedented times. She also thanked Director Simon for helping the businesses during this time especially as we transition to each phase and slowly reopen.
She also stated that District Court may be reopening on or around June 1. She stated that while we are not affiliated with District Court, she wanted to share the update regarding the opening.
She also stated that she had a meeting with Engineer Goff and SEPTA last week concerning the Fulmer crossing project. The upgrades to this crossing are part of the Hatboro Station Townhome Community Project. SEPTA is hoping to begin work on this project in June and there will be no planned road closures and the work is scheduled to be done during day-time hours. There will be flaggers on the job and once we have definitive dates it will be shared on the Borough’s webpage and social media page.
Manager Hegele stated that she wanted to acknowledge Nick Pompei, a technology education teacher at the High School, who received a grant in which he was awarded 3D printers for the school. She stated that he came up with an idea to use the printers to make PPE parts to donate to First Responders. He made ear savers that go on the back of your head that strap your mask instead of around your ears. He has been making these around the clock and has donated many of them.
She also stated that today we have about 50 graduates that we have featured since April and if you are the parent of a graduating senior, 8th, or 5th grader, please share their photo and bio to the Borough.
Manager Hegele stated that earlier this month it was Police Week and that it is a dedicated time on the calendar to honor, remember, and celebrate Law Enforcement.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Detective Sergeant Gould had no report to give this evening.
TAX COLLECTOR – Tax Collector Mount stated that at the beginning of the month the Borough had a total collectable amount of $858,120.79. She stated we collected $ 121,397.62 which leaves a balance at the end of the month of $ 736,723.17. She also stated that the next two weeks are the last two weeks of the extended discount period and her hours are on the Borough’s website.
PUBLIC WORKS – Superintendent Sine stated that Monday May 25, 2020 is Memorial Day and therefore Public Works is closed. He stated that residents who have their trash, recycling, and yard waste collected on this day will now have a special collection on Wednesday May 29th and reminded everyone to please place everything curbside before 6:30 A.M.
Superintendent Sine also stated that Public Works continues to run the modified trash schedule and as today begins week number eight, he was happy to report everything is going smoothly and thanked residents for their cooperation.
Superintendent Sine also stated that Public Works crews have been busy performing maintenance at our facilities and will soon be starting road repairs and any road closures will be posted on our sites and all work zones will be identified.
FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Hauser had no report to give this evening.
FIRE COMPANY – President Mount had no report to give this evening.
UNION LIBRARY – Library Director Celec stated that his staff is available to help with accounts accessing digital resources. He stated that staff can assist with helping residents obtain a library card remotely.
He also stated his staff can help anyone complete the 2020 Census remotely.
He also stated that the Library is continuing story time twice a week with Miss Kelly and Mr. Jim and it is visible on the Library Facebook page.
He stated that they are working on a program for kids to help track their reading over the summer. He also stated that they are working on a hands-on workshop and hopes to have an announcement next month.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Director Simon stated that she has been working on weekly email updates to business owners in the Borough. She stated that the main part of the emails was spent on educating the owners regarding small business grants.
She also stated she has been emailing regarding the County moving into the yellow phase and how they can prepare for this.
She also stated that she has created a My Hatboro Bingo Card which will be posted on the My Hatboro page. Instructions will be posted along with the game and a drawing will take place at the end of June where the winner will receive a gift basket full of donations from Hatboro businesses.
ORDER OF BUSINESS & VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of 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 – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manuel Checks, and Transfers for the month of May 2020. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APRIL 27, 2020 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the April 27, 2020 Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
POLICE DEPARTMENT BENEFIT SIDE LETTER – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the Benefit Side Letter for the Hatboro Police Department, amending death benefits to surviving spouses. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL TRAFFIC RECONFIGURATION ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to advertise the Crooked Billet School Traffic Reconfiguration Ordinance, amending one-way traffic zones on North Penn and Bonair during school hours. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MEMORIAL PARK BRIDGE APPLICATION – GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION GRANT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-28, approving the application for the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant for Memorial Park Bridge Replacement Project in the amount of $ 240,171.00 with a 20% match. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
CELANO PARK RIPARIAN BUFFER PROJECT – WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-29, approving the application for the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program Grant for a Celano Park Riparian Buffer Project in the amount of $ 300,000.00 with no match. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MICRO-RESURFACING PROJECT – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to authorize the Micro-Resurfacing Project for North Penn, East Moreland, West Montgomery, and Lincoln Avenue in the amount of $62,442.66. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MEMORIAL POOL SEASON – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to not open the Hatboro Pool for the 2020 season. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, 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 May 2020 in the amount of $ 6,998.43. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
HATBORO PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN ADOPTION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-26 approving the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY AVE. TRAFFIC SIGNAL PAYMENT NO. 1 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve payment request No. 1 to Carr and Duff for the Jacksonville and Montgomery Avenue Traffic Signal Project in the amount of $ 297,982.96. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or special updates.
NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was comment form the public.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the May 12, 2020 Council Meeting at 8:23 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
Cynthia Bollendorf
Transcribed by Cynthia Bollendorf