PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilman A’Harrah, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwomen Shay, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Fire Marshal Valesky, Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Brown, SARS Assistant Chief Davidson, Treasurer Smith, and Library representative Johson were present.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May 20, 2024, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Ruegg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf read the Public Comment policy on the back of the agenda regarding addressing Council and time allotment.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY –
Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy Road, asked why the events committee is seeking an alcohol waiver request and wants to know what the gain is. President Bollendorf stated there is live music and food and there were a lot of families with children. She stated she doesn’t feel alcohol should be allowed.
She also stated she feels the proposals for Miller Meadow should be reviewed by the EAC and asked if herbicide is part of the proposal. President Bollendorf stated it was discussed at the Committee meeting and stated that it is. She stated that she doesn’t suggest using herbicide and suggests a different perspective especially since it costs money and we do not have to have a meadow so the Borough can get rid of it. President Bollendorf stated it is to be funded by a fee in lieu of and the vendor was suggested by the EAC and both vendors recommend herbicide and includes education for Public Works to care for the meadow.
Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked about the alcohol waiver and he wondered since we have breweries and bars, why do they need to have alcohol and doesn’t think it is necessary.
Councilwoman Jacobus stated that when the Borough has events I the meadow, it is a personal choice on whether to have alcohol or not and that Artifact allows families to come to their business.
Councilwoman McMenamin stated that while she personally rarely drinks, we have allowed it in the past at the meadow before (example – Sip N Shop).
Councilman A’Harrah read statement that he thins the music in the meadow is a great event, he understands but his concerns are that it isn’t a great idea for recovering addicts as it is a temptation and is concerned about the youth making unwise decisions. He also stated that he respects Council’s stance no matter how they vote regarding the waiver.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated Cruising for a Cause and the Music in the Meadow were great events that were well attended.
Mayor Schultz stated that the Community market will begin Saturday June 1, 2024, in the parking lot of Reid’s and Artifact.
•BOY SCOUTS PROCLAMATION – Mayor Schultz read a and presented a proclamation for Troop #3.
•RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL POLICE WEEK – Mayor Schultz presented a certificate to Chief Ruegg in recognition of national Police week.
•RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC WORKS WEEK – Mayor Schultz presented a certificate to Manage Hegele for the Public Works Department in recognition of Public Works week.
•RECOGNITION OF EMS WEEK – Mayor Schultz presented SRS Assistant Chief Davidson and EMT/Fire Company President Brown with a certificate recognizing EMS week.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
•PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the borough had a busy weekend with the Officer Allen dedication, Boy Scouts celebration, and Community Day which all went well.
President Bollendorf stated please remember what Memorial Day is about and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
President Bollendorf congratulated all the 2024 graduates and wished them all well in their future.
President Bollendorf stated summer is almost here and school will be out soon so please careful regarding the kids out playing or on bikes.
•TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending April 2024 is $ 4,330,395.52 with interest earned in the amount of $ 5,865.36
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she finalized orphans court petition for the sale of District Court as the Attorney General’s office agrees with the sale so it should move things along quicker.
Solicitor Geiser stated we have the remand for 14 E. Moreland Avenue regarding the ZHB appeal and therefore will be in front of the ZHB again in July.
Solicitor Geiser stated on the agenda tonight are two appeals for a notice of violation for 330 S. Warminster and if approved by Council she will continue to work with the Borough to defend and these hearings will likely happen in June.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she has been reviewing Payment requests and starting to compile a punch list items for the pedestrian flashers project.
Engineer Goff stated she reviewed record plans, had a preconstruction meeting and issued the stamped approved construction plans for the Milliner lofts formerly known as the CVS property and that she is waiting for the construction schedule for this project, and she is under the impression that they would like to start as soon as possible.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated POOL MEMBERSHIPS are available during borough Hall business hours and if you cannot make it during that time, please reach out to Borough staff and we will be happy to assist. There are several opportunities in the next few weeks before the pool opens full time to purchase memberships after hours. As you know there are several evening meetings where staff are in the building to open and close, and staff are also available during that time to help the public get their membership. Also, anyone can use the pool this weekend paying the daily pass fee, we ask that you save your receipts, and we will be happy to deduct the costs of the daily fees from a membership if you cannot get to Borough Hall to purchase in time for opening weekend or go and change your mind that you want to join.
Manager Hegele stated Hatboro Happenings Newsletter hit the streets since our last meeting. If you did not get a copy, let us know we have extra copies. Unfortunately, the printer used an old graphic from a prior edition that listed one incorrect polling location. North 2 votes at Crooked Billet School. The Borough and Hometown Press regret the mistake and we have posted messages about the error. If you ever are not sure where to vote in Hatboro and do not have your voters card, you can visit the County Voter Services website at http://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/voterservices to find your correct voting location.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough was recently notified of an issue with the bridge at Celano Park. The bridge in question is owned by the School District and used by kids to walk to school from Mitchell Park. The district is going to make the repairs, the exact timeline is unknown, but work could close the bridge down for a few days and I believe they wanted to wait until summer once school was out to do the work. If you frequent this park, you may see the bridge closed.
Manager Hegele stated speaking of Bridges, still no update on West Moreland Bridge, hold up is PECO Real Estate Department. Will make sure everyone knows as soon as I hear something.
Manager Hegele stated on tonight’s warrant list is a check request to join the Partnership TMA of Montgomery County. The Partnership TMA collaborates with 150 plus public and private sector partners to expand and enhance transportation options, ease traffic congestion, and educate and engage communities on issues of land use, the environment and healthy lifestyles. Their team was out to meet with me last week and are very excited about things we are doing and are especially excited to partner with us on an event at our traffic garden over the summer. Then Chief Gardner and I had them out a few years ago and they distributed fitted helmets to Hatboro kids and adults for safe biking. Looking forward to doing more with them as well as the resources they offer that will benefit Hatboro. Stay tuned for more information.
Manager Hegele stated the shade Tree Commission met last week, they continue to work on the tree inventory as well as processed a few permits sent in by residents and property owners.
Manager Hegele stated the Planning Commission met and approved the lot line change application for West Lehman Avenue, that will be on the June council agenda for discussion and vote to approve.
Manager Hegele stated the Zoning Hearing Board has several applications coming up, the first is Station Park for an appeal to a notice from the Zoning Officer, the hearing originally scheduled for May 8th was postponed by the applicant and is now rescheduled for June 13th at Borough Hall at 7 PM. The Souslin matter at 26 Horsham Road was remanded back to the ZHB by County Court after the Souslin’s appealed the decision rendered by the ZHB, that hearing has been scheduled for July 17th at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall and finally there is another application in the works for another matter at Station Park, that application has not been approved as complete and once it is, the hearing will be scheduled and announced at the June meeting. All hearing notices are advertised in a newspaper of general circulation, posted on our website, Facebook, property address effected as well as notices sent in accordance with the MPC.
Manager Hegele stated the Shared Energy Grant Update – As you know we were chosen to participate in this program by the DEP. This is a climate action implementation program designed by the Energy Programs Office to assist local governments with on the ground practical support from a professional energy manager to conduct energy assessments, renewable energy studies, and other service to implement a climate action plan. The energy manager works with us to review existing plans and project proposals, make recommendations, and perform assessment services to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We have been working with them over the last 6 weeks and to date they have looked at some of our ordinances and provided feedback on EV Charging parking resources. They are currently reviewing our parking ordinance as well as looking at our fleet. They will be sending us information on contacts at PA Solar Center and information on getting a solar feasibility study for Hatboro at no cost.
Manager Hegele stated Monday June 10th at PP join the Borough and representatives for a Car Fit Checkup. Car Fit is a free interactive and educational program that teaches older adults how to make their vehicle fit for them to increase safety and mobility when they hit the road. It is a 12-step process, and each checkup takes 20 minutes. Reservations are required. Information is on the table in the council room as well as on our website, Facebook and the county website.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough has received several entries for the slogan contest and Councilwoman Shay and Councilman A’Harrah will be reviewing and putting forth a recommendation for a new catchy Borough Slogan.
STAFF REPORTS –
•POLICE – Chief Ruegg thanked the Borough for the recognition.
Chief Ruegg stated Olivea Steele retired after 8 years as a crossing guard.
Chief Ruegg stated Officer Thompson and Officer Louie attended training and thanked Elm Street.
Chief Ruegg stated active shooter training will be at Pennypack again this year.
Chief Ruegg stated there were no issues during the Music in the Meadow event.
Chief Ruegg stated Hatboro PD will be participating in the click it or ticket so make sure everyone wears their seat belts as they should already be doing.
Chief Ruegg stated the car accident at York and Willims had nothing to do with the center island from the Pedestrian Flasher project.
•TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collector report was electronically submitted.
•PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated PW is working with EAC on Community Garden and Tree Tenders on mulch for trees at Eaton and Memorial Parks/ PW staff mulching, planting at other Borough facilities and the Gold Star Garden.
Manager Hegele stated they removed the parking space in front of Ross in conjunction with new crosswalk at Williams Lane
Manager Hegele stated they are working with the Borough Manager on Solid Waste Ordinance changes as well as questions for trash/recycling survey
Manager Hegele stated PennDOT out in Borough repairing sinkhole on York Road near Home. Will be out soon repairing issues at LL Field along Blair Mill Road.
Manager Hegele stated the pool is done and turned it over to pool staff.
Manager Hegele stated PW will be hanging Hometown Hero Banners this week, once we get them from the Chamber.
Manager Hegele stated they are working with Staff and Artist on Mural at the Pool.
Manager Hegele stated just a reminder that next Monday, May 27th is a holiday for Borough staff, there will be no trash, recycling, yard waste collection for those with Monday pick up in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations resume on Tuesday morning.
•DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – DDD Bollendorf stated the business owners were generous with their swag, and I was able to make about 45- 50 bags out and they all went. We raffled off a wreath- all systems audio and video – thankyou to Kim (all systems office manager) who helps us out with her homemade wreaths for all our events – pool membership, wreath and two day passes for Family of four and shop small promo basket with wawa swag. Please continue to shop locally. DDD Bollendorf stated the Borough of Hatboro was excited to announce the receipt of a T-Mobile Hometown Grant in the amount of $39,642.00 to upgrade community space in March of 2022. The Borough was one of 25 towns throughout the United States selected for this round of the grant program! Using this funding, the Borough improved a central plaza on York Road (outside of 39/41 S. York Road) which was also a part of the 2040 plan, with the installation of café seating, benches, and planters. After the tragic accident (10/21) and unfortunate passing (4/22) of Officer Ryan Allen, it felt appropriate to dedicate this community space in his honor and memory for his sons. Big thank you to Public Works and the Crooked Billet Gardeners for their help and I am proud that Hatboro was given the opportunity to do this for them.
•FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated for the month of April: Property Maintenance Breakdown:5 Work w/o permit complaints, 0 Unregistered rental complaints, 0 Unregistered business complaints, 24 Grass/tree/overgrowth complaint, 7 Safety/Fire complaints (water issue, sink hole, illegal burning, boats, oil spill), Misc. Complaints (parking issues, damaged sewer grate)
She stated she is currently working on some problem properties within the Borough. We are following the necessary legal channels by sending notices first prior to exploring our next options. If you have an issue with property in the Borough, please reach out.
She stated residents are reminded that permits are required for different types of work and if you aren’t sure if you need a permit, please call or stop down at the office to check. Work completed without permits is subject to double fees.
She stated April fire calls included: 2 gas leaks (1 inside, 1 outside), a building fire (unfounded), and a fire alarm where the resident didn’t know how to operate the interconnected devices in their home. You should be familiar with the types of devices in your home and how they work.
May recap: So far for May, I’ve responded to a small bathroom fire, and a power strip fire. I attended the monthly Bucks County FM training, which was in person this month in Doylestown. I attended a PEMA class, and a few training sessions. I also attended the monthly EMC class which was focused on severe weather and how they issue warnings/watches/advisories.
She stated the Borough is pleased to work with the Red Cross to offer free smoke alarm installations and any resident needing detectors should reach out to the office.
She stated just as an FYI, the Borough offers a special needs/special assistance registry. Anyone can register any special notes, such as usage of oxygen, difficulty getting around, etc. The information is kept confidential but is to assist first responders in the event of an emergency.
She stated her safety message for May is: Only use power strips for low-voltage electronics. Never overload a power strip. Ensure any power strip or electrical cord you use is UL listed and tested and residents are reminded that my contact information is listed on our webpage, or you can call down to Borough Hall to get my email and phone number if anyone has any questions, issues, or concerns.
•FIRE COMPANY REPORT – Fire Marshal Valesky stated the Fire Company responded to 18 calls in April, 11 of which were in the Borough, and they had 3 weekly drills, 1 body meeting, and 3 overnight duty crews.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated the Fire Company handled elevated rescues, assisted EMS with patient packaging and extrication along with assisting neighboring departments.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated the Fire Company will be participating in a lot of upcoming community events.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated the Fire Company has yard signs for residents and business owners to display.
Fire Marshal Valesky stated they are always looking for new members to join so check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
•UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Kennedy stated they have 52 new card members since April 1st and have ordered and received 177 new books in which 102 were funded by the Borough.
Borough Representative Kennedy stated 40 programs have been held since April 1st in which the Borough funded 8 of them. She also stated that the total circulation of items that have been checked out of the building since April 1st is 2,257.
Borough Representative Kennedy stated they are still looking for sponsors for their Triple L Concert Series and anyone interested can call the library Director.
Borough Representative Kennedy announced the new summer hours and closures.
Borough Representative Kennedy announced the upcoming programs.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, Treasurer’s Reports, EAC Minutes, and Shade Tree Minutes, and UMHJSA minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of May 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilman A’Harrah, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APRIL 22, 2024, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the April 22, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MAY 6, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the May 6, 2024, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Morion carried 7-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of April 2024 in the amount of $ 11,807.25. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT – Councilman A’Harrah made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-29, amending the 2024 Fee Schedule to update the Fee in Lieu of improvements for developments to $ 1,100.00 per unit. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PAYMENT #4 – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Payment Request #4 for the pedestrian improvement project to Marino Corporation in the amount of $ 176,824.32. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
REJECTION OF BIDS MEMORIAL PARK STREMABANK/WINDSOR, LANCASTER, MEADOWBROOK – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to reject the bids received for the Memorial Park Streambank project and the Windsor, Lancaster, and Meadowbrook Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of May 2024 in the amount of $ 176,824.32.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST – YOGA IN THE PARK – Councilwoman Shay made amotion to approve the Special Event Request for Yoga in the Park Event to be held by Nourishing Storm on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from June 23, 2024, through October 31, 202 in Eaton Park.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST – MUSIC IN THE MEADOW – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Music in the Meadow Event to be held IN Miler Meadow on May 17th, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th, and September 20th. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ALCOHOL WAIVER REQUEST – MUSIC IN THE MEADOW – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize Chief Ruegg to issue an alcohol waiver for Miller Meadow only which will allow the consumption of alcohol in Miller Meadow only during the Music in the Meadow events. Moton was seconded by Councilwoman shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-2.
HOMETOWN HERO BANNERS – Vice President Reichner made a motion to authorize Public Works to hang the Hometown Hero banners. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SNOW REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the settlement Snow Reimbursement Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
GOOSE GUYS PROPOSAL – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the 2024 contract with Goose Guys for Goose Removal in Memorial Park, Hatboro Pool, Eaton Park, and Miller Meadow in the amount of $ 950.00 monthly from now until the September/October. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MILLER MEADOW MUGWORT REMOVAL – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize the Borough to proceed with the Mug wort Removal in Miller Meadow through Land Stewards Ecological Landscape and Design for a total project cost of $ 11,650.00. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
330 S. WARMINSTER ROAD ZONG APPEALS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize Solicitor Geiser to intervene in the Zoning Appeal filed by 330 S. Warminster Road for a Trucking and CDL School. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilman A’Harrah made a motion to authorize Solicitor Geiser to intervene in the Zoning appeal filed by 330 S. Warminster Road for Auto Driveway. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SNACK STAND BID – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to award the 2024 Snack Stand Lease to Ernie Pio of Street Food Sandwich Shop in the amount of $ 1,000.00 for the 2024 season. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
PUBLIC OFFICALS COMMUNICATION RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve resolution 2024-28, memorializing rules and regulations for Public Officials use of social media on behalf of the Borough. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Moto carried 7-0.
2024 POOL RATIFICATION LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the 2024 Pool Ratification List. Motion was seconded by Councilman A’Harrah. Motion carried 5-0 with 2 abstentions.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATE – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize signature of the pro bono representation letter associates with the Community Choice Aggregate Program and authorize the Borough’s participation in the petition for Declaratory Order to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
CHILDRENS MARKET – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to amend the original Event Request Form submitted by the Hatboro Chamber of Commerce to permit a Children’s Market at the Farmer’s Market. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
No motion was made to permit the Hatboro Chamber to utilize the Moreland and Orchard Shoppers’ lot for the Children’s Farmers Market due to the upcoming construction at the former CVS property.
SALE OF BODY CAMERAS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the sale of Watchguard body cameras and car camera systems to Upper Moreland Township Police Department in the amount of $ 2,520.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
25 JACKSONVILLE ROAD WARMINSTER ZONING ANNOUNCEMENT – Manger Hegele stated the property is going to the ZHB to convert existing property to a church and that the Borough received notice because of the close proximity to the property in case the Borough would have any objections to the zoning change which the Borough does not.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COUNCILWOMN MCMENAMN RESIGNATION – Councilwoman McMenamin stated that she is resigning due to her family relocating.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANNING COMMISISION CHAIR RESIGNATION – President Bollendorf stated that Planning Commission Kris McMenamin is resigning from his position due to his family relocating.
ANNOUNCEMNT OF COUNCIL VACANCY – President Bollendorf announced the vacancy on Council, and anyone interested should submit their resume to Maner Hegele at dhegele@myhatboro.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY – President Bollendorf announced the vacancy on the Planning Commission, and anyone interested should submit their resume to Maner Hegele at dhegele@myhatboro.org.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, questioned the amount of taxes that were not paid for 2023 and Manger Hegele stated that unfortunately, once that happens it goes to the County, and they place liens on the property but that doesn’t ensure we will receive payment immediately as sometimes they just wait until the property sells.
Gary Hentschel, 138 Spring Avenue, asked is the tax increase helped and President Bollendorf stated that the taxes for raised for other purposes and that the Budget is done set in November, residents have until the 31st of December to pay so the Borough was unaware of the final unpaid until after taxes were already raised which was due to the increase in the cost of living.
Matt Coyle, 47 N. Penn Street, stated that he dies not like the developments that are happening on York Road particularly 21-23 & 37 N. York Road.
Halil Cinar, 321 Horsham Road, asked for an update regarding the flooding on his property. Manager Hegele stated that the Fire Marshal went out and the property owner complied and that you can’t just redirect storm water anywhere and the Fire Marshal is still trying to access properties.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the May 6,2024 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the May 6, 2024, Council Meeting at 8:42 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary