PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Hyne, Solicitor Kilkenny, and Solicitor Geiser were present.
ABSENT – Treasurer Kalnajs was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May, 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 Chief Gardner
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – Mr. John Teets, 420 S. York Rd., stated he provided Council with copies of documents containing information on pedophilia, gender identity, and sexual orientation. He noted that the Human relations ordinance is open ended and that an ordinance should not be open to interpretation as such. Mr. Teets suggested that Council place the ordinance on a voting ballot as a referendum. He noted that the ordinance pushes a radical agenda and has nothing to do with Human rights. He added that many people disagree with the ordinance and that enacting it could cause a lot of problems in the Hatboro Horsham School District.
Jennifer Petro, representing Love in Action of 350 S. York Road stated that she is transgender herself. She stated that this ordinance is about the future of the town, children, and the LGBTQ population. Ms. Petro noted that LBGTQ teens are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression, and harassment. She noted that studies have shown that acceptance by the community is the solution to these upsetting statistics. She noted that the Human Relations Ordinance is common sense and does not pose a threat to the community. She noted that children are taught since birth to accept everyone and this ordinance just reinforces that practice of equality.
Lori Krinden, Orchard Avenue, stated that God does not want people to engage in a harmful lifestyle and that he disagrees with the beliefs and practices of the LGBTQ community. She stated that only Jesus can set Hatboro free from the dangerous LGBTQ lifestyle and only Jesus can bring unity to the community. She concluded that because the Human Relations Ordinance goes against God’s word, Council should not enact it.
Rina Oliver, S. Warminster Rd. reminded everyone that there is a separation of church and state. She noted that this was a Council Meeting, not a meeting of a church. She acknowledged that everyone has different beliefs and that the Human Relations Ordinance is not meant to disrespect those beliefs, nor is it meant to force people to change their beliefs. Ms. Oliver stated no one has the right to impose their beliefs on other citizens of Hatboro. She noted that she is a parent of someone in the LGBTQ community and that she wants to make sure her child is protected under the law as much as other children
Reverend Josh Blakesly, of Love in Action, 350 S. York, stated the Human Relations Ordinance is a common sense ordinance about human rights. Mr. Blakesly noted that communities who have passed this ordinance have not become more dangerous or less safe than they were before passing the ordinance. Mr. Blakesly stated he stands in favor of this ordinance with not only his church, but with all of the churches in Hatboro. He concluded that when we assume everyone is safe,
Frank Hierholtzer, 236 E. Moreland Ave., stated that he believes it is impossible to completely separate church and state. He stated that everyone is on earth by the grace of God and asked why residents cannot vote on the Ordinance. Mr. Hierholtzer stated that he does not see this Ordinance as a Human Rights Ordinance, but sees it as a protection of behavioral choices within the LGBTQ community. He noted that the Borough has made it clear that there have been no cases of discrimination within the Borough in the last two years and questioned why the Ordinance was needed. Mr. Hierholtzer stated that he has nothing against the LGBTQ community; however, he feels imposed upon due to this ordinance. He concluded that the Ordinance is not about hatred, but is something that is forcing beliefs of the LGBTQ community upon residents.
Amanda Rodgers, 19 Horseshoe Lane, stated that the Human Relations Ordinance does not force anyone to change their beliefs. She stated that it is about civil rights and will protect the vulnerable within the Hatboro community. She concluded that she is in favor of the Human Relations Ordinance.
Leslie Jones, 207 Crooked Billet, stated that she has been a resident of Hatboro for nearly 25 years and fully supports the adoption of the Human Relations Ordinance. Ms. Jones noted that parties opposing the Ordinance are using assertions and scare tactics to protect individuals’ beliefs and their desire to maintain the status quo. Ms. Jones noted that the claim that the LGBTQ community is requesting preferential treatment confuses her as they are requesting that they be treated fairly and equally along with the rest of the community. She stated that members of the LGBTQ community endure discrimination, harassment, and violence on a daily basis and that their segment of the population is most likely to be the target of hate crimes. Ms. Jones said that if there truly have not been any cases of discrimination in Hatboro that is wonderful, and if Council passes the Human Relations Ordinance, it will only uphold Hatboro’s reputation of acceptance. She added that if there happen to be cases of discrimination that arise, the Borough enforces that these actions will not be tolerated. Ms. Jones noted that ironically, the people who like to exclude others are the ones asking for preferential treatment as they are requesting the right to deny services to others. She stated that Council has the duty to ensure that all residents in Hatboro are treated as valuable members of the community and for this reason, Council should be on the right side of history by enacting the Human Relations Ordinance in Hatboro.
Paul Slatlick, 304 N. Warminster Rd., stated he is opposed to the Human Relations Ordinance and that he believes that it should be voted on by residents. He stated that he had just found out about the Ordinance the day previous and that a lot of the Borough does not even know about the Ordinance. He stated that he is concerned that his rights and beliefs will be infringed upon. He noted that if the LGBTQ community makes up a majority of Hatboro and they win the vote, then that’s ok; however, he feels that the majority of the community is not. He added that if he were a business owner, he should not have to spend thousands of dollars to go to court if he does not want to make a cake for someone in the LGBTQ community. He stated that this Ordinance will infringe upon the basic human rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Laura Lasher, 211 Loller Rd., stated that she is in full support of the Human Relations Ordinance. She stated that love is love, regardless of whether children are taught to believe. She noted that children will grow to believe or love whomever they desire regardless of what is taught by parents, schools, or if this Ordinance is passed. Ms. Lasher stated that this Ordinance is about basic human rights and that everyone deserves to be treated equally and everyone has the right to be served the same by businesses. She noted that we are all human and inhabit the same Earth and while everyone has different beliefs, it does not mean that any individual has the right to take away rights from someone else.
Laurie Shruck of Love in Action stated that this ordinance is about safety for every person in the community in present time and in the future. She added that Love in Action is a church in Hatboro that focuses on safety emotionally, physically, and spiritually and hopes that they can accomplish this mission in a community that has the same values.
Dan Lavery, 17 N. Chester, stated that he read the March 12th Committee Meeting Minutes in which Mayor Guenst stated that Hatboro has a large LGBTQ community and he is unsure as to where she obtained this information from. He then asked how she determined this information and why she determined that this group needs to become a protected class. He noted that there are state and federal laws that protect all people, so Hatboro does not need an Ordinance to reaffirm this. He also asked why the Human Relations Ordinance was not put on a ballot for a referendum.
Kevin Spencer, 340 N. Penn St., distributed a copy of the Human Relations Ordinance to Council that contained comments from a group of residents. Mr. Spencer noted that there are major flaws and faults in the proposed Ordinance. He that the proposed Ordinance is narrowed down to specific classes of behavior and perception and he believes that this Ordinance is pushing an agenda. Mr. Spencer stated that this Ordinance can apply to perceived age and race. He noted that someone like himself could perceive themselves as a child and if they are denied, they could claim discrimination. Mr. Spencer stated he believes that Council will be coercing the acceptance of beliefs held by other humans by adopting the Ordinance. He added that children need to grow up being loved and realize that all decisions have consequences. Mr. Spencer stated that no one should be discriminated against and that everyone should be loving on a daily basis; however, he does not agree with the Ordinance. Mr. Spencer urged Council not to vote on the Ordinance during the meeting and encouraged them to put the Ordinance on a ballot for the residents to decide.
Tom Teller, 165 Spring Ave., stated that Council did not advertise the Human Relations Ordinance. President Bollendorf stated it was on the Borough website and in the newspaper. Mr. Teller stated it was insufficient as a majority of the community is unaware of the Ordinance. Mr. Teller stated Council should call for a referendum and letter the community vote on the pretentious and unsettled issue contained in the Ordinance. He stated that Council should not be superseding Constitutional law in a small town setting and that the Ordinance will open the Borough up to a lot of litigation. Mr. Teller stated that Council will regret passing the Ordinance if this litigation occurs. He suggested that Council consider two ordinances, one being for issues caused by disabilities and the other for issues of perception. Mr. Teller stated that Section 3 of the Ordinance added to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and asked if this means that Council finds the PA Human Relations Act insufficient. Mr. Teller stated that Council will be doing a great injustice to their residents if they pass the Ordinance and that he highly suggests the referendum.
Rich Regal, 242 Central Ave., stated he believes that the Human Relations Ordinance is something that should be put on a referendum and should be decided by the residents of Hatboro.
Kevin McPoyle, 265 E. Montgomery Ave., stated that the language contained in the Human Relations Ordinance is completely necessary because the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act does not cover the LGBTQ community. He noted that the Ordinance does not create extra rights or leave issues open to perception. Mr. McPoyle stated that this Ordinance does not create a black and white wall between opposing sides, but creates the opportunity for the Human Relations Commission to review cases of discrimination. He added that if someone from the LGBTQ community feels as if they are discriminated against, they cannot even go to the state because they are not a protected class and this Ordinance will help them. Mr. McPoyle stated that he is also a member of the Montgomery County LGBTQ Business Council and that he can confidently say that people want to do business in communities that are accepting. He concluded that the Human Relations Ordinance will benefit Hatboro’s economy and all of the residents.
Mike Dici, Warminster Road in Upper Moreland, stated that he loves Hatboro and added that his family spends a lot of time in town. He stated that the objective of the Human Relations Ordinance I great; however, the goal of equality will become impossible if it is passed. He noted that the Ordinance puts the equality needs of the LGBTQ community ahead of others. Mr. Dici stated that the words of residents of faith spoken during the meeting are rooted in the words of God in which the United States is based on. He stated that the passing of this Ordinance would allow a nonbiological woman to be in the same bathroom as his wife and daughter which affects his beliefs. The stated that the Human Relations Ordinance displays that Hatboro is following the rest of the country which is distancing itself from the Jesus and the beliefs it was founded on. He stated this Ordinance also makes raising a Christian family more difficult. Mr. Dici concluded that the rights of equality contained in the Ordinance will have a negative impact on others in the community.
Jim Lehman, of Warminster Township, stated that he grew up in the Hatboro Community and he would love for his children and their friends to visit Hatboro and feel accepted. He stated that the Human Relations Ordinance is encouraging acceptance of adults and children alike. He added that there is no place for fear in the Hatboro community and that he fully supports the Human Relations Ordinance as it will make Hatboro a safe place.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated Tuesday, May 8th was Election Day and Hatboro voters once again had one of the highest turnouts in Montgomery County. Mayor Guenst announced that the Enterprise Fire Company Carnival will be opening on May 22nd and will benefit the Enterprise Fire Company. She added that fireworks are scheduled for Friday evening at 9 PM. Mayor Guenst stated that the Hatboro Farmers Market will be taking place on the same night.
Mayor Guenst stated that in the previous week, many residents found KKK flyers in their driveways. She reminded everyone that hateful literature like this belongs in the trash and that residents should report these flyers to the police if found. Mayor Guenst noted that many municipalities experienced the same problem.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the 2018 Transportation Alternative Set Aside Grant awarded the Borough $739,704 for the Corinthian Trail Project. President Bollendorf added that this project will include the construction of a 6 foot wide asphalt walking path, ADA curb ramps and will greatly increase the walkability in Hatboro. President Bollendorf thanked Governor Wolf and PennDOT for the funding.
President Bollendorf announced that the next Zoning Hearing Board meeting for the Wawa application will take place on Thursday, May 31st at 7 PM in Borough Hall.
President Bollendorf reminded everyone that the June Council meeting dates differ from the regular 2nd and 4th Monday schedule due to the PSAB conference. The Committee Meeting will take place on June 4th and the Council Meeting will take place on June 25th.
President Bollendorf echoed Mayor Guenst’s statements on the hateful literature found at residents’ homes. He noted Hatboro is an inclusive community and that there is no room for hate.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs was absent. Vice President Stockton gave the Treasurer’s Report. Vice President Stockton reported that at the end of April, the Borough accounts had a total of $4,390,082.68 and a year to date interest earned of $6,501.94.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that during the public comment period, residents were discussing the ability of Council to place the Human Relations Ordinance on a referendum. He noted that he was previously asked to research that issue and that it is not eligible to be placed on a referendum due to Pennsylvania Law.
Solicitor Kilkenny stated that over the last month, his office worked on the advertising of the Human Relations Ordinance and its final draft, litigation matters, right to know requests, and permitting. He noted that they will soon be focusing on zoning changes with regard to parking in Hatboro.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated the North York Road Sinkhole will be repaired by Public Works in late June. She stated the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp project is on PennBid and a pre-bid meeting will take place on May 30th with the bid opening on June 20th. Engineer Goff stated that there will be a Watershed Restoration and Protection Program Grant on the agenda tonight and that this will be restoring the stream bank in Eaton Park as a part of the Borough’s MS4 reduction.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated there is a resolution from Crooked Billet School on the agenda; however, she has been informed that this resolution is not yet ready to be signed and that it will instead be voted on at the June 4th Meeting.
Manager Hegele stated that Community Day at the pool was canceled due to the rain. She noted that staff opened Borough Hall the same Saturday to sell pool memberships and that there was a large turnout. As a result, Manager Hegele announced that Borough Hall will be open after hours this evening until 8 PM, Thursday, May 24th from 5 to 8 PM and Saturday June 9th from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Manager Hegele stated Council discussed a storm water grant for a project on Loller Road; however, this grant application will be tabled so the Borough can make sure the correct information is obtained.
Manager Hegele stated the TCDI grant application is underway. She noted that Upper Moreland Township applied for a similar trail study grant and as a result, the Borough will be filing a joint application with them in hopes that it will be more favorable for award.
Manager Hegele stated that Council is in receipt of the proposal from DEDC for the Loller Building renovations and that DEDC will be presenting to Council at the June 4th Meeting.
Manager Hegele reminded everyone that Borough Hall and Public Works will be closed for Memorial Day and that there will be no refuse collection taking place. She noted that the Memorial Pool will be opening Memorial Day weekend for the 2018 season. She concluded with thanking all of the men and women who have served and are serving in the Military.
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated that the department’s body and dash camera system is up and running and working well. He stated that they are one of the first departments in the county to implement this system.
Chief Gardner stated that Fireworks will be taking place on Friday, May 25th at 9 PM. There will be temporary no parking zones on Fulmor Avenue during this time. He stated the rain date will be Monday, May 28th.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that he will be meeting with the Borough’s Recycling Consultant on June 8th to discuss ways to improve our town’s recycling program.
Superintendent Sine stated that plans for the new pool pavilion were reviewed by the Borough’s Code Officials and that Public Works is approved to proceed with the pouring of footers and a concrete pad. He is hoping to have the pavilion installed before the end of summer.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated that he has been working on a Fire House Subs grant for the purchase of an ATV vehicle for Emergency Management. He stated this grant is fully funded with no Borough match. He stated that the Borough will be notified of the results in 6 weeks.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that the Emergency Management team recently worked an incident on South York Road due to downed power lines. He thanked Enterprise Fire Company for their help as they were on-scene for over 10 hours.
Vice President Stockton asked where the ATV would be stored if we purchase it. Fire Marshal Myers stated that he is working with Superintendent Sine to determine a secure location.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton motioned to acknowledge the receipt of Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Treasurer’s Report, UMHJSA Minutes, and Borough Authority Minutes. This motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of May 2018. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the April 23, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7 -0.
MAY 7, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the May 7, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7 -0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of April in the amount of $28,003.02. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of April in the amount of $5,000. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
GREENWAYS, TRAILS & RECREATION PROGRAM APPLICATION, RESOLUTION 18-11 – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Greenways/Trails & Recreation Program Grant Application, Resolution 18-11. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE HOUSE SUBS GRANT – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the application for the Firehouse Subs Grant for the purchase of an all-terrain-vehicle for the Emergency Management Team. Motion seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM RESOLUTION 18-12 – Councilwoman Anzinger Motioned to approve the application for the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program Grant. Motion seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
YMCA EVENT REQUESTS TO USE MEMORIAL POOL – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the YMCA use of the Memorial Pool on June 28th from 5:15 to 9:30 PM. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton. President Bollendorf asked if there were any other closures that week. Manager Hegele stated that yes, the Storm will be using the pool on June 27th. A vote was cast, motion carried 4-3.
Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the YMCA’s use of the Memorial Pool on July 12th. Motion seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Manager Hegele stated that the Hatboro Storm is already using the pool on July 18th, so the YMCA would be closing the pool a second time that week. President Bollendorf called for a motion, there was none. This request was defeated by lack of motion.
PSAB CONFERENCE VOTING DELEGATE – Councilman Hegele motioned to nominate President Bollendorf as the Borough’s voting delegate at the 2018 PSAB Conference and Mayor Guenst as the alternate. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger. President Bollendorf abstained. A vote was cast. Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
HATBORO HORSHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL PRELIMINARY/FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL – Curtis Griffin gave an update on the project. He stated that the project is set to have groundbreaking in August and will be holding community meetings in the coming months. He thanked Chief Gardner for the relationship they have with the Hatboro Police Department. Jaime Lynch stated he will be at the July 4th Committee Meeting for Council’s vote on the resolution. He noted that they are working to improve traffic plans based on the feedback given at the May Committee Meeting and that they are actively working with Gilmore and Associates to make recommended changes to the plan. This matter was tabled.
RORER AVENUE STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, APPLICATION FOR FINAL PAYMENT – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Final Payment to GoreCon in the amount of $1,000 for the Rorer Avenue Storm Sewer Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MEMORIAL POOL SNACK STAND LEASE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Memorial Pool Snack Stand lease for the 2018 Pool season. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele
HUMAN RELATIONS ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the Human Relations Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton. President Bollendorf stated that he will accept comments on the Ordinance and that it will be a roll-call vote.
Councilman Forgeng stated that everyone wants acceptance. He stated that Council could vote, but it does not seem like it will change things. Councilman Forgeng stated that everyone is in the hands of Jesus Christ. Councilman Forgeng stated that the Ordinance stated that homosexuality is ok and that someone could be persecuted for not wanting to support this behavior. He stated that people have fought for religious freedom over the years and this Ordinance goes against that. Councilman Forgeng stated that everyone must stand for decisions they make, Jesus is the way, and he does not stand for this Ordinance.
Councilman Hegele stated he believes the Borough should wait to vote on this ordinance until the Supreme Court makes their ruling on a similar case. He noted that the passing of this Ordinance might lead to liability issues for the Borough. He stated he is not aware of any cases of discrimination in the Borough and that Hatboro is a very welcoming community. He concluded that this should be an action taken by the State, not the Borough itself.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that she has witness friends of the LGBTQ community suffer. She noted that she was raised Catholic and attended a college that had gender neutral bathrooms and they never once experienced a problem. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that it is her honor to vote in favor of the Human Relations Ordinance.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that she knows a lot of people in the LGBTQ community. She stated that she is open to differing opinions and believes in the separation of church and state. Councilwoman Benjamin added that protection goes both ways. She stated that the best way to make this decision is to leave religion out. She stated that this ordinance is not forcing people to change their beliefs. She is a mother and she noted that she wants her children to grow up regardless of who they are and be accepted as such. She noted that this ordinance will affect the lives of people in Hatboro now and into the future. She noted that the question of LGBTQ rights was not as mainstream when civil rights were enacted 50 years ago and now that it is, the ordinance is necessary. She stated that she would like to see the State take action, but for now, they must do so locally.
Vice President Stockton stated that he believes they must answer to the voters. He stated that Council is not passing an agenda and that they must vote along with their conscience. He stated that looking 50 years into the past for a lesson of civil rights is not the right thing to do. He noted that this nation was founded on religious freedom and that this means freedom of all religions, not just one. Vice President Stockton stated Council is there to protect people and their rights. He stated that Council has been accused of rushing this Ordinance; however, that is not true. Vice President Stockton stated that the Ordinance has been advertised, posted online, and all meetings discussing it have been streamed online. He noted that it has never been easier to access information in your community and that if residents are unaware, they are not actively looking for information. Vice President Stockton stated that Council does not take this issue lightly and that they will be voting along with their conscience.
Councilman Rich stated that he does not support this ordinance. He noted that he does not favor discrimination, but is concerned about lawsuits and problems it might cause.
President Bollendorf stated that Council has accomplished a lot in the past months and that they are extremely accessible and transparent. He noted that they all have their own personal beliefs, but they need-not let them affect future success.
President Bollendorf held a roll call vote as follows: Councilwoman Benjamin – Aye, Councilman Forgeng – Nay, Councilman Rich – Nay, Vice President Stockton – Aye, President Bollendorf – Aye, Councilwoman Anzinger – Aye, and Councilman Hegele – Nay.
The motion to pass the Human Relations Ordinance was carried, 4-3.
SPECIAL UPDATES
CAPITAL BUDGET WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf stated that Council will be holding a Capital Budget Workshop on Thursday, May 24th at 7 PM in Borough Hall and that this meeting is open to the public.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUTER PARKING ORDINANCE – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the advertisement of the Commuter Parking Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger.
Councilman Hegele asked if the residents have been notified of this ordinance. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that they have been made aware. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SBA COMMUNICATIONS EASEMENT AGREEMENT – 120 E. MONTGOMERY AVENUE & 2 BLAIR MILL ROAD – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the SBA communications easement agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele.
Councilman Forgeng asked if these were new cell towers. President Bollendorf stated these were existing towers and this agreement is relative to the funding SBA provides. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PLUMRIDGE ASSESSMENT APPEAL SETTLEMENT STIPULATION – Councilman Rich Motioned to approve the Plumridge Assessment Appeal Settlement Stipulation. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin.
Vice President Stockton stated he would abstain as he lives in Hatboro Lofts and this settlement stipulation might affect his rent. Vice President Stockton provided an email of recusal, herein attached as exhibit A.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0 with one abstention from Vice President Stockton.
AUTHORIZATION FOR SOLICITOR KILKENNY TO SIGN ASSESSMENT STIPULATIONS – Councilman Rich motioned to authorize Solicitor Kilkenny to sign assessment stipulations going forward and report back to Council once signed. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Mr. Spencer, N. Penn., recited scripture and noted that you cannot overcome evil with evil, but that evil is overcome by good.
Mr. Hierholtzer stated Council made a mistake enacting the ordinance and that it might harm the town in the future. He stated that parents try to teach their children what is right from wrong and that this ordinance counteracts that.
Ms. Rodgers thanked Council for their work and that she is also a Christian and that the argument made by others that Christianity can solve this problem is not true.
Ms. Pietro thanked Council for their hard work and dedication. She thanked them for giving her and other transgenders the right to be treated fairly and equally. She stated it is not about right and wrong, but about safety, common sense, and an increase in the LGBTQ community. She stated that being transgender is not a choice and they are born as they are. She noted that all human beings deserve to have the same rights.
Reverend Josh Blakesly thanked Council for their work and for voting on this human rights issue. He stated his church came to Hatboro because it is so accepting and that they feel very welcome.
Mr. Teets stated that the Human Relations Ordinance is pushing an agenda and promoting one viewpoint over another. He noted that this is an unsettled issue and has nothing to do with civil rights.
Mayor Guenst stated that she started the development of the Human Relations Ordinance 7 years ago and that it was not rushed. She stated that many people in her family and friends are a part of the LBGTQ community. She stated that gay people are not pedophiles as some claimed in the meeting. She thanked Council for their votes or lack thereof. She noted that she enjoys working with all of them and will continue to do such.
ADJOURNMENT – The May 21, 2018 adjourned at 8:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis