PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Hyne, Engineer Goff, and Engineer Walsh were present
ABSENT – Treasurer Kalnajs and Fire Marshal Myers were absent
CALL TO ORDER
President Bollendorf called the May 7, 2018 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Kevin McPoyle, E. Montgomery Ave. stated that he is a board member of the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council and stated that the Human Relations Ordinance is economically beneficial to the community. He noted that this ordinance not only protects those who would be discriminated against, but benefits the entire community economically. Mr. McPoyle noted that there is nothing in the ordinance to protect pedophiles or that allows transgender persons from infiltrating women’s sports, or interfering with religious liberties as mentioned in previous meetings. He stated that Council needs to consider what is at stake if this ordinance is not passed as people can be discriminated against in Hatboro without legal recourse without this ordinance in effect. He concluded that discrimination against the LGBTQ community is not only un-American, but is un-Hatboro.
STAFF REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf announced that Council held a brief executive session before the meeting to discuss a real-estate issue and a personnel matter.
President Bollendorf stated he attended the first Farmers Market on May 4th and that it was a great success. Mayor Guenst stated she was also in attendance and that it was a wonderful event.
BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that staff has been making preparations for Community Day at the Hatboro Pool which will take place on Saturday, May 19th from 10 AM to 2 PM. She added that many local businesses and organizations will be in attendance for this event and that residents will have the opportunity to purchase their membership at the pool. She stated she visited the pool and that Public Works is working hard to get the pool ready for Community Day and Opening Day on May 26th.
Manager Hegele stated the first Summer Nights event took place on May 4th and that it was a great success, as was the Library’s Book Sale on May 5th.
Manager Hegele welcomed Engineer Kelly Goff from Remington & Vernick who will be the Borough’s new engineer.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works has been working diligently to make the upgrades at the pool and prepare it for Opening Day. He stated that the new pavilion has been ordered; however, he does not have an estimated time of arrival yet.
Superintendent Sine stated he attended a Public Works Management Seminar on April 26th that was extremely informative.
Superintendent Sine stated that he, Manager Hegele, and Foreman Young interviewed the top two candidates for the Full Time Laborer position and that he will meet with Manager Hegele in the coming days to draft a conditional letter of employment.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Chief Gardner stated he received positive feedback from officers regarding the first Summer Nights event.
Chief Gardner stated the department is actively pursuing a case of animal cruelty, specifically cat hoarding, which took place on Friday, May 4th. He stated that the final count of cats removed from the property is 116. He noted that the investigation is still ongoing and that he cannot offer any other additional details at this time. He noted that Barry Isett & Associates is also working with the property to get things cleaned up and remediated. Councilman Hegele asked if all 116 cats were coming from the garage property in question. Chief Gardner stated he is unsure where the cats originated from; however, all 116 cats were found within the garage which appeared to be lived in by an individual as well. Vice President Stockton asked if there was any updates as to when the cats would be available for adoption through the SPCA. Chief Gardner stated that all 3 SPCA locations in the area are at capacity due to this incident; however, the cats will not be released for adoption until they are evaluated by veterinarians and the case is closed. Chief Gardner thanked Enterprise Fire Company for their help throughout the incident. He noted they helped the department immensely throughout the three-day cleanup and loaned equipment to the department to help. He also thanked Public Works for helping to secure the location after the cats were removed.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Hyne stated he walked the Hawkes Cooper Storm Channel with Borough staff to review a project for a Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant.
He stated he has been working on the revised plan for the Borough’s MS4 permit which will be able to be submitted to the DEP the following week.
Engineer Hyne stated that he and Borough staff are reviewing quotes received for the repairing of the sinkhole on York Road. He stated that Borough staff may be able to perform the work at a lower cost than hiring a third party.
Engineer Hyne stated the 2017 Curb Ramp Program will be out to bid in the next week and that the project can be put out to bid once the County has completed their review.
Engineer Hyne stated that he will be filing a grant for a Watershed and Restoration Grant in May as well.
Engineer Hyne stated that he and Borough staff have recently met to discuss traffic signals at Byberry and Warminster and the intersection of Jacksonville and Montgomery Ave.
Engineer Hyne stated that Remington & Vernick is working on preparing costs and scope of work for the 2018 Road Paving Program and is looking for an end of summer start time for the project.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated her office has been working with Borough staff to draft the proposed Commuter Parking Ordinance and that she will have a copy for Council’s review by the end of the week. She noted that her office is taking suggestions and input from residents and Council over the past meetings into consideration when drafting this ordinance.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng stated Council was in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of April in the amount of $28,003.02.
Mayor Guenst asked if the $6,950.00 for elevator repairs would be covered under a warranty. Councilman Hegele stated that the elevator has not worked since it was installed. Manager Hegele stated she will check with Chief Anders to see if the elevator is covered under warranty before Council approves the expenditure list at the Council Meeting. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng stated Council was in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure list for the month of April in the amount of. $5,000. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
FINANCE AND GRANTS
GREENWAYS/TRAILS & RECREATION PROGRAM APPLICATION – Councilman Rich stated DCNR suggested the Borough apply for the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to request funding for a feasibility study to perform a study of the pool facility. This application would be done in house and would lay the groundwork for future developments. Councilman Rich stated this grant has a 15% match requirement, a $100.00 application fee and is due on or before May 31st. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
CAPITAL BUDGET WORKSHOP – Councilman Rich stated the Finance Committee would like to hold a Capital Budget meeting at the end of May and asked fellow Councilmembers to check their calendars so Manager Hegele can schedule a meeting date.
FIRE HOUSE SUBS GRANT – Councilman Rich stated Fire Marshal Myers would like to apply for the Fire House Subs Grant. This grant does not have a match requirement and will fund up to $25,000. He added that this is a quarterly grant for fire departments, municipalities, and law enforcement. Councilman Hegele asked if the Fire Company could apply for this grant as well because this grant could cover a lot of their expenses. Manager Hegele stated that Enterprise Fire Company is eligible to apply for the grant. Mayor Guenst asked if Fire Marshal Myers is going to be applying for the grant. Manager Hegele stated that yes, Fire Marshal Myers would be applying for the Borough’s submission and would like to request a gas detector. Manager Hegele stated that even the Hatboro Police could apply.
Vice President Stockton stated that the Fire Company requested more funding from the Borough in recent years and that this grant would be a logical way for them to cover some of their costs.
Manager Hegele stated that it is her understanding that both the Borough and the Fire Company can apply for the grant in the same year.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the Borough could apply for this grant multiple times a year. Manager Hegele stated she will ask Fire Marshal Myers.
President Bollendorf asked if Fire Marshal Myers will be able to submit the grant by the May 24th deadline if Council approves it on May 21st. Manager Hegele stated yes, Fire Marshal Myers has all of the paperwork and required equipment quotes prepared for the application.
Councilman Forgeng asked if Fire Marshal Myers was knowledgeable about the expenditures on the Fire Company Expenditure list and asked whether all of the equipment purchases were necessary. Vice President Stockton stated that he spoke with Chief Anders and that he is very knowledgeable about rotating out his equipment; however, if the Fire Company could get grant money, this would help immensely.
Mayor Guenst stated that the Borough could help the Fire Company write the grant because they are all volunteer. Manager Hegele stated that Secretary DeRenzis would be happy to write a grant for the Fire Company.
This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM GRANT – Councilman Rich stated that Manager Hegele, Superintendent Sine, Engineer Hyne, and Engineer Goff examined stormwater issues in the Borough. Remington & Vernick would like to pursue a Flood Mitigation Program Grant on behalf of the Borough for improvements in the area of the Hawkes/Cooper Channel on Loller Road. Councilman Rich stated this grant has a 15% match requirement, a $100.00 application fee and is due on or before May 31, 2018.
Vice President Stockton asked if Engineer Hyne had an estimate of how much funding is awarded. Engineer Hyne stated the grant is usually awarded for around $500,000 but that it would depend on the project.
Mayor Guenst asked if this project will widen the channel. Engineer Hyne stated that this work will clean it out and improve flow conditions as well as examine existing storm sewers in the vicinity.
Councilwoman Hegele asked how long the channel stretches. Engineer Hyne stated it is about a quarter mile long.
Councilman Hegele asked if this is the channel that runs between the Hawkes/Cooper residences. Manager Hegele stated yes. Superintendent Sine stated that this channel discharges by the YMCA and stretches back to the homes on Academy.
This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM – Councilman Rich stated that Manager Hegele, Superintendent Sine, Engineer Hyne, and Engineer Goff examined stormwater issues in the Borough. Remington & Vernick would like to pursue a Watershed Restoration and Protection Program Grant on behalf of the Borough for an MS-4 reduction project. This grant has a 15% match, a $100.00 application fee and is due on or before May 31st.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked what the maximum amount of funding awarded is for this grant. Engineer Hyne stated the maximum is $300,000. President Bollendorf asked if this grant would help improve the Borough’s MS-4 submission. Engineer Hyne confirmed.
This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
DIGITAL OUTREACH – Councilwoman Benjamin stated she had nothing on her agenda for the month of May.
PUBLIC WORKS – Councilman Hegele stated he had nothing on his agenda for the month of May.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
TREE VITALIZE GRANT UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that Manager Hegle and Secretary DeRenzis have submitted a letter of intent for the 2019 TreeVitalize Grant for a beautification project in Eaton Park. She added that this grant will provide $3,000 in new trees for the park. This grant has a 1:1 reimbursable match and is due on or before July 13th. Assistant Secretary DeRenzis stated that if the Borough is awarded the grant, we must pay the entire $3,000 and will be reimbursed $1,500 once the project is completed.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
PARKING OVERLAY ORDINANCE UPDATE – Manager Hegele stated that the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Parking Overly Ordinance. She added that upon their review, the Planning Commission requested to review the Montgomery County Planning Commission’s letter of review for the proposed ordinance. She stated that the Planning Commission tabled their decision until they can review the letter from the County and will be meeting again on June 5, 2018.
Mayor Guenst stated that the County is very supportive of these overlay ordinances and they can really help the Borough develop this ordinance.
PERMIT PARKING ORDINANCE UPDATE – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been drafting the ordinance and working alongside Assistant Secretary DeRenzis to make sure all of the correct streets are included and the feedback from residents and Council is considered. Solicitor Geiser stated that she will have a draft available for Council’s review by the end of the week.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if Council could vote to advertise this ordinance at the May 21st meeting. Solicitor Geiser stated yes.
This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS – Councilwoman Anzinger announced that Hatboro Summer Nights will take place on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month from May to September and will include the Hatboro Farmers Market and Cruise Night. She also announced that the Enterprise Fire Company Summer Fun Festival will be taking place from May 22nd to May 26th in Miller Meadow. Councilwoman Anzinger also reminded residents to vote for Lochel’s Bakery for the Sweetest Bakery in America Contest.
ADMINISTRATION
YMCA EVENT REQUESTS TO USE POOL (SWIM MEETS) – Vice President Stockton stated Council is in receipt of 4 event requests from the YMCA requesting to use the Memorial Pool for swim meets and swim practices. President Bollendorf asked if these would require the pool to be closed. Manager Hegele stated yes, this would require the pool to be closed early and that they have offered the use of their indoor pool for nights the pool is closed for their meets. She also added that one of these events will take place the same week as a Storm Swim meet which means that the pool would be closing early twice in one week. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
PSAB CONFERENCE VOTING DELEGATE – Vice President Stockton stated that Manager Hegele, Mayor Guenst, and a few members of Council are attending the PSAB Conference in June and that they must appoint a voting delegate. Manager Hegele stated that the delegate represents the Borough and has the ability to vote for legislation at the conference. President Bollendorf nominated Mayor Guenst for the delegate position. Manager Hegele recommended Mayor Guenst and President Bollendorf. Mayor Guenst nominated President Bollendorf for the delegate position and she would be his alternate. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
HATBORO HORSHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL PRELIMINARY/FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL – Jamie Lynch, project manager, gave a presentation on the Crooked Billet School project. Mr. Lynch noted that the school district designed the new Crooked Billet School with the children and community in mind. He displayed diagrams including indoor/outdoor design, classroom layouts, traffic plans, and street improvements. He noted that these diagrams indicate improvements designed to create a modern school for children and alleviate parking and bus route issues. Mr. Lynch stated that the project has a completion date of fall of 2020. Mr. Lynch added that the restoration and relocation of the Crooked Billet Monument is also a part of this project.
Danielle Hofer reviewed the new school floorplan and improvements to security. She noted that all classrooms and facilities were designed with the students in mind.
Engineer Walsh read a letter of review from Gilmore and Associates dated May 2, 2018 containing suggestions and comments for the Preliminary/Final Plan Review. This letter contained requirements for waiver requests, herein attached as exhibit A. This letter also contained a list of sign requirements. Engineer Walsh stated that all of these waiver requests are very common.
Mayor Guenst asked what a “gore area” is as referenced in #15 of the review letter. Engineer Walsh stated that a Gore striping area is a large area with lines indicating “no parking” that some view as an area of refuge.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the school district is going to compensate for the shallower depth of cover for the storm culvert. Jamie Lynch stated that the school district is going to be using stronger, Class 5 concrete pipe to compensate for the difference.
Sandy Coza stated that there are existing one-way restrictions for residential streets in the area and the school district will look to change these restrictions to accommodate for the new parents drop-off lane. She noted that Gilmore requested that they accommodate for a higher number of children being dropped off by parents as this is the trend at the current Crooked Billet School.
Chief Gardner asked if the School District performed traffic counts Penn Street or Bonair for the traffic turning onto Meadowbrook Avenue. Sandy Coza stated that the school district performed counts on the driveways, Penn Street, Windsor Avenue, and Lancaster Avenue. Chief Gardner asked if they are requesting two-way traffic on Meadowbrook at all times and a four-way stop sign at Bonair Ave. Mr. Lynch stated yes.
President Bollendorf asked if the school district will need additional crossing guards when the school opens. Chief Gardner asked if students would be walking from Jacksonville Road because this factor would determine the need for a crossing guard.
Councilman Hegele asked if this means that the crossing guard currently stationed on Jacksonville Road would be needed. Chief Gardner stated that they can eliminate the guard at Jacksonville and Meadowbrook; however, the guard stationed at the railroad tracks would stay. President Bollendorf asked if a guard would be needed on Penn Street. Chief Gardner stated that the school has a safety patrol that handles the N. Penn crossing; however, if the counts are going to be higher, they could move the guard from Jacksonville and Meadowbrook to N. Penn.
Mayor Guenst asked why the district is going to bus all children east of Jacksonville Road. Chief Gardner stated that the school district already does this.
Chief Gardner stated that if people are going to be crossing Meadowbrook Avenue, they should pick one crossing point, either N. Penn or Bonair Ave, not both. He stated that there is a section in Borough Code that states the procedure to establish a new crossing. Mr. Lynch stated that he and the school district discussed this; however, there is no space to install sidewalk along the road to get children to Bonair Ave. to cross the street without erecting them on private property.
Chief Gardner stated that Meadowbrook Ave. should have a 15 mile-per-hour flashing school zone that is required as a part of the Stoveworks I agreement; however, this has still not been completed. President Bollendorf stated Assistant Secretary DeRenzis will locate the Stoveworks I agreement to see what improvements regarding the school zones need to be made.
Mr. Lynch stated that the new Crooked Billet School will have an opening day enrollment of 440 students and 30 preschool students. He added that traffic expectations have been made according the the school’s capacity of 600 students.
Mr. Lynch stated that Gilmore asked the school district to review the possibility of needing a signal at the intersection of Jacksonville and Meadowbrook and noted that the school district has not found any evidence of a need for this signal. Chief Gardner asked if the existing signals on Jacksonville Road would remain if no one if crossing at that location. Mr. Lynch stated that they could possibly apply for a permit to get these signals removed if they are no longer needed.
Sinead Hess, N. Penn St., stated that children currently get picked up on both sides of the street on N. Penn and asked whether routing the buses to Jacksonville Road would cause all of the buses to head the same direction. Ms. Hess noted that this means that children must cross the street at Montgomery Avenue & N. Penn St. without a stop sign, light, or crossing guard. She stated that a child was previously hit and this is a large safety concern for children in the area. Mr. Lynch stated that the school district wants to keep buses out of the community as much as possible which is why they are looking to route them to main roads. He added that if she has a concern with transportation, she can contact the school district directly with these concerns. Chief Gardner stated that there should be no students crossing Montgomery Avenue to board the bus.
Mr. Lynch asked if the school district is doing right by Council in the preservation and restoration of the Crooked Billet Monument. President Bollendorf asked if the Borough was applying for a grant for the monument. Manager Hegele stated, no, the Borough could not apply for a grant due to the ownership of the monument. Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the school district had any measure in place to account for the erosion of the limestone monument due to acid rain. Mr. Lynch stated yes, this issue is being carefully considered by the restoration company. He noted they are also accounting for a crack in the top of the monument that once held the stolen urn. Mayor Guenst asked who their restoration specialist is. Mr. Lynch stated the school district has contracted a party out of Oreland, PA.
Vice President Stockton asked where residents can view copies of the plans for the new school. Mr. Lynch stated that the plans are located on the School District website and that will need to be updated. He noted that the school district also have a community meeting coming up. Manager Hegele stated she will get this meeting date and the project timeline on the website.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if the school district had any unexploded ordinance at the property. Mr. Lynch stated he is not expecting musket balls or gunpowder to explode. Councilman Hegele asked if there would be an opportunity for the Millbrook Society or Historical Commission to look at the property with metal detectors before construction. Mr. Lynch stated that he cannot have thrill-seekers and unorganized groups exploring the property, but some individuals might be able to view the site.
RORER AVENUE STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, APPLICATION FOR FINAL PAYMENT – Engineer Walsh stated the 18 month maintenance period for the Rorer Ave. Storm Sewer Project began in December. He stated that GoreCon submitted their correct paperwork to the County, so the Borough can now make the final payment to GoreCon in the amount of $1,000.
Engineer Walsh noted that one resident is not happy with some of the work that has occurred because there are noticeable stones in his yard and bare patched where grass has not germinated. Engineer Walsh stated that he has contacted the contractor for a timetable on grass seeding and stone removal to clean up the issue. He stated that the Borough can also submit for reimbursement once this final payment to GoreCon is made. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
APPROVAL OF MEMORIAL POOL SNACK STAND LEASE – Vice President Stockton stated Council is in receipt of a proposal from William Hargreaves to operate the snack stand for the summer of 2018. This proposal is for $1,000.00 for the season and Mr. Hargreaves has prepared a reasonably priced menu, packages to offer for parties, and Hawaiian shave ice. Vice President Stockton stated he is a Hatboro Resident and works at Luhv Foods. President Bollendorf asked if he has received all of his permits and clearances. Manager Hegele stated he took the test earlier in the day and she will have a formal agreement for both Mr. Hargreaves and Council to sign on May 21st.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked if Mr. Hargreaves would be in attendance for Community Day on May 19th. Manager Hegele stated yes, he would be there.
This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
HUMAN RELATIONS ORDINANCE UPDATE – Vice President Stockton stated the Human Relations ordinance was advertised for public review. This item was moved to the May 21, 2018 voting meeting for approval.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES
Mayor Guenst stated she had one item for old business. Council, Mayor Guenst, staff, and those in attendance presented Manager Hegele a cake to celebrate her birthday and hard work.
ADJOURNMENT
The May 7, 2018 Committee Meeting of Borough Council was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis