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May 9, 2022 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Chief Gardner, Superintendent Frydlewicz, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Treasurer Smith, and Borough Planner Kennedy were present.

ABSENT – Vice President Stockton and Councilwoman Reichner were excused. Deputy Superintendent Dermer was absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May 9, 2022, Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agenda with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

NEW BUSINESS
CORINTHIAN TRAIL PAYMENT #6 – President Bollendorf stated that RVE recommends payment #6 for the Corinthian Trail to Marino Construction in the amount of $40,546.15.

VOTING ITEMS
CORINTHIAN TRAIL PAYMENT #6– Councilwoman Ostrander made amotion to approve Corinthian Trail payment #6 to Marino Construction in the amount of $ 40,546.15. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to adjourn the May 9, 2022, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the May 9, 2022, Voting Meeting at 7:01 P.M.

COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the May 9, 2022, Committee meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.

MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agenda with regards to addressing Council and time allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

NEW BUSINESS
1) Public Safety Committee

  • PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilwoman Ostrander stated a few weeks ago was Officer Allen’s celebration of life and Officer Thompson and Officer K9 Louie graduated from training and that it is bittersweet.
  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander stated this is to approve the Enterprise Fire Company expenditure List for the month of April 2022 in the amount of $ 17,312.84. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • DEPUTY CHIEF POSITION – Chief Gardner stated as you likely are aware, I intend on retiring from the Hatboro Police Department in February 2024 after having served almost 40 years with the Hatboro Police Department. I will have spent 22 of those years as Hatboro’s Chief of Police, the longest serving police chief in the department’s history. I provide this as background for the challenges of ensuring a smooth transition in the leadership of the police department. In planning for this transition, last year the Civil Service Commission amended our Civil Service Rules and Regulations to provide for the position of Deputy Chief of Police. The amendment(s) were ratified by Borough Council. The primary purpose of this position is to allow for the training of a replacement for the position of Chief of Police, and to give that individual exposure and experience in the management duties associated with the Chief’s position. I’m pleased to report we have clearly qualified candidates within our supervisory ranks to assume the duties of Chief of Police. As an action item for the May meeting and having discussed the transition process with the Public Safety Committee, I am recommending that Council direct our Civil Service Commission to establish an eligibility list for the position of Deputy Chief. By the time the process is complete, and ready for Council to promote a candidate for this position, I will have about 18 months remaining before retirement. The Deputy Chief will still have to work shifts and supervise a squad, but I will be able to begin training and exposing him to higher level management responsibilities. The Deputy Chief will serve as second in command of the department and will be in command during any absences of the Chief. Council will also have to a negotiate an agreement with the successful candidate as this new position will fall outside of the police bargaining unit. This can be done after Civil Service certifies the eligibility list. Typically, those in these police management positions retain the same basic benefits as those in the bargaining unit. The monetary compensation will fall between the rates paid to Sergeants and the Chief. The difference is $6.06 per hour, so the Deputy Chief should fall somewhere in the middle of that difference. Often, a “parachute clause” is included to give the candidate the ability to return to his previous rank, should things not work out in the new position. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • WARMINSTER ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT – Manager Hegele stated this is a monthly open item on the agenda for updates for this project.

2) Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin stated staff has not heard back from the library about its monthly expenditure list and if Director Celec sends it to staff over the weekend, it will be sent out to Council for review prior to the next meeting. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL PROJECT ELECTRICAL PAYMENT #4 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended Payment #4 for the Borough Hall Electrical Contract in the amount of $ 35,272.52. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL PROJECT ELECTRICAL PAYMENT #5 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended payment #5 for the Borough Hall Electrical contract in the amount of $ 23,047.31. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL PROJECT ELECTRICAL PAYMENT #6 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended payment #6 for the Borough Hall Mechanical contract in the amount of $ 280,291.08. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • BOROUGH HALL FIRE SUPPRESSION PAYMENT #6 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended payment #6 for the Borough Hall Fire Suppression contract in the amount of $ 73,273.86. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • EATON PARK STREAMBANK RESTORATION REPAIRS PAYMENT #1 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended the final payment for the Eaton Park Streambank repair in the amount of $ 21,200.00. She also stated that this work was completed to repair damages from Ida in the fall of 2021 and once we receive a canceled check, the Borough will be submitting this bill to FEMA for reimbursement. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY CHANGE ORDER #3 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended change order #3 for the Jacksonville and Montgomery traffic Signal project. She also stated this work was performed in conjunction with the Green Light Go Grant Program and results in a project reduction of $ 819.00. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • JACKSONVILLE AND MONTGOMERY PAYMENT #3 – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Engineer Goff recommended payment #3 to Carr and Duff for the Jacksonville Montgomery Traffic Signal Project in the amount of $ 5,127.36. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANT (15% MATCH) – Councilwoman McMenamin stated this grant has a 15% match requirement and the maximum amount is $300,00.00 with a deadline to submit on May 31, 2022. She stated some possible project ideas for this grant would be pervious pavers/parking lot at Eaton Park, Basin/Rain Garden at Eaton Park, or Pervious Pavement at Memorial Park and all agreed on applying for a rain garden at Eaton Park. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • GREENWAY TRAILS AND RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION (15% MATCH) – Councilwoman McMenamin stated this grant has a 15% match requirement and the maximum award is $250,000.00 with a deadline to submit on May 31, 2022. She stated some possible project ideas for this grant would be a Tot Playground at Hatboro Pool, Pervious Pavers at Eaton Park, or Memorial Park and all agreed on applying for pervious pavers at Eaton Park. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • FLOOD MITIGATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION (15% MATCH) – Councilwoman McMenamin stated this grant has a 15% match requirement with the minimum award $50,000.00 and maximum $ 500,00.00 with a
    deadline to submit on May 31, 2022. She stated a possible project idea for this grant would be rehabilitation of stormwater infrastructure on Wood Street as this project would remedy existing stormwater issues within the street that is causing flooding and sink holes on surrounding private properties. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • QUARTERLY CLAIMS UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin gave a quarterly claim update for Quarter 1 of 2022 and staff is actively working with our insurance company for resolution of these two matters.
  • QUARTERLY BUDGET UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin gave a quarterly budget update for Quarter 1 of 2022.

3) Community Outreach & Events Committee

  • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Councilman Myers stated that the Business Spotlight for the month of May is WRDV-FM.
  • UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilman Myers announced upcoming events.
  • GOLD STAR GARDEN UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the committee met tonight and discussed the groundbreaking, which is May 21, 2022, at Miller Meadow and the Beef and Beer fundraiser is June 10, 2022, at the Warminster VFW.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Friends of Cressbrook next meeting is May 17, 2022.
  • NOURISHING STROM EVENT REQUEST – Councilman Myers stated that there is an event request in Council’s packets to approve Yoga in Memorial Park from May until October. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

4) Public Works Committee

  • DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus stated there are two new part time employees at the PW Department and welcomed them to the Borough.
    She also stated the new trash truck has finally arrived this morning. She also stated they have been repairing potholes, completed an electric upgrade at Cressbrook, some attended a Chainsaw safety class at DVT, and getting the pool ready to open for Community Day.
  • 2022 ROAD PAVING – Councilwoman Jacobus stated included in your packet is a memo from Superintendent Frydlewicz including a list of streets recommended for paving this year. She stated his list is based on current conditions of our streets, future weather may affect these and other streets, and he recommends milling and overlay within the next three years on the following • Abbots Ln: W. Moreland Ave to the storm drain that crosses the road. • Williams Ln: S. Chester Ave to S. Linden Ave. • E. Monument Ave: N. York Rd to N. Penn St. * • N. Penn St. E. Montgomery Ave to E. Monument Ave. * • N. Penn St. E. Monument Ave to Summit Ave. * Streets marked * all come together at E. Monument Avenue, and he defers that to the Borough Engineer for that timing. Engineer Goff stated all the conditions on these roads are similar as they are all in poor condition. Engineer Goff also stated it depends on preference and budget regarding which ones she will bid out and can also do a base bid and have alternate bids as well. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SALE OF TRUCKS ON MUNICIBID – Councilwoman Jacobus stated that Unit #14 2006 International 7400T 25-yard Rear-Load Refuse Truck This truck would not be sold until the new truck, Unit #15, is delivered and placed into service. Enclosed Utility Trailer 2004 Pace American 6 x 12 and this trailer has not been used in over 5 years and it currently stored at the Police Department. She also stated the trailer replaced the Hazmat trailer that was sold in April 2022 and has most recently used as a storage container and with the purchase of a new landscape trailer in 2021 there is no need for this trailer and PW would like to list these for sale on Municibid. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

5) Facilities

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Ostrander stated settlement for the Pennypack property will be in June 2022.

6) Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers gave an update on the EAC and thanked everyone who attended the earth day event as well as sponsors and vendors.
  • GAGA PIT UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated Deputy Superintendent Dermer is working alongside Charly Schultz to get the Gaga Pit constructed in Eaton Park and we are hoping to have the pit constructed this summer.

7) Administration Committee

  • MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the upcoming meetings for month of May/June.
  • CVS PARKING DISCUSSION – Robert Gundlach, attorney for applicant, stated the applicant is proposing a text amendment to establish a dual use that would allow for apartments and commercial on the first floor in front of the building and they have been before the Planning Commission and Council addressing comments from review letters and have made revisions based on comments. He stated that tonight they are asking Borough Council to authorize the advertisement of their proposed ordinance so they can have a hearing to vote on a decision for them to move forward or not. Mr. Gundlach gave a presentation showing the applicants proposed plans regarding the parking and asked Council to move forward on the ordinance amendment.
    Solicitor Geiser stated that she has been working with Mr. Tulio, engineer, and attorney for the past several months and that Borough Planner Kennedy and his team are in the process of drafting and reworking the ordinance provided that would cover not just this specific property but also cover a couple other potential developments in the Borough. She also stated that the applicant has submitted a draft and there are a few concerns regarding parking and density. Borough Planner Kennedy stated they reviewed the initial and revised ordinance, and he had some concerns, however in the meantime, they received another request for a text amendment and what they are asking for is very similar and therefore instead of drafting two, he would like to draft one that covers both potential developments, but he needs more detail. Planner Kennedy reviewed some high-density multifamily projects in nearby areas to give Council some examples. Mr. Gundlach stated that they are very disappointed that they must wait as they have started this process a year ago. Solicitor Geiser stated that it would go on the July agenda for a vote at the earliest. Planner Kennedy stated his recommendation is not to advertise the proposed draft and wait until they come up with an ordinance that everyone is comfortable with. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO STATION LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated included in Council’s packet is a letter from the Hatboro Station HOA/Toll Brothers requesting an amendment to Hatboro Station’s Land Development Plans and if Council is agreeable to amending the land development plan, Solicitor Geiser will draft a resolution amending the project’s land development. She also stated they would like to remove eleven parking spaces on the association side and install landscaping improvements. President Bollendorf asked if the project was completed, and Engineer Goff stated that it is not as there are several punch list items to be addressed and their intent is to see if Council agrees with the amendment before they proceed. President Bollendorf stated the project needs to be completed and if Toll Brothers can’t then the Borough will complete it. A representative from toll brothers stated that they have been working through the list since the fall and most of list has been completed and once, they confirm what is to be done regarding paving they will get the project completed in the next 30-60 days. Engineer Goff stated she has no objection to Council voting on the amendment. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO LITTLE LEAGUE AQUA EASEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Aqua would like Borough Council to consider signing an updated easement agreement for the Little League Field that would allow AQUA to make necessary infrastructure improvements. Included in your packet is a copy of a draft easement agreement and a draft plan reflecting the area of the desired easement. Bernie Kelly, Engineer for Aqua, gave a presentation on this easement and Council asked if the path could be widened for emergency vehicles and Mr. Kelly stated that yes it can be. This item has been moved to the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • STEEL PENNY CONDTIONAL USE HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated during the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting, Council will hold a public hearing to review a conditional use application submitted by Steel Penny Café to amend their original conditional use decision to allow cooking of food on-premises and the expansion of the café.
  • 2 HOME ROAD ZONING CHANGE HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated during the May 23, 2022, Council Meeting, Council will hold a public hearing to review a Zoning Change application submitted by 2 Home Road and a request to subdivide the property and that a draft ordinance for the zoning change is being prepared by Solicitor Geiser and will be sent to Council prior to the May 23rd Council Meeting.

OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – President Bollendorf stated

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the May 9, 2022, Committee Meeting at 8:07 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer

Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf