BOROUGH OF HATBORO
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023.
PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilwomen Shay, Councilman Myers, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Ide, Fire Marshal Valesky, Treasurer Smith, and Recording Secretary Bollendorf were present.
ABSENT – Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Jacobus, Fire Marshal Valesky, and Fire Company President Ide.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the October 23, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner 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 – Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated he had some questions he wanted answers to, and President Bollendorf asked if it was about anything on the Agenda, Mr. Blickley stated it was not therefore President Bollendorf stated he would have to wait until the Public Comment section at the end of the meeting as that is for anything that is not on the agenda. Mr. Blickley again stated that he had questions and did not want to wait until the end and Solicitor Geiser stated that he would have to wait for the Public Comment section at the end of the meeting and that it is for comments and not a question-and-answer session. Solicitor Geiser also apologized and stated that the Borough has to follow the rules regarding the agenda and how the first Public Comment section is for anything on the agenda and the second public comment section is for anything not on the agenda. President Bollendorf stated that it has been that way for years and they are just following the rules.
PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION – Councilwoman McMenamin gave a presentation which explained the purpose of a steering committee and what the committee does as well as what Pennypack is used for currently as well as the future plans that have been discussed. She stated the Public Workshop will be November 1, 2023, from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. and encouraged everyone to attend to give feedback and ideas.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated the Skeleton Skurry is this Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M, and they are looking for volunteers and participants. Mayor Schultz stated the annual Halloween Stroll is this Saturday from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Mayor Schultz stated the Holiday parade is Sunday November 19, 2023, from 2:00 P.M. until. 4:00 P.M. and the theme this year is Sporting the Holiday Spirit.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Borough’s first Trunk or Treat event was this past Friday and was a huge success and thanked everyone who made it possible. President Bollendorf stated Halloween is next Tuesday and asked everyone to be careful.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance is all accounts for the period ending September 2023, is $ 4,023,430.08 with interest earned in the amount of $ 5,174.10.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she attended the ZHB regarding 14 E. Moreland Avenue and it has been continued until November. Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working on routine matters with staff regarding Right to Know Requests and Land Development. Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working with staff updating some Borough Ordinances.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that under the Wawa Project, RVE is working with wawa staff and borough staff to close this project. Engineer Goff stated that under the 2023 Liquid Fuels Road Program, RVE is reviewing punch list items and compiling closeout documentations. Engineer Goff stated that under the Hatboro Pedestrian Flashers Project, RVE recommends award of the Base Bid, Alternate No. 1 and Alternate No2. This project is being funded by various grant programs including the ARLE program, DCED MTF program and a County Program and improvements will be made to the Williams and Summit intersections on York and the Meadowbrook and Jacksonville Road intersection. Engineer Goff stated that under the Hatboro Memorial Park Streambank Project, RVE is preparing the bid package, and this project will be ready to bid shortly. Engineer Goff stated that under the Windsor & Meadowbrook Intersection Project, RVE, RVE is preparing the bid package, and this project will be ready to bid shortly.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated PECO was on site today at Pennypack and charged the connection for the lights. Manager Hegele stated there is no further information to report on either bridge project. Manager Hegele stated the Aqua Project at Little League field is underway and piping and electrical work are being done. Manager Hegele stated she has a meeting with DCNR later this week to discuss the Lawn to Meadow project and the next steps and will share information after the meeting. Manager Hegele stated she has been working on the budget.
STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Gardner stated the Skeleton Skurry is this Saturday, and that the Road Closure plan is the same as has been in previous years. He also stated that the Halloween Stroll is this Saturday as well. Chief Gardner stated that the Hatboro Police Department will be participating in the Drug takeback event again this year.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated there was a fire in the trash truck and reminded residents to not put anything flammable in the trash and she also stated fortunately no one was hurt and we didn’t lose any of the fleet. Manager Hegele stated the Road Paving Project is complete.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated she continues to email monthly updates regarding events, land development on York Road, and as always thanking them for everything they do. Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated she is currently working on a budget for Downtown Development for 2024. Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated two borough Staff employees Kim and Shalia organized the Boroughs first trunk or treat event for the kids at Pennypack on Friday October 20 which was a huge success and had an amazing turnout. It was a great night, and a lot of fun was had but would not have been possible if not for Stutz Candy, C&L Rivet, Dr. Larry Krevitz (dentist), Wawa, All Systems and Wipplinger Properties. A huge thank you to Bob, Jackie, and Alison Wipplinger who donated a bike to raffle and also went out and collected kind and monetary donations from Silvestra Paving, REMAX Realtors, Claytons, and DGR. This event was entirely free and would not have been possible without the sponsors and in-kind donations and this is just another example of why shopping locally is important and why we should give back to the businesses who make each and every event possible.
FIRE MARSHAL – Manager Hegele stated Fire Marshal Valesky took an instructor class and a Health and Safety class that both taught her more about managing an inspection program and interacting with people on the importance of those programs. Manager Hegele stated Fire Marshal Valesky received almost 40 property maintenance complaints and closed 20 of them, in addition to working on our list of open complaints and issues. We encourage residents, business owners, and patrons of Hatboro to report any issues they see so we can address them. Manager Hegele stated the fire marshal page is up and running on Facebook and we’ve been posting some important tips and safety facts there and please share the page so we can keep people informed. She is also serving on the EDITS (Emergency Disaster Incident Training Symposium) through the Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management group. This is a bi-yearly conference that features keynote speakers and current disaster topics for groups/people who have some role in emergency management. It will be held in October 2024 (more info to come) and the speakers that are lined up already are phenomenal.
FIRE COMPANY – Manager Hegele stated In September 2023, the Fire Company responded to a total of 25 calls, 13 of which were in Hatboro. Manager Hegele stated the Fire Company had Fire Prevention at Hatboro Schools and Day Care Centers, attended the Hatboro Trunk or Treat on October 20, had Fire Prevention at Hatboro McDonalds on October 11, attended the Fort Washington Fire Expo on October 6, and attended the Hatboro Traffic Garden Dedication on October 1. Manager Hegele stated they are always looking for new members and to check out their website at efc95.com, our Facebook page, or stop by the firehouse. We now have yard signs to help with recruiting volunteers and anyone willing to display one, please contact Fire House as there are many opportunities to volunteer with them.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative O’Neill announced all of the programs that happened in September and will be happening in October. Borough Representative O’Neill announced they have 66 new library card members since September 1st (60 Adults/6 Children) Borough Representative O’Neill stated that the Tree Lighting will be December 1, 2023, at 5 P.M.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurers reports. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of October 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the September 25, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OCTOBER 9, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the October 9, 2023, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0 with I abstention as Councilwoman Shay was not present for the meeting.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Shay made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of September 2023 in the amount of $ 19,544.85. Motion was seconded by councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
AWARD OF PEDESTRIAN FLASHER PROJECT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to award the Base bid, Alternate Bid 1, and Alternate Bid 2 for the Pedestrian Flasher project to Marino Corporation in the amount of $ 1,037,452.20. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PENNDOT MULTIMODEL TRANSPORTATION GRANT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to apply to the PennDOT multimodal transportation Grant for the West Monument Bridge Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PECO GREEN REGION GRANT – Councilman Myes made a motion to apply for the PECO Green Region Grant for Solar Panels at the Public Works Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
KEYSTONE CONSTRUCTION GRANT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to apply for the Keystone Construction Grant for new windows at Borough Hall. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
KEYSTONE PLANNING GRANT – Councilman Myers made a motion to apply for the Keystone Planning Grant for the Loller Academy Bell Tower Study. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
DEP SHARED ENERGY MANAGER PROGRAM – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize the application to the DEP Shared Energy Manager Program. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
ROAD RESTORATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an amendment to the Road Restoration Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PENNYPACK MEMORIALS HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS AND PUBLIC WORKS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize staff to establish a committee of volunteers and begin researching possible memorials honoring First Responders and Public Works at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the signature of the Community Choice Aggregate Memorandum of Understanding which is a non-binding agreement that will allow the Borough to obtain more information on the program. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE ADOPTION AMENDMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize the advertisement of the International Property Maintenance Code Amendment which will adopt the 2018 edition of the code as the enforcement standard for the Borough. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the Williams Lane flasher project.
NEW BUSINESS
BUDGET UPDATE – Manager Hegele stated herself and Department Heads continue to work diligently on the 2024 Operating Budget and staff is currently working to determine a new date for the budget workshop that will take place sooner in November. She stated as of right now, we are looking at November 15th and November 16th as possible dates and when a new date is selected, we will make an announcement and advertise accordingly. Please note, this memo may update prior to Monday’s Meeting depending on how quickly council responds to our request for budget meeting dates.
ZONING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Manager Hegele stated the Zoning Sub Committee Continues to meet monthly to review the Borough’s Zoning Ordinances. The Committee is currently working on proposed Zoning Updates for the Industrial Areas/Jacksonville Road Corridor. The Borough will keep this item on future Committee Agendas as an announcement to keep the community updated on the progress/work of this subcommittee.
PENNDOT WINTER SERVICES AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-37, authorizing the PennDOT Winter Services Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
HOUGH AND ASSOCIATES TECHNICAL ASSITANCE AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve a 3-year contract with Hough and Associates for technical assistance with the annual 904 recycling grants in the amount of $ 5,000.00 a year. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
24-28 S. YORK ROAD CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to advertise a Conditional Use Hearing for the property located at 24-28 S. York Road for Monday, November 27, 2023, at 7:00 P.M. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Kelly Simmons, 253 S. York Road #5, stated she had complained about a smoker on the 3rd floor next door as well as some property maintenance issues and hasn’t gotten a response. Manager Hegele stated that she did respond, and that Fire Marshal Valesky is currently working with the property owner to get the property cleaned up and that she was advised to call 911 when the neighbor is using it. Ms. Simmons praised Fire Marshal Valesky for doing a great job.
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, requested the meetings be live streamed and Manager Hegele stated that we are working on live streaming the meetings again.
Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that we can try but at the end of the day, we can’t make people care.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the October 23, 2023, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the October 24, 2023, Council Meeting at 7:59 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary