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November 13, 2023 Committee Meeting

BOROUGH OF HATBORO

COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023.

PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Myers, mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, and Treasurer Smith were present.

ABSENT – Assistant Borough Secretary Derenzis was excused.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November 13, 2023, 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.

BUSINESS RECOGNITION – VILLAGE HARDWARE – Councilwoman Reichner recognized Village Hardware for all they have done for the Borough and presented them with a plaque and shop local basket.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Safety Committee

  • ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus stated this is to approve the Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of September 2023 in the amount of $19,544.85. This item was moved to the October 23, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO POLICE OFFICER CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus stated the Civil Service eligibility list for the position of Police Officer will be certified by the Civil Service Commission Friday November 10, 2023, and are seeking Council approval to make a conditional offer of employment to candidate a candidate. At the conclusion of the written and oral portions of the process, the candidate was # 3 on the eligibility list and during the background investigation portion of the process, the candidate that was ranked # 2 was excluded and as a result, the candidate is now ranked # 2. Th candidate is a graduate of Abington High school and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and he is currently enrolled in the Montgomery County Police Academy with a scheduled graduation date of December 15, 2023. This item has been moved to the November 13, 2023, Voting Meeting Agenda for approval.

Finance/Grants Committee

  • UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – (OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2023) – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a copy of the Union Library Expenditure List for the months of October and November 2023 in the amount of $39,474.78. This item has been moved to the November 27, 202, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2024 BUDGET – Vice President Stockton stated Borough Council will be holding a budget workshop on Wednesday, November 15th beginning at 6 PM at Loller Academy and during this meeting, Council will review the proposed 2024 Operating Budget in detail. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting to provide feedback and comments on the 2024 operating budget.
  • DELAWARE VALLEY TRUST REWARD CREDITS – Vice President Stockton stated each year, the Borough’s Insurance Company, Delaware Valley Trusts, gives rewards to municipalities within the trust that can be used to offset annual premiums. The Borough will discuss the use of these credits at the Budget workshop on Wednesday and then vote at the 11/27 Council meeting on the available credits to offset premiums in 2024. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2023 LIQUID FUELS PAYMENT #1 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the payment #1 to James D. Morrissey for the 2023 Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project in the amount of $111,381.75. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2023 LIQUID FUELS PAYMEENT #2 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the payment #2 to James D. Morrissey for the 2023 Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project in the amount of $3,348.75. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • 2023 LIQUID FUELS CHANGE ORDER #1 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending the approval of change order 1 for the 2023 Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • VICTORIAN VILLAGE LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE #4 – Vice President Stockton stated included in your packet is a memo from Engineer Goff recommending approval of the Victorian Village Line of Credit Release #4 in the amount of $167,307.61. This release will result in a remaining balance in the developer’s line of credit in the amount of $80,289.95. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • HATBORO STATION LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE #10 – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough Engineer has asked for this to be on the agenda for this month and we are awaiting information from her. This item, if received will be on the November 27, 2023, voting meeting agenda for consideration.
  • HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT PAYMENT #4 – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough Engineer has asked for this to be on the agenda for this month and we are awaiting information from her. This item, if received will be on the November 27, 2023, voting meeting agenda for consideration.
  • HATBORO STATION TRAIL PROJECT CHANGE ORDER #1 – Vice President Stockton stated the Borough Engineer has asked for this to be on the agenda for this month and we are awaiting information from her. This item, if received will be on the November 27, 2023, voting meeting agenda for consideration.
  • GREEN LIGHT GO GRANT APPLICATION – Vice President Stockton stated the Green Light Go Program is now accepting applications through December 15th. This program funds projects for signal upgrades including LED replacement, signal retiming, innovative technologies, modernization, detection and controlling upgrades. There is a minimum match requirement of 20% and Engineer Goff suggested the Borough apply for funding for Chelsea and Warminster Road upgrades. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • AUTHORIZATION FOR MFT GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated this is to authorize the LSA grant application for Memorial Park Improvements. This is a no match grant and will be applying for the project in the amount of $ 818,378.40. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SUBMISSION OF LSA GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated this is to approve the submission of the LSA Grant. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • SUBMISSION OF PENNDOT MTF GRANT – Vice President Stockton stated this is to approve the submission of the PennDOT MTF Grant. This item has been moved to the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • MUNICIBID ITEMS – Vice President Stockton stated following Council’s authorization in September, Borough Staff listed numerous items on Municibid for a period of 30 days and auctions have ended with nearly all items selling. He stated included in your packet is a spreadsheet detailing sold items and the amount they have sold for, and staff is asking Council to authorize the release of these items for the amount of the winning bids. This item will be listed on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration. Once staff is authorized to release the items for the amount of the winning bids, they will reach out to the bidders to arrange payment and pickup. This item has been moved to the November 13, 2023, Voting Meeting Agenda.
  • YORK/SUMMIT AND JACKSONVILLE/MEADOWBROOK FLASHER PRESENATION – Vice President Stockton stated due to technical difficulties, the presentation will be given at another meeting.

Community Outreach & Events Committee

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT – GREATER HATBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE– Councilwoman Reichner announced the Community Spotlight is The Hatboro Chamber.

NEW BUSINESS – There were no new businesses.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Councilwoman Reichner announced the upcoming events.

  • LIBRARY TREE LIGHTING EVENT – Councilwoman Reichner stated included in your packet is an event request for the tree lighting on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5 P.M until 8 P.M at the Union Library. This item has been moved to the November 27, 202, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.
  • FRIENDS OF CRESSBROOK UPDATE – Councilwoman Reichner stated The Friends of Cressbrook met on October 10, 2023, and discussed annual events for next year and some possible new events such as a beer garden, Grant opportunities to help with repairs to the house, and the next new ornament which will feature the Old Mill Inn.
  • BUSINESS REGOGNITION – VILLAGE HARDWARE – Councilwoman Reichner recognized Village Hardware for all they have done to help make Hatboro a great place to live, work, and play.

Public Works Committee – There was nothing to report his evening.

Facilities

  • FACILITIES UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay stated the Facilities Committee is working hard to coordinate the upcoming Sip N Shop event taking place on December 10th at Pennypack and this year’s event will feature a photo opportunity with Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, vendors, and more! To become a vendor, please contact Vickie Giovinazzo at 215-443-9100.
  • ANNOUNCEMENT – MOVE BACK TO LOLLER – Councilwoman Shay stated we are excited to announce that the long-awaited move back to Loller will be taking place on Monday, November 20, 2023. In accordance with this move, there will be a few hours when staff do not have access to computers, emails, or phones. We ask that residents and business owners remain patient with staff as we relocate our offices.

Environmental Affairs & Parks Committee

  • EAC UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the EAC met and discussed a memo with their recommendations for the land development project at 21-37 N. York Road, tree planting on November 18th, DCNR Lawn to Meadow Update, Miller Meadow Mowing, their annual report due to council in early 2024, scheduling future workshops similar to the Zero Waste on done in October and received an update from the Borough Manager on a recent conference she attended, Sustainable PA.
  • SHADE TREE COMMISSION UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated staff is working with Shade Tree Commission on scheduling a meeting as well as getting the inventory report of the condition of trees on Main Street as well as Borough parks per the ordinance.
  • EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Borough received notice that Scout Kenny Kirsch is not going to do a dog park as originally planned for his Eagle Scout project.
  • PENNYPACK STEERING COMMITTEE OPEN HOUSE UPDATE – Councilman Myers stated the Pennypack Steering Committee held their public workshop/open house on November 1, 2023, at Pennypack. This workshop was well attended, and the committee obtained a lot of valuable feedback from residents. The Committee and the County Planning Commission will be reviewing the feedback obtained during the open house in conjunction with the previous survey results to create a comprehensive “wish-list” from the community that will help shape the future plan for the property.
  • JANUARY 8, 2024, Q&A SESSION – DCNR MEADOW PROJECTS – Councilman Myers stated he and the Borough Manager met with DCNR and they will be attending the January 8 meeting to discuss the meadow project and answer questions from Council and the public on the process used for planting a meadow. DCNR is also working with their contractor on the proposed riparian buffer plantings and getting that project scheduled and not sure if that will happen now or wait until Spring.
  • MILLER MEADOW MEMORIAL TO COUNCILWOMAN OSTRANDER – Councilman Myers stated the Borough would like to honor Councilwoman Aleta Ostrander who sadly passed away in December 2022. We are working on plans for a bench similar to Councilwoman Giovinazzo one at Loller in Miller Meadow near the Gold Star Garden, a project that was near and dear to Aleta.

Administration Committee

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – Councilwoman McMenamin announced the upcoming meetings.

2024 REORGANIZATION MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the 2024 Reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough is receiving numerous questions regarding upcoming and ongoing Land Development projects and the following is the updates on the large projects taking place within the Borough:

  • CVS Property: Borough Council will be holding a Conditional Use Hearing for the property located at 24-28 S. York Road on Monday, November 27, 2023, prior to the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. The public is encouraged to attend to provide feedback and comment on the project.
  • 21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Planning Commission began its review of the 21-23/37 N. York Road project on September 12, 2023. The PC did not make a recommendation on the project and the project will be going back before the planning commission on November 14, 2023.
  • Wawa: The Wawa officially opened on November 2, 2023.
  • Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials. They are beginning to perform more sitework in the preparation of construction, and we should have additional information to provide in the coming months.
  • Gamburg’s: The Borough has not received any applications pertaining to the Gamburg Property. If an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the public will have ample time to provide comments and feedback on the project.
  • 2 Home Road: The owners of 2 Home Road are working on finalizing plans for the new home to be constructed on the subdivided lot. The Engineer and Borough Solicitor are working on the appropriate stormwater management agreements for this property as well. We will continue to provide updates on this project as they are available.

ZONING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Zoning Sub Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, November 14th prior to the Planning Commission. The group will be reviewing progress made by the Committee thus far as well as continuing their review of the industrial zoning districts.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS/VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin stated the Borough of Hatboro is continually looking for volunteers to serve on our numerous boards and commissions. Staff will be reaching out to current volunteers whose terms are expiring December 31, 2023, to see if they are interested in returning for an additional term. If you are interested in serving on any of the below boards and commissions, please send a letter of interest to Manager Hegele at dhegele@myhatboro.org .

BLIGHT ORDINANCE – Councilwoman McMenamin stated Fire Marshal Valesky met with Solicitor Geiser to suggest the adoption of a blight ordinance for the Borough. This ordinance will give the Borough the ability to act on abandoned and blighted properties more so than what is allowed under the property maintenance code. This will allow the Borough to address property maintenance complaints more effectively regarding these types of homes. If Council is interested in pursuing the ordinance, you will need to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an ordinance for review. This item will be on the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. This item has been moved to the November 27, 202, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM RESOLUTION (LOLLER PROJECT) – Councilwoman McMenamin stated staff is currently working with the Grant Consultant for the Loller Academy HVAC project to complete the necessary paperwork and closeout the grant. The Grant Consultant has requested that the Borough adopt a resolution memorializing the accounts which contributed funds towards the project: The Borough Facilities Account, General Capital Account, and Borough Authority fund. The resolution will be listed on the voting meeting portion of the agenda for consideration so staff can remit the resolution to the grant consultant. This item has been moved to the November 27, 202, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.

PUBLIC COMMENT –

Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated that he has been trying to get information regarding the parking easement for the CVS property. He also stated he is happy to see the property is going to be developed but while he understands easements, he doesn’t understand how the owner is entitled to half of the parking. Solicitor Geiser stated that she wrote him a lengthy reply to all of his questions on October 24th and the easement is legally enforceable and has been recorded therefore it is public record. Solicitor Geiser gave Mr. Blickley information about where he could find the document.

Gary Hentshal, 138 Spring Avenue, stated that he found the Borough Facebook page and noticed that a lot of information has been posted and is being posted and was happy to be able to find Borough information.

Kelly A ‘Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, thanked council for the Aleta Ostrander memorial, thanked Public Works for digging the pits for the trees, thanked Council for not mowing Miller Meadow, and asked when soccer was over. Councilwoman McMenamin stated it is over November 18, 2023. She also asked about the homeless woman at Dollar General and the Chief stated that being homeless isn’t a crime and that all they can do is suggest help which they did but she doesn’t want any help. He also stated if anyone sees any homeless people committing a crime to call 911.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the November 13, 2023, Committee Meeting at 7:43 P.M.

VOTING MEETING AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November 13, 2023, Voting Meeting to order at 7:43.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

VOTING ITEMS

  • REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM RESOLUTION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve resolution 2023-38, memorializing bank accounts used for the Borough Hall RACP Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
  • DELAWARE VALLEY TRUST REWARD CREDITS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize the sale if items on Municibid to the highest bidders. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
  • CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to make a conditional offer of employment for the position of Police Officer with the Borough of Hatboro. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the November 13, 2023, Voting Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the November 13, 2023, Voting Meeting at 7:46 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer

Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary