November 19, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilman Hegele, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Treasurer Kalnajs, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, Solicitor Geiser, and Fire Company President Mount were present.

ABSENT – Councilman Forgeng was absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November 19, 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.

PRESENTATION TO SENATOR STEWART GREENLEAF
Mayor Guenst presented retiring Senator Stewart Greenleaf with a proclamation honoring his years of service and accomplishments as Senator. President Bollendorf discussed Senator Greenleaf’s years of service and thanked him for his service. Councilman Hegele read a statement thanking Senator Greenleaf for his years of service and everything he has done for the community. Senator Greenleaf thanked Council and everyone in the Hatboro community for their kind words and support over the years.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT
President Bollendorf called the public hearing for the proposed zoning amendment (Ordinance No. 1052), amending Chapter 27, Zoning Code pertaining to parking space requirements at 7:07 PM. A court stenographer was present for this hearing and their transcript shall be attached to
these minutes herein as “Exhibit A”.

Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1052, amending Chapter 27, Zoning Code for parking space requirements. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

The public hearing concluded at 7:11 PM.

MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT
– President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas with regard to addressing Council and Time Allotment.

PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – None.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Guenst stated it was an honor to celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11th. She stated the recent snow storm was worse than expected and thanked Public Works for their services.

Mayor Guenst stated the annual holiday parade went extremely well and that Public Works did a great job cleaning up afterwards.

Mayor Guenst stated she, Manager Hegele, and members of the Human Relations Commission will be attending a cultural competency training in Ambler in the following week and that she is looking forward to it.

Mayor Guenst announced that the Hatboro Police Department set out a tent on York Road for the Parade and raised over $1,000 for K-9 Officer Louie. She thanked everyone for their donations and support.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Bollendorf thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their hard work during the annual Holiday Parade. He thanked everyone for coming to the parade and noted that there was a very large turnout. Chief Gardner added he thought it was one of the largest turnouts he has seen in years. He also thanked Public Works for their services in cleaning up the town.

President Bollendorf thanked Police, Fire, and EMS personnel for their services and for having to work on Thanksgiving to make sure everyone remains safe.

President Bollendorf stated the Union Library’s Christmas Tree Lighting will be taking place on Friday, December 7th and that many businesses will stay open until 8 PM that night so attendees can shop after the event.

President Bollendorf announced that the Borough Ball will be taking place on February 9, 2019 at Spring Mill Country Club.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs stated for the month of October, the Borough earned interest in the amount of $22,333.34 and maintained a balance of $2,952,093.44. He noted that there was also a formula error on his September report, so he will file an amended report to keep on record.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated her offices have worked with Borough Staff on the numerous Ordinances up for consideration, specifically the advertisements. She also stated she has been working with staff on a smooth transition related to the dissolution of the Borough Authority and general legal matters that arise day-to-day.

ENGINEER GOFF – Engineer Goff stated her offices have been working with the DEP to propose BMPs for the Borough’s Pollutant Reduction Program. She stated that construction is underway for the 2018 Road Program. Engineer Goff stated that letters for the Corinthian Trail program were sent out during the prior week and that survey crews will be onsite in the next few weeks.

Councilwoman Anzinger requested to review the draft of the pollutant reduction plan before it is submitted to DEP. Engineer Goff stated she will provide her with one.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the final adoption of the 2019 budget is scheduled for Monday, December 3rd. The meeting will be a voting meeting for adoption of the budget, discussion of the tax rate ordinance, and a TAN. Manager Hegele stated staff continues to work with financial institutions to gather proposals for a TAN for Council’s review.

Manager Hegele stated there are signs in the hallways of Borough Hall that have been created by the Steering Committee and anyone who has feedback provide it to Borough Hall.

Manager Hegele stated that the Spotted Lanternfly Workshop had to be canceled due to the snow storm. She stated the new date is Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 7 PM in Borough Hall.

Manager Hegele thanked Superintendent Sine and Public Works for their services during the snow storm. She also thanked the Hatboro Police Department for closing sections of County Line Road and York Road to help Public Works clear the snow.

Manager Hegele stated the new recycling mascot for the Borough walked in the 2018 holiday parade. She stated that the costume was a hit and that the Borough will be holding a contest to name her in the coming months.

Manager Hegele stated that Saturday, November 24th is Small Business Saturday and encouraged people to support local Hatboro Businesses.

Manager Hegele announced that the 14th annual Main Street Hatboro Model Train Show will take place on Saturday, December 1st at Keith Valley Middle School.

Manager Hegele stated that SEPTA will be repaving the Montgomery Avenue Grade Crossing from November 30th to December 3rd. She stated information is up on the website and social media and detour signage is in place.

Manager Hegele wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and that Borough Hall and Public Works will be closed both Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving.

President Bollendorf asked if there was any update from PennDOT regarding York Road.

Manager Hegele stated that PennDOT will not be paving York Road in 2018 and expects to return in spring of 2019 to complete the paving project. President Bollendorf asked if the noise waiver has a time restriction. Solicitor Geiser stated she will check and report back to Council.

Mayor Guenst stated she is upset that this paving delay is affecting the safety of the Borough’s crosswalks. She added that there are multiple crosswalks that should be repainted and re-striped, but cannot because of the paving project.

STAFF REPORTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Chief Gardner stated that Officers Dilks and Thompson attended and completed a police training program in Police Force Field Operations and Bomb Awareness and Protection. He stated this program was held at a FEMA facility in Alabama. He noted that FEMA fully funded their
attendance and thanked them for the training opportunities they provide.

Chief Gardner thanked the Fire Police for their assistance in 2018. He stated that Fire Police from Bucks and Montgomery Counties have helped throughout the year and the department is very grateful.

Chief Gardner stated that Nixle is updating their system on November 17, 2018. He stated this update will allow for more types of messages such as community, advisory, and alerts via text and email. He noted that this update will only sent alerts via text messages and that community and advisories will be sent via email. He encouraged anyone signed up for Nixle to update their accounts to make sure both their phone numbers and emails are listed. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if Chief Gardner can sent out a message via Nixle before the change to notify everyone of this change. Chief Gardner stated yes. Chief Gardner stated that the Emergency Management Department also uses Everbridge which he wants to become more active in during 2019.

Chief Gardner wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and thanked Senator Greenleaf for his service over the years.

TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Superintendent Sine stated that Winship’s Pieces of Time have completed their bi-yearly service to the Lukens clock. He noted that Winship’s noted that everything appears to be functioning correctly.

Superintendent Sine reminded residents of how to properly dispose of leaves. He stated that all leaves must be placed in biodegradable lawn bags and cannot be blown into the street, placed into the trash, illegally dumped into storm drains, or dumped in any other location. He noted that biodegradable bags are available at Borough Hall for $0.50 per bag.

Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works will be decorating the Library’s tree on Wednesday, November 21st.

Superintendent Sine stated the holiday parade went extremely well and that the recycling mascot was a hit. He stated that recycling grants require an educational component in which the new recycling mascot and the educational flyers she passed out fulfill. Superintendent Sine stated that
the mascot and educational materials will help the Borough continue to obtain recycling grants in the future. Superintendent Sine thanked Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis for creating the flyers, and Cindy Bollendorf for making the mascot come to life.

Superintendent Sine stated that the recent snow storm was forecasted as a salt event however quickly became a plowing event. He stated Public Works worked as quickly as possible to clear the roads. He thanked Chief Gardner and the Police Department for escorting a few plow trucks to clear a few main roads in the Borough.

Superintendent Sine wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

FIRE MARSHAL REPORT
Fire Marshal Myers stated the holiday parade was a great success. He noted that he had the pleasure of driving behind the recycling truck and the new recycling mascot. He stated the mascot was a great hit and everyone loved her.

Fire Marshal Myers thanked Bob Johnston, the Borough’s local State Farm agent, for his help with the State Farm Grant. He stated that the Borough should hear about the results of the grant application in January 2019.

Fire Marshal Myers stated that there is a vote for the advertisement of a proposed basketball ordinance on the agenda for the evening. He stated that this ordinance was prepared by himself, Manager Hegele, and Superintendent Sine. He stated that this ordinance will help remove basketball nets from the right of way during snow events.

Fire Marshal Myers stated that he, Manager Hegele, Superintendent Sine, and the Hatboro Police Department worked on a property maintenance issue on Wilson Road that has been an issue for years. He noted he will provide information to Council as this issue continues to be resolved.

Fire Marshal Myers reminded everyone to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours after the last snowflake. He stated he will be heavily enforcing this law during snow events.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Mount stated she had no report for the evening.

VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF REPORTS
– Councilwoman Benjamin 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 Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of November 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
OCTOBER 22, 2018 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE
S – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

NOVEMBER 5, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to approve the November 5 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of October in the amount of $20,194.80. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of October in the amount of $8,949.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

COMMUTER PARKING ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to amend and advertise the update to Ordinance No. 1046, known as the Commuter Parking Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Councilwoman Anzinger asked how soon the signs can be put up. President Bollendorf stated the amendment will have to be advertised, voted on, and then the signs can he hung. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

President Bollendorf noted this amendment will include E. Moreland Ave. between house numbers 68 and 258.

BASKETBALL NET ORDINANCE – Councilman Rich motioned to advertise the basketball net Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. President Bollendorf asked what the penalties for violators of this ordinance will be. Fire Marshal Myers stated the Borough will be able to remove the nets from the right of way while being held harmless. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

AUTHORIZATION TO LIST 3 VEHICLES ON MUNICIBID – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to list the 2008 International Rear Loading Trash Truck, 2003 Ford Explorer, and 1977 Kubota L225 Tractor with attached woods mower deck for sale on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PURCHASE OF NEW RELOADING RECYCLING TRUCK IN CONJUNCTION WITH 902 GRANT – Councilman Hegele motioned to purchase a 2020 Mack Model GR-64BR Chassis in the amount of $123,043.75 and a Leach 25 Yard (Body Only) Mounted on Customer Chassis in the amount of $78,486.25. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FREE PARKING ON YORK ROAD – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to offer Free Parking on York Road every Saturday from November 24, 2018 to December 22, 2018. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

RESOLUTION NO. 18-23: BOROUGH OF HATBORO UNIFORMED PENSION PLAN UPDATE APPOINTING NEW CAO – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 18-23, appointing Borough Manager Hegele as the new CAO for the Uniformed Pension Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all aye. Motion carried 6-0.

RESOLUTION NO. 18-24: BOROUH OF HATBORO NON-UNIFORMED PENSION PLAN UPDATE APPOINTING NEW CAO – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 18-24, appointing Borough Manager Hegele as the new CAO for the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: HRA CHRISTMAS CAROLING – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Hatboro Residents Association Special Event Request for a Christmas Caroling event. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PENNYPACK BRIDGET FINAL PAYMENT RELEASE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the final payment for the Pennypack Bridge Project in the amount of $237,037.40. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SPECIAL UPDATES

ZONING HEARING BOARD UPDATE – Manager Hegele stated that the Zoning Hearing Board met on November 15, 2018 to hear the applications submitted by Artifact Brewing and 385 Springdale Ave/ RAV Collision. He noted that both of these applications have been continued to December 12, 2018 at 7 PM in Borough Hall.

OLD BUSINESS

ORDINANCE NO. 1051: AMENDMENT TO PARKS RULES – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1051 amending the Parks Rules to allow leashed does in Miller Meadow, Memorial Park, and Eaton Park. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Vice President Stockton asked how quickly the waste receptacles could be hung.

Superintendent Sine stated as soon as the locations for the receptacles is determined, the signs could be hung in a matter of hours. Marianne Shaeffer, Crooked Billet Road, asked when dogs would officially be allowed in the parks. Manager Hegele stated dogs would be allowed in these parks immediately; however, the signage would not be up in the park immediately. Bruce Hart asked why Celano Park was not included. President Bollendorf stated there are deed restrictions for Celano Park due to the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Agreement. Mayor Guenst noted that Tanner Park is not included in the ordinance because it is a tot park. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ORDINANCE NO. 1053: PARKING COMMISSION – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1053, regulating and establishing the Parking Commission. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

NEW BUSINESS
RECOMMENDATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO UPPER MORELAND/ HATBORO MASTER TRAIL PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
– Vice President Stockton motioned to appoint Manager Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Katrina Nuss, and Ed McCAsh to the Upper Moreland/Hatboro Master Trail Plan Steering Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele. Councilwoman Anzinger asked what this Steering Committee will accomplish. President Bollendorf stated this committee will help create the master trail plan between Upper Moreland and Hatboro. A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

OMNIA SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT – Councilman Hegele motioned to authorize President Bollendorf to sign the Enterprise Fire Company Settlement Agreement in the amount of $80,000. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

HATBORO STATION ADDRESS ISSUE – President Bollendorf stated that the Borough is in receipt of a letter from Horsham Township requesting that the Borough Change the Nottingham Lane Addresses within the Hatboro Station Development. President Bollendorf directed Manager Hegele to solicit feedback and create a survey for the residents on Nottingham Lane to see if they would like to change their addresses.

Councilman Hegele asked if duplicate addresses have been a problem with Emergency Services in the past. Chief Gardner stated that because there are different zip codes, it is not a problem for emergency services. President Bollendorf asked if Chief Gardner discussed this issue with Montgomery County. Chief Gardner stated that he talked to Montgomery County earlier in the day and that the addresses appear as Hatboro and Horsham respectively due to the different zip codes, so it is not an issue.

Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the duplicate addresses do not appear to be a health and safety issue.

Mayor Guenst stated that particular people are trying to use a fear factor to get Hatboro to change the addresses and after researching, the emergency services problems are not probable as they stated.

Manager Hegele stated there was previously a mail delivery problem between the Nottingham in Hatboro and Horsham; however, the mail is properly addressed with the right zip code, so it is a post office problem.

Manager Hegele stated that Toll Brothers has offered to absorb the costs of the address and documentation changes for the Borough and the residents.

Chief Gardner stated that GPS mapping takes time. Councilwoman Benjamin asked how long it takes for the streets to be registered on GPS maps. Fire Marshal Myers stated it takes a decent amount of time.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE: RESOLUTION 18-25 – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-25 including Chief Gardner as Emergency Management Coordinator. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

BOROUGH AUTHORITY ASSETS – Vice President Stockton motioned to authorize the Solicitor to take any and all appropriate legal action to effectuate Resolution 18-22 and the dissolution of and the transfer of funds from the Hatboro Municipal Authority. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – None.

ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the November 19, 2018 Council Meeting at 7:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary

Transcribed by Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis