CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – 24-28 S. YORK ROAD
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf opened the Conditional Use Hearing at 7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING 24-28 S. YORK ROAD CONDITI0NAL USE
The minutes for the hearing were transcribed by Court Reporter Tim Kurek.
VOTING ITEMS –
Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Conditional Use application submitted by the developer at 24 – 28 S. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040 to permit a development consisting of 36 residential apartment units and 1 commercial unit. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Waivers are hereby granted from the following Sections of the Hatboro Borough Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance:
Vice President Stockton made a motion to permit concurrent preliminary and final land development plan applications. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Vice President Stockton made amotion to allow main access driveways (entrance-exit) and service driveways handling trucks to be less than 30 feet with one lane in each direction. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Vice President Stockton made a motion to permit grading to be set back less than 5 feet from property lines. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to permit a property line buffer of less than 25 feet and no high intensity buffer. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Shay made a motion to permit stormwater outlet pipes to have an internal diameter of less than 18 inches and a grade of less than 1%. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion for the requirement to provide clear sight triangles where driveways intersect streets. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion for the requirement that parking lot aisles must be 22 feet in width. Motion was seconded by Vice president Stockton, all ayes. Moption carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Shay made a motion for the requirement to provide raised landscaping areas between certain site features (within the parking lot). Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Shay made a motion for the requirement to provide landscaping around the perimeter of the parking lot. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion for the requirement to provide certain parking lot landscaping. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion for the requirement to provide planning islands for every ten (10) parking stalls. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Vice president Stockton made a motion for the requirement to provide the standard one (1) foot pipe over proposed storm sewers, in accordance with the Borough of Hatboro Specifications and Design Standards dated December 16, 2013. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion for the requirement to perform traffic counts on Saturday as part of the Traffic Assessment. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all yes. Motion carried 7-0.
Waivers are hereby granted from the Hatboro Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Councilwoman Shay made a motion from the requirement for providing groundwater recharge for stormwater management and adherence to certain design parameters regarding same, including a soils evaluation of the subject site to determine hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate/capacity on in situ soils, and determination of potential limiting zones to stormwater management features, including but not limited to bedrock and/or seasonal high-water table. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the preliminary/final land development application for the property located at 24-28 S. York Road (Resolution 2023-40). Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all yes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Battis, 320 W. Monument Avenue, stated that he thinks traffic studies are not reliable and that we need microphones because they are hard to hear. President Bollendorf stated we are working on the sound and video as we are just relocating back to the building.
Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated that he wanted to see the easement for the CVS property as he could not find it and has been asking.
Solicitor Geiser stated that it is a public document, and she gave him the resources to find it. Vice President Stockton stated that it is a legal document and has been reviewed by the professional and it is legally enforceable, and that the Borough is bound to it.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the November 27, 2023, Voting Meeting at 8:03 P.M.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, 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, and Treasurer Smith were present.
ABSENT – Everyone was present.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 8:13 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 – There was no public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated the parade was last Sunday and it was a great day and thanked all of the participants and volunteers.
Mayor Schultz commended Sergeant Simon and Officer McMahon for their bravery at the fire rescue on Fairview Avenue.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated Sergeant Simon and Officer McMahon did a great job with the fire rescue at Fairview Avenue.
President Bollendorf stated tonight council will be voting on the budget tonight and wanted everyone to know there is a new tax for EMS and Fire.
President Bollendorf stated the holiday season is upon us and please shop locally.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending October 2023, is $ 2,826,744.49 with interest earned in the amount of $ 3,800.57.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she prepared for tonight’s hearing.
Solicitor Geiser answered various questions regarding Land Development.
Solicitor Geiser stated worked with staff regarding ordinances.
Solicitor Geiser stated helped handle the amount of right to Know Requests that continue to come in.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she is working on closing the Wawa project out after they address a few items.
Engineer Goff stated will be giving a presentation tonight on the flasher project.
Engineer Goff stated Hatboro Memorial Streambank project is out to bid.
Engineer Goff gave a presentation on the York/Summit/Jacksonville/Meadowbrook Flasher Presentation.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated West Moreland Avenue Bridge reached out to the County and no further update has been received regarding the construction.
Manager Hegele stated DCNR has changed the date that they are coming to talk to Council and have a Q&A regarding the meadow planting, the new date is January 8th at 7 PM Manager Hegele stated DCNR will be beginning the Riparian Buffer plantings at the 3 locations, LL, Eaton Park & Pennypack. this Thursday.
Manager Hegele stated Budget – working with department heads on final numbers as well as counties most recent assessment figures, will be ready for final adoption next month.
Manager Hegele stated she is working with Shade Tree Commission to get the inventory of trees due in October for Main Street as well as Parks.
Manager Hegele stated January 2nd will be the reorganization meeting beginning at 7 PM
Manager Hegele stated Pennypack Steering Committee Open House was held on November 1st. We are still receiving feedback from residents who could not attend. All information has been sent to the County and we are anticipating meeting as a group again in January to review.
Manager Hegele stated staff will begin the move back to Loller this Wednesday, November 29th. There could be an interruption to borough services, we are asking everyone to either call back or email Deena.
Manager Hegele stated just a reminder there is free parking on Main Street every Saturday through the end of the year. Please remember to shop and support locally. Our small businesses are the ones who support sports teams, events and make the community.
Manager Hegele stated just want to say thank you to the newspaper delivery man, Sgt. Simon, Officer McMahon, the Enterprise Fire Company, Fire Marshal Valesky, all the local fire companies all have responded to several calls, some very serious and you never want to see serious incidents like this anytime of the year let alone around the holidays, it is reassuring to know that our community comes together and helps one another regardless. I have received numerous offers of help for the fire victims last week, watched many come out and help a neighbor in need on CB either by doing stuff or sending money. Hatboro is a great town.
STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Gardner thanked the Fire police for everything they have done and continue to do for the events. Chief Gardner thanked everyone for the honor of being the Grand Marshal at the parade. Chief Gardner thanked Sargent Simon and Officer McMahon for their impressive efforts for the extraordinary rescue at the house fire on Fairview Avenue.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors’ report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated PennDOT finished removing shoal from creek at York & Horsham and they also cleared drains at intersection of Blair Mill and County Line at the LL field. Manager Hegele stated received complaints about possible traffic signal issues at York/Horsham. Light was checked and found to be cycling properly in accordance with PennDOT Permit. Manager Hegele stated thank you to Victorian Village for the donation of a children’s playground equipment, PW is working with Parks Committee on a suitable placement in one of the Borough parks/facilities, looks like it will be at PP near the traffic garden. Manager Hegele stated just a reminder to all residents, if you see a streetlight out, please report to Borough Hall and PW will be out to fix within 24 hours.
Manager Hegele stated another reminder for property owners, each November PW staff has three holidays off, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after off. There is no trash or recycling collection on those days. We do not come around on other days, your items are collected on your next pick up. We are reminding everyone to please do not place your stuff out on these holidays or any holiday. If you are not sure when there is a holiday, you can call Borough Hall, visit website, app, or Facebook for reminders. Coming up there will be no trash and recycling collection on Christmas and New Years which both fall on a Monday, so those of us with Monday collection will receive a notice for a special collection for recycling only, on Wednesday December 27th. Manager Hegele stated thank you to Public Works staff for their hard work for the parade, behind the scenes a lot goes on for the parade, set up, trash/recycling, road closures, parade filming (assist scouts) and then clean up, parade was over around 4 PM and
York Road was spotless within 2 hours after. Manager Hegle gave a presentation regarding the cost of refuse and how much it costs the Borough to remove trash.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated last Saturday was Small Business Saturday and hopes everyone shopped locally as much as they could and with the holidays upon and please continue to do so. Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated the Downtown Development team has a meeting in a couple weeks to discuss 2024.
FIRE MARSHAL – Fire marshal Valesky stated she wanted to start her report tonight with the fire that occurred on Thanksgiving. As today she met with the family who were extremely grateful to all involved, as they were able to have a Thanksgiving meal with their family. She stated she would like to say thank you to all those involved with the fire, from the police officers who risked their lives to save the resident, to the fire companies who assisted Enterprise (Horsham, Warminster, Upper Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Warrington, Hartsville, Abington, Fort Washington, Wissahickon, and to the fire marshals who assisted me (Lower Moreland and Abington). The fire was contained to the room of origin, which was a bedroom on the rear (C/D) corner of the house. At this time, the fire remains under investigation. She also stated one
thing she would like to touch on with the fire is that the home had no working smoke detectors. The only smoke detector that was observed had no battery in it. Had that delivery driver did not call the fire in when he did, the outcome would be much different. Working smoke detectors save lives. I urge everyone to please check your smoke detectors. There should be one in every bedroom and one on each level of the home. You should also have at a minimum 1 CO detector, but two would be ideal. Working smoke detectors alert the occupants when a fire is in its early stages, when there is still time to escape. Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years, and you should check your batteries twice a year when you change the clocks. You should also test your smoke alarms once a month. If you need help with smoke detector placement, need smoke detectors, or have questions, please contact Borough Hall to schedule a visit and I will be happy to come out to anyone’s home or business who needs help or has a question.
She also stated for October, we received 21 Property Maintenance complaints. Of those, 15 were closed, 8 Work w/o permits, 3 Trash issues, 5 Overgrowth/weeds, 4 General Safety concerns, and 1 Tree complaint.
She attended and passed her Fire Inspector 2 certification class through Bucks County. She also stated we had a fire also in October, which was contained to the outside of the home. This fire occurred at a home on Crooked Billet, which as many know has been a property maintenance issue for some time now. With the fire, some additional issues were discovered. We were able to get the residents some help that they needed. Some may have seen the fundraiser floating around on Facebook. Thanks to Clayton Walsh, who runs Charity in Action, they are raising funds to assist the homeowners with some much-needed property clean up inside and outside. Additionally, a big thank you to Mike Card, Eric Robertson, Mark Fisher, Rich Drennen, and Kelly A ’Harrah who spent a day giving their time to help take care of some of the things needed at this property.
FIRE COMPANY – Vice President Brown stated the fire company responded to 25 calls and 13 were in Hatboro. Vice President Brown the fire company hosted troop 81 and participated in many exercises.
Vice President Brown stated in October the Fire Company held fire Prevention Day at Crooked Billet Elementary in October. Vice President Brown stated the fire company participated in the trunk or treat.
Vice President Brown stated the Fire Company is always looking for volunteers and they also have volunteer recruitment and Fire Company yard signs that can be displayed on your property if anyone wants one.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Johnson stated the library had 45 programs from October 1 – November 18 with a total pf 476 participants for all programs which the Borough funded 8 of them. Borough Representative Johnson announced the upcoming programs and weekly ongoing programs. Borough Representative Johnson announced the library closures for the holidays.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Public Works, Fore Marshal, Tax Collector, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of November 2023. Motin was seconded buy Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 7-0.
OCTOBER 23, 2023, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the October 23, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers. Motion carried 5-0 with 2 abstentions as Vice President Stockton and Councilwoman Jacobus were not present for the meeting.
NOVEMBER 13, 2023, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the November 13, 2023, Committee meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
NOVEMBER 15, 2023, BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the November 15, 2023, Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motin carried 7-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fie Company Expenditure list for the month of October 2023 in the amount of $ 21,556.59. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motin carried 7-0.
RATIFICATION OF POLICE OFFICER CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to ratify the two conditional offers pf employment for the position of Police officer authorized by Council on November 13, 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers we, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the months of October and November in the amount of $ 39,474.78. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
2024 OPERATING BUDGET PRLIMINARY ADOPTION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the preliminary adoption of the 2024 Operating Budget for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes, Motion carried 7-0. Manger Hegele stated the 10-day viewing period for the public will begin this Thursday and will be at Loller Academy.
DELAWARE VALLEY TRUST REWRD CREDITS ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the use of the 33% of Rate stabilization fund Credits towards offsetting the Borough’s health, liability, and workers compensation premiums for 2024.
2023 LIQUID FUELS PAYMENT #1 – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve payment #1 for the 2023 Liquid Fuels project to James D. Morrissey in the amount of $ 111,381.75. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LIQUID FUELS PAYMENT #2 – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve payment #2 for the 2023 Liquid Fuels Project to James D. Morrissey in the amount of $ 3,348.75. Moton was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LIQUID FUELS CHANGE ORDER #1 – Vice president Stockton made a motion to approve change order #1 for the 2023 Liquid Fuels Road Paving Project in the amount of $ 89,744.60. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
VICTORIAN VILLAGE LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE #4 – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Line of Credit Release #4 for the Victorian Village Project in the amount of $ 167,307.61 and this release will leave a balance of $ 80,28.95 in the developer’s financial security. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
MULTIMODEL TRANSPORTATION FUND GRANT – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant application for the West Monument bridge project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LOCAL SHARE ACCOUNT GRANT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the application to the no match Local Share Account Grant in the amount of $ 818,378.30 for walking trails and a rain garden in Memorial Park. Moton was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LIBRARY TREE LIGHTING EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Special Event Request for the Union Library Tree Lighting on December 1, 2023. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
BLIGHT ORDINANCE – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize staff and Solicitor Geiser to begin preparing a Blight Ordinance for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Moton carried 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS
HATBORO STATION LINE OF CREDIT RELEASE #10 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the line of Credit release #10 for the Hatboro Statin project in the mount of $ 325,898.88. This release is contingent upon the developer removing trees required by PECO and remittance of a fee in lieu of for the replacement of the trees. Motin was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PENNDOT WINTER SERVICES AGREEMENT RESOLUTION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve resolution 2023-39 authorizing Manager Hegele to sign the PennDOT Winter Services Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Ron Battis, 320 W. Monument Avenue, asked if we are thing two police officers or one and President Bollendorf stated we are hiring two to replace Detective Gould and Chief Gardner.
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, asked for an update regarding the spraying at Pennypack and Manager Hegele stated there is a Q&A on January 8, 2024, with DCNR.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all yes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the November 27, 2023, Council Meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary