PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary Derenzis, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Fire Marshal Dermer, Fire Company President Ide, Treasurer Smith, and Library Board Member Johnson were present.

ABSENT – Councilwoman Ostrander was excused.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November 28, 2022, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – The invocation was given by Mayor Schultz.

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 asked for a moment of silence for Enterprise Fire Company Life member, past President and former Deputy Chief Richard Lefebvre who passed away. Mayor Schultz stated the Skeleton Skurry was on October 29th and enough money was raised to purchase another bicycle for the Hatboro PD bike patrol unit. Mayor Schultz stated State Representative Guenst is holding a holiday wish list drive from now until December 14 at 19 S. York Road. All donations will go to victims of Domestic Violence. Mayor Schultz stated last Sunday was the 62nd annual Holiday Parade and announced the float winners. Mayor Schultz stated the tree planting event was last Saturday and 80 trees were planted in the parks. Mayor Schultz thanked all of the volunteers. Mayor Schultz stated stated the Library Tree Lighting is this Friday, December 9, 2022, at the Union Library.

OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked the Mayor and Chamber for another great parade and Bob John for the video which is available to watch on you tube. President Bollendorf thanked all of our First Responders who work during the holidays and might not be able to be with their families as they are helping keep our community safe. President Bollendorf stated there are still openings on some boards and commissions and anyone who is interested can send a letter of interest to Borough Manager Diane Hegele.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending October 31, 2022, is $ 4,093,123.30 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,942.50.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been assisting staff with the proposed text amendment. Solicitor Geiser stated she has been assisting Borough staff with routine matters.
Solicitor Geiser stated she drafted an ordinance for the Borough for the EAC.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated regarding the Memorial Park Streambank project, she is waiting for their comments in which they will address and resubmit if applicable. Engineer Goff stated regarding the Hatboro Station trail lighting project, construction began last week and will be concluded March 2023. Engineer Goff stated regarding the hatboro Station project, she met with the new rep from Toll brothers this morning and reviewed the various outstanding punch list items and will get a schedule to her this week. Engineer Goff stated she met with the Wawa developer and contractor last Friday to discuss the various erosion ands sediment control deficiencies and they plan to comply and remediate by the end of this week.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated regarding the Loller Academy Update, we hit a brick wall with comcast, they are holding up the IT end of the project and staff will be attending training this week on the new HVAC system and how it works. She also stated staff and our IT professionals continue to work with Comcast to get this matter rectified. Manager Hegele stated mark your calendars and do not miss out on what is shaping up to be a fun night on Friday, December 9th from 6 to 9 PM here at Pennypack. Come shop for those one of a kind or hard to get gifts, grab a bit to eat as well as something to drink. This is our first year holding this event indoors and for those that like the outdoors, there will be an area to eat and drink outside. She also stated if you are a vendor looking to participate, please reach out to Borough Hall, there is still space available. Manager Hegele stated if you like to decorate your home for the holidays (outside), do not forget the Hatboro Holiday Decorating Contest help spread holiday cheer through the Borough by decorating and entering your home or business in the contest. There are three top prizes (pretty good ones thanks to our business community) the contest is open from 11/26 to 12/27 to find out how to enter visit our website for information. Manager Hegele stated tonight, Council is voting to adopt the preliminary borough operating budget for 2023 and the next steps in the process are as follows: The 10-day inspection period begins tomorrow and the summary page of the budget will be available, there will be a formal presentation on the changes to the 2023 budget at the December 5th committee meeting, staff will be making updates to the budget as real numbers come available and we received some late this afternoon. She also stated we also will update as assessment figures are available as this happens yearly why there is a preliminary adoption and then final adoption, the final budget will be adopted at the December 19th meeting as well as the tax millage ordinance and fee schedule Manager Hegele stated just a reminder due to the holidays the December meeting schedule for Council has changed and the committee is the first Monday, next week Monday 12/5 and the council meeting is the third Monday, December 19th both meetings begin at 7 pm in this room. Manager Hegele stated to please stay tuned to our website, Facebook, app and meetings for trash and recycling updates and changes to the schedule for the holidays. This year those of us with Monday recycling are affected as both Christmas and New Year’s holidays fall on a Monday, which means two weeks without recycling collection. I am working with staff on a onetime special collection date in between the holidays for recycling collection for residents in the northwest quadrant of the Borough. Manager Hegele stated in closing, I want to thank everyone who reached out or tagged me this weekend when they received their winter edition of the Hatboro Highlights newsletter. I received several messages and tags from persons thanking us for dedicating the front cover of the newsletter to Officer Allen, sadly this is something we have been doing and hopefully this is the last time. Copies of the newsletter is always shared with loved ones and the Allen Family will receive copies to share with their families.

STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Gardner thanked our Fire Police for all of their help with special events in the Borough.
Chief Gardner stated the PD received funding for PennDOT’s seatbelt enforcement initiative and therefore have the money to do additional traffic enforcement. Chief Gardner stated the PD received an equipment grant form the Pennsylvania Chief’s Association which was a non-monetary grant. He stated he applied for in the summer and received evidence drying cabinet which is a $ 7200.00 piece of equipment and is a
high-tech piece of lab equipment that is used to dry evidence in order to collect DNA and is very valuable as it will help provide justice for victims.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.

PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS/ FACILITIES – Manager Hegele stated she is working with Public Works staff on the 902 annual Dep grant submission and the information was turned over to our 3rd party Hough and Associates. Manager Hegele stated Public Works was very busy with the parade and tree planting in the same week and they came through and got it all done. Manager Hegele stated they will begin working on removing the veterans’ banners along York Road and storing for the winter as well as hanging the hatboro holidays banner across York Road. Manager Hegele stated they are ready to go in the event of snow. Manager Hegele stated everyone can put their trees curbside with regular trash.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated Last month on 10/28/22, Manager Hegele had me attend the Valley Forge Tourism Annual Luncheon and for those of you who aren’t aware, the Borough is member of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board whose mission is to inspire the world to fall in love with Montgomery County with a vision of Montgomery County being a must experience destination rooted in the past and leading to the future. VFT is a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure destination by promoting patronage of all its member, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services. Thank you for the opportunity. Cindy Bollendorf stated that the Winter newsletter has arrived and anyone who has not received a copy can grab one at Borough Hall!

FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Dermer stated for the month of November he completed 8 U&O’s, 1 rental inspection, 47 Business inspections, followed up on 57 property maintenance issues, and responded to 4 emergencies.

FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company responded to 30 calls in October 2022. Fire Company President Ide stated lawn signs are available if anyone would like as they are looking for volunteers. Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company will be bringing Santa to the tree lighting this Friday. Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company will be escorting Santa around the Borough, but he is not sure when and will let manager Hegele know the date when he has it.

UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board Member Johnson stated the exit and emergency lighting has been replaced and all are in working order. Board Member Johnson stated due to a PECO rebate, all lighting has been replaced with LED in all rooms which will save on the energy bill. Board Member Johnson stated the security cameras have been replaced. Board Member Johnson stated the new appointed Board of Directors will hold their first meeting in January. Board Member Johnson stated plans are being finalized for the tree lighting this Friday and Council is welcome to join on the front porch and to give Manager Hegele a number this week of who will be attending. Board Member Johnson stated they are currently looking for a new Library Director.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJS Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s reports. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of November 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

OCTOBER 24, 2022, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the October 24, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus. Councilwomen McMenamin and Reichner abstained as they were not present for the meeting, motion carried 4-0 with 2 abstentions.

NOVEMBER 7, 2022, BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve the November 7, 2022, Budget Workshop Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

NOVEMBER 14, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the November 14, 2022, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner. Councilwoman Jacobus abstained as she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 with 1 abstention.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of October 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SMALL WATER/SEWER GRANT – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the application to the Small Water/Sewer Grant for the Little League Stormwater Improvement Project in the amount of $642,006.35 and the Borough will have a match in the amount of $ 142,006.35. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

RATIFICATION OF BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #12 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to ratify the approval of payment request #12 for the Borough Hall Project in the amount of $ 43,202.94. This motion is being made due to a clerical error on the October 24, 2022, council meeting Agenda. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion caried 6-0.

2022 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM #1 – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve Payment 31 for the 2022 Road Paving Program to Bray Brothers Inc. in the amount of $ 143,374.23. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

AMENDMENT – 2022 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM #2 – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to amend the 2022 Road Paving Payment #2 amount to $ 35,582.42. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2022 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM #2 – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve payment #2 for the 2022 Road Paving Program to Bray Brothers inc. in the amount of $ 35,582.42. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2022 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM CHANGE ORDER #1 – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve change order #1 for the 2022 Road Paving Program resulting in a contract reduction of $ 18,888.30. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

INSURANCE RATE STABILIZATION CREDITS – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the use of 33% of the Borough’s Stabilization Credits towards offsetting the 2023 insurance premium. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PRELIMINARY ADOPTION OF 2023 OPERATING BUDGET – Vice president Stockton made a motion to approve the adoption of the Preliminary 2023 Operating Budget for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SIP N SHOP EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the special event request for the winter Sip N Shop event on December 9, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

CVS ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – There was no motion to authorize the advertisement of the ordinance Amendment submitted by CVS.

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

NEW BUSINESS
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List in the amount of $ 20,859.39. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FREE PARKING ON YORK ROAD FOR HOLIDAYS ANNOUNCEMENT – Manager Hegele stated that Council has approved free parking on York Road every Saturday in December.

HOLIDAY TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to approve a special holiday recycling collection between Christmas and new Years on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Mike Tulio, property owner of 24-28 S. York Road (former CVS), asked why a motion was not made to advertise the ordinance that he submitted for the property. Vice President Stockton stated his reason was he would like to see this continue through the original ordinance that staff spent a lot of time on and wants to see the property developed but it didn’t make sense to him to have two ordinances sharing a similar goal and the original one does not just apply to this specific property.
Councilwoman McMenamin stated her reason was because when she asked specific questions about heights and setbacks, there were no definite answers and she saw that as a risk. President Bollendorf stated that while he can’t make a motion, he doesn’t like spot zoning. Mr. Tulio stated that he has been at this for a year and has done a traffic study and is still waiting for a letter regarding parking. Solicitor Geiser stated that she has legal concerns enacting an ordinance that Council would intend to apply to one developer then shortly after could appeal and then there could be an illegal spot zoning challenge.
President Bollendorf stated he agrees with the Solicitor and the changes that are coming to hatboro are radical changes but feels they owe it to the residents to get it right especially for future generations as the changes will affect everyone.

Keith Hibbs, 263 S. Chester Avenue, asked if the Borough could install a cross walk on Horsham Road by the bridge as there is a cut out across the street. President Bollendorf stated it was a good idea and they would look into it.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the November 28, 2022, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the November 28, 2022, Council Meeting at 7:37 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf