PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Engineer Walsh, and Treasurer Kalnajs were present.
ABSENT – None.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November, 2018 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
President Bollendorf announced there will be a voting meeting following the Committee Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Bill Linck, 54 Rorer Ave. stated he and his mother are following up on the Hometown Heroes Banners from the last Council Meeting. He stated after 6 months, the banner for his father was finally hung. He thanked Manager Hegele, Superintendent Sine, and Public Works Employee Greg Puceta for hanging the banner on Sunday. Mr. Linck stated he and his mother are upset that it took so long for the Chamber of Commerce to make the banner and asked if Council would consider the Borough taking over the program in the future because the veterans are very important to the community.
Councilman Hegele apologized that the Chamber took so long and stated he will look into the Borough taking over the banners as well. He stated the Hometown Heroes banner program is great and should continue.
President Bollendorf tasked the Public Works Committee with reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce to see what it will take for the Borough to take over the Hometown Heroes Banner program.
Diana Linck, Rorer Ave. stated she appreciates everyone who helped hang the banner and their service. She stated the banner looks great at the corner of York and Rorer.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that Hatboro Federal is always at the center of important Community events in Hatboro. Mayor Guenst stated that she sat down with Linda Rhoener of Hatboro Federal to see if they would help with raising money for the K-9 program. She stated Ms. Rhoener and Hatboro Federal agreed to donate $5,000 to the program to help bring Officer Louie to town.
Linda Rhoener of Hatboro Federal presented Mayor Guenst, Chief Gardner, and Officer Ryan Allen with a check commemorating the donation. Mayor Guenst stated that she has Louie themed cupcakes from Lochel’s bakery for those in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Guenst stated that Officer Allen also has t-shirts available for purchase to support the program for $20 each.
Mayor Guenst stated there is also a GoFundMe page for the fundraiser as well that has raised around $1,400 in the last four days. Chief Gardner stated the Police Department is also entered into a competition to receive a grant for the K-9 program and that residents can vote daily to help the department win.
Mayor Guenst stated she will be partnering with Elm Street Hatboro for the K-9 program as well who made a $2,000 donation.
Councilman Hegele asked how people should write checks to donate to the program. Chief Gardner stated that checks should be written out to Elm Street Hatboro with K-9 program in the memo. He said donations can be dropped off at the Police Station or at Hatboro Federal. Mayor Guenst stated they will also be accepting credit card donations at the Police Station.
Mayor Guenst also reminded everyone to vote in the elections the following day.
STAFF REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked the Police Department and Enterprise Fire Company for their service during Halloween. He noted their interaction and relationships with the Hatboro Community help maintain Hatboro’s small town feeling.
President Bollendorf stated the Borough received the Montgomery County Transportation Grant in the amount of $100,000 which will be used toward the Borough’s $272,000 match requirement for the Jacksonville & Montgomery Ave. Green Light Go Grant.
President Bollendorf stated there is a preliminary 2019 budget on the agenda for consideration. He thanked the finance committee, Manager Hegele, Finance Manager Wells, department heads, and Assistant Secretary DeRenzis for their hard work in preparing the budget.
President Bollendorf stated tomorrow is Election Day and reminded everyone to vote. He reminded residents in the North 2 voting district will be voting at Hatboro Baptist Church while Crooked Billet School is under construction.
President Bollendorf announced that Veterans Day is on Sunday, November 11th and thanked Councilman Hegele and Mayor Guenst for their service in the armed forces as well as any other Veterans in the audience and community.
BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele announced that the York Road milling and paving project is still on its way. She noted staff reached out to Highway Materials and Tom Murt’s office to make sure they are aware of the upcoming parade; however, they still have not provided an exact date of the paving.
Manager Hegele stated the Mat Hatter Café will be open on Parade day and will be holding a grand opening celebration on December 1st.
Manager Hegle stated that the Pennypack Bridge project has been completed and that the bridge is open for pedestrians. She stated that reimbursement for the grant has been submitted to the state and the Borough should receive the money soon.
Manager Hegele announced the Borough will be hosting a Spotted Lanternfly presentation on Thursday, November 15th at 7:00 PM. She noted the public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Manager Hegele stated that the Linck Family Hometown Hero banner was hung on Sunday, November 4th along with two other missing banners. She noted there was a follow-up story on Fox 29 about the banners and that she is very happy to see the banners up.
Manager Hegele stated Veteran’s Day will be observed on Monday, November 12, 2018. She stated Borough Hall will be closed and there will not be trash or recycling collection during that day.
Manager Hegele stated that Council will be hosting a special business meet and greet on Wednesday, November 7th at 6:30 PM at Hatboro Federal.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works Crews performed a series of repairs to a section of storm drain pipe at Crooked Billet Road and S. York Road. He stated the 20 ft section of pipe will need to be repaired in the near future.
Superintendent Sine stated he and Engineer Goff met with AQUA about repaving a section of Horsham Road that was damaged due to a water main break. He noted the discussion is ongoing and he does not yet have a date of when the repaving will be performed, but will keep Council updated.
Superintendent Sine stated Public Works will be tentatively hanging lights and decorations for the Union Library’s tree lighting ceremony on November 21st.
Superintendent Sine announced that the yearly service for the Lukens Clock is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7th.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Chief Gardner reminded everyone that the annual holiday parade will be held on Sunday, November 18th. He stated the parade will run from Summit Avenue to Newington Drive as years previous and road closures will begin at 12:30 PM. He stated temporary no parking zones will also be in affect on York Road.
Chief Gardner stated the department will be participating in heavy seatbelt enforcement over the Thanksgiving Holiday funded through the Buckle-Up PA Grant. He stated there will be extra traffic enforcement in areas where crashes and injuries due to the lack of seatbelt have taken place. He reminded everyone to always wear their seatbelts. Chief Gardner stated the overtime through this program is also 100% reimbursable.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers thanked the Public Safety Committee for reviewing the proposed Basketball Net Ordinance. He noted this ordinance was prepared in coordination with the Fire Chief and Superintendent Sine.
Fire Marshal Myers announced that the State Farm grant was submitted on October 31st that will help purchase fire prevention education materials, smoke detectors, and a RACE station.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Mount stated Fire Prevention was well attended and thanked everyone who attended and volunteered. Mayor Guenst thanked Enterprise for their great event.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated RVE is working to fulfill and complete the Borough’s MS4 requirements. She stated that the 2017 CDBG project is ongoing. Engineer Goff stated that the 2018 Road paving program is set to begin on November 14th. Engineer Goff also stated that Remington & Vernick will begin surveys for the Corinthian Trail project soon.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated he offices are currently in the process of preparing documents to submit to the Orphan’s Court to dissolve the Borough Authority Trust. She stated that her offices filed notice of intervention and notice of appearance for the Buckingham Retail Properties LLC appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board Decision. Solicitor Geiser stated she has also worked on preparing ordinances for advertising such as the revised Parks Rules Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance change for parking as well as the Parking Commission Ordinance. She added she has also been working with staff on various legal matters that arise day to day.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng stated Council was in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of October in the amount of $20,194.80. Councilman Hegele asked if the $5,324.62 listed is the correct amount for pagers. President Mount stated yes, it’s the correct amount and these pagers are used by the volunteers for calls. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng stated Council was in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure list for the month of October in the amount of $8,949.00 for an elevator value replacement. Councilman Forgeng asked if this valve is for one of the trucks. President Mount stated it is actually for the Fire House elevator. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
SEPTA MONTGOMERY AVENUE RAILROAD REGRADING – Councilman Forgeng stated SEPTA will be repaving the Montgomery Avenue railroad crossing from November 30th to December 3rd. He stated the Montgomery Ave. Crossing will be closed for the duration of work and detour signs are in place. Chief Gardner stated he notified the School District of this closure.
COMMUTER PARKING ORDINANCE UPDATE – Chief Gardner stated that he has been keeping an eye on the conditions of the streets affected by the recent Commuter Parking Ordinance. He stated that he has seen an increase in parking in the Commuter Lot behind Station Park; however, there are still plenty of spots available there. He stated he has seen commuters parking heavily on E. Moreland Ave. between New Street and where Moreland meets Montgomery. He stated he would like to extend the boundaries of the ordinance to include this section of E. Moreland. Solicitor Geiser stated Council could make an amendment to the Ordinance to include the street.
President Bollendorf asked if the Borough or the Police Department have received any complaints about the parking ordinance thus far. Chief Gardner and Manager Hegele stated no. Chief Gardner stated the Borough did a good job getting the word out about the 2 hour parking zones and would notify affected residents on E. Moreland if the boundaries were extended.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked if Council would have to advertise again. Solicitor Geiser stated yes.
President Bollendorf suggested looking at the boundaries again in June of 2019. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
BASKETBALL NET ORDINANCE – Councilman Forgeng stated that Fire Marshal Myers drafted a Basketball Ordinance for Council’s Consideration. Manager Hegele stated this ordinance would help protect the Public Works Department and the Fire Company during emergency events. She noted that the Borough and the Fire Company have both experienced damaged equipment due to basketball nets on the street in snow storms and that the ordinance would be good to have. Vice President Stockton stated that the ordinance seems like the Borough wants to confiscate the basketball nets and suggested a slight wording change. Manager Hegele noted this is long overdue and will help remove the nets from the streets in times of snow because the ordinance requires people to remove the nets to a location where they are not near the street. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
FINANCE AND GRANTS – Vice President Stockton stated there was nothing on the Finance & Grants agenda for this evening.
DIGITAL OUTREACH – Vice President Stockton announced that the November Business Spotlight features Nutz about Popcorn. He stated he is always looking for new businesses and that anyone interested should send him an email to be featured.
PUBLIC WORKS
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT REPORT – Councilman Hegele stated Council is in receipt of the Technical Assistance Grant Report that includes a plethora of information. Superintendent Sine stated it is a great report that is detail oriented. Superintendent Sine stated the report includes suggestions on how to improve the Borough’s recycling program as well as promotion material for the Borough’s website. Manager Hegele added that reviewing the Borough’s recycling program and the suggestions detailed in the report is a good winter project for Public Works.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY – NOVEMBER 15, 2018 – Manager Hegele announced that November 15th is America Recycles Day. She thanked residents for always recycling and reminded them to continue their efforts. She also announced that the Borough has a new Recycling Mascot that will be out during the holiday parade and that the Borough will be holding a contest to name it.
AUTHORIZATION TO LIST 3 PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLES ON MUNCIBID AUCTION – Councilman Hegele stated that Council is in receipt of a request to list three vehicles on Municibid for sale. The first is a 2008 International Rear-Loading Trash Truck that has severe electrical control problems, engine cylinder failure, body rust, and has been out of service since May of 2018. The second is a 2003 Ford Explorer with faulty 4-wheel drive, transmission problems, no air conditioning and rust. The third is a 1977 Kubota L225 Tractor that is in running condition; however, was recently replaced with a 2018 John Deere ZTR Mower. Councilman Hegele stated spending money on repairs for these vehicles would be wasteful. Superintendent Sine agreed and stated that Public Works does not retire or sell equipment until it’s near the end of its life. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACTS TO PURCHASE NEW REARLOADING RECYCLE TRUCK IN CONJUNCTION WITH 902 RECYCLING GRANT – Superintendent Sine stated this item is in conjunction with the 902 recycling grant that the Borough was recently awarded. He stated he would like Council to consider contracts to purchase a 2020 Mack Model GR-64BR Chassis for $123,043.75 and a Gran Turk Equipment Co. Leach 25 yard (body only) mounted on a customer chassis for $78,486.25. He noted both of these contracts are CoStars price and it will take 1 year to get the equipment and ordering the equipment now locks the Borough into these prices. He added that prices could rise if the Borough doesn’t enter into the contracts now. President Bollendorf asked if the Borough would pay for the equipment before or after the delivery. Superintendent Sine stated that the payment for the Chassis is due upon delivery to Gran Turk and the rest of the payment is due upon delivery. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS – Councilwoman Anzinger announced that the Borough will be holding a Spotted Lanternfly educational presentation on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7 PM in Borough Hall
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
FREE PARKING ON YORK ROAD – Councilwoman Anzinger announced that Small Business Saturday will be taking place on Saturday, November 24th and encourages shoppers to support local businesses. She stated the Borough previously offered free parking on York Road during this event and Council will need to vote on whether or not they would like to offer free parking this year as well. President Bollendorf asked how much the Borough receives in parking revenue on a Saturday. Chief Gardner stated the Borough gets around $175.00 per Saturday. President Bollendorf suggested that Council offer the free parking every Saturday between Saturday, November 23th and Christmas. Councilwoman Anzinger stated the loss of parking revenue would be worth the amount of shoppers patronizing local businesses. Solicitor Geiser stated Council could enact the free parking via resolution or vote to authorize the PD to not enforce parking meters on these days. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
BUSINESS MEET AND GREET AT HATBORO FEDERAL – Councilwoman Anzinger announced there will be a business meet and greet event on Wednesday, November 7th at 6:00 PM at the Hatboro Federal Administration building. She stated this event will be open to business owners only and will be an open forum event between Council and the business community.
ADMINISTRATION
BOROUGH OF HATBORO NON-UNIFORMED PENSION PLAN UPDATE APPOINTING NEW CAO – Manager Hegele stated that due to the change in Borough Manager, Council will need to pass a resolution appointing her as the new CAO for the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
BOROUGH OF HATBORO UNIFORMED PENSION PLAN UPDATE APPOINTING NEW CAO – Manager Hegele stated that due to the change in Borough Manager, Council will need to pass a resolution appointing her as the new CAO for the Uniformed Pension Plan. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST: HRA CHRISTMAS CAROLING – Vice President Stockton stated Council is in receipt of a special event request from the Hatboro Residents Association for a Christmas Caroling Event on December 7th. Manager Hegele stated there are no services needed from the Borough for this event. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
399 SPRINGDALE AVE. – THE SUMMIT AT SPRINGDALE PLAN AMENDMENT RESOLUTION – Vice President Stockton stated Council is in receipt of a request for a plan amendment for the 399 Springdale project. Vice President Stockton stated these changes include individual entrances for the units, a move of the existing lower level entrances to the center of the homes, and 1 car garages for each apartment. Manager Hegele stated these changes have been sent to Engineer Goff who will review the changes and send them to Solicitor Geiser so the Borough can make a Resolution for an administrative amendment. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
TAN DISCUSSION – Councilman Rich stated that the finance committee has discussed obtaining a Tax Anticipation Note. He noted it is not uncommon for Municipalities to have to obtain a TAN due to the time between Tax bills being sent out and when money actually comes in. Councilman Rich stated staff is contacting various financial institutions to gather options for the TAN. Councilman Rich stated the finance committee recommends a TAN in the amount of $700,000. He added that the bank will hold the note and the Borough would pay the amount back quickly. President Bollendorf stated he, Vice President Stockton, and Manager Hegele will be meeting with financial institutions the following day as well.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS – Councilman Rich stated the Borough has numerous vacancies for its many Boards and Commissions and that volunteers are needed. He stated anyone interested in volunteering should submit a letter of interest to Borough Hall.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET ADOPTION – Councilman Rich stated the Finance Committee and staff have prepared a preliminary budget that is ready for consideration by Council later this evening. Councilman Rich stated there will be a 5% tax increase which results in an average increase of $79.00 per bill or $7.00 per month. He stated the residential refuse fee will increase $25.00 to $382.00 for 2019 and Commercial Refuse fees will increase to $800.00. President Bollendorf asked if the average increase is $79.00. Councilman Rich stated yes.
President Bollendorf stated that the TAN and the interest for the TAN will have to be added. Manager Hegele stated that Finance Manager Wells included $650,000 for the TAN in the budget as well as a figure of 5% interest. She noted that the interest rate will probably decrease when the Borough has final figures for TAN.
President Bollendorf stated that the budget has one time costs for 2019 that will be balanced by money from the Authority. He stated that the Borough also reallocated money from the Sinking Fund that was previously used to repay the Authority loan. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
Mayor Guenst stated that it is very common to obtain a TAN because municipalities still need to be able to function before tax revenue comes in. Councilman Rich stated that the preliminary budget will be available for review in Borough Hall and online.
PENNYPACK BRIDGE FINAL PAYMENT RELEASE – Councilman Rich stated that Council is in receipt of the final payment request for the Pennypack Bridge project in the amount of $237,037.40. He stated that the bridge has been completed and is in use. President Bollendorf stated that the bridge looks great. This item was moved to the November 19, 2018 Council meeting for approval.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES – None.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
ADJOURNMENT – The November 5, 2018 Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.
NOVEMBER 5, 2018 VOTING MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the November, 2018 Voting Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
ORDER OF BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET – Vice President Stockton motioned to adopt the preliminary budget for the year 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
ADJOURNMENT – The November 5, 2018 Voting Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis