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

ABSENT – Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, and Councilwoman Ostrander were absent.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the October 24, 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.

POSTHUMOUS COMMENDATION PRESENTED TO OFFICER ALLEN AND CANINE LOUIE – Chief Wheatley from the Upper Dublin Police Department presented a posthumous commendation to Officer Allen and K9 Louie for their dedication, professionalism, and keen K-9 training resulting in the arrest of a subject with an extensive drug possession and delivery history on January 28, 2021.

PRESENTATION TO HATBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT – Representatives from Montgomery County Emergency Services and the Montgomery County Office of Mental Health made a presentation to the hatboro Police Department for having 100% of the Borough’s Officers certified as crisis intervention specialists including the Chief.

PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – There was no public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated this past Saturday was the groundbreaking for the new ADA Accessible Playground, Pennypack open house, and dedication of the Harriet Ehrsam Community Center.
Mayor Schultz stated there is a Trunk or Treat at Sullivans on Friday October 28th from 7-9 PM located at 451 Oakdale Avenue.

Mayor Schultz stated this Saturday October 29th is the Hatboro Federal Skeleton Skurry 5K run and 1 mile walk, and the race begins and ends at 130 Spring Avenue. He also stated that following the Skurry is the Halloween stroll from 2-4 PM and participating businesses will have a sign in their window or will be outside handing out candy.

Mayor Schultz stated in November the Tree Tenders group will be planting trees in the Borough on Saturday November 19th and the group is looking for volunteers to be certified and help plant because they need to be planted in one day. Contact him or councilman Myers if interested.
Mayor Schultz stated the 62nd Holiday Parade will be Sunday November 20, 2022, from 2- 4 PM and the theme this year is Musical Notes and Holiday Floats. He also stated there will be a float competition for the first time with cash prizes and anyone interested in participating or volunteering can contact Kathy at the Chamber office.

OFFICER’S REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated Council had an executive session on 10/11/22 from 6:00 P.M. until 6:17 P.M. regarding a personnel matter.

President Bollendorf stated as everyone noticed we have changed our meeting space to the gym from the library and all meetings will be in the gym moving forward as it is ADA accessible and we have more space until we go back to Loller Academy hopefully early next year.

President Bollendorf stated last Saturday we had the ADA playground groundbreaking, and it was a very nice event and enjoyed the kids putting on helmets and posing for a picture with the shovels. He also stated it was the open house and Harriet Ehrsam Community Center dedication.

President Bollendorf stated we will have some board openings coming up which will be announced at the next meeting and if anyone is interested on being on the board, contact Manager Hegele with your letter of interest.

President Bollendorf stated the budget workshop will be November 7, 2022, at 6 PM and hopes everyone can attend as it is important because it is about how the taxpayer money will be spent in 2023.
President Bollendorf stated Halloween is next week and asked everyone to be safe.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts at the end of September 2022 is $ 4,565,169.87 with interest earned in the amount of $ 2,595.66.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has been working with staff on routine matters.
Solicitor Geiser stated she reviewed the contract for the solid waste disposal agreement.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she has been working on the DCNR grant application which is due in 3 days and this grant includes the request for funding for Pennypack Park Stormwater Management feasibility study.

Engineer Goff stated she has been addressing comments she received from DEP for the Memorial Park Streambank Project.

Engineer Goff stated she recommend the change order for the Borough Hall Project in the amount of $ 3,154.00 to the electrical contractor.

Engineer Goff stated she recommends payment #12 for the Borough Hall Project to Guy Cooper in the amount of $ 43,202.94 for the mechanical contract.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated the Memorial Park Presentation will be at the November Committee meeting.

Manager Hegele stated the Moreland Avenue bridge appraiser is behind schedule and staff will provide appraisal information once received.

Manager Hegele stated the Borough Planning Commission meets on Tuesday, November 1st at 7 PM, on their agenda will be revisions to the text amendment ordinance from the hearing on 10/10.

Manager Hegele stated the Fire House Grant is close to the finish line and for those in the audience that may not be aware of this grant, the Borough received a $500K grant for renovations/addition to the Enterprise Fire House in 2010. She stated there were issues with the construction and the contractor and as a result legal issues and during this time the Borough has always worked at trying to recoup the grant money to help pay the costs for the project and I am happy to say that we received some of the last bit of information needed this month. We are working with the grant consultant to finalize the paperwork needed by the Office of the Budget and hope that we can finally close, I would say this chapter, but this book and get a check from the Commonwealth. It has always been my goal to see this through since I am the one person here beside the Chief that has been involved in this project and it will be nice to get this off our plate.

Manager Hegele stated for the Grant Update, she is working with staff to provide a grant update for the year 2022 so residents can see where we are in the process. She stated as you know Staff comes to Council for authorization to apply for grants and then if successful announce grant awards, we then come back to Council once a project is ready to be bid and again when ready to be awarded then sometimes it seems like a long time before we come back to the community with updates. She stated we are going to resume quarterly updates on grants and where they are in the process.

Manager Hegele stated for the Hatboro Station Update, her and Engineer Goff continue to monitor this project, there has been a change in staff at Toll Brothers again and we have addressed the concerns noted at the Committee meeting by a resident.

Manager Hegele stated for the Wawa update: As many can see site work is progressing, there is a fence around the construction site. After the site is prepared construction of the actual Wawa will begin.
Manager Hegele stated for the 2023 Operating Budget, there will be a Budget Workshop on 11/7 at 6 PM in this room, this is open to the public and this is where myself and department heads will present our requests for funding for 2023 for council to discuss. She stated the tentative schedule for adoption of the 2023 budget is as follows: November Committee council will authorize the advertising of the preliminary adoption and 10-day public notice, council will vote to approve preliminary adoption at the November Council meeting, there will be a 10-day period of inspection by the public and during this time Council or Department heads can fine tune the budget and make any last minute changes or requests. At the December Committee meeting Council will authorize staff to advertise final adoption for the budget as well as the tax rate (millage) ordinance for a vote at the December Council meeting. Copies of both the budget summary for preliminary and final will be available at Borough Hall.

Manager Hegele stated that tonight on the back table is a publication that staff and herself put together after the last meeting on how residents can be informed citizens. I would encourage anyone who is not sure to take this and review and share with others. There are many ways one can find out what is happening in Hatboro. We will share this on Facebook, our website, newsletter, and electronic newsletter.
Manger Hegele stated if anyone has any questions about the budget process or anything Borough related, I encourage you to reach out to me or any of your elected officials our email addresses are on our website.

STAFF REPORTS
POLICE – Chief Gardner stated the Skeleton Skurry is Saturday October 29th starting at Pennypack at 9:30 A.M. and there will be temporary road closures in the West end of town for this annual event.

Chief Gardner stated the PD will be doing the drug take back event at the Police Station between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M and if you can’t make it at those times, you can come into the station anytime and drop in the secure drop box in the lobby.

Chief Gardner stated the Halloween Stroll is also the 29th from 2-4 PM and reminded motorists to drive with caution during that time due to extra pedestrian traffic.

Chief Gardner stated the Phillies won the NLCS last night and there were a few celebrations on York Road, and it was a very celebratory event with a respectful crowd and there were extra police and there were no problems. He also stated they have procedures for sports and depending on how the Phillies do, they will activate those procedures if and when necessary.

TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.

PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated this month PW has been working on a few projects with most of the time focused on Pennypack. She thanked PW for all their hard work and assistance preparing the building for Bingo as well as the groundbreaking event for the ADA playground.

Manager Hegele stated PW continues to work with staff to finalize the PW and Parks Budget.
Manager Hegele stated the PW Department has been working hard preparing for the increased activity that the colder months brings us, especially right now with the leaves changing and falling. She stated we would like to remind residents that all leaves must be bagged and put out your regularly scheduled trash day and there is no curbside loose leaf pick up.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated she submitted the newsletter and is waiting for the graphic artist to be assigned and hopefully we can get it approved and by next meeting we can talk about how much everyone loved it.

FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Dermer stated for the month of October 2022, he Completed 11 U&O’s, 2 rental inspections, 38 Business inspections, followed up on 60 property maintenance issues, attended a 5-day hands on investigation class, and responded to 9 Emergencies.

FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company responded to 18 calls in September.

Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company has purchased lawn signs for recruiting volunteers.
Fire Company President Ide stated they will have an open house on 10/19/22 and have been going to schools and daycares for Fire Prevention.

Fire Company President Ide stated they will be attending the trunk or treat on 10/28/22 at Sullivans Scrap Yard.

Fire Company President Ide stated Fire Police will be at the Skurry, stroll, and giving candy out on Halloween.

Fire Company President Ide stated the Fire Company will be in the parade this year on November 20th.
Fire Company President Ide thanked the Borough for letting them display their items in the window at Pennypack.

UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Board Member Kline stated the Board approved the historic nomination for the library.

Board Member Kline stated the library made $ 1,061.00 in gross sales at this year’s book sale on 9/10/22.

Board Member Kline stated there will be two story times a week with Mr. Jim.

Board Member Kline stated book club will begin November 8 at 7 P.M.

Board Member Kline stated they are planning for the Christmas Tree lighting on December 2nd.

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilman Myers made amotion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJS Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s reports. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Warrant list, payment of Bills, manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of October 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – President Bollendorf stated this item will be tabled as Vice President Stockton had to abstain from the vote. This item was moved to the November 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

OCTOBER 10, 2022, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the October 10, 2022, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of September 2022 in the amount of $ 16,254.10. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

2023 POLICE CAR PURCHASE – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize the purchase of a 2023 Ford Hybrid Interceptor Police Vehicle in the amount of $54,822.00 including upfitting and marking. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of October 2022 in the amount of $ 17,873.83. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

TREEVITILIZE PLANTING GRANT – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize the application to the Tree Vitalize Grant Program for a tree planting project at the Pennypack property in the amount of $ 10,000.00. This grant requires a 1:1 match ratio which can include staff and volunteer costs. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

AMEND BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #12 – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to amend the agenda for Mechanical payment #12 from $ 27,988.68 to $ 43,202.94 due to a typo. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

BOROUGH HALL MECHANICAL PAYMENT #12 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve payment #12 for the Borough Hall Mechanical Project to Guy M. Cooper in the amount of $ 43,202.94. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, al ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

2022 MMO – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize Manager Hegele to sign the 2022 Minimum Municipal Obligation Paperwork for the Borough’s Pension plan and release payment in the amount of $ 485,698.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

DCNR GRANT RESOLUTION – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-17, memorializing the application to the DCNR Grant Program for a stormwater feasibility study at the Pennypack Property. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

PECO GREEN REGION GRANT RESOLUTION – Vice president Stockton made a motion to approve resolution 2022-18, memorializing the application to the PECO Green Region grant program for an outdoor classroom in Celano Park. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

TREE TENDERS EVENT REQUEST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Special Event request for the Tree Tenders Tree Planting Event on November 19, 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

SALE OF STOP SIGNS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize the sale of 4 flashing stop signs on Municibid at a starting bid of $ 2,700.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize Manager Hegele to sign the Solid Waste Disposal Contract with Covanta. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

POOL SLIDE PURCHASE – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize the purchase of a new slide at the Hatboro Memorial Pool in the amount of $ 185,000.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

Joe Farrell, 133 Spring Avenue, asked how old the slide is and wondered if it was necessary. Manager Hegele stated it is from 2006 and last year was repaired but our insurance company stated we will need to replace ASAP.

Ann Manichelli, 176 W. Lehman Avenue, supports the purchase of the pool slide and feels that it is important for the kids as the slide is the “main attraction”.

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

NEW BUSINESS
RESIGNATION OF EAC CHAIR – Councilman Myers made a motion to accept the letter of resignation from Environmental Advisory Chair, Tom Bilotta. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

SALE OF TRASH TRUCK – Councilwoman Jacobus made amotion to award the sale of the 2006 International trash Truck to the winning Municibid bidder Regatta Point in the amount of $ 25,600.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

PA SMALL WATER/SEWER GRANT DISCUSSION – This item was tabled and moved to the November 28, 2022, Council Meeting Agenda for approval.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION CONTRACT RENEWAL – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the contract renewal between the Montgomery County Planning Commission and the Borough of Hatboro in the amount of $ 38,934.00. This contract will be paid in two yearly installments from January 2023 through December 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

PENNDOT MULTIMODEL GRANT PROGRAM DISCUSSION – Councilman Myers stated that Montco has a feasibility study for cross country trail, and we have the existing hatboro Station trail which would go down Fulmer Avenue. He stated this was a joint plan/study between Hatboro and Upper Moreland from two years ago. Councilwoman Jacobus asked for him to explain where the trail would go especially with the train tracks there. Councilman Myers said it would rum along Fulmor on the cemetery side of the street where the sidewalk is.

Ron Battis, W. Moreland Avenue, asked if we were taking any private property for this. Councilman Myers stated he did not have an answer for that at this time. Mr. Battis asked what the match was, and Manager Hegele stated 30% match for this grant but not sure of amount yet. Councilman Myers stated in 2020 the application was for $ 730,000.00. President Bollendorf stated his concern now is the $200,000.00 the Borough would be responsible for.

George Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, asked what side of the street as he is trying to visualize the trail. Councilman Myers stated the cemetery side and will put visuals together for everyone.

Kelly A’Harrah, W. Lehman Avenue, stated there is a low dip there and young trees have been planted and her questions are about the slope as she is concerned about water management.

Manager Hegele stated that we do not have to apply for this grant, but staff likes to add to agenda when an opportunity comes up and the funding would come out in July of 2023 to give an idea financially.
There was no motion, died on the floor.

BOROUGH HALL ELECTRICAL CHANGE ORDER – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Change Order #3 for the Borough Hall Electrical Project, resulting in a contract increase of $ 3,154.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.

Engineer Goff stated this was for the panel which needed to be upgraded.

NOVEMBER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf stated the Planning Commission will meet Tuesday November 1, 2022, to discuss revisions to the text amendment ordinance.

PUBLIC COMMENT –
Joe Farrell, 133 Spring Avenue, asked where the voting polls were this year. President Bollendorf stated Crooked Billet except North 1 still goes to St. John’s Lutheran.

George Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, walks around daily with his dog and asked that the Borough stop removing trees.

Rick Michael, 148 Earl Lane, invited everyone to the WRDV-FM open house on November 19, 2022, from 12PM until 4PM as they celebrate 42 years broadcasting.

Ann Manichelli, 176 W. Lehman Avenue, supports what Mr. Forgeng stated regarding the removal of trees as she has many of the same concerns.

Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, is concerned about the feasibility study that will be done by our engineer as she is concerned because she feels we are putting our last decent park in the hands of our Engineer. She also stated she feels residents need to be more informed. President Bollendorf stated its because we didn’t do the study yet and it’s unfair to state that anyone has ideas about what will be done as it is the steering committee that she is a part of. Mrs. A’Harrah stated she has heard rumors about things and feels conversations have been taking place with Council and staff and she is asking for the residents to be made aware before we invest money in an engineer study and suggesting open communication about what is gong on with the property.

Councilman Myers stated when we obtained this property, we have a lot more space to look at in the Borough so we need help figuring out what will be done and that is what the study is about. He stated the reason for the study is because it can be overwhelming, and we need help. Vice President Stockton stated this is grant money to come up with a plan to see what is possible, and he personally has not had any conversations about the property outside of the public meetings.

Manager Hegele thinks the confusion is coming form the steering committee as they collaborate and talk about things, but the final say happens in this room. Councilman Myers stated there was never any version of the concept that removed trees.

Gary Henshall, 138 Spring Avenue, asked how much time in between when they do the feasibility study. President Bollendorf stated he does not have a time frame but stated there would be an open house. Manager Hegele stated that it would be the same as what they did for the 2040 Plan. Vice President Stockton stated he wanted to clarify that a feasibility study does not commit us to a plan as it is a study for what is possible as well as affordable and if we do not know what is possible it is hard to let the public weigh in on something that is the reason for doing a study.

Ron Battis, 320 W. Monument Avenue, asked for clarification regarding how many trees are to be planted as he had 80,000 trees will be planted. President Bollendorf stated that it was only 80 trees. Mr. Battis asked if there was a careful plan so that in 10 years we do not have to remove because they were too close together. He stated he wants to make sure a good plan is in place so that doesn’t happen. Councilman Myers stated they have a shade tree member who will be coming out to make sure of placement.

George Forgeng, 166 W. Lehman Avenue, stated he has read extensively on Oak trees, and they can be planted 6 feet apart from one another as the roots intertwine and will secure the trees.

Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, stated she heard 50 in Eaton and Councilman Myers stated it is 50 in Eaton, 10 in Celano, and 20 in Pennypack for a total of 80.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the October 24, 2022, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the October 24, 2022, Council Meeting at 8:14 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager

Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf