PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Detective Sergeant Goold, Engineer Goff, Engineer Walsh, and Solicitor Kilkenny were present.
ABSENT –Mayor Guenst, Assistant Fire Marshal Hauser, and Fire Company President Mount was absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the October 28, 2019 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION – Councilman Forgeng gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Detective Sergeant Goold.
MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.
PUBLIC COMMENT (VOTING ITEMS ONLY) – None.
SECOND ALARMERS PRESENTATION – Ken Davidson of Second Alarmers Rescue Squad delivered a presentation on the SARS Fund Drive. He presented Council and the audience with informational sheets regarding the Fund Drive which detail the benefits of participating. Mr. Davidson stated Second Alarmers currently responds to 13,000 calls a year within their service areas while offering mutual aid services for other departments in need. He stated that Hatboro had a total of 734 EMS calls and 422 transport calls in the year 2018 in which Second Alarmers responded to. He stated that an average Second Alarmers bill is $1,957.00. He stated that people who participate in the fund drive pay no out of pocket costs if they need EMS services. Mr. Davidson discussed the statewide funding problem facing EMS organizations and stated that people wishing to contribute to the fund drive can look out for a mass mailer or they can contribute online through SARS’ website.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst was absent.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that the Miller Meadow Groundbreaking was held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 and was a great event to kick off the project. He also stated that the annual Skeleton Skurry and Halloween Stroll were also held on Saturday and both were great successes. President Bollendorf announced that Council will be holding a budget workshop on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 PM in Borough Hall and invited the public to attend.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele delivered the Treasurer’s Report. She stated at the end of September 2019 the Borough maintained a total account balance of $2,659,617.47 and earned year to date interest in the amount of $1,667.51.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated that his firm has worked daily with staff on zoning code issues. He stated that the judge issued a ruling for the Borough Authority funds and that the assets of the Authority will be transferred to the Borough.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that PennDOT reviewed the plans for the Jacksonville and Montgomery project and RVE is addressing the comments in revised project plans. She stated PennDOT also provided comments for the Corinthian Trail project plans and that RVE is addressing them as well. Engineer Goff stated that RVE received comments from the DEP for the Eaton Memorial Park Streambank Restoration project and that they are being addressed. Engineer Goff stated that the N. Linden Avenue milling and overlay project was completed on October 24th. Engineer Goff stated Council will be considering the authorization of bidding for the Miller Meadow Improvement Project later in the meeting.
MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Hegele stated the York Road issue that a resident previously discussed in a meeting is being discussed during a meeting with PennDOT on November 5th. She thanked Senator Collett for helping to arrange the meeting and noted Superintendent Sine and Chief Gardner will also be attending the meeting. Manager Hegele stated she has been working with the Pension Auditor over the last two weeks and noted he plans to complete the audit within the next few days.
Manager Hegele stated SEPTA will be re-grading the Meadowbrook Avenue crossing November 8-10th. She added this information is posted on the Borough’s website and facebook.
Manager Hegele stated she is working with the MCPC to apply for a WalkWorks grant which will provide technical assistance to create Montgomery County’s first designated WalkWorks Trail and will aim to increase the health of the community.
Manager Hegele stated the Upper Moreland Hatboro Trail Committee will be meeting on October 29, 2019 to assess goal progress and provide updates thus far.
Manager Hegele stated draft copies of the 2040 comprehensive plan were delivered to the Steering Committee for the 45 day review period. She stated that the plan should be ready for a February 2020 adoption by Council. She noted that the Parks Plan should be ready for adoption by the end of the year.
Manager Hegele reminded everyone that the November meeting dates are changed from the regular schedule due to Veterans Day.
Manager Hegele reminded everyone of the Parade on November 24th and noted Mayor Guenst, Council, staff, and herself will be participating.
Manager Hegele stated on behalf of the Fire Company and Assistant Fire Marshal Hauser, she reminded residents to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when clocks are changed back for Daylight Savings Time.
On behalf of Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegle thanked everyone who attended the Halloween Stroll, especially the residents of Moreland Towers who gave out candy to all of the children.
Manager Hegele introduced Lisa Litchko who is considered for the position of Treasurer and Stephanie Simon who is the new Downtown Development Director.
Councilwoman Anzinger asked how much money the WalkWorks program provides. Manager Hegele stated the grant is for technical assistance services rather than funding itself.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT – Detective Sergeant Goold stated the Drug Take Back Event was held on October 26th and the department collected over 90 lbs of medication for disposal. He noted this collection is held twice a year and the department collects approximately 200 lbs total each year. He stated the Police Department also has a medication collection box in their lobby for residents to utilize on a daily basis.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated Public Works has been working on cleaning out the Borough’s storm drains. He noted they have encountered a lot of yard waste that was dumped into the drains and reminded residents that dumping yard waste in a storm drain or on the street is illegal. He stated that anyone witnessing illegal dumping should contact Borough Hall or the Police Department.
Superintendent Sine stated that he attended a Roadway Management Conference in Maryland which was extremely informative. Superintendent Sine stated the lids for the recycling bins were finally delivered and that Public Works is creating a delivery plan. He noted this information will be posted online when available. Superintendent Sine stated that the new recycling truck was unfortunately delayed until early 2020 due to a delay in the company responsible for mounting the body of the truck.
Councilman Hegele asked what is being dumped in the storm sewers. Superintendent Sine stated yard ware is being dumped into the stormdrains which is causing the drains not to flow properly. Manager Hegele stated that the Borough previously had a lot of information on illegal dumping on the TV Channel; however, the channel is currently down and that they have blanketed areas where illegal dumping is suspected. Councilman Hegele stated that this illegal dumping can cause flooding and clogging which is a problem.
President Bollendorf thanked Public Works for their help on Saturday with the groundbreaking for Miller Meadow and the Skeleton Skurry.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Assistant Fire Marshal Hauser was absent; however, Manager Hegele reminded everyone to check smoke detectors and CO detectors when clocks are turned back for Daylight Savings.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT – Fire Company President Mount was absent; however, Manager Hegele reminded everyone to check smoke detectors and CO detectors when clocks are turned back for Daylight Savings.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Downtown Development Director Simon stated over the last two weeks she has met with 67 businesses in town as well as members of Main Street Hatboro and the Chamber of Commerce. She stated she is working on a social media/marketing campaign to benefit businesses. She is also working on developing a relationship with the local radio station to get more press coverage of Hatboro events. She stated the November Business Spotlight will be The Sweater Mill. Downtown Development Director Simon stated she began compiling a list of storefront vacancies, attended a Valley Forge Tourism luncheon, the Miller Meadow Groundbreaking, and the Halloween Stroll. She stated she is also working on a strategy for Small Business Saturday at the end of November.
ORDER OF BUSINESS & VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the Public Works Report, Fire Marshal Report, Tax Collector Report, and Treasurer’s Report. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of October 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin. Councilwoman Anzinger abstained as she was absent from the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes, motion carried 6-0.
OCTOBER 14, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the October 14, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng. Councilwoman Anzinger abstained as she was absent from the meeting. A vote was cast, all ayes, motion carried 6-0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of September 2019 in the amount of $8,189.93. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
POLICE DRIVEWAY GATE – Councilman Hegele motioned to authorize County Line Fence to install a new fence and gate at the Police Station in the amount of $10,600. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
301 JACKSONVILLE ESCROW RELEASE NO. 2 – Councilman Rich motioned to approve Escrow Release No. 2 for 301 Jacksonville in the amount of $248,117.40. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
TREASURER RESIGNATION – Councilman Forgeng motioned to accept the resignation of Heather Polin from the position of Treasurer. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 19-23: APPOINTING NEW TREASURER – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 19-23, appointing Lisa Litchko to the position of Treasurer. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
INSURANCE RATE STABILIZATION FUND CREDIT USAGE FOR 2020 – Councilman Hegele motioned to use 33% of the DVIT Rate Stabilization Fund Credits to offset a portion of the Borough’s insurance premium for the year 2020. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION 19-22: APPOINTMENT OF NEW MEMBER TO UNION LIBRARY BOARD – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Resolution 19-22, appointing Muriel O’Neil to the Library Board. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RESIGNATION OF FIRE MARSHAL – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to accept the resignation of Erick Myers from the position of Fire Marshal and Property Maintenance Inspector. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW FIRE MARSHAL – Councilwoman Benjamin motioned to appoint Matt Hauser to the position of Fire Marshal and Property Maintenance Inspector. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.
OLD BUSINESS
DCED WATER AND SEWER PROJECT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES – Manager Hegele stated the Borough previously sought to apply for a grant for the water issue occurring at Warminster Road and Pershing Avenue; however, this project is not eligible because it involved privately owned lands. She stated that the grant application is open until December 1st, so the Borough still has time to select another project. She stated she will work with Engineer Goff to prepare a list of possible projects that will be eligible. President Bollendorf asked what the match requirement is. Engineer Goff stated the match requirement is 30%.
JACKSONVILLE GREEN (301 JACKSONVILLE) PROPOSED FEE IN LIEU OF – Engineer Walsh stated that Mr. Ed Moser, owner and developer of Jacksonville Green would like to pay for the trash bins, benches, and trees required in his Land Development agreement so that the Borough can place these fixtures elsewhere in the Borough. Engineer Walsh noted Mr. Moser is requesting this fee in lieu of because he believes placing these fixtures at the Jacksonville Green Property is not conducive to the area.
Solicitor Kilkenny stated that Engineer Walsh will talk to Mr. Moser to determine the costs associated with the fee in lieu of and then a resolution will be prepared amending the original land development agreement for the property.
Vice President Stockton asked if maintenance of the trees will be considered in the fee in lieu of. Engineer Walsh stated that Jacksonville Green will not be liable for any maintenance of the trees so the cost per tree for the fee in lieu of will be higher due to the fact the Borough must maintain them. Vice President Stockton asked if there are currently trash cans at the facility now. Engineer Walsh stated there are two bins near the dog park, 2 in the front sitting area, and 2 near the entrance of the building which are accessible by pedestrians passing the building.
This item was tabled until Engineer Walsh meets with the developer to determine appropriate fees and a resolution is prepared.
NEW BUSINESS AUTHORIZATION TO BID: MILLER MEADOW IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Vice President Stockton motioned to authorize the bidding of the Miller Meadow Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele.
Councilman Forgeng asked when the bids are due. Engineer Goff stated the Miller Meadow Improvement Project is ready to go out for bid. She stated bids will be due on November 15, 2019. Councilman Forgeng asked what will be bid in this phase. Engineer Goff stated the pedestrian trails, gazebo, vehicular path, trees, and electrical service will be included. President Bollendorf asked if Public Works will do the sidewalk. Superintendent Sine stated Public Works will perform certain aspects of the sidewalk work; however, the sidewalk was bumped to Phase 2 due to MPDES permitting being required which is also needed for the parking lot in Phase 2.
Councilman Forgeng asked who bidders should contact for questions. President Bollendorf stated they should contact Engineer Goff.
A vote was cast, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Battis, W. Moreland Ave. asked what kind of contractor will bid on the Miller Meadow project due to the diverse, specialized nature of the project. President Bollendorf stated the Borough does not know who will bid until the bids are opened. Mr. Battis stated the Borough could have trouble finding bidders for the project. Councilwoman Anzinger stated there could be a contractor who sub-bids on the project.
Engineer Goff stated that most likely a general contractor will bid on the project and then sub contract the rest of the work as they see fit.
Mr. Battis asked if there is a minimum distance a road project has to meet before it goes to bid because the Borough could get a more optimal price for road paving if they select longer distance roads. He noted this would be more economic in the future than paving a shorter road like N. Linden Ave. President Bollendorf stated the Borough is already planning joint paving projects with Upper Moreland to save funds for both municipalities in the future. President Bollendorf stated the Borough is also saving its remaining Liquid Fuels money for 2019 to use toward future years’ projects.
Lyna Clauser, Mill Road, stated she previously came to a meeting to ask about a decorative lantern being placed on the Amy’s Pizza side of York Road near Horsham Road. Superintendent Sine stated he looked into the issue and there was indeed a lantern there; however, it was removed because trucks and vehicles constantly hit the lantern. He noted replacing the lantern was extremely expensive, especially when it needed to be replaced so frequently. Superintendent Sine stated there are no areas where the lantern could be placed in the vicinity because of ADA regulations in the area. Ms. Clauser stated there is a lantern across from Little’s that is similar. Superintendent Sine stated there are numerous driveway depressions and underground transformers in the area which makes it risky placing a Lantern on the Amy’s side. Ms. Clauser noted the missing lantern is causing a problem with lighting for her off-site parking and stated the Borough could place something in front of the lantern to keep trucks from cutting the corner. Superintendent Sine stated PennDOT makes it illegal for anyone to place bollards in the right of way or on sidewalk.
President Bollendorf asked if the Borough could look at placing a lantern outside of Amy’s. Ms. Clauser suggested a streetlight that is angled toward the sidewalks near the Old Mill and Amy’s instead of a lantern. Superintendent Sine stated he will work with Engineer Goff to determine the best option.
Jessica Ram of Conshohocken was in attendance to present Council with information regarding the Covanta facility in Conshohocken including citizen concerns, noise, odors, and issues with the DEP. Solicitor Kilkenny stated the Borough uses a transfer station in Abington. She noted she is delivering the same speech at all municipalities in the area.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the October 28, 2019 Council Meeting at 7:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Deena DeRenzis