PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Reichner, Councilwoman Shay, Councilwoman Jacobus, Councilman Hendrickson, Councilman Myers, Councilman Hoover, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Chief Ruegg, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer MacNair, Fire Marshal Valesky, Fire Company President Brown, SARS Chief Davidson, Treasurer Smith, and Library Borough Representative Kennedy were present.

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the October 28, 2024, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the Invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Ruegg 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 thanked everyone who prepared the Borough for the Skurry and the annual Halloween stroll and thanked the businesses, the 64th annual Holiday Parade is Sunday November 24th from 2-4 and the theme is Hatboro Home for the Holidays, and that it is election season and please be kind and patient at the polls.

OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated we had another successful trunk or treat and thanked everyone, Halloween is Tuesday, and everyone be safe and enjoy, and the leaves are falling so please remember to bag your leaves in biodegradable bags and public works picks up twice a week with your trash.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION – President Bollendorf stated Council had an executive session from 6:15 until 6:46 to discuss 2 legal matters and a real estate matter.

BUDGET WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT – President Bollendorf stated the Budget workshop is Wednesday October 30, 3034 beginning at 6:00 P.M. and encouraged the public to attend.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending September 30, 2024, was $ 2,450,655.02 with interest earned in the amount of $ 4,332.46.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated this past month she has been working with Borough staff on the sale of district court property which is currently out to bid right now, received an appeal for 26 Horsham Road which was a ZHB matter that was appealed to the court of common pleas and remanded back to the ZHB, the Borough prevailed and now is being appealed again by the property owner will be on the agenda ion November, and another matter of litigation coming up in front of Judge Todd Stephens.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer MacNair stated G&A is reviewing the revised land development and HOP for 21-23 & 37 N. York Road.

Engineer MacNair stated G&A is continuing to observe the construction of Milliner Lofts for conformance with the approved plans.

Engineer MacNair stated G&A is currently updating the concept plan for the Memorial Park Trail and the related opinion of probable cost., attended a virtual meeting with Borough staff to discuss project updates for the Miller Meadow Park DCNR Grant, has received MS4 permitting information from RVE and G&A will review and provide recommendations to the Borough, reviewing the current road opening permit requirements to provide recommended updates for the ordinance.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Grant Award: The Borough was notified recently that we were awarded an LSA Grant for $816,000 for trails and stormwater management in Memorial Park and as you know we have a second grant for this location, and she will need to meet with the Engineer to discuss the scope of both grants and the use of the money to ensure that both grants do not have stipulations regarding leveraging grant money against separate grants. West Moreland Avenue Bridge Update: She reached out to the county for an update earlier this month, by the County Transportation office, the update remains the same, waiting on PECO real estate.

DCNR PP Meadow Update: There is no update to share on future sprayings or next steps so please stay tuned to our fb page and savvy citizens for updates. Miller Meadow Update: The seed mix has been submitted and wait for confirmation on availability. I will follow up with Mr. Moser and follow up to check on availability. She has the seed list and can share some of the types chosen. Attended October PC meeting, zoning re-write continues to be the focus of the PC. Please visit our website and look for the page that outlines what is being discussed by the PC regarding changes to zoning. DCNR approved Borough’s request to return the grant for the Miller Meadow Project. Next step will be to watch for DCNR funding for a feasibility study of the area and apply. Solid Waste updates: Sending out updates to those on email list, meeting again with committee this week, draft ordinance will be on the November agenda. PECO: Many of you may have seen Asplundh working in the Borough, PECO is doing a project in Warminster and Hatboro to upgrade some of their electrical equipment and to do a more enhanced maintenance of the trees with their power lines. There are two properties in Hatboro where some trees will need to be removed as the trees are deceased and they pose risks to PECO infrastructure. The one location is on Borough property at Pennypack and the second location is on private property. Budget Schedule: Budget Workshop is this Wednesday. The Budget will be on the agenda in November for preliminary adoption, followed by a 10-day period for public inspection with final adoption set for the December council meeting and this will also include adoption of the 2025 fee schedule and tax ordinance.

STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Ruegg stated Events, Trunk or Treat at Pennypack on Oct 18, 2024, October 21 I Attended the Spirit of Courage awards where I had the honor of accompanying Sgt Simon and Officer McMahon when they received awards for their actions on Thanksgiving of 2023 while responding to a fire on Fairview Avenue, Borough Blend with Mayor Shultz at Steel Penny on Oct 25th, Trunk or Treat at Crooked Billet Elementary AND Drug Take Back Event on October 26th, and Skeleton Skurry on Oct 26th – Successful Event with on issues- On behalf of the Police Department I would like to thank The Chamber of Commerce, WK Bray Masonic Lodge, Hatboro Federal and all the other sponsor and participants for participating as our department will be receiving new Defensive Tactics Training Mats with some of the proceeds. We are very fortunate to work in a town that has the full support of not only our elected officials but also the civic organizations in this community.

Training We hosted a three-day forensic cell phone analysis and mapping class attended by 31police officers and investigators from PA and surrounding states including NJ, Delaware and Virginia. 2 Hatboro Officers were attendees as well. Thanks to Deena Derenzis for helping me get the Wi-Fi and internet set up in the classroom. This was a good test run, and we will be looking to host many more schools in 2025 to take advantage of the free training seats hosting classes offer, Officer Wessels – 1 day search and seizure seminar, Officer Thompson and K9 Louie – 3-day training. This is in addition to their mandatory 16 hours of monthly training, 2 More Officers attended Resilience Training I previously spoke about, I attended a seminar/debrief on the Parkland School shooting earlier this month. They covered lessons learned, what went right and what went wrong. Came away with a lot of great information and ideas from the program, our department completed our required annual use of force and defensive tactics training. This included Gracie Survival Tactics, (GST) is a revolutionary defensive tactics system based on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that incorporates time-tested techniques into an easy-to-learn system designed to help officers verbally and physically de-escalate while humanely prevailing resistant and/or aggressive subjects. Also included refresher training on baton usage and handcuffing techniques.

New Hire, A part-time Police Operation Clerk, Christine Coffey, is currently in training. Slated to cover Friday and Saturday 3rd shifts going forward. Also have a part time crossing guard slated to start next month.

Reminders: Halloween is coming up. It is a great idea for your kids to have something bright with them, so they are visible and things like glow sticks or glow in the dark necklaces are a cheap and easy solution and those on the road, be watchful for people walking in the streets.

•TAX COLLECTIONS – The Tax Collector’s report was electronically submitted.

•PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated thank you to the Fire Marshal, Fire Department and Police for quick work last week when there was a fire in the barn at Cressbrook as the Fire Alarm alerted emergency personnel and were able to respond quickly and were able to quickly extinguish a fire, cleaning Up Parks and preparing for winter, doing work at Borough Facilities in preparation for winter, cleaning out Pennypack as time permits, just a reminder, the Borough does not offer vacuum service for leaf collection. Public Works collects leaves and yard waste in brown biodegradable bags, twice a week (at both collections) and please do not blow leaves into the street.

•DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated the Greek Korner is still waiting for the Health Department so they can have their Grand Oening so we will keep everyone updates on when they will officially open.

• FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated for Emergency Management, she attended the EDITs conference. It was a great conference where they covered a lot of different recent events and lessons learned (Highland Parade shooting, Train derailment in Ohio, etc.). Communication is key, make sure you sign up for Ready Montco and Savvy Citizen.

She also stated for her fire marshal report, she completed 50 Commercial fire inspections, 8 residential U&O’s, and 3 rentals, responded to 7 fire calls and conducted 4 investigations, installed 5 smoke detectors and received 31 property maintenance complaints for the month of September. There were 14 work without permit complaints, 2 unregistered rentals, 6 grass/tree/overgrowth complaints, 5 safety/fire complaints, and 4 misc. complaints. She had her monthly meeting with a resident regarding hoarding and also a meeting with a resident regarding work without permits. She also stated in October, she assisted Lower Moreland twice for an investigation and conducted 3 investigations and 4 investigations in town.

•FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Brown stated for the month of September, the fire company responded to 26 calls of which 17 were in the Borough, 3 weekly drills, 1 body meeting, 1 Board of Directors, and 5 overnight duty crews, reviewed the personnel totals, voted in 3 new members, participated in several events including library book sale, 9/11 memorial, Great American Relay, fireworks, and attended the funeral of lifetime member Joe Lutz. He also stated there are yard signs available for anyone who would like to display one, and they are always looking for volunteers.

•SECOND ALARMERS – Chief Davidson reviewed the revenue and expenses for each quarter and stated here is a fee for service if you are treated by SARS and we will bill the patient’s insurance company when possible. Many insurance plans have a patient responsibility such as a co-payment or deductible. If a patient is a subscribing member of SARS, we will write off any out-of-pocket patient expenses as a courtesy. For non-subscribing members those expenses are the patient’s responsibility to pay. For our 2024-2025 subscription drive the costs are as follows: Individual $70.00 Household $95.00 Senior Single $45.00 Senior Couple $65.00 Fund Drive

In Q3 of 2024 SARS received $3,960 in memberships from 58 Hatboro residents as well as $1,195 in donations from Hatboro residents. SARS fund drive reminder went out in early October to any residents that did not subscribe to the original mailing. Anyone interested in subscribing online can do so at http://www.sars.org SARS latest EMT class took their final exams in early October and will be formally graduating from our program on Wednesday October 30th. SARS next EMT class will most likely be starting in early 2025 PA SB 365 has now passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting signature by the Governor. While this bill does address the important topic of PTSI and the impact on the first responder community, it could likely have a similar impact on workman’s compensation rates as the “cancer presumption” legislation passed regarding the fire service several years ago. We will provide additional updates as we get them. PA SB 1134 has also passed the house and is awaiting signature by the Governor. This amends Title 8 and permits borough councils to waive, on an annual basis, the appropriation limitation of 50% that is currently imposed on use of funds raised by an EMS tax by way of a resolution. Currently the Borough and Hatboro have agreed that funding provided by the borough EMS tax would be allocated equally among employee compensation and fuel. If signed by the Governor, this law would permit the council to waive the appropriation limitation (if so desired) so that all funding could go towards staffing. SARS is working via the Ambulance Association of PA with several state legislators to work to create a meaningful balance billing regulation pertaining to EMS bills. The idea would be that insurers would be required to provide direct reimbursement to EMS agencies at state regulated amounts and in return EMS agencies would not balance bill patients. The intent of this bill is to protect patients/consumers while still ensuring the EMS agencies have the necessary funding to provide service. EMS agencies and state legislators recognize that there will also need to be more consistent local municipal funding provided to EMS agencies to balance the equation.

•UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Kennedy stated since September 1st, the library has 65 new card members, ordered and received 347 new books, held 41 programs, and 3,044 books, DVDs, etcetera have been checked out. She also stated they are having a Wheel of Fortune watch party to support Reyna Kilpatrick; toddler yoga has continued due to its popularity as well as the writer’s connection. She stated that reading buddies will continue, they have 7 active teens on the teen council, and the teen writers group continues. She also stated the library will have an all-day celebration on November 8th for Veterans Day

ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Reichner made a motion to acknowledge receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, Treasurer’s Reports, Shade Tree Minutes, EAC Minutes, and UMHJSA minutes. Motion was seconded Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manuel Checks, and Transfers for the month of October 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

AUGUST 19, 2024, COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the August 13, 2024, Committee/Council Meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers. Councilman Hoover and Councilwoman Hendrickson abstained as they were not present for the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 with 2 abstentions.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve the September 23, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers. Vice President Reichner abstained as she was excused from the meeting. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention.

OCTOBER 14, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the October 14, 2024, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List in for the month of September in the amount of $ 7,641.01. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PECO GREEN REGION GRANT – Councilman Hoover made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-37, authorizing the application to the PECO Green Region Grant for the Pennypack LED Lighting Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LSA GRANT – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-38, authorizing the application to the Local Share Account Grant for the Pennypack HVAC Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

TAX CERTIFICATION COST RESOLUTION – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-36, amending fees charged by the tax collector for Tax Certifications and Duplicate Bills. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

LIBRARY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the new maintenance agreement between the Borough of Hatboro and the Union Library of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

BIRD TOWN COMMITTEE – Councilwoman Hendrickson made a motion to establish a Bird Town Committee for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

HISTORIC COMMISSION ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilman Hoover made a motion to authorize Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an amendment to the historic Commission Ordinance to add a provision for alternates on the Commission. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

AMUSEMENT DEVICE ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize Solicitor Geiser to begin drafting an amendment to the Amusement Device Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

AMERICA 250 RESOLUTION – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-39, supporting the America 250 initiative. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

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

NEW BUSINESS
104 W. LEHMAN AVENUE ESCROW RELEASE – Manager Hegele stated that the project went before the Planning Commission for a minor land development application for a subdivision to build a home on the second lot and have all of their approvals as well as satisfied all of the engineers requirements but the only issue is the escrow amount that is in the letter is not the same and the property owner is disputing the fees from RVE so staff is asking Council to make a partial release until they work out the dispute between him and RVE.

Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to authorize a partial release of escrow in the amount of $ 1,227.00 for the 104 W. Lehman Avenue project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SHADE TREE RESIGNATION – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to accept the resignation from Marianne Shaeffer from the Shade Tree Commission. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT – POLICE OFFICER – Chief Ruegg stated Officer Swoyer who is currently in the drop is expected to retire March 17, 2025, and the Cicil Service ratified 3 names for Council’s consideration therefore the PD is looking to replace him after he leaves. President Bollendorf stated that there is a financial aspect to this and Chief Ruegg stated that if Officer Swoyer stayed the entire year, it would cost $ 159,114.16 and with him leaving and the recommended hire, who may have to attend the academy, is $ 129,029.34.

Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize a conditional offer of employment for the position of Police Officer with the Hatboro Police Department. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

SALES OF MUNICIBID ITEMS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to authorize the sale of various Public Works items on Municibid. Motion was seconded by Vice President Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT –
Jimmy Zuniga, 501 S. York Road, stated in 2023 he reported damage to his property regarding the sewer system erosion and distributed pictures to Council and the Borough Manager as this morning there was an incident, and he was told to attend the meeting this evening. He asked if Public Works could fix it and asked about a fence to help with the deer as the problem is getting worse. Manager Hegele stated that there is an easement that runs through the Borough maintains and President Bollendorf stated a fence would push the deer somewhere else. Solicitor Geiser suggested staff look into it to see the property lines and will come back on the November 18, 2024, Council, meeting to discuss further.

ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to adjourn the October 28, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the October 28, 2024, Council Meeting at 7:56 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary