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 – Fire Marshal Myers was absent.
CALL TO ORDER
President Bollendorf called the October 8, 2018 Committee Meeting to order at 7:04 PM.
President Bollendorf stated Council held an executive session to discuss two legal issues from 6:30 PM to 6:55 PM.
KAT HALL MEMORIAL WIFFLE BALL CLASSIC PROCLAMATION – Mayor Guenst presented Parker Hall and Joe Hall for their hard work, kindness, and selflessness in organizing the Kat Hall Memorial Wiffle Ball Classic which raised over $15,000 in 2019. Mayor Guenst also thanked all others from Kat Hall in attendance.
Mayor Guenst thanked everyone that helped organize and participated in the event. She noted that organizations like the Kat Hall Memorial Wiffle Ball Classic make Hatboro so unique.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
STAFF REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf announced that the Hatboro Memorial Pool made over $40,000.00. He noted that the Memorial pool has never made a significant profit in prior years and thanked pool staff, public works, and administration staff for their help. He also thanked the rest of Council approving the many upgrades to the pool during the 2018 season including wifi and the new pavilion. President Bollendorf stated that 1/3 of this money will be placed in a pool capital fund that will be used for large improvements. He added that Council will be forming a pool committee who will decide how to spend the remaining funds.
BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele thanked Pool Manager Jagger and the Hatboro Memorial Pool staff for their fantastic work during the 2018 pool season.
Manager Hegele announced that the Safe Routes to Transit Grant application was submitted to DVRPC in the prior week. Manager Hegele stated that the 2016 Recycling Grant has been approved and that the Borough will receive approximately $18,451 as a result. She thanked Public Works for everything they do and for staying on top of recycling.
Manager Hegele stated that the newest newsletter is out and has been mailed to all residents.
Manager Hegele stated she continues to work with SEPTA and PennDOT regarding the Warminster Road issue and will report to Council when a solution is determined.
Manager Hegele stated PennDOT is still expecting to pave York Road at the end of October. She noted that they have been delayed with pipe work in Upper Moreland and still have not provided an exact start time as of yet. She stated that as soon as she receives the information, residents will be notified, and the information will be posted to social media and the Borough website.
Manager Hegele stated that the Borough is looking for volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions. She stated that interested parties should send a letter of interest to Assistant Secretary DeRenzis.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that the new pool pavilion should be finished the following day. He noted that Public Works Staff has exceeded his expectations with this job and that the new pavilion looks great.
Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works crews continue to work on storm drain repairs and they have noticed that some drains are clogged with organic debris. Superintendent Sine reminded residents not to blow leaves or grass into the streets as this clogs drains and causes problems and noted that anyone who sees this happening should call Borough Hall.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Chief Gardner thanked the Upper Moreland Police Department, Whitemarsh Police Department, and the University of Pennsylvania Working Dog Program for their k-9 demonstration prior to the meeting.
Chief Gardner announced that the Police Department will be participating in Enterprise Fire Company’s Fire Prevention Night on Friday, October 19th.
Chief Gardner announced that the annual Skeleton Skurry will take place on Saturday, October 27 and that motorists can expect temporary road closures during the event. He added that the Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Halloween Stroll on the same day and the Police Department will be participating in the event for the first time. Chief Gardner also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their donation of a tent to the Police Department in which they can use for this event.
Chief Gardner reminded residents that Halloween is October 31st and that motorists should drive carefully.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers was absent
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Mount announced that Enterprise Fire Company will be visiting schools and preschools in celebration of Fire Prevention week. She also added that Enterprise Fire Company will be holding their annual Fire Prevention on Friday, October 19th.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that the 2017 CDBG project began earlier in the day. She also noted that the Borough’s 2018 MS4 submission has been completed and was submitted on September 27th. She stated she will be submitting the LSA Grant Application the following day for the Williams Lane Bump Out Project.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that her office drafted an ordinance permitting leashed dogs in select Hatboro Parks. She added that she has also worked with the Crooked Billet School Land Development and with Borough Staff on legal issues.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Forgeng stated Council was in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure list for the month of September in the amount of $13,679.19. This item was moved to the October 22, 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 September in the amount of $29,385.00. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR APPOINTMENT – Councilman Forgeng stated that it is required for the Borough to have an Emergency Management Coordinator.
TABLETOP DRILL – President Bollendorf stated that the Emergency Management team is going to hold a tabletop drill in January or February of 2019. He stated that this tabletop drill will run through a real life situation to see if there are any deficiencies in police, fire, EMS, or administrative aspects of the Emergency Management team. President Bollendorf stated that this drill will not be open to the public; however, the Borough will need advisors that will observe the drill and help notice any shortfalls. He stated this drill will take approximately 4 hours and that minimal costs will be involved. President Bollendorf stated that anyone who will be interested in being an advisor should contact Assistant Secretary DeRenzis.
K-9 DEMONSTRATION & FUNDRAISING – Councilman Forgeng announced that a fantastic K-9 demonstration was held in Miller Meadow prior to the Council Meeting. Mayor Guenst stated that she has been discussing the Borough’s acquisition of a drug dog with Chief Gardner and Officer Ryan Allen. She noted that the acquisition of a drug dog is expensive and that she would like to pursue raising the funds privately with Council’s approval. She noted that the purchase of the dog, training, and equipment will cost around $26,000 and that she would like to raise approximately $40,000 by the end of 2018. Mayor Guenst stated that she has already talked to Elm Street Hatboro who would like to partner with the Borough on this venture. She stated that she visited the University of Pennsylvania training facility with Chief Gardner to watch demonstrations and that their work is incredible. She stated that the dogs are cross trained and would be extremely beneficial to the department. Mayor Guenst would like to proceed with the fundraising should Council give their approval.
Chief Gardner stated that he spoke with other police departments to receive ideas and methods of fundraising. He stated that other departments such as Warrington have raised money for their k-9 programs in this fashion and have shared their brochures with the Borough. Chief Gardner noted that the life of a k-9 unit is 8-10 years and that a drug dog would greatly benefit the department. He also stated that Officer Ryan is the perfect candidate as the k-9 handler and the program would be a success.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
FINANCE AND GRANTS
PECO GREEN REGION GRANT APPLICATION – Manager Hegele stated that the current round of the PECO Green Region Grant is due on October 31. She stated these grants are designed to help improve and protect public spaces. Manager Hegele stated that staff has created a list of possible projects including nature signage in Miller Meadow or a Handicap swing in Memorial Park.
Council agreed they like the handicap swing option as the Borough does not currently have one. Manager Hegele stated that staff will research prices and have a resolution for signature at the Council Meeting. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
DIGITAL OUTREACH
CREDIT CARD PAYMENT ANNOUNCEMENT – Vice President Stockton stated that the Borough will begin accepting credit card payments this month. He stated that residents will be able to pay for permits, contractor licenses, bulk trash permits, U&Os, rental registration, zoning permits, and fire marshal inspections with credit cards. He noted that pool memberships will also be available for purchase using credit cards in 2019. Vice President Stockton stated that there is a convenience fee of 2.65% of the total purchase or $3.00, whichever is greater, and that this fee is the most reasonable compared to others. He stated that Borough Hall is equipped with a card reader to take payments on-site and that there will also be an online portal on the Borough website for residents to use; however, the Borough will not accept credit card payments over the phone. He noted that if anyone is not comfortable with using credit cards to pay, they can still pay with cash or check.
President Bollendorf asked if residents will be able to complete permit paperwork online in addition to making the payment. Assistant Secretary DeRenzis stated permit paperwork cannot yet be completed online due to limitations with the current website; however, they will be able to complete paperwork online once the new website goes live. She stated that for the time being, residents must call Borough Hall to receive a reference number to use while making the online payment so staff can pair the payment with the paperwork. She also noted there will be instructions online to guide residents through the process. Vice President Stockton stated that there will be minor kinks in the system at first; however, staff will do their best to mitigate them as they develop the best system.
President Bollendorf asked if the fees were included in the fee schedule. Assistant Secretary DeRenzis stated yes.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE PURCHASE – Councilman Hegele stated that Council is in receipt of a capital purchase order for a 2019 Ford Explorer for Public Works in the amount of $29,945.00. Councilman Hegele asked when this car will be purchased. Superintendent Sine stated that the vehicle is scheduled for delivery in November. President Bollendorf asked if this was already approved during the capital budget meeting. Manager Hegele stated yes; however, Council needs to formally approve the purchase through a council meeting.
Councilman Forgeng asked if this includes any plowing equipment. Superintendent Sine stated that this is just for the purchase of a standard vehicle.
President Bollendorf asked what will be done with the vehicle being replaced. Superintendent Sine stated that the vehicle being replaced is a 2003 Ford Explorer that was once a police vehicle that has a bad transmission, no functioning four wheel drive, and no air conditioning. Superintendent Sine stated he will recommend that this vehicle is listed on Municibid for sale once the new vehicle arrives.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
ESTABLISHMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD – Councilwoman Anzinger stated staff is researching other municipalities and their environmental advisory boards so Hatboro can establish its own. She stated that the board would make recommendations to the parks committee and Council. She noted that staff will have a list of requirements and information prepared for Council at the October 22nd Council Meeting.
TREEVITALIZE FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Borough was awarded $1,500 in TreeVitalize funding for an urban riparian buffer project in Eaton Park which will be performed in conjunction with the streambank restoration project. She stated that this grant has a 1:1 match requirement which will result in $3,000 worth of trees for Eaton Park.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Spotted Lanternfly has been seen in Hatboro and that if residents see one, they should kill them and notify Superintendent Sine.
Councilman Forgeng asked how tall the trees being purchased through TreeVitalize will be. Councilwoman Anzinger stated it will depend on the time of year that the trees are being purchased and what type will be planted, but it will equate to at least 30 trees. She stated that she will have more information once the area is assessed to determine which native species will best fit the area.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
PARKING ORDINANCE – President Bollendorf stated that the Planning Commission has completed its review of the Parking Ordinance to provide relief to new businesses and existing businesses. He stated that this revised Ordinance will allow businesses to Count public parking and employee spots toward the required parking spaces. He stated that Chloe Mohr from the Montgomery County Planning Commission has drafted the final draft of the ordinance and that is ready to be advertised with Council’s approval.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
HATBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER ANNOUNCEMENT – Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Hatboro Chamber of Commerce will be selling Hometown Heroes banners for men and women who have served their community in the military or emergency services. She stated these banners will be hung along York Road and the Chamber will also be rehanging banners that were previously damaged in storms.
President Bollendorf stated anyone interested in purchasing a banner should contact the Chamber directly. Chief Gardner stated he recently purchased a banner for his father and stated that the Chamber will need the information for the banner and a fee of $200.00 when purchasing.
NEW BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT – MAD HATTER CAFÉ – Councilwoman Anzinger stated the Mad Hatter Café will be a cozy coffee shop located at 7 S. York Road and will expect to open for business in November
ADMINISTRATION
2019 BUDGET – Vice President Stockton stated that the Finance Committee and staff have been working diligently on the budget over the last few months. He thanked staff for their hard work when creating the preliminary budget.
BUDGET WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT – Vice President Stockton announced that Council will be holding a Budget Workshop on Wednesday, October 17 at 6 PM in Borough Hall. He noted that the meeting will be open to the public and that residents will be able to see the preliminary budget and what has been prepared thus far.
ZONING HEARING BOARD MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (RAV COLLISION & ARTIFACT BREWING) – Vice President Stockton stated that there are two Zoning Hearing Board hearings scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th at 7 PM in Borough Hall. He stated the first is an application from Artifact Brewing of 2 S. York Rd. in request of a variance to allow a small scale brewing operation and tap room in a Highway Business district. Vice President Stockton stated that the second application received is from RAV Collision of 318 Springdale Ave. in request of a variance to allow automotive allied sales and services in an Office District.
Councilman Hegele asked where 318 Springdale is located. Chief Gardner stated that it is the location of the old Doyle Machine business.
President Bollendorf stated that there was recently a social media post made to welcome Artifact Brewing to the Borough. He noted that this post was not made by Borough staff or anyone employed by the Borough and that all businesses must receive the proper zoning approvals before they may open.
Councilman Hegele asked if 318 Springdale was subject to the overlay district in that area. Manager Hegele stated that the overlay does not affect the location because it is an office district.
Councilwoman Benjamin asked what happened to the clothing store that previously went to the ZHB to open at 2 S. York. Mayor Guenst stated this business backed out before the decision was rendered.
CONDITIONAL USE HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT: SULLIVAN’S SCRAP METAL (NOVEMBER 5) – Vice President Stockton announced that the Borough received an application from 451 Oakdale Avenue requesting a conditional use to open a retail sale area in the existing building for the sale of art, home goods, and other merchandise including objects made through the manipulation of scrap metal. He stated they are also proposing a café for the sale of beverages and prepackaged food. He stated this conditional use hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 5th at 7 PM in Borough Hall before the Committee Meeting.
PENNYPACK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT PAYMENT REQUEST #2 – Vice President Stockton stated that Council is in receipt of payment request #2 for the Pennypack Bridge Replacement Project in the amount of $78,159.13 for work completed to date, plus retainage. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
Chief Gardner stated that the bridge is scheduled to be delivered on October 18th at 9:30 AM and will be delivered on two oversized tractor trailers. He stated that there will be temporary no parking zones on Lehman, Spring, and S. Chester Avenues. Mayor Guenst asked if letters can be sent to residents notifying them of this information. Chief Gardner stated letters have already been sent by Borough Hall and the information will be posted on the website and Facebook.
RECEIPT OF FIREMAN’S RELIEF MONIES – Councilman Rich stated that the Borough has received Fireman’s Relief Monies for 2018 in the amount of $43,754.22. He stated that a check for funds in this amount was signed and given to Enterprise Fire Company on September 26, 2018.
MMO/STATE AID FUNDING – Councilman Rich stated the Borough was notified that the MMO funding for 2019 will be $0.00 for Non-Uniformed employees and will be $400,567.16 for Uniformed employees.
Councilman Rich stated that the Borough also received notification that State Aid funding for 2018 totaled $149,900.43.
President Bollendorf stated that these funds are for the employee’s pensions and that the non-uniformed pension is funded appropriately, therefor the MMO is $0.00. He added that the state aid funding in the amount of $149,900.43 will be used to help with the police pension contributions.
USE OF DVIT RSF CREDITS FOR 2019 – Councilman Rich stated that DVIT provides the Borough with credits to offset insurance premiums. Councilman Rich stated that Council has typically applied 30-40% of these credits to offset premiums. Manager Hegele stated that DVIT will have final numbers for the credits in the next week and these numbers will be given to Council for Consideration at the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
JACKSONVILLE GREEN ESCROW RELEASE – Councilman Rich stated Council is in receipt of an escrow release request from Jacksonville Green in the amount of $626,578.98 for work completed to date.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
PARKING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS – Councilman Rich stated the Borough has been contacted by numerous parties wishing to serve on the Parking Commission. He stated that Council will be appointing 5 members to the Parking Commission at the October 22nd Council Meeting. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
ENTER APPEARANCE TO CONTINUE APPEAL FILED BY BUCKINGHAM RETAIL PROPERTIES LLC – Councilman Rich stated The Borough is in receipt of paperwork from Buckingham Retail Properties, LLC appealing the Zoning Hearing Board decision for the construction of a Wawa.
Solicitor Geiser stated that Council will need to make a motion as to what Council wishes to see what happens with the appeal. She noted this would mean choosing whether or not a notice of intervention is entered and if they will support the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
ENTER APPEARANCE OF THE LAW OFFICES OF SEAN KILKENNY TO REPRESENT BOROUGH OF HATBORO IN APPEAL FILED BY BUCKINGHAM RETAIL PROPERTIES LLC – Councilman Rich stated that Borough Council will need to vote enter the appearance of the Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny to represent the Borough of Hatboro in the appeal filed by Bucking Retail Properties LLC.
Solicitor Geiser stated that Council will need to make a motion to appoint the Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny to represent the Borough in the appeal.
President Bollendorf stated that Council has three options with the appeal: elect to fight with the Zoning Hearing Board, stay neutral yet monitor the case, or do nothing and let the appeal work through the court system.
President Bollendorf stated he will move to the voting meeting, the option that the Borough will intervene and support the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board in the appeal. President Bollendorf asked Councilwoman Anzinger to submit a letter of abstention to the Borough for both of the agenda items pertaining to the appeal. President Bollendorf requested that residents email councilpersons with their beliefs and opinions toward the appeal. He stated that Council’s emails are online and everyone needs to know how they feel as Council represents the residents and wants to make the decision that supports how Hatboro feels.
This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
APPOINTMENT OF ECKERT SEAMANS AS LABOR ATTORNEY – Vice President Stockton stated that Council will need to formally appoint Eckert Seamans as the Borough’s Labor Attorney. This item was moved to the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES – None.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
ADJOURNMENT
The October 8, 2018 Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis