PRESENT –Chairperson Kline, Vice Chair McCuen, Member Smith, Member Blickley, and Manager Hegele, were present.
CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chair Kline called the September 10, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Vice Chair Kline led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION – Manager Hegele stated that the PC had to reorganize before we continue and opened up the floor for the nomination of a chairperson.
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON – Member Smith made a motion to appoint Luann Kline to the position of Chairperson for the Borough of Hatboro Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Member McCuen, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Member Kline was appointed as the Chairperson of the Planning Commission.
APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR – Member Smith made a motion to appoint Erin McCuen as the Vice Chair for the Borough of Hatboro Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Chairperson Kline. Member Blickley made a motion to appoint himself as the Vice Chair for the Borough of Hatboro Planning Commission. There was not a second, therefore the motion died. Member McCuen was appointed as the Vice Chair for the Planning Commission, Motion carried 3-0.
Member Blickley stated that now that we have appointed a Chair, he would like clarification on procedural issues regarding the Planning Commission such as how topics make the agenda and who sets/approves the agenda as he sent an email to the PC regarding topics he wanted added to tonight’s agenda. Manager Hegele stated that it is the Chair who decides, and Member Blickley stated that it was his understanding that any of the PC members could add to the agenda. Manager Hegele stated that
is up to Luann now that she has been appointed Chairperson.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 11, 2024, MEETING MINUTES – This item was tabled until the October meeting as there was not a quorum to vote.
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 13, MEETING MINUTES – Member Blickley stated the minutes were fine except it stated that Member McCuen was present, and Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated that she would correct the minutes before they were posted. Member Smith made a motion to approve the August 13, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Member Blickley and Member McCuen abstained as she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 3-0 with 1 abstention.
NEW BUSINESS
RESIDENTIAL REWRITE PROCEDURE DISCUSSION –
Chairperson Kline explained how the zoning rewrite came before the PC and that the County’s presentation is not in a format that everyone can understand. She stated the presentation that was presented started with the 2040 Plan then went into all of the proposed zoning changes therefore it was too much information to take all in at once and there are not enough live examples so everyone can see what it looks like or would look like in Hatboro. She stated that something that looks good somewhere else may not be a good fit for the Borough and the County needs to keep that in mind, which is why live examples would be great in the presentation. She stated she would also like it presented in smaller chunks, see changes between the existing and proposed side by side as well as a standardized form of it with laymen definitions.
Member Smith stated he agreed that he would like to see side by side comparisons and part of the purpose for the rewrite was the ordinance needed to be updated for the current times and to make sure there is a spot for everything even if it wouldn’t happen (ex – amusement park at Station Park) and he also would prefer paper copies to follow along instead of looking at the screen as it would be easier to formulate any questions.
Member Blickley stated that he sat in a few zoning subcommittee meetings, and this appeared to be driven by the County but the committee took the zoning and basically funneled it down and that it comes down to the PC so they can do what the Borough specifically wants before it goes to the Solicitor and Council for approval and all members agreed. He also mentioned that a lot of what was presented was not what was discussed in the meetings he attended. Manager Hegele agreed and stated that most of it wasn’t but that when it comes down to the final say, they do not have to vote yes to the County suggestions as we want to make sure what is proposed, fits in the Borough. Vice Chair McCuen stated that it would be helpful if the proposed change was backed up by a reason for the change as well and the PC can agree or disagree. Manager Hegele stated there is a webpage dedicated to this and would like to be more user friendly so that it is easy for the residents to understand as well because zoning is very hard to follow so therefore needs to be presented correctly. She also stated that the zoning tends to be
based off interpretation, and she wants it to be more definitive.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, stated that she would also like to see an overview and not just a slide show because it has been hard to follow so far and thinks that would be more helpful to understand and agreed with the members on how they would like it presented moving forward.
Kathy McGeary, 40 Franklin Avenue, understands about the public repeating comments/feedback but she thinks it is important because it lets Commissions and Council know that more than one person agree on something. She also stated she thinks everyone should be considered for the rewrite as it not only affects the future but those it presently affects should also be considered.
Wayne Ayers, 1 James Road, stated according to the map that was shown, it appeared only 7 houses were going to be affected by this in the N. York Road corridor (From St. John’s Lutheran up to Plunkett Funeral Home) and was concerned if the zoning was changed that it would affect them for tax purposes. Chairperson Kline stated that the PC approves the zoning changes but would not enforce it and taxes would not be affected if it were to be changed from the current R2 zoning.
Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, stated that grandfathered and not affecting some spots are being mentioned but if Hatboro were to be wiped out completely by a tornado, how would we envision Hatboro to look if we had to start all over to rebuild and that should be taken into consideration while doing the rewrite and all agreed that was a great example. Member Blickley stated that they should think roughly 50 years out as the zoning won’t be updated every 10 years like Planner Miklos said it should be because it hasn’t been updated in a while. Manager Hegele stated the County has been brought in to help rewrite it and they can come in with suggestions on what they want us to do but the ultimate decision goes back to Council. She also stated they are using examples of what they see in other
municipalities but that doesn’t mean it will fit in the Borough and the PC does not have to take the suggestions if they do not like something for Hatboro.
Chairperson Kline stated if the County presents correctly with photos and live examples from the Borough, then the PC will be able to formulate their questions. She also stated she would like the 2040 plan excluded from the presentation and will request a 30-minute presentation only with handouts and maps for everyone so it will be easier to follow along. She stated that for next month’s Agenda, the PC will approve the 6/11/24 and 9/9/24 minutes, discuss R1 and will move on to R2 if time allows.
ADJOURNMENT – Member Smith made a motion to adjourn the September 10, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting. Motion was seconded by Member Blickley, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Chairperson Kline adjourned the September 10, 2024, Planning Commission meeting at 8:22 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/ Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary