September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Hegele, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Tax Collector Mount, Fire Company President Mount,
Engineer Goff, Solicitor Grieser.

ABSENT – Councilwoman Anzinger, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis

CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

INVOCATION – Mayor Guenst gave the invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Gardner.

PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance No. 1058: 440 S. York Road Re – Zoning (Parcels 08-00-06731-00-2 and 08-00-06736-00-6) from R-1 Residential to O Office District.

PUBLIC COMMENT – NONE

VOTING ITEM (PUBLIC HEARING) – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Ordinance 1058, re-zoning parcels 08-00-06731-00-2 and 08-00-06736-00-6 from R-1 Residential to O Office District. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

MEETING NOTES – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy found on the back of the agendas.

HHSD CROOKED BILLET SCHOOL UPDATE – Dr. Curtis Griffin, HHSD Superintendent, and Jamie Lynch, project manager from D’Huy Engineering, gave a presentation regarding the Crooked Billet Elementary School. They both stated that they project the new Elementary School
will open for the 2020-2021 school year.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Bruce Hart, 175 Earl Lane, gave pictures to each member of council regarding a property maintenance issue at 181 Earl Lane. President Bollendorf assured Mr. Hart this would be handled immediately.

MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst stated that tomorrow the Hatboro Dish is donating a percentage of their proceeds to Hatpacks. She thanked them for supporting Hatpacks organization.

Mayor Guenst stated herself and Chief Gardner attended a ceremony at the National Liberty Museum where Officer Ryan Allen received an award of Valor for Meritorious Community Service for his work regarding his work starting the Borough’s first K9 program in our Police Department and for his fundraising efforts by getting Community support which made this
program possible. Mayor Guenst also stated that Senator Collett sent a letter Congratulating Officer Allen for receiving this award.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated that it is Budget season and the first finance/ budget meeting will be this week. He stated that he met with the Librarian, Michael Celec, and Manager Hegele about what the guidelines will be and how they will disperse the funds since the referendum passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Vice President Stockton stated that the account balance is $ 2,796,388.78 and accrued interest for the month of August is $ 1,921.75.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Grieser stated that the RAV Collision argument in front of the Court of Common Pleas won’t be until October. He also stated that there is still no update regarding the Wawa appeal.
Solicitor Grieser stated that he attended the Planning Commission Meeting this month and a couple of items were covered such as the Medical Marijuana Ordinance where one revision was made regarding a repeated line which was corrected. He also stated that they are interested in
Historical Properties such as doing work in the Historic Overlay District and also adding some language into the Ordinance to require preservation of existing features of historic or cultural values to buildings in Hatboro. He also stated that a motion was made for Borough Council to consider making said ordinance changes. Solicitor Greiser stated that he wanted to review the Contractor’s Ordinance which was to be voted on later this evening. Solicitor Greiser clarified the Ordinance with Borough Council.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that the MS4 Annual Progress Report is due at the end of this month and that they were working on that. She stated that this month under the Jacksonville Road and Montgomery Avenue Signal Project they have received comments from Pendot and Septa and they are working on addressing those comments and resubmitting.
Engineer Goff stated regarding the Corinthian Trail project they recently submitted the traffic control plans to Pendot for their review and they are waiting for their response.

Engineer Goff stated that regarding the Eaton Memorial Park Stream Bank Project they have submitted a plan to address their comments they had received at a meeting they had with them earlier this month. Engineer Goff stated that under the Liquid Fuels Road Program they opened bids on September 3, 2019 and found no discrepancies on the bid submitted by the current lowest bidder which is Meco Constructors Inc. and they recommend awarding the contract to them. Engineer Goff stated that under the Miller Meadow Improvements Project surveying was completed and construction plans are about 90% complete.

MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that last Wednesday the second public meeting was held for the Master Trail Plan for Upper Moreland and Hatboro. Several people were in attendance and they were able to review more connections. Attendees also completed a survey on trails and walking in both municipalities.

Manager Hegele stated that under Old Business there is a motion for later on this evening for Council to authorize herself and President Bollendorf to execute final documents and sign on the Borough’s behalf for the upcoming Computer Lease Agreements.

Manager Hegele stated that under new business there will be a discussion later on tonight regarding the Corinthian Trail design pattern for the retaining wall. There are a list of different styles to choose form and Council will be asked to do so.

Manager Hegele stated that regarding the Jacksonville Road paving the contractor notified the County who then notified the Borough that they intend to be milling the road within the next week or so weather permitting. Staff will be working with the County and Pendot regarding the
stripes for the bike lanes which was a discussion back in the summer. Manager Hegele stated she will make sure staff announces it on the website and Facebook and will reach out to Stoveworks and Jacksonville Green so they can let their tenants know about the upcoming work over night.
Manager Hegele stated that at Byberry and Warminster Road work has begun in regards to the ADA curb ramp installation. This will be taking place all this week weather permitting from 9:00AM – 3:00PM and motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling through this
area.

Manager Hegele stated that you will notice a new post and rail fence at Tanner Park has been installed along Springdale Avenue by our Public Works Department. The fence was made possible by Elm Street Hatboro and she would like to publicly thank Elm Street and Public
Works.

Manger Hegele stated that there is a new community sign at Eaton Park which was made and installed by our Public Works Department. If any group has an event or would like to share information at the park please send your information over to Borough Hall to the attention of
Deena DeRenzis and we will make sure your information is displayed.

Manager Hegele stated that last Saturday evening she attended the Fire Company Awards Banquet with Councilman Hegele and Mayor Guenst. Manager Hegele went on to congratulate all of those from the Enterprise Fire Company who were honored at this Banquet for their hard work and dedication to the company. Manager Hegele wanted to point out that retired Public Works Superintendent Butch Thomas and resident Bob Todd were honored for fifty years of service to the company and how impressive it is to belong to an organization for that length of time.

Manager Hegele stated that the Hatboro Horsham Education Foundation is holding an event Clear the Air which is about vaping on Wednesday October 25, 2019 at the High School. The event is intended for parents and educators to increase awareness and understanding about vaping.

Manager Hegele stated that the Chamber of Commerce is holding a lot of great events for the month of October. She stated there will be a scarecrow contest on October 21 thru October 31 and the judging will be done by Council. The Skeleton Scurry is on Saturday October 26, 2019 at 9:00AM and anyone interested should contact the Hatboro YMCA. The Halloween Stroll is the same day from 2:00PM – 4:00PM where Recycling Bindy will be there to give out candy.

Manager Hegele wanted to remind everyone that we are looking for Newspaper article submissions and anyone who has a submission should get them over to Cindy Bollendorf by September 30, 2019.

STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated he wanted to congratulate Officer Allen on his accomplishment of receiving the award from the National Liberty Museum.

Chief Gardner stated that Manager Hegele informed him today that are over 90% through the assessment phase regarding their accreditation and that the Police Department is on track proving that they are following standards that the manual covers.

TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Mount read her report for the month of August 2019. She stated that the balance collected at the beginning of the month was $160,082.28 with interim additions of $3,477.85. The amount collected was $12,149.57 which leaves $152,010.56 that needs to be collected.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
– Superintendent Sine stated today is the first day of Fall and wanted to remind residents not to rake or blow leaves into the street because we offer curbside collection of yard waste in paper biodegradable bags only.

Superintendent Sine stated that the Jacksonville Road sidewalk installation is about half way done and progressing well. Weather permitting, he hopes to complete the project within two weeks and would like to continue to ask motorists to use caution in this area as lane restrictions
may be necessary.

Superintendent Sine stated he had good news to report regarding grants. He stated that he was recently notified that we should be receiving $ 30,182.00 from the PA DEP for our 2018 Recycling 904 Performance grant award. He noted that this is $13,741.00 more than 2017. He stated that the increased amount is due to a change in how awards are calculated as well as more
recycling weight. Superintendent Sine wanted to give special thanks to our residents for their recycling efforts, as well as Veronica Harris at Montgomery County and Greg Puceta at Public Works. He noted that this grant is completed 100% in – house by Borough employees.

FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated he wanted to thank Council for considering the appointment of Matthew Hauser to Assistant Fire Marshal/Assistant Property Maintenance Inspector later on tonight.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that he appreciated Council not supporting the change regarding Toll Brothers.

Fire Marshal Myers stated that with the addition of Matthew Hauser, Council will see a big difference from August to September’s Fire Marshal Report.

FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – Fire Company President Mount stated they will be proofing their proposed budget for 2020 this week and she will get the report to Council ASAP. Fire Company President Mount stated that next month is Fire Prevention Month and that the Fire Company will have their open house on October 18, 2019.

VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGMEENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilman Hegele motioned to acknowledge the receipt of the UMHJSA minutes, Historical Commission minutes, Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer Reports. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND
TRANSFERS – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of September 2019. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
AUGUST 19, 2019 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the August 19, 2019 Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve the September 9, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Fire Company Expenditure for the month of August 2019 in the amount of $19,760.51. Motion seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of August 2019 in the amount of $49,303.23. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ACQUISITION OF NEW HAND GUNS – Councilman Hegele motioned to authorize Chief Gardner to develop a request for proposal for the capital purchase of new hand guns. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

2019 ROAD PAVING PROJECT – Vice President Stockton motioned to award bid and alternates for 2019 Road Paving Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

HATBORO STATION PLAN AMENDMENT – No motion was made to approve or deny the request submitted by Hatboro Station to amend their plans to permit the installation of an asphalt drive. Motion died on floor.

SEPTA REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT – Vice President Stockton motioned to authorize the execution of the SEPTA Reimbursement Agreement for Fulmor Avenue and Byberry Road. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

RESIGNATION OF BARBARA WASSERMAN FROM LIBRARY BOARD – Councilman Rich motioned to accept the resignation of Barbara Wasserman from the library board. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW HAUSER TO ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL/ASSISTANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR – Vice President Stockton motioned to appoint Matthew Hauser to the positions of Assistant Fire Marshal and Assistant Property Maintenance Inspector. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes Motion carried 6-0.

ORDINANCE 1058: 440 S. YORK ROAD RE – ZONING – Vice President Stockton motioned to approve Ordinance 1058, re-zoning parcels 08-00-06731-00-2 and 08-00-06736-00-6 from R-1 Residential to O Office District. Voted on during Public Hearing.

ORDINANCE 1059: MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1059, establishing use classifications for medical marijuana growing, processing, and dispensary uses by special exception in specific zoning districts. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

ORDINANCE 1060: RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR LICENSE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Ordinance 1060 known as the Responsible Contractor Ordinance to adopt Responsible Contractor provisions for public contracts exceeding $250,000. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

SPECIAL UPDATES – There were no special updates.

OLD BUSINESS
COMPUTER LEASE AGREEMENT – Vice President Stockton made a motion to authorize President Bollendorf and Borough Manager Hegele to sign lease documents with HP Financial for the Borough. Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.

NEW BUSINESS.
CORINTHIAN TRAIL RETAINING WALL SPECIFICATIONS DISCUSSION – President Bollendorf stated that in front of Council are samples for the new Corinthian Trail retaining wall. Engineer Goff stated a few different samples were chosen. Councilman Forging stated it would be nice if they chose one that matched the Old Mill. Chief Gardner suggested that whichever one Council decided on, he would like to clear coat it with anti-graffiti and Engineer Goff said since this project is Pendot approved they may already have that.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Patsy Meck, 161 Earl Lane, stated that she was appealing to Council to reach out to PennDOT regarding the turning lane on York Road by Madison Avenue. She stated she feels there will be a head on collision due to when two cars want to make a left. She feels that traffic is going too fast and the lines do not allow a motorist to get over into the left turning lane. She is concerned especially for the School Busses. She stated she is not sure that Pendot is aware of how many people live in that neighborhood and how dangerous it is for anyone turning off of Madison onto York Road. The concern is two cars trying to make lefts in the same turning lane at the same time with traffic approaching fast in either direction. Councilman Hegele agreed with Patsy that it was an accident waiting to happen. She was asking if Pendot could come up with a better plan regarding that area. Chief Gardner stated that while he felt it was safer he understands the concerns. President Bollendorf asked if we could get Pendot to revisit the section that they are talking about. Chief Gardner stated that he has placed a timing device and an unmarked car in that area to control the motorists who are speeding. Patsy Meck stated she feels if they extended the turning lane it would make it safer for anyone turning off of Madison avenue onto York Road or vice versa. Chief Gardner stated that he would reach out to Pendot regarding this situation.

ADJOURNMENT – The September 23, 2019 Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Bollendorf
Transcribed by Cynthia Bollendorf