PRESENT – President Bollendorf, 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, and Treasurer Smith were present.
ABSENT – Vice President Reichner was excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 23, 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 –
Christine Szlachta, 221 E. Mill Road, stated that she strongly opposes Council approving the Pennypack Plan due to the fact that there is not space for a regulation soccer field for 11v11 and doesn’t think it is a good idea to take this away from the kids. She also stated that she doesn’t think the Borough needs to seize every grant opportunity that comes along, especially for a meadow that might take soccer away from the kids and if she knew in 2022 that this us where we would be, she wouldn’t have supported the purchase of the property or encouraged her husband to be in the steering committee. She asked Council to please consider the children when voting.
Jen Hartigan, 26 S. Linden Avenue, asked Council to not vote on the Pennypack plan tonight due to the fact that the soccer field is not the correct size for the older kids and had she known the field was not regulation and she would not have approved it to go to Council. She stated that when they were trying to purchase the property, many organizations were promised space including soccer and she said it specifically talked about the soccer fields fitting on the plan and feels they were misled as during the purchase of the property, they were told that soccer would be a part of the property.
Kristen Stout, 416 Madison Avenue, stated that she agrees with everything that Christine and Jen stated and that they have many ages that are part of the club, and she initially asked if the fields were drawn to regulation size, and she was told that they were but come to find they are not regulation. She also stated that she noticed the filed was moved away from the manhole covers that was another concern of hers in the beginning, but the field still was not drawn to scale and she asked Council to not vote tonight on the Pennypack plan and allow the soccer club to have a full-size regulation field in the Borough.
Councilman Myers stated that during the drafting process of the Pennypack plan, the recommended sizes for each age group was included but one field could not fit as it overlapped with the Meadow that was already approved to be where it is. He stated that the filed has to fit where the County says, or we will not be able to do the stormwater management on the property.
Kristen Stout stated that a regulation field is 110 to 120 yards long and the field came out at 87 yards (what the county proposed on the map) and 60 to 80 yards wide but came out at 43 yards, so it is too short to fit in the proposed spot. Councilman Myers stated that Council can table the item until they get exact measurements of the field from the County and confirm they can make everything fit. President Bollendorf asked what they need, and Kristen stated 110 X 70. This item was tabled.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated the plans from what she understood were not set in stone and were flexible. President Bollendorf stated yes sort of a guideline for those who will be sitting here in the future.
Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, stated it would be useful to have a priority list regarding how we want to use the area, especially in the future. Councilman Myers stated that there is a short term and a long-term plan which would cover what is a priority.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated Joe Lutz, a Fiore Company lifetime member and resident, passed away and had a moment of silence for him, 5th and final cruise night was Friday and ended with a bang with fireworks from the Pennypack events committee, October is the Skeleton Skurry, and stroll and November is the annual parade and thanked everyone.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
•PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf thanked everyone who helped with last week’s firework event as it was very well attended and all had a great time and looking forward to next years and thanked all of the sponsors who paid for the display, announced the next event is the Borough Bingo which is October 7th and that is the big event which raises the money for such events, it is getting darker earlier so please be careful and watch children outside, and reminded everyone to keep their dogs on a leash for the safety of everyone.
•TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance in all accounts for the period ending August 31, 2024, is $ 2,522,747.50 with interest earned in the amount of $ 4,978.75.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated earlier this month she appeared in front of the Hatboro ZHB regarding 26 Horsham Road and the ZHB ruled in the Boroughs favor which means the property owner is prohibited from building in the floodplain but can appeal if he chooses to do so. She also stated that she is at the Court of Common Pleas tomorrow to petition the Court to allow the Borough to sell District Court which has been vacant since January 2024 and hopefully the Court rules in the Boroughs favor so the proceeds can go towards benefitting the public.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer MacNair stated Gilmore & Associates is coordinating with the design engineers and Borough staff to discuss design questions to be addressed prior to the next plan resubmission for 21-23 & 37 S. York Road, the Milliner Lofts project located at 24-28 S. York Road was previously approved with a total of 66 1 and 2 bedroom residential units and 2,320 square feet of commercial space and parking was approved with a combination of onsite, shared and on street parking and stormwater was addressed with an underground basin and G&A is observing the construction for conformance with the approved plans. She also stated G&A attended the project kick off meeting for the Memorial Park Trail with the Borough manager and reps from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Montgomery County Planning Commission on 7/29/24 to discuss the project scope and PenDOT’s required project developmental process and she attended a virtual meeting with Borough staff on 9/18/24 to discuss project updates and other DCNBR grant opportunities for developing an overall plan for the development of Miller Meadow.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated PECO has notified the Borough that they are upgrading and installing new equipment to enhance the local electric infrastructure in Hatboro, Upper Moreland and Horsham and they plan on starting in October. As part of the work, they need to begin an enhanced vegetation management program across the region to reduce the number of outages caused by trees and other vegetation. All work will be done by PECO crews and qualified PECO contractors. Tree trimming work is scheduled to being in early October and work on electrical equipment including poles and wires is anticipated to start in April 2025. The project should be completed by October 2025. Crews may need to temporarily interrupt electric service to safely complete some of the work. PECO will work to communicate in advance outage info and are asking everyone to confirm that their phone number is accurate in their system through my account at Peco.com/my account or calling them and we will share the press release on our pages.
Manager Hegele stated if you use SEPTA, we have shared a number of updates and press releases from them regarding work in the area of the Hatboro Train Station as well as changes to the fees for parking on Septa lots which includes Hatboro and the elimination of ticket sales at the Hatboro Train Station effective 9/20 so, please visit their website for information concerning all of these changes.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough was recently notified that the cell tower at the PD is being decommissioned. We are working with the vendor on logistics, permitting and when the job will be done.
Manager Hegele stated the PC met this month and had no business, they discussed procedure for the completion of the zoning rewrite project. The desired procedure was sent to the County Planner and the PC will be meeting in October to review residential zoning. I would ask everyone to stay tuned to our announcements as well as visit our website to view the dedicated page for the zoning rewrite project.
Manager Hegele stated the ZHB met this month and approved the variance for Auto Driveaway at Station Park with conditions. They did deny the variance for the matter at 26 Horsham Road.
Manager Hegele stated the EAC met this month and discussed development of preservation of natural resources best practices, riparian buffer ordinance, PA Bird Town presentation, Heritage Tree Ordinance, DCNR Meadow Project at PP, composting, possible NO Mow May options, Retriever service to pick up textiles and other household goods, tree giveaway, training opportunities and future EAC workshops for residents. Manager Hegele stated the Shade Tree Commission met this month and discussed a funding request for a professional survey of trees in Parks as well as survey parameters that the Borough would like to be covered. This will be on the October agenda of council to discuss. They ratified permits issued, discussed correspondence to be sent to Borough Businesses and residences. They also discussed the Heritage Tree Ordinance and asked for recommendations from the EAC.
Manager Hegele stated the Historic Commission met this month and approved the application for the library project and the Old Mill new Brewery project.
Manager Hegele stated last month you approved a resolution in support of an application to Bird town PA and she is working on the application, next steps would be to form a committee of at least 3 members that can be comprised of Council members, staff, and the public and we will announce that we are looking for volunteers and place this on the agenda in October for council to appoint a committee.
Manager Hegele stated MS4 application was completed by RVE and will be submitted by the end of the month, staff continues to work on budget in preparation for the 10/30 budget workshop at 6PM and just a reminder to sign up for Savvy Citizen, we are into this new platform for two months and have roughly 200 people signed up and hoping to increase that number each month going forward.
STAFF REPORTS –
•POLICE – Chief Ruegg stated the drug take back is October 26 at the Police station but they also take drugs 24/7/365, they have completed 34 hours of occupant details which is traffic enforcement and is reimbursed by the state, there were no issues at cruise night and fireworks and both were a good time, reminded all to keep their dogs leashed or you can be fined, and the trash can fire at Eaton Park case has been cleared and charged will be filed.
•TAX COLLECTIONS – The Tax Collector’s report was electronically submitted.
•PUBLIC WORKS – Manager Hegele stated the pool is winterized and closed, this includes the bathhouse, still some minor stuff to do but the majority is done, they are working with Manager & Committee for clearing Community Garden at PP, working on clean out of Pennypack in preparation for events over the winter, received complaint from resident regarding dangerous trees at PP, STC reviewed request to remove, trees removed today by PW, installing new bench in Gazebo at Miller Meadow, working with Staff on a planned memorial in 2025 for Ron McKnight who passed away recently. Ron served on the PC for over 20 years as well as on the Shade Tree Commission since its inception. Recently, she met with the family for a memorial idea so stay tuned for more information for an event in 2025. She also stated that she knows sometimes this report seems short, but they are very busy as there is a lot to do at this time of the year.
•DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Recording Secretary Bollendorf stated we have a new business at 11 E. Moreland which was La Morena for many years and now is Unique Chinese Cuisine and The Greek Korner at 133 S., York Road hopes to open mid-October so stay tuned for a grand opening ribbon cutting. She also stated that Manager Hegele and herself met with the owner of Hometown Press who published our paper newsletter. We were doing twice a year until Covid and now we have a new representative to sell ad space and are staffed so we are going back to 2X a year in 2025. She reminded everyone that it is not paid for with tax dollars but with ad space the businesses pay for so another reason to continue to shop locally as much as possible.
•FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Valesky stated last month she was unable to attend the meeting and was made aware of questions regarding fire marshal inspections and met with the Public Safety Committee to discuss the issues. She gave clarity regarding how the inspection process works in regard to her monthly numbers and explained how Fire, U&O, and rental inspections work. She also stated that Commercial U&O Inspections also include the Fire & Safety Inspection. She stated for the month of August she completed 48 Fire Inspections which her YTD is 150, 6 residential U&O, and 4 rentals (689 units – 93 properties), responded to 10 fire calls (66 YTD), 1 fire investigation (15 YTD), installed 20 smoke alarms (90 YTD), and attended meetings and trainings.
•FIRE COMPANY REPORT – President Brown stated for the month of August the EFC responded to a total of 26 calls of which 17 were in the Borough, 3 weekly drills, 1 body meeting, I BOD, and 5 overnight duty crews, hosted a grief counseling session for those involved in the horrible accident on County Line Road, they participated in the touch a truck event and a borough residents birthday party. He also stated that yard signs are available if anyone wants to display, and they are always looking for volunteers.
•UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Borough Representative Kennedy stated there have been 36 new members, ordered and received 99 new books, held 39 programs, and circulated 2,264 materials since August 1st. She also stated the toddler yoga was such a success, they decided to keep it going and added new classes, they have received 9 new volunteer applications, 3 new interests in becoming shareholders, announced the reading buddies program will continue, Director Chirstine is in France & Luxembourg through September 24th as a keynote speaker at several WWII 80th Anniversary ceremonies where she is representing and honoring local veterans who served in France & Germany during WWII, the library made $ 1,048.00 at the fall book sale, and announced the upcoming events.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of Public Works, Fire Marshal, Tax Collector, Treasurer’s Reports, Shade Tree Minutes, EAC Minutes, and UMHJSA Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all yes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Warrant List, Payment of Bills, Manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of September 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
JULY 15, 2024, COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the July 15, 2024, Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay. Motion carried 4-0 with 2 abstentions.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman a Jacobus made a motion to approve the September 9,2024 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of August 2024 in the amount of $ 19,999.57. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Shay made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of September 2024 in the amount of $ 24,378.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
LIBRARY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to direct Vice President Reichner to draft an amendment to the Union Library maintenance agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PENNYPACK PLAN – This item was tabled. President Bollendorf asked Councilwoman Hendrickson and Jacobus to measure the field and make sure the soccer field fits.
NATALIE FORBES HONORARY POLLINATOR GARDEN – Councilwoman Jacobus made motion to approve the creation of an honorary pollinator garden for Natalie Forbes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hendrickson.
Mayor Schultz stated that the part of Pennypack creek is what they wanted it to be so he thought they could dedicate that area where there are flowers etcetera in Eaton and just place a plaque and/ or plant along the Creekside.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that she missed the meeting due to a family event and when the EC initially discussed this, the idea was to add it to Loller and President Bollendorf stated they thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to put a pollinator garden outside borough Hall due to bee allergies. Kelly explained the purpose of a pollinator garden is that you decide what pollinators you would like to attract, and you plant those specific plantings/species (bees are not the only pollinators). She stated she thinks it would benefit more in a public space (Loller has more foot traffic and would be noticed as opposed to the park) because it is also educational. Motion did not carry, all nays.
EAC RESIGNATION – Councilman Myers made a motion to accept the resignation of Jim Maccaroni from the Environmental Advisory Council. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – There was no old business or updates.
NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Sheldon Kernosh, 176 W. Lehman Avenue, stated that he was bothered by all the bicycle rules and there was nothing about safety and he asked when Spring Street and Lehman Avenue will be paved as they are really bad due to utility work. Councilwoman Jacobus stated that bicycle safety rules were put out months ago. President Bollendorf stated that he has the Foreman and Engineer looking at the streets for when it is time to pave and it is based on many factors (need/condition of street, utility work, etcetera)
Jen Hartigan, 26 S. Linden Avenue, suggested more police in Eaton Park and appreciates all the announcements to keep dogs on leashes as it scares the moms and little kids who walk through the parks.
Keith Hibbs, 263 S. Chester Avenue, asked if it is a liability on the Pennypack property in regard to the bicyclists (no helmets, wheelies, etcetera). Solicitor Geiser stated there is no ordinance to prevent bicyclists being unsafe and over 15 don’t have to wear a helmet.
Manager Hegele, in the spring we will be partnering with the county and give away helmets and bicycle safety at the traffic garden.
Kristen Stout, 416 Madison Avenue, stated that she heard the fireworks was a great time and was happy about the successful event enjoyed by the community but stated that there was trash left on the soccer fields and they had to clean it up the next day (card board, plastic pieces, paper) and was embarrassed as well as how it affected the wildlife and the trash could go into the creek with a heavy rain and asked that they consider the clean up when doing events like that in the future and do a better job.
Councilwoman Shay, stated that it was dark and Public Works stayed late as usual to clean up along with council members, fire marshal and the manager and apologized no one got out early enough when it was light out to check but at the same time, it doesn’t hurt to pick up some litter when we see it as it was a wonderful event enjoyed by the community so complaining about some trash is petty as trash is left behind after soccer games. Manager Hegele stated that the debris was picked up first thing this morning by Public Works when she walked the field.
Gary Blickley, 46 Harding Avenue, asked if Council was addressing every organization and not just the library in regard to paying for Public Works time. President Bollendorf stated that yes, they are they just started with the library because of the snow removal and if they change it, everyone has to be made aware.
Todd A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, stated he was surprised and didn’t realize the library contract expired in 2018, and he respects Council’s decision, and that Public Works is understaffed and extremely busy.
Councilman Myers stated that they are trying to fit a lot of things in the Pennypack plan and compromises will have to be made and everyone needs to work together.
Councilwoman Jacobus stated that she sounds the email form the Hatboro Horsham Soccer Club abrasive and she wasn’t going to mention it but now that everyone is complaining about Public Works, she is angry. She stated that, having children, she understands the importance of having activities for them, including sports, and has fully supported the club. She also stated that the HHSC uses the fields for almost nothing and asked for decency when sending emails to Council requesting anything from the Borough.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to adjourn the September 23, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Shay, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the Council Meeting at 8:12 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary