PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilman Hegele, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Administration Clerk Harbaugh, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Treasurer Kalnajs, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, Fire Company President Mount, and Solicitor Kilkenny were present.
ABSENT – None
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 24, 2018, 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.
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst thanked Borough Council, Residents & Staff who attended the Annual Hatboro Rotary Lobster Pot on September 8, 2018. Mayor Guenst announced that she was able to gather over 30 people from Borough Council, Borough Staff, and close friends who rallied to support the Hatboro Rotary. Mayor Guenst stated that the final numbers came in on the Kat Hall Wiffle Ball event held earlier this month. The event raised approximately $15,000 for a local family who is battling cancer and in need.
Mayor Guenst also noted that she will be representing the Borough tomorrow at the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast on September 25, 2018. She looks forward to seeing anyone here who may in attendance at the event tomorrow.
Mayor Guenst stated that on Thursday, September 26, 2018, herself, Chief Gardner, and Manager Hegele will be attending a workshop hosted by Montgomery County on the topic of mental health.
Mayor Guenst noted that herself, other members of Borough Council and Staff will be attending the Montgomery County Borough’s Association dinner in Souderton; the event is an excellent opportunity for networking with other Officials from Borough’s across Montgomery County and share ideas.
Lastly, Mayor Guenst announced that a fellow mayor in Bridgeport Borough has been a victim of racism and received anti-LGBTQ propaganda. Mayor Guenst noted that Mayor Mark Barbee of Bridgeport is the first African American and openly gay Mayor in Bridgeport Borough. Mayor Guenst stated that Mr. Barbee will be in her thoughts and prayers. She is asking for everyone to keep Mayor Barbee of Bridgeport in their thoughts and prayers at this time.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Mural Arts program, a new initiative this year, has obtained a third member for the Committee. The first mural that will take place will be at the Hatboro Public Works building. The theme will be surrounding around he founding of Hatboro, the past and the future.
President Bollendorf noted that on Monday, October 1, 2018, the Hatboro-Horsham School District will be holding a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Crooked Billet Elementary School project. Members of Borough Council will be in attendance. All are welcome to attend.
President Bollendorf proudly announced that Lochel’s Bakery of Hatboro was named, for the second time in-a-row, the Sweetest Bakery in America! A celebration of the win will occur in the Spring of 2019 due to the construction that is taking place at the bakery. Further updates will be provided.
President Bollendorf stated that the Finance Committee, which is comprised of himself, Council Vice President Stockton and Councilman Rich, have been meeting with Manager Hegele and Finance Manager Wells about the 2019 Borough Budget. The Committee and Borough Staff have met with several Borough departments, and progress has been made. President Bollendorf noted that the goal is to have the Borough Budget signed, sealed and completed by the November Council meeting. A formal Budget Workshop will be held on October 17, 2018, at 6:00 PM in Borough Hall. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the 2019 Borough Operating Budget for the Borough. The public is invited to attend.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Kalnajs reported that at the end of July, the Borough earned interest in the amount of $2,890.24, and maintained a balance of $3,461,916. At the end of August, the Borough earned interest in the amount of $2.618.97 and maintained a balance of $3,322,252.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Kilkenny stated he has been working with Borough Staff on various topics including Ordinance 1051 regarding an update to the Parks & Recreation rules for Borough Parks. The Solicitor’s Office has also been advising Borough Administration regarding Subdivision/ Land Development and Zoning matters.
Solicitor Kilkenny noted that his Office has been given permission by Borough Resolution to sign assessment appeals of lower amounts. Solicitor Kilkenny noted that one matter has come before him regarding Family Tree REI, LLC for the property located at 216 S. York Road Hatboro. According to Mr. Kilkenny, the property was sold in 2016, and the new owner appealed the assessment of the property. Solicitor Kilkenny stated that matters such as these are litigated by the School District since they have a larger tax burden. The appeal has been settled with Montgomery County, and the assessed value of the property went down. Therefore, the Borough will have to refund a small amount of taxes paid due to the new lower assessed value. With no discussion from Borough Council, Solicitor Kilkenny noted that he will sign the appeal.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that she is working on the Borough’s MS4 deficiency response. She added that the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp project rebids are under review. She stated that 2018 road program bids will be opened on August 13. She also stated that there was a Corinthian Trail Project kickoff meeting held and beginning stages of the project are underway.
Engineer Goff stated that earlier this week, Remington & Vernick held a pre-construction meeting for the 2017 CDBG Curb Ramp project. Construction will begin in early October for that project.
About the 2018 MS4 Services project, Engineer Goff stated that she will be submitting an annual progress report later this month.
Engineer Goff proudly announced that the Borough did receive $201,000 for Eaton/ Memorial Park streambank restoration. She added that this grant award will be of great benefit to our MS4 report.
About the 2018 Hatboro Road program, Engineer Goff stated that a pre-construction meeting was held earlier this month. Construction for the road program will begin this month.
Lastly, Engineer Goff noted that she is working on the Local Share Account Montgomery County grant application which will improve safety conditions for pedestrians at the intersection of South York/Williams Lane. A resolution is set to be voted on this evening, a grant request of $89,210.00, and the match amount from the Borough would be $15,745.00. President Bollendorf asked Engineer Goff how the York/Williams Lane project would improve pedestrian safety. Engineer Goff noted that pedestrians who are crossing would be more noticeable to oncoming traffic. Chief Gardner stated that this improvement is a great idea.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that this week she is attending a training at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center in Harrisburg on community revitalization, main streets, and downtown development. Manager Hegele noted that the training is very informative and will be providing more information when the training is complete.
About the York Road/ PennDot paving project, Manager Hegele noted that the Borough has been informed that Highway Materials, the contractor hired by PennDot, will be paving York Road this month. As soon as specific dates are released, the Borough will post information on the Borough website and Facebook for residents.
Manager Hegele stated that the Fall/Winter Borough Newsletter is officially complete and has been sent for printing. The publication should be arriving in residents’ mailboxes within the next few weeks.
Manager Hegele stated that The Historical Commission & members of the School District have opened the time capsule that was found earlier this summer. Manager Hegele noted that the most of the contents were newspaper and magazine articles dating back to the 1960’s. The Commission has acquired a local conservator to evaluate the contents.
Manager Hegele acknowledged Sgt. Andrew Valleley of the Hatboro Police Department for his act of kindness in assisting an elderly resident cross the street. A photo of Sgt. Valleley assisting the resident, and the photo was shared with the Borough. Thank you, Sgt. Valleley!
STAFF REPORTS
POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner provided Council with an update regarding the Accreditation process for the renovated Hatboro Police Department. Chief Gardner attended a meeting with the Borough Consultant for the Accreditation process. During the meeting, Chief Gardner noted that the accreditation process is a multi-year process and progress is underway.
Chief Gardner reported that Borough Staff, Parking Enforcement, and himself conducted a walking tour of parking in the Borough last week. Chief Gardner further noted that they have identified some improvements that could be made to parking areas.
Chief Gardner noted that the SEPTA lot near Station Park Commercial Development has been utilized more in the last few months since the passing of the new Residential Parking Ordinance.
In conclusion, Chief stated that the final Cruise Night for Hatboro was on Friday, Sept. 21. The event went very well. Chief Gardner praised the Hatboro Chamber of Commerce for the great work they did with the Hatboro Cruise Nights this summer. Chief Gardner noted that the event went well with little incident, extra patrols and the bike patrol were on duty for the event.
TAX COLLECTIONS REPORT – Tax Collector Emig’s report was submitted in advance.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that the Public Works Department recently had a confirmed sighting of the spotted lanternfly on Borough property in Miller Meadow. Superintendent Sine stated that all proper procedure is being followed regarding sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly. Also, Superintendent Sine noted that the PA DEP has notified.
Superintendent Sine reminded residents that now that the Fall season has arrived, please properly clean-up all leaves and foliage; blowing or raking leaves into the street is prohibited by Borough ordinance. Superintendent Sine noted that residents can place leaves and any other yard waste in brown biodegradable bags, and can be placed on the curb next to refuse for collection on regularly scheduled pick-up days.
President Bollendorf asked Superintendent Sine for an update regarding the installation of a new pavilion at the Hatboro Memorial Pool. Superintendent Sine stated that the steel had been erected today, and the pavilion should be completed soon.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated that Fire Prevention Week is on October 7-13. Fire Marshal Myers noted that several events are planned to educate young students in Hatboro about fire prevention. Fire Marshal Myers stated he is working with Enterprise Fire Company for Fire Prevention Week events. Fire Marshal Myers reminded residents and business owners to look out for leaves on the sidewalk, and remember that
leaves cannot be raked or blown into the street.
VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF REPORTS – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to acknowledge the receipt of Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, Treasurer’s Report, UMHJSA Minutes, and Borough Authority Minutes. This motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS, AND TRANSFERS – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the warrant list, payment of bills, manual checks, and transfers for the month of September 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilman Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
AUGUST 20, 2018 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Stockton motioned to approve the August 20, 2018, Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the September 10, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7 -0.
FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of August in the amount of $17,107.32. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of August in the amount of $62,510.13. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
POLICE VEHICLE ACQUISITION – Councilman Hegele motioned to approve the purchase of a police vehicle in the amount of $41, 686. Motion was seconded by Councilman Forgeng, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
LOCAL SHARE ACCOUNT MONTGOMERY COUNTY GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to approve Resolution 18-20 for the application of the Local Share Account Montgomery County Grant for the Williams Lane project. Motion was seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
DVRPC SAFE ROUTES TO TRANSIT GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to authorize Borough Manager Diane Hegele to submit to the grant application to DVRPC. Motion seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
ORDINANCE 1051 – Councilman Stockton motioned to approve the advertising of Ordinance 1051 amending the Parks Rules and Regulations to allow leashed dogs. Councilman Hegele asked what the penalties would be under section 16-104, dog violations. Solicitor Kilkenny stated that a section will be added regarding penalties and defining violation fees. Further, Solicitor Kilkenny started a conversation by asking what monetary amount for a fine would be appropriate. Councilman Hegele stated that a minimum first time fine of $25.00 is appropriate. Councilwoman Benjamin asked if the animal waste stands have been selected. Councilwoman Anzinger advised that the stands were selected by the Public Works department.
Following the discussion, the Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
451 OAKDALE AVENUE – SULLIVAN SCRAP METAL APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE – Councilwoman Anzinger motioned to advertise the Conditional Use Hearing for the property located at 451 Oakdale Avenue to be held on November 5, 2018. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE – Councilman Stockton motioned to table the purchase of a Records Management software until October meeting. Borough Manager Hegele noted that Borough is required to obtain three bids before Council can make a determination as to which records management software to purchase. The third vendor could not provide the Borough with a quote for services. Following the explanation, the Motion was seconded by Councilman Rich, all ayes. Motion carried 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
FAMILY TREE REI LLC SETTLEMENT STIPULATION – Councilman Rich motioned to approve the Family Tree REI LLC Settlement Stipulation in the amount of $1,130.00, as explained by Solicitor Kilkenny earlier in the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Hegele, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Richard Souslin, 26 Horsham Road, stated that near 500 S. Warminster Road in Hatboro, closest to the train tracks, there is an underground tunnel that runs under S. Warminster Road. The tunnel is clogged with tree debris. The debris is causing water to overflow, according to Mr. Souslin. Manager Hegele stated the Borough is aware of the issue. Further Manager Hegele stated that Warminster Road runs through multiple municipalities. Manager Hegele believes, since Warminster Rd. is a state road, the matter needs to be referred to PennDot.
Mr. Souslin noted that there is a service road, in the affected area, that runs near the property of the Sewer Authority. Treasurer Kalnajs is on the Board for the sewer authority and stated he could ask the Sewer Authority if they have any knowledge that could add to the conversation.
Katrina Nuss, 113 Academy Rd., asked if the Borough would consider adding an Environmental Advisory Board for residents. Ms. Nuss noted that many surrounding municipalities have environmental advisory boards, and believes it would beneficial to the Borough to look into environmental matters.
Councilwoman Anzinger agreed that this is a topic that the Borough could look into. Further, Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Environmental Affairs Committee on Borough Council has been geared toward community-based programming, evaluating EPA sites, and greener technologies.
Ms. Nuss asked for minutes and updates for the Borough’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. President Bollendorf stated that members of Borough Council and Staff attend monthly meetings that are run by the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC). Ms. Nuss asked where information can be found on the progress of the committee, and how residents like herself can access it. Councilwoman Anzinger stated that the Committee and MCPC work together based on resident feedback from public forums and surveys. Further, Councilwoman Anzinger noted that another public workshop is being scheduled for January 2019. Vice President Stockton stated that the Steering Committee is not the same as a Borough Committee, and minutes are not produced. Further, the final completed Comprehensive Plan will be made public to everyone. President Bollendorf stated that many of the improvements suggested to the Committee by the residents are already in effect. President Bollendorf noted that the revisions to Park Rules & Regulation to allow dogs, the Williams Lane bump-out, and the pool improvements are examples of suggestions made by residents and implemented by the Borough.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the September 24, 2018, Council Meeting at 7:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deena DeRenzis
Assistant Borough Secretary
Transcribed by Andrew Harbaugh, Administration