PUBLIC HEARING – UNION LIBRARY HISTORIC REGISTRY NOMINATION
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 P.M.
Notes of testimony transcribed by Court Reporter Tim Kurick and can be found on our website and are attached to the minutes.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Reichner, Councilwoman Ostrander, Councilman Myers, Councilwoman Jacobus, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Chief Gardner, Deputy Chief Ruegg, Superintendent Frydlewicz, Director of Parks and Facilities Dermer, Fire Marshal Dermer, Fire Company President Ide, Treasurer Smith, and Director Celec.
ABSENT – Vice President Stockton was excused.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 26, 2022, Council Meeting to order at 7:04 P.M.
INVOCATION – The invocation was given by Mayor Schultz.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – Howard White, 169 Spring Avenue, read a prepared letter and stated it was posted on Facebook and was viewed by 29 people with no opposition to it being read. He thanked the Borough on behalf of residents surrounding Pennypack regarding the purchase of the land as there are few undeveloped parcels of land and they consider it a gift to have saved this one. He stated while they know of plans to designate the property as a park, he asked that the residents in the area be taken into consideration when options are being considered for the park. He asked the Borough to maintain the property for purposes it was purchased for which is permanent protection for the 7 buildable lots, creation of open space, preservation of the wildlife, flood mitigation and recreation. He also stated they seek transparency from the Borough throughout the process, so all residents of Hatboro are aware of intervention, large or small, being considered for the park.
President Bollendorf stated that the Borough posts an Agenda with everything as Council cannot take any action in private and minutes are public, and the steering committees can only make recommendations to Council.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated the final cruise night for 2022 was September 16, 2022.
Mayor Schultz announced the upcoming fall chamber events in October.
Mayor Schultz announced the 62nd Hatboro Holiday parade will be Sunday November 20, 2022, and will begin at 2 P.M.
OFFICER’S REPORTS –
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Gold Star Garden dedication was yesterday and he thanked everyone involved in the project.
President Bollendorf stated the 2nd annual Blues and Brews Event was last week and thanked everyone involved especially events committee for raising money for Cressbrook.
President Bollendorf stated the first fundraiser for the Pennypack property is the Bingo event this Saturday.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Smith stated the balance on all accounts at the end of August 2022 was $ 4,179,542.38 with interest earned in the amount of $ 1,759.77.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated she has addressed routine matters with Borough staff.
Solicitor Geiser stated her office worked on the Stormwater Ordinance that was drafted by RVE which will be considered tonight.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated she worked on the Stormwater Ordinance with Solicitor Goff which was a requirement from the DEP.
Engineer Goff stated under the MS4 they submitted the annual report which is a requirement under the Borough’s MS4 permit.
Engineer Goff stated paving is to begin this week for our road program and will begin at N. Penn Street.
Engineer Goff stated the contractors for the Borough Hall project have completed and are addressing punch list items.
Engineer Goff stated she has been working on all the projects regarding flashers including Williams Lane, Summit Avenue, and Meadowbrook Avenue as everything was submitted and she is still waiting for comments for PennDOT.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated the 2022 ROAD PAVING will begin this week and all residents in these areas were notified by the Contractor and our staff will be notifying Emergency Services, School District and posting information on FB and website and these dates are subject to weather. Wednesday 9/28/22: Mobilization to job site Roads to be paved: N. Penn Street from E. Monument Ave. to Summit Ave.,
Wednesday, 9/28/22 to 9/30/22 Asphalt Milling & Overlay to be performed. Move equipment when completed to Alternate Street work. N.Penn Street from E. Monument Ave to E. Montgomery Ave. Edward Road from Belmar Road to the Borough line. Williams Lane from S. Chester Ave. to S. Linden Avenue and work should be completed within 4 weeks, Manager Hegele stated Staff has been working on the stop sign issue discussed at the committee meeting at Chester and Moreland, there will be a presentation tonight.
Manager Hegele stated the contractor for the Eaton Park Project is returning this week.
Manager Hegele stated theWawa Project, some site preparation work has started. Still no official start date for the project.
Manager Hegele stated Hatboro Station Project, working with the engineer on whittling down the punch list to get this project to the finish line.
Manager Hegele stated Borough staff has begun working on the 2023 operating budget, will be meeting in the coming weeks with the finance committee, the goal is to present the first draft of the budget to the public in November.
Manager Hegele stated Congratulations to the UMHJSA on being awarded a $116,000 grant to aid in protecting the wastewater treatment plant from flooding, the grant funding will aid in the replacement and installation of flood gates and doors that were previously damaged during TS Ida and thank you to Representative Guenst and Senator Collett for your assistance with this funding.
STAFF REPORTS –
POLICE – Chief Gardner thanked the Fire Police for their valuable assistance on Sunday with the Gold Star Garden dedication as we cannot have these events without them.
Chief Gardner stated that they have received grant funding for officers OT for DUI checkpoints and the HPD has been included back in the program and tit reimbursed up to $60.00 an hour for OT expenses.
TAX COLLECTIONS – The tax collectors report was electronically submitted.
PUBLIC WORKS – Superintendent Frydlewicz stated Public Works has been busy around the borough with trash and recycling collection, grass cutting, and the construction of the Gold Star Garden and thanked everyone for their dedication and hard work.
PARKS AND FACILITIES REPORT – Facilities Director Dermer stated he was able to watch the construction of the Gold Star Garden come together in 19 days and was very proud and thanked Public Works for their hard work.
Facilities Director Dermer stated he is going to submit the first grant for the Pennypack building.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – Cindy Bollendorf stated she is waiting for Rosemary from Hometown press to contact her and let her know the contracts from businesses were secured so we can submit the newsletter content and the Newsletter should be delivered to residents and business owners in November.
FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal Dermer stated for the month of August 2022 he completed 8 U&O’s, 3 rental inspections, 41 Business inspections, followed up on 44 property maintenance issues, attended a 3-day hands on electrical investigation class, conducted multiple fire drills throughout the town, and responded to 7 Emergencies.
FIRE COMPANY – Fire Company President Ide stated the fire company responded to 16 calls in August.
Fire Company President Ide stated Ladder 95 attended the last cruise night and the Gold Star Garden Dedication.
Fire Company President Ide stated they are always looking for volunteers.
UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Director Celec stated the September book sale was a big success and he hopes to have the shred back next year.
Director Celec stated the tree lighting will be December 2, 2022.
Director Celec stated beginning October there will be two story times a week with Mr. Jim on Tuesdays and Friday mornings at 10:30 A.M.
Director Celec stated adult programming returns this week.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Councilwoman Reichner made amotion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJS Minutes, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s reports. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST, PAYMENT OF BILLS, MANUAL CHECKS AND TRANSFERS – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Warrant list, payment of Bills, manual Checks, and Transfers for the month of September 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
AUGUST 15, 2022, COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the August 15, 2022, Committee/ Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the September 12, 2022, Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner. Councilwoman McMenamin abstained as she was not present for the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 with 1 abstention.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of August 2022 in the amount of $ 17,312.84. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve resolution 2022-15, updating the 2022 Fee Schedule with parks and facility rental fees. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
RACP GRANT APPLICATION: PENNYPACK FACILITY – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to authorize staff to apply for the RACP Grant Program during the next round of funding for HVAC upgrades at the Pennypack Facility. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOROUGH HALL PROJECT MECHANICAL PAYMENT #11 – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve payment #5 for the Borough Hall Mechanical contract to Guy M Cooper Inc. in the amount of $ 78,962.52. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PECO GREEN REGION OPEN SPACE PROGRAM 2022 – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to approve the application to the PECO Green Region Open Space program for an outdoor classroom in Celano Park. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
DCNR GRANT APPLICATION – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve the application to the DCNR Grant for a storm water management project at the Pennypack property. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
CRESSBROOK ROOF QUOTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to award the Cressbrook Roof project to Liberty Roofing in the amount of $ 21,750.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
CRESSBROOK BOILER QUOTES – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to award the Cressbrook boiler project to All Seasons Comfort Control in the amount of $12,595.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HATBORO HORSHAM SOCCER CLUB EVENT REQUEST – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to ratify they Hatboro Horsham Soccer Club Event Request to utilize them Pennypack Fields for their upcoming season. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
902 GRANT TRUCK INCREASE – Councilman Myers made a motion to authorize the cost increase of $6,520.00 associated with the 902 Grant Swap Loader Vehicle for a total purchase of $ 338,894.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PARKS ORDINANCE UPDATE – Councilman Myers made a motion to to authorize the solicitor to draft an amendment to the Parks Ordinance to add the Pennypack property as a recognized park within the Borough. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TREE TENDERS NOVEMBER TREE PLANTING – Councilman Myers made a motion to approve the purchase of 80 trees through the tree tenders’ program in which 10 trees shall be panted in Celano park, 20 in Pennypack, and 50 in Eaton. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TAX COLLECTOR LST RESOLUTION – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-16, amending the local tax collection law per state act 57 of 2022. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
STORMWATER ORDINANCE HEARING – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1070, amending the Stormwater Management Ordinance for the Borough of Hatboro. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES – Superintendent Frydlewicz gave a presentation on replacement LED signs for the corner of W. Moreland Avenue and S & N Chester Avenues which consisted of two slides demonstrating the alternative stop signs to be placed during the day and night.
Chrissy Brescia, 15 N. Chester Avenue, stated that when the one resident who requested the new stop signs did not discuss it with everyone else and the residents immediately around the intersection were affected by the flashing lights in their homes which was described to be like a disco ball/rave, and she apologizes but feels he was wrong to speak for everyone else. She also stated it was ridiculous and uncalled as more vehicles ran the stop signs with the lights then without and feels it was not safe and will not accept another flashing stop sign at the intersection and asked Council to leave the regular stop signs there. She also stated the only way to get them to stop is to have a Police Officer sit at the intersection all day because unless you host them in their wallet, they will not stop.
Scott Laughlin, 102 W. Moreland Avenue, stated he sits outside every night and it’s the same people who speed down the street who do not stop at the stop signs including they police. He also stated he has seen the alternative flashing stop signs and they are still too bright. He also
stated since it was mentioned that there are not a lot of accidents, that flashing ones aren’t needed and asked if they can keep the non-flashing ones that already put back up.
Mike Voegele, 63 W. Moreland Avenue, stated they issue is the vehicles speeding down the street who do not stop and wondered if they can use a camera. President Bollendorf stated cameras are not allowed and the Borough must follow PennDOT rules.
Chief Gardner stated he will not have a Police Officer there 24/7 as it is not possible, and people stop when they see the car anyway. He stated it is on their direct patrol list and they do enforce it as they enforce all stop sign violations when they see it. He stated when the resident approached Council last year, his concern was primarily the speed on Chester Avenue and they conducted a speed survey at the intersection and while there was a lot of volume, they did not find speeding issue.
Manager Hegele stated the Borough is following the initial permit issued by PennDOT with the signs that are currently placed at the intersection which are the old signs.
Chief Gardner stated it has been on the agenda and he realizes everyone wasn’t personally notified but has been advertised publicly. President Bollendorf stated the Borough can’t notify everyone personally every time they are going to discuss something.
Deputy Chief Ruegg stated they cannot be there 24/7 but if a resident sees a violation, they can write down the tag and call the non-emergency number at the Police Department and they will handle it especially if there is a pattern.
Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, stated they out up a crosswalk at Moreland Avenue across from Eaton Park for pedestrians which do not continuously flash. He stated if you stand there the vehicles will not stop but if you press the button and they flash, the vehicles do stop. He stated they are bright, but they are safe and effective, and he loves they were put in and thanked Council.
Karen Kearns, 20 S. New Street, asked why we can’t have cameras. Chief Gardner stated the only places you can have cameras is at red lights and determined by the state legislature.
LED STOP SIGN INSTALLATION – No motion was made therefore died on the floor, and it was agreed to keep the regular stop signs that have already been replaced.
SHADE TREE ORDINANCE HEARING – Councilwoman Reichner made a motion to authorize the solicitor to prepare an amendment to the shade Tree Ordinance and advertise for a public hearing in October. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of September 2022 in the mount of $ 15,432.91. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
FIRE RELIEF MONIES – Councilwoman Jacobus made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the 2022 Volunteer Fire Relief Funding from the Commonwealth in the amount of $ 55,993.33 and subsequently approve the payment to the Enterprise Fire Company Volunteer Relief Association in the amount of $55,993.33. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ACTIVE SHOOTER PROTOCOLS AND TRAINING – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to authorize the purchase of sim unit ion training guns for the police Department in the amount of $3,824.30. Motion was seconded by Councilman Myers, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PCCD LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to authorize Chief Gardner to apply for a Pennsylvania Commission omen Crime and Delinquency grant for the purchase of new body cameras and vehicle cameras. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jacobus, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Joanna, 14 Manchester Drive, asked about the CVS and Canalley properties regarding updates for any plans. Manager Hegele stated there will be a public hearing here on October 10 for Council to consider a change to the text amendment that will change the zoning for both properties. She stated if approved, the developer will be able to submit his land development application. Solicitor Geiser stated that it is a lengthy process and in beginning stages.
Joe Farrell, 133 Spring Avenue, stated he attended the meeting and asked if Council has the final say regarding changes that will occur on the property. President Bollendorf stated the meetings are public so others can come and voices their opinions, and it is encouraged.
Kelly A’Harrah, 145 W. Lehman Avenue, asked Engineer Goff for the status of the permit for the Memorial Park Streambank Project and when will it come to public comment. Engineer Goff stated they received comments back about a week and a half ago from the DEP so she is addressing their comments and will be submitting a revised permit. Manager Hegele stated the permit was applied for a while ago and was already discussed at a public meeting as Council authorized staff to apply. Solicitor Geiser stated for Mrs. A’Harrah to submit a right to know request and the Right to Know Officer will get her what she needs.
Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, asked the status of Phase II at Miller Meadow. Engineer Goff stated she is working on the design right now with the DEP which does include a parking area with previous pavers.
Dave Head, 225 Horsham Road, stated he lives across from the bridge and there is a lot of deer crossing and asked if they could get deer crossing signs for that area. President Bollendorf asked Engineer Goff to investigate the requirements which they believe aren’t any for those signs.
Ron Battis, 320 W. Moreland Avenue, noticed the snow fences on the Wawa property and asked the start date for the construction. Manager Hegele stated we do not have a start date yet.
Mr. Battis stated the public never saw the plans for the Riparian Buffer in Eaton. President Bollendorf stated a presentation was given on that. Mr. Battis stated some residents wanted to see the plans and while things were being discussed, they never saw any plans and they would like to see the plans when the Borough builds something. He also stated he thinks it was a faulty plan.
Mr. Battis mentioned the dedication for the playground which President Bollendorf clarified it is a groundbreaking as it is not in yet.
Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, asked if there were plans for the parking lot since the playground is going in. President Bollendorf stated that Superintendent Frydlewicz and Parks Director Dermer are working on that.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to adjourn they September 26, 2022, Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Reichner, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the September 26, 2022, Council Meeting at 8:32 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf