PRESENT – President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilwoman McMenamin, Councilwoman Ostrander, Mayor Schultz, Manager Hegele, Assistant Secretary DeRenzis, Solicitor Geiser, Engineer Goff, Chief Gardner, Superintendent Frydlewicz, Deputy Superintendent Dermer, and Librarian Celec were present.
ABSENT – Councilwoman Reichner was excused. Treasurer Rich and Tax Collector/Enterprise Fire Company President Mount were absent.
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
INVOCATION – Mayor Schultz gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chief Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT – VOTING ITEMS ONLY – There was no public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Schultz stated that two residents, who put service before self, passed away. He asked for a moment of silence to remember Christina “Tina” Giovinazzo and Dolly Jones after stating their hard work and dedication to the Borough of Hatboro.
Mayor Schultz stated that on September 1, we had the remnants of Hurricane Ida go through the Borough and while we fortunate not to be affected by the tornados, we were still impacted by a lot of flooding throughout the evening, and he observed a lot of heroism from Chief Gardner, Hatboro Police and Public Works Departments as there were over 20 rescues and he wanted the residents to know that we have some dedicated heroic people working in the Borough.
Mayor Schultz also stated that we have wrapped up the summer festivities and the last farmers market and cruise night was September 17 and he also stated that the Hungry Hideaway on Williams Lane has been removed and he thanked the businesses and those who patronized the area.
Mayor Schultz also stated that Masonic lodge 410 has teamed up with the Chamber for Skeleton Skurry this year on October 30 and thanked Hatboro Federal for their generous support this year for this event and it is now known as the Hatboro Federal Savings Skeleton Skurry.
Mayor Schultz also stated that preparations are underway for the 61st holiday Parade and the Chamber is always looking for volunteers or participants and you can reach out to the Chamber for more details.
Mayor Schultz thanked the Events Committee for putting on the Brews and Blues event at Cressbrook last Friday for the Friends of Cressbrook which was very successful.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf stated the Borough Brews and Blues event raised about $ 6000.00 for the Friends of Cressbrook and thanked the Events committee for putting on a successful event. He also stated the money raised will go towards the restoration of Cressbrook. He thanked all the businesses who donated and stated this is the reason we encourage everyone to shop local.
President Bollendorf stated that this will be our last meeting at Borough Hall for awhile as Borough Hall is relocating to Pennypack while HVAC upgrades are taking place. He also stated that meetings will be held at Crooked Billet Elementary School until further notice.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that the balance at the end of August 2021 is $5,699,63.19 with interest earned in the amount of $ 715.20.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Geiser stated that this month they have been finalizing the conditional use opinion and decision for the AT&T hearing that we had in August.
Solicitor Geiser stated that they have completed the Land and Development financial security and stormwater agreement for Wawa, and she will review with staff to finalize once they have been reviewed by Wawa.
Solicitor Geiser stated that she has been handling any other questions brought to her by the Borough Manager and staff.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that under our MS4 program, the annual report was recently submitted which is a requirement under our MS4 permit terms.
Engineer Goff stated that under the Lancaster and Windsor Intersection they are preparing the permit application and it should be submitted to DEP shortly.
Engineer Goff stated that our road program is under way.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that she wants to remind everyone that Borough Hall staff is relocating to Pennypack School this week and there should be no interruption in services as we set up for staff to be able to work at both locations. She also stated effective Monday 10/4 at 8:30 AM the Loller Building will be closed, and the Borough Hall operations will be at Pennypack School and all public meetings will take place at CB School. She also stated that we are working on logistics if the meetings will be in the auditorium/gym or in the rotunda and we are reminding everyone to watch our Facebook and website for any changes and of course we will announce them if able at any prior public meeting.
Manager Hegele stated that at your seats tonight are plans for three projects that are currently under review by our staff/professionals they are as follows: Best Dentist 4 Kids, Warminster/County Line Road to add an addition to their property to expand their operations, CVS 24-28 S. York Road, sketch plan review to add 36 apartments and one retail space and 2 Home Road, to subdivide to build a second home for family and these 3 applications will be going to the Planning Commission in October.
Manager Hegele stated the developer at 399 Springdale has started site work.
Manager Hegele stated that the Planning Commission reviewed and commented on the Town Center Zoning District, this new district is being proposed by the new zoning subgroup that has been meeting to review our current zoning and this new ordinance will be on Council’s October agenda.
Manager Hegele stated that staff is working on a list of stormwater projects to recommend Council to discuss at their October meeting. She also stated as you know, the Borough received funding under the ARPA that can be used for stormwater projects and we will provide information for council to review, discuss and then authorize staff and the engineer to further evaluate.
Manager Hegele stated staff has been working with the Borough Planner John Kennedy on Floodplain Ordinances and as everyone is aware, flooding is an issue in the Borough, and we all saw firsthand on September 1st. She also stated the Borough has two primary waterways that traverse the Borough, a tributary to the Blair Mill Run in the northern part of the Borough and the Pennypack Creek which flows south from Horsham Township. She also stated other areas surrounding us have permitted uses and prohibited uses within their floodplain ordinances and the Borough does not currently contain permitted uses, the addition of permitted uses would strengthen our floodplain ordinance. She also stated Mr. Kennedy has a memo prepared, sample ordinances and a comparison to the model floodplain ordinance prepared by the Montgomery County Planning Commission and she is recommending this matter be placed on your October agenda for discussion and authorization for staff to proceed with preparation, review, advertising, and adoption.
Manager Hegele stated the Shade Tree Commission will be starting the annual inspection of shade trees on York Road and in our parks and per the ordinance, they have to provide a written report to Council yearly and this report will be shared once completed.
STAFF REPORTS
- POLICE – Chief Gardner stated that he wanted to remind everyone that the Faith and Blue event will take place Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10AM until 1 PM at Hatboro Baptist Church. He also stated that this is with Upper Moreland and Hatboro Police Departments to help create a safer more inclusive community by connecting law enforcement officers and the residents they protect and serve and SGT. Mark Ruegg will be the Borough’s representative for that event.
Chief Gardner stated that they applied for and are receiving a grant for about $ 9000.00 to cover OT expenses that were spent last year in 2020 for civil demonstrations and they should be receiving that funding soon.
Chief Gardner stated that he has a new program in Partnership with Montgomery County District Attorney’s office and Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the Montgomery County office of Drug and Alcohol, the Police Departments in Montgomery County are launching a new program called Law Enforcement Treatment initiative and this program is designed to make treatment for those suffering from Drug and Alcohol additions widely available by coming into the Police Station and are given the tools and resources available to get help. - TAX COLLECTIONS – Tax Office report was electronically submitted.
- PUBLIC WORKS – Superintendent Frydlewicz stated that Public Works has had a busy month especially with the storm and putting the Borough back together.
Superintendent Frydlewicz also stated Public Works has a few projects going on inside the Borough and he is hoping to get those projects finished up soon. - DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT PARKS REPORT – Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that he wanted to thank the Public Works Department for all the work they did during the storm.
Deputy Superintendent Dermer stated that he wanted to announce the Recycling and Shredding event in conjunction of Sullivan Scrap for residents of Hatboro on Saturday October 16, 2021 at Hatboro Memorial Pool. - DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT – There was no report.
- FIRE MARSHAL – Fire Marshal report was electronically submitted.
- FIRE COMPANY – There was no report.
- UNION LIBRARY REPORT – Librarian Celec stated that the library remains open and story times came back last week, and they are two mornings a week.
Librarian Celec stated that on September 11 the Library held a book sale and shred event which was very successful.
Librarian Celec stated that the basement flooded from the storm, but the library was insured, and they are mold free and dried out, but some restoration work that needs to be done.
Librarian Celec stated that they still have museum passes.
Librarian Celec stated that Penndot has sent hard copies of their transportation plan and the state is asking for public comment through October 19 and if anyone wants to see the plans and comment, please come to the Library.
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND VOTING ITEMS
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS – Vice President Stockton made a motion to acknowledge the receipt of UMHJSA Minutes, EAC Minutes, Tax Collections, Public Works, Fire Marshal, and Treasurer’s Reports. Motion was seconded by councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIS, 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 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
AUGUST 16, 2021 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the August 16, 2021 Committee/Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton. Councilwoman Ostrander and Councilwoman McMenamin abstained as they were not present for the meeting. Motion carried 4-0 with 2 abstentions.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the September 13, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Ostrander made amotion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of August 2021 in the amount of $ 8,811.05. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the Enterprise Fire Company Capital Expenditure List for the month of August 2021 in the amount of $ 2,031.08. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
CORINTHIAN TRAIL PAYMENT REQUEST #1 – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve Payment Request #1 to Marino Construction for the Corinthian Trail Project in the amount of $ 133,814.90. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman McMenamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
UNION LIBRARY EXPENDITURE LIST – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the Union Library Expenditure List for the month of September 2021 in the amount of $ 15,910.52. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
CRESSBROOK LIGHTING & ELECTRIC UPGRADE – Vice President Stockton made a motion to approve the upgrade of electric service in the amount of $ 12,500.00 by Powell’s Electric and the upgrading of lighting at Cressbrook in the amount of $ 5,500.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HOUGH AND ASSOCIATES GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to contract with Hough and Associates for Recycling Performance Grant Management Services. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
SARS GENERATOR – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the purchase of a generator for the Second Alarmers Building, and subsequent installation in the amount of $ 12,000.00. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOROUGH HALL RECORDS DISPOSAL – Councilwoman McMenamin made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-41, authorizing the disposal of records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipal Records Manual. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
REGISTERING OF WWW.HATBORO.GOV ADDRESS – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve the registering of http://www.hatboro.gov website domain. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS AND UPDATES
NEW BUSINESS
Ron Battis, 317 W. Moreland Avenue, asked Council to explain where this money comes from and what it is for.
Manager Hegele stated that every year the Pennsylvania Auditor General issues state aid to municipal fire companies and it is based on population and has been going on for years to assist them with training and equipment. She also stated that the money comes into the municipality and we must disperse it immediately upon receipt and it goes to the fireman’s relief association of Enterprise Fire Company. Mr. Battis stated that he has never seen this on the agenda before and Manager Hegele stated that this Council is much more transparent, and everything goes on the Agenda. Mr. Battis asked if it was Brough money and Manager Hegele stated that it is not, and it comes from the state.
FOREIGN RELIEF FIRE MONIES – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to approve the payment of $ 43,417.17 (check no. 42081) for the 2021 Volunteer Fire Relief Association Contribution to Enterprise Fire Company. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anzinger, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
HISTORIC COMMISSION RESIGNATION – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to accept Pam Waldo’s resignation form the Historical Commission. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
ZONING HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE RESIGNATION – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to accept the resignation of Dave Rich from position of Zoning Hearing Board Alternate. Motion was seconded by Voice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
TREASURER RESIGNATION – Councilwoman Ostrander made a motion to accept the resignation of Dave Rich from the position of treasurer effective October 15, 2021. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benjamin, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS – President Bollendorf announced the vacancies for the following and two need to be filled immediately:
A) HISTORIC COMMISSION
B) HISTORIAN
C) ZONING HEARING BOARD MEMBER – needs to be filled immediately
D) ZONING HEARING BOARD ALTERNATE
E) TREASURER – needs to be filled immediately
President Bollendorf stated that most of these positions were held by two people and he would like more people to get involved and if anyone is interested please email Manager Hegele.
PECO GREEN REGION GRANT – Councilwoman Anzinger made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-42, authorizing the submission of the PECO Green Region Grant Application for the Hatboro Memorial Park Streambank Project. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ostrander, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Trisha Johnston, 130 Manor Road, stated that her neighbors who live across the street and were present for the meeting, their house was built about 5 years ago, but her house has been there since 1970. She also stated that they have always had flooding and it has been a major problem as it has been destroying her house, the house next door, and the house across the street. She stated that she has pictures and a solution as there is a house on Lacey Street and if they have the same thing built in their area as they do on Lacey, it will help with all the water which is backing up and destroying their foundations.
Dilles Anupoju, 125 Manor Road, stated that all the water on his street is gong into his holding pond and destroying his property. He also stated that it is not just his house and that it has affected but from 122 to 136 Manor that are and have been affected by the water and flooding as every time it rains or snows, the water is a problem.
Ms. Johnston stated that she has pictures to show Council which she proceeded to do.
Manager Hegele stated that herself, Engineer Goff, and Superintendent Frydlewicz met with Mr. Anupoju last week and they have sent documents over as requested by the Engineer who did a site visit this week and she is waiting for a complete report from her regarding this matter.
President Bollendorf stated that the process has been started already since manager Hegele met with the residents and that the Borough’s first step of the process is to send Engineer Goff for a site visit which she did last week. Engineer Goff stated that when she went out, there is a pipe that was clogged and there is supposed to be an underground stormwater facility under Mr. Anupoju’s house, but it was not in use at the time of the site visit and there were a few other observations which she will include in her report. She also stated that there was a curb that was installed, and they are investigating why it was installed. Ms. Johnston stated that she has pictures of what Lacey Street looks like and thinks it will help their water problem. President Bollendorf stated that the Engineer will do her report and meet with the Public Works Committee and they will decide what can remedy the problem and that the Borough has stormwater projects for next year that they are looking to fill with stimulus money.
Desiree Nicholls, 17 Hatters Court, stated that wanted to thank first responders because she ran into them while they were evacuating and there was one water rescue in their community. She stated they used to have three courtyards but have only two now as Drummers Way has been gone since Hurricane Irene and that a buy out was initiated. She also stated that this year, the entire Hatters Court was affected, and they are in the rebuilding process but still in mitigation and it is taking forever and most of them lost everything. She also stated that they are afraid to rebuild as this will happen again eventually and this all goes back to the creek which she feels is overworked when it rains. She also stated that they have looked at grants, but they are not able to apply and asked if Council would be willing to apply for the grant(s) for them. She also asked about the Tornado alarm and Chief Gardner stated that it was dependent on the clerk at the PD to activate but now the national Weather service sends the alert to phones.
Terry Spencer, 2 Kings Court, stated that her home was not affected but her neighbors were and wondered if there was anything that could be done to prevent this such as a retaining wall.
Councilwoman Anzinger stated this situation they are talking about is happening all over and the creek is not built to sustain such a storm and what she is referring to is Engineering for Climate Change resilience because that is what this technically is and if a retaining wall is built the way the soil currently is, it will cause it to erode faster. She also stated that grant funding for this will take some time and she unfortunately doesn’t think they can address what they need immediately and that it is a concern that Council has.
President Bollendorf stated that the Engineer is looking at the situation and they have been discussing what happens if a buy out is requested as they have researched to be prepared for discussions about this. He also stated that they can and will get he process started now as they have seen the devastation they have been through. Chief Gardner stated that FEMA was out and wanted to see what was hit the hardest and he directed them to their location at Woodwinds first and that it is on FEMA’s radar.
President Bollendorf stated that he would like one or two points of contact because this is a very intensive process for FEMA as they are handing out significant funding so they will start with the ones who are severely impacted, and they will set up a meeting to get the process going which will take time.
ADJOURNMENT – Councilwoman Benjamin made a motion to adjourn the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Vice President Stockton, all ayes. Motion carried 6-0. President Bollendorf adjourned the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting at 8:07 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf