PRESENT
President Bollendorf, Vice President Stockton, Councilwoman Benjamin, Councilman Forgeng, Councilman Rich, Councilwoman Anzinger, Councilman Hegele, Mayor Guenst, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Superintendent Sine, Chief Gardner, Fire Marshal Myers, Engineer Goff, and Solicitor Grieser were present.
ABSENT – Tax Collector/Enterprise President April Mount,
CALL TO ORDER – President Bollendorf called the September 9, 2019 Committee Meeting to order at 7:00 PM
MEETING NOTES
PUBLIC COMMENT – President Bollendorf reviewed the Public Comment Policy on the back of the agendas with regard to addressing Council and Time Allotment.
VALLEY FORGE TOURISM PRESENTATION – Rachel Riley, Director of Communications for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, gave a presentation on how they promote all of Montgomery County. She stated even though it’s Valley Forge, it’s internationally known and with all of their resources, they can help promote Hatboro.
PENNYPACK ECOLOGICAL TRUST PRESENTATION – Chris Mendel, Executive Director for the Pennypack Ecological Trust, gave a presentation on how they help land owners manage their land with ecologically sensible ways. He stated that Hatboro lies in the center where all of the storm water that contributes to the Pennypack goes. He further stated that they are very interested in making partners with Hatboro to help execute our MS4 and PRP promises.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Guenst graciously thanked everyone who attended the Lobster Pot this past Saturday stating it was extremely successful with approximately 600 people attending. She stated the Lobster Pot is the Hatboro Rotary’s number one fundraiser and a great time was had by all.
Mayor Guenst announced a tribute night at Crooked Eye Brewery on Wednesday September 11, 2019 at 7:00PM. This tribute is for our heroes and loved ones we lost on 9-11.
Mayor Guenst also wanted to remind everyone that it is back to school time. Mayor Guenst and the Chief met with AAA last week and wanted to remind everyone to be very careful and aware of the school buses picking up children for school.
Mayor Guenst also wanted to remind everyone that next Friday, September 20, 2019 is our last Farmers Market/ Cruise Night for the season/year.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Bollendorf acknowledged the Kat Hall Wiffle Ball Tournament that took place last week. He stated that it was another extremely successful event and thanked everyone who participated.
President Bollendorf stated that the TV show aired and he thought it was a very nice expose on Hatboro. The program showed off a lot of residents and business owners.
President Bollendorf stated that the Hatboro Memorial Pool is officially closed for the season. He stated that it was another successful season and staff is working on getting the final numbers and once he has them, he will announce them. He also stated that the Pavilion dedication took place last week. The Pavilion was dedicated to Win Sutton and the Sutton family. He stated there was a nice turn out and he thanked everyone who attended.
MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Hegele stated that staff received a complaint last week in regards to the Pennypack Bridge. She stated that one of the railings is loose and that Gilmore Associates, the Engineer for the project, has been contacted. The work is still under maintenance period and they will have someone out this week to make those repairs.
Manager Hegele stated she asked staff to reach out to PennDOT contractors to get an update regarding the Jacksonville Road proposed paving project. She reminded Council they gave Highway Materials permission to work the overnight hours so hopefully the project will be completed by the Fall. She asked that everyone please stay tuned regarding this project.
Manager Hegele stated staff is working with the Solicitor, Integra, and HP to finalize the agreements for the computers. We are anticipating delivery of the new computer equipment for the Borough hopefully end of September or the beginning of October.
Manager Hegele stated we are continuing to work with Carrigan GEO Software regarding our new Records Management System. She stated they hope to have a workable program for staff to review by next week. She stated we will probably have a three or four week window to familiarize ourselves with it and make any necessary changes. She stated the Records management is anticipated to go live in late October.
Manager Hegele stated while she was at the Kat Hall Wiffle ball Tournament, she noticed the cell tower at the Little League field was not fixed. She stated she had reached out to them in May regarding the cell tower here as well as the Police Department’s cell tower. She stated that she was notified last week that those repairs should take place this week. She stated that she will follow up to make sure the repairs are done.
Manger Hegele stated she was happy to report that the Parking lot behind CVS down to Bernie’s has been all paved. She stated that the property owners all got together and hired a contractor to get this job done. She stated how nice it looks behind there. She also stated how staff worked with the property owners at Produce Junction to get that parking lot fixed. She stated that they made repairs but they did not pave.
Manager Hegele stated that Hat Packs has placed a bin in the lobby at Borough Hall and anyone who is looking to donate cereal, juice boxes, fruit cups, etc can come into Borough Hall during business hours and do so.
Manager Hegele stated that the Hatboro Chamber of Commerce has notified the Borough that they are having a Corn Hole tournament at the Hatboro Lumber Yard on Friday October 4, 2019 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. If anyone is interested, they can contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Manager Hegele stated that the next Steering Committee meeting for the trail plan is going to be in Borough Hall on September 18, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Manager Hegele ended her report by thanking PCN and PSAB for the work on the TV show Exploring PA Boroughs. She stated we received a number of positive feedback regarding this show which highlighted Hatboro. Manager Hegele personally thanked the staff that participated in this as well as the Library, Sullivan’s, Love in Action, our Historian and President of the Chamber Tim Schultz, and Jim Kenney from Main Street. Manager Hegele informed everyone to stay tuned as Hatboro will be highlighted again on the PBS show, Counter Culture with Grover Silcox, which will feature all of Main Street. Manager Hegele stated she has not heard when that will air but will get the word out as soon as she finds out the date.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Superintendent Sine stated that today the milled portion of Warminster Road at Byberry was paved and temporary road markings were painted. It is now up to Amour Electric to complete the installation of the new poles and traffic signals. They are shooting for the first week of October for completion and until then, expect construction activity between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:00PM.
Superintendent Sine stated that the micro –resurfacing of Rorer, Park, and Drexel was done on August 28th and 29th 2019. Superintendent Sine said he personally inspected the roads and said the work looks good. He went on to thank the residents for their cooperation during this project.
Superintendent Sine stated that Public Works crews installed the cover on Memorial Pool last week concluding another fun filled summer. He also stated that from a Public Works perspective, things went smooth thanks to the cooperation of all involved.
Superintendent Sine stated that tomorrow a Public Works crew will begin installing new sidewalk on Jacksonville Road from E. Montgomery to E. Moreland Avenues on the west side (Rail Road). He asked everyone to please use caution while driving or walking in this area.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT – Chief Gardner stated he wanted to reiterate what Mayor Guenst said regarding driver safety now that school is back in session. He asked motorists to be alert for school busses and our special speed zones. He stated it’s amazing how many people you see holding cell phones as well as texting while driving. He asked that motorists please put your cell phones down while driving and pay attention.
Chief Gardner stated he wanted to congratulate Officer Ryan Allen from the Hatboro Police Department as he has been selected to receive an award of Valor for Meritorious Community Service by the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia. He stated that he and Mayor Guenst will be attending the ceremony September 19, 2019. Officer Allen is receiving this award for his work regarding 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. He stated he is very proud of Officer Allen and congratulated Louie as well. Chief Gardner also stated that Officer Allen will be starting a 10 week program for Louie’s patrol training on September 23, 2019 and will end in December. He stated at that point the Unit will be 100 percent fully operational as right now Louie is just certified in narcotics.
Chief Gardner stated we have two officers who will be attending FBI Intercounty Detective School in December. He stated that this is a prestigious investigative school. Chief Gardner also stated that he has two officers who will be attending the Montgomery County Emergency Services Crisis Intervention Specialist Training in a few weeks. Once they complete this training, we will be the first and only Police Department in Montgomery County that will have every officer certified as Crisis Intervention Specialists. He stated having everyone certified was a goal he set a few years ago for the Hatboro Police Department.
Chief Gardner stated he wanted to let Council know that he will be attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Chicago at the end of October. He stated this is a world class event with a lot of training.
FIRE MARSHAL REPORT – Fire Marshal Myers stated he attended the first day of school at Pennypack Elementary. He stated that the day before he performed an alarm test at the school as well as a safety check of the building as a peace of mind for the kids, parents, and teachers.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that he received all of the items in from the State Farm grant and the grant is fully fulfilled at this time. He also stated that he has received a list of grants from Manager Hegele that he is reviewing to possibly submit for in the upcoming year.
Fire Marshal Myers stated he issued a memo in Council packets regarding an Emergency Access change that the Engineer will address in her report.
Fire Marshal Myers also stated we added an employee, Matt Hauser Assistant Chief at Enterprise Fire Company, who is on the agenda to be appointed as Assistant Fire Marshal and Property Maintenance Inspector. Matt has a lot of experience in the fire service as well as inspection experience. Fire Marshal Myers stated he shadowed himself for a couple of days and is out in the field now full force on his own. Fire Marshal Myers thanked everyone for supporting getting Matt on board.
Fire Marshal Myers stated that he will be attending a class on Property Management as well as drone usage along with Manager Hegele and Superintendent Sine. In the beginning of October he will also be taking a class with the International Association of Arson Investigators regarding courtroom testimony expert class in conjunction with Judge Leo’s office.
FIRE COMPANY PRESIDENT REPORT – President Mount was absent, there was no report.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Goff stated that RVE is currently drafting the Borough’s annual progress report regarding the MS4 program.
Engineer Goff stated that under the Liquid Fuels Road Program they opened bids last week and they recommended to award to Maco Constructors in the amount of $ 63,855.00 that will be for the paving on N. Linden Avenue between W. Moreland and W. Monument Avenues.
Engineer Goff stated surveying has been completed for the Miller Meadow Improvement Project and development for construction plans are under way. Councilwoman Anzinger asked Engineer Goff if there were any surprises during surveying and Engineer Goff stated no, there were no surprises.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – Solicitor Greiser stated that he has several ordinances ready to go including three that are in front of the planning commission tomorrow night which he is attending.
Solicitor Greiser stated that he worked on the Septa reimbursement agreement for Fulmor Avenue.
PUBLIC SAFETY
ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY EXPENDITURE LIST
Councilman Forgeng stated that Council is in receipt of the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of August in the amount of $19,760.51. Councilman Forgeng stated there is a total of $ 49,303.23. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: ACQUISITION OF NEW HANDGUNS – Councilman Forging asked Chief Gardner to report on the request for purchasing new hand guns for the Police Department. Chief Gardner reviewed with Council the RFP he will write. Because of the nature of the purchase and the safety of Law Enforcement, the particulars of the purchase, types of weapons and ammo used is not discussed in a public forum. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council meeting agenda for consideration.
FINANCE/GRANT COMMITTEE– Vice President Stockton stated he had nothing to report at this time.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW WEBSITE AND NEW BOROUGH EMAIL ADDRESSES – Vice President Stockton stated that he was pleased to announce that the Borough’s new website has gone live. He stated that the URL for the Borough has changed from hatborogov.org to myhatboro.org. He stated that if you forget, not to worry as you will be redirected to the new one. He stated it only affects Council, staff, and Police Department emails. He also stated that he welcomes any feedback or ideas regarding this and that any changes can be made in house now unlike the old website.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
2019 ROAD PAVING PROJECT – AWARDING OF BID – Councilman Hegele stated that he has a letter from RVE stating that they reviewed the bids and two bids were submitted ranging from $63,855.00 to $ 73,100.00. Councilman Hegele stated that Maco Constructors came in with the lowest bid. Manager Hegele reviewed the bids and alternates. She stated that one of the alternate’s was Loller Road inlet project. Manager Hegele stated Council would need to authorize at the next meeting if they want this project included. This item was moved to the September 23rd Council meeting agenda for approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
ANNOUNCEMENT: 100% CLEAN ENERGY – Councilwoman Anzinger stated in Council’s packet there is information regarding several municipalities in Montgomery County who have already adopted it or are looking at it as well. There is information regarding what that entails. Councilwoman Anzinger also stated that the Montco Trails Meeting is to be hosted at Borough Hall on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 7:00PM.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
NEW BUSINESSES – Councilwoman Anzinger stated we have several new businesses in Hatboro.
- Hatboro Art Lounge – 13 Byberry
- JC’s Transport – 230 Tanner Avenue
- Nardini Insurance (All – State) – 219 N. York Road
SEPTEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT: CORRADINO CHIROPRACTIC –Manager Hegele stated that Corradino Chiropractic is the September business spotlight which is located at 228 N. York Road. Manager Hegele stated she uses them and that Dr. Nicole Corradino and her staff do a wonderful job and are extremely accommodating.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
JACKSONVILLE ROAD CROSSWALKS AND PROPOSED FEE IN LIEU OF IMPROVEMENTS – Vice President stated that this item has been tabled.
DISCUSSION: HATBORO STATION AMENDMENT TO PLANS – Manager Hegele stated that Toll Brothers has requested a change to the original recorded plans concerning emergency access. The plan change has been reviewed by the Engineer, Fire Marshal and Emergency Services and all are not in favor of this change. Toll Brothers would like to install several bollards with chains vs. just two with one change. Emergency services feels that this will slow response time and are not in favor. This item was moved to the September 23rd Council meeting agenda for consideration.
SEPTA REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT – FULMOR AVENUE – Solicitor Greiser stated that the developer put up some money to pay for this crossing agreement. He stated this took some time because he is hoping to include the Byberry Crossing in this agreement as well although the problem with that there was a PUC Order that was granted and it did not include Byberry and the agreement only covered Fulmor. He stated that therefore this agreement is only limited to that crossing. He stated that his office and the Engineers reviewed it and it looks good and it is ready for execution now. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
DVRPC SAFE ROUTES TO TRANSIT FINAL REPORT DISCUSSION – Vice President Stockton stated we partnered with DVRPC to do a safe routes to transit program as part of a larger scoping program that they have. He stated that this a long report and has been published and has been posted on the Borough’s website as well as the Borough’s Facebook for residents who are interested. He stated they took a very good look at the structure in the Borough and some areas that they have identified for improvement. He also stated that he was pleased because a lot of these areas have already been discussed as part of the 2040 plan and Council already had a lot of these changes in the works based on prior recommendations and it was pleasing to see that their recommendations fell in line with what a lot of things that we had already in the works.
Vice President Stockton stated there was nothing to vote on regarding this item.
RESIGNATION OF BARBARA WASSERMAN FROM LIBRARY BOARD – Vice President Stockton stated that Council received a letter of resignation for Barbara Wasserman from the Library Board stating that she is no longer able to serve on this Board. Vice President Stockton also stated that if anyone is interested in volunteering please contact Borough Hall to set up an interview. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW HAUSER TO ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL/ASSISTANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR – Vice President Stockton stated that Council needs to formally move Matthew Hauser to Assistant Fire Marshal/ Assistant Property Maintenance Inspector position. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE (ord. 1057) – Councilman Rich stated that ordinance 1057, which was prepared by our Solicitor, is an ordinance which was amended and will allow the Borough to conduct inspections in a timely manner provided the Rental Housing does not exceed 30 consecutive days. Short term rental use of a dwelling shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local government rules and regulations. Manager Hegele stated that the planning commission is going to discuss this at their meeting tomorrow night as it was discussed at last month’s meeting but the Planning Commission tabled it. Manager Hegele said it will be discussed and then will have to go before Council next month then go through the motions again where it may not make it until the October meeting. President Bollendorf stated this item is to be tabled.
ORDINANCE 1058: 440 S. YORK ROAD RE ZONING – Councilman Rich stated that the purpose of this ordinance, which was prepared by our Solicitor, is to re zone two parcels on S. York Road and provide a potential opportunity for redevelopment if re zoned from R-1 Residential to O Office District. He stated that this will allow for an active adult community to expand on to another parcel that is currently located in another zoning district. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ORDINANCE 1059: MEDICAL MARIJUANA –Councilman Rich stated that the purpose of this ordinance is to allow the Borough to maintain some control over who grows and dispenses medical marijuana. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR ORDINANCE (1060) – Councilman Rich stated that the purpose of this ordinance will allow the Borough to make certain that any contractor performing any work valuing over $ 250,000.00 on any public facility project meets certain minimum requirements to ensure that they have the capacity, expertise, personnel, qualifications as well as resources necessary to successfully perform public contracting in a timely, reliable, and most effective manner. This item was moved to the September 23, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING – Councilman Rich stated that the Planning Commission Meeting will take place Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 7:00PM in the Council Room at Borough Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENT: FALL NEWSLETTER SUBMISIONS – Councilman Rich stated that staff is beginning to compile articles and pictures for the 2019 Fall Newsletter. If anyone has any submissions please email Cindy Bollendorf at cbollendorf@myhatboro.org on or before September 30, 2019.
OLD BUSINESS & UPDATES – No old business or updates.
PUBLIC COMMENT – No public comment.
ADJOURNMENT – President Bollendorf adjourned the September 9, 2019 Committee Meeting at 8:16 PM.