Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2005

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Rey Velasco, Borough Manager, John Burke, Solicitor Colin Jenei, and Chief Rick Pasqualini.

ABSENT: Randy Flager, Jake Fell, and Mayor Keller.

Richard Hirschfield asked for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Borough Council for September 13th, 2005.

Rey Velasco motioned to approve the September 13th, 2005 minutes and Geri Delevich seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

There was no report.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Mayor is not in attendance this evening and there will be no Mayor’s report.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an Executive Session prior to the regular meeting to discuss the Bruce Begg and Dock Street litigation matters.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 5, E will be tabled to the November 15th Council meeting.

Richard Hirschfield announced that on October 15, 2005, around 8:00 A.M., the Rapid Run Bridge on Route 32 would be closed for repairs. The work should be completed the same day, weather permitting. There will be detours on the Route 202 Spur and on Rt. 179.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the next Council meeting would be on November 15th, 2005 here at the middle school cafeteria at 7:30 P.M.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of approving the payment of Accounts Payable for October 11, 2005 in the amount of $74,484.35, of payroll for September 14th, 2005 in the amount of $42,845.83, and of payroll for September 28, 2005 in the amount of $62,025.89.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the Accounts Payable and payrolls.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve the Accounts Payable and payrolls. Rey Velasco seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that the Canal Walk Signage Program is being funded by a grant from the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission in the amount of $20,000. The Borough has advertised for bids twice, and has not received any bids. The signs must be prepared in accordance with a publication published by the National Heritage Corridor Commission called “Visually Speaking.” Under Pennsylvania law the Borough has a period of 45 days in which to negotiate a contract.

John Burke asked Borough Council to consider authorizing Borough staff to negotiate a contract to purchase the signs during this 45-day period.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to authorize Borough staff to negotiate a contract to purchase the signs during the 45-day period allowed by law and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield added that this is subject to final approval by Council and it will be back on the agenda.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 2005-11, dedicating a section of Stockton Avenue, between West Ferry Street and West Bridge Street. John Burke asked PADOT for a list of streets this year for which the Borough received liquid fuels funds annually from the state. This section of Stockton Avenue was not included. There was no documentation found at Borough Hall regarding dedication, so the Borough prepared an ordinance, which has been reviewed by the PADOT municipal services representative who stated that it is sufficient for their purposes to add the street to the liquid fuels list for the Borough.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt Ordinance #2005-11.

Geri Delevich motioned to adopt Ordinance # 2005-11 and Rey Velasco seconded.

Rey Velasco asked if this includes Stockton Avenue from West Ferry Street to Mechanic Street.

John Burke answered that Bucks County owns Stockton Avenue, from West Ferry Street to Mechanic Street.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the Borough Traffic Engineer, which is Carroll Engineering, to prepare plans and bid specifications to upgrade the traffic signals at Bridge and Main and West Bridge and Sugan Road pursuant to a grant from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The Borough was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $250,000 by the Commission to upgrade the signal installations at these two intersections. The proposal by Carroll Engineering is a total cost of $30,000 per intersection and $60,000 total for the two intersections. The signals will be upgraded and modernized, including variable signal timing controlled by the Borough to enable different timings at the signals for different times of the day, different times of the week, different times of the year, seasonal times of the year and special events and holidays. The timing of the signals can be tailored and adjusted to variable traffic volumes. It is also going to include an antique type of signal equipment at the intersection of Main and Bridge. It is possible that the signal at West Bridge and Sugan Road will be an antique type as well, if it is the wish of Council.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to authorize the Borough Traffic Engineer, which is Carroll Engineering, to prepare plans and bid specifications to upgrade the traffic signals at Bridge and Main and West Bridge and Sugan Road pursuant to a grant from the DRJTVC and subject to approval of the DRJTVC.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to authorize the Borough Traffic Engineer, which is Carroll Engineering, to prepare plans and bid specifications to upgrade the traffic signals at Bridge and Main and West Bridge and Sugan Road pursuant to a grant from the DRJTVC and subject to approval of the DRJTVC. Geri Delevich seconded.

Elaine McNealey of 45 North Main Street was happy to hear about the new traffic signals and asked when they would be installed.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the time projection for the traffic lights will be towards the end of next year.

John Burke answered that this is under PADOT’s control. They have to approve the permits so PaDOT will guide the timing of the project.

Richard Hirschfield thanked the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission for the $250,000 grant that will allow us to do this.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to table Item 5, E, awarding a contract for landscape maintenance for 2006.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to table Item 5, E, awarding a contract for landscape maintenance for 2006, until the Council’s meeting of November 15, 2005 and Rey Velasco seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

HARB CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS

Rey Velasco motioned to approve the following applications for award of Certificates of Appropriateness.

1.) 66 West Mechanic Street, by Jim Hanlon, for window installations.
Ed Duffy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

2.) 115 South Main Street, by Joseph Wynne of After the Ride, for the installation of a sign.
Ed Duffy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

3.) Union Square, by George Michael, for sign brackets only.
Geri Delevich seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

4.) 77 West Bridge Street, by Howard Cooperman of Art Coop II, LTD, for the installation of a sign.
Sharyn Keiser seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

5.) 1 South Main Street, by Leslie Herson, for a decrease in the number of windows (amending a prior Certificate of Appropriateness)
Geri Delevich seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

6.) Ed Duffy motioned to award a Certificate of Appropriateness to 84 West Mechanic Street, by Nathan Widell, for the installation of a trellis.
Geri Delevich seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy motioned to deny issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by HARB, for Daitin Harbin of 58 West Mechanic Street for the installation of a copper roof. Rey Velasco seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy explained that the reason this application was denied is because the applicant failed to show up for the October HARB meeting and explain why the work was done at this location before obtaining permits and a HARB review.

Ed Duffy motioned to approve a request by 28 West Mechanic Street, L.P. investors for a special promotional device/sign for the Canal Street Development.

Sharyn Keiser asked Joanne Lutostansky, a representative from George Michael’s office, if she agreed to the three stipulations in the memorandum from John Burke.

Joanne Lutostansky stated that she agreed to all conditions.

Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy announced that Gerard Higgins, an architect representing 10-16 East Mechanic Street, would present a plan to elevate the structure above the level of the 100-year floodplain and other renovations.

Gerard Higgins stated that the condo association of 10-16 East Mechanic Street, which comprises a total of four residential units, would like to take their building and raise it approximately 8 to 9 feet out of the 100 year flood plain, flood proof the structure, provide parking for 2 vehicles in garages, and some storage on the lower level. The structure is about 200 years old and features 3 stories. The location is on the edge of Waterloo and East Mechanic, and it abuts the river next to the Aquetong Creek. Gerard Higgins stated he is looking for comments from Council on the proposed project. They will be going to the Zoning Hearing Board for one or more variances pertaining to yard setbacks and impervious coverage. Gerard Higgins presented and discussed the proposed front elevation. The entire lower level of the building will be garages. The height of the building, after the elevation, would be within the required 35 feet. The impervious surfaces would be increased by extending the building in the back yard. They would not have to fill the floodplain, and they are currently waiting for a geotechnical study.

Council comments included a concern with building in the floodplain, but Council also favored raising the units out of the floodplain. There was a concern about expanding the structures to create more impervious surfaces and also about the new location for utilities. Ed Duffy stated that he would like to see more detailed plans.

Don Williams, 12 E. Mechanic Street, who is an owner of one of the units in this project, thanked Council and Tom Carroll for all the support and help during the last flood. He stated that the project would have no impact on flooding in the Borough because the square footage of the structure will not be expanded and that the property is almost all impervious now.

Ed Duffy asked Bob Gerenser to come forward.

Bob Gerenser requested permission to install a temporary tent at 22 South Main Street from November 15, 2005 through January 1, 2006 and to waive all permit fees in connection therewith. This tent is for his re-enactors at the Monroe Crossing event, and he will also be letting the Chamber of Commerce use it for holiday events. The size of the tent is 25 ft. x 40 ft. and it will also include a dance floor. A second tent will connect this larger tent to the rear of 22 South Main Street. This second tent would measure about 15 ft. by 20 ft. The music at the functions will not be amplified.

Joe Balderston asked if the tent would be heated.

Bob Gerenser answered yes.

John Burke stated that there is a Zoning Permit and a Fire Permit required. A certificate has to show that the tent is treated to be fire retardant. Also, if there is any heating device and anything electrical, the Fire Marshall will inspect that also and may require additional permits.

Elaine McNealey of 45 North Main Street encouraged everyone to come to the Monroe Crossing event.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to allow Bob Gerenser to install a temporary tent at 22 South Main Street from November 15, 2005 through December 15, 2005, subject to obtaining a Zoning Permit, Fire Marshal’s approval and no amplified music. Mr. Hirschfield stated that Mr. Gerenser could request an extension through January 1st at the Council’s December meeting.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve Bob Gerenser’s request to install a temporary tent at 22 South Main Street from November 15, 2005 through December 15, 2005, subject to obtaining a Zoning Permit, the Fire Marshal’s approval and no amplified music. Rey Velasco seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

RECREATION BOARD

Sharyn Keiser announced that there are vacancies for alternate members on the Shade Tree Commission. Borough Ordinance #2004-14R allows three alternates for the Shade Tree Commission who can vote in place of absent members and those terms are for five years.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to appoint Dan Brooks to the Committee on Conciliation. It meets as needed, arranged through the Borough Manager. This Committee mediates any discrimination complaints concerning gender and sexual orientation issues.

Geri Delevich seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve the purchase of a bike rack at a cost of $558.00 for the Verizon lot and two trash receptacles at a cost of $398.00 each -- one for Ferry Landing and one for Kane Park on Parry Street -- as recommended by the Recreation Board

Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Geri Delevich announced the report on the Visitors’ Center for the month of September 2005 as follows:

Visitors 3,489.00
Calls 548
Donations $621.21
Brochures 29
Sales $62.75

Geri Delevich announced the profits from recent fund raising events to:

New Hope Celebrates Group for Rainbow Weekend $5,000 was donated to F.A.C.T.
$5,000 was donated to the Human Rights Campaign.

Chamber of Commerce
$3,000 was donated to New Hope Lambertville Flood Relief

Marsha Brown’s dinner donation
Raised $25,000 approximately for the victims of Hurricane Katrina

AIDS WALK
Raised $90,000

Geri Delevich announced a request by St. Martin of Tours Church for permission to install a 30 ft. by 3 ft. banner across East Bridge Street near Riverstone Circle from October 22, 2005 through November 13, 2005.

Barbara Fowkes, the Business Manager for the Saint Martin’s of Tours Parish Church, stated that the location has changed to the center of town on East Bridge Street, from October 22, 2005 through November 13, 2005.

Geri Delevich motioned to approve a request by St. Martin of Tours Church for permission to install a 30 ft. by 3 ft. banner across East Bridge Street from October 22, 2005 through November 13, 2005. Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Geri Delevich motioned to approve the request by Twin Rivertown Project, Inc. to install an overhead banner on East Bridge Street from January 16, 2006 through February 7, 2006 to promote the Winter Festival. Rey Velasco seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rey Velasco thanked the Chamber for the Arts and Crafts Festival and also thanked the Police Department and the Constables for their efforts in making this event a success.

PUBLIC WORKS

Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve the purchase of a used Chevy Truck with a plow at a cost of $7,670. Rey Velasco seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield and Sharyn Keiser thanked Tom Carroll for all his efforts in locating good used vehicles to purchase.

Richard Hirschfield announced that a section of West Mechanic Street has been paved and there is a new speed hump.

POLICE

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to hire Nick James Whitney as a part-time Parking Enforcement Officer at a rate of $13.00 per hour, subject to the terms and provisions of the New Hope Borough Employee Handbook.

Rey Velasco motioned to hire Nick James Whitney as a part-time Parking Enforcement Officer at a rate of $13.00 per hour. Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Sharyn Keiser commented that with the threat of a flood this past week-end, she wanted to recognize the Emergency Management Team and the Fire Department for their efficiency in preparing for the possible flood and announced each indivual as follows: Tom Markey, Fred Williamson, Daryl Jurbala, Rick Pasqualini, Ed Duffy, Craig and Bob Forbes and John Burke.

NEW BUSINESS

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

Joe Balderston is concerned about the delay of the construction project at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street and does not like the scaffolding. Mr. Balderston commented further that he talked to the contractor and the contractor claims that the Borough was holding him up because of possible zoning violations.

John Burke announced that the Borough staff was having a meeting with the applicants and the architect on October 12, 2005 to discuss and resolve this issue.

Elaine McNealey commended Sharyn Keiser for her contribution and tremendous effort in helping the community during the flood, particularly since she herself was also affected.

Elaine McNealey also added that an odor on North Main Street was over bearing this past weekend and asked when would it end.

Richard Hirschfield answered it should be over soon. It is from the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority’s sewage lift station project.

ADJOURNED