Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 WEST BRIDGE STREET
OCTOBER 10, 2007

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Claire Shaw, Rey Velasco, Randall Flager, Borough Manager John Burke, Borough Solicitor T. J. Walsh, Borough Engineer Craig Kennard and Chief Rick Pasqualini.

ABSENT: Mayor Larry Keller.

MAYOR’S REPORT

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was no Executive Session prior to this meeting.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the transcript from the Conditional Use Hearing on the Glassman matter indicated incorrectly that Randall Flager was absent and this needs to be corrected.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of approving a contract with George Donovan & Associates for architectural services to prepare design plans and bid specifications for renovations and an addition to the 111 New Street property. Mr. Hirschfield stated that there would be future public meetings during the design of this project.

Joe Phillips, Architect for George Donovan and Associates, stated that a year ago his firm completed a feasibility and needs analysis study for New Street The results of the study show the Administrative Offices in the rectory building, with a reception area, a conference room, a bathroom, and offices for the building and zoning officers. The second level will have offices for the Fire Marshall, Treasurer, and Borough Manager, along with a bathroom and a kitchen/copy room. The third floor will feature a conference room and file space. The basement will be maintained as is, with a mechanical room.

Mr. Phillips stated that the two-car, two-story garage would be renovated and used for records storage. The sanctuary of the church would become a community meeting room for public meetings and community events. This area will be renovated as multi-use flexible space. The community room will feature a main entrance, vestibule, conference/coat room, lobby, storage areas and bathrooms, along with a dais and a seating area for 92 people with removable stackable chairs. The area of the dais can also be used as a stage area with projection screens. The back area behind the dais was once considered Council Chambers, but will remain more open with movable partitions so there could be accommodations for a live performance or other activities. The existing loft will not have public access and will be used as service space. Mr. Phillips stated that the existing dais from 41 North Main Street would be moved to the New Street site, resulting in savings of approximately $40.000.

Mr. Phillips stated that the police would occupy the lower level of the former church and a new one-story addition. The police facilities will consist of a secure area featuring a sallyport, a secure interview room, a processing area, and holding cells. Other police features include locker rooms, sergeant’s office, corporal offices, chief’s office, offices for the violations clerk and the Chief’s secretary, file room, squad room, evidence storage, a conference/interview room, a copy/work area, a public lobby, and restroom facilities. Mr. Phillips noted that 562 sq, ft. has already been cut from the design of the police area, resulting in a total police area of 5,148 sq. ft.

Mr. Phillips stated that the project would use a sustainable design, with energy efficient systems, use of recycled materials, and a possible green roof on the addition.

Mr. Phillips stated that the next step would be the design development phase and that would be followed by Council approval of the construction documents with all specifications needed for the bid phase. The construction phase would follow the bid phase.

Rey Velasco asked if there would be an elevator in the administration building?

Joe Phillips answered the second floor is so small and that there is no need for an elevator. Disabled visitors can be accommodated on the first floor.

Ed Duffy asked what would be the project time line?

Joe Phillips answered about a year and a half, with about 4 to 6 months to complete documentation, 2 months for bidding, and roughly 10 months for construction.

Ed Duffy asked what would be the cost?

John Burke answered that the estimate of $1,682,000.00 is for the addition, the renovations and the public meeting room including $50,000 for furnishings and equipment.

Richard Hirschfield commented that there is no change from the earlier estimate in the debt service projections.

Randall Flager asked if there is room for future expansion and why isn’t there an elevator so that someone who is disabled can speak directly to the Borough Manager.

Joe Phillips answered that the rectory building could be added to in the future. Mr. Phillips stated that he feels that they have accommodated the Police Department for the next twenty years, and the Manager could be moved to the first floor if necessary. There would be an additional $50,000 needed for an outside elevator.

Randall Flager commented that anyone should be able to go anywhere in Borough Hall regardless of physical abilities. The building should have an elevator; the additional expense is not excessive.

Randall Flager asked if it would be better to demolish the rectory and construct a new building.

Joe Phillips answered the plan presented now is more economical but as the next phase begins an elevator could be designed. Renovation costs are less than new construction.

Claire Shaw if Council will have additional opportunities to review the design plans.

Richard Hirschfield answered that this is a multi-step process and that there will be more opportunities for public and Council review as the project progresses.

Geri Delevich commented that it is very important to have a multi purpose room for a community center. There could be small weddings, a senior center, as well as a venue for theater. Ms. Delevich would like to see more money go into the Community Center and make it become more state of the art since it will be the meeting center as well as installing the proper equipment for presentations. Ms Delevich thanked the architects for going green with this project and thanked Jack Stewart for providing his thoughts and design ideas for the community center.

Sharyn Keiser agreed with Geri Delevich on the need for a community center for dances, small theater groups, etc. Ms. Keiser added that additional expenses would result in a larger bond issue and a greater burden on taxpayers. We are estimating $85.00 a year in additional real estate taxes at present. The choice is to do it now or do it in the future

Rey Velasco stated that he would not like to see taxes any higher than the current projections.

Richard Hirschfield stated that we do not know the costs and options at this point. Public input requires that these be known. Consequently, these decisions will be made in the future.

Ed Duffy asked what parking is available at the new building.

Joe Phillips answered that there are just schematic layouts right now and no engineering has been done for that yet.

Ed Duffy asked how many handicap parking spaces would there be?

Richard Hirschfield answered that the public parking spaces for the disabled would be located at the lower part of the parking lot, off West Mechanic Street. Mr. Hirschfield also stated that additional spaces for the disabled would be incorporated on the plan so that each building would have accessible parking.

Rey Velasco asked the Chief if he is happy with the plan.

Chief Pasqualini answered that he is and stated that the new facilities would also help with insurance premiums by making accreditation possible.

Grover Stults asked Council to include the elevator because it is in the best interest of the Borough.

Doro Kerr asked if the architect has considered a chair lift.

Joe Phillips replied that a chair lift would require a much wider stairway.

Joe Balderston asked what are the projected costs and how close will these be to the actual bid costs?

Joe Phillips answered at this phase, which is concept design, they are usually within 10% of the construction cost. However, there are two more cost estimates programmed into the work, and the next phase is design development and that is where any options that come up will be looked at. After that phase, there is the construction document phase. Here there is another estimate to check before it goes out to bid. Furthermore, if there are any other additional costs, they are specified as alternative bids.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the total project costs, including site improvements and professional fees, are estimated at $1,966,385,00.

Joe Balderston asked if the architects are hired to oversee the project?

Joe Phillips answered yes, and that service is included in the estimated costs.

Sal Savioni commented that this project is a wonderful idea, even with the projected tax increase.

Steve Stahl stated that New Hope is a gateway. Bordentown, NJ has a small 99-seat theater, which it rents at $1,000 per week. Mr. Stahl stated that the community room must be properly prepared and that a 501C3 organization should be considered.

Dee Dee Bowman commented that there was a court order calling for the amount of parking spaces allowed at the church and would like that revisited to make sure the parking is not abused again. Ms. Bowman also stated that the Borough needs a community center, and asked if any residents have been considered for the Facilities Committee.

John Burke commented that there would be fewer parking spaces at the site in the future than there are today.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the planning process would be opened up in the future.

Elaine McNealy commented that she would like to see an elevator in the building, speaking on behalf of her partner, who is handicapped. Ms. McNealy also mentioned that she is not interested in higher taxes and that fund raising may be the answer.

Fred Grossman stated that this is a zero sum game and that trade-offs are necessary.

Ed Duffy asked about the parking layout.

Craig Kennard stated that ADA and building design requirements would drive the parking lot design process. The costs will result from the number of spaces.

Richard Hirschfield stated that each use at the site would require parking for the disabled, and the West Mechanic Street portion of the site would provide public parking for the disabled.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve George Donovan & Associates Architectural Services to prepare design plans and bid specifications for renovations and an addition to the 111 New Street property including approval of a second proposal by Gilmore and Associates for site engineering for 111 New Street.

Randall Flager moved to approve the motion, and Ed Duffy seconded.

Joel Roberts asked if the new parking lot could be accessed easier from the street.

Joe Phillips answered that additional walkways increase the cost.

Grover Stults suggested that the Eagle Scouts could build the stairs to the parking lot.

The motion passed unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA

Richard Hirschfield announced consideration of the consent agenda. Mr. Hirschfield called attention to item 4E, Resolution 2007-21R, providing a supplemental appropriation of $5,000 for the Police Department to conduct special traffic details.

Claire Shaw stated that this is a good use of Borough funds and that it sends a clear message to the community and those who would violate the law. Ms. Shaw asked what protection the town has from motorcycle noise.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the local ordinance, which is based on state and federal standards, limits vehicle noise to 86 decibels. The Borough, however, needs more decibel meters for better enforcement. Mr. Hirschfield added that the Borough is budgeting to buy another decibel meter in 2008.

Randall Flager asked how long it takes to train someone on the decibel meter.

The Chief answered approximately 4 hours. The units are calibrated at the beginning and end of each shift. The conviction rate using the meters is excellent.

Randall Flager asked how many Borough officers are trained on this equipment?

Chief Pasqualini answered presently, there are four, Corporal De Luca primarily, whose shift has been adjusted so that he can work on Sunday afternoons.

Randall Flager commented that the Borough should buy another meter as soon as possible.

Bill Kiefer offered $500.00 towards the purchase of a new decibel meter.

Richard Hirschfield thanked Mr. Kiefer for his generous donation and instructed the Chief to purchase a second meter as quickly as possible.

Sharyn Keiser commented that Corporal De Luca is the person who is really good at this, but added that we need to have more than one officer that has this skill dealing with motorcycles.

Chief Pasqualini answered there are approximately 4 officers trained for use of the meter, but with a small Police Department the officers are used in the positions they do best.

Richard Hirschfield asked the Chief what coverage he has on Sundays for motorcycle noise.

Chief Pasqualini answered four officers.

Rey Velasco stated that he and the Mayor counted 150 motorcycles in town this past weekend and concluded that less than 5% are violating the law.

Chief Pasqualini stated that a standard Harley Davidson off the line comes in at 83 decibels. The people that are targeted are those with straight pipes. The problem is this weekend because of the volume of bikes that may come into town. Many of the bikers that do come into town are law abiding.

Geri Delevich asked of the four officers on the weekend how many are full- time and how many are part-time.

Chief Pasqualini answered that generally on Sundays we have two part-timers and two full-time officers on duty.

Geri Delevich asked if we could train another part-time officer and if it is possible to have three full-time officers on weekends?

Chief Pasqualini answered that scheduling three full-time officers on Sunday would cause overtime, and that he couldn’t operate the Police Department 7 days a week 24 hours a day without the part-timers.

Rey Velasco stated that a police officer requires a certain presence to handle this problem.

Chief Pasqualini answered he has confidence in all the officers. Some officers are more enthusiastic than others.

Ed Duffy stated that he would like to challenge all officers trained on the meter so that all could handle enforcement.

Chief Pasqualini agreed.

Dee Dee Bowman stated that she was stunned that some officers may be disinclined to enforce the noise ordinance and that all officers should be willing to stand up to the bikers.

Sharyn Keiser stated that the Chief did not state that other officers could not handle these situations.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Borough would immediately purchase two more meters

Sal Savioni offered to pay $2,000 to support police overtime. Mr. Savioni stated that the noise from motorcycles must stop.

Joe Balderston asked if the state police could play a role.

Chief Pasqualini answered that the state police do assist in certain circumstances, but that the state police primarily patrol municipalities that do not have police departments. The mission of the state police is not to augment local police. However, the Chief stated that he has made arrangements for the state police to assist on October 14th.

Claire Shaw asked about a proposal submitted by the Chief for three truck inspection details.

Chief Pasqualini answered that he will do this to address the traffic problems on North Main Street. The Chief stated that Officer Joyner is a certified truck safety master and that such details are inconvenient for truckers.

Claire Shaw stated that she trusts the Chief’s judgment in this matter.

Richard Hirschfield stated that Council was disappointed to first learn of this activity through a Chamber of Commerce email newsletter about a week ago. The Borough does not support this event, the Borough can’t stop it, and the Borough will incur additional costs because of this event. Mr. Hirschfield added that the law would be enforced this weekend.

Randall Flager stated that it is irresponsible to plan a Bikefest in New Hope; it is not good for residents or the business community.

Sharyn Keiser stated that no one knew anything about this event until the Chamber issued its newsletter last week.

Chief Pasqualini stated that the department’s only involvement to date was to review the brochure that the Chamber plans to distribute to bikers this weekend. The brochure was delivered to the department late last week to review.

Rey Velasco asked how we might avoid this type of problem in the future?

Sharyn Keiser answered that both the Chamber and the Borough need to get together to discuss the impacts, costs, etc. of events planned for New Hope.

Jo Balderston mentioned that this is the first that he heard that this was going to occur and asked if a couple of fire trucks could be placed down town.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the Chief has prepared a security plan.

Claire Shaw asked if the Chamber could be billed for the Borough’s costs for this event?

Lewis Licitra stated that the Chamber of Commerce did not set up or sponsor the biker event. The event was planned to hand out an information brochure on laws for bikers. It is on the Chamber web site because all events go on the web site regardless of whether they are Chamber sponsored or not. Mr. Licitra stated that he does not know the people involved in organizing this event, but stated that they were not Chamber members.

Geri Delevich asked if the brochures would be handed out regularly after this weekend?

Lewis Licitra answered yes.

Alan Wagner agreed that he does not like the noise and stated that speeding is out of control on Sugan and West Bridge Street.

Richard Hirschfield stated that local police are prohibited from using radar in Pennsylvania.

Melissa Manzi, a local merchant, agreed that motorcycle noise is a nuisance.

Bill Kieffer stated that the problem exists on River Rd., not just North Main.

Richard Hirschfield stated that Council has met with local state legislators to strengthen state laws pertaining to motorcycles.

Richard Hirschfield asked for approval of the consent agenda as follows.

A. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for
October 10, 2007, in the amount of $117,931.34, and of payroll for September 26, 2007, in the amount of $66,116.87.
B. Consideration of approving the minutes of the September 19, 2007 public meeting of Borough Council.
C. Consideration of rescinding the award of a contract to GoreCon, Inc. for the 2007 Paving Program and installation of a West Mechanic Street speed hump.
D. Consideration of awarding a contract to Macanga Inc. in the amount of $17,703.80 for the 2007 Paving Program and installation of a West Mechanic Street speed hump.
E. Consideration of approving Resolution No. 2007-21R, amending the 2007 General Fund budget to provide funding for police special details.
F. Consideration of a request by the Mechanic Street Merchants to close West Mechanic Street, between S. Main Street and New Street, on October 20th from 10 AM to 9 PM for an artist’s street display.
G. Consideration of approving a request by St. Martin of Tours Church to place a banner sign across West Bridge Street near Riverstone Circle, from October 22 through November 12, 2007, for the annual Church Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show.
H. Consideration of issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for:
(1) 244 South Main Street, by A. C. Hipple, for porch lights only;
(2) 31 North Main Street, by A. C. Hipple, for exterior lights and sign installation;
(3) 265 West Mechanic Street, by Paul Parla, for roof installation; and
(4) South Main Street Bridge over Aquetong Creek, by New Hope Borough, for bridge lights.
I. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-22R, supporting adoption of a countywide referendum to preserve open space.
J. Consideration of approving a request by the New Hope Historical Society to waive permit fees for the Parry Barn interior railing replacement project.
K. Consideration of approving requests, as follows, by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce:
(1) October 26, 2007 (Friday) High Heel Race at 6:00 P.M. Close West Mechanic Street from 5:30 till 6:45 P.M.;
(2) October 28, 2007 (Sunday) Costume Parade. Close Ferry Landing Park and Ferry Street from 5:00 till 6:30 P.M.;
(3) November 24, 2007 (Saturday) Tree Lighting and Santa
Comes to Town. Close Ferry Landing Park and Ferry Street, just before the Logan Inn parking lot, from 5:00 till 7:00 P.M.; and
(4) November 25, 2007 (Sunday) Visit with Santa. Close Ferry Landing Park from12:00 till 3:00 P.M.

Claire Shaw moved to approve the consent agenda, and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

LAND USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REPORT

Ed Duffy asked for a discussion to either oppose by sending the solicitor or allow the Zoning Hearing Board to pursue the application by Lewis Beverage without Council representation. The item is a Zoning Hearing Board appeal, Number 317, by Lewis Beverage Center, for a special exception or variance to allow a beer distributor/convenience store at 170 Old York Road.

Richard Hirschfield left the meeting room at this time.

John Burke stated that Lewis Beverage is asking for a variance or, in the alternative, a special exception to allow a beer distributor use. The new zoning ordinance does not allow one non-conforming use to be changed to another non-conforming use.

Sharyn Keiser asked Council if they want to send the Borough Solicitor to oppose this application?

Ed Duffy moved to send T. J. Walsh to oppose this application, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council or the public.

The motion was approved by a 6-0 vote.

Ed Duffy announced that the next item is a preliminary/final plan of subdivision by Alan F. Wagner for a property located on the north side of Fairview Avenue in the R-1 zoning district.

Carl Lindsay asked for a continuance in the interest of time.

RECREATION BOARD AND REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Sharyn Keiser asked everyone to support the Farmers’ Market this coming week.

Richard Hirschfield returned to the meeting at this time.

Sharyn Keiser announced that there is nothing at present to report for the Revitalization Committee.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Rey Velasco announced the Visitors’ Center Report for the month of September as follows:

Visitors 3,970
Calls 541
Brochures 31
Sales $765.80
Donations $495.98

Rey Velasco announced that the Arts and Craft Festival was a wonderful weekend in town and reminded everyone to get a flu shot after consulting their physicians.

Geri Delevich announced a commitment ceremony to take place this Saturday at the Ferry Landing Park. Sharyn Keiser will officiate.

Geri Delevich announced the Garden Club schedule.

Geri Delevich announced that House Beautiful magazine recently featured the home of Robert Goodwin of Ferry Street. The article said that he holds the chair of vice president of the New Hope Historic Society.

Geri Delevich reminded the public that Halloween is coming up and the Chamber has many events to look forward to.

Sharyn Keiser reminded the public of Second Saturdays, which offer many events and activities.

Rey Velasco announced that there was a great article on the Mayor in the New Jersey Life magazine.

NEW BUSINESS

Richard Hirschfield asked for any new business by Council?

There was no response.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Richard Hirschfield asked if there is any public comment on any issue that has not been discussed tonight?

Steven Coppens asked Council to consider lighting the steps by the canal in the future.

Richard Hirschfield answered that there are going to be lights placed on the South Main Street Bridge and that lighting the steps on the canal could be a future consideration.

Grover Stults asked for Council’s support for a public park at his East Randolph Street property.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a short recess before the conditional use hearing for Joseph and Joni Glassman begins.

The Borough Solicitor reopened the conditional use hearing for the application of Joe and Joni Glassman for 1 North Main Street. The Glassman’s seek permission to establish at restaurant use at this location.

A copy of the complete transcript of this hearing is attached to these minutes in the Borough’s Minute Book.

ADJOURNMENT

Attachment: Glassman Transcript