Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 West Bridge Street
New Hope, Pa.
October 11, 2006
MINUTES

Present: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Claire Shaw, Rey Velasco, Borough Manager John Burke, Borough Solicitor T.J. Walsh, and Chief Pasqualini.

Absent: Mayor Larry Keller and Randy Flager.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Mayor is out of the country and there will be no report this evening.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield announced the next two monthly meetings of Council would be on November 15, 2006 and December 20th, 2006.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Revitalization Committee will hold a special public meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. at Borough Hall for residents and the business community to identify and discuss local issues related to the Regional Landmark Towns Revitalization Study. The consultant for the study is the Keystone Heritage Group. Consultant representatives will attend the meeting. The Landmark Towns project is a regional revitalization initiative of New Hope, Yardley, Morrisville, and Bristol boroughs and the Delaware and Lehigh National Corridor Commission that is designed to assist the boroughs in revitalizing their business districts while preserving and enhancing the cultural, historical, and architectural character of each community.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Department of Public Transportation would hold a special public meeting to present design plans for the Bridge Street Bridge replacement project. The meeting will be Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at New Hope Solebury Middle School in the cafeteria from 7 to 9 P.M. This project involves replacement of the existing bridge over the Delaware Canal on West Bridge Street and related roadway improvements. PADOT representatives will attend to present the project and answer questions.

Richard Hirschfield announced that Council would hold a public hearing on November 15, 2006 to consider adoption of a new zoning ordinance and map for the Borough. The proposed ordinance and the map are available at Borough Hall and at the Borough website, http://www.newhopeborough.org/zoning.htm.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an executive session held prior to this meeting to discuss a real estate acquisition matter, the Division Street litigation, and possible pending litigation.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the next item on the agenda is to consider two different requests. The first is from the New Hope Business Alliance, which seeks to suspend parking meter enforcement between November 27, 2006 and December 24, 2006. The second is from the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, which asks to suspend parking enforcement the week before Christmas and the week after Christmas, between December18th and the 29th. These are two different proposals, and Mr. Hirschfield asked who was present to represent the Business Alliance this evening.

Howard Cooperman of 77 West Bridge Street came forward. Mr. Cooperman asked Council, on behalf of the New Hope Business Alliance, to grant business owners of New Hope free holiday parking from November 27th, 2006 through Christmas Eve, 7 days per week. The reasons are: poor business climate, high gasoline prices, the flood and related press coverage, and a very hot summer. Mr. Cooperman stated that Lambertville provides free parking for its businesses during the holiday season. The Business Alliance has many advertisements planned pending the outcome of this meeting. There would be no employee parking permitted at the on-street spaces.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the Borough views the representative of the business community as the Chamber of Commerce. Council had hoped that the two groups could work together to come up with a common plan. The Borough has experienced a significant drop in meter revenues in the last five months. In fact, between the time that the meters were rolled back to 9:00 P.M. and now, meter revenues, compared to last year, are down almost $50,000. For the same period ticket revenue, due to the new $20 rate, is up about $25,000 for a net projected loss of $25,000. If the meters were bagged the Borough would not be able to ticket those who park at bagged meters, including employees of local businesses.

Richard Hirschfield asked Connie Gering, President of the Chamber of Commerce, if she still had her proposal on the table for a week before Christmas and a week after Christmas.

Connie Gering answered, “that is correct.”

Richard Hirschfield commented that the Chamber request is very different than the Alliance’s 5 weeks, which would be a very significant expense to the Borough.

Richard Hirschfield asked the other members of Council for their comments.

Rey Velasco asked what has been the practice for the last couple of years?

Richard Hirschfield stated the practice has been to bag the meters Mondays through Thursdays, from the Monday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. There are some inherent problems with this because many times the bags were not removed by the Chamber at the right times. The cost to the Borough was about $10,000.

Geri Delevich asked what both groups do to advertise this.

Howard Cooperman answered that there would be full page ads in a couple of different newspapers and magazines.

Richard Hirschfield apologized and announced that he stated an incorrect number and made the following correction for the record. The difference in revenues for the last week of November and December from 2004 and 2005 when the meters were bagged Mondays thru Thursdays was about $3,000.

Sharyn Keiser commented that looking at this financially, the cost to the Borough to bag meters for the four weeks, 7 days per week, is approximately $25,000 in revenues that the Borough doesn’t bring in. This has to be made up in the budget, which causes an increase in taxes. Two weeks would be half of that and bagging Mondays through Thursdays would be an insignificant loss. Ms. Keiser agreed that something should be done at Christmas and thought that the Monday to Thursday option is a good method as long as the Chamber and the Alliance work together. Ms. Keiser stated that the economy is bad for all at this time, both businesses and residents.

Howard Cooperman commented that there are Alliance block captains in place to make sure that the meter bags are on and off at the correct times and to also make sure employees are not talking advantage of the free parking.

Richard Hirschfield commented that he looked at last year’s revenues and found that there was somewhat over $22,000 in December. To add the last week in November, the loss would total about $25,000. This is comparable to other months of the year except for peak months of the year. That is a substantial amount of money compared to Mondays through Thursdays with a difference of only $3,000 between the years, which did not have to be made up.

Edward Pollock from Heart of the Home agreed that the meters should be bagged this year and suggested a compromise with Mondays through Thursdays starting on November 27th, then seven days a week the two weeks before Christmas. The week after Christmas offers no advantage for the business community. Mr. Pollock stated that the businesses are stretched and that there will be no income if the storefronts are empty.

Gregg Connocchioli of Variete spoke, but choose not to use the microphone and his statement was lost.

Richard Hirschfield asked Howard Cooperman from the Alliance and Connie Gering, President of the Chamber, if they would like to talk about this and Council can re-visit this item at another point in the meeting tonight.

Richard Hirschfield announced that two years ago Union Square L.P. leased the Borough parking lot, back by Union Square, for a two-year period, which expires at the end of November this year. It is a lease from 6 P.M. on Fridays to 6 A.M. on Mondays, and the lot is used by Union Square during the week as part of the land development agreement and other agreements signed six years ago. Two years ago there was some public dissatisfaction that people did not get to bid on this lot, and Mr. Hirschfield stated at that time, when it comes up next for renewal, Council would allow people to bid, even though legally a lease does not have to go to bid competitively. Mr. Hirschfield asked for proposals if anyone wants to lease the Borough parking lot. It is about 140 spaces, located behind Union Square, for the period of 6 P.M. on Friday until 6 A.M. on Monday, 52 weeks a year. Such proposals should be submitted to the Borough by November 10, 2006. There is an unsolicited proposal from Union Square Limited Partnership to renew the lease for a five year period for $24,999.96 per year, with a 1% increase each year starting the second year. Union Square would continue to take responsibility, as they do now, for landscaping, maintenance and snow removal, and they would like to continue the arrangement with the same times from 6 P.M. on Friday until 6 A.M. on Monday. Additional bids would have to exceed the bid that is currently on the table of $25,999.99.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

Geri Delevich asked if there is a chance for the Borough to use the property until noon on a Saturday or a Sunday. There has been talk of a market back there.

T.J. Walsh commented that it could be part of the terms of the agreement.

Richard Hirschfield announced that Howard Cooperman and Connie Gering have returned to continue the discussion on the time frame for bagging the meters during the holidays.

Howard Cooperman announced that both the Alliance and the Chamber are in agreement and would like to request the five week period for 7 days per week.

Richard Hirschfield commented that there wouldn’t be any parking tickets issued during that period, resulting in an additional loss of about $20,000.

Sharyn Keiser commented that it would be a $60,000 loss all together, which is equal to a mill in local property taxes.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council is sympathetic to all the hardships faced by the businesses, but by the same token, Council has a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of the community and has to be very careful how money is spent. Mr. Hirschfield commented that he would vote against such a proposal because it is much too much money. It may be wise to try to advertise for people to come during the week when they can park free.

Howard Cooperman commented that people work during the week.

Richard Hirschfield understood that and was simply trying to explain the financial risk involved in such a decision because it would then require the residents to pay more in taxes, about $50 per year.

Sharyn Keiser agreed that the business owners should advertise to encourage business during the week and increase store hours where the tourists could take advantage of the free parking day or night.

Howard Cooperman asked if they could have Thursday through Monday.

Sharyn Keiser answered that there is still a loss of $60,000 in revenue.

Sharyn Keiser also added that the Borough gives back to the business community with the recently restored Visitors’ Center, with added bathrooms. The goal of the Landmark Towns study is to bring more revenue for the business community.

Sharyn Keiser moved to bag the meters, like previous years, from Monday through Thursday, starting with the Monday after Thanksgiving through Christmas week.

A merchant spoke here and did not use the microphone or identify himself.

Richard Hirschfield asked if there was a second to the motion.

Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

Bob Gerenser of 22 South Main Street asked if the meters could be cut off at 6:00 P.M. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays? Mr. Gerenser stated that it has been a harsh and hurtful year for business.

Richard Hirschfield answered that this cannot be done because of the signage, and that this is a discussion that was addressed months and months ago.

Geri Delevich asked how much money is lost with the current proposal that was just offered as a motion.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the loss with tickets and meters would come to $6,000 or $7,000, which is an investment but a reasonable investment.

Geri Delevich asked if the business community could show Council the ads they plan to place and get together with Council early in 2007 for next year.

Gregg Connocchioli disagreed with the statement made that the Chamber represents the business community, stating that the majority of businesses are not members of the Chamber.

Richard Hirschfield called the question.

Geri Delevich asked to hear the motion again.

Sharyn Keiser restated the motion as follows: to bag the parking meters from Monday though Thursday beginning the Monday after Thanksgiving and ending the Thursday after Christmas, with the business community responsible for bagging and unbagging the meters.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of appointing Dee Dee Bowman to the Historic and Architectural Review Board for a term expiring December 31, 2006.

Ed Duffy moved to appoint Dee Dee Bowman to the Historic and Architectural Review Board, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the consent agenda adopted a few months ago allows Council to vote all at once on non controversial items. Any Council member has the opportunity to remove an item from the consent agenda to be discussed further.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the consent agenda consisting of items 4 A, B, C, and D, items 1-6, as follows.

4,A. Consideration of approving the minutes of the September 13, 2006 public meeting of Borough Council.

4,B. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for October 11, 2006 in the amount of $91,339.30; of payroll for September 13, 2006 in the amount of $44,642.46; and of payroll for September 27, 2006 in the amount of $64,810.60.

4,C. Consideration of authorizing the Borough Manager to hire Ms. Annette Rosenberg as a part-time receptionist at the Visitors’ Center, subject to the requirements of the New Hope Employee Handbook.

4,D. Consideration of approving the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness, as recommended by HARB, for:

1. 7 East Ferry St., by Robert Keyes, for demolition of a portion of the structure at the entrance;
2. 49 West Ferry St., by Mark Higgins, for painting of building exterior;
3. 96 New St., by Thom Smyth, for confirmation of conditions of HARB’s April 11, 2006 approval for exterior renovations, excluding gable;
4. 12-16 East Randolph St., by Grover Stults, for demolition of existing structure and approval of new structure;
5. 31 N. Main St., by Olympus Building, for construction of a new front entrance, roof pediment, and utility relocation; and
6. 31 Waterloo St., by R. Papaioannou, for elevation of an existing structure above the 100-year floodplain and exterior renovations, including certain architectural details.

Claire Shaw moved to approve the consent agenda and Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of a request by the New Hope Chamber of Commerce to 1) close Ferry Landing Park on October 29th, 2006, between 5:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M., for a “Monster Mash Movie,” 2) close West Mechanic Street, between South Main Street and New Street, October 20th, between 7:00 P.M. and 8:30 P.M., for a high heel race, and 3) close a section of South Main Street on October 29th, 2006 between 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. for a Halloween parade.

Richard Hirschfield commented that closing a section of South Main Street would require a PADOT permit.

Connie Gering commented that they would like to change the request to close West Ferry Street on the 29th for the parade in exchange for South Main Street, between Main Street and Bridge Street. The movie will be shown at New Hope Arts instead of Ferry Landing Park. The park will be used to congregate. The last change was to close Ferry Landing Park on November 23rd, 2006 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. for tree lighting and the arrival of Santa.

Chief Pasqualini agreed with the changes.

Sharyn Keiser moved to 1) close West Mechanic Street, between S. Main St and New St., on October 20th for the High Heel race from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. 2) close West Ferry Street, from west of the canal to its intersection with West Bridge Street, for a Halloween parade on October 29th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM., and 3) close Ferry Landing Park on November 23rd, 2006 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. for the annual tree lighting. Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of a request by the New Hope Business Alliance to bag parking meters on West Ferry Street between 3:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. and to close West Ferry Street, from S. Main St. to Stockton Ave., between 5:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. for the annual tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Saint Claus at the Logan Inn.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mr. Cooperman if his group has the Logan Inn’s permission and insurance.

Howard Cooperman answered they have permission from The Logan Inn and they will have insurance.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the vote would be contingent upon providing proof of insurance.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the request to bag the meters on West Ferry Street from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and to close West Ferry Street on November 26, 2006 for the arrival of Santa and the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Logan Inn, conditioned upon proof of insurance and a letter form the Logan Inn approving this activity. Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

Howard Cooperman asked if the meters are bagged from 5:00 P.M to 7:30 P.M., what happens between 7:30 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.? Do the people parking there after that time get tickets?

Richard Hirschfield answered that this has never been a problem. If they stay there, it will not be a problem.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of approving a request by St. Martin of Tours Church to allow the display of a banner across East Bridge Street, announcing a Christmas Bazaar, from October 21 through November 12, 2006.

Ed Duffy moved to approve the request and Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked Bob Gerenser to come forward to discuss the Annual Monroe Crossing.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the following requests: 1) close South Main Street, between East Ferry Street and New Street, and East Ferry Street and Ferry Landing Park on December 9th, starting at 12:00 Noon, 2) display a banner across East Bridge Street for the Monroe Crossing event between November 13 and December 11, 2006, 3) Install a temporary catering tent for the Annual Colonial Ball in the rear yard at 22 South Main Street from November 11 through December 11, 2006, subject to insurance and a PADOT permit. Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke also commented that any permit fees would be waived.

John Burke asked for consideration of approving a Community Newsletter Agreement with Print Masters of Bensalem, Pa. at no cost to the Borough. Advertising revenues cover the expenses. The initial proposal is a one-year agreement that would provide two publications, one in the spring and one in the fall of 2007.

Rey Velasco moved to approve the Community Newsletter Agreement with Print Masters and Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

Geri Delevich asked who would supply the copy.

Richard Hirschfield answered that each department in the Borough would supply articles.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of awarding the sale of three (3) surplus Borough vehicles, in accordance with the requirements of The Borough Code for disposal of surplus personal property:

1) 1988 GMC dump truck, 152,893 miles;
2) 1987 Chevy pickup truck with plow, 176,670 miles; and
3) 1993 Ford Bronco, 113,536 miles.

There is a proof of publication evidencing that the sale was advertised in The New Hope Gazette on September 21, 2006. Two bids were received and opened on October 5, 2006 at the 11:00 A.M. deadline as stated in the advertisement. The high bid for the 1987 Chevy pick up truck was $200.00 from Rick Scurti of Lambertville. The high bid for the 1993 Bronco was $25.00 from Rich Scurti of Lambertville. The high bid for the 1988 GMC Dump Truck was $105.00 from Mr. Steven Nacenca of Lambertville.

Rey Velasco moved to approve the sale of each vehicle to the highest bidder and Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

LAND USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Ed Duffy asked Iain Haight Ashton to come forward.

Iain Haight-Ashton asked for Council’s assistance in the possible purchase and restoration of the historic building at 8 East Mechanic Street. (See attached proposal.)

Richard Hirschfield suggested that Mr. Ashton contact Cliff David at the Heritage Conservancy and Les Isbrandt at the Historic Society to assist in this project.

Ed Duffy asked for consideration of a request by Grover Stults and Pam Caprio to waive the procedural requirements of the subdivision and land development ordinance to allow demolition of an existing flood-damaged structure at 10, 12, 14, and 16 East Randolph Street in the CC zoning district.

Richard Hirschfield and John Burke announced that there is a recommendation by the Zoning Officer of the Borough for Mr. Stultz to provide a site plan of the existing and proposed conditions and to prepare this plan to the level of a standard record plan.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the C of A for that site was approved tonight in the consent agenda.

Grover Stults thanked Council and HARB for all their efforts to get him to this point. Mr. Stults experienced a tremendous amount of damage at his properties with the three floods over the last 18 months. Mr. Stults asked Council for their consideration, stating the new structure will stay within the 35 feet height requirement of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Stults promised to meet all requirements necessary to begin construction.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council recognizes what many residents have gone through with the floods. Council is very anxious to see people take this kind of action and protect themselves against future floods, and Council is very supportive of it.

Grover Stults thanked HARB members for their efforts in scheduling another meeting to hear his application since their regular meeting had to be canceled.

John Burke commented that because Mr. Stults property is not just a single residence and contains one or two apartments, the construction would constitute a land development under state law, and this would require three months for submission of a preliminary plan and another three months for a final plan. Council could waive the land development procedure tonight, and Mr. Stults could then proceed to have his plan approved by the Zoning Officer, the Borough Engineer and the building inspector.

Ed Duffy moved to waive the procedural requirements of the subdivision and land development ordinance and to allow demolition of the flood-damaged structure at 10, 12, 14 and 16 East Randolph Street, conditioned upon Bob Larason’s recommendations in his letter of August 31, 2006. Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy asked Ralph Curtis Fey, A.I.A., representing A.C. Hipple II, to come forward and present his request.

Anthony Hipple asked Council to waive the procedural requirements of the subdivision and land development ordinance to extend the front of the store.

Ralph Curtis Fey commented that there would be two giant window bays in the front of the building. The existing two retail and four residential apartments will be changed to one retail shop downstairs and two residential apartments on the top floor. There are six parking spaces in the rear. This is a block building with a small pent roof at the entrance. The entranceway stairs project onto the street at 4 foot 7 inches and are intended to create accessibility.

John Burke added that Mr. Larason, the Zoning Officer, has made two recommendations. The first is to require a site plan to the standard of a record plan. The second is that the electrical panel on the south side of the building be moved to the rear.

T.J. Walsh asked if the new addition would cover existing impervious or grass.

Ralph Curtis Fey answered it will cover sidewalk.

Ed Duffy moved to approve the request by Ralph Curtis Fey, representing A.C. Hipple II, to waive the procedural requirements of the subdivision and land development ordinance to allow construction of certain improvements at 31 North Main Street in the CC zoning district, conditioned upon Mr. Larason’s letter dated August 29, 2006. Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy asked Paul Michael to come forward to present for the Canal Street Development.

Paul Michael stated that Canal Street is 20 custom townhouses right in the heart of the Borough. Construction has recently begun at the site. The existing historic building will be renovated with historic materials and will remain; this is building #4. The developer met with HARB on this project over a period of 12 months. HARB worked through every detail of every building in many public meetings. Last month the developer received the final recommendation from HARB, and Mr. Michael stated that he was present this evening to receive final approval for the Certificate of Appropriateness.

Geri Delevich commented with the approval of these projects, plans should be brought to the meeting for the public to view. Also, more distribution of the plans should occur during the whole process.

Ed Duffy moved to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the 20-townhouse structures at the Canal Street development. Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion was approved unanimously.

RECREATION BOARD AND REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE REPORTS

Geri Delevich asked if this was the time to make a presentation for the name “Barefoot in the Park.”

John Dwyer did a little research and found out Neil Simon was touched to hear that the park could possibly be named “Barefoot in the Park.” This name describes the people of New Hope.

Sharyn Keiser said that the Recreation Board has recommended Lenape Park, to honor of some of the earliest people who lived in what is now New Hope.

Sharyn Keiser moved to name the Borough park at 52 West Ferry Street “Lenape Park,” and Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

The motion passed 4-2-0 as follows.

Sharyn Keiser thanked John and everyone for their input and added that the volunteer boards should be respected for the time and effort they devote to the community.

Geri Delevich asked if the name “Lenape” was submitted by a New Hope resident or if it was submitted anonymously.

Sharyn Keiser answered that it was submitted anonymously and came though the Recreation Board.

Geri Delevich commented that she appreciated all the work the Board has contributed to this project.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the Park & Recreation Board’s 2007 Park Gift Program and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment from Council and the public.

Earl Bierman commented that the only change is that there are bricks for $100.00 for the new park.

Sharyn Keiser announced that Council received an annual report from the Park and Recreation Board for its activities in 2006. Sharyn Keiser congratulated the Board for purchasing the Town Clock at the Visitors’ Center with funds donated by various individuals and groups. The Board has added lighting at the Visitors’ Center garden and holiday decorations for Ferry Street Landing, and much more.

The motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REPORT

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

Visitors 4,064
Calls 508
Brochures 11
Sales $130.85
Donations $409.29

Rey Velasco announced a fundraiser for the new arts center on October 22, 2006 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the New Hope Arts Center located at 2 Stockton Avenue. The sponsors for the evening are Hamilton Grill, John and Peters, and Triumph Brewery.

Geri Delevich announced the New Hope Garden Club’s fall planting would take place on Saturday, November 4, 2006. The Garden Club will pick up the Ornamental Kale at 10:00 A.M. from The Living Earth. For those who live in town or for those who would prefer to meet later, you can meet the group on Stockton Avenue at around 10:20 A.M. Garden gloves and small trowels are recommended.

Geri Delevich announced on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 4:00 P.M., the Borough will dedicate the newly installed Town Clock, located at the New Hope Visitors’ Center. Maintaining the grounds of the Visitors’ Center has always been a special project for the Garden Club when it was part of Partners in Progress (PIP). Now that the Borough’s Park and Recreation Board is handling many of the Garden Club activities of PIP, including the Visitor’s Center, the Garden Club enjoys a close relationship with the Board. Three of its seven members are Garden Club members: June Bierman, Elsa Wise and Roy Ziegler.

Sharyn Keiser announced that Bob Gerenser has been selected as George Washington for this year’s “Crossing of the Delaware.”

Bob Gerenser commented that the annual event will start at 11:00 A.M. on December 25, 2006 and on the Sunday before, there is a full dress rehearsal.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 9A, the Division Street litigation matter, would be tabled.

NEW BUSINESS

None

OLD BUSINESS

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

John Dwyer comment on the great New Hope Gazette article about Geri, who was named Citizen of the Year.

Jan Witte of North Main Street commented that the Mayor mentioned at the last meeting there would be a video presentation for the new voting machines.

Richard Hirschfield answered that that was postponed and may be rescheduled at another location.

Roy Ziegler thanked Council for the discussion of the park name.

ADJOUNMENT