Regular Meeting of Borough Council
October 12, 2004
MINUTES

Council Vice President Sharyn Keiser called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.

PRESENT: Sharyn Keiser, Jake Fell, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Randy Flager, Rey Velasco, Mayor Larry Keller, Solicitor Colin Jenei, and Manager John Burke.

ABSENT: Richard Hirschfield

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the September 14, 2004 Council meeting.

Ed Duffy motioned to approve the September 14, 2004 Council minutes and Randy Flager seconded.

Sharyn Keiser commented that on the bottom of page 2 in the last sentence where it says, “Union Square has agreed to actively promote the use of the lot through additional signage and has to comply with the requirements of New Hope, Solebury and the Commonwealth for additional signs,” and where it states, “We are,” change that to “New Hope Borough.”

The motion with the change requested by Vice President Keiser passed unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller announced that he wanted to talk briefly about Hurricane Ivan during the weekend of September 18, 2004. The Fire Company, the Police Department, the Public Works Department, and the Rescue Squad did a great job as they did in 1999. The difference for him compared to 1999 was the New Hope Borough Council members, who were out there and down on the streets helping residents, the Borough Manager, John Burke, and Chief Rick Pasqualini with their experience, expertise and leadership in pulling New Hope Borough through this disaster.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Sharyn Keiser read a letter from a resident of Waterworks commending all the emergency service organizations for their efforts.

Sharyn Keiser announced the emergency service organizations and people honored as follows:

New Hope Eagle Fire Company
Chief Tom Markey, Borough Emergency Management Coordinator

Fire Company Management Team
President, Fred Williamson, Borough Fire Marshal
Frank Cosner, Fire Company Director
Daryl Jurbala, Lieutenant

Lambertville New Hope Ambulance Rescue Squad
Lieutenant Brian Skillman
Chief Joseph Ent
President Robert Brown

New Hope Police Department
Chief Rick Pasqualini S.R.T. member
Corporal Frank Deluca

Department of Public Works
Tom Carroll

New Hope Borough Hall
John Burke, Borough Manager

Sharyn Keiser at this time read the Proclamation awarded to all the people and emergency service organizations mentioned. (A copy of the Proclamation is attached to these minutes.)

Sharyn Keiser thanked John Burke for writing the Proclamation.

Randy Flager commented that he was very impressed by the organization of the emergency services groups and by the conduct of our residents during the flood. Joe Knox and Rick Sweeney were also thanked for volunteering two shifts to help the Police Department.

Sharyn Keiser asked for consideration of reappointing Thomas Markey, Chief of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, as Emergency Management Coordinator.

Randy Flager motioned to appoint Chief Tom Markey as Emergency Management Coordinator and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Sharyn Keiser read a letter from Fred Williamson, dated September 29, 2004 (attached to these minutes) recommending Daryl Jurbala, a Lieutenant in the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, as Assistant Fire Marshal (FM 249-2.)

Randy Flager motioned to approve the appointment and Jake Fell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to adopt Resolution # 2004-22 approving a New Hope Borough updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP.)

Geraldine Delevich motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-22 and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed with all in favor.

Sharyn Keiser asked Roy Ziegler, President of Partners in Progress, to come forward to present Certificate of Appreciation plaques honoring the New Hope Borough Police Department and the Public Works Department and presenting a contribution to the Police Department’s Special Response Team.

Roy Ziegler presented the awards to Chief Rick Pasqualini and Tom Carroll and a contribution to the S.R.T. Team of $350.00, thanking them and Corporal Deluca for all their efforts during the flood. Roy Ziegler also invited the public to a meeting by PIP at the Library at 7:00 P.M., November 17, 2004, for a special presentation honoring the Fire Department and the Rescue Squad for their service during the flood and to also present PIP’s annual contribution to these organizations.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #2004-23 supporting the Delaware River Basin Commission’s proposed Rulemaking Amendments to provide Special Protection Waters Designation for the Lower Delaware River.

Randy Flager motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-23 and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Sharyn Keiser asked for consideration of Resolution #2004-24, designating the Borough Manager as agent for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance for damages resulting from Hurricane Ivan pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act.

Rey Velasco motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-24 and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of payment of accounts payable for October 12, 2004, in the amount of $64,801.24; for the payroll of September 15, 2004, in the amount of $40,380.58; and for the payroll of September 29, 2004, in the amount of $62,701.90.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to approve the payment of the Accounts Payable and the payrolls.

Jake Fell motioned to approve the payment of the Accounts Payable and the payrolls and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the Assistant Borough Manager & Treasurer to file civil complaints and to pay court filing fees in order to collect certain business privilege taxes and other amounts owed to the Borough. Mr. Burke explained that some of the delinquent taxes had been paid since the Treasurer prepared the list before Council this evening. The revised total for the Business Privilege Tax is $2,835.00 and the grand total including the attempt to recover funds for damage to a traffic signal is $4,482.00.

Randy Flager motioned to approve the collection of the funds and Jake Fell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority has agreed to extend the initial 90 day period, during which the connection fee to the public water system has been reduced, from October 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004 for all Borough residents who are in a position to connect to the new water supply system.

John Burke recommended to Borough Council that the Borough continue to waive the water connection permit fee of $125.00 up to and including December 31, 2004.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to waive the Borough’s water system connection permit fees up to and including December 31, 2004.

Randy Flager motioned to waive the Borough’s connection permit fees up to and including December 31, 2004 and Geraldine Delevich seconded.

Joe Balderston asked what the Bucks County Water Sewer Authority fee is.

John Burke answered that connection costs from the County are $1,500.00 and will continue to be $1,500.00 until December 31, 2004 after that it goes up to $2,950.00.

John Burke commented that the area that is south of the bridge on Main Street at the Playhouse is eligible for the connection. Next year, when Phase II property owners are notified of the availability of public water, the County will again offer the discounted rate for the first 90 days at $1,500.00 and at that time Council will be asked to extend the waiver for the Borough connection permit fee.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke recommended that Council waive any permit fees for the repair of structures damaged in the flood only. John Burke also asked that all residents still apply for the permits so the Borough can inspect the construction to make sure it meets the codes.

Randy Flager motioned to waive all flood-related permit fees and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PLANNING, ZONING AND HARB

Rey Velasco asked for consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1 North Main Street for installation of a railing to be installed on the third floor on the north side of the building around the small porch.

Ed Duffy motioned to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1 North Main Street and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Rey Velasco asked for consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 15 East Bridge Street for phase 1 building renovations.

Ed Duffy motioned to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 15 East Bridge Street for a renovation called Phase I of the original building only and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Rey Velasco asked for consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness for John Neville Byers, located on 11 Fisher’s Alley for the replacement of a fence with a masonry wall.

Ed Duffy motioned for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 11 Fisher’s Alley and Randy Flager seconded.

Joe Balderston asked if the wall was built already.

John Burke answered, yes.

The motion passed unanimously.

Randy Flager motioned to approve the New Hope GLBT Celebration Weekend to hang a flag/banner, 25’ x 16,’ on the Star Bucks building facing North Main Street from October 22nd – the 24th.

Geraldine Delevich asked to amend the motion as follows: that if the flag/banner cannot be hung on the Star Bucks building, then the Love Saves The Day building would be the back up building and the flag/banner would face Bridge Street.

Randy Flager motioned to allow the flag/banner on the Star Bucks building facing North Main Street or on the Love Saves The Day building facing Bridge Street for the announcement of the celebratory weekend of October 22nd to the 24th for the GLBT Celebration including the waiving of all applicable fees and Geraldine Delevich seconded.

Joe Balderston asked if the banner was 25 feet long by 16 feet high.

Geraldine Delevich answered yes, and that this was part of a flag that was originally a mile long and was on a street in Key West.

Joe Balderston commented that there should be a size limitation to the banners.

Bob Gerenser offered that if the banner needs a home, that the GBLT could use his building on Bridge and Stockton Avenue over looking the canal.

Randy Flager motioned to allow the flag/banner on the Star Bucks building facing North Main Street or the Love Saves The Day building facing Bridge Street or Bob Gerenser’s building on Stockton Avenue above the balcony facing the canal for the announcement of the celebratory weekend of October 22nd to the 24th for the GLBT Celebration including the waiving of all applicable fees and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

RECREATION BOARD

Sharyn Keiser announced the success of the Recreation Board’s first fund raising event, the Ferry Street Park ribbon cutting, and thanked Jim McGinniss, Gay Holloway, Earl and June Bierman, Roy Ziegler and the Public Works Department for all their efforts especially in getting the park ready for the dedication after the flood.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Geraldine Delevich asked if the Shade Tree Commission could have a back up since there are two applications and only one vacancy left on that Board.

Randy Flager commented that the ordinance has to be revised if an alternate were to be placed on the Commission.

John Burke commented that there are three positions for the Shade Tree Commission. The ordinance could be amended to allow an alternate.

Colin Jenei commented that he sees no problem with an alternate.

John Burke commented that the ordinance could be amended next month, formally.

Colin Jenei commented that rather than get into a discussion of the qualities of the individuals, Council may wish instead to go by the date when each letter was received. One member could be appointed tonight and with the new ordinance, the other person could be the alternate.

Geraldine Delevich motioned to appoint Mike Antonaccio of 119 Pinewood Circle, in Riverwoods to the Shade Tree Commission and, as an alternate, Bill Kiefer of 240 South Main Street and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Geraldine Delevich announced the September summary for the Visitors Center:

Geraldine Delevich introduced Mark Mitchell from the Human Rights Campaign of the Philadelphia Region.

Mark Mitchell read a letter from the Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign. (Attached to these minutes.)

Geraldine Delevich announced members who recently joined the HRC: Mayor Larry Keller, Borough Solicitor Colin Jenei, Borough Manager John Burke, and Chief Pasqualini.

Geraldine Delevich announced not to forget the “Somewhere over the Rainbow” weekend of October 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

Rey Velasco announced the Hoe Down scheduled at the Eagle Fire Company on Thursday, October 14, 2004, sponsored by Partners in Progress. Tickets are $30.00 and will be available for purchase after this meeting.

Rey Velasco stated there is a clean up of the canal due to the flood every Saturday in the month of October at 8:00 A.M. meeting in the rear parking lot of Phillips Mill. Anyone interested in helping can call 215 862 2021 or just be there.

POLICE COMMITTEE REPORT

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to hire Michael P. Vecchio as a part-time Parking Enforcement Officer at a rate of $13.00 per hour.

Randy Flager motioned to hire Michael P. Vecchio and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS

Sharyn Keiser announced Jake Fell’s recent 80th birthday.

Jake Fell asked for consideration of approving a salt bid from the state cooperative purchasing program in the amount of $2,407.80.

Geraldine Delevich motioned for approval of the state cooperative purchasing salt bid and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Ed Duffy encouraged the public to be active in the process involving the 15 East Bridge Street project and to come to the meetings.

NEW BUSINESS

Bob Gerenser asked Council’s permission for the annual Monroe Crossing event and to hang a banner from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving until December 12, 2004. The event is December 11, 2004 and a parade will take place, and he will provide the necessary paper work.

Chief Pasqualini asked Council to direct him to get the parade permit from PADOT and to apply for it this week.

Rey Velasco asked who makes the decision if you cross the river or not and what is the Borough’s liability?

Colin Jenei answered that New Hope is not sponsoring the Monroe event and is not liable for the river.

Bob Gerenser answered that he has a license from the United States Coast Guard.

Sharyn Keiser asked if the portion of the fence facing the river at Ferry Landing is removable? No one knew the answer.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion.

Randy Flager motioned to approve the 2004 Monroe’s Crossing and parade, closing down the appropriate sections of town so that the parade can begin at noon at Odette’s. The Chief will coordinate obtaining the proper permits from PADOT to march north on North Main Street ending on East Ferry Street, where the Monroe Crossing program will begin. The banner will be hung across East Bridge Street until the day of the event and the motion is conditioned upon execution of a hold harmless agreement, the provision of a Certificate of Insurance that is acceptable to the Borough Manager, and all necessary permits including from PADOT. Jake Fell seconded.

Jim McGinniss asked should the Recreation Board be involved in the usage of the Ferry Street Park.

Colin Jenei stated that there is a citizens right to assemble and we cannot infringe on that right. The idea is that a Borough can make rules for the assembly at the park to keep it orderly and impose requirements to make sure of liability insurance.

The motion passed unanimously.

Joe Balderston suggested that all members of the Fire Department get a free pass to park anywhere in the Borough of New Hope.

Sharyn Keiser answered that Council would take that into consideration.

Joe Balderston commented that the County Authority got involved in the sewage problem on Fisher’s Alley. The result was that the work was supposed to be done in September and nothing has been done. Has the Borough received any communication on this?

John Burke answered that he met recently with the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority and the project has been delayed because they went out to bid in August and received no bids and had to bid the project again.

Joe Balderston complained that the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority is not installing the sidewalk bricks back properly.

John Burke answered that he contacted the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority and they told him they will contact the contractor to get them back to do the work properly during the 18 month maintenance bond period. This is a bond that guarantees the structural integrity of the improvements completed by the contractor.

Sharyn Keiser commented that John Burke will contact Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority and apply some pressure to get this remedied.

Jim McGinniss thanked JoAnn Connell for her talent and time in helping all the boards, committees, and Council with the many projects in the Borough.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to adjourn.

Randy Flager motioned to adjourn and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.