NEW HOPE BOROUGH

Regular Meeting of Borough Council

October 14, 2003

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Jake Fell, Geraldine Delevich, Ed Duffy, Randy Flager, Mayor Larry Keller, Solicitor Colin Jenei, and Acting Borough Manager Janell Hammond.

ABSENT: Sandy Trappen

APPROVAL OF REVISED MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2003: Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an executive session before the meeting tonight.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Regular Council meeting originally scheduled for November 11, 2003 has been moved to November 18, 2003 due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor Keller announced at the last meeting there was supposed to be noise and emission checks in the Borough on Sundays but, due to the weather they have been postponed until later this fall.

Fred Williamson, Fire Marshall, asked to formally read a letter on behalf of Mayor Keller supporting his efforts for performing Wedding Ceremonies. (Attached to the back of the minutes.)

Richard Hirschfield agreed with the letter and stated that the issue has been handled irresponsibility by the Intelligencer. He is also concerned that doing the weddings without guidelines puts the Mayor at personal and financial risk and he should consider this before performing any future weddings.

Randy Flager also felt that the intelligencer handled this carelessly and supported the Mayor.

Sharyn Keiser agreed with everything said on behalf of the Mayor and also added how grateful she is to have a Mayor who attends every function in the Borough showing more effort than any mayor before him.

Steve Stahl expressed his support for the Mayor.

Elaine McNealy expressed this is more a State issue and not an Intelligencer issue. People should write the State and voice their opinion not go after a newspaper.

Larry Keller stated that he cannot discuss this issue at this time because it is under appeal.

Colin Jenei stated “It is an honor to work for a Borough Council where the biggest piece of gossip and the biggest scandal is that the Mayor is raising money for charity.”

Doro Kerr agrees with all the people supporting the Mayor and suggested a separate account be set up for the Weddings.

COUNCIL PRESIDENTS REPORT:

Richard Hirschfield recommended appointing Burton and Browse, as the Borough Auditors for fiscal 2003 at a rate not to exceed $4,965.00. Jake Fell made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Richard Hirschfield recommended the adoption of Resolution #2003-15 allowing Janell Hammond to participate in the PSAB Borough Management Caucus at a $10.00 annual fee yearly. Randy Flager made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

MANAGER’S REPORT:

Janell Hammond recommended approval of Accounts Payable for October 14, 2003 in the amount of $73,865.68. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Janell Hammond recommended approval of the Borough Payroll for September 17, 2003 in the amount of $55,013.89. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Janell Hammond recommended approval of the Borough Payroll for October 1, 2003 in the amount of $38,248.47. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

PLANNING:

Nothing to report.

ZONING:

Richard Hirschfield made the motion for Union Square to consider revising the sign Ordinance in the K-1 coordinated Development Zone permitting Union Square to submit a revised sign ordinance for the K-1 coordinated Development Zone to the Zoning Hearing Board, The Bucks County Planning Commission, The New Hope Planning Commission, HARB and Council. This is to permit the process to take place not to approve any application. Ed Duffy made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Richard Hirschfield stated that Council is recommending a new policy that all Zoning applications come before Council first so a determination can be made either to oppose the application or not comment on it.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a recommendation to oppose the Zoning application of Mr. Savioni on 8 South Main Street. There are concerns that the food store will cause traffic issues. It was recommended that the Borough Solicitor review the application and represent the Borough at the proposed Zoning meeting.

Richard Hirschfield asked Colin Jenei for his comments.

Colin Jenei stated that the building is owned by Mr. Savioni and the type of restaurant he wants to put in is sandwich based and served in quick manner. It is his understanding that Mr. Savioni needs a variance for parking issues, seating and dimensional changes.

Richard Hirschfield mentioned that he has two concerns with this Zoning application. One is the trash and the other is the parking when food is being picked up which could cause a problem at that corner.

HARB:

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Logan Inn for a one month extension on a tent with no roll downs. Jake Fell seconded and the vote was passed with all in favor.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Aura Krajewski of 106 New Street on exterior painting with the condition she come back to HARB for accent color and the placement of it. Randy Flager seconded and the vote was passed with all in favor.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Ciro & Karen Torina of 59 West Mechanic Street for an installation of a wrought iron fence on top of bluestone. Jake Fell seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness of 14 & 16 South Main Street for Siding. Ed Duffy seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

Sharyn Keiser made motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Grover Stults of 10, 12, & 14 East Randolph Street for the demolition of an existing deck and the reconstruction of a new one. Geraldine Delevich seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

REVITALIZATION:

Sharyn Keiser announced that there was a meeting with Rob Loughery and she went over the plans for the Canal Walk and the signage used throughout the town to lead people to the historic sites, business areas, and art galleries. There is a grant for the signage from the Delaware Leigh National Heritage Corridor Commission. The Committee is still working on all the approvals from PENN DOT, the partnership with the Canal, and the railroad.

The committee is also working on the Randolph and Ferry Street projects and Sharyn thanked all the members of the committee for their dedication and efforts to achieve all these grants.

June Bierman made a comment on the bad fumes coming from the Randolph Street sewage area.

Sharyn Keiser commented that this topic was brought up at a Revitalization Meeting and at the last Council Meeting. Sharyn Keiser took the concern to Janell Hammond and asked her to discuss the outcome of that.

Janell Hammond mentioned she spoke to Patrick Cleary from Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority who deals with the communities directly. The sewers are treated with enzymes and when the temperature goes under a certain level, the enzymes are not effective but the fumes are less likely to occur. The system has been flushed out and new floaters installed which are directed right to their computer systems indicating when they need to dispatch someone to correct the situation. Janell Hammond also told Mr. Cleary about the grant for East Randolph Street and if he could coordinate the sewage project before the East Randolph Street project it would save the road from being pulled up twice. Janell is now waiting to hear of the results of that conversation.

Geraldine Delevich asked what Bucks County Water and Sewer can do to help the Ferry Street project.

Janell Hammond answered that she will need a few days to find that information out.

Sid, a resident made a comment but it was lost due to the fact he did not speak into the microphone.

Jane Caprio Stated “the odor is not apparent at certain times of the day but, when they are present they are repugnant and does not feel that the floaters are effective after two days.”

Janell Hammond responded that she will call every time there is an odor.

Grover Stults also made a comment about the sewer odor.

Jake Fell Stated “The new pump was built on the Bridge Commission Property which is also owned by two states. The County also has blocks which have caused the project not to move forward.”

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:

Geraldine Delevich asked for a motion for the Michener Art Museum to hang a banner across Bridge Street that will announce the grand opening to the community which will be hung Friday, November 21, 2003 to January 2, 2004. Randy Flager made the motion and Geraldine Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield stated that there is a new procedure which requires a permit from PENN DOT when hanging a banner over a State highway. The permit only allows approval for 21 days so the applicant is required to come back before Council to get an extension. The approval given tonight will take the applicant up to December 12, 2003 where another permit application will be required.

The motion was passed with all in favor.

Geraldine Delevich asked for a motion from the Chamber of Commerce for the traditional holiday parking Monday through Thursday for the period beginning Monday, December 1, 2003 through Wednesday, December 24, 2003. Randy Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield announced that this traditional Holiday parking was not run efficiently in the past. A large number of stickers were not taken off the meters resulting in loss of meter revenue.

Sid brought a sample of the bags that will be put on the meters.

Richard Hirschfield stated “The Council is concerned that the bags must be taken down by 10:00 AM on Friday morning so the Borough does not lose meter revenue.”

Mayor Keller asked if the Chamber can take the bags down Thursday night.

Sid did not talk into the microphone and the dialog was lost.

The motion was passed with all in favor.

Geraldine Delevich asked for a motion on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce that the Ferry Street be blocked off from Main Street to Stockton from 5PM to 6 PM. This is for the traditional parade and tree lighting on November 30, 2003 at 6 PM and the meters will be bagged at 3:00 PM. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

Geraldine Delevich announced she would like to request approval for another Monroe Crossing and asked Bob Gerenser to elaborate.

Bob Gerenser asked for Council’s approval for the Monroe Crossing of the Delaware River on Saturday, December 13, 2003. Formation will start at Odette’s at 11:30 AM and the parade steps off on South Main Street turning right onto East Ferry Street where the presentation for the public will take place having the Lieutenant cross the Delaware, weather permitting. Mr. Gerenser would like to hang up a banner and be on the agenda for the next meeting with that request.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for approval. Randy Flager made the motion and Geraldine Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield stated to Mr. Gerenser that he needs prior approval from PENN DOT, the property owner, Council and a Certificate of Insurance before the event.

The motion was passed with all in favor.

Geraldine Delevich announced that the Independent Merchants would like to discuss the Halloween Party.

Caroline Dechert announced that the independent Merchants are planning to hold their Pumpkin Ball on October 31, 2003 at the Eagle Fire Hall from 7:00-10:00PM. There will be awards for various categories and the tickets are $20.00 per person, $35.00 per couple, and $175.00 per table of ten. A portion of the money will be going to the Independent Merchants and F.A.C.T. Tickets are on sale at Possum’s and Hello Gorgeous.

Caroline Dechert announced that the coupon book will be distributed again this year with two new locations added which is Giant and Clemens.

Geraldine Delevich announced the summary for the New Hope Visitors Center for October as follows;

• Visitors: 3,365
• Donations: $733.61
• Phone Calls: 722

Geraldine Delevich announced an Art Deco on the road show coming up sponsored by Herb Millman and John Dwyer. There will be a live audience and will be at the New Hope Fire House on Monday October 20, 2003.

Geraldine Delevich announced a High Heel Drag Race which will be held on October 27, 2003 at 7:00PM which will start at Union Square in front of Triumph Brewery.

Geraldine Delevich thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the donation of $1,500.00 for the Visitors Center.

Geraldine Delevich invited everyone to the Triumph Brewery for a celebration of the New Hope’s First Anniversary on the Discrimination Ordinance. There will be a debut of the film “Liberty and Justice for All,” by New Hope film maker Tim McNutury.

PUBLIC WORKS

Jake Fell asked for a motion to recommend the appointment of Jason Raynor of 565 Hulmevile Road Langhorne, PA for the position of General Laborer at $13.00 per hour. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

POLICE:

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to appoint Gordon Nieburg of 122 Riverwoods Drive for another term on the Civil Service Commission expiring December 31, 2009. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

Jan Witte complimented the Mayor on his contribution to the community and considered him an asset. She agreed with Doro Kerr’s comment earlier in the evening, that the Mayor should have a separate bank account.

Steve Stahl agreed with Jan Witte.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the Ethic Commission has to accept this.

Carolyn Decker had a request that the Borough Web Site be updated.

ADJOURNMENT