Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH
Regular Meeting
MINUTES
December 13, 2005

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Rey Velasco, Jake Fell, Randy Flager, Mayor Larry Keller, Borough Manager John Burke, Borough Solicitor Colin Jenei, Assistant Borough Manager Janell Hammond, Chief Pasqualini and newly elected Councillor Clair Shaw.

ABSENT: None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 2005. Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2005 public meeting of the New Hope Borough Council.

Rey Velasco motioned to approve the November 15, 2005 minutes and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.

Jake Fell added that he was, in fact, present at the November 15, 2005 meeting.

Richard Hirschfield offered a motion to approve the November 15, 2005 minutes as amended to show that Jake Fell was present at the meeting.

The motion passed unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller received a letter this week from the New Hope Solebury Community Association and it reads as follows: “Dear Mayor, The New Hope Solebury Community Association is pleased to inform you that the treasured New Hope Automobile Show is back. Please save the dates of August 12th and 13th 2006 on the grounds of New Hope Solebury High School. The first show was held in 1957, attracting the finest display of antique automobiles. The desire has always been for family fun and entertainment. The mission has always been to provide student academic higher learning scholarships and the support of community programs. We look forward to seeing you in August of 2006. Sincerely, Joe McCeaver.”

Mayor Keller read a complimentary letter directed at a New Hope Police Officer and addressed to Chief Pasqualini. He also pointed out that this letter shows how important it is to have a female police officer on the force.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Officer Dawn Harrison and Sergeant Goss for the manner in which they handled a situation at my home last night. I thought someone was trying to get in the side door of my home and called 911 because the dog was barking like crazy at the door and I could hear someone outside. What I thought was an intruder turned out to be an ex-boyfriend using a complete lack of judgment and common sense by trying to wake me so that he wouldn’t have to drive his motorcycle home in the rain. Through the entire time at my house until they were able to discern what the true situation was Officer Harrison was able to keep me calm even though I was on the verge of making a decision to never sleep alone in the house again. Also, words cannot express how appreciative I am that a female officer was able to respond to my 911 call. Once again, please extend my heartfelt thanks to Officer Harrison and Sergeant Goss.”

Mayor Keller thanked Jake Fell for his service to the community. Jake has attended over 600 Borough Council meetings as a Council member and approximately served through 9 Council Presidents and 7 United States Presidents. Jake Fell did a tremendous job and has been a great friend and confidant.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield wanted to re-visit the BCWSA water project and hopefully clear up some confusing areas. Phase I of the water project was completed about a little more than a year ago and that is the area basically on the south part of town. People that are in Phase I have gotten several letters and notification to hook up to public water from BCWSA. They have been given several windows of opportunity to hook up with the introductory rate of $1,500 and the last period to hook up under the introductory rate expires December 31, 2005. If people have not gotten a letter from BCWSA about whether they are in Phase I, then you are in Phase II. Regardless of what may be in the newspaper, Ferry Street is not in Phase I, Ferry Street is in Phase II of the water project. Ferry Street residents do not have to hook up nor does anybody on the north part of town until they receive a letter from the BCWSA, and they will get the introductory rate of $1,500 for a period of 90 days. Residents in Phase II have the choice of running the pipe into their homes now by obtaining a permit from the Borough. However, you cannot hook it up to the water system at this time. This is just getting the piping into the house and capped off until public water is available. Mr. Hirschfield encouraged the public to hook up during the introductory rate because it will go from $1,500 to $7,200, plus $450 for the meter. Phase II water will be available sometime in March or shortly thereafter.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an Executive Session before the regular meeting to discuss two legal matters—the Begg and Dock Street litigation matters-- one of which is on the agenda tonight to be resolved.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there will be an Organization Meeting, as required by law, on January 3, 2006, which is the first Tuesday of the year at 7:00 P.M. at New Hope Solebury High School cafeteria to swear-in newly elected officials, including Clair Shaw for Council and the other Council members re-elected in November plus the Mayor and Tax Collector. At that time, new officers of Council will be elected and the committee, board and commission members, whose terms are expiring, will be appointed or reappointed.

Richard Hirschfield announced the next item on the agenda as approving a stipulation and order in settlement of Leslie T. Smith versus New Hope Borough (Bucks County Court of Common Pleas No. 02-06690), also known as the Dock Street litigation. This has been going on for about 2 years, with the Borough involved in a dispute over Dock Street, which is off South Main Street. The Courts cut ownership of the road in half and gave the Borough part of the road and the Smith’s the other. This stipulation has been negotiated and was approved by Judge Goldberg on December 1, 2005 and is before Council this evening for ratification.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the Dock Street stipulation and order.

Jake Fell motioned to approve the Dock Street stipulation and order. Ed Duffy seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced the presentation of a sketch plan for elevating above the level of the 100-year flood and other renovations at 10-16 East Mechanic Street. The applicant was asked to appear again before Council, prior to appearing before the Zoning Hearing Board, to address the concerns the Borough Council discussed at the last meeting. Council’s decision tonight will be to oppose, support, or remain neutral when the appeal is presented to the Zoning Hearing Board in an upcoming meeting.

Eric Toben, Esq. identified himself as the applicant’s counsel. Mr. Toben began by discussing a traffic study. The applicants’ engineers did send all the information to the Borough Traffic Engineer and from the discussions with the Borough Engineer, all is fine with what the applicant is proposing. The other major discussion was leaving room for pedestrians along the front of the building. They have altered the design along the front of the building so that where now there is a lot of landscaping and where under the staircase previously was a solid wall, it will now be hollowed out to give pedestrians a way to come in from the cartway. The staircase will be framed.

Richard Hirschfield announced a letter the Borough received from Gilmore and Associates listing six points and also addressing the pedestrian safety issue. An email from Craig Kennard, the Borough Engineer, also was received and concluded that emergency trucks can maneuver the turning movements at this intersection. A hold harmless agreement was discussed with the Borough, as well as the impervious surface issue, which now shows a reduction because they will treat the two tax parcels as a single lot. They also contacted the Riverkeeper, who told them there were no concerns.

Richard Hirschfield asked Eric Toben if he agreed to all the conditions outlined in the applicants’ engineer’s letter and the comments by the Borough Engineer.

Eric Toben answered “Yes, and if Mr. Jenei would send the hold harmless agreement the Borough wants, they will be happy to take a look at it and resolve it.”

Richard Hirschfield asked if there were any questions by Council on this matter or any public comment?

There was no response.

Richard Hirschfield thanked the applicant for being so responsive to the Borough’s concerns and asked for a motion by Council not to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board and to allow the Zoning Hearing Board to handle this application.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to allow the application to go before the Zoning Hearing Board unopposed by Council and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield stated for the record that this is a good project and further added that the minutes from these meetings can certainly be used before the Zoning Hearing Board and wished the applicants good luck.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of approving payment of accounts payable dated December 13, 2005 in the amount of $67,813.37; of payroll for November 23, 2005 in the amount of $41,547.29; and of payroll for December 7, 2005 in the amount of $43,172.95.

Randy Flager motioned to approve the accounts payables and payrolls and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of adopting the 2006 budget. There was a legal notice published in the November 17, 2005 issue of The New Hope Gazette, with a proof of publication signed by Nancy J.M. Pickering, that the budget has been available for public inspection since November 16, 2005. Tonight is the public hearing on the budget, as well as the following item for the adoption of the ordinance establishing the real estate tax rate for 2006.

Richard Hirschfield thanked John Burke, Borough Manager; Janell Hammond, Borough Treasurer; and the various department heads: Chief Pasqualini, Tom Carroll, and Larry Weikel of the Visitor’s Center for their efforts in putting the budget together.

Sharyn Keiser thanked Richard Hirschfield for all his great efforts putting the budget together.

Richard Hirschfield announced the budget is balanced as required by law. The budget has been available in the Borough for public inspection since the 16th of November. The total budget is about 3.4 million dollars, of that total about 1.2 million dollars are capital expenses for things like the Canal Walk and the Ferry Street Park. The net operating budget is 2.2 million dollars. To put that amount in perspective, that is an increase less than the rate of inflation over the last three years. The General Fund tax rate that pays salaries and the administrative staff and the Fire Protection and Library funds are remaining at 2005 levels. There was a slight increase in the Ambulance and Rescue Squad fund at the request of the Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad, changing the mileage from 0.125 to 0.25. The Street Light Fund was increased from 0.5 to 0.725. Last year, the Borough took on some additional expenses for lighting up in Riverwoods and Village II. The additional total cost of $16.59 a year to the average taxpayer in the Borough is much less than the rate of inflation, and the 2006 millage rate is less than what our tax rate was three years ago. In fact, we have had an annual increase of only about 1-1/2 % to 2 % over that three-year period. So the average taxpayer in New Hope will pay to the Borough $460.00 per year in 2006, not including what the County and the School District is paid. The Borough is trying to control costs as much as possible and maintain good services at the same time.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt the budget for 2006. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt the budget for 2006 and Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked if there were any comments from Council or public comment from the audience.

There was no response.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of adopting the real estate tax levy ordinance (#2005-12). This ordinance was advertised in The New Hope Gazette on November 17, 2005. The ordinance sets the real estate tax rate for each fund in 2006 as follows:

General Fund 7.000 mills
Fire Protection Fund 1.500 mills
Ambulance and Rescue Fund 0.250 mills
Library Fund 0.250 mills
Street Lighting Fund 0.725 mills
Total 9.725 mills for 2006

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt Ordinance #2005-12, establishing the 2006 real estate tax levy.

Geri Delevich motioned to adopt Ordinance #2005-12, establishing the 2006 real estate tax levy and Jake Fell seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for any questions or comments from the public or Council.

There was no response.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of adopting Resolution #2005-25R, authorizing and awarding the Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TAN) Series in 2006. There were two bids this year--one from the Quakertown National Bank for 3.5 %, plus a $650.00 processing fee, totaling $7,592.47. The second bid was the PNC Bank, which came in with 3.47% with no up front fees to be paid and interest for a total of $7,506.56.

Richard Hirschfield thanked Janelle Hammond for obtaining the competitive bids and saving the Borough approximately $1,400 in interest rates for next year. Richard asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #2005-25R to authorize the awarding of the Tan Loan for 2006 to PNC.

Rey Velasco motioned to adopt Resolution #2005-25R authorizing award of the Tan Loan for 2006 to PNC Bank. Jake Fell seconded.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the Tax Anticipation Note is what helps the Borough pay bills until the spring when the real estate taxes start coming in. In all the years that the Borough has been getting the note, there has not been an increase. It is still $200,000.

The motion passed unanimously.

HARB

Richard Hirschfield announced that there is nothing from HARB this evening because there was not a quorum for the last meeting.

PLANNING & ZONING

Richard Hirschfield asked Ed Duffy if there was anything to announce for planning and zoning.

Ed Duffy announced that the Canal Street project will be coming before the HARB Board on the 3rd of January and reminded the public to attend for review of the new plans.

RECREATION/REVITALIZATION BOARDS

Sharyn Keiser announced that there is a meeting of the Revitalization Committee on Monday, December 19, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at Borough Hall. There is also a School Board meeting on the same night at the high school, where they will be discussing the 6.8 million dollar addition to the school.

Sharyn Keiser announced the Recreation Board will not be meeting until March of 2006.

Sharyn Keiser announced three vacancies for alternate members of the Shade Tree Commission. The appointments and reappointments to the various advisory boards and commissions will take place on January 3, 2006.

Richard Hirschfield asked Earl Bierman to talk about the Winter Festival.

Earl Bierman announced that the Winter Festival would take place February 1st through February 4th, 2006 bringing various performances and events.

Richard Hirschfield asked the Mayor to identify the next speakers.

Mayor Larry Keller called upon the Eagle Fire Company Chief Tom Markey, Eagle Fire Company President, Fred Williamson, and Chris Bollenbacher, Captain of the Fire Police.

Fred Williamson presented Jake Fell with a lifetime award for active participation in the New Hope Eagle Fire Company and on Council. Mr. Williamson stated that Jake Fell has done an outstanding job for New Hope Borough and he could never be thanked enough for all the hours he has put in for the betterment of the community.

Richard Hirschfield commented that he has served with Jake for almost 6 years on Council now and that it has been a tremendous pleasure. Jake Fell was a tremendous asset to Council, who was loyal, dedicated, and knowledgeable. At this time Richard Hirschfield presented Jake Fell a plaque, with language as follows:

To Councilman Jake Fell
In gratitude
For more than 30 years of
Valuable and dedicated service
To The Borough of New Hope
Presented December 13, 2005
By New Hope Borough Council.

Sharyn Keiser asked Tom Carroll, Public Works Director, to please join Council up front.

Sharyn Keiser commented that Jake Fell is also “Mr. Public Works” and through Jake’s efforts in the Borough there is a public works facility. Jake Fell is the only person who knows the infrastructure and history of the Borough. The Public Works building will be dedicated to Jake Fell with the placement of a bronze plaque, with language as follows:

In Honor of Jake Fell
New Hope Born and Bred
As a Borough Councilman for Over 30 Years
And Supervisor of the New Hope Public Works Department.
Jake’s Contributions Have Been Invaluable and Enduring.
His Encyclopedic Knowledge of New Hope’s Infrastructure
Will Be Irreplaceable and the Community is
Deeply Grateful for His Service

Sharyn Keiser, Council, and the audience gave Jake Fell a heartfelt and lengthy standing ovation.

Richard Hirschfield and Sharyn Keiser asked Jake if he would like to say a few words.

Jake Fell commented that he came to New Hope October 1, 1924, liked it, and stayed. It has been a long road with a couple of bumps along the way. He leaves the Public Works Department in the good hands of Tom Carroll and a Council which he feels is the best New Hope has ever had, and he has gone through a few.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Rey Velasco announced the November summary for the Visitor’s Center:

Visitors 2, 966
Calls 471
Brochures 20
Sales $92.00
Donations $588.66

Rey Velasco thanked PIP for the successful 10 year celebration party.

Geri Delevich thanked PIP for a great community event reinforcing the fact that New Hope is an extended family.

Geri Delevich announced that the Monroe Crossing took place this year. Bob Gerenser made it across the river and it was a great success.

Geri Delevich thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the tree lighting ceremony and Pam & Carl Asplundh for the Logan tree.

Geri Delevich commented on Joe Balderston’s decorations on both of his buildings.

Geri Delevich stated the Borough of New Hope is going to be working in conjunction with the Saint Martin’s Catholic Church and the shul to make efforts to establish a volunteer organization called project H.O.P.E., which will be available to anyone in town in need of assistance. This project originally came from the Summit on Aging and will be expanded to anyone in the community. This could involve making meals for some, transporting someone to an appointment, visiting with home bound individuals and making phone calls to check up on someone, etc. Geri Delevich encouraged everyone to start thinking about what they could do for this new organization. More information will be available in the New Year at Borough Hall.

Geri Delevich wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and holiday greetings.

PUBLIC WORKS

Richard Hirschfield asked Jake Fell if he had any words for his last report.

Jake Fell responded by saying he has said it all.

Rey Velasco thanked the Public Works Department for the efficient job they did during the snow storm.

Sharyn Keiser commented that the Public Works heater broke down and Tom Carroll managed to repair it, since it was not in the budget.

Sharyn Keiser identified Elaine McNealy in the audience and thanked her for her participation in the Monroe Crossing event.

POLICE COMMITTEE

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration to approve the hiring of a part- time Police Officer James R. Rhodes at a rate of $15.00 per hour. This officer is certified and has an Associate’s Degree. This is for night and weekend coverage on South Main Street.

Randy Flager motioned to hire James R. Rhodes and Rey Velasco seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration to approve an amendment to the 2004 through 2008 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the New Hope Police Benevolent Association, Inc. The amendment is two fold. When the agreement was negotiated in 2003 there was a two level pay structure separating new officers from the officers that have been on the force a long time. New officers are hired at a lower rate allowing the Police Department to rely less on part timers. This worked for several years, but now the new police officer’s pay scale is not competitive and, in particular, less than our neighbor, Solebury Township. The amendment basically changes the salary scale for the three new officers who were hired after 6/1/03. They are Dawn Harrison, Rick Joyner and Keith Golder. The salaries would be increased $5,000 each year for three years for a total cost of $15,000 per year to the Borough. The salary schedule would also be amended to reduce the term of the lower salary level from 72 months to 60 months. This would be consistent with Solebury. The cost to the Borough over a three year period is approximately $70.00 per resident. The cost to recruit, test and hire a new officer is a minimum of $10,000-$15,000. The officers affected by this change stated they are very happy with this increase and would not consider leaving the New Hope force.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to amend the 2004 through 2008 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the New Hope Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

Randy Flager motioned to amend the 2004 through 2008 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the New Hope Police Benevolent Association, Inc., and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked if there was any public comment.

There was no response.

The motion passed 6-0-1, with Rey Velasco abstaining:

HIRSCHFIELD KEISER DUFFY DELEVICH VELASCO FELL FLAGER
Y Y Y Y ABSTAINED Y Y

Rey Velasco stated that he would abstain due to a conflict of interest.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Richard Hirschfield announced that he is resigning as President of Council effective immediately and asked the Mayor under state law to assume the meeting to elect a new President of Council.

Mayor Keller asked for nominations.

Richard Hirschfield nominated Jake Fell as President of New Hope Borough Council. Sharyn Keiser seconded the nomination. The motion passed unanimously.

Jake Fell assumed the President’s Chair.

Jake Fell asked if there was any Old Business.

There was no response.

Jake Fell asked if there was any public comment.

Joe Balderston thanked Jake Fell for all that he has done for New Hope Borough. Mr. Balderston mentioned that they served together on Council.

Joe Balderston thanked Borough Council for their help in getting Bucks County Water and Sewer to install brick pavers at the entrance to Fisher’s Alley.

Joe Balderston commented that he feels that the parking meter hours of operation are driving people away from New Hope, and he will be talking about this with Council in 2006.

Chief Tom Markey thanked Jake Fell for his many years of service to the Borough.

Robert Brown, President of the Lambertville New Hope Rescue Squad, thanked Borough Council for the increase in the 2006 budget for the squad. Mr. Brown added that this is the only rescue squad in Bucks County that does not charge for service. Currently, there is a paid crew during the day due to members not working close to the area. The amount of calls has increased and has forced the squad to hire two more paid people for Saturdays and Sundays during the daytime. This increase from the Borough will help pay for that and he thanked the Borough again.

Elaine McNealy commented that she would miss Jake Fell because in the past whenever she asked Jake a question, she got a straight answer.

Elaine McNealy, on behalf of Coryell’s Ferry, Bob Gerenser and herself thanked Ed Duffy, Sharyn Keiser, Geri Delevich and the Mayor for attending the Monroe Crossing event.

Jake Fell asked if there was any more public comment. There was no response. Mr. Fell then asked for a motion to adjourn.

Sharyn Keiser motioned to adjourn and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT