Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH
Regular Meeting of Borough Council
December 14, 2004
MINUTES

Richard Hirschfield called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

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

ABSENT:

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 9. 2004. Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve the minutes of November 9, 2004, with an amendment to page 6 stating that George Michael asked Council if it would consider the 73 New Street application as a preliminary/final application if he agreed to modify the plan to show the installation of brick pavers in the driveways and turnaround areas. Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller had nothing to report.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield thanked the New Hope Chamber of Commerce for its generous financial assistance to the Borough in helping to defray emergency management expenses resulting from Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

Richard Hirschfield introduced Alex Van Dyke, P.E. of Gilmore and Associates who presented the scope, construction schedule and status of the phase II Bucks County Water System Project.

Mr. Van Dyke commented that Phase II began December 13, 2004 on Old York Road and Kiltie Drive and will move at a rate of 100 feet a day. The work will be stopping between Christmas and New Year’s and will commence the first week of January on Bridge Street at the upper end working to the downtown area and up to the Borough line. Phase II should be completed by Spring 2005.

Jan Witte asked if the sidewalks will be returned to their original condition.

Mr. Van Dyke answered that the sidewalks will not be involved.

Bob Gerenser asked if anyone will be forced to hook up to public water.

Richard Hirschfield answered no, but stated that the County Board of Health requires connections for restaurants.

Richard Hirschfield opened a public hearing to consider the adoption of the 2005 budget. There was no public comment. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt the 2005 budget and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the budget was a smooth process this year due to John Burke Borough Manager, Janell Hammond Assistant Borough Manager, and Chief Pasqualini.

Richard Hirschfield opened a public hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinance # 2004-18, establishing the real estate tax levy for 2005. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt Ordinance # 2004-18 and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration to adopt Resolution #2004-32R, awarding the 2005 Tax Anticipation Loan to PNC Bank. Ed Duffy motioned to adopt Resolution # 2004-32R and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of appointments to the following advisory boards and commissions and nominated the following individuals.

Historic & Architectural Review Board (3 year term)
Gerard Higgins

Planning Commission (4 year term)
Dennis Wise
Lou Saltrelli

Zoning Hearing Board (5 Year term)
Laura Hahn
Steve Stahl

Rey Flager motioned to approve all appointments to the advisory boards and commissions and Jake Fell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration to approve payment of accounts payable for December 14, 2004, in the amount of $56,446.62; of payroll for November 10, 2004, in the amount of $41,151.48; and of payroll for December 8, 2004, in the amount of $40,125.81. Sharyn Keiser motioned to approve the accounts payable and payrolls amounts and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of adopting Resolution # 2004-29R, establishing a $100 fee for registration of certain contractors. Mr. Burke explained that Council, last month, adopted an ordinance requiring all contractors to register with the Borough starting January 1, 2005. This resolution establishes the annual fee for registration. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-29R and Rey Valesco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke opened a public hearing to consider adopting Ordinance # 2004-20, establishing the Office of the Fire Marshall. Mr. Burke explained that this ordinance formally establishes the Office of Fire marshal in the Borough and sets forth the powers and duties of this position. Randy Flager motioned to approve Ordinance #2004-20 and Rey Valesco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke opened a public hearing to consider adopting Ordinance #2004-31R, establishing compensation for the Office of Fire Marshall. Mr. Burke explained that this ordinance establishes the annual compensation for Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshals. Randy Flager motioned to adopt Ordinance #2004-31R and Jake Fell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield opened a public hearing to consider adopting Ordinance #2004-19, establishing an annual fire safety inspection and permit program. Mr. Burke explained that this ordinance establishes a requirement for annual fire safety inspections by the Fire Marshal in assembly, business, educational, factory, high-hazard, institutional, mercantile, storage, and miscellaneous occupancies in the Borough. Certain types of multi-family residential occupancies, excluding living spaces, will also be subject to annual inspections of common areas, such as lobbies, halls, mechanical spaces, etc. Rey Velasco motioned to adopt Ordinance #2004-19 and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for the consideration to adopt Resolution #2004-28R, establishing a fee schedule for construction and operational permits issued pursuant to the Fire Code. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-28R and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for the consideration of adopting Resolution #2004-30R, establishing a fee schedule for the Annual Fire Safety Inspection and Permit Program. Mr. Burke stated that the proposed fee schedule is identical to the current fee schedule in Solebury Township. Sharyn Keiser motioned to adopt Resolution #2004-30R and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

HARB

Ed Duffy asked for consideration of approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for the following locations.

1. “90 Main” of 90 South Main Street, for the installation of a temporary shed. Ed Duffy motioned for approval and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2. John Byers of 20 Fisher’s Alley for the installation of a fence. Ed Duffy motioned for approval and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3. New Hope Borough of 41 North Main Street for the installation of a wood window. Ed Duffy motioned for approval and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Steve Grabowski of 15 East Bridge Street for exterior modifications to the original building only; phase I. Rey Velasco motioned for approval and Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5. The Logan Inn of 10 West Ferry Street for the removal and replacement of an existing roof with an “A” frame roof to be constructed over the Garden Dining Room area. Rey Velasco motioned for approval and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed unanimously conditioned upon clarifying what area the utilities were to be moved to on the ground level.

6. Thomas Smyth of 96 New Street for replacement of existing roof, gutters, installation of a brick paver, installation of a roll up door and exterior painting. Rey Velasco motioned for approval and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion passed by a 6 to 0 vote. Councillor Flager briefly left the public meeting room and did not vote on this application.

Richard Hirschfield introduced Chris Bollenbacher to present a conceptual plan for the development of T.M.P. #27-010-123 located at 13 East Randolph Street for use as a breakfast restaurant. Chris Bollenbacher, who presently owns The Landing, mentioned that the breakfast restaurant would serve between the hours of 6 A.M. to 11 A.M. to serve locals and The Landing would open for lunch at 11 A.M. The plan presented was as follows.

Room #1 will remain a garage for storage of an automobile.
Room #2 will be used for storage of restaurant products for The Landing.
Room #3 will be the restaurant, approximately 39’ x 24’, with a center cooking area and 24-28 stools (or as many as will comfortably fit) at the counter surrounding the open cooking area.
Room #4 will remain empty at first with plans of adding some additional seating in the future.
Room #5 will be made into bathrooms following a request for a 7 ft. addition.
Room #6 will remain a private area to be used for a maintenance room and tool storage to service the two restaurants.
Room #7 and Room #8 will be a future request in order to add a vestibule and storage for paper products.

Mr. Bollenbacher feels that these expanded facilities would offer improved service to the public, with the expanded bathrooms exceeding the requirements for the 24-seat breakfast restaurant. The additional bathrooms would be available for tourists visiting in the Borough, as well as customers. There are also plans to serve free coffee to encourage the public to donate to the New Hope Eagle Fire Company.

Council member comments were very favorable. Individual Council members encouraged Mr. Bollenbacher to proceed with a formal application.

PLANNING

Ed Duffy motioned to approve a preliminary/final plan application for a lot line change, submitted by Laurence D. Keller, for T.M.P. #’s 27-10-36 and 27-10-123 located on West Ferry Street in the RB Urban Residential zoning district. (Review period expires: March 6, 2005.) The Borough Engineer, Craig Kennard, provided a brief explanation of the application, which seeks to make a minor lot line change to two existing, adjacent properties with a land swap of less than 200 sq. ft. No changes in existing uses are proposed. Randy Flager seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

George Michael explained that he is seeking to change a condition of plan approval for his 73 New Street Project. The condition would require him to install a grinder pump and force main to service lot #5. He stated that a grinder pump is a mechanical system subject to failure. He is proposing to install a gravity system for lot #5. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to allow Mr. Michael to install the proposed gravity system

Richard Hirschfield asked John Burke to provide language for a motion to approve Mr. Michael’s request.

John Burke offered a motion to amend the conditions of plan approval, as stated in the letter of the Borough Manager, dated November 17, 2004, by deleting in its entirety condition of approval number 14 and substituting in its place the following:

"14. The applicant shall construct a gravity sewer system by installing separate laterals for lots #4 and #5 to the rear of said lots, then along the side of lot #4 to the nearest connection point to the sewerage collection system of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. The design of this gravity system shall be reviewed and approved by the Borough Engineer and the Authority. The applicant shall create and record the necessary easements for this gravity system as part of the record plan, with the form and language of said easements subject to the approval of the Borough Solicitor and Borough Engineer. In addition, the Borough Council has agreed to waive the requirements of Section 5.04, B and D of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance with respect to easements, subject to the Borough Engineer’s approval of the design of the gravity system.”

All other terms and conditions of the November 17, 2004 letter of conditional plan approval shall remain in full force and effect without change or amendment.

Ed Duffy motioned to grant the change in condition #14 based upon the motion offered by Mr. Burke.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mr. Michael to please state for the record that he agrees with all the conditions contained stated in the motion.

Mr. Michael stated: “For the record I agree with all the terms and conditions stated in the motion.”

Randy Flager seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield introduced Tom Scannapieco, who made a presentation with respect to a tract of land known as T.M.P. 27-004-002 located on Route 202, and asked for Council’s feedback. Mr. Scannapieco passed out an aerial view of the parcel and mentioned that the property is 23 acres, is located within New Hope Borough, and is currently under an Agreement of Sale. He is calling the proposed development “Rabbit Run.” The parcel is close to public water and sewer and is buffered from Rt. 202 by trees. It is located close to the “back door” entrance to the Borough parking lot at Union Square and will provide easy access to shopping and restaurant use. Mr. Scannapieco felt that he could develop empty nester units at this location that would have a positive impact on New Hope Borough by supporting restaurants, retail uses, and with no burden on the school system because the projected clientele will have no children. The units would go for approximately $600,000 to 700,000 with four units per acre, totaling 84 units. Each unit would be four stories high, with the bottom story reserved for parking. A change in the zoning of the tract would be necessary to implement this plan.

Council’s concerns were that they would like to maintain as much open space as possible and have less density in keeping with the current zoning of the tract. There was also concern about the amount of traffic this would generate and the threat of harm to the wetlands on the tract.

RECREATION BOARD

Sharyn Keiser announced that the Recreation Board has been very productive with various events to raise money to improve our parks. The next project is a letter to all Borough property owners, which will allow people to purchase park benches, trees, etc. to be placed in Borough open space lands. Sharyn thanked Earl Bierman and the committee for all their efforts.

Sharyn Keiser also announced that New Hope will receive a percentage of the revenues from the Winter Festival this year since we now have a Recreation Board in place.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Geraldine Delevich announced the monthly report for November from the Visitors Center.

Visitor’s-928
Calls-528
Donations-$675.00
Sales-$52.00

Geraldine Delevich announced that there was a recent positive write up on New Hope in the Washington Post, and she is looking forward to sharing copies of it with Council members.

Rey Velasco reminded the public of the PIP holiday party that will be on December 14, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. at Havana’s and also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the wonderful holiday party they held recently at Odette’s.

PUBLIC WORKS

Jake Fell announced that the padlocks have arrived for the jail gates located at the Visitor’s Center and encouraged everyone to go over to glance at a piece of history.

Sharyn Keiser commented that the Public Works Department has already begun to salt roads and is maintaining them, as usual, very well.

POLICE

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of approving an amendment to the Employment Agreement between Chief Henry Pasqualini and the Borough. Randy Flager motioned to approve the amendment and Rey Valesco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration to authorize the solicitation of bids for the sale of 2 Club Car/Carry All vehicles. Rey Valesco motioned to approve and Jake Fell seconded. The motion passed unanimously,

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the purchase of a 2002 Ford Focus, which will be used as a police vehicle, from John Kennedy Subaru for a cost of $9,800.00. Rey Velasco motioned to approve the purchase and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

Bob Gerenser thanked Council and the Police Department for all their efforts to make the Monroe Crossing event a success this year.

ADJOURNMENT