Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
180 WEST BRIDGE STREET
Regular Meeting
MINUTES
December 19, 2007

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Rey Velasco, Randall Flager, Claire Shaw, Mayor Laurence Keller, Borough Manager John Burke, Borough Engineers Craig Kennard and Kurt Schroeder.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller wished everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was not an Executive Session before the regular meeting this evening.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Borough received information from PennDOT that the speed limit on a section of North Main Street would be changing from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. This change will run into Solebury Township and include the Rabbit Run Bridge. Mr. Hirschfield thanked Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Senator Chuck McIlhinney, Representative Bernie O’Neal, Chief Pasqualini, Borough Manager John Burke, and the residents who provided input and support.

Sharyn Keiser stated that the replacement signs would be more visible.  There will also be a reduced speed ahead sign placed south of Windy Bush Rd. for motorists traveling north on River Road.

Richard Hirschfield opened a public hearing to consider adoption of Ordinance No.-2007-13, establishing the real estate tax levy for 2008. Mr. Hirschfield stated that the total mileage would be 9.725, which is the same as 2007. 

Sharyn Keiser moved to adopt Ordinance 2007-13 and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the next item on the agenda is the 2008 budget, which has been available for public inspection at Borough Hall since late November.

Sharyn Keiser moved to adopt the 2008 budget as presented and Rey Velasco seconded.  

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield stated that it is a good budget, and it is balanced with no tax increase.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of adopting Resolution 2007-25R, establishing an employee compensation plan for non-union employees in 2008.

Rey Velasco moved to approve Resolution 2007-25R and Sharyn Keiser seconded.   

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of Resolution No- 2007-26R, amending the residents’ parking program by keeping the cost to $10.00 a year, taking away the limited week-end parking, and extending the hours Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3:00 pm.

Claire Shaw suggested that the permit program be published in the Borough newsletter and that the current weekend program should not be eliminated.

John Burke stated that press releases could also issued.

Richard Hirschfield stated that this should be conducted on a trial basis.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Borough should probably charge more for the permit if it were to include weekends.

Ed Duffy commented that there could be two licenses: one for the weekdays and one for the weekends.

Richard Hirschfield answered that a two-tiered system would require a great deal of administrative time.

Rey Velasco stated that weekends should be included.

Sharyn Keiser agreed.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve a residential parking permit program with a fee of $25.00, for 7 days a week from the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This would require proof of residency in New Hope, PA and be subject to the limitations in the current ordinance.

Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Frank De Luca asked if the permits could be decals for the back window of the vehicles instead of the paper permits. It would be easier for enforcement and prevent people from lending their permits to others.

Council members agreed with Mr. DeLuca’s comments.

Jeff Izes, an owner of 90 Main, stated that he agrees with the parking permit program.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked Council if anyone would like an item removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion?

A.        Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for
            December 19, 2007, in the amount of $180,562.36; of payroll for November 21, 2007, in the amount of $51,001.47; and of payroll for          December 5, 2007, in   the amount of $46,142.47.
B.         Consideration of approving the minutes of the November 14, 2007 budget work session meeting and regular public meeting of Borough Council.       
C.        Consideration of approving submission of a grant application for Odettes to FEMA pursuant to the Repetitive Flood Claims Program.
D.        Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-27R, amending the procedures for inter-municipal liquor license transfers and for applications      for economic development liquor licenses.
E.         Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-28R, awarding a Tax Anticipation Note to PNC Bank for 2008.
F.         Consideration of authorizing disposal of a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria,   valued at less than $1,000.00, for salvage value.
G.        Consideration of authorizing the Director of Public Works to hire James Finn for a part-time meter maintenance position at $13.25 per hour, in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in the New Hope Borough Employee Handbook

Ed Duffy asked that item D be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion.

Richard Hirschfield stated that this resolution is based on recent changes in state law with respect to applications for municipal liquor license transfers, and it has nothing to do with anything else.

Ed Duffy asked what is the difference between an economic development liquor license and an inter-municipal transfer license?

T. J. Walsh stated that there are two separate categories of licenses for transferring in and transferring out of a municipality. An economic development license gets issued or moved in because of certain conditions that may exist in a town. For example, the applicant applies to the LCB, based on the economic conditions of the area, argues that the town needs a new license. Inter-municipal transfers involve an already existing license.  For example, if someone has a license in Solebury and they want to move it into New Hope, they may do so provided the required local hearing is held and the LCB approves the transfer. The change in the resolution pertains to the time period to render a decision.

Claire Shaw seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

RECREATION BOARD & REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the Borough Traffic Engineer to conduct a traffic calming study on Main Street in the Borough.  It includes a two-step approach: 1) working with Borough Staff including the Chief and the Director of Public Works to identify and implement additional pedestrian crossings on Main Street and, 2) the second part of the study would be to look more generally at Main Street to try to assess opportunities for traffic calming measures that could be constructed on Main Street.  The total cost of the proposal would be $4,900.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to authorize the Borough Traffic Engineer to conduct a traffic calming study on Main Street in the Borough.

Randall Flager moved to approve the traffic calming study, and Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke stated that the 2008 budget includes $41, 837 to purchase a tractor/loader/backhoe for the Department of Public Works. Mr. Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the purchase of a tractor/loader/backhoe for the Department of Public Works, pursuant to the Commonwealth’s Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract No. CNOOO15292 (242001), which has a discount rate of 22% off the manufacturer’s list price, from C. H. Walsh and Sons at a cost of $38,262. This would replace a 1964 Case loader. The basic price is $31,662.62 for the tractor /loader, and the additional $6,600 would cover the backhoe attachment from a separate vendor.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve this purchase.

Randall Flager moved to approve the purchase, and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Geri Delevich asked how is the backhoe used on a daily basis in the Borough?

Richard Hirschfield answered to move earth and load salt.

Geri Delevich stated that a new street sweeper was purchased in 2007. What is the Borough anticipating long term to purchase next?

John Burke answered that there isn’t anything to anticipate that is major apart from a few dump trucks down the road.  The street sweeper was replaced because it was 20 or 30 years old and the Case unit that is being replaced currently dates back to 1964. Mr. Burke stated that the Case has long outlived its useful period of service and is a danger to operate.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that the next item is consideration of approving a request by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce to bag meters during the holiday season. Mr. Burke asked if there was anyone present to represent the Chamber.

Connie Gering, the former President of the Chamber, represented the Chamber.

Connie Gering stated that the Chamber’s request was sent in November, and the Chamber was told to wait because there was a proposal on the table that turned out to be the residential parking permit. The Chamber does not feel that the residential parking permit program should be a substitute for the bagged meters during the holiday season.  The Chamber’s request is that the meters be bagged for two weeks, the week before Christmas and the week after Christmas.  Now that the week before Christmas is almost gone, the Chamber would like two weeks, including weekends, of free parking.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Chamber must work with Council earlier in the year to come up with a program that is comprehensive and effective.

Connie Gehrig commented that the Chamber should not have to come every year to request the bagged meters and that it be something that the Borough does on a regular basis.

Sharyn Keiser agreed and stated that for many years the Chamber has been given free parking from Thanksgiving through Christmas, during the week Monday through Friday.

Sharyn Keiser moved that the Chamber bag the meters starting tomorrow December 20, 2007 through Friday, December 28, 2007 at 5:00 pm. The Chamber would be responsible for placing the bags on the meters and removing them.

Rey Velasco stated that he went over to Lambertville and talked to the merchants. They feel that free parking is a two edged sword with mostly shop owners and employees using the spaces, not allowing patrons to take advantage of the free parking. 

Sharyn Keiser stated that it is the merchants’ responsibility to take care that customers use the free parking.

Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Jeff Izes, 90 Main, asked that free parking be extended to New Year’s Eve and New Years Day.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it costs the Borough $2,000 a day to allow free parking at on-street meters.

Randall Flager commented that this issue would be resolved shortly by the Borough’s adoption of a consistent policy for the future.

Geri Delevich asked what the meter enforcement people do during the period the meters are bagged?

Richard Hirschfield answered that they work in some kind of an administrative role and are paid by the Borough.

Ed Duffy suggested that the Chamber be given New Year’s weekend since this has been addressed so late. It is would be a good gesture.

Rey Velasco asked if this would involve Union Square.

Richard Hirschfield answered that Union Square is a private lot.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there is a motion on the table that Council has to dispose of first and called the question for the motion to have the meters bag

ged until next Friday at 5 pm.

The motion passed 6-1-0, with Ed Duffy opposed.

Ed Duffy moved that the Chamber bag the meters starting December 20, 2007 through Tuesday, January 2, 2008 at 5:00 pm.

Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was defeated 4-3-0, with Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Randall Flager, and Claire Shaw opposed.

John Burke asked Ms. Brown to come forward to discuss a request to allow holiday season chimes at 15 South Main Street.

Marsha Brown came forward with Matt Lourick, Manager of Marsha Brown’s, and asked Council to allow holiday bell chimes to be added to their system to bring holiday cheer and spirit to the streets.  It is a digital system that sounds exactly like the real thing.  They would like to play the holiday chimes on the hour, from 11 am to 9 pm daily, until the first of the year.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the holiday chimes on the hour, from 11 am to 9 pm, until the first of the year. Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved unanimously.

LAND USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REPORT

Ed Duffy asked for consideration of a request by the Village II Association to waive the procedural requirements of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to allow submission of permit applications to construct a pavilion and snack bar at Village II.  Mr. Duffy asked Village II Property Manager Dan Peel and the President of the Association to come forward to present this proposal to Council.

Dan Peel stated that the Association is requesting a waiver of land development to build a new snack house, pavilion, and several new bathrooms at Village II.

Richard Hirschfield stated that there is a letter from the Borough Zoning Officer recommending approval.

Richard Hirschfield stated the condition of approval would be to show the current and the proposed buildings on a plan, satisfactory in detail for the Zoning Officer.

Ed Duffy moved to approve the waiver based on the condition of providing a detailed plan, acceptable to the Zoning Officer, and Randall Flager.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy asked for consideration of approval a preliminary/final plan of minor subdivision, submitted by Ronald Tuscano, Sr., for T.M.P. No. 27-7-48, located on the east side of North Main Street, approximately 30 ft. north of Parry Street in the RB zoning district.

Mr. Duffy asked Martin King, Esq. to come forward to represent the applicant.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mr. King if the applicant agrees to all 25 conditions in the draft letter, dated December 29, 2007, from John Burke to Mr. Tuscano.

Martin King commented that his client, Mr. Tuscano, has no objections to any of the conditions as long as it is understood and is stated that the applicant for building permits would do the actual construction of the required improvements.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Ed Duffy moved to approve a preliminary/final plan of minor subdivision, subject to the Manager’s recommended conditions of approval, and Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy asked Mr. Tom Scannapieco to come forward to discuss a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, submitted by Scannapieco Development Corporation, for T.M.P. Nos. 27-4-2 A & B, located on the north side of Route 202 at its intersection with Old Route 202 in the R-1 zoning district.

Tom Scannapieco stated that this project, Rabbit Run Preserve, is not a typical suburban sprawl development. They have eliminated lighting pollution at the suggestion of concerned residents of Sunset Drive. The plan has interesting configurations. There are 38 units.  There were originally 84 units with 4 and 5 story buildings.  With a detached cluster-housing plan, there would be about two units per acre.  The benefits of the proposed plan are that a traffic light would be added and a second emergency means of egress is provided to the development. 

Mr. Scannapieco stated that this is an empty nester product and that it would have a condominium association and the owners would own the footprint and would be restricted from impacting the land 15 feet from their building. If these were single-family, one-acre lots, 15.4 of these acres would be deeded to individuals who could put a fence around each lot. In the proposed configuration they are down to 6.4 areas that will be residential or landscaping related to the houses, as opposed to the open area, and the roads would be private.  They are not sure where the wetlands are located because testing will be required for that, and the plan is not detailed enough.

Council members stated that they want studies done to determine where the wetlands are located. Also, Council members expressed opposition to the gated community concept and concern about the environmental impact of the traffic.  Other Council comments included:  the land may be to densely packed; there are no detailed plans available at this time to determine the floodplains; the project looks good visually, but they would like to see more open space that would be available to all, not just the residents; and the units should be more affordable. Council was pleased with the changes Mr. Scannapieco made from previous versions of the plan: the garages in the back of the structures, the walking trails, and the traffic light.

Rey Velasco and Sharyn Keiser were happy to see the road was moved to a location closer to Hardy Bush Way, and that there would be a traffic signal at its intersection with Route 202. 

Ed Duffy stated that a transportation shuttle should be available that circulates within the Borough.

Sharyn Keiser mentioned that the shuttle would be a good idea for the Comprehensive Plan.

Geri Delevich stated that although she requested the rear garages, she is now concerned with the additional impervious surfaces that this will cause.

Claire Shaw asked about the open space ratio.

Tom Scannapieco replied that the proposed open space ratio is about 56%.

Claire Shaw asked if is possible that the number of units may decrease due to the flood plain.

Tom Scannapieco stated that this is a possibility.

Geri Delevich expressed concern about integrating this development into New Hope. Ms. Delevich stated that the plan should be pedestrian oriented and that the challenge would be to get people into downtown New Hope.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the issue is the flood plain and that he would support the number of units that could be built outside of the existing flood plain.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Rey Velasco announced the Visitor Centers summary for November.

          Visitors        2,687
          Donations    $638.74
          Calls            419
          Brochures    19
          Sales           $73.00

Rey Velasco wished everyone a nice holiday.

Geri Delevich thanked the Chamber and The Logan for the lovely holiday party.

Geri Delevich thanked the people who decorated in town, like The Mansion Inn, Starbucks, Joe Balderston, and Savioni’s. 

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Richard Hirschfield announced the biennial organization meeting scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2008, at 7:00 pm at the New Hope Solebury High School Cafeteria and the regular meeting of Council that is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at the New Hope Solebury High School Cafeteria, starting at 7:30 pm.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ralph Miller asked a representative of Eccologix to request that Council allow him to make a presentation on solving the vulture problem at The Playhouse.

Richard Hirschfield asked the Eccologix representative to submit information in advance so that he could be put on the January agenda.

ADJOURNMENT