Meeting Minutes

New Hope Borough Council
Regular Meeting
December 20, 2006
Minutes

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Claire Shaw, Rey Velasco, Randy Flager, Mayor Larry Keller, Borough Solicitor T. J. Walsh, Chief Pasqualini, and Borough Manager John Burke.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas.

Richard Hirschfield announced an Executive Session that was held at 6:15 P.M. before the regular meeting tonight at Borough Hall to discuss a real estate acquisition matter, a pending litigation matter, and a personnel matter.

Richard Hirschfield announced appointments to the Police Pension Board for 2007 as follows:
Vice President Sharyn Keiser
Councilman Randy Flager
President Richard Hirschfield

Richard Hirschfield introduced Assistant Fire Marshal Daryl Jurbala and asked him to come forward to present information on the ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program.

Daryl Jurbala began by stating that the ISO, the Insurance Services Organization, is a private provider of data to the insurance industry. The ISO rates the relative fire risk of a community to property insurers based on a one to ten scale. One is the best score, and ten represents barely recognizable fire protection. New Hope is currently rated a seven, which is a little bit better than average because most communities in the U.S. are rated at nine because of their rural nature. This rating dates back to 1995. The rating is based on a fire suppression rating schedule with three main parts: fire alarms, fire departments, and the water supply.

Mr. Jurbala explained the break down in the ratings as follows: fire alarms are 10% of the score. When residents dial 911, Bucks County takes the call and notifies the Eagle Fire Company. The county’s score in 1995 was nine out of ten. The county always does very well. The Eagle Fire Company had a score of 18.41% out of fifty. A lot of the items that the fire company could have scored better on were record keeping and proper documentation of training and equipment maintenance. Since that time, the fire company has corrected those deficiencies, and the fire company now has several years of complete documentation for the next ISO review. The important rating now is water supply, which accounts for 40% of the total ISO rating. The last rating was 10.23% because there were very few hydrants in the area at that time. With the recent county water project, we have a good opportunity to increase the level of fire protection in the community and lower the ISO rating. Based on the new hydrants, Mr. Jurbala believes that the current rating of seven can be brought down to a five or even as low as a three or a four.

Mr. Jurbala stated that the audits are usually undertaken every fifteen years, but the new water system installation may trigger an audit sooner. With the proper documentation and properly maintained hydrants, the Borough could achieve a better rating and gain another 25%. The Fire Marshal has been collecting pre-plan information, in conjunction with the annual fire safety inspections in town. ISO identifies buildings that are at a higher than normal risk because of their size and the number of floors and type of construction. Pre-plans must be available for each of those structures, along with commercial properties and any property with more than four dwelling units. The pre-plans must be reviewed on a yearly basis, and this is being accomplished at present.

Mr. Jurbala stated that the average cost per $1,000 insured in New Hope on a fictitious wood frame single family home with a typical property value of $500,000 is $4.55, and this number is representative and typical of the properties in New Hope. If ISO lowers New Hope’s rating to 5, the cost of insurance would go down 6.4 %. If ISO lowers the rating to 3, the cost would decrease by 14.3%. The assessed market value of all properties in New Hope, according to the State Tax Equalization Board, is $348.5 million. Thus, an ISO rating of 5 would save over $100,000 a year in insurance costs for property owners in town. An ISO rating of 3 would save over $250,000 for property owners in town.

Mr. Jurbala stated that the estimated cost savings are probably low considering the number of commercial and multi-use high-risk structures in town, which cost more per $1,000 to insure.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the total property tax in the budget for 2007 is $587,000, and the potential savings in insurance costs mentioned by Mr. Jurbala represents 45% of the property tax total.

Richard Hirschfield announced that items 6A, 6B and 6C have been deleted and postponed indefinitely.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 3C is next on the agenda. This item is a public hearing on Ordinance 2006-14, which establishes the real estate tax levy for 2007. The ordinance was advertised in The Gazette on November 22, 2006, and we have a Proof of Publication verifying this.

Sharyn Keiser moved to adopt Ordinance 2006-14, and Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield commented that this is the real estate tax ordinance for 2007. The total tax millage is 9.725 for the year, which is composed of seven mills for General Borough purposes, 1-½ mills for fire protection, 0.725 mills for street lighting, 0.25 mills for ambulance and rescue squad services, and 0.25 mills for the library. There was no change from the tax levy enacted for 2006.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield thanked John Burke, Janell Hammond, Chief Pasqualini, Tom Carroll, and Council for their contributions in putting the budget together.

Richard Hirschfield announced the next item on the agenda was consideration of adopting the 2007 budget. Total expenses for 2007 are up only 2.7%, which is substantially below the national cost of living increase at 4.01%. The operating expenses, after reimbursements for items covered by outside revenues, is up 4%, and about one-half of that increase is due to items that are not under our control, such as insurance premiums and mandates for pension contributions. Almost 40% percent of the budget is dedicated to capital improvements, which are being financed by outside funds. The budget includes money to start work on a new Comprehensive Plan. The budget is balanced. The cost to run Borough government, including Administration, Zoning, Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, Street Lights, Library, and Ambulance and Rescue Squad, costs each property owner approximately $865.00 to $885.00 a year for all services. Mr. Hirschfield commented that there is a great management team in place in the Borough and asked for a motion to adopt the 2007 budget.

Ed Duffy moved to adopt the 2007 Budget, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Ed Duffy asked if a proposed vehicle acquisition planned for the Police Department in 2007 could be revisited. Mr. Duffy also asked if one police vehicle could be taken off-line.

Richard Hirschfield stated while the last police collective bargaining agreement was changed, many of the police vehicles are contractually obligated as take home vehicles. The Borough Code states that the Mayor is operationally responsible for the Police Department, and Council controls the purse strings for the Police Department.

Mayor Keller stated that a total of six vehicles are considered take home vehicles. Three vehicles are pool vehicles. One of the vehicles that is contractually obligated as a take home vehicle has seen a lot of miles and wear and tear, and this is why the new car is necessary in 2007. The new car will be added as a pool vehicle and one of the older pool vehicles will be used as a take home vehicle, replacing the oldest take home vehicle with the most mileage.

Ed Duffy asked about the mileage on a typical shift.

Mayor Keller answered 30 to 50 miles a shift.

Geri Delevich/Ed Duffy asked about the rotations and the contractual vehicles and why a new car is needed since there is a new car that hasn’t come in yet.

Mayor Keller stated that one car is presently out of service and will be replaced by a new car ordered in 2006. One of the three pool vehicles is unmarked. If the pool vehicles were reduced from three to two, police services would be compromised.

Geri Delevich asked how many vehicles the new Council has eliminated. Mayor Keller responded that the fleet has been reduced by one vehicle.

Geri Delevich asked if the Police Department has a long-range vehicle replacement plan. Mayor Keller responded that the department would need only four vehicles in 6 to 12 years. Geri Delevich asked for a list of current police vehicles and a 5-year vehicle plan.

Rey Velasco commented that an officer’s safety should not be risked with older vehicles.

Chief Pasqualini stated that the new vehicle in 2007 would replace a 1998 Ford. This vehicle was purchased from a salvage yard, and faces substantial repairs in the estimated amount of $4,000.

Sharyn Keiser asked if another SUV is needed. Chief Pasqualini answered that after three major floods and three major snowstorms, SUVs are essential.

Ed Duffy commented that there should be budget meetings before there is a final vote on the 2007 budget and the purchase of a new vehicle for the Police Department.

Joe Balderston agreed with Mr. Duffy’s comments.

Richard Hirschfield stated that there would be a budget work session meeting in the fall of 2007 as part of the 2008 budget process.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced the consent agenda items, 4A through H, as follows.

A. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for December 20, 2006, in the amount of $87,648.39; of payroll for November 22, 2006 in the amount of $45,811.62; and of payroll for December 6, 2006 in the amount of $45,380.15.
B. Consideration of approving the minutes of the October and November 2006 public meetings of Borough Council.
C. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2006-33R, awarding the 2007 Tax Anticipation Note to PNC Bank.
D. Consideration of authorizing the zoning officer, borough manager and borough solicitor to file a complaint in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas against the owner/operator of 70 South Main Street, New Hope (TMP 27-10-146) to restrain, correct, prevent and abate violations of the floodplain regulations of the applicable New Hope Borough Zoning Ordinance.
E. Consideration of authorizing Borough participation in the 2007-2009 Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
F. Consideration of approving an agreement with Bucks TMA for a commuter rail feasibility study.
G. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2006-34R, approving a grant agreement with the DRJTBC for the South Main Street Bridge Lighting Project.
H. Consideration of approving the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness, as recommended by HARB, for:
(1) 63 West Ferry St., by Shelia Blische, for installation of a new roof;
(2) 65 West Ferry Street, by Laura Hahn, for installation of a new roof; and
(3) 93 South Main St., by Alice Paluch, for sign hardware.

John Burke asked Council to authorize a correction of the ordinance number of the new Zoning Ordnance, which was adopted on November 15, 2006. The ordinance should be renumbered as 2006-13. The original no. 2006-13, the Verizon Cable Television Franchise Agreement, was not adopted by Council.

Richard Hirschfield accepted Mr. Burke’s recommendation and asked for that to be a part of the motion for the consent agenda.

Rey Velasco moved to approve the consent agenda and change the zoning ordinance number to 2006-13. Claire Shaw seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield thanked all the boards and commissions of the Borough for their volunteer work, time, talent and dedication to New Hope.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of Resolution 2006-32R, a deed of easement. The resolution implements one of the conditions of Council’s approval of the Galloway subdivision on Chestnut Street. The additional right-of-way will even out the right-of-way to the ultimate right-of-way line in this area of Chestnut Street.

Sharyn Keiser moved to adopt Resolution 2006-32. Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced a request by the Shade Tree Commission to spend $400.00 dollars to purchase and plant at 6 foot Colorado blue spruce, which would be used as a Christmas tree, at Ferry Landing Park. There is also a request for $600.00 to add trees in the area of the bike racks at Hardy Bush Way near the 202 Spur.

Randy Flager moved to approve the tree purchases and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced the next item on the agenda was the presentation by Rocki Rockstar, LLC.

LAND USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REPORT

Daniel Coval Esq. identified himself as an attorney representing the applicant, Rocki Rockstar, LLC, which owns the property at 50 South Main Street. The applicant would like to develop the property as residential under the old Zoning Ordinance. The applicant submitted an application by the November 15, 2006 deadline under the old zoning ordinance to pursue residential development. The applicant is appearing before Council to seek their opinions on the proposed project.

Chris Scalone, project architect, stated that this is a nine unit complex of apartments. The building fronts on the fire lane side, while meeting all set- back requirements and the 50% lot coverage requirement. The plan is just short of the impervious requirement of 30%. Everything will be above the flood plain level, except the parking. The project will have to be higher than the 35 ft. height limitation. The river front side will have an industrial look. Each apartment unit would be about 3,000 sq. ft. in area.

Richard Hirschfield asked for the height above ground level because there may be a problem with the proposed four stories that will require another variance and an amendment to the Zoning Hearing Board application.

Chris Scalone answered the fourth story is an attic.

Randy Flager asked how many feet high will the project be.

Chris Scalone stated that it would be 42 feet high measured from the flood plain and from ground level, 50 feet high.

Sharyn Keiser commented that there is no hardship here.

Richard Hirschfield commented that there may be different setbacks for town homes and apartments and recommended they investigate this.

Randy Flager stated that there are many issues with the height, density, bulk, and fire lanes. He stated that he could not support this project for these reasons. Mr. Flager also stated that there is no hardship demonstrated by this application.

Sharyn Keiser stated that Council is very concerned about bulk, height, and density, especially in the Historic District and along the river.

Geri Delevich also added that the river view is very important to New Hope and an industrial style building would not fit in on the riverfront.

COMMUNTY AFFAIRS

Rey Velasco announced the Visitors’ Center summary for November 2006 as follows:

Visitors 3408 (compared to 2005 with 3000 visitors)
Calls 472
Brochures 10
Sales 67
Donations $400

Geri Delevich thanked the Garden Club for the holiday decorations, the Chamber and the Business Alliance for the tree lightings, and Carl Asplundh for the tree that he put up at the Logan Inn, along with everyone in town who has been decorating. The Monroe Crossing was a success and many residents turned out to enjoy this event.

Geri Delevich began to read a letter from Adel Gambel, a ghost tours operator in New Hope, about the shack on the canal that will be torn down. “I read an article about the cottage on the towpath. I was sad to learn that the cottage will be torn down. I led one of my tours down the towpath and stood in front of the cottage to tell some of my ghost stories. Believe it or not, the people loved that little house as they call it. Progress must go on and maybe I am overly sentimental, but I have seen a lot of change in the 25 years of leading my tours. Even though I don’t live in New Hope, I love the town and I hope something can be worked out to save the cottage.”

Geri Delevich commented that she heard from two other people who offered to donate their labor to saving the cottage and Arts Bridge is still interested in it. Since the last discussion of the cottage, Arts Bridge found out that Pamela Minford donated $5,000 to Arts Bridge, and they were hoping that they could fix the cottage and dedicate it to Pam Minford and Doris Brandes.

Sharyn Keiser commented that Erik and Ed from Mystical Tymes would like to have the cottage, and George Michael stated that he would contribute $5,000 to moving it behind their property.

Geri Delevich announced Claire Shaw’s birthday.

Geri Delevich announced two articles about New Hope. One was in Philadelphia Magazine and talked about the shack and about gay people in New Hope. The other article was in a gay travel magazine, interviewing Herb Millman and John Dwyer and discussing what a great place New Hope is to visit.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Geri Delevich commented that a section of River Road, south of New Hope, might be hazardous. It is literally falling apart at the western edge.

John Burke stated that he would contact PADOT.

Geri Delevich asked what could be done about marketing the American Legion Parking lot because no one is utilizing it. Miss Delevich thought that perhaps charging less money would offer more encouragement to use the lot.

Richard Hirschfield and Council agreed to revisit this at a future date.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chuck Tarr commented that the Shade Tree Commission’s decision to plant a blue spruce at Ferry Landing Park was not a good choice because this particular tree grows very high. Also, Mr. Tarr about the length of the proposed building at 50 South Main Street.

Joe Balderston asked about the status of the public water system.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it should be completed in early 2007.

Joe Balderston also mentioned for the record that a great reference for height would be the Starbuck’s building, the west wall running parallel with North Main Street from the ground to the top of the building is 45 feet.

ADJOURNMENT