NEW HOPE BOROUGH
Regular Meeting of Council

February 10, 2004
7:30 PM
Minutes

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Randy Flager, Geraldine Delevich, Rey Velasco, Solicitor Colin Jenei, and Mayor Keller.

ABSENT: Jake Fell

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 13, 2004: Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor Keller announced that the Police Department has purchased a new Police vehicle. It is a 2004 Chevy Impala, and is currently being outfitted with the proper equipment and should be out by the end of the week for general patrol.

Mayor Keller announced that the test was completed for the Civil Service Commission. There were 14 applicants to fill the vacancy for the full time Police Officer. One person failed the written test and 13 passed including the agility test. The applicants went through an oral interview with two Police Chiefs from other municipalities. The Mayor sat in on four of the thirteen interviews and was very pleased to announce that our current part time officer, Dawn Harrison was first on the test. The Mayor also sat in on her oral interview and she had responses that none of the other applicants had and he hopes that Council will hire Dawn Harrison as our Full Time Police Officer. The mayor thanked the Civil Service Commission for their efforts.

Major Keller announced the Police Department has put out a 2003 Annual Report and there were copies at the meeting for the audience. There were approximately 2200 calls last year which is 20% less than 2002. The Mayor is pleased with what is going on in the Department. There is better coverage and many changes with the addition of a sergeant and 2 corporals, two new full time officers and now with the recent hiring of Officer Harrison once she is on board. The motorcycles will be addressed this year in the spring.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Richard Hirschfield announced that tomorrow Wednesday February 11, 2004 on Main Street, the driving lanes will be paved in the areas that have been torn up during the water line construction. There will be a temporary 2 inch paving and milling and repaving in the spring.

Richard Hirschfield announced the final numbers for 2003 budget and that with an operating budget of 1.9 million we came in at less than 1% of what we had budgeted. The Police Department came in $3,000 over the budget. If they had not purchased a piece of equipment that wasn’t in the budget they would have come in under budget. Public Works came in $15,000 under budget so the major operating departments came in well. The professional fees were higher than budgeted due to a few legal items that were not anticipated.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to extend Janell Hammond’s employment as Acting Borough Manager expiring on October 31, 2004, both Janell and Council agree a little more time is needed to determine how well this will work out. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Janell Hammond asked for a motion to approve Accounts Payable for February 10, 2004 in the amount of $68,912.27. Randy Flager made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Janell Hammond asked for a motion to approve the following:
Borough Payroll for January 21, 2004 in the amount of $40,901.93
Borough Payroll for February 4, 2004 in the amount of $39,232.34
Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ed Duffy announced the first presentation on the agenda tonight is 36 West Mechanic Street, George Michael’s project.

Mike Carr Esq. from the law firm of Eastburn and Gray and introduced himself as representing the principal owner George Michael for 36 West Mechanic Street.

Mike Carr Esq. wanted to discuss the procedural history of what is proposed which was on the bulk and the height. It is a condominium project that would replace a number of the exiting structures on the New Hope Inn property and preserve the historic structures by creating a residential development resulting in 36 units in the new building and 4 units in the existing old building. The area is zoned partially R2 and partially CC and the applicants are seeking Council’s feed back to the plans submitted and to possibly allow the Borough Solicitor to create an Ordinance with the applicant to support this project to change the Zoning .

Richard Hirschfield commented, “The objective tonight of this presentation is not to discuss any changes in Zoning but strictly to review by comment the sketch plan both by Council and the public.

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “Yes.”

Mike Carr Esq. commented, “The significant concerns with the impact of the new building on the Mechanic Street and issues in regard to moonlight; cross easements, and a lease, which has been taken care of by acquiring the all of rights to the moonlight property and the rights to build on this property. In the area where the existing moonlight building is located it starts a row of eclectic architecture townhouses and a mix of materials. There is the existing stone building and moving to the east are five new townhouses which are three story condominium units. The eve line is at the second story which is very important in terms of presentation and appearance to the feel of the building from the street. Originally, there were larger more imposing buildings proposed and the reaction was that the height was too much. The two story portion of the building will now be 29 feet high and is within the confines of the ordinance at present, and measured from the means elevation to the highest portions of the new building with a building height over 39 feet and the building which is referred to as (Building B.) on the plan. The area ghosted in where the driveway enters the property is called the Mill Building, (Building A) which will be built to incorporate architecture that is reminiscent of the older industrial type buildings common to this area. This is a building that has parking beneath and four-stories of living area. It is constructed on a site that has much lower elevation than the Mechanic street level. The ghosted in area on the top elevation of the building is lower than the roof lines that front Mechanic Street as a result of the steep grade that exists there. Parking underneath the building at a rate of 1.9 parking spaces per dwelling is in excess of the 1.8 units and this is what the ordinance requires for the CC District. Now, the applicant is going to try to provide two full spaces per building as a result of the Planning Commission meeting if the feedback here tonight is consistent.”

Richard Hirschfield asked, “How many units are in there?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “A total of 40 units.”

Richard Hirschfield asked Mike Carr Esq. to break down the units by buildings.

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “Building B contains 18 dwelling units, and underneath the unit has 15 parking spaces, Building A has18 dwelling units and underneath the unit has 30 parking spaces and Building C contains 4 dwelling units. There are approximately 26 or 28 surface parking spaces with a total of 76 parking spaces.”

Richard Hirschfield asked, “Did you say 15 and 30?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “15, 30 and 26.”

Richard Hirschfield commented that the number in the presentation does not equal 76 spaces.

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “I may not have included several of the surface parking spaces but the total is 76.”

Richard Hirschfield asked Council for their comments on the presentation.

Geraldine Delevich asked Mike Carr Esq. to make clear to everyone what the issue of the zoning is.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mike Carr Esq. to show where the R2 zone is.

Mike Carr Esq. answered “The plan does not show it and I can approximate it. The R2 zoning district comes through and creates a sliver on the side of the creek and runs through building A and also the other side of the creek and CC which is the main portion of the site.”

Sharyn Keiser asked, “Does the R2 go through most of that rear building A?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “That divides the building itself.”

Geraldine Delevich asked, Mike Carr Esq. to tell everyone what R2 means.

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “The rear portion of the property along the creek is a finger of the R2 district that extends down to the middle of the Borough. It is a lower density residential zoning district where the typical permitted uses are single-family.”

Sharyn Keiser commented, “One unit per two acres?”

Mike Carr Esq. responded, “Right, and there is no possibility of doing any development on this property that is consistent with the R2 zoning at all. It has been more or less developed as CC.”

Sharyn Keiser asked, “Is the R2 area a floodplain?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “There is probably a good bit of it that is floodplain.
The provisions that generally are applicable to flood plains do not preclude the development of flood plain but, they require that we take into account consideration of up stream impacts of development in flood plain. What they would be proposing would be consistent with the ordinances which would have no habitable area below any flood level and the surface outdoor parking would go in those areas. There would be accommodation in the increase upstream flood level by creating additional areas for flooded water to stay on this property rather than back up the stream.”

Randy Flager commented, “It looks like the flood plain goes through building A and right at the last quarter of that building is the parking garage. Is that the only thing in the flood plain?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “That’s right.”

Rey Velasco asked, “In the last storm, Floyd, did that creek become a river?”

All Council replied “it did.”

Rey Valesco commented that his concern would be in that area and, “How it would play in effect to that area?”

Richard Hirschfield commented, “Building A in some places is as close as 4 feet to the creek and the elevation is about 42 feet, is that correct?”

Mike Carr Esq. commented, “The measurement was done by taking the mean height by establishing 4 points around the building which represent the exterior grade, and on each side of the building it is different so, the mean of those is the average. From that mean grade to the top of the roof the building height is 49 feet 11 inches tall.”

Richard Hirschfield asked, “Is this building A.”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “Yes.”

Randy Flager asked, “Isn’t the height Ordinance a maximum of 35 feet?”

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “There are about 30 criteria which do not apply with the ordinances.”

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “The Ordinance for the height limitation is for fire equipment to address a fire issue.”

Randy Flager commented “Why wasn’t the project designed to stay within the height ordinance?”

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “Because the kind of development that we would like requires we get more units in that area and have residential units appropriate for this site rather than hotel uses.”

Randy Flager asked “What are the unit sizes and will you have a condominium association?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “The smallest unit proposed is 800 square feet and the largest is 2000 square feet. The four units in the exiting building will be rentals and the remaining 36 would be condominiums for sale units. There are issues with the ground lease because there still is a party under that agreement with rights to that unit, and the remaining would be Association for sale condominium units with the exception of the builder keeping some of them.”

Randy Flager commented, “I am not happy with the height and the units should be bigger.”

Richard Hirschfield commented, “There are two heights for the B building. The left hand part facing the building is 29 feet and the right is 39 feet. The actual height of the peak building is another 7 or 8 feet resulting in 47 or 48 feet.”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “That’s right. The impression of height you get from the sidewalk has a great deal to do with the eave height at a two story height and there will be a series of dormers.”

Richard Hirschfield commented, “You are proposing a 49 foot height building that is 4 feet off Ingham Creek in parts and a maximum of 15 feet off Ingham Creek.”

Mike Carr Esq. answered “Yes.”

Richard Hirschfield asked, “Is there some reason this building can’t be pulled back much further.”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “The vegetative area at the edge of the creek will be expanded and we are actually pulling the building back for the creek several additional feet and creating areas for additional green space.”

Ed Duffy asked, “What will the building look like facing the canal side?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “It will be consistent on all 4 sides.”

Rey Velasco asked, “Will this affect the wet lands? Aren’t there regulations?”

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “We will not disturb any environmental features.”

Sharyn Keiser asked, “What is the size of the units in building C?”

Mike Carr Esq. replied, “I do not have that information.”

Mayor Keller asked “On the front page in the common parking area on the Northwest corner, you are showing parking for about 20 cars and logistically when they are backed up you have three spots consecutive how does the vehicle in the far back get out?”

Mike Carr Esq. answered, “This is a very preliminary schematic plan but if you stack two and allocate those spots to the same unit that is how it is measured. We realize this is an issue and the planning commission pointed this out.”

Richard Hirschfield asked if there were any comments from the public.

Mary Gardener commented that she appreciates the comments from Council about this project.

Elaine McNealy commented,” Will you follow the handicap safety issues?” She thanked the Council for their comments.

Joe Balderston commented, “I would like it to be kept in the height of the ordinances.”

Richard Hirschfield asked Council to sum up their comments on the project.

Geraldine Delevich commented, “Why should we be changing our zoning? I feel that New Hope has reached its density and I am concerned about added traffic, population increase and its probably not Affordable Housing. Geraldine quoted a line from the paper, “Ingham Creek is the primary geographic reason why the town of New Hope developed.” “I do believe this will affect the integrity of Ingham Creek.”

Randy Flager commented, “I would not be in favor of changing the Ordinance. I am not in favor of the size of some of the units and that some are rental and some are condo. It is also too dense.”

Ed Duffy commented, “I agree with Randy less units and larger units would be better and also lowering the height.”

Rey Velasco agreed, “It is too dense and is against the traffic increase along with the height.”

Sharyn Keiser has concerns with the creek and the building going that close to the creek. The height and the R2 zone should not be given up with the little preserved space we have in the Borough. Our comprehensive plans tell us we need river access. We have to preserve our water front areas and Buildings that are placed 4 feet from the creek and the R2 district encompassing most of the building. Forty nine feet is too high and you can see that from Stockton Bridge, Ferry and from Main Street looking over at the creek. Residents along Mechanic Street will have their whole neighborhood change. More residential units are a positive, but all the other variables need to be looked at.

Richard Hirschfield agreed with many of the comments and he is in agreement that it is an asset to add residents to the town and provides economic benefits, security, and stability. “This is the heart of town and the last major piece of this size down town. Council is going to proceed very carefully to make sure that we are getting what we want. I am hearing that Council feels it is too dense; too tall and too close to the creek and these issues have to be addressed. The design of the project has improved and we need to see more movement.”

Ed Duffy announced the New Hope Art Museum will be making a presentation on a new footprint. What is exciting about the new footprint is that it has reduced in size giving us a nice view between the playhouse and the museum.

Richard Hirschfield suggested at this time that the HARB Certificate of Appropriateness be combined with this presentation.

Ron Jackson, Engineer was present to represent Mr. Alterman for the New Hope Museum.

Ron Jackson stated a new plan was generated with a new footprint and will be addressed in the review letter from Carroll Engineering dated February 5, 2004. The applicant is seeking conditional final approval from Council this evening of these revisions.

Craig Kennard suggested that the discussion be focused around what they disagree on and not what will be complied with.

Ron Jackson began with Section B #1 and commented “None of the construction aspects of this project will exceed 1000 feet. The project will be done in small phases.”

Sharyn Keiser commented, “If you are not disturbing more than 1000 feet at any given time and the entire picture does exceed over 1000 square feet why if you do things in segments, do you not need approval?”

Ron Jackson replied, “I spoke to Fred Kroshen and Eric Whiteman and the nature of the construction because the projects are completely separate. There is a storm sewer situation and a wall in a separate area, which are 2 separate and distinct projects. These people said approval is not necessary.

Craig Kennard commented, “Eric who is an inspector shouldn’t be there if you don’t have a permit. I don’t understand why he was there. This is a new plan and I require in the review that the Borough receive a letter of approval or exemption from the Conservation District.”

Richard Hirschfield commented, “We should make that a condition.”

Jim Alterman and Ron Jackson had approximately 15 minutes of repetitive dialog to the question answered by the Borough Engineer in regard to having the letter of approval or a letter of exemption from the Conservation District.

Ron Jackson commented, on #4 Section 5.17.E.2b and stated, “The handicap spot is still in the same place it has always been.”

Craig Kennard agreed.

Ron Jackson commented, on #9 that the do not enter one way signs are in the right place but any comment on them will be complied with.

Craig Kennard stated from his review,” The do not enter and one way traffic signs for the parking access appear to be shown incorrectly. Also, additional signs should be provided at both ends of the one-way access drives to direct vehicles leaving the parking area.”

Ron Jackson agreed, and stated,” The plans I have are wrong, and the applicant will comply.”

Ron Jackson commented on #10 “That the new zoning tables do reflect the correct impervious coverage because there is no new impervious surface added to the project that hasn’t changed.
There is a small amount of 35 square feet added in the corner and that will not change the over all percentage and will remain at 91%.”

Craig Kennard stated, “That from his recorded plans in front of him tonight that the information is not there and is needed for permit fee applications.”

Ron Jackson commented, “I do not have that plan and stated, “The applicant will comply.”

Ron Jackson stated “Regarding this letter everything is a will comply.”

Jim Alterman stated “I was brought to his attention Monday night from his architects that the building will not maintain the 35 foot medium and would like to ask Council for their support to the Zoning Hearing Board for the height which is 5 feet taller.”

Sharyn Keiser asked, “How high is that peek?”

Jim Alterman answered, “I am not sure but it is 20 feet lower than the playhouse even with the extra five feet.”

Solicitor Colin Jenei stated, “Council cannot vote on this tonight, this requires a variance.”

Jim Alterman stated, “I spoke to Mr. Larason and he said that shouldn’t be a problem.
To have Councils support going before the Zoning Hearing Board would make the process easier.”

Solicitor Colin Jenei stated, “There are some neighbors that may oppose this variance and it could be a neighbor next to that property that could hold up this project for years if there is only one opposition at the Zoning Hearing Board about height.”

Randy Flager “I cannot approve this in clear conscience. It goes against Height Ordinance. There is no legal hardship here. The variance can be overturned at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas and be tied up for years.”

Richard Hirschfield stated, “There are three possibilities here and one is that you go and get a variance or not get a variance and if you do your neighbor may or may not appeal this variance.” Secondly, you may get turned down for that variance and return to Council for another form of relief and third is that you go back to the original plan.”

Jim Alterman had repetitive dialog at this point for approximately for 9 minutes on the same issue of getting a variance.

Randy Flager advised Jim Alterman to have an attorney present and that Council was unprepared for this request at this time.

Richard Hirschfield asked, “What is the added open space to the river on this new plan?”

Jim Alterman answered, “70 to 80 feet.”

Richard Hirschfield commented, “I like the added open space but, Council’s hands are tied.”

Jim Alterman had repetitive dialog with the issue of height already discussed for 8 minutes.

Craig Kennard commented, “That each ordinance for height is different for each municipality and a Zoning determination is needed here.”

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to table item 8A2 and 8C1. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Jim Alterman asked, “If he could get approval based on the 35 foot height originally presented.”

Ron Jackson reiterated Mr. Alterman’s request.”

AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TOOK PLACE AT THIS POINT TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE ZONING LITIGATION WITH THE APPLICANTS AND RAMIFICATIONS ON EXISTING LITIGATION. (11 minutes)

Richard Hirschfield resumed the meeting, and asked Council to take their seats.

Richard Hirschfield announced that Council will take item A2 off the table. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked the Borough Solicitor to frame a motion.

Solicitor Colin Jenei stated “The changes of the Museum of Art Inc. plan be approved, with the conditions as follows;
#1. That all conditions of HARB requirements be complied with.
#2. That all requirements in the letter from the Borough Engineer, Craig Kennard, dated February 5 2004, be complied with, with the exception of Section 4 which has been complied with already and is on the records along with the modification on Sub Section B Section 1 which will be that the applicant shall either obtain a letter of approval from the Conservation District or a letter of the exemption for approval from the conservation district and with that modification that will be complied with.
#3. All Zoning regulations including building height must be complied with. To determine that the revised height is in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance the applicant must have the plan reviewed forthwith by the Borough Zoning Officer, Bob Larason and the Borough Engineer, Craig Kennard. If the revised plan is not in compliance the applicant must revise it to be in compliance or return to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance prior to plan approval.
#4. All submissions and recordings of the revised plans with all required seals and signatures shall be provided to the Borough with a plan note indicating that an occupancy permit will not be issued until such time that all improvements have been completed. The applicant will post sufficient cash escrow for the required site improvements as defined in escrow agreements to be provided by the Borough Solicitor.

Ed Duffy made the motion as stated form the Borough Solicitor and Randy Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked Jim Alterman if he agreed with the conditions.

Jim Alterman asked to Council explain the motion, he did not understand it.

Sharyn Keiser commented that we are agreeing with;
(a) What was discussed previously in Craig Kennard’s letter.
(b) The HARB conditions.
(c) Not to exceed 35 feet in height.

Richard Hirschfield added that the Borough Zoning Officer and Engineer have to review the plan and attest that to Council.

Solicitor Colin Jenei also added that the motion to include all prior conditions that were set forth by a letter from him of August 13, 2003.

Richard Hirschfield asked if Mr. Alterman agreed with the conditions.

Mr. Alterman agreed.

Ed Duffy made the motion and Randy Flager seconded.

The motion was passed with all favor.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to remove agenda item C1 off the table.

Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Ed Duffy made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for The New Hope Art Museum, 50 South Main Street as follows and stated that detailed information on all the projects is available at Borough Hall:

• The modifications include a monitor and cupola on the roof and not to exceed median height of 35 feet and to comply with all applicable zoning ordinances regarding the height.
• The new addition as revised and stated in the Certificate of Appropriateness
• Windows and large gallery window
• Retaining 6 foot wall-Stone Face
• Wall- 4 foot that starts from the existing fence to the back of the property-Metal and painted to match existing.
• The three stories high.

The approval is subject to no Zoning violations associated with HARB and conditions by HARB as follows:

• Lighting and scheme of lighting
• Side Door facing the playhouse for position and material
• Signage
• Monitor and how lighting will be used.
• Handrails
• Window review

Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Geraldine Delevich asked about the 6 foot wall and is that on the Ferry Street landing park.

Ed Duffy stated, “The stone face wall is on the opposite side of the parking area on the playhouse side and serves as a buffer for the utilities.

The motion was passed with all in favor.

Richard Hirschfield asked JoAnn Connell to make a note for the record and to inform Bob Larason, Zoning Officer, that Council will not consider any plan approvals or plan reviews without the presence of Counsel for the applicant. Also, owners of a building must provide a letter stating they are aware of the work that is being requested for approval and agree with the changes proposed to HARB.

Ed Duffy made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Joe Balderston, South East corner of Bridge and Main Street to include as follows:

• Exterior Painting
• Replacement of wood
• Repair of Cornices and Soffits
• Replacement of gutters, leaders, window trim, and eves.
• Window replacement

With the following conditions:

• The wood panel door on the North side to remain
• Complete clarification is required with all paint color used on any portion of the building.

Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed with all in favor.

REVITALIZATION:
Nothing to report

ADMINISTRATION:
Nothing to report

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:

Geraldine Delevich announced the January Visitor Center Summary as follows;
Visitors-854
Donations-$182.00

Geraldine Delevich announced the 23rd Annual Shad Festival is coming up and will be on Saturday and Sunday April 24th, and 25th 2004.

Geraldine Delevich made a motion to approve the request of New Hope Solebury Community Association requesting permission to close West Bridge Street from the High School to Ferry Street, then South Main Street from Ferry Street to New Street from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Sunday April 4, 2004 and Rey finished the motion.

Rey Velasco announced there is a 5K spirit run at the New Hope Solebury High School. On Sunday April 4, 2004 the 1 mile fun run will start at 9:30 A.M. and the 5K run will follow at 10:00 AM. Patty Beans Clark has requested this and will turn in a Certificate of Insurance and a letter to the chief. Geraldine Delevich made the motion and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion was passed with all in favor.

Geraldine Delevich congratulated the volunteers who put together the Winterfest this year. It was very successful and everything was sold out and they are looking for more events.

Geraldine Delevich announced that April 18, 2004 is Queen for a Day and we are looking for volunteers and to see her if they want to sign up.

Rey Velasco announced a sculpture committee meeting last night and there will be an appreciation reception at Triumph Brewery in March and the date to be announced to thank the community who is supporting the event.

Rey Velasco also announced the sculpture show will begin the weekend of April 17, 2004 and last to May 1, 2004 at George Michaels in the same location as last year.

Rey Velasco announced the date of the next sculpture meeting will be February 23, 2004 and all are invited. Borough Hall also has copies of the shuttle service available to anyone.

Rey Velasco thanked the Public Works Department Tom, Jason, Curtis, and Steve for all their hard work and efforts during the bad weather. We appreciate all the work on the pot holes as well.

Rey Velasco also thanked the Police Department.

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS;

Richard Hirschfield announced that he and Janell Hammond had a meeting with the new manager of Solebury Township John Granger to discuss an area of common interest with the Borough. The property on River Road has been cleared and all old tires, old cars and garbage are gone and the property is being developed. There was discussion about streetscape, sewage, signalization, ground water retention, tax auditing. One topic of immediate concern that Solebury is proposing and going out for bid to review is an environmental program at Aquetong Creek to develop a baseline for water quality and set up sampling stations down throughout the creek costing $60,000. Based on the results of D E P remedial action will take place. They have asked New Hope to write a letter to support this project. They need it by March 5, 2005. They also asked us to fund a maximum of $5,000 in 2005 which is very reasonable. Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion and added that there will be two sampling stations in New Hope. Randy Flager made the motion and Geraldine Delevich seconded.

Mary Gardener commented on the build up of silt by the Playhouse.

The motion was passed all in favor.

Joe Balderston commented about to sewage problem.

Richard Hirschfield replied, “The Borough will look into that.”

Joe Balderston asked if he could use the larger sign for his window on the South East Corner of Bridge and Main Street instead of the smaller one.

Richard Hirschfield replied, “Even though I understand the situation, the Borough has to maintain the Sign Ordinance.”

ADJOURNMENT: