Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 West Bridge Street
New Hope, Pa.
March 14, 2006
MINUTES

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geri Delevich, Claire Shaw, Randy Flager, Mayor Larry Keller, John Burke, Borough Manager and Chief Rick Pasqualini.

ABSENT: Rey Velasco, Borough Solicitor Colin Jenei and Borough Engineer Craig Kennard.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2006 public meeting of New Hope Borough Council.

Randy Flager moved to approve the minutes of February 14 2006 and Claire Shaw seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Larry Keller asked for consideration of authorizing the Chief of Police to hire Michael W. Peters as a part-time police officer at a rate of $15.00 per hour, subject to the policies, rules and regulations of the New Hope Borough Employee Handbook.

Sharyn Keiser moved to hire Michael W. Peters as a part-time police officer at a rate of $15.00 per hour, subject to the policies, rules and regulations of the New Hope Borough Employee Handbook. Ed Duffy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Keller announced the availability of the “2005 Annual Police Report.” In about a week it will be available on the New Hope Borough web site. The Mayor was happy to see so many Chamber of Commerce members at the meeting this evening and added that he himself is a Chamber member.

Richard Hirschfield announced that Borough Council is also a member of the Chamber.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an Executive Session this evening to discuss the Delaware Street and Favoroso legal matters.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 8B on the agenda will be moved up under the Council President’s Report between items D and F, becoming item 4E, a presentation by the Delaware and Leigh National Heritage Corridor Commission.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Borough Solicitor Colin Jenei, from the firm of Baldi and Jenei, resigned recently due to a conflict of interest and thanked Colin, Robert Baldi, and the firm for their many years of service to, and accomplishments on behalf of, the Borough.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to hire Attorney T. J. Walsh, III of Terry W. Clemens & Associates, PC, as Borough Solicitor, effective April 15, 2006 and added that Mr. Walsh has been the Borough’s Conflict Council for the past two years and has handled Borough matters very capably and effectively.

Ed Duffy moved to hire Attorney T. J. Walsh, III of Terry W. Clemens & Associates, PC, as Borough Solicitor, effective April 15, 2006 and Geri Delevich seconded.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Borough needs another conflict Council and asked for a motion to hire Attorney David J. Truelove of Curtin and Heefner, LLP, as Borough Conflict Counsel, effective April 15, 2006.

Randy Flager moved to hire Attorney David J. Truelove of Curtin and Heefner, LLP, as Borough Conflict Counsel, effective April 15, 2006 and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to change the Council meetings from the second Tuesday of each month to the second Wednesday of each month due to the schedule of the new Borough Solicitor, effective May 10, 2006. Mr. Hirschfield stated that the date of the Council’s June meeting would be announced at the April meeting.

Geri Delevich moved to change the Council meetings from the second Tuesday of each month to the second Wednesday of each month and Claire Shaw seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 4E would be heard now and asked Sharyn Keiser to introduce the speaker.

Sharyn Keiser announced that at the last Revitalization Committee meeting a motion was approved to recommend participation in the Landmark Towns Grant Program. Ms. Keiser introduced Elissa Marsden from the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission to explain the program and grant.

Elissa Marsden announced a new grant project called Landmark Towns, which she has been discussing with other Bucks County communities bordering the canal. The program will include New Hope, Yardley, Bristol and Morrisville boroughs. The program name is derived from the location of the towns on the Delaware River and the historic canal. The objective of the program is to provide a regional revitalization initiative strategy. (See attached Fact Sheet #1.)

Sharyn Keiser stated that representatives from each town’s local business groups, residents and the municipal governments, would be working together to devise a regional revitalization plan.

Richard Hirschfield announced that Bristol, Yardley and Morrisville boroughs have approved this program. The Borough is going to contribute $1,250 during the program’s first year and is looking forward to the project.

Richard Hirschfield asked the audience to please use the microphone in order to have public comments included in the minutes.

Fred Eisen asked what is the relationship between this organization and the State Historic and Museum Commission as far as real estate development is concerned physically and visually along the canal.

Elissa Marsden answered that New Hope has historic districts so preservation and conservation are monitored.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the $1, 250 contribution for the Landmark town project and submission of a grant application to the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission pursuant to the Landmark Towns grant program.

Randy Flager moved to approve a $1,250 contribution to the Landmark Town project and submission of a grant application to the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission pursuant to the Landmark Towns grant program. Sharyn Keiser seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced a presentation by Connie Gering, President of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, of a proposal relative to parking in the Borough.

Connie Gering thanked Borough Council members for all their help with the following proposal. The Chamber realizes that a solution has to be revenue neutral for the Borough. Considering a proposed reduction in meter hours, there would be a loss that would have to be made up. The Chamber also wants to avoid a property tax increase. The proposal is for the meter time to be changed from ending at midnight to ending at 8 P.M. The parking tickets would be increased from $15.00 to $20.00 to offset the loss in meter revenue. The last item is that there be two free weeks of holiday parking, consisting of the week before Christmas and the week after Christmas.

Richard Hirschfield thanked the members of the Chamber for their time, effort, and productive discussions in coming up with a suitable solution for both the Borough and the merchants. He also reminded the public that their comments are restricted to parking meters and traffic tickets only. Parking meters are related to the costs of providing services to tourists. The Borough has budgeted $605,000 for the total of meters and tickets in 2006.

Mr. Hirschfield stated that the issues are fairness, the absence of subsidies, effectiveness, competitiveness with Lambertville, and enforcement. The reason that meter hours were extended to midnight in 2004 was to pay for more police foot patrols on South Main Street to alleviate trouble on weekends. The Borough still wants to maintain the additional foot patrols so any change must result in a revenue neutral outcome. Richard Hirschfield stated that after analysis an $18.00 ticket and a 9:00 P.M. meter time would be revenue neutral. He stated that a roll back to 8 P.M. would cost the Borough about $70,000 annually or $60 to $65 per resident.

Mr. Hirschfield informed all in attendance that any changes must be adopted by ordinance at the April Council meeting.

Fred Eisen commented that when the meters are broken, he feels it is ridiculous that people cannot park in the space and that this is having a negative impact on the town. He stated that the Union Square meters are in effect until 9 P.M. and that these are enforced by the Police Department.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Borough does not set the hours of operation of the Union Square meters.

Sharyn Keiser commented that revenue from the tickets at Union Square helps offset property taxes.

Fred Eisen feels that police power is being wasted by patrolling Union Square.

Eugenio M. Albano read a letter that he submitted this evening to Borough Council. (See attachment letter #2.)

Jim McGinniss, Stoney Hill Road, commented that he does not like the proposal at all and does not want to see the meter hours change because the business owners during the day will be penalized for the bar owners free parking all night. The bar owners cause the problems and need the extra police, and they are the ones who should be paying for it.

Joe Balderston, owner of Diana Michaels and Old World Jewels, feels that South Main Street should be targeted to generate the revenue needed because this area needs the most foot patrols. He asked for the actual costs of the parking enforcement program. Mr. Balderston wants the meters rolled back to 5:00 P.M., with no meters on Saturdays and Sundays, and he would like to see the parking ticket pushed back to $5.00, as they do in Doylestown. New Hope has to get friendlier with their meters because people are being driven out of town. The individual writing the tickets is not friendly to the people receiving the tickets. He asked if an ordinance needs to be adopted since the Borough is patrolling private property, such as Union Square and the bank parking lots?

Richard Hirschfield answered that individuals who own private property have the right to request ticketing on their premises, and New Hope can provide it. Richard Hirschfield also commented that the cost of the meter enforcement program is about $80,000 in 2006, including the cost of the parking enforcement officers, collection, the meters, and benefits, etc.

Elaine McNealy, of 45 North Main Street commented that all the businesses in the last year and a half have been struggling. New Hope is getting a bad reputation for a bad parking situation, and she would like to see this changed because she doesn’t want New Hope to lose its charm by losing its businesses and asked Council to please help.

Joe Knox commented that 95% of the businesses are closed after 7:30 P.M., except for the bars, and he does not agree that rolling the meters back would help. This would only cost the Borough money. The roll back of the meters will only cause more problems for the residents, e.g., noise, vandalism, etc., and the taxpayers who live downtown. Richard Hirschfield asked that the discussion continue to focus on the meters, not when businesses are open.

Jan Witte commented that people are feeling “set up” for a ticket because there is not proper signage in town announcing the meter hours. She has noticed that late at night a person cannot see the meters at all and they are using a lighter to find out what the hours of operation are at the meters. Would Council consider looking at others sources of revenue since the Borough now has the earned income tax, like charging an extra 25 cents per drink at the bars?

Richard Hirschfield answered that a drink tax is illegal for most Pennsylvania municipalities.

Randy Flager answered it is allowed only in Philadelphia.

Richard Hirschfield announced at this time that Council would take three or four more people’s comments, and then he would ask Council members for their comments.

John Byers of 20 Fisher’s Alley commented that the shops are not quarter friendly. John is also an owner of a bed and breakfast and they allow their guests to stay on and park on their site and use the rest rooms throughout the day while they are shopping, as needed, because the two major problems in town are bathrooms and meters. Mr. Byers stated that meter times should be consistent.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council is also looking at different types of meters that take a debit or credit card, but that is going to take some time. Hopefully, with the new Landing Restaurant opening up and providing extra toilets to the public, that may help alleviate the restroom problem.

Tony, owner of a shop called “It’s a beautiful Life” on 9 West Bridge Street, mentioned that he only closes three days a year, and if he didn’t have an Internet site and phone order business, his business would have closed a long time ago. He feels this town is getting a bad rap from the meters and that Council is getting a bad rap from the business community.

Richard Hirschfield stated that he wanted to clear up the confusion about Union Square. The Borough does not own Union Square and just enforces the meter hours. Mr. Hirschfield mentioned that he started on Council six years ago, and at that time the meter hours ended at 9:00 P.M. Until the Borough changed to midnight in July 2004, there was no difference.

Melissa, from the Last Temptation at 115 South Main Street, commented that the town is not user friendly with the meters going until midnight. If it is about South Main Street needing enforcement, she knows that both 90 Main and Havana’s have their own security, but Fran’s across the street doesn’t. Is more police coverage being called to Fran’s than any other bar?

Richard Hirschfield answered that bars have internal security, but they do not have security on the street.

Melissa asked are there fewer police calls to Havana?

Richard Hirschfield answered that he did not have that information.

Melissa commented that Council is saying that we need the extra revenue because of South Main Street, but she feels it is because of the bars and the alcohol.

Richard Hirschfield answered that on the agenda this discussion is about meter revenue and tickets, and he would like the discussion to focus on those topics.

Steve Casper of the Mansion Inn commented that we are all competing for the tourist dollar. With other towns like ours, we have to look at what our competition is doing. If we are hard on our customers, then we are going to lose customers. We have to take a look from a parking standpoint and make sure that we are not harder than our competitors.

Richard Hirschfield announced that he would take three more comments and then turn the discussion over to Council.

Roy Ziegler commented he remembers when the meters changed and the reasons for the additional revenue were because of the vandalism and drunken driving, etc. His concern is that we do not become like Doylestown where they now have surveillance cameras. With any change in the meter hours, he would like to see the security we have in place continued. Why not remove all the meters and put lighted kiosks in? Could a vote tonight be premature? Should the issue be discussed in more detail before we decide, so the entire town benefits as well as improving our image. The security and beauty of the town should be maintained.

John Whitehead, resident and owner of 90 South Main Restaurant and bar, commented that he understands the dilemma of the residents. One of the things they tried to do at 90 Main was to offer valet parking, but the price was raised three times for what the meter would cost and instead of the usual $15.00 dollars a day, they were charged $40.00 dollars a meter each day and it became too expensive. That would have been one way to alleviate a lot of the parking problems.

Tom Rice, who has a shop on South Main Street and has been in town for nine years, commented that finding a place to park is the whole problem. New Hope needs to become friendlier, starting with the shops getting friendlier and providing quarters.

Tim Demusz, a local contractor in New Hope, commented that when contractors are working on various buildings in New Hope, the permit cost should include on-street parking.

Richard Hirschfield answered that this is not a part of the agenda tonight, but that Council will take a look at that issue in the future.

Dan Brooks of the Wishing Well Guesthouse commented that the one question he is asked is can his guests walk into town. Why does New Hope not have a cab company or any other means of transportation to pick up people and drop them off at the end of the evening?

Richard Hirschfield announced that there have been discussions with the Chamber and Council about providing some type of transportation from the parking lot at the “back door” to town and back again, because there are 140 unused spaces. The issues are much broader than the meter rates and the fines the tickets provide. This will take time. What the Chamber has put on the table this evening is very specific, and Council feels the current issues on the table tonight should be addressed. We will then follow up with the other issues.

Richard Hirschfield asked Council members for their comments.

Ed Duffy stated that Council is in the middle of balancing the residents’ needs and the needs of the businesses. Council must try to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share to run the town and the Borough. Operating the meters to 9:00 P.M. and increasing the tickets to $18.00 seems reasonable for the Borough residents and the businesses in town. Mr. Duffy assured the audience that Council is listening, thanked everyone for being present tonight, and added that there should be more research on the kiosk concept.

Geri Delevich commented that the signs on meters that say not to use the meters if broken are unfriendly and should be removed. If the meter is broken, then you get to park for free. Ms. Delevich asked if the Police Department, as well as residents, Chamber members and shop owners, could monitor the meters to report any vandalism? Meter hours until midnight is also unfriendly. No town can capture the magic that New Hope has, and hurting tourists is not in our best interest. The midnight meters in Key West are not friendly, but there is no competition.

Claire Shaw stated that Council has a fiduciary responsibility to the residents, and yet we need to support the business community and should not sacrifice one for the other. We rely on the meter revenue and need to come to a compromise. Ms. Shaw said that she would strongly support rolling back the meters to 9:00 P.M. and increasing the parking ticket to $19.00 and feels that this will be friendlier. Ms. Shaw also urged Council to investigate alternate parking management technologies.

Randy Flager stated that almost every business is closed by 9:00 P.M., except for the restaurants. Everyone pays the same Business Privilege Tax in New Hope, including the super market whose revenue is much larger than our local shops, and that is not fair. We cannot charge extra for drinks because that is only allowed in Philadelphia and we cannot raise the Business Privilege Tax and the Earned Income Tax because those are set by state law, so the only way we can get revenue is through tickets, meters, and the property tax. Mr. Flager also stated that the broken meter stickers are offensive, but that meter vandalism is a problem, and that police protection on South Main Street is essential. Mr. Flager concluded by stating that he is in favor of working with the business community to come up with a revenue neutral proposal and to improve parking management in the Borough.

Sharyn Keiser stated that she agrees with removing the “broken meter” signs and the concept that solutions to these problems need to stay revenue neutral. She received a couple of calls from business people in Lambertville claiming that Lambertville is not business friendly with tickets that cost $25.00, and there are no public bathrooms compared to the Borough where we have the Visitors’ Center, which costs the Borough $65,000 per year, and is paid from the Business Privilege Tax and residential taxes. The Public Works Department collects trash and cleans the streets regularly, and we have a lot to be grateful for here in New Hope. Ms. Keiser stated that she was in favor of rolling back the meters to 9:00 P.M. and raising the tickets to $20.00, which would adequately support the Police Department, keep us out of the newspapers for vandalism, and keep the streets quiet.

Geri Delevich stated that some visitors are not coming back because of the times that businesses are open. The meters are offensive and commented on a brighter note that there was a survey taken by the Delaware Lehigh National Corridor Commission 2005 resulting in the following information:
1. New Hope has one of the four highest percentages of satisfied visitors.
2. New Hope visitors reflect the largest proportion of repeat visitors in the state of Pennsylvania.
3. New Hope has the fourth highest percentage of day visitors.

Geri Delevich announced that she wanted to make a motion to ask the Public Works Department to remove the “broken meter” stickers from the meters.

Richard Hirschfield responded that this recommendation would be included in the motion with the ticket fine and the changing of the hours of the meters.

Richard Hirschfield thanked the audience members for their comments and participation.

Ed Duffy asked for clarification of the procedure for the bagging of the meters over the holiday.

Richard Hirschfield answered that this is a decision that Council has to make every year. It cannot be made a law; it has to be voted on each year.

Ed Duffy commented that the current Council couldn’t obligate future Council members to bagging the meters. The formality is that it needs to come before Council every year as a request to be voted on.

Richard Hirschfield added that the Borough has not collected any fees from the Chamber for holiday meter bagging in the past.

Richard Hirschfield commented that we are all in New Hope for a reason, whether it be that we draw something from the people, from the businesses, from the location, or from the natural beauty. There is a partnership between the residents, property owners and the businesses, and Council appreciates the Chamber for putting something on the table this evening and also the people who came out to attend the meeting. There is a commitment from Council to the business community and to the economic health of New Hope. Mr. Hirschfield also mentioned another study that discovered that the average person comes six times a year to New Hope and stays for two to three hours, establishing that we serve a largely transient population. The consensus of Council seems to be to roll the meters back to 9:00 P.M., to remove the unfriendly stickers that say meters can’t be used when broken, and to increase the tickets from $15.00 to $20.00.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Randy Flager moved for the Borough Manager to prepare an ordinance to roll the meters back from midnight to 9:00 P.M. and to increase the parking tickets from $15.00 to $20.00. Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Council also instructed the Borough Manager to direct the Public Works Department to remove the stickers from the meters that instruct people not to park at broken meters.

Joe Balderston commented that he was happy that Council has moved forward to helping New Hope become more ticket friendly and asked that the ticket enforcement officer become a lot friendlier to our visitors. Also, Mr. Balderston asked how could the Borough get other revenue and asked Council to consider an amusement tax.

Richard Hirschfield commented that it is something Council can look at down the road, but it couldn’t be discussed right now because there is a motion on the table.

Mayor Larry Keller commented that if a parking enforcement officer has behaved in an improper manner, the only way that the Chief or he can know about it is if they are contacted and informed about who it is or when it happened.

Jim McGinniss asked Council if he could have an answer to the following question sometime this week. Each restaurant that received approval for opening had to say how many parking spaces they have for the occupancy, and he would like a record of those parking spaces to see if they are still in existence.

Richard Hirschfield commented that there is a motion on the table for meters and tickets and if Mr. McGuinness wants to get that information, he can call the Borough. Mr. Hirschfield added that most of the restaurants do not have sufficient parking spaces under the Zoning Ordinance because they have all gotten variances.

Jim McGinniss asked if they were in violation.

Richard Hirschfield answered no that they have all gotten variances from the Borough Zoning Hearing Board.

Lewis Licitra, Chamber of Commerce Secretary, commented that he was glad that everyone came out to support this proposal. The reason he and everyone attended tonight was because of the arts and the businesses that are in town. Mr. Licitra appreciates the fact that Council does not want to raise taxes and agrees that the revenue should be kept at a certain level so this does not happen. The Chamber’s proposal to roll back the meters to 8 P.M. is revenue neutral, and a $20.00 ticket price is the way to go with this. People come into town for two to three hours on an average and they are not coming in at 8:00 P.M., rather they are coming in at 4:00 or 5:00 P.M., and the problem is running to the meters to put in quarters as they stay later. It is very annoying and he himself has experienced the inconvenience. Mr. Licitra stated that the additional meter hours did not result in any increase in revenues for the Borough.

Sharyn Keiser commented that the additional revenue from extending the meters to midnight did not show last year or in 2004 because there were the two floods and also because meters were bagged on Main Street because of the installation of water pipes. If those events had not occurred, you would have seen additional revenue.

Tom Rice commented that the meters aren’t even legible during the day. Stickers should be on the meters showing the hours of the meters.

Loretta from a store called Grown-ups was upset about a jammed meter that she called in for repair at 12:30 P.M. on Friday and it did not get fixed until 1:30 P.M. Monday and asked if the Borough could curb some of the bad activities after patrons leave the bars?

Gregg Connocchioli from Variete on Ferry Street asked if the motion on the floor could be tabled to give everyone a chance to vote on it at the next meeting so everyone can sit down for a better solution instead of the $20.00 ticket and roll back of the meters to 9:00 P.M. He stated that business people might want to pay to remove some meters.

Richard Hirschfield called the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield called a recess at 9:30 P.M.

Richard Hirschfield called the meeting to order at 9:45 P.M.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked for consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for March 14, 2006, in the amount of $59,647.28; of payroll for February 15, 2006 in the amount of $43,147.07; and of payroll for March 1, 2006 in the amount of $46,065.12.

Ed Duffy moved to approve payment of accounts payable for March 14, 2006, in the amount of $59,647.28; of payroll for February 15, 2006 in the amount of $43,147.07; and of payroll for March 1, 2006 in the amount of $46,065.12. Randy Flager seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced a vacancy on the three member Shade Tree Commission and three alternate positions for those who might be interested.

John Burke stated that Frank DeLuca has volunteered to serve on the Shade Tree Commission for a term ending December 31, 2008.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to appoint Frank DeLuca.

Sharyn Keiser moved to appoint Frank DeLuca to the Shade Tree Commission for a term ending December 31, 2008, and Geri Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked Council to consider authorizing the purchase of a ¾ ton, 4-wheel drive Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck pursuant to the Pa. Capital City Automotive and Equipment Cooperative Purchasing Program Agreement. This program is run by the city of Harrisburg. Two vehicles were compared. One was a Ford, which was offered under the state Cooperative Purchasing Program, and the second was the Chevrolet offered by the City of Harrisburg. The cost of the Ford truck, an F-250, is $20,775.00, and the comparable Chevrolet, $20,279.00. This purchase will also include a V-plow for this vehicle at an additional cost of about $4,300. The plow will be purchased from another vendor. Mr. Burke mentioned that the costs of the vehicle and plow are included in the approved 2006 budget.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Sharyn Keiser moved to authorize the purchase of a ¾ ton, 4-wheel drive, Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck pursuant to the Pa. Capital City Automotive and Equipment Cooperative Purchasing Program Agreement at a cost of $20,279.00 to include a plow at a cost of about
$4, 300.00. Ed Duffy seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked Council to consider adopting Resolution No. 2006-15R, establishing a schedule of fees for development agreements, land use applications and zoning permits and establishing certain professional fees that are charged back to developers, such as engineering and legal fees. This is the same resolution that Council adopted last year, the only difference in the fees are those charged to the Borough by the Borough Engineer and by the Borough Solicitor and by law those fees have to be published each year in a resolution in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-15R.

Claire Shaw moved to adopt Resolution No. 2006-15R, establishing a schedule of fees for development agreements, land use applications and zoning permits and establishing certain professional fees. Geri Delevich seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that the Police Department has a Police Vehicle they want to get rid of and the Borough Code requires that Council establish a procedure for the disposition of personal property valued at less than $1,000.00. A procedure is suggested in the form of a resolution. The resolution requires that the value of any item under $1,000 be determined on the basis of three estimates obtained from three venders that deal with the particular type of merchandise or item. With confirmation that the merchandise is under $1,000.00, the Borough Manager may then solicit proposals by posting a notice of sale at Borough Hall and accept a written offer of purchase at a price in excess of the minimum price. The decision of awarding the sale of the item(s) would be made upon expiration of the ten-day period following the posting of the notice. The bid item would be awarded to the highest bidder. Of course, any items valued at $1,000.00 or more would have to go before Council for approval for bidding and be advertised in the legal notices section of the local newspaper.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #2006-15R, authorizing the sale of personal property valued at less than $1,000.00.

Ed Duffy moved to adopt Resolution #2006-15R, authorizing the sale of personal property valued at less than $1,000.00. Randy Flager seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS

None.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MATTERS

Ed Duffy moved to approve the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness for the following locations:

1.) 20 Fisher’s Alley, by John Byers, for the installation of windows and doors. Geri Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2.) 132 South Main Street, by In Development, for the installation of hardware for a sign and exterior painting. Claire Shaw seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
3.) 80 West Mechanic Street, by Suzan Savarese & Joan Good, for the construction of a railing, fence and stairs. Geri Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield left the meeting at this time.

4.) 328 South Main Street, by George Michael for the installation of windows. Claire Shaw seconded. The motion passed 5-0-1, with Richard Hirschfield absent for this vote.

Richard Hirschfield returned to the meeting at this time.

5.) 76 Old York Road, by Dimitri Politikos, for the building of an addition. Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
6.) 10-16 East Randolph Street, by Grover Stults, for a second floor addition. Randy Flager seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE AND RECREATION BOARD

Sharyn Keiser moved for the appointment of Barry Ziff to take the place of Elaine Daniels on the Revitalization Committee, for a term ending December 31, 2008 and Geri Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Geri Delevich announced the Visitor’s Center report for the month of February as follows:

Visitors 1,189
Calls 247
Brochures 28
Sales $58.00
Donations $235.00

Geri Delevich announced the Canal Clean-up for April 8, 2006. Anyone interested can contact Chuck Tarr.

Geri Delevich announced H.O.P.E., which is a newly formed committee working in conjunction with the Synagogue, the Catholic Church, Borough residents, and Geri herself. The committee is dedicated to helping house bound residents and those in need of assistance and in a crisis stage. There is a sign up and discussion meeting on March 21, 2006 at 7:30 P.M. at the New Hope Solebury High School.

Geri Delevich announced that New Hope Idol is looking for contestants between the ages of 16 and 22. The winner will receive a $500.00 scholarship, and auditions will be held at Odette’s on April 5th and April 12th at 6:30 P.M.

Geri Delevich introduced Dan Brooks to the audience, who came forward to present a request for the 3rd Annual Somewhere Over the Rainbow Weekend. (See attachment #3, pages 1-4.)

Dan Brooks asked if Main Street between Bridge and Ferry could be closed between 12 Noon through 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 20th. All businesses within that area have received literature on this event and were in favor of it, except for two businesses.

Richard Hirschfield asked if they talked to C’est La Vie because Council received a letter from the owner expressing concern about the event. John Burke read the letter for inclusion in the minutes. (See attached letter #4.)

Sal Savioni and Dan Brooks assured Council that they would work out Jan Vitart’s concerns and any others that may object.

Richard Hirschfield asked if they have worked out the valet parking with Marsha Brown’s Restaurant.

Dan Brooks answered yes; because during the time the street is closed, it will not affect Marsha Brown’s valet parking.

Richard Hirschfield asked Dan Brooks if he agrees to comply with the proposed conditions outlined in the draft letter sent by John Burke.

Dan Brooks answered yes.

Chief Pasqualini commented that PADOT has tightened up dramatically on these permits, that the cost to the Police Department will be $630.00, and that Council should take this cost into consideration.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council would handle it in the same way as the Chamber of Commerce, which pays for the police but not the permits.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve this event based on the terms of the letter sent by the Borough Manager and to include reimbursement to the Police Department and the waiving of all permit fees.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve this event based on the terms of the letter sent by the Borough Manager to include reimbursement to the Police Department and the waiving of all permit fees. Geri Delevich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Dan Brooks stated that he would return to next month’s Council meeting to brief Council on the events planned for this year’s event.

Geri Delevich announced the Winter Festival is now beginning to prepare for next year and needs volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering for next year should contact Earl Bierman.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Joe Balderston asked Council to initiate the Amusement Tax again.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it is not in the budget this year, but Council would research this and may consider it next year.

ADJOURNMENT