Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
180 West Bridge Street
Regular Meeting
March 14, 2007
MINUTES

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

ABSENT

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller announced the presentation of a 20-year service award to Corporal Mathew Zimmerman. Corporal Zimmerman was absent this evening due to illness.

Mayor Keller announced that there was no one in the audience to speak on behalf of the New Hope Celebrates Parade and suggested tabling this matter until the later part of the meeting.

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was no Executive Session held before the meeting tonight.

Richard Hirschfield congratulated T. J. Walsh on becoming a new father, a little boy.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the consent agenda has been modified. Item 4, D (2) has been moved to the first item under 6 as requested by Councilwoman Delevich.

Richard Hirschfield congratulated Council for acquiring the St. Martins of Tours Church on New Street, which is three acres in the middle of the Borough that would be preserved forever and will be used for open space, parking, and Borough activities. The agreement of sale has been signed, and the Borough will be closing sometime this summer.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the discussion on the Lomas Zoning Hearing Board application for the Cinnabon on West Bridge Street would be moved to after the President’s Report.

Richard Hirschfield explained the Cinnabon and the Dunkin’ Donuts applications. The Cinnabon application at 36 West Bridge Street would require a variance from the Zoning Hearing Board because it is not a permitted use at that location. The Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins’ conditional use application at 2 West Bridge Street is not on the agenda tonight and is a whole separate issue that will be on the agenda in April or May. This is a conditional use, which means that it is a permitted use in that district at that location. All restaurant applications must be treated the same by law. Council will make a decision at the time of the hearing.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the request to appoint Mr. Joe Knox as an alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board couldn’t be addressed because he holds an elected position as constable of New Hope. Pennsylvania law precludes Mr. Knox from serving on the Zoning Hearing Board.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to appoint Joel Roberts of 10 West Mechanic Street as an alternate member of the Zoning Hearing Board. Randy Flager moved to appoint Joel Roberts, and Geri Delevich seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced a Proclamation to be presented to Spencer Saunders honoring his 10 years of service to New Hope Borough as a member and Chairperson of the Historic Architectural Review Board. The proclamation was approved by acclamation.

Richard Hirschfield asked Council to act on a recommendation by Spencer Saunders to consider appointing James Rivera, a designer and a builder, to HARB. Randy Flager moved to appoint James Rivera, and Sharyn Keiser seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Joe Balderston asked if James Rivera lives in the Borough.

Richard Hirschfield answered yes he does.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced a public hearing date of May 9, 2007 for Council to consider adoption of an ordinance prohibiting smoking at bars and restaurants in the Borough. Mr. Hirschfield stated that smoking is a public health issue and announced that the proposed ordinance is available at Borough Hall for review.

Richard Hirschfield introduced Mike Amery and explained that Mr. Amery is seeking Council’s support for a public-private plan to restore the canal in the area surrounding Odette’s

Mike Amery commented the project will cost approximately three to five million, and the restoration would restore the canal to pre-flood condition near Odette’s. Mr. Amery explained that this area is the Gateway to New Hope and that the canal is a National Historic Landmark.

Dee Dee Bowman, Chairperson of the Revitalization Committee, commented that the Revitalization Committee recently vote unanimously to recommend Council support for this restoration effort along the canal in that area. The objectives are to bring tourists to the area and to improve the attractiveness of the Borough.

Mike Amery stated that he would like to create more places for recreation for residents along the river.

Richard Hirschfield stated that this action by Council would have nothing to do with Council support for any future land development plan submitted by Mr. Amery. This matter concerns the public lands surrounding Odette’s only.

Randy Flager asked what would prevent a future flood from destroying the proposed improvements.

Mr. Amery stated that the improvements could be designed and constructed to current engineering standards and practices to limit damage.

Randy Flager moved to approve a letter of support from the Borough to the Secretary of Pa DCNR for the restoration plan, and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Geri Delevich commented that she is very pleased with the enthusiasm that Mr. Amery has for this project.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 6 E is next on the agenda for discussion. This is a request by Mr. Ben Lomas in the form of an appeal before the Zoning Hearing Board to seek a use variance for a Cinnabon retail franchise to be located at 36 West Bridge Street in the LC District, just west of the railroad tracks on the north side of the street. Council reviews all requests to the Zoning Hearing Board and determines whether the Borough will send the Solicitor to oppose or support the application, with the Zoning Hearing Board having the final determination.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mr. Lomas what hardship, if any, does he have to justify a use variance.

Mr. Lomas answered that he does not have a hardship; he just feels that it would be good for the area to have a Cinnabon at that location.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to oppose the application by sending the Borough solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board meeting.

Sharyn Keiser moved to send the Borough Solicitor to oppose the Cinnabon application, and Ed Duffy seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Elaine Mc Nealy asked Council to oppose this variance. Ms. Nealy stated that one chain store leads to another, and that Cinnabon does not fit New Hope.

Richard Hirschfield commented that this application is about whether the use is permitted in this District, and it is not. Council’s vote would be conditioned on the lack of a demonstrable hardship in this case. Council cannot oppose chains and franchises because that is against the law.

Sharyn Keiser commented that Council is also trying to protect the integrity of the Borough.

Bob Gerenser commented that Mr. Lomas should review the history of this property because others have tried and failed to obtain variances for similar uses.

Joe Balderston asked if the newly written Zoning Ordinance recognizes that these types of uses are not good for the Borough.

Richard Hirschfield responded that this area was rezoned as part of the November 2006 Zoning Ordinance. The issue is permitted uses and Council cannot pick and choose, without excluding the use entirely.

Brian Montgomery, 82 S. Main Street, asked if it would be ok to put a McDonalds in the place of Spatola’s pizza?

Richard Hirschfield stated that it would have to meet the requirements and the conditions set forth by the Borough in its Zoning Ordinance, and that it is not permissible under Pennsylvania law to distinguish between restaurants.

Carl Christenson, owner of Integrity Studio, commented that he is concerned about the Cinnabon application because of the infrastructure of the small parking lot and access way and their use by BCWSA, Verizon, and other tenants.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the consent agenda is next and asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda for items 4, A through D with the exception of item 4, D (2) as follows.

4. Consent Agenda.

A. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for March 14, 2007, in the amount of $99,101.73; of payroll for February 14, 2007 in the amount of $49,611.55; and of payroll for February 28, 2007 in the amount of $63,706.55.
B. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2007-08R, establishing a land use and zoning fee schedule.
C. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23007-09R, authorizing the Borough Treasurer to close an account at Wachovia Securities.
D. Consideration of issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for:
(1) 48 West Bridge Street, by Dan Leuzzi, for a new railing installation;
(2) Canal Street Development, by George Michael, for sidewalk, brick material, and street lights;
(3) 52 North Main Street, by Mr. & Mrs. Axel Olson, for a change from a 2-story addition to a 1-story addition; and
(4) 11 Chestnut Street, by the Estate of John Galloway, for construction of a single-family dwelling unit.

Claire Shaw moved to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of item 4, D (2), and Randy Flager seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public. The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke announced a public hearing for consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 2007-03, approving a cable television franchise agreement with Verizon. This will allow a non-exclusive 12-year franchise with Verizon, which will have the right to own, construct, operate and maintain a cable system. In exchange, Verizon will provide cable services along the public rights-of-way within the Borough and agree to recognize the Borough’s responsibility to protect and manage its public rights-of-way. Verizon also agrees to provide high standards of customer service and financial compensation for the use of the public rights-of-way and complimentary basic cable service for certain public buildings, as well as educational and governmental channels to benefit the entire community.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Verizon may provide the service within 10 years and asked for a motion to approve this ordinance.

Mary Lou Frere of Verizon stated that Verizon would provide service in a “substantial way” within 5 years.

Geri Delevich moved to approve Ordinance No. 2007-03 and the franchise agreement, and Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Joel Roberts of 10 West Mechanic Street asked if there is anything in the contracts with these cable companies to clean up the existing cables that are hanging all over the place.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Comcast is responsible for existing cable lines and stated that the Borough would look into this matter.

The motion passed unanimously

John Burke asked for consideration of selecting a bond counsel. The Borough has received 6 proposals from bond firms, in response to an RFP issued by the Borough. The proposals range from $14,900.00 to $35,000, and the work involves interim financing for the acquisition of the church property on New Street and permanent financing in the form of a bond issue for acquisition and improvements to that property. The low bid is Rhoads and Simon, a law firm out of Harrisburg, PA at $14, 900.00.

John Burke commented that the Borough would need the acquisition money by the end of June.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to hire Rhoads and Simon as bond counsel.

Claire Shaw moved to approve Rhoads and Simon as bond counsel, and Randy Flager seconded.

Randy Flager thanked John and Council and commended the choice and cost, which he feels, is a tremendous savings to the taxpayers, coming in at less than half of the high bid. Mr. Flager stated that he is grateful that the Borough chose to bid this service.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy announced consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by HARB, for Canal Street and submitted by Paul Michael, for sidewalk, brick material, and streetlights.

Ed Duffy commented that it would be a good idea to see if the streetlights in the presentation this evening could be adopted in all of New Hope and be used throughout the Borough. Mr. Duffy also added that special attention should be given to the bricks at the entrance to the project so that they are consistent with what is used town already.

Paul Michael stated that the streetlights would be low-level fixtures, the same as those located at the Visitors’ Center and in Doylestown Borough.

Mayor Keller asked if a ladder bar could be added to the poles in keeping with what was used years ago. This is useful for hanging baskets.

Paul Michael stated that his company would be using dark red natural clay brick pavers that have a distressed, irregular appearance. They will be installed from the canal bridge up to the Stockton Bridge on the north side of West Mechanic Street. Grey pavers will be used at the crosswalk.

Council members commented that they liked the idea that the appearance is not uniform and that different colors would be used.

Ed Duffy moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Canal Street Development streetscape, and Rey Velasco seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Joe Balderston asked if the pavers would feature a pattern.

Paul Michael stated that he would look into this.

Joel Roberts asked how the pavers would be installed.

Paul Michael stated that the pavers would be installed in a modified stone base.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Duffy announced the next item on the agenda is consideration of issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness for New Canal Village, submitted by Ed McGahan and located on the east side of New Street in the Historic District.

Mike Carr, Esq., from Eastburn and Gray was present to represent Ed McGahan.

Andre D’Allessia, a contractor for Ed McGahan, came forward to discuss the materials as follows:

• The buildings will be fieldstone.
• Roofs will be simulated slate.
• Solid copper snow guards and copper dormers will be used.
• All fireplaces will be solid masonry with authentic one-piece stone caps.
• All windows will be Colby and Colby.
• The front retaining wall will be double-faced and natural stone.
• All iron gates will be solid and painted black.
• All paving will be blue stone.
• Shutters will be wood with iron hardware.
• All natural stone will be used.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council plans to amend the HARB ordinance in April to state that structures cannot be 10% higher than the structures located on adjacent properties. The current ordinance does not provide a clear or precise definition of the work “adjacent.” The real purpose of HARB is to protect the streetscape. The HARB amendment would only allow consideration of properties that are on the same side of the street in the Historic District. This amendment will not allow comparisons across rights-of-way or roads.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the question at this point is whether Council likes the plan and wants to award a Certificate of Appropriateness or whether Council has an option other than the 10% rule in the current HARB ordinance.

T. J. Walsh commented that in this case a judge would be called upon to resolve a dispute that is not about the letter of what the ordinance says but about whose interpretation makes more sense. When you are litigating a matter of interpretation, the judge will decide based upon what is the most favorable land use to the property owner.

Randy Flager commented that the proposed construction standards are excellent and that, unfortunately, the neighbors supported the setback relief sought by the applicant before the Zoning Hearing Board that enabled the developer to construct taller, more substantial structures. Mr. Flager stated that he is concerned with the height of the buildings.

Mike Carr stated that his client has supplied information on properties on New Street and, with the exception of the two side-by-side properties, the proposed buildings are consistent with the streetscape. There has been no attempt to mislead.

Claire Shaw expressed disappointment that the applicant, who was asked at the February meeting, did not come in with a site elevation plan to show a comparison of the size of the proposed buildings to the surrounding homes.

Geri Delevich stated that she appreciates the use of natural materials, but stated that the project may be a bit overwhelming in scale.

Tom Smyth commented that he has attended all HARB meetings for this project and talked about height and streetscape issues from the beginning and feels like the street has been failed.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Council really tried to research the issue but the result was as T.J. mentioned is the best interpretation for the landowner.

Ed Hild, 92 Towpath, stated that the neighbors have been taken advantage of and failed and that the backs of the proposed buildings are way out of scale. Mr. Hild suggested that landscaping be used to soften the back of the project and to blend it in to its surroundings.

Sharyn Keiser did not understand how the residents felt that the Borough boards and committees failed the neighbors to this project. Ms. Keiser stated that the New Street residents supported the variances granted by the Zoning Hearing Board for this project and that Council did not oppose because the neighbors supported the variances.

Dee Dee Bowman commented that the New Street residents did support the applicant at the Zoning Hearing Board meeting because bringing the houses closer to the street would be more in scale and keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Also, the residents said that the whole project had to be in scale, and the feeling is that HARB never addressed the issue of scale.

Iain Haight-Ashton, a member of HARB, commented that he was told that height was not a part of HARB’s jurisdiction.

Richard Hirschfield commented that HARB is responsible for the aesthetics, harmony and continuity of a project, not size.

Craig Kennard commented that the Zoning Hearing Board based its decision on the testimony of the neighbors.

Ed Duffy moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for New Canal Village, and Rey Velasco seconded. The motion passed by the following vote: 4-3

Ed Duffy announced the next item on the agenda for consideration is a preliminary plan of land development, submitted by Ed McGahan, for New Canal Village.

Mike Carr announced that he is present to represent Mr. McGahan.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mike Carr to address the proposed waivers sought by the applicant as follows.

1. Section 4.02.C.2 – To allow plan scales less than 1” = 50’ or 1” = 100’, to the satisfaction of the Borough Engineer.

2. Section 5.04.E – To not require a 30-foot wide drainage easement to preserve the natural drainage along the Delaware Canal.

3. Sections 5.05.C.1 & 5.07.A.4 – To not require a minimum 20-foot wide drainage easement for all on-site storm sewer facilities for maintenance since the Condominium Association will maintain the on-site storm sewer facilities.

4. Section 5.06.D.2 – To not require proposed grading to be a minimum of 5 feet from a property line to avoid encroachment of the abutting properties during construction.

5. Section 5.09.C – To reduce the required road widening from a minimum cart way width of 36 feet for New Street, conditioned upon payment of a cash contribution of $20,000.00 in lieu of improving the last 20 ft. of New Street at the northern end of the site due to steep slopes and the proximity of the proposed structure location to the street and completion of all road improvements to the satisfaction of the Borough Engineer.

6. Section 5.17.G – To allow driveway grades ranging between 4% and 10%, instead of the maximum 5% permitted by ordinance.

7. Sections 5.10, C & 5.17 – To allow one stacked spillover parking space, measuring 8 ft. by 18 ft., at the rear of each structure (by reducing the length of the garage by 2 ft.), instead of in a driveway or turn-around.

Richard Hirschfield asked the Borough Engineer to comment on the proposed waivers.

Craig Kennard commented that he supports the waivers for plan scale, the drainage easement along the canal, the drainage easement for on-site storm water facilities, the grading within five feet of the property line, and the spillover parking. The waiver that has been difficult to resolve from an engineering perspective is the driveway slope. Because the garages are rear access, the driveway slope is greater than what the ordinance permits. A new set of plans shows a slope of less than 10%. In his October 13, 2006 letter, he referenced grades of greater than 10% and stated that he did not support this. The Fire Marshall said that the fire company would not be accessing the backs of the units and would access from the front of the street only. The waiver regarding slope is directly related to the Zoning Hearing Board decision.

Richard Hirschfield asked what the alternative is.

Craig Kennard answered that the alternative would be front-loaded garages to comply with the ordinance.

Richard Hirschfield asked what the right-of-way improvement issue involves.

Craig Kennard answered that there would be improvements along New Street by widening the road and adding new curb and sidewalk to enhance the front area and stated that he supported a partial waiver of the widening in exchange for a capital contribution of $20,000.00.

Mike Carr commented that there are issues that do not appear in the review letter that have to do with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The applicant received guidance from DCNR to stabilize the embankment to allow the applicant to work on the canal property and to restore it to DCNR’s standards. The applicant will need a temporary construction easement for that. DCNR has also asserted that the location of the property boundary is a little bit farther from the edge of the water based on their deed. This issue was discussed with Borough staff, and it was agreed that there would be plan notes added to that effect.

Mike Carr asked Council to consider final approval if the Borough Engineer and the Zoning Officer are satisfied with the plans.

Ed Duffy asked what are they are doing to the canal side of the property?

Mike CARR answered the plan shows a driveway that slopes down the southerly end of the property and wraps around the back and is supported by a retaining wall that is not very tall that runs along the edge of the driveway.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Ed Duffy moved to approve a preliminary/final plan of land development subject to the applicant’s agreement with the conditions of plan approval recommended by the Borough Manager, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked the applicant if he accepts all terms of the Manager’s draft letter of February 15, 2007.

Mike Carr answered yes.

The motion passed 6-1 by the following vote:

Mike Carr presented a preliminary/final plan of minor subdivision and lot line adjustment, submitted by Robert J, Cwenar, Jr. This plan involves the creation of two lots from three current lots and the construction of a second dwelling unit. A separate application is scheduled to go before the Zoning Hearing Board.

Mr. Carr stated the land currently consists of three separate parcels located on the west side of New Street, south of the recent George Michael development. The applicant proposes to merge three lots into two lots, remove a garage structure, and build a new dwelling unit. The lots have been merged and used as one lot in the past.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the Zoning Hearing Board should decide this case and that Council should take no position.

Ed Duffy agreed.

Claire Shaw moved to send the Borough Solicitor to oppose this application.

Richard Hirschfield stated that Council should make a distinction between important and unimportant cases and not oppose every variance request.

Rey Velasco commented that the Zoning Hearing Board should handle this case.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a second to the motion.

Sharyn Keiser seconded the motion.

Sharyn Keiser commented that New Street has gone through a lot of development projects in recent years that have greatly affected that street and is concerned about this project where variances may be requested for yards, lot area, and impervious surface.

Mike Carr stated that his client is willing to reduce the list of variances to one—for lot size only—and is also willing to limit the size of the proposed dwelling unit to two stories.

Richard Hirschfield asked it the applicant would commit to seeking a variance for lot size only and agree to return to Council if additional variances are sought before appearing before the Zoning Hearing Board.

Geri Delevich stated that New Hope is being “overbuilt” and agreed with Claire Shaw that Council should oppose this application.

Richard Hirschfield at this time called the question to oppose this application and send the Borough Solicitor to represent the Borough.

The motion was denied by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield announced the next item on the agenda is a presentation by Thom Smyth and a discussion of a plan to establish a cooking school at 85 West Bridge Street. Mr. Hirschfield also added that Mr. Smith has done a beautiful job renovating the house.

Thom Smith is a chef and teacher by profession. Mr. Smith would like to open a cooking school at this location, but it is not a permitted use. The hardships here are that it would be a difficult property to sell partly because it has been hit so many times by vehicles and the economic return may not be sufficient because of the extraordinary costs of renovation. The use Mr. Smith proposes is a minimum use. The Zoning Hearing Board could determine the days of operation and the hours would be reasonable, ending probably not later than 9 P.M. Mr. Smith sent correspondence to all the neighbors and had discussions with the Fire Marshal and the Department of Health and is awaiting the outcome of those conversations to see if this idea is feasible.

Richard Hirschfield stated that he supports the cooking school as long as Mr. Smith follows the restrictions approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. It will be important to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood.

Mr. Smith agreed and added that he is trying to work out an agreement with George Michael to have his customers park at Union Square.

Richard Hirschfield commented that Mr. Smith would need to comply with the noise ordnance.

Rey Velasco commented that he does not have a problem with classical music.

Ed Duffy asked about the cooking equipment and the output.

Tom Smith answered that he must use commercial equipment. Mr. Smith added that he has to observe the same requirements as a restaurant.

Sharyn Keiser asked about trash.

Tom Smith answered that it would be no more than residential and that he would build an enclosed area.

Geri Delevich asked the Solicitor what could happen if Tom sells the property after getting the variance.

T. J. Walsh stated that a variance couldn’t be personalized.

Tom Smith answered that the variance could be restricted to a cooking school only and that he would agree to a variance for an educational institute for teaching cooking.

John Burke asked if Mr. Smyth has any plans to offer catering services from this location.

Mr. Smyth replied that he has no plans for catering.

Richard Hirschfield asked if the premises would be sprinklered.

Thom Smyth replied that he would install a monitored hardwired detection system.

Geri Delevich stated that cooking is an art and that this is a “palatable” variance request.

Richard Hirschfield asked Mr. Smyth to return to Council for discussion after the application to the Zoning Hearing Board is filed.

Richard Hirschfield left the room at this time.

T. J. Walsh asked for consideration of approving a written decision in the conditional use application of Marsha Brown for expansion of the restaurant use at 15 South Main Street.

Randy Flager moved to approve the written decision, and Rey Velasco Seconded.

Sharyn Keiser called the motion.

The motion passed 6-0 by the following vote;

RECREATION AND REVITALIZATION REPORT

Sharyn Keiser stated that the plans for Lenape Park and Canal Walk are moving along.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REPORT

Rey Velasco announced the New Hope Visitor’s Center statistics for February 2006 and 2007 as follows:

Rey reminded everyone that there was no Winterfest this year.

Rey Velasco announced that there is a meeting tomorrow at 3:15 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. at 2 Stockton Avenue for New Hope Arts for those interested in attending.

Rey Velasco announced April 1, 2007 as the date for the Bird House Auction by New Hope Arts.

Rey Velasco announced that the date of the Sculpture Show is April 28, 2007 and they are looking for volunteers at 2 Stockton Avenue.

Rey Velasco announced that the Showcase of the Arts will be held July 13 – 15th, 2007.

Geri Delevich announced that F.A.C.T. bingo would be held on Tuesday March 20, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

Richard Hirschfield returned to the meeting.

Geri Delevich wished John Larason a happy 80th birthday.

Geri Delevich announced that the New Hope Garden Club would be doing the annual spring planting on March 31st, at 10:00 A.M., if you are meeting at the Living Earth, and at 10:20 A.M. if you wish to join at Stockton Avenue.

Geri Delevich announced the New Hope Solebury high school musical this Thursday–Sunday.

Geri Delevich asked Dan Brooks to come forward to present Somewhere Over The Rainbow events.

Dan Brooks announced that the Gay Pride Festival would be held May 18-20th. There will be many events including a parade. This event also promotes New Hope and generated $500,000 for New Hope businesses last year. Mr. Brook asked Council if the parade could leave from the Legion, go down New Street north to Stockton and east on Ferry into the park. Mr. Brooks also presented an optional route for the parade.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the parade conditioned upon all Borough requirements being met, including reimbursement of police overtime.

Randy Flager moved to approve the parade, and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Dan Brooks asked for permission to hang a banner on the Starbucks building advertising the festival.

Council approved the banner by acclamation.

Sharyn Keiser announced that Steve Stahl has a new play at the Abington Theater Arts Complex in New York from March 13-26th and congratulated his success.

Geri Delevich asked about the dead fish in the canal.

John Burke answered that DCNR has promised to clean it up.

Dee Dee Bowman asked if the Borough intends to preserve the open space at 111 New Street.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it is the Borough’s objective to keep it open space.

Joe Balderston asked about the status of water hook-ups.

John Burke answered that the Authority has assured the Borough that property owners will be allowed to connect in April.

Bob Gerenser stated that in June 1778 the entire army of General George Washington broke camp in Valley Forge and marched down Ferry Street in New Hope on its way to defeat General Cornwallis at Monmouth. Mr. Gerenser stated that Washington had placed two artillery batteries at the church location on New Street

ADJOURNMENT