Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH
REGULAR MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL
APRIL 8, 2003, 7:30 P.M.

Richard Hirschfield asked the audience to remain standing after the pledge of allegiance for a moment of silence for the solders killed and wounded in Iraq.

PRESENT:
Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Geradline Delevich, Ed Duffy, Randy Flager, Jake Fell, Manager John Tegley and Solicitor Colin Jenei.

ABSENT: Sandra Trappen and Mayor Larry Keller.

President Hirschfield announced that there was an Executive Session prior to the meeting to discuss legal matters.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the minutes for March 11, 2003. Ed Duffy made the motion Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed 5 to 1.

MAYORS REPORT:
There was no report.

PRESIDENTS REPORT:
Richard Hirschfield announced the deletion of two items on the agenda as follows; item 2-F, because the application has to go before the Zoning Hearing Board and Council. The other item is D-1, under administrative affairs at the request of the applicant.

Richard Hirschfield announced the receipt of a letter from Mr. Felding of Newtown thanking the Borough for the work done on improving the traffic situation in Solebury. The speed was reduced and various signage was added to make the road safer.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Borough received notice of rate increases for medical and dental which is up by 8% and is still less than last year because the Borough went with a new carrier, and thanked Janell Hammond for her work.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the Visitors center will be open in two weeks and thanked Earl Bierman, and everyone involved with this project for all their efforts.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the approval of Resolution of # 2003-6. This allows the Tax Collector of the Borough to charge a fee of $20.00 for documents that he has to prepare for tax certification and an additional $3.00 for duplicates. Randy Flager made the motion and Jake Fell seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the approval of Resolution # 2003-4 authorizing execution of an agreement with H.A. Berkheimer Inc. for the collection, administration, receipt and enforcement of the provisions of Act 511 Earned Income Tax for the initial term commencing July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2006. Ed Duffy made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the approval of Resolution #2003-5 appointing H.A Berkheimer Inc. as it's Tax Hearing Officer pursuant to the Local Taxpayers Bill of Rights for the express purpose of adjudicating appeals there under. Geradline Delevich made the motion and Jake Fell seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the approval of Resolution #2003-6 appointing John D. Tegley, Borough Manager as Borough liaison to H.A. Berkheimer Inc., the duly appointed collector of Earned Income Tax for the Borough of New Hope. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

MANAGER'S REPORT:

John Tegley requested approval for Accounts Payable for April 8, 2003 in the amount of $127,728.89. Randy Flager made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

John Tegley requested approval for the Borough Payroll for March 19, 2003 in the amount of $42,316.05. Randy Flager made the motion Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

John Tegley requested approval of Borough Payroll for April 2, 2003 in the amount of $38,013.74. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

PLANNING:

Ed Duffy made a motion to recommend the acceptance of the recommendations from the Planning Commission to approve, with conditions established by the Borough Engineer, the Preliminary and Final Land Development Plan of the New Hope Solebury School District. The motion included the following conditions by our Borough Engineer Bob Larason, which was Water Supply, and the Traffic Study where the school is responsible for the increase in volume at the 202 spur and also for whatever the State may require. Carl Lindsay stated that he was in full agreement of these conditions. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Ed Duffy made a motion for the acceptance of the recommendations from the Borough Engineer to release all remaining escrow funds for Riverwoods Development, (Gigliotti Group) Sections 2 and 5. Randy Flager stated there were unfinished items that are still many items not addressed giving the following two examples: sidewalks are on an angle and missing trees in certain areas. Richard Hirschfield announced that 30 days will be given to correct the problems and this item will be placed on the May agenda.

ZONING:
Randy Flager thanked Colin Jenei for his work on the case of Alan Rosenburg verses the New Hope Zoning Hearing Board. The court ruled unanimously three to nothing in favor of the Borough.

REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE:
Nothing to report.

HARB:
Sharyn Keiser made a motion to formally accept Dan Leuzzi's resignation from the HARB Board. Ed Duffy seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the appointment of Cynthia G. Ford a Real Estate Broker of 48 Parchment Drive, New Hope for a term expiring December 31, 2003 to replace Dan Leuzzi. Geraldine Delevich seconded and motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Havana located at 105 South Main Street to change the roofline. Ed Duffy seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield stated that after the tragedy in Rhode Island, the Borough has aggressively gone into such establishments for inspection of fire safety and crowd limitations particularly with those establishments with large crowds. The Borough will continue this on a regular basis.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Diana Michael's located at 25 North Main Street to replace slate roof with asphalt shingles. Jake Fell seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Union Square located at 40 West Bridge Street to temporarily install a metal door to be replaced with a wood door. Geraldine Delevich seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Union Square located at 58 West Bridge Street to put awnings on 10 units for the "D" building. Ed Duffy seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the New Hope Inn located at 36 West Bridge Street to demolish the site except for the historic building. The motion included that the demolition will not take place until the plans for the site are presented and approved by the HARB Board, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Hearing Board and finally Council. Jake Fell seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote. The vote was taken on page 6 after extended discussions.

Richard Hirschfield stated that by law a person is entitled to do what they want with property that they purchase. The demolition was approved by HARB and Mr. Michael has a legal right to the demolition with the approval of Council. The Borough has included ten conditions established by the Borough Engineer as follows:

1. Proper documentation of the plot.
2. All the utilities are located properly.
3. The limits of each parcel have to be clearly shown in the plans.
   
4. The buildings that will be demolished and retained have to be clearly shown in the plans.
5. Proper notification is given to the utilities and the neighbors that the site is properly restored in a safe and hazard free condition.
6. The safety for the users of the on site and off site pedestrians, vehicle, and neighboring properties including, temporary fencing and walls.
7. Environmental impacts, that prevent erosion.
8. Site access, and control during demolition and control of who can get on and off the site.
9. Times of operation that the Borough proposes are between the hours of 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.
10. To provide the information on how the materials will be disposed of.
11. The demolition has to conform to Chapter 33 of Boca.
12. No demolition will begin until all approvals from the Borough Boards and Committees are met.

Richard Hirschfield stated that this should be in a formal letter and asked if the applicant agrees with the conditions and Michael Carr, Esq. who was representing Mr. Michael replied, "yes".

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON 36 WEST BRIDGE STREET:

William Kerr Esq. was representing Andrew Abruzzese, owner of the Moonlight Restaurant. Mr. Kerr mentioned his client had significant concerns with the demolition of 36 West Mechanic Street. Mr. Abruzzese stated this proposal would effect the historic character of the neighborhood and the street. Mr. Kerr is concerned that part of the demolition is the property of Mr. Abruzzese due to a 94-year lease, and feels that his client should have the opportunity to purchase this property.

Andrew Abruzzese stated that he is in full agreement with residential development in a down town area. He was concerned that the demolition would take place without plans. He also feels that his concerns have been addressed.

Jo Balderson asked if there is a specific time period an applicant had to go back before HARB if a project approved does not begin?

Richard Hirschfield answered no.

Bob Gerenser read a letter on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Torino who own the Canal House expressing their concerns with the 36 West Bridge Street projects. A copy of the letter is attached to the approved minutes.

Carolyn Decker expressed comments in regard to the 36 West Mechanic Street project referring strictly to the demolition which she felt will hurt the community spirit.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CONTINUED ON 36 WEST BRIDGE STREET:

Bert Johnson expressed concern for the 36 West Mechanic Street project and read a letter from Richard Barclay, President of Unlimited Concepts, Inc. sharing the same concerns. A copy of the letter is attached to the approved minutes.

Claire Shaw expressed her concern of the demolition of the 36 West Mechanic Street and was very happy to see the 10 conditions applied to the project.

Mike Carr Esq. stated that this is a long process and is being done in the appropriate stages required.

Paul Witte expressed concern for the 36 West Mechanic Street Project.

Geraldine Delevich stated that she heard a lot of negative reactions for the 36 West Mechanic Street Project and agrees with that criticism.

Richard Hirschfield, at this time called for a vote on the motion, by roll call of the demolition of The New Hope Inn located on 36 West Mechanic Street. The motion was passed 5 to 1 by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 58 North Main Street for the demolition of the rear portion of the home. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 126 South Main Street to replace the front section of the house roof. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Logan Inn located at 10 West Ferry Street for a seasonal tent permit. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote. The motion included that the applicant must come back to the Borough for an extension in six months from the date of this council meeting.

Mary Gardner asked if the wooden structure at the Logan Inn was approved.
Sharyn Keiser answered, yes.
Jo Balderson asked if the tent was made of fireproof material?
Mike Carr Esq. who was representing Mr. Michael, answered yes, it is fire resistant.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1 West Bridge Street to paint the exterior of the building. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Havana on 105 South Main Street to modify the front porch and also the removal of two doors. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Havana located at 105 South Main Street to renovate the exterior. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for the DENIAL of the application for Union Square on 30 West Bridge Street proposing to erect rope lighting on Suites 1 through 5. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:

Geraldine Delevich announced the New Hope Golf Classic, will be held on Monday May 12, 2003 starting at 11:00 AM at the Heron Glen Golf Course. All proceeds will be for the Visitor's Center.

Geraldine Delevich announced the indoor sculpture gallery opening and reception will take place on June 14, 2003. The outdoor sculpture will be coming at the end of May and can be seen in various spots in town.

Geraldine Delevich congratulated the Partners in Progress Committee and the members of the community for the work done on the Canal clean up.

Geraldine Delevich announced on April 12, 2003 the Gardening Group will be planting throughout the town and will be meeting at the Living Earth at 10 AM for anyone who would like to participate.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Richard Hirschfield thanked the Public Works Department for the great job clearing the streets during the last snowstorm.

Richard Hirschfield announced the paving contracts for Chestnut, Buttonwood and Parry Streets will be going out for bidding and this will be on the May Agenda. Richard Hirschfield also included that the Borough is aware of the concerns with the trees and the trenching and mentioned that the Borough is closely supervising that.

POLICE:
Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the appointment of Patricia Villareale of 622 Kirkwood Street, New Hope, PA to a part time position of Meter Enforcement Officer at a rate of $12.00 per hour. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Jake Fell seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to recommend the appointment of Jacques Alschech of 70 West Bridge Street, New Hope PA to the part time position of Meter Enforcement Officer at a rate of $12.00 per hour. Ed Duffy made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to recommend the probationary appointment of Dawn Harrison of 1575 Deep Run Road, Pipersville PA to the part-time position of Part Time Police Officer at a rate of $14.30 per hour. Randy Flager made the motion and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to recommend the probationary appointment of Robert Garrett of 51 Freedom Road, Levittown, PA to the part-time position of Part Time Police Officer at a rate of $14.30 per hour. Randy Flager made the motion and Geraldine Delevich seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to recommend the adoption of Resolution #2003-7 amending the hours of operation for parking meters for certain streets within the Borough. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded.

Sharyn Keiser further explained this motion is due to the large amount of activity at night on South Main Street. The bars are very active between 10 PM and 2AM and additional Police visibility is necessary in this area of town, and the meter revenue will help compensate for the additional police coverage.

Geraldine Delevich asked if this would effect residents who do not have parking?

Sharyn Keiser stated that in the early morning hours on Main Street Friday or Saturday nights these spots clear out.

Bob Gerenser asked to table this and come back to the topic in May

Sharyn Keiser stated that this could be tabled and research done for the parking issue for the residents possibly, designating certain areas for residential parking.

Richard Hirschfield stated that Resolution #2003-7 to extend the meter time would be tabled for a future meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:
Jan Witte talked about the town meeting concept and also more advertising should be done.

Bob Gerenser asked are the meter parts being saved or are there plans to keep the present meters in operation by acquiring the parts from another source?

Richard Hirschfield answered yes; we are looking into that.

ADJOURNMENT: