NEW HOPE BOROUGH
Regular Meeting of Borough Council

May 13, 2003

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Ed Duffy, Geraldine Delevich, Jake Fell, Sandra Trappen, Randy Flager, Borough Solicitor Colin Jenei and Mayor Larry Keller.

ABSENT:

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2003:
Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed 6 -0-1 by the following vote.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Mayor Keller announced that all merchants should have received a mailing from Berkheimer and Associates involving the earned income tax which will be effective July 1, 2003. There will be two meetings at New Hope Borough Hall May 21st, at 3:00 P.M. and at 6:00 P.M. for those people who need help with their estimated payments and any questions you may have.

Mayor Keller announced on April 30, 2003 he met with Carol Beske, Linda Spalinski and Chris Harney who is the project manager and all representing the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. Richard Hirschfield, Tom Markey, John Tegley, Fred Williamson, and Frank Cosner also attended. We were advised that the Free Bridge would be closed for 8-9 months for renovations approximately beginning in January. It will be closed from 7AM-7PM Mon -Thurs, and Fri 7AM-5PM and will open for the entire weekend. The renovations include widening the walkway from 6 ½ feet to 8 feet, new decking on the roadway, replacing everything on the bridge including new railings, new flooring for the walkways repainted the same color as existing. They will be holding an open house on June 19, 2003 from 5:30 PM to 8 P.M. at the Toll Bridge building at the river on 202, where they will be available to answer any questions.

Richard Hirschfield asked in addition to the meeting on the 19th of June, if anyone had any concerns about the bridge to bring them up at the June Council meeting.

DORO KERR asked if there would be more of a favorable rate for the new bridge?

Mayor Keller recommended she attend the open house for more information.

BOB GERENSER asked if there could be a public meeting in regard to the Bridge closing.

Mayor Keller answered that any questions could be answered at the open house meeting-taking place June 19, 2003, at 5:30 PM.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Hirschfield recommended a motion for the contribution of $20,000 from Borough Open Space funds to the "Riverwoods at New Hope Community Association" for related open space activities involved in fencing and aeration of the community pond, and to provide for three street lights with appropriate underground wiring on Oscar Hammerstein Way. Randall Flager made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed 6-0-1 by the following vote.

President Hirschfield recommended the award of a bid for milling and resurfacing of West Parry Chestnut and Buttonwood streets. The lowest bidder came in at $75,963.50, Macanga, Inc. Jake Fell made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by 6-0-1 by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield recommended consideration of Ordinance #2003-7 protecting Horses used for commercial purposes within the Borough of New Hope. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Richard Hirschfield recommended consideration of Ordinance #2003-8 prohibiting excessive and unnecessary noise within the Borough and providing for enforcement and penalties for violations. Sharyn Keiser made the motion and Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

President Hirschfield recommended consideration of Ordinance #2003-9 prohibiting the use of Pyrotechnics inside any establishment within the Borough of New Hope. Randy Flager made the motion and Ed Duffy seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

John Tegley requested approval of Accounts Payable for May 14, 2003 for $126,080.20. Randy Flager made the motion and Jake Fell seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

John Tegley requested approval of Borough Payroll for April 16, 2003 for $37,847.31. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

John Tegley requested approval of Borough Payroll for April 30, 2003 in the amount of $40,486.85. Randy Flager made the motion and Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PLANNING:

Ed Duffy recommended a motion for Resolution #2003-7 for the Planning Module for New Hope Solebury Elementary School construction. Bob Larason, Borough Engineer was asked by Richard Hirschfield to explain the need for the resolution. Mr. Larason replied that the public sewer needs approval prior to the work. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

ZONING:
No Report

REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE:

Sharyn Keiser made a motion to recommend approval of a ten (10) year lease between the Borough of New Hope and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks for subsequent use of the "Berm" area located adjacent to the Borough Parking Lot and further authorizing the President for Borough Council to execute the said lease on behalf of the Borough. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

HARB:

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 28 West Bridge Street. Sharyn Keiser made a motion and it was decided to table the application for the June Council meeting.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior painting for 36 West Bridge Street. Randy Flager seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 15 South Main Street for upgrades and color changes. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made the motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 9 South Main Street to erect a tent with the additional conditions; there are to be no sides on the tent and that in 6 months the applicant has to report back to Council for an extension. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 49 West Ferry Street for Side curtains for the entrance. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 25 North Main Street for the installation of an awning window not previously approved. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed y the following vote.

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 20 South Main Street to enclose residential entrance. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

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

Sharyn Keiser made a motion for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 89-91 West Ferry Street for exterior painting. Jake Fell seconded and the motion passed 6 to 1 by the following vote.

ADMINISTRATIVE AFFIARS:

Richard Hirschfield recommended the acceptance of the 2002 Borough Financial statement prepared by Borough Auditor Burton & Browse LLP. Ed Duffy made the motion and Jake Fell seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

OMMUNITY AFFAIRS:

Geraldine Delevich announced an open house at the Visitor's Center on Friday May 16, 2003 for a dedication at 4:30 P.M. Appetizers are being donated by Karla's and it was also announced that there will be garden sculptures and benches coming to the Visitor's Center soon.

Geraldine Delevich made a motion for the approval of a request by the Riverside Symphonia to hang a 3 x 15 banner over East Bride Street from June 5th to July 7th 2003. Randy Flager seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Geraldine Delevich announced that there would be a PIP fundraiser, which will include dinner at the Logan Inn and a play at the Playhouse. The show will be Fiddler on the Roof and take place on June 11, 2003. The cost of the tickets will be $45.00 each.

Geraldine Delevich announced the Outdoor Sculpture reception will be on May 28th & may 29th, 2003. The indoor reception will be from June 14th-June 24th, 2003

Geraldine Delevich announced that the New Hope Manor recently opened and to welcome our new residents to make them feel like part of the community.

Geraldine Delevich announced Sal Savioni's Fashion Show, which will take place on Saturday May 14, 2003 right on South Main Street. The event will take place at noon.

Geraldine Delevich announced the profits from the Visitors Center as follows:
Visitors 206
Donations $126.37

Richard Hirschfield read a letter from Sal Savioni in response to a postcard sent out to residents from Bob Gerenser. A copy of the letter and the postcard will be attached to the approved minutes.

PUBLIC WORKS:
Jake Fell made a motion for the appointment of Robert Mitchell of 2310, Rittenhouse Square Bensalem to the full time position of Laborer, at an hourly rate of $12.75 per hour. Sharyn Keiser seconded and the motion was passed by the following vote.

Jake Fell announced hazardous waste collection would take place on July 26, 2003 between (9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.), at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology on 2740 York Road. (Rt. 263) in Warwick Township.

POLICE:

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion for the consideration of Ordinance #2003-10 enforcing speeding and traffic control devices in the Riverwoods Section of the Borough of New Hope. Randy Flager made the motion ad Sharyn Keiser seconded. The motion was passed by the following vote.

OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

Bob Gerenser, of 22 South Main Street asked if Council approves a HARB recommendation?

Richard Hirschfield answered, yes.

Nora Worth of 49 West Mechanic Street, asked if the New Hope Inn would be discussed tonight.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it is not on the agenda.

ADJOURNMENT