Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 WEST BRIDGE STREET
JUNE 13, 2007

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

MAYOR’S REPORT

Larry Keller stated that the five-year Police Department vehicle plan that Geri Delevich had requested at the last meeting would not be ready until next month.

Larry Keller announced that he found an old issue of the New Hope News in his archives from 1943. A story in the issue talked about a trolley that ran in town and that was scrapped, resulting in 47 tons of steel for the war effort. In turn, the New Hope roads were paved by the state. Council also voted in 1943 to take title to the 6-1/2 acre tract that is now the Public Works Department facility. The cost was $300.00.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield announced that there was an Executive Session at Borough Hall prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss a land acquisition matter and a potential legal matter.

Richard Hirschfield announced the recent passing of Charles Kerr and recollected how active he was in the community and how he will be missed.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda, as follows.

A. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for June 13, 2007, in the amount of $154,196.57; of payroll for May 9, 2007 in the amount of $52,077.09; of payroll for May 23, 2007 in the amount of $56,630.93; and of payroll for June 6, 2007 in the amount of $50,590.73.
B. Consideration of approving the minutes of the April 11 and May 9, 2007 public meetings of Borough Council.
C. Consideration of a request by the New Hope Historical Society to waive certain construction permit fees.
D. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-13R, amending the fee schedule for nonresidential Certificates of Occupancy.
E. Consideration of approving a Bill of Sale with The New Hope Historical Society for transfer of historic marker assets to the Borough.
F. Consideration of approving a final plan of minor subdivision for T.M.P. No. 27-10-12, located at 111 New Street, granting all necessary waivers from the subdivision and land development ordinance as required for final subdivision approval.
G. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-14R, approving a Declaration of Permanent Access and Parking Easement for St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church.
H. Public hearing to consider adoption of Resolution No. 2007-15R, establishing an all-way stop at West Mechanic Street, near 265 West Mechanic Street.
I. Consideration of issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for:
(1) 95 S. Main St., by Joe Lambardi, for sign installation;
(2) 82 S. Main St., by Brian Montgomery, for exterior painting;
(3) 52 S. Main St., by NHHS, for shielding of a/c condenser;
(4) 68 N. Main Street, by Michael & Melanie Romanczak, for exterior painting;
(5) 3 Bridge St., by MKB Studios, for exterior painting;
(6) 52 Old York Rd., by Malou Walther, for fence installation; and
(7) 10, 12, 14 & 16 E. Randolph St., by Grover Stults, for revisions to an approved HARB plan, including doors visible from E. Randolph St. and excluding balconies.

Randall Flager moved to approve the consent agenda, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke opened a public hearing to consider adoption of Ordinance No. 2007-08, enacting a codification of all Borough ordinances that were adopted through December of 2006, known as the Code of the Borough of New Hope. There is a proof of publication issued by The New Hope Gazette attesting to the fact that the code of ordinances was advertised, as required by law, in the May 24, 2007 issue of the newspaper.

Randall Flager moved to adopt Ordinance #2007-08, enacting a codification of all Borough ordinances, and Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the solicitation of bids for a new Comprehensive Plan. State law and the Bucks County Planning Commission recommended that the Comprehensive Plan be updated every ten years, and the current plan for the Borough is dated 1997. The new plan will include population, transportation, housing, economic characteristics, environmental and natural features, a catalog of existing land use, an analysis of community facilities, a description of municipal finances, an inventory of transportation facilities, parking etc. in the area, and, of course, the Comprehensive Plan document, which would feature a map of proposed land uses and be used as the basis for additional changes and modifications to the Zoning Ordinance in the future. The anticipated time frame is about one year to complete.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to consider soliciting bids for the 2008 Comprehensive Plan.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the solicitation of bids for the Comprehensive Plan, and Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Geri Delevich asked for a power point presentation as this moves along so everyone can share in the progress.

Geri Delevich asked that Council, Planning, and Revitalization have a joint public meeting to discuss everyone’s thoughts on the Comprehensive Plan.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the solicitation of bids for a Riverfront Revitalization Strategic Plan. The Borough has received a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund this study. The Borough will select a consultant who will study the area bounded by East Ferry Street, South Main Street, the river, and East Mechanic Street.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the solicitation of bids for the Riverfront Strategic Plan, and Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Bob Gerenser commented that he would like to see the old Zadar’s become a fine hotel.

The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that he would discuss Ordinance No 2007-07 and Resolution No. 2007-16R as one item. Basically, these two documents give the Borough options with respect to the parking facilities that it will acquire at 111 New Street, which is the site of the old St. Martin’s Church. Those options are metered, rental, or fee-based parking at the new facility for the public. The fee-based option provides for a charge of $8.00 per day.

Randall Flager moved to approve.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a second.

John Burke asked if Council wanted to vote on the Resolution and the Ordinance at the same time.

Randall Flager stated that he agrees to amend his prior motion to approve both Ordinance No. 2007-07 and Resolution No. 2007-16R.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a second.

Sharyn Keiser seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Rey Velasco asked if this could be used as a parking facility once construction starts.

Richard Hirschfield answered that it is too early to determine that.

Rey Velasco stated that there is a person who has worked for the Church for four years collecting the parking fees and asked if this individual could be kept on?

Richard Hirschfield answered that he would be the logical person to talk to if the Borough opts for daily fee-based parking.

Claire Shaw asked Council to consider not charging for parking during the week from Monday through Friday until 5:00 p.m.

Geri Delevich stated that she would support free parking on weekdays.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the Borough could look at that proposal if it could be done without compromising the projected parking revenue.

The ordinance and resolution were adopted by unanimous vote.

Richard Hirschfield announced the continuation of the conditional use hearing for Joe and Joni Glassman to allow a restaurant use at 1 North Main Street.

A complete transcript of the Glassman hearing is attached to these minutes.

Richard Hirschfield announced a discussion of Zoning Hearing Board appeal no. 311, by Robert Weller, for T.M.P. No 27-007-043, located at 118 North Main Street in the RB District.

Mr. Hirschfield stated that the applicant recently met with the Zoning Officer and manager and presented a plan that is essentially what is before Council this evening. The applicant is seeking multiple variances, including one for exceeding the allowable impervious surface ratio, to allow construction of a new single-family dwelling unit. Mr. Hirschfield noted that the applicant was not present this evening, but stated that the applicant’s attorney had been notified of this agenda item.

Sharyn Keiser moved to authorize the Borough Solicitor to oppose this application on behalf of Council. Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of a preliminary/final plan of land development, submitted by Finale Partners, for T.M.P. No. 27-10-128, located on the south side of East Bridge Street in the CC zoning district.

Roderick Chirumbolo of Boucher and James, Inc. was present to represent the applicant, along with the applicant, Mr. Steve Grabowski of Finale Partners.

Mr. Chirumbolo stated that the applicant is proposing to replace a demolished structure with a new 753 sq. ft. one-story structure within the same footprint as the demolished structure. The original structure was non-conforming with respect to yard encroachments and other dimensional characteristics. Reconstruction is allowed under the old zoning ordinance, and this application was submitted under the old ordinance, prior to November 15, 2006. The proposed use is retail shops. The applicant proposes an underground water quality infiltration system to be located at the rear of the site. The building will be served by public water and sewer.

Richard Hirschfield asked if the applicant agrees with the draft letter of the Borough manager featuring 26 recommended conditions for plan approval.

Mr. Chirumbolo stated that the applicant agrees to the 26 recommended conditions of plan approval.

Mr. Grabowski asked about the length of the approval period for this application.

T. J. Walsh stated that state law allows the applicant 5 years to complete the project from the date of preliminary plan approval.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Ed Duffy moved to approve a preliminary/final plan of land development, submitted by Finale Partners, for T.M.P. No. 27-10-128, located on the south side of East Bridge Street in the CC zoning district, subject to the applicant’s agreement with the Borough Manager’s recommended conditions of plan approval. Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

Ann Liebold asked how the applicant proposes to gain access to his property for construction.

John Burke stated that a condition of plan approval is that the applicant submits a site access plan to the Borough Engineer for approval before the start of construction. This plan would also require the approval of the Chief of Police and the bridge commission for traffic management.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Hirschfield stated that due to the late hour and the fact that Mr. Fernandez just submitted a plan this evening, Mr. Fernandez’s has agreed to present his sketch plan at the July Council meeting.

RECREATION BOARD AND REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve the reimbursement, to a maximum of $1,000.00, of the Chamber of Commerce for purchase of US Flags to be displayed in the Borough, with the Borough having the responsibility to care for the flags thereafter. Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REPORT

Geri Delevich thanked Earl Bierman for organizing the golf outing and the Farmers’ Market and mentioned that residents and merchants were enjoying the market.

Geri Delevich announced that the Visitors’ Center announcement would be postponed due to the late hour.

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve a request by the New Hope Solebury Community Association to permit the 2007 Auto Show at 180 West Bridge Street on August 11th & 12th. Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public and asked if the applicant will comply with the letter of May 14, 2007 stating certain conditions.

Mr. Joe McKeever, representing the Association, stated that he agreed to the conditions stated in the Manager’s letter of May 14, 2007.

The motion passed unanimously.

Rey Velasco asked for consideration of a request by New Hope Arts, Inc. to install a banner sign, from June 29 thru July 16, 2007, across East Bridge Street for “Savor New Hope: Showcase of the Arts.”

Sharyn Keiser moved to approve this request by New Hope Arts, Inc., and Randall Flager seconded.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Geri Delevich moved to approve the following requests by the Chamber of Commerce for the 2007 Arts and Craft Festival. Claire Shaw seconded.

1. To prohibit traffic on North Main Street from Rt. 202 Spur to Bridge Street;
2. Prohibit traffic on Randolph Street and Parry Street;
3. Close the Borough parking lot at the Verizon Building;
4. Permission to place a banner across East Bridge Street from August 30th through October 2nd;
5. Authorization to use Fire Police on September 29th and 30th; and
6. Permission to place porta-potties at Borough Hall.

Richard Hirschfield asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion passed unanimously.

Sharyn Keiser asked Earl Bierman if the Park and Recreation Board has approved the use of Ferry Landing Park for the Chamber’s proposed Labor Day Weekend and Renaissance Weekend events. Ms. Keiser stated that the Park and Recreation Board is involved in the approval of all park events and makes recommendations to Council on these matters.

Earl Bierman stated that the Park and Recreation Board had not reviewed these requests, but would be happy to do so at its next public meeting.

Frank Policare, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that unless there is an issue, the Chamber could wait until Council’s July public meeting.

Ed Duffy asked about the status of the Facilities Committee work on the New Street property.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Committee has only met twice to date and would, possibly after its next meeting, be in a position to schedule presentations to Council and the public.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

Randall Flager stated the Farmers’ Market is wonderful.

Earl Bierman stated that the recent golf outing realized a profit of over $5,000.00.

Roy Ziegler thanked Council and the Police Department for their assistance and cooperation in making New Hope History Day a great success. Mr. Ziegler also thanked Council for agreeing to accept maintenance responsibilities for the historic markers and for waiving permit fees for renovations to the Parry mansion and barn.

Joe Balderston stated that he was upset with Council members who make comments to the press about the Glassman application.

Steve Coppens urged Council to repeal the recently enacted amendment to the Earned Income Tax allowing exemptions to anyone earning $5,000.00 or less annually.

ADJOURNMENT