Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 West Bridge Street
New Hope, Pa.
September 13, 2006
MINUTES

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Geri Delevich, Rey Velasco, Claire Shaw, Mayor Larry Keller, Manager John Burke, Borough Solicitor T. J. Walsh and Chief Rick Pasqualini.

ABSENT: Ed Duffy, Sharyn Keiser and Randy Flager.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Keller announced the loss of a long time resident, Robert Icelow, who lived on Buttonwood along with his wife Jean who survives him. Mr. Icelow passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 and will be missed. He was the New Hope Postmaster for 30 years and also the Emergency Management Coordinator for 45 years, assisting in the flood of 1955.

Mayor Keller administered the oath of office to new members of the New Hope Fire Police:

Phil Castro Giovanni
Paul Stubbs
Elliot Mercer

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Richard Hirschfield announced that item 10A has been deleted from this evening’s agenda. Agenda item 4 was instituted last month. It is a consent agenda. A consent agenda lists a series of items that are not controversial in nature and are handled in one group with one motion. This expedites the meeting and the paper work that follows. If there is an item that a Council member wishes to remove from the consent agenda, it will be removed and placed on the regular agenda. Item 4D will be removed from the consent agenda this evening since it is more complicated than a simple request. This matter will be discussed at another point in the meeting when the petitioner arrives.

Richard Hirschfield announced an Executive Session at 6:30 P.M. this evening to discuss a real estate acquisition matter and the Begg/Schmauk litigation matter.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the regular meetings of Borough Council in November and December are changed to the third Wednesdays of these months. The dates are November 15, 2006 and December 20, 2006.

Richard Hirschfield announced a special public meeting of the Revitalization Committee on the 19th of September to be held at the New Hope Solebury High School cafeteria at 7:00 PM to present the Committee’s recommended design plan for the new Ferry Street Park. It is likely that this matter will be on a Council agenda in the fall of this year for final approval and for solicitation of bids.

Richard Hirschfield asked for consideration of adopting Resolution #2006-28R, authorizing submission of a Community Revitalization Grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The grant application is in the amount of $75,000, and the purpose of this application is to look at the issue of river access in New Hope Borough in order to find better ways to provide resident and visitor access to the river in the area of the Playhouse and the old Zadar’s building along with the parking area.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to adopt Resolution 2006-28R.

Rey Velasco moved to adopt Resolution #2006-28R, and Claire Shaw seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion on the consent agenda for items 4A through C and 4E through J, removing item 4D. These items are listed below.

A. Consideration of approving the minutes of the July 12 and August 9, 2006 public meetings of the New Hope Borough Council.

B. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for September 13, 2006, in the amount of $159,481.21; of payroll for August 16, 2006 in the amount of $46,570.83; and of payroll for August 30, 2006 in the amount of $45,012.81.

C. Consideration of authorizing the Chief of Police to hire Ms. Darlene Gibson as a part-time parking Enforcement Officer, subject to the requirements of the New Hope Employee Handbook.

D. Item deleted.

E. Consideration of awarding a contract to George J. Donovan AIA & Associates to conduct a feasibility study.

F. Consideration of awarding a contract to Alan Horton, Electrical Contractors, for installation of lighting at the Visitors’ Center and Ferry Landing Park.

G. Consideration of authorizing advertising for sale of four (4) surplus Borough vehicles in accordance with the requirements of The Borough Code for disposal of surplus personal property:

(1) 1988 GMC truck, 152,893 miles,
(2) 1987 Chevy pickup truck, 176,670 miles,
(3) 1993 Ford Bronco, 113,536 miles, and
(4) 1992 Chevy sedan, 123,555 miles.

H. Consideration of appointing Ms. Mary Lou Huchet of 75 Old Mill Rd. to the Board of Directors of the Free Library of New Hope and Solebury.

I. Consideration of authorizing the Eagle Fire Company Fire Police to assist with traffic control at the September 30-October 1, 2006 Arts and Craft Festival, sponsored by the New Hope Chamber of Commerce.

J. Consideration of approving the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness, as recommended by HARB, for:

(1) 43 N. Main St., by Sam Burns, for exterior painting;
(2) 52 Old York Rd., by Malou Walther, for exterior painting, lighting, wrought iron siding and hardware;
(3) 19 W. Bridge St., by Hilliary Benzel, for installation of a sign;
(4) 70 S. Main St., by Ralph Miller, for replacement of vinyl siding in the area of the dressing room and its replacement with stucco and paint;
(5) 31 N. Main St., by Anthony Hipple, for installation of windows and an extension and entrance to the front façade;
(6) 6 Stockton Ave., by Scannapieco Development, for exterior renovation of an existing brick building located at the southeast corner of the site and construction of a new stair tower to the second floor;
(7) 52 N. Main St., by Amy and Axel Olsen, for construction of a 2-story, wood frame garage and master bedroom addition at the south end of the existing structure, with brick veneer and cementious siding; and
(8) 90 West Bridge St., by Franco Schnitzler, for replacement of front porch.

Rey Velasco moved to approve items 4A through C and 4E through J, deleting item 4D, and Claire Shaw seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment.

Joanne Bitzer asked if the item removed would be addressed tonight.

Richard Hirschfield answered yes.

The motion passed unanimously.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke announced the first item is a requirement of Pennsylvania Act 205, which requires that the minimal municipal obligations for the Borough’s pension plans be read into the record each year. Borough Council is not required to take any action this evening. The plan actuary, Thomas J. Anderson Associates Inc., has certified that the minimum municipal obligation in 2007 for the New Hope Borough General Pension Plan is $13,056, and the minimal municipal obligation in 2007 for the Police Pension Plan is $105,114. This is the amount of money that the Borough must contribute to each pension fund next year, less the amount the Borough receives from state aid.

Richard Hirschfield asked if there were any questions.

John Burke asked for consideration of awarding a contract for the 2006 road improvement program. This year that program will consist of an asphalt overlay of a section of Stoney Hill Road between West Mechanic Street and the Hausner Tract and milling and paving of a section of Sugan Road between the Village II entrance and the Borough line. The Borough authorized and budgeted about $48,000 this year in PennDOT liquid fuel funds for this project. The bids were opened and received on August 25th 2006, and there were a total of 6 bids. The recommendation is to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, which is S & H Landscaping Contractors of Chalfont, Pa. in the amount of $44,135.20. There is a lower bid by Gorcon Inc. of Doylestown, Pa. in the amount of $43, 995, a difference of less than $200.00. The problem is that Gorcon’s bid proposal takes exception to providing a milling machine capable of a six-foot pass or width. Gorcon specified a four-foot pass, but the Borough’s bid specs required a six-foot pass. Therefore, we have deemed Gorcon’s bid non- responsive to the bid specs.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to award the paving contract to S & H Landscaping of Doylestown, PA in the amount of $44,135.20.

Claire Shaw moved to award the paving contract to S & H Landscaping of Doylestown, PA, and Geri Delevich seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.

John Burke announced that the Borough has a proof of publication for this bid, evidencing its advertisement on August 2nd and August 9th 2006 in The Gazette.

John Burke asked for consideration of approving a proposal by the New Hope Assistant Fire Marshall, Daryl Jurbala, for payment of $32.00 per hour, based on 20 hours a week. The current arrangement calls for payment to the Assistant Fire Marshal of fifty percent of all fire code permit fees. There is a great deal more work in the Borough that is not related to permits, and the Assistant Fire Marshal is spending considerable time on emergency management activities, such as flood events and preparation and updating of the Emergency response Plan, etc. Mr. Burke stated that this position would support public safety and recommended that Council consider approving this part-time position. The cost would be offset, in part, by annual fire safety inspection fees with annual revenues of about $24,000.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to hire Daryl Jurbala as a part-time Assistant Fire Marshal

Geri Delevich moved to hire Daryl Jurbala at an hourly rate of $32.00 an hour, based on a 20-hour workweek, and Rey Velasco seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.

PLANNING AND ZONING

Richard Hirschfield stated that for the last five years the Borough has been working on a new and improved Zoning Ordinance, and asked for a motion to authorize advertisement of the new Zoning Ordinance and to set a date for a public hearing to consider adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map. The suggested date is November 15th, 2006, which gives two months to review it. The New Hope Planning Commission, the Zoning Ordinance Committee and the Bucks County Planning Commission have worked on this project for over four years. The Borough staff, including John Burke and Bob Larason, also spent many hours on this project as well. The ordinance and map will be available at Borough Hall and on the web site by the end of the week. The Borough would be happy to take any written comments up through the week before the public hearing. At the end of October there will be a Press Release available to the press and the public listing the highlights of the ordinance and the areas that have changed in order to give everyone a better idea on what is being proposed.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion to set a date for the public hearing of November 15, 2006 and to authorize the advertisement of the comprehensive amendment to the New Hope Zoning Ordinance and map.

Rey Velasco moved to set a date for the public hearing of November 15, 2006 and to authorize the advertisement of the comprehensive amendment to the New Hope Zoning Ordinance and map, and Claire Shaw seconded.

Richard Hirschfield stated that there will not be public comment on this matter tonight, since there is nothing but the publication of the legal notice to discuss, but Mr. Hirschfield did encourage the public to participate at the public hearing.

The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced a Zoning Hearing Board appeal, Docket 299, by Michael and Patricia Antonaccio for a variance to allow an existing rear deck with a set back from the rear of the property line of less than the required 50 feet at 119 Pinewood Circle, T.M.P. #27-10-123, in the R-1 Zoning District. The reason it is on the agenda is to determine whether Borough Council wishes to send the solicitor to the hearing. Colin Jenei Esq. is representing the applicant. A few years ago, there was a building permit issued to Mr. and Mrs. Antonaccio to construct an addition on their house. While the Borough issued the building permit, there was a lack of documentation and details as to the application of the building permit. Recently, the Antonaccios filed for another building permit, and at that time the current Zoning Officer discovered that the original addition was not constructed in accordance with the permit.

Colin Jenei stated that this was five years ago.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Borough issued the permits, but did not carefully inspect the work. A variance should have been obtained for this work. Mr. Hirschfield recommended that the Zoning Hearing Board make the decision in this appeal, unless someone would like to offer a motion. Mr. Hirschfield also asked for public comment. There was none. Council did not act on this matter.

Rey Velasco moved to approve issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to the New Hope Historical Society to replace an existing fence with a snake fence, subject to resolution of the boundary dispute between the Society and the Playhouse and the waiving of Borough permit fees. Claire Shaw seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the next item on the agenda is 8 East Mechanic Street and the HARB Board’s recommendation of denial. Mr. Hirschfield read into the record HARB’s letter of denial to Paul Michael, dated September 7, 2006, and commented that Council has an obligation to decide whether to support HARB’s position, and if it does, to provide information on how the applicant may come into compliance with the HARB regulations. Mr. Hirschfield asked T. J. Walsh, Borough Solicitor, to craft a motion for this item.

T.J. Walsh recommended a motion to deny the C of A to demolish the building at 8 East Mechanic Street for the following reasons:

The property has historic value representing New Hope’s early history. Ichabod Wilkinson, who was an early Borough merchant involved in the iron ore industry of New Hope, built the building between 1734 and 1745.

The property was also designated as a contributing resource on the Village Historic District paperwork that has been filed with the PHMC since 1985.

The building has a significant relationship to historic events and persons and, essentially, it was standing when Washington’s troops were forming the march to Washington’s Crossing for the march on Trenton.

It has significant architectural types and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, stone and masonry buildings remaining in New Hope standing on its own original foundation.

It will have a detrimental effect on the district since the village has already lost other original stone homes and this would be the loss of another contributing resource.

Based on the structural report that was provided, there was not an immediate threat to public health and the building is not in immediate danger of collapsing.

Lastly, there has been no demonstration that the building lacks a viable economic use and that efforts to market the structure have failed.

If the reasons stated above are approved by Council to deny the C of A, the obligation to provide the applicant with information on obtaining a C of A is satisfied by the options set forth in the structural report by Jastrzebski Engineers, Inc., i. e., elevate the structure and install a new ground level foundation or fortify the existing walls, remove the roof, and construct an additional floor.

Richard Hirschfield asked for a motion.

Geri Delevich moved to approve the motion recommended by T. J. Walsh to deny the C of A, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Richard Hirschfield commented that the applicant does have the option to comply with the structural engineer’s report, which would meet the requirements of HARB and would ultimately be decided by HARB.

Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment.

Iain Haight-Ashton read into the record some historical facts about the structure at 8 East Mechanic Street and stated that it is worth preserving. Mr. Haight-Ashton also presented a petition signed by approximately 100 individuals supporting preservation of the structure at 8 West Mechanic Street. (See attached.)

The motion to deny passed unanimously.

RECREATION BOARD

John Burke asked for consideration of authorizing the solicitation of bids for landscaping maintenance services in 2007 for the Ferry Landing Park, East Randolph St. Park, Visitors’ Center, Verizon Parking Lot, and the Parry Street lot. There was a contract this year, which was bid last fall and saved half of the cost from the prior year, and Mr. Burke recommended going out to bid again for 2007.

Claire Shaw moved to authorize the solicitation of bids for landscaping maintenance services, and Rey Velasco seconded. Richard Hirschfield asked for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Rey Velasco announced the Visitors’ Center report for the month of August as follows:

Visitors 4,024
Calls 489
Brochures 27
Sales $79.45
Donations $560.25

Rey Velasco announced that the New Hope Lambertville Rotary Club is honoring Geri Delevich as Citizen of the Year representing New Hope. Tickets are $25.00 each and can be purchased from Earl Bierman by calling 215 862 2102. Cocktails are at 6:00 P.M. and the dinner is at 6:30 P.M. at the New Hope Lambertville Station.

Geri Delevich stated that she took the trolley ride, which is sponsored by a number of businesses in New Hope, and enjoyed it very much and encouraged the public to try it.

Geri Delevich announced that the New Hope Business Alliance, who recently joined with the Chamber of Commerce, is sponsoring a dinner and theater evening, beginning at the Logan Inn with a buffet dinner at 5:30 P.M. and ending at the Playhouse, featuring La Cage Aux Folles at 8:00 P.M. Tickets are available at Cockamamie’s, the 5th Season, and the General Store.

Geri Delevich announced that the Chamber’s New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for September 30th, 2006 and October 1, 2006.

Geri Delevich announced that the 2006 Aids Walk, which raises more money than the walk in Philadelphia, would take place this year on October 1, 2006. Anyone interested can call 215 598 0750 for information.

Geri Delevich announced that the H.O.P.E. Team is in place and ready to go and is now looking for people to help. This program is for anyone home bound that needs transportation, a cook, a visitor, etc.

Richard Hirschfield stated that the Borough received a letter from Connie Gering, President of the Chamber and also representing the Business Alliance, about planned Halloween activities and asked the audience if there is anyone present to represent this request. There was no response. Richard Hirschfield stated that since there is no one present to address the request, it would be tabled until the October meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Richard Hirschfield announced that the new business item has been deleted from tonight’s agenda.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Steve Coppens asked if the Borough is responsible for immigration issues like having someone available to translate meetings into Spanish.

Richard Hirschfield answered that such arrangements may be down the road.

Steven Coppens inquired about traffic flow during the weekends and suggested that the additional fire police could assist with a better traffic flow.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the Borough has used the fire police on other occasions and added that the Borough currently has a grant and is in the planning stage to replace that traffic signals with smart signals, which will allow the Borough to change the timing in response to various events in town. The new signals will be installed sometime next year.

Steve Coppens asked about a release form that the water main contractor for the BCWSA had sent to him in preparation to settle a claim.

Richard Hirschfield answered that the issue is between Mr. Coppens and the contractor, not the Borough, and added that the Borough has worked very hard to get him paid.

T. J. Walsh recommended that Mr. Coppens get a lawyer.

ADJOURNMENT