Meeting Minutes

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
180 WEST BRIDGE STREET
SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
MINUTES

PRESENT: Sharyn Keiser, Claire Shaw, Rey Velasco, Randall Flager, Ed Duffy, Mayor Laurence Keller, Borough Manager John Burke, Solicitor T. J. Walsh, and Chief Rick Pasqualini.

ABSENT: Richard Hirschfield

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Laurence Keller asked Council to consider adopting Resolution No. 2007-18R, adopting an investment policy statement for the police pension plan.

Randall Flager made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-18R, adopting an investment policy statement for the police pension plan. Ed Duffy seconded.

Vice Chairperson Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Mayor Keller stated that the Police Department has added speed details and parked a police car on North Main Street in recent days to deter speeding. The speed board trailer has also been placed on North Main to deter speeding. Mayor Keller stated that he recently parked for two hours at the Park & Ride facility located in Lower Makefield Township at the Scudder’s Fall Bridge and counted 54 quarry trucks coming over the bridge from New Jersey. The Mayor stated that PaDOT must provide an alternate route for quarry trucks outside of the Borough.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Vice President Sharyn Keiser announced that the deadline for connection to the public water system for phase 2 customers at the substantially reduced connection fee price is October 31, 2007. The connection fee increases from $1,500 to $7,650 on November 1st.

Sharyn Keiser asked Council to consider authorizing the Borough Solicitor to intervene on behalf of the Borough in the appeal of James and Nadine Staats, BCCCP No. 0706357-18-5, which involves an appeal by the Staats from a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board prohibiting the use of an illegal apartment at their dwelling on Kiltie Drive.

Claire Shaw made a motion to authorize the Borough Solicitor to intervene in order to oppose the Staats’ appeal. Ed Duffy seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Sharyn Keiser introduced Jim Lyons, 130 North Main Street, who presented a petition with over 300 signatures to Council concerning traffic conditions on North Main Street.

Mr. Lyons asked that the petition be sent to local state legislators and PaDOT to advise them of excessive quarry truck traffic and motorcycle noise in the Borough. Mr. Lyons stated that he conducted a count of truck traffic on June 26th and found that 447 large trucks and 575 small trucks passed his residence on North Main Street between 6 AM and 3 PM. Mr. Lyons also stated that he conducted a count of motorcycles traveling on North Main Street on June 24th between Noon and 4 PM and found 596 in that short period of time. Mr. Lyons concluded by asking Council for its support in dealing with the state legislature and PaDOT on these issues that reduce the quality of life enjoyed by Borough residents.

Sharyn Keiser thanked Mr. Lyons for his presentation, stated that Council regarded these matters as serious issues, and stated that the Borough has been meeting with local state reps and has hired a traffic engineer to resolve these complaints.

Paul Witte asked about the Rabbit Run Bridge. John Burke stated that PaDOT is currently considering a 30-ton weight limit for this bridge.

Randall Flager stated that the Borough should purchase more sound meters for the Police Department. Mayor Keller stated that the department has budgeted for an additional sound meter in 2008.

Bob Gerenser asked that Council consider education and signage before ticketing motorcyclists, who are also ”customers.” Mr. Gerenser also wanted to clarify that hookup to the public water system is voluntary.

Ms. Keiser stated that connections for restaurants are required by the County Health Department.

Ed Duffy stated that the Chamber of Commerce is printing pocket information cards for distribution to motorcyclists as a courtesy.

Randall Flager stated that the pipe noise is intentional and that the only way to stop the noise is by issuing tickets.

Mayor Keller stated that 85% or more of motorcyclists comply with the law.

Libby Nieburg asked Council to consider the noise from motorcycles on Windy Bush Road.

Mayor Keller stated that we need support from Solebury for enforcement on Windy Bush Road.

Frank DeLuca stated that the police have marked VASCAR lines on Windy Bush Road near the cemetery. Mr. DeLuca also stated that many motorcycles exceed 86 decibels, but somehow pass state inspection.

Geri Delevich stated she counted over 50 motorcycles at Main & Bridge on Sunday, with only one police officer available at that location. The motorcyclists are difficult to control.

Elaine McNeely stated that New Hope is a tourist town, and motorcyclists should be welcomed. However, motorcycles can be annoying, and more enforcement is needed despite that fact that there has been some recent improvement.

CONSENT AGENDA

Sharyn Keiser asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows.

A. Consideration of approving payment of accounts payable for
September 19, 2007, in the amount of $134,486.28; of payroll for August 15, 2007 in the amount of $48,851.37; of payroll for August 29, 2007 in the amount of $47,547.07; and of payroll for September 12, 2007 in the amount of $49,237.57.
B. Consideration of approving the minutes of the August 8, 2007 public meeting of Borough Council.
C. Consideration of approving a commitment letter to PaDCED affirming the Borough’s intent to provide the required local match for years 2 thru 5 of the Landmark Towns Program.
D. Consideration of approving Resolution No. 2007-19R, establishing an annual permit parking fee for 111 New Street.
E. Consideration of approving a request by Twin River Town Projects Inc. (AKA Winter Fest) to place an overhead banner on East Bridge Street from December 19, 2007 through January 27, 2008.
F. Consideration of approving a professional services and temporary access agreement for limited stormwater drainage services for certain North Main Street properties.
G. Consideration of awarding a contract to Jacobs Edwards & Kelcey for a commuter rail feasibility study.
H. Consideration of appointing Richard Gacek to HARB for a term expiring December 31, 2009.
I. Consideration of a request by the NHHS to waive permit fees for issuance of a Certificate of Use & Occupancy for the Parry Barn.
J. Consideration of issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness, as recommended by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for:
(1) New Hope Borough, for traffic signal installations at Main & Bridge and W. Bridge and Sugan;
(2) 7 N. Main St., by New Hope Leather, for installation of a sign; and
(3) 56 W. Ferry St., by Ken Lightfoot, for exterior painting and replacement of siding.
K. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2007-20R, designating the Assistant Borough Secretary as the Tax Collector for the Business Privilege Tax.

Randall Flager made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Claire Shaw seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

MANAGER’S REPORT

John Burke asked Council to consider adoption of Ordinance No. 2007-11, amending the New Hope Borough solid waste management ordinance. Mr. Burke explained that the Borough is required by state law to amend its solid waste management ordinance whenever there is a change in the County solid waste plan. Buck County amended its plan in 2006 and advised all municipalities that they must amend their local ordinances by the end of September 2007. Ordinance No. 2007-11 amends the Borough’s solid waste regulations to comply with the recent changes in the County plan and also updates and strengthens the Borough’s regulations for the handling, storage and collection of solid waste. Mr. Burke noted that the Borough has received a Proof of Publication showing that this ordinance was advertised in accordance with state law.

Randall Flager made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2007-11, and Rey Velasco seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote.

John Burke asked Council to consider the award of a contract to GoreCon Inc., the apparent low bidder, for the 2007 paving program, which includes a speed hump in the vicinity of 265 West Mechanic Street. Mr. Burke stated that the Borough has received a Proof of Publication demonstrating compliance with the advertising requirements of state law.

Rey Velasco made a motion to award a contract to GoreCon Inc. and Geri Delevich seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

John Burke stated that Pa ACT 205 requires the manager, annually, to present to Council at a formal public meeting the actuary’s estimated minimum municipal obligations for the Borough’s pension plans in the following year. The actuary, Thomas J. Anderson, estimates that the Borough will be obligated to pay $14,774 into the non-uniform pension plan and $130,926 into the police pension plan in 2008. We expect that the payment to the police pension plan will be reduced substantially by receipt of pension system state aid amounting to about $80,000 in 2006.

John Burke informed Council that a total of eight proposals were received in response to the Borough’s RFP for a new Comprehensive Plan. The Borough Planning Commission considered the various proposals at its September public meeting and recommended that Council award this contract to the Bucks County Planning Commission.

Ed Duffy made a motion to award the Comprehensive Plan contract to the Bucks County Planning Commission. Randall Flager seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

LAND USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REPORT

Ed Duffy introduced Mr. Mike Amery, who narrated a 2-screen PowerPoint presentation of his plans to renovate Odettes and the surrounding canal state park.

Mr. Amery’s PowerPoint presentation is attached to these minutes in the Borough’s Minute Book.

Sharyn Keiser commended Mr. Amery for his excellent and concise presentation and for his ambitious plans to renovate Odettes and the adjacent canal park area. Ms. Keiser assured Mr. Amery that the Council and community support his plans.

Geri Delevich stated that Mr. Amery is her new “hero” for his desire to restore an invaluable community asset, while providing increased river access to the public.

Ed Duffy stated that we have no choice but to fully support Mr. Amery’s efforts.

Mayor Keller stated that Mr. Amery would need to coordinate many different governmental permitting processes in order to bring this plan to fruition. Mr. Amery replied that one voice could hang the project up.

Sharyn Keiser thanked Mr. Amery for his impressive presentation and wished him well in his efforts.

Ed Duffy stated that Council should consider whether or not it wishes to oppose two new Zoning Hearing Board applications. The first is by William & Carol Clapper for 170 North Main Street. Mr. Duffy noted that the Zoning Officer, Bob Larason, expressed some concern with the Clapper’s plans to improve a small area of their property in the floodway. Council decided to take no action with respect to this application, leaving the matter to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Mr. Duffy stated that the second application was submitted by Elaine Polkhovsky for 88 South Main Street. This application involves a request for a special exception to allow a teahouse use. Council decided to take no action on this application, leaving the matter to the Zoning Hearing Board.

RECREATION BOARD AND REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Sharyn Keiser asked Council to consider a request by Herb Millman for use of Ferry Landing Park on October 13, 2007, from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, for a Commitment Ceremony. Ms. Keiser stated that the Park & Recreation Board has recommended approval of this request provided that the applicant cleans the park after the event.

Mr. Millman stated that he agreed to clean up the park after the event.

Randall Flager made a motion to approve the request for a Commitment Ceremony, and Claire Shaw seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REPORT

Rey Velasco presented the Visitors’ Center report for the month of August 2007.

NEW BUSINESS

Bob Gerenser presented his plans for the 2007 Monroe Crossing. Mr. Gerenser stated that the event would occur on Saturday, December 8, 2007 and would include a parade and use of Ferry Landing Park. Mr. Gerenser also asked Council to approve the placement of a banner across East Bridge Street from November 16th through December 10th.

Sharyn Keiser thanked Mr. Gerenser for his role in organizing this very successful annual event.

Randy Flager made a motion to approve Mr. Gerenser’s various requests, subject to the provision of an insurance certificate and a hold harmless and indemnification agreement, and the other standard requirements for this event. Rey Velasco seconded.

Sharyn Keiser asked for comment by Council and the public.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Doro Kerr stated that this evening’s meeting was more of a “love-in” than prior Council meetings.

Sharyn Keiser asked for a short recess before the conditional use hearing for Joseph and Joni Glassman begins.

The Borough Solicitor reopened the conditional use hearing for the application of Joe and Joni Glassman for 1 North Main Street. The Glassman’s seek permission to establish at restaurant use at this location.

A copy of the complete transcript of this hearing is attached to these minutes in the Borough’s Minute Book.

ADJOURNMENT