Borough Council

March 17, 2025 7:00 p.m. The regular meeting of Doylestown Borough Council was held on the above date and time in Council Chambers, with the following members present: Vice President Amy Popkin and Council Members Larry Browne, Robert Kinney, Jennifer Jarret, Dennis Livrone, Connor O’Hanlon, and Elizabeth Wyckoff. Also present were Mayor Noni West, Junior Council Member Elisa Kremser, Borough Solicitor Ernest “Bucky” Closser, Borough Engineer Jim Dougherty, Central Bucks Regional Police Department Police Chief Karl Knott, Borough Manager John Davis, Planning & Zoning Director Karyn Hyland, and Water Director Jeremy Matozzo. Council President Jack O’Brien, Councilperson Ben Bell, and Assistant Manager/Finance Director Caroline Brinker were absent. In Mr. O’Brien’s absence, Vice President Amy Popkin presided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor West presented a Plaque to Heather Walton for her dedicated service on the Historical and Architectural Review Board 2007-2024. Ms. Popkin and Ms. Jarret gave comments as to Ms. Walton’s real expertise, knowing every single house and building, and the great input she provided. They said Ms. Walton kept purists in check while also not being too hard on people, and did so with kindness and compassion when someone was told they had to redo their design. Ms. Walton was thanked her for all the work she’s done. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Popkin called for a motion to approve the February 24, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes (Browne-Kinney). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the minutes were unanimously approved. MAYOR’S REPORT First, this year’s Easter events begin with a Scavenger Hunt on April 1st through the 19th. 28 businesses in the Borough will be hiding eggs in their stores. Youth can pick up passbooks at Evolution Candy and then go on their egg hunt. When finished, passbooks are returned to Evolution and entered in a raffle where there will be three winners. The Broad Common Egg Hunt is April 12 and the Easter Bunny arrives on the 19th. Second, but far from least. Tonight, Borough Council is considering approving our 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The extensive planning process, which launched in May 2022, involved our Planning Commission, the Bucks County Planning Commission, Borough staff, public meetings, and extensive community engagement through online forums and public events. 192  This plan represents our community’s collective aspirations, capturing the spirit and potential of Doylestown Borough as we move toward 2035. Through dedicated collaboration and thoughtful input from our residents, we have created a roadmap that builds upon the success of past plans and adapts to new challenges. This plan represents thousands of hours of commitment to the shared goal of creating a vision for the Borough. Now it is time for our Oscar thank-yous. Our Plan would not exist without the dedicated efforts of Jim Lannon and Gus Perea, Chair and Vice Chair of our Planning Commission along with their volunteer team, Lynn Bush, MaryAnn Baenninger, Nick Caramenico, Andy Happ, Heather Mahaley, Patricia West, and Kim Jacobsen. The expertise of Bucks County Planning Commission Director of Planning Services Mike Roedig and Planner Lyn Lai drove the process. Borough Staff, as you can imagine, were deeply involved. Our Zoning Director Karyn Hyland, Caitlin Hernandez, John Davis, and crew. And of course, the involvement of our community through meetings, online input, and in-person events were vital to the process. It is with a heartfelt thank you that we approach the opportunity to approve the vision for Doylestown Borough for the next decade to come. PUBLIC SAFETY - Mr. Browne Mr. Browne said that the Committee did meet, but there were no actionable items for Council. He noted that the next Emergency Preparedness Seminar is scheduled for March 24. Mr. Browne said the Doylestown Fire Company had a busy month with 18 calls and that the monthly report provided in Council’s packet is available to the public by following the packet link noted on this meeting’s Agenda. PUBLIC WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION - Mr. Kinney 1. 2025-2026 Road Materials Bid. Mr. Kinney said that bids were publicly opened and read on February 24, 2025 by the Bucks County Consortium for the purchase of road materials for the 2025-26 season. A bids tabulation was provided. Based on the materials, Mr. Kinney said that the low bidder is Eureka Stone Quarry, which was also last year’s low bid. Following the recommendation of the Public Works and Administration Committee, a motion was made to award the bid to Eureka, conditioned upon receipt of a properly executed performance bond and compliance with the bid specifications. (Kinney-Browne) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. 2025 Milling Proposal. Mr. Kinney said that it is recommended that Council award the 2025 Milling Contract based on a COSTARS contractor proposal to A. Giuliani Co., Inc. at the price 193 of $46,604.83. Motion to award the bid and project to A. Giuliani Co., Inc. at a price of $46,604.83 conditioned upon receipt of a properly executed performance bond and compliance with the bid specifications. (Kinney-Jarret) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. March 2025 Surplus Sales. Mr. Kinney said that the Borough completed a sale of surplus equipment that ended on March 10, 2025, resulting in a total of $51,845. He said that after final approval by Council this evening, the equipment will be released for pickup. Motion to approve the sales. (Kinney-Jarret) Mr. Davis thanked Public Works Director Dave Burger and his team for their work on this. He said a lot of the items sold were from the old borough hall and was by far the most successful auction sales we’ve ever had. With no further no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 4. Mr. Kinney said that the Public Works Monthly Reports were provided in Council’s packet and are available to the public by following the packet link noted on this meeting’s Agenda. COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - Mr. Bell In Mr. Bell’s absence, Mr. O’Hanlon reported on the following: 1. 2025 Farmers’ Market License Agreement. Mr. O’Hanlon said that the Committee reviewed the agreement which provides for the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market on Hamilton Street by the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance. He said that all provisions of the agreement are unchanged from previous years. Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the agreement. (O’Hanlon-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Stage United Concert Series - Request for Alcoholic Beverages. Mr. O’Hanlon said that Stage United is requesting Borough Council’s authorization to sell alcoholic beverages at their upcoming concerts at Broad Commons Park on May 1 and 29, 2025. Borough Ordinance No. 1979-7 permits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public parks when specifically authorized by Borough Council. Mr. Bell said that Stage United will assume responsibility for coordinating with the alcohol vendor, ensuring that they secure the necessary permissions from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Signage and fencing will be installed to keep alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of the event, and the sale of alcohol will be advertised in advance to discourage attendees from bringing their own alcoholic beverages. Stage United will first reach out to Borough businesses to gauge their interest in participating. Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the request. (O’Hanlon-Jarret) 194  Mr. Kinney reemphasized that this not an approval for people to bring their own alcohol to these events. He said there will be a designated area where people can consume alcohol. Mr. O’Hanlon added that the ability to have local businesses be a part of this is a great opportunity for them as well. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Request to Raise Funds - Pump Track. Mr. O’Hanlon said that three Borough sponsored events are proposed to raise funds for the Pump Track paving project. He said that all funds raised will be processed and accepted through the Borough’s Parks and Recreation website. Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the request. (O’Hanlon-Browne) Ms. Wyckoff said thank you and they are well on their way in gathering sponsors for the project and to see her if anyone had any questions. Ms. Popkin added that there is a Go Fund Me as well. With further no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. ZONING AND PLANNING - Ms. Jarret 1. Consideration of Resolution 2025-5 Adopting the Comprehensive Plan, DB2035. Ms. Jarrett said that led by the Borough Planning Commission and Bucks County Planning Commission, development of the plan included widely-distributed public surveys, internal surveys, participation by the Borough’s volunteer boards, more than a thousand hours of volunteer time, and several well-attended public meetings. The Municipalities Planning Code requires that the Comprehensive Plan be adopted by resolution following a public meeting held by the Planning Commission, distribution to the county planning agency, school district, and adjacent municipalities, and a 45-day public comment period. Ms. Jarret said that the Comprehensive Plan has been updated to include the minor edits suggested during the public comment period. There have been no substantial changes to the Comprehensive Plan since the Planning Commission’s recommendation for adoption. Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-5 and the Comprehensive Plan as edited with the understanding that the photo spanning pages 30 and 31 will be updated with a non-construction image. (Jarret-Livrone) Mr. Livrone commented that in addition to those thanked by Mayor West, he wanted to give his personal thanks to the Planning Commission, the Bucks County Planning Commission, and everyone involved in this process. Ms. Wyckoff also thanked the Planning Commission, Jim Lannon, and everyone on every level who were involved. She thinks it is a fantastic document and she looks forward to working on all that it lays out going forward. Mr. Kinney concurred. 195  A round of applause was given to audience members who were part of the plan process. Ms. Popkin said she is so proud of our town and everyone involved. She said it’s a huge accomplishment. Ms. Jarrett agreed. Mr. Livrone asked if we’re still on track with applying for the APAPA award for this document. Bucks County Planning Commission Director of Planning Services Mike Roedig replied yes. Mr. Livrone said thanks to the Bucks County Planning Commission for putting that award application together. He said he thought this document is a contender and other Council Members agreed. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Authorization to Advertise Ordinance Eliminating On-Street Valet Parking Zones and Licensing. Ms. Jarret said that the three valet zones, located along State Street, were designated in 2016 and a corresponding licensing requirement for valet operators was established. Ms. Jarret said that use of these loading areas for valet stands has been found to interfere with use of the areas for loading and unloading. Ms. Jarret said this draft ordinance eliminates the designated on-street valet stand zones and related licensing. As a result, valet service operations would only be permitted to and from private property and only if certain conditions are met. Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the advertising of the ordinance. (Jarret-Kinney) Mr. Davis said this ordinance was his idea so it’s interesting to see it go. He said it was a pilot program which predated Uber and he thought Uber really made this obsolete after a few months. He said the impetus really came from a couple of the entities that front on these zones which were supportive of this when it was first created as an idea to help the parking situation and were concerned that there would actually be a valet operation because they felt like it would be a negative. Mr. Davis said that was the clincher to go ahead and take this off the books altogether. Ms. Jarret said this was not taken lightly when it was initially presented and she thanked Ms. Hyland for her patience in answering questions and retooling this for Council. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Zoning Hearing Board Report. Ms. Jarret asked Ms. Hyland for the report. Ms. Hyland reported that the Zoning Hearing Board will hold a Public Meeting on March 20, 2025 to hear an application for 721 South Chubb Drive, the applicant is proposing a garage within the required side yard setback. She said the reasoning is to be able to maneuver a car into the garage. Ms. Hyland noted no public feedback has been received. 4. Historic & Architectural Review Board (HARB) Recommendations. Ms. Jarret stated that at its monthly meeting, the Historical and Architectural Review Board reviewed the following applications and recommended that a Certificate of Appropriateness be approved as presented for 196 the following Sign Applications: 24 North Main Street, applicant Jenni-Lyn Williams, and 77 West Court Street, applicant National Fusion Brands, Inc., with conditions; and Building Applications: 50 South Clinton Street, Swim Spa, applicant Dana Wells, with an amendment of a trellis type cedar fence added for privacy to be set back from the front of the house, 39 West State Street, applicant Bridge Valley Construction, for windows and exterior lighting, with conditions, 43 East Oakland Avenue, applicants Ellen and Andy Happ, for sign and exterior renovation, with conditions, 230 West Court Street, applicant Architect Ellen Happ, for an addition, 387 Lincoln Avenue, applicant Andrew Hamilton for chimney removal. Applicant Jenni-Lyn Williams for the 24 North Main Street application was present. She said it’s going to be a tea house so if you like tea, you’ll have to stop by. Ms. Jarret said that the Zoning & Planning Committee recommends that Council approve the foregoing applications as recommended by HARB. A motion was so made (Jarret- Livrone). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion was unanimously approved. 5. Code Enforcement Monthly Activity Report and 6. Building Inspection Monthly Report. Ms. Jarrett stated that these reports were provided in Council’s packet and they are available to the public by following the packet link noted on this meeting’s Agenda. ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATION - Ms. Wyckoff: no report. WATER UTILITY - Mr. Livrone 1. Resolution No. 2025-4, Authorizing PA Small Water and Sewer Program Grant Application, Spruce Street Tank Rehabilitation. Mr. Livrone said this resolution authorizes the submission of a grant application in the amount of $500,000 for the repainting and rehabilitation of the Spruce Street water tank. [Mr. Livrone read the resolution.] Following recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-4. (Livrone-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Livrone said the Committee did meet and he wanted to report on one item that came up and two items that came up later. First, he said that on March 13, there was a WHYY news article, “Philadelphia Area Water Providers Failed to Meet Pennsylvania PFAS Regulations.” He said it lists municipalities, including “Doylestown” that are among 22 that fail to meet state requirements to reduce the forever chemicals in drinking water. Mr. Livrone said the problem with the article did not specifically indicate Doylestown Township versus us. He said that isn’t good because we are not in violation. Mr. Livrone said Doylestown was mentioned because one of the entities involved is Central Bucks East High School which has a Doylestown address, but is actually in Buckingham Township. He noted that the School District is addressing the problem which is good to hear. 197  The next item reported by Mr. Livrone was that during their meeting, Mr. Matozzo gave his monthly operations report which emphasized that Southeastern PA is still very much in a drought situation. He said we still have mandatory water restrictions in effect in the Borough. Mr. Matozzo then provided information on the severity of drought and the tools he utilizes to monitor the situation, including some of the federal agencies and the PA DEP websites which give good pictures of water levels in Bucks County and all of PA. He said he also uses PA Drought Condition Monitoring at USGS.gov. He said anyone can access these websites if interested in looking at the information themselves. Mr. Matozzo noted the recent rains have not made any significant changes. Mr. Matozzo said he keeps in close contact with Doylestown Township since our systems are so interdependent on each other. He said both the Borough and Township have kept the mandatory restrictions in effect which also presents a united front. Mr. Davis commented that one of the things we’ll be talking about in upcoming PFAS discussions is how we can become less groundwater dependent/less dependent on our wells. Lastly, Mr. Kinney said that Mr. Matozzo mentioned some increasing costs. Mr. Matozzo said he’s been seeing a significant increase in some of the treatment chemicals. He said this past Friday, he was notified by our supplier that we will be seeing a 44% increase in sodium hydroxide which is the main chemical we use for pH treatment. Mr. Matozzo said he has placed a call to our supplier to investigate where along the process chain the increase is coming from so that perhaps some other options can be explored for pH treatment or supplier. Mr. Livrone thanked Mr. Matozzo for being present and for all the hard work he does in keeping the water system running. FINANCE/PENSION - Ms. Popkin 1. Finance Report. Ms. Popkin reported that Council was provided with a list of payables for the month and also the December payroll. She said the total of all funds expended was $719,597.79. A motion was made to approve the report (Popkin-Jarret). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. PERSONNEL - Mr. O’Brien PROFESSIONALS’ REPORTS Engineer’s Report - Mr. Dougherty: No report. Solicitor's Report - Mr. Closser: No report. Central Bucks Regional Police Department (CBRPD) Activities Report. Chief Knott said he had no report. The Police Activity Report for February 2025 indicated that were 760 incidents in the Borough and year-to-date, the Department had spent $938,192.06 and were at 12.40% of their yearly budget. 198 PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT Doug Smith, Maple Avenue, asked if there are other municipalities in the area that use groundwater and what the sources were. Messrs. Matozzo and Livrone replied. Mr. Smith then had questions on code enforcement and what he feels are excessive fines for violations for a friend at 274 East Court Street. He said there were three citations at $1000 each and described what they were for. Mr. Davis replied that this would have to be looked into because what was described did not sound like code violations. Ms. Hyland gave a brief explanation of how the violation and levy of fines process works. Ms. Hyland would take Mr. Smith’s contact information. Mr. Davis said a report on this would be provided to Borough Council tomorrow. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. ADJOURNMENT At 7:55 p.m., Vice President Popkin motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kinney. The vote was called and the motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, John H. Davis Borough Manager :sa 199