Borough Council

November 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: Council President Jack O’Brien, Vice President Amy Popkin, and Council Members Ben Bell, Larry Browne, Jennifer Jarret, Robert Kinney, Dennis Livrone, Connor O’Hanlon, and Elizabeth Wyckoff. Also present were Junior Councilperson Thomas O’Reilly, Mayor Noni West, Borough Solicitor Andrew Griffin, Borough Engineer Jim Dougherty, Central Bucks Regional Police Department Police Chief Karl Knott, Borough Manager John Davis, Assistant Manager/Finance Director Caroline Brinker, Planning and Zoning Director Karyn Hyland, and Parks and Recreation Director Caitlin Hernandez. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. O’Brien called for a motion to approve the October 20, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes. (Browne-Kinney) A vote was called and the minutes were unanimously approved. MAYOR’S REPORT Last Friday, Councilman Livrone and I attended the DART quarterly meeting. The Doylestown DART weathered the storm of the stalled budgets in Harrisburg and SEPTA funding so far. When SEPTA covered operating deficits with funds from capital reserves, they also decided to continue funding the Doylestown DART. That will not be true for DART West or South. Their funding will run out in June of 2026. DART Board members have been asked to speak to State Representatives. Both West and South ridership are increasing. Doylestown DART has the highest usage. YTD through July the ridership was 10,750. The Courthouse shuttle is a rounded 30,000. Just a note. There is no new funding for public transit in the budget approved last week. We had an election on November 4. You will see the same faces here next year. The swearing in ceremony is Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY - Mr. Browne 1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2025-10, Establishing a 10-Ton Weight Limit for Trucks on North Clinton Street. Mr. Browne stated that this ordinance establishes a 10-ton maximum gross weight for motor vehicles on North Clinton Street. He said that Council authorized the advertisement of this ordinance at their meeting on October 20, 2025, and the ordinance has since been properly advertised. 252  Following the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, a motion was made to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-10. (Browne-Popkin) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2025-11, Modifying Parking Restriction on North Franklin Street Between State and Wood Streets. Mr. Browne stated that this ordinance alters the existing parking restriction on the southeast side of North Franklin Street between State and Wood Streets from a maximum of two-hour parking to no parking for non-permit holders. Following the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, a motion was made to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-11. (Browne-O’Hanlon) When asked by Mr. Kinney, Mr. Davis replied that this restriction would affect three parking spaces. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. The Doylestown Fire Company monthly report was provided in Council’s packet and is available to the public by following the packet link noted on this meeting’s Agenda. PUBLIC WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION - Mr. Kinney Mr. Kinney reported that the Committee did not meet this month and 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 1. Youth Leadership Recognition Program. Mr. Bell said that the Committee has reviewed the nominations for the 2025 Doylestown Borough Youth Recognition Program at its November meeting. After discussion, the Committee is recommending that the recognition be awarded to Fiona Simek. The recipient will receive the award at the December Council meeting. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was so made. (Bell- Wyckoff) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. 2026 Block Party Schedule. Mr. Bell said that the Committee reviewed the 2026 Borough Block Party schedule at its November meeting and is recommending approval. Following that recommendation, a motion was made to approve the schedule. (Bell-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Resolution No. 2025-13 Recognizing the Bucks County Historical Society as a Civic and Service Organization. Mr. Bell stated that this resolution recognizes the Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS) as a Civic and Service organization for the purpose of the Pennsylvania Small Games and Chance Act. He said that Council’s recognition is required by the Act in order to permit BCHS to conduct fundraising raffles and other fundraisers. 253  Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-13. (Bell-Livrone) Kyle McKoy, President of BCHS, stated that they have done raffles in the past, but laws have changed so they need to do this so they can continuing doing that. She thanked Council for considering it because it’s really a big help for both the Mercer Museum and Font Hill Castle. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 4. Resolution No. 2025-14 Announcing the Borough’s Policy Regarding the Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law. Mr. Bell stated that this resolution announces the Borough’s policy regarding the enforcement of Federal Immigration Law. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-14. (Bell-Kinney) Mr. O’Hanlon thanked everyone, including Chief Knott, who helped with the language for the resolution, Mr. Davis for helping in navigating how to approach this sensitive issue, and also members of the public who attended the Committee meeting last week and voiced their concerns. Mr. O’Hanlon said, “This resolution makes clear that the policies of Doylestown Borough and the Central Bucks Regional Police under the leadership of Chief Knott do not permit volunteer collaboration with ICE.” He commended the Chief for his leadership. Mr. O’Hanlon commented, “Doylestown is a place of inclusion, of equity, and of community, and supporting this resolution does just that.” Heidi Roux, Director of Immigrant Rights Action based in the Borough, and Borough residents Tabitha DellAngelo, Steve Sullivan, and Larissa Hopwood thanked Council for this doing and spoke of the importance for this resolution for every person of our community. Mr. Bell, piggybacking on a comment by Mr. Sullivan that the resolution “unambiguously expresses support from our residents,” pointed out that equally unambiguous is the support for the police department that this resolution also encapsulates. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 5. Resolution No. 2025-15 in Support of Senate Bill 1071. Mr. Bell said that this resolution is in support of Pennsylvania State Senate Bill 1071. He said Bill 1071 requires, with delineated exceptions, that law enforcement officers and agents wear clearly visible identification including a badge, and prohibits such officers and agents from facial concealment. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-15. (Bell-O’Hanlon) Mr. Kinney commented that he supports this legislation and felt it goes supplemental to the resolution that was just passed regarding immigration control and enforcement. He felt that in general, not just regarding immigration, that there should be transparency and visibility in that law enforcement can’t hide behind a mask and intimidate people who may be subject to enforcement activities. 254  With no further 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. Zoning Hearing Board. Ms. Jarret asked Ms. Hyland for this report. Ms. Hyland stated that the Zoning Hearing Board will meet on November 20, 2025, to hear applications for 112 Mary Street, where the property owner is requesting dimensional for an addition ton the rear of their house. She said that the next application, 164 East State Street, was withdrawn this afternoon. requesting lot coverage variances for an addition to the existing house and the reconstruction of the existing garage into a three-car garage with two bays for cars and a gym on the first floor and a separate dwelling unit on the second floor. 2. Historic & Architectural Review Board Recommendations. Ms. Jarret reported that at its monthly meeting, the Borough of Doylestown Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviewed the following applications and recommended that a Certificate of Appropriateness be approved as presented for: Sign Applications: none; Building Applications: 24 North Main Street, for an addition and renovation - approval of the dormer reconfiguration as submitted and the applicant is to return to the HARB for review of a professional roof material evaluation, 124 East Oakland Avenue, for windows and doors - accepted as presented with a condition that the applicant keep the current transom above the new door, 204 West Court Street, for exterior stair replacement - accepted as presented with the condition that the stringer will be covered with white or beige trim and that the handrail will comply with the building code, 164 East State Street, for renovation - accepted as presented with the condition that the northern garage door material be changed and that the applicant return to a later meeting with the new garage door materials, and, 46 East State Street, Unit N, for windows - accepted as presented with the conditions that the applicant will use aluminum-clad windows and will maintain the original configuration of the lights of the existing windows on the front porch, the side windows will match the existing window configuration, however squaring off the windows is acceptable. Ms. Jarret said that the Zoning & Planning Committee reviewed the applications and recommends that Council approve the foregoing applications as recommended by the HARB. A motion was so made. (Jarret-Popkin) Mr. Bell said that the applicant for 164 East State Street withdrew their Zoning Hearing Board application. He asked if that has any effect on their co-occurring HARB application. Ms. Hyland replied that it does and assumes it will ultimately be withdrawn, but they just simply won’t apply for the building permits that go along with it. Hearing no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. The motion passed unanimously. 255  3. and 4. Code Enforcement Monthly Activity Report and Building Inspection Monthly Report. Ms. Jarret 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 1. Consideration of Resolution No. 2025-12, Application to PECO Green Region Open Space Program for Veterans Memorial and Chapman Park Habitat Enhancement Project. Ms. Wyckoff stated that this resolution authorizes application to the PECO Green Region Open Space Program for the Veterans Memorial and Chapman Park Habitat Enhancement project. She said that the project involves three action items to be carried out at each park: 1) the inventorying and removal of invasive species, 2) the planting of native pollinator meadows, and 3) the installation of bird and/or bat boxes. Ms. Wyckoff said that the resolution acknowledges the Borough of Doylestown’s application to the PECO Green Region Open Space Program, including its request for $10,000 from the grant program, its commitment to, at minimum, match the $10,000 request, and its understanding of program guidelines. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2025-12. (Wyckoff-Livrone) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Davis commented that Grant Rowe put this application together and did a nice job on it. WATER UTILITY - Mr. Livrone Mr. Livrone reported that the Committee did not meet this month and there were no actionable items. He said the monthly operations report was provided to all Council and there was nothing in it that looked out of the ordinary. Mr. Livorne then thanked and recognized our Water Operations Director Jerry Matozzo, his staff and the Public Works Department that handled two repairs to our water system this month, a water main break on North Clinton Street and a broken valve on Union Street. FINANCE/PENSION - Ms. Popkin Ms. Popkin first thanked Mr. Davis and Ms. Brinker for their endless amounts of work in preparing the budget for the past three decades. 1. Agreement Between Borough of Doylestown and Doylestown Borough Employees Association (AFSCME Local 1598). Ms. Popkin said that the negotiating team and Finance and Pension Committee are recommending approval of the agreement. Following the recommendations, a motion was so made. (Popkin-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously 256  2. Authorization to Advertise Ordinance Amending the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan. Ms. Popkin said that this ordinance amends the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan. She said that in conjunction with the finalization of the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement, this amendment will increase the multiplier from 1.25% to 1.3%. A motion to authorize the advertisement of the ordinance was made. (Popkin-Browne) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Adoption of the 2026 Central Bucks Regional Police Department Budget. Ms. Popkin said that the revised 2026 Central Bucks Regional Police Department Budget was approved and submitted for consideration by the Central Bucks Regional Police Commission. She said that during the joint Council/Finance Budget Worksession held on November 13, 2025, it was recommended that Council approve the 2026 Central Bucks Regional Police Department Budget, as submitted. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the 2026 Central Bucks Regional Police Department Budget. (Popkin-O’Hanlon) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 4. Adoption of 2026 Preliminary Budget. Ms. Popkin said that the proposed 2026 Preliminary Budget is to be advertised and will be made available for public inspection at Borough Hall, on the website at www.doylestownborough.net, and Doylestown Borough social media for a minimum of 10 days prior to the Final Budget adoption. She said that changes can be between now and the Final Budget adoption which is scheduled for the December 15, 2025 Council Meeting. Ms. Popkin said that a Budget Message, along with a copy of the Budget Summary, has been prepared for the public and the press. Once the Preliminary Budget is adopted and all changes are finalized, the 2026 Budget Books, with the schedules, will be prepared and presented to Council for the December meeting. A motion to adopt and authorize the advertisement of the proposed 2026 Preliminary Budget was made. (Popkin-Jarret) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Kinney echoed Ms. Popkin’s comments regarding the hard work done by Mr. Davis and Ms. Brinker. He also commended Council members for their seriousness of purpose in looking at the proposed budget and recommending changes where they felt appropriate, and taking on the task very seriously. 5. Authorization to Advertise Ordinance Setting the 2026 Tax Rates. Ms. Popkin said that in conjunction with the adoption of the 2026 Preliminary Budget, this ordinance sets the tax rates for 2026: General Purpose Tax is 14.415 mills, Fire Protection Tax is 1.70 mills, Special Road Fund Tax is 1.50 mills, Ambulance and Rescue Squad Tax is 0.50 mills, and the Debt Service Tax is 3.725 mills. She said that the total millage will be 21.84 mills. A motion was made to advertise the ordinance. (Popkin-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 257  6. Authorization to Advertise Ordinance Setting the 2026 Water Rates. Ms. Popkin said that also in conjunction with the adoption of the 2026 Preliminary Budget, this ordinance sets the rates for water meter service and standby fire protection services rates for 2026. A motion was made to advertise the ordinance. (Popkin-Livrone) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 7. Authorization to Advertise Ordinance Raising the Expired Parking Meter Fine to $25. Ms. Popkin stated that this ordinance raises the Borough’s expired parking meter fine from $20 to $25. A motion was made to advertise the ordinance. (Popkin-Browne) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 8. Ms. Popkin then called upon Ms. Brinker for the monthly Finance Report. Ms. Brinker said that a copy of the report showing payable and payroll had been provided in Council’s packet. She said that the total for all funds was $923,582.57. A motion was made to approve the report. (Popkin-Jarret). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. PERSONNEL - Mr. O’Brien 1. Reappointment of Members to Various Boards/Commissions. Mr. O’Brien said that the following board members’ terms expire on December 31, 2025, and each has expressed a desire to return for another term: Board/Commission Term Ending Members Emergency Preparedness and Communication Board 12/31/2028 Pamela Lalande and Beth Lander Environmental Advisory Council 12/31/2028 David Riedel Fanny Chapman Pool Board 12/31/2028 Rebecca Masters and David Ricci Historical and Architectural Review Board 12/31/2029 Denise Blasdale, Ralph Fey, and Marie Kovach Human Relations Commission 12/31/2028 Maxine Katz and Doreen Stratton Vacancy Board 12/31/2026 Curtis Cowgill Zoning Hearing Board 12/31/2028 Bill Cope, Scott Strasburg, and Brian Vaughan Following the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made to reappoint the board members as indicated. (O’Brien-Browne) Mr. Browne reminded everyone that for the Emergency Preparedness and Communication Board, the original appointments this year were staggered so that not all terms expired at the same time. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. 258  2. Authorization to Advertise Board Vacancies. Mr. O’Brien said that as of December 31, 2025, there will be the following vacancies on various Borough volunteer boards: Number of Board Vacancies Term Environmental Advisory Council 1 Three Years Fanny Chapman Pool Board 2 Three Years Historical and Architectural Review Board 1 Four Years Planning Commission 1 Four Years Mr. O’Brien stated that in addition to those vacancies, there will be the following Student Member board vacancies for a term of May 2026 through April 2027: Fanny Chapman Pool Board, Historic and Architectural Review Board, Human Relations Commission, Park and Recreation Board (two), and Shade Tree Commission; and, Junior Councilperson, September 2026 through May 2027. Following the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made to reappoint the board members as indicated. (O’Brien-Kinney) With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called, and the motion passed unanimously. PROFESSIONALS’ REPORTS Engineer’s Report - Mr. Dougherty: No report. Solicitor's Report - Mr. Griffin: No report. Central Bucks Regional Police Department (CBRPD) Activities Report. Chief Knott said he had no report. The Police Activity Report for October 2025 indicated that were 914 incidents in the Borough and year-to-date, the Department had spent $6,275,008.37 and were at 82.91% of their yearly budget. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mr. O’Brien wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. He also gave the reminder that Santa arrives in town a week from Friday. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT Although not signed up to be heard, Borough resident Dana Roberts, an intervention speech therapist, thanked Council for the earlier resolution and asked if it could be distributed in different languages. Mr. O’Brien said that request could be considered. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. 259 ADJOURNMENT At 7:44 p.m., Mr. O’Brien called for a motion to adjourn the meeting (Browne-Kinney). Mr. O’Brien called the vote and the motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, John H. Davis Borough Manager :sa 260