Borough Council

March 16, 2026 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, and Planning and Zoning Director Karyn Hyland. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Certificate of Appreciation to Alan Krach for Service on the Fanny Chapman Pool Board. Mayor West said that Mr. Krach was first appointed to the Fanny Pool Board in April of 1997. Since that time, he has served two full terms and gone off the board for the required one year per our ordinance. She said the following year, he reapplies and has been reappointed for another two full terms ever since. The Mayor said that Mr. Krach was also actively involved in the 75th anniversary of the pool in 2002 and is once again enthusiastically involved in the planning for the 100th anniversary next year. She presented the certificate to Mr. Krach for his longstanding dedicated service to the pool board and our community. 2. Proclamation Honoring Doreen and Judith Stratton. A town crier was present, who recognized Doreen Stratton and Judith Stratton as our “Sisters of History.” Doreen is an enthusiastic historian of the Underground Railroad and the Lenape people in Doylestown, was an original member of the Borough’s Human Relations Board on which she continues to serves, and she fosters inclusion and understanding within our community; and, Judith is a master gardener and has devoted herself to protecting and enhancing Doylestown’s natural and community spaces. For more than 14 years, she served on the Shade Tree Commission, safeguarding the trees that define the beauty of our town. Both women exemplify the spirit of engaged citizenship and the lasting impact individuals can have. Mayor West then presented a proclamation to the Strattons. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. O’Brien called for a motion to approve the February 23, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes (Browne-Popkin). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, a vote was called, and the minutes were unanimously approved. MAYOR’S REPORT: None. 1 PUBLIC SAFETY - Mr. Browne 1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2026-3 Raising the Fifteen (15)-Minute Limit Parking Fine. Mr. Browne stated that this ordinance raises the fine for exceeding the fifteen-minute parking space limit from $10 to $50. He said that Council authorized the advertisement of this ordinance at their February 23, 2026 meeting, and the ordinance has since been properly advertised. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-3 (Browne-Kinney). Hearing 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. 2026-4 Restricting the Sale of Kratom and Delta-8 THC. Mr. Browne said that this ordinance restricts the sale of Kratom and Delta-8 THC to persons under 21 years of age and prohibits sales within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds. He said that Council authorized the advertisement of this ordinance at their February 23, 2026 meeting, and the ordinance has since been properly advertised. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-4 (Browne-O’Hanlon). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Doylestown Fire Company Report. Mr. Browne noted the company had 32 calls in the Borough in February. The report was provided in Council’s packet and is available to the public by following the packet link noted on this meeting’s Agenda. Mr. Browne announced that Doylestown Fire Company’s Pancake Day is March 21, from 6:30 am to noon at the firehouse on Shewell Avenue. Tickets are $10 for all you can eat pancakes and sausage. Mr. Browne then commented that the Emergency Preparedness and Communications Board had another very well attended neighbors helping neighbors session at Borough Hall, and he thanked Councilperson Popkin for being a part of it. Mr. Browne said the next meeting of that Board is Monday, March 23, 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, and the topic will be the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Program. PUBLIC WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION - Mr. Kinney 1. Authorization to Advertise Bids - West Court/West State/Clinton Streets Signal Modernization. Mr. Kinney said that this item is for the modernization of the traffic signals at West Court Street, West State Street, and Clinton Street. He said that work is anticipated to start in June 2026 and be completed by fall of 2026. The estimated cost for this project is $594,000 and will be partially funded by a $340,995 Green Light Go grant; the remaining $253,000 cost would be borne by the Borough’s Capital Budget. Mr. Kinney said that $109,000 is currently budgeted for this project, but due to additions and changes to the scope of the project, additional Reserve Funds of $144,000 will be used. 2  Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to authorize advertisement of the bid (Kinney-Livrone). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. 2026-2027 Landscape Maintenance Proposal. Mr. Kinney said it is recommended that Council award the contract, based on a COSTARS bid, to Gorecon Inc., at a price of $94,100.00 conditioned upon receipt of a properly executed performance bond and compliance with the bid specifications. Mr. Kinney noted that Gorecon, Inc. held the contract for 2024-25 seasons at the price of $83,100.00. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to award the 2026-27 Landscape Maintenance Bid to low bidder Gorecon, Inc. (Kinney-Wyckoff). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. 2026-2027 Roads Material Bid. Mr. Kinney said that bids were publicly opened and read on February 24, 2026 by the Bucks County Consortium for the purchase of Road Materials for the 2026-27 season. A tabulation of the four most purchased materials was provided and, based on those materials, the low bidder is Eureka Stone Quarry, Inc. Mr. Kinney noted that last year’s low bid was also obtained from Eureka. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to award the 2026-27 Roads Material Bid to Eureka Stone Quarry, Inc., 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. 4. Doylestown Fire Company Tax-Free Motor Fuel Use and Reimbursement Agreement. Mr. Kinney said that this agreement allows the Doylestown Fire Company to use the Borough’s fuel pumps at the Harvey Avenue Public Works facility for their vehicles. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt the agreement (Kinney-Browne). Mr. O’Brien said that the Borough had that arrangement with the Police Department and as a result of upgrades to the pumps, costs were shared. He asked if the same provision is made here. Mr. Davis responded no, as this is a strictly volunteer entity. Ms. Popkin added that it is a straight pass through cost. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - Mr. Bell In Mr. Bell stated that the Committee met, but there were no items for consideration by Council. 3 ZONING AND PLANNING - Ms. Jarret 1. Doylestown Historical Society Easement. Ms. Jarret said that in 2001, Doylestown Borough entered into an agreement with the Doylestown Historical Society and Jonathan Rudolph, granting the Borough an easement for use as Historical Society Park. The easement extends to the existing building wall. She said that planned restoration from the recent building fire includes a 90 square foot building addition. Despite being legally included in the park easement, this 90 square foot area is not used as part of the park. Ms. Jarret said the Historical Society has requested an amendment to the easement to facilitate the proposed addition. She said that the easement amendment will not interfere with the use of the park. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made authorizing amendment to the easement (Jarret-Popkin). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Doylestown Historical Society Application for Land Development Waiver. Ms. Jarret said the Historical Society is proposing to reconstruct the portion of its building destroyed by fire in 2025. She said that with this reconstruction, a 90 square foot building addition is proposed at the rear of the building. Ms. Jarret said that the Planning Commission reviewed the application on February 24, 2026 and recommended approval. The Zoning and Planning Committee is recommending approval of the application conditional on the following: (1) that the applicant resolve any outstanding issues in the review letters of the Borough Engineer, Borough Water Engineer, and Borough Water Department to the satisfaction of Staff; (2) that all proposed plantings comply with the Borough’s list of approved plantings; (3) that the applicant enter into the usual Land Development Waiver Agreement in form satisfactory to the Borough Solicitor; and (4) that in all respects, the project comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made granting Land Development Waiver approval with the stated conditions (Jarret-Kinney). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Fonthill Conservation Easement Letter of Support. Ms. Jarret said that Heritage Conservancy and Doylestown Township are preparing an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to acquire a conservation easement on the Fonthill Castle property. Doylestown Township would serve as the holder of the easement and Heritage would serve as the co-holder. Ms. Jarret said that the Conservancy has requested a letter of support from the Borough to be submitted with the application. A draft letter was provided. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made authorizing the Borough Manager to issue the letter (Jarret-Popkin). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 4  4. Authorization to Advertise Zoning Ordinance Defining and Regulating Smoke Shops, Hookah Bars, and Cannabinoid Retailers. Ms. Jarret said that this ordinance creates new use definitions for unregulated cannabinoid substances retailers, regulated cannabinoid substances retailers, tobacco stores, and Hookah bars. She said the ordinance also limits the location of the uses to the RC zoning district and prohibits them from being located within 200 feet of a residential use or district. Hours of operation, age requirements, insurance, emergency systems, and other design standards are also addressed in the ordinance. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made authorizing advertisement of the ordinance (Jarret-Bell). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 5. Zoning Hearing Board Report. Ms. Jarret asked Ms. Hyland for this report. Ms. Hyland stated that the Zoning Hearing Board will meet on March 19, 2026, to hear the following applications: 109 Cottage Street, the applicant is requesting dimensional relief for a proposed addition to the rear of the house, addition to the front of the house, as well as a carport in front of the existing garage; and, 164 East State Street, the applicant is requesting dimensional relief for an addition to the existing building, as well as for the construction of a new garage with living space above. Adrienne Kleintop and Theresa Steltzer, both Cottage Street residents, were present. Ms. Kleintop stated they filed a complaint against the five requested variances and explained why they did so. Mr. Livrone asked Ms. Kleintop if she understood the separate roles of the Zoning Hearing Board and Borough Council, and asked Staff to explain the roles. Ms. Hyland explained what the Zoning Hearing Board and its’ Solicitor do, and Mr. Davis explained that Council’s primary role is to ensure that residents have the opportunity to be heard. Ms. Steltzer stated her objections to the application. Ms. Kleintop and Ms. Steltzer both said they will be present at the hearing on March 19. Mr. Bell thanked both residents for attending this evening’s meeting and sharing their thoughts. He said at the Zoning and Planning Committee meeting, this matter came up and whatever reservations they had about the application, they did not consider sending the Borough Solicitor to the hearing for two principle reasons: 1) there were no neighbors who raised concerns, and 2) they were advised that the objection by the Borough Solicitor would not sway the Zoning Hearing Board. He said that factor one has changed because one resident contacted him and another resident contacted Ms. Popkin. He said he also reflected on the argument that we shouldn’t send the solicitor if there’s any doubt that we would prevail. He felt that’s why we have a solicitor. Mr. Bell said that in retrospect he believes the solicitor should be sent to the hearing to represent the interest of the Borough, not interests of individual residents. Mr. Bell motioned to send the Borough Solicitor to represent the Borough and to contest this application at the March 19 hearing. Mr. O’Brien called for a second on the motion 5 and there was none. Mr. Davis commented that Council does have the right to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss the matter further. At 7:37 p.m., Mr. Livrone motioned to adjourn to an Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Kinney. At 8:08 p.m., Council returned from Executive Session. Mr. Griffin said they discussed pending legal advice and litigation regarding the application that is going before the Zoning Hearing Board on March 19, 2026, at 7 p.m., regarding 109 Cottage Street by the Lender Family Trust. Mr. Bell motioned to send the Borough Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board on this 109 Cottage Street matter, seconded by Ms. Jarret. Mr. O’Brien called the vote and nays were heard. Mr. Davis conducted a role call with a “yes” vote being in favor of sending the solicitor to represent the interests of the Borough: Mr. Bell: yes, Mr. Browne: nay, Ms. Jarret: nay, Mr. Kinney: nay, Mr. Livrone: nay, Mr. O’Brien: nay, Mr. O’Hanlon: nay, Ms. Popkin: nay, and Ms. Wyckoff: nay. Mr. Davis said the motion failed. 6. Historic & Architectural Review Board Signage Recommendations. Ms. Jarret reported that at its monthly meeting, the Borough of Doylestown Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviewed the following sign applications and recommended that a Certificate of Appropriateness be approved as presented for: 20 East Court Street and 51 West State Street. Ms. Jarret said that the Zoning and Planning Committee recommends that Council approve the applications in accordance with HARB’s recommendation. A motion was so made (Jarret-Popkin). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. The motion passed unanimously. 7. and 8. 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. DAA Volleyball Agreement. Ms. Wyckoff said this lease agreement is for the use of Chapman Park by Doylestown Athletic Association’s volleyball program. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve and adopt the agreement (Wyckoff-Livrone). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Consideration of Resolution 2026-2 Amending the Comprehensive Plan to include DCAP. Ms. Wyckoff said that this resolution adopts Doylestown Borough’s Local Climate Action Plan, DCAP, as an amendment to the Doylestown Borough Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Wyckoff said that the Municipalities Planning Code requires that amendments to the Comprehensive Plan be adopted by resolution following a public meeting held by the Planning Commission, or joint Planning Commission/Environmental Advisory Council in this case; distribution to the county planning agency, school district, and adjacent municipalities; and a 45-day public comment period. There have been no substantial changes to the proposed Local 6 Climate Action Plan since the Planning Commission’s and Environmental Advisory Council’s recommendations for adoption. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2026-2 (Wyckoff-Livrone). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Authorization to Advertise Bids - Fanny Chapman Pool Main Pool Bottom Concrete Repair. Ms. Wyckoff said that repairs to the main pool bottom are estimated to cost $190,000 for the Base Bid for the shallow end portion, and an additional $120,000 for the alternate bid for the additional area in the deep end. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to advertise the bid (Wyckoff-Kinney). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. WATER UTILITY - Mr. Livrone 1. Approval of Sixth Amendment to the Intermunicipal Agreement between Doylestown Borough Water Department and Doylestown Township Municipal Authority (DTMA). Mr. Livrone said the Committee discussed this amendment pertaining to the conditions of service for the Arcadia at Doylestown 3 development in Doylestown Township located at 280 North Broad Street. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the Sixth Amendment to the Intermunicipal Agreement between Doylestown Borough Water Department and DTMA (Livrone-Popkin). Mr. Livrone asked Staff to explain what is meant by “Sixth Amendment”. Mr. Davis said the amendment is straightforward. The Intermunicipal Agreement governs the Borough’s relationship with DTMA and our conjoined waters require there to be a separate agreement at any point when a development or property in one community is served from another. Mr. Davis said in this case, it is the 280 North Broad property and this just happens to be the sixth one. They’re not related to interconnections. He said the Borough already entered into an agreement with the developer of the property some months ago to resolve that matter and this is simply the accompanying agreement. Mr. Davis said they spoke with DTMA at the Solicitor’s request about taking a look at the agreement itself as maybe it is time to rewrite the agreement that would clarify certain items and they were receptive to it. The amendment has been written by our Solicitor in such a way that we do not concede any of the positions we’ve taken; it protects our interests, recognizes something we’ve agreed to, and moves the ball down the road. Mr. Kinney commented this agreement notes particularly that immediately upon the execution of this Sixth Amendment, the parties shall engage in good faith discussions and 7 negotiations to create a comprehensive successor intermunicipal agreement that supersedes and replaces existing one. He thought the language in this was appropriate. Solicitor Griffin noted he had been in contact with DTMA’s attorney, Mr. Lebowski, and they are committed to renegotiating and it was his understanding that they have this on their agenda for Thursday. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. FINANCE/PENSION - Ms. Popkin Ms. Popkin stated that the Finance Committee did not meet this month. She asked Ms. Brinker for the Finance Report. Ms. Brinker stated that the report showing payable and payroll had been provided in Council’s packet. She said the total for all funds was $1,228,607.55. 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 COMMITTEE - Mr. O’Brien 1. Appointment of Student Members to Volunteer Boards. Mr. O’Brien said that on March 3, 2026, the Personnel Committee met to interview candidates to fill Student Member vacancies on various Borough Boards for the term May 2026 through April 2027. The Committee also considered reappointment requests. At the conclusion of those interviews and upon discussion, the Personnel Committee is recommending the following: Board/Commission Applicant Appointments: Emergency Preparedness & Communications Board Beckett Walton Emergency Preparedness & Communications Board Samuel Breen Shade Tree Commission James Cunning Reappointments: Park and Recreation Board Tucker Brennan Human Relations Commission Abigail O’Mara Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to make the foregoing appointments (O’Brien-Bell). Hearing no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor 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. The Police Activity Report provided in Council’s packet for February 2026 indicated that were 769 incidents in the 8 Borough and year-to-date, the Department had spent $930,845.08 and were at 11.45% of their yearly budget. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Kinney inquired whether there’s an update on the autopsy for the person who passed away near CB West High School. Chief Knott commented they have limited information on that because it occurred in the Township and it’s their investigation. Mr. Browne gave a shout out to the Public Works Department and our Park and Recreation Director for the “Raven Cam” that is now live streaming on YouTube of the Raven babies in the Public Works building. OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT: None. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. ADJOURNMENT At 8:19 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 9