Borough Council Meeting

May 20, 2024 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 Larry Browne, Robert Kinney, Joe Frederick, Jennifer Jarret, Dennis Livrone, and Elizabeth Wyckoff. Also present were Mayor Noni West, Junior Councilperson Jack Swartley, Borough Solicitor Ernest Closser, Borough Engineer Jim Dougherty, Central Bucks Regional Police Department Police Chief Karl Knott, Borough Manager John Davis, Building and Zoning Director Karyn Hyland, Planning/Public Works Director/Deputy Borough Manager Phil Ehlinger. Councilperson Ben Bell and Finance Director Caroline Brinker were absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Certificate of Appreciation: Jack Swartley. Mayor West said that Mr. Swartley served on the Historical and Architectural Review Board from May 2021 through April 2023, and then became our Junior Councilperson, serving from September 2023 through May 2024. Mr. Swartley thanked Council for their support and said that he enjoyed being part of Council and looked forward to applying what he learned in his future. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. O’Brien called for a motion to approve the April 15, 2024 Council Meeting Minutes. (Kinney-Frederick) The vote was called and the minutes were unanimously approved. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor West stated that the Borough is alive with spring celebrations and getting ready for the summer. She said that youth and family programs are already in motion, next weekend is our much anticipated and renowned Memorial Day Parade and 5k, June brings us Pride Month, and our cultural institutions and non-profits continue to bring us community events. Mayor West said that this evening she wanted to focus, however, on our Borough Staff and their contribution to community, in particular tonight one person, Manager John Davis. She said that last year, the Central Bucks School District (“District”) cut off public access to War Memorial Field by locking gates when CB West was closed, citing misuse of public bathrooms. Last fall, the District decided to charge American Legion baseball a $7,000 fee to use the baseball diamond at War Memorial Field, which threatened the existence of the Veterans youth baseball team. The Mayor said both of those decisions upended longstanding traditions and generated community complaints and distress. She said that if it were not for the long campaign John launched to fight the District’s policies, the School Board may not have revised and improved their decisions. She said that all of Council can testify to the phone calls, John’s endless meetings, the even more 129 endless emails, calls to the School Board, frustration with opposing points of view, outreach to community influencers, scrutiny of legal documents, conversations with lawyers, and handling of District residents who threatened to sue both the Borough and the School District. She said that John’s campaign was long, at times thankless, and has taken a toll on his normally outward cheery demeanor. Mayor West said that “Because of your relentless advocacy for the community, American Legion baseball is saved and can play along with more non-profit youth entities and residents have access to War Memorial Field. John, you played the game well and won. Thank you from all of us.” Mayor West also thanked Rick Haring of the Central Bucks School Board for his leadership in guiding policy changes and improvements, as well as the School Board’s support of his recommendations. PUBLIC SAFETY - Mr. Frederick 1. Authorization to Draft and Advertise Ordinance Creating No Parking Restriction on Wood Street. Mr. Frederick said that in 2019, Borough Council created a residential permit holders parking zone on the south side of Wood Street between Franklin and Decatur, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. As employees and patrons of West State businesses now park on Wood Street in large numbers after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, Wood Street residents are requesting, and the Public Safety Committee is recommending, that the resident-only parking restrictions be extended to twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to authorize the drafting and advertising of an ordinance creating a residential permit parking only restriction on the south side of Wood Street between Franklin and Decatur (Frederick-Browne). Mr. Livrone asked where the displaced parkers will go. Mr. Davis said they may decamp onto Decatur Street and if that then becomes issue, it will be addressed. He said the hope is that they will park in the commercial district. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Special Event Permit: Euro 2020/COPA America Watch Party - West Court Street Between Harvey and Hamilton. Mr. Frederick said that provided was the Special Events Application for the referenced event as approved by the Central Bucks Regional Police Department (CBRPD), along with a copy of an extension of premises from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the special event permit including alcohol sale, possession, and consumption in conjunction with the event, conditioned upon the applicant’s compliance with the conditions of the extension of premises (Frederick-Browne). 130  Mr. Kinney asked if it was anticipated that any additional CBRPD members would be monitoring the event. Chief Knott stated that anything that gets into the street, especially something with a special exception from the PLCB, warrants their attention, just as pedestrian dining in the street does. He said they will keep a close watch on the event. The Chief noted that they’ve also talked with the owner at length. He said the owner knows the event is under a watchful eye to make sure this goes off without a hitch and the owner knows and fully agrees to his responsibility to monitor. Mr. Davis added that the owner is also taking a tremendous risk with his liquor license with the extension. He said they fully expect LCB officials to be out and about just a they do for the outdoor dining. Mr. Davis said after talking with the owner, they feel he is taking this seriously and they feel comfortable with him and the plan for the event. With no further comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Mr. Frederick said that 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. Browne The Public Works Department’s Work Orders and Fleet Services Reports were provided in the packets. Mr. Browne stated that the Committee did not meet. He reported that the Public Works Department had another busy month with the creation and hanging of the flower baskets with Delaware Valley University, preparation for the parade, line painting, tree planting, and street dining. He said the Department is doing a great job as usual. Mr. Ehlinger added that the Department also had a spring branch pickup which is a great service, mowing has begun, tomorrow morning the Plaza East parking lot is being milled and paved which is a big project, and they’re also working on Mill Road as the hill is in bad shape. COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - Mr. Bell Mr. Bell was absent. There were no actionable items. ZONING AND PLANNING - Ms. Jarret 1. Application for Land Development Waiver - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 East State Street. Ms. Jarret said that Our Lady of Mount Carmel is proposing to construct a columbarium within the lawn and paved areas behind the rectory building near East State Street. She said that the proposal includes construction of several structures for the storage of cremated remains. The scope also includes landscaping, hardscaping, and sitting areas. Ms. Jarret said that the Committee reviewed the application on May 13, 2024 and recommended approval of the application with five detailed conditions. Ms. Jarret added that safety issues were brought up by the Committee for crossings, etc. and it was resolved that the 131 new construction wouldn’t necessarily create problems with visibility, but the applicant took their concerns to heart and made some changes to help with that as well. Ms. Jarret said that if Council is in agreement with the Committee’s recommendation, it may grant Land Development Waiver approval by carrying a motion to do so. The motion was so made (Jarrett-Popkin). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. War Memorial Field – Parking Lot Paving and Improvements. Ms. Jarret said that Central Bucks School District, as part of its summer paving project, is planning to repave the parking lot on the War Memorial Field property. In accordance with the War Memorial Field agreement between the Borough and the District, improvements beyond regular maintenance require written approval and consent of the Borough. Following the recommendation of the Committee, a motion was made to approve the proposed improvements (Jarrett-Livrone). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) Report. Ms. Jarret asked Ms. Hyland for this report, who stated that the ZHB was scheduled to meet on the evening of May 16, 2024, but on that day, the applicant withdrew their application so the meeting was canceled. 4. Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB) Recommendations - Certificates of Appropriateness. Ms. Jarret said that at its regular monthly meeting, the Borough of Doylestown (HARB) recommended the following applications be approved for a Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and presented: there were no Sign Applications; Building Applications: 6-16 West State Street, for windows, noting several conditions , 1-3 West Court Street, for windows, 192 East State Street, for windows, 111 West Oakland Avenue, for an exterior renovation, noting conditions, 18 South Church Street, for an addition, including the observed changes to the garage overhang being extended and appropriate sizing for the garage dormer, 127 West Ashland Street, for windows and a door, 355 Maple Avenue, for a front porch and walkway, with conditions, 132 West Oakland Avenue, for windows, noting Pella Reserve 2-over-2 windows in white. Ms. Jarret said the Zoning & Planning Committee recommends that Council approve the applications in accordance with the HARB’s recommendation. A motion was made to follow follow the Committee’s recommendation (Jarret-Kinney). With no comments from Council, Staff, or the public, the vote was called. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 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 Ms. Wyckoff said that the Committee met, but there were no actionable items. 132 WATER UTILITY - Mr. Livrone Mr. Livrone reported that the Committee did not meet. He reported on two system maintenance items: 1) Chief Water Operator Jeremy Matozzo advised him that Maplewood water tank rehabilitation project is going well, and 2) the pump that fell at Well No. 7 on East State Street on Saturday, May 11 was replaced on Monday, May 13, with no disruption in water service. He thanked Mr. Matozzo and everyone involved with keeping the water system up and running in somewhat of an emergency. Mr. Davis echoed the thanks to Mr. Matozzo who did an incredible job pulling that together over a weekend. He said it was stressful to say the least and there were some moments when we seemed poised to go one way or the other, but Mr. Matozzo left no stone unturned and addressed everything. FINANCE/PENSION - Ms. Popkin Ms. Popkin noted that the Committee did not meet and the only actionable item is the Finance Report. She reported that the total of all funds expended was $976,909.98. 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: No report. 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 the report was provided. The monthly activity report showed there were 963 incidents in the Borough in April and year-to-date, the Department has spent $1,929,730.73 and were at 26.18 % of their yearly budget. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Browne reported that the second Preparedness Seminar will be held on May 30, 2024 at 6:30 pm at Borough Hall. He also noted that we will be participating in the “Great Shakeout” in October, which is a nationwide earthquake drill based on our experience in April. Mr. Browne then gave a shout out to Ms. Wyckoff for the wonderful ice cream ride and bike safety seminar that she put together yesterday. OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT Steve Ruane, General Manager of Doylestown American Legion Baseball, said he wanted to echo the Mayor’s thanks to Mr. Davis. He also thanked all who were involved as it turned out great for everyone in the community and they really appreciate everything. Mr. O’Brien thanked Mr. Ruane for what he did and what he does. 133 EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. ADJOURNMENT At 7:27 p.m., President O’Brien entertained a motion to adjourn (Browne-Frederick). The vote was called and the motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, John H. Davis Borough Manager :sa 134