Public Safety Committee

Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. Present: Councilpersons Larry Browne, Bob Kinney, Connor O'Hanlon, and Amy Popkin. Also in attendance were Mayor Noni West, Emergency Services Director Scott Fleischer, CBRPD Chief Karl Knott, Parking Director Mette O'Reilly, and Borough ManagerJohn Davis. The Minutes of the February meeting were approved as submitted. County Theater Loading Zone. John presented this location as having inadvertently been left out of the existing ordinance. The Committee voted unanimously to forward the change to Borough Council to be added to the current ordinance. No Parking at Clemens Road and Meadow Lane. Several residents attended a meeting previously with concerns about cars parked at this corner, with the issue returning recently. It is suggested now that a No Parking zone be designated to avoid traffic and sight issues. Committee members voted unanimously to suggest Borough Council have an ordinance drafted and advertised. No Right Turns for Trucks Southbound on Main at Broad Street. After several ISSUES of damaged light poles, the Public Works Department brought this issue to John to consider banning tractor trailers from making a right turn at this location. The Committee voted unanimously to request Borough Council draft and advertise an ordinance. A resident asked where those tractor trailers would be directed if not permitted to make a right turn onto Broad Street, with other tight turns at other streets in the area. Committee members discussed other possibilities. Free Downtown Resident Parking. Larry reminded all in attendance parking issues are very complex and take time, discussion and a process to complete. Resident Larissa Hopwood presented information regarding residents in the center of town and the difficulties they have in finding parking. She has requested the Borough allow for free residential parking for residents of the center of town to avoid the cost of parking meters and tickets. John shared details on the existing residential parking areas and how those areas came to be necessary as well as the reasons metered parking is required in the business district of the Borough. Several questions are to be answered regarding what streets/area would be part of this program as well as who currently purchases yellow banded meter parking permits, such as business employees and/or Borough residents. This conversation will be continued. Hart Tract Access. Buckingham resident Alyssa Scott presented information on the importance of land preservation and possible community and traffic ramifications from this potential development. Doreen Stratton shared her thoughts on the need for cooperation between Doylestown Township and Doylestown Borough. She also shared her concerns for the potential ongoing construction and traffic safety. Other members of the public, including Buckingham and Doylestown Borough residents, shared similar sentiments regarding safety in the area of South Main Street during and after construction for drivers as well as pedestrians. Larry Browne and John Davis both shared their agreement that traffic studies need to be presented from Doylestown Township in order to fully understand the potential scope and issues. Public Events. Chief Knott shared information on the upcoming events including the Doylestown 5K, Pride Festival, Arts Festival, and Santa Parade.  details on last month's meeting with lots of and Communications Board Report. Larry shared Emergency Preparedness community engagement coming up. (Mayor). Mayor West had nothing new to report. CBRPC Report Hilltown resident Jonathan Newberg attended to share his disappointment with the Bucks County Old/New Business. studies. Planning Commission's response to the Hart Tract plan and lack of traffic Clinton Street. Chief Knott shared in her her ongoing concerns with tractor trailers on North Karen Benner shared will continue to work on this issue with enforcement. concern and the Department Adjourned: 8:00 PM