Borough Council

Sharon Hill Borough Legislative Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17th, 2022 Quote of the Meeting: “Gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn’t.” – Annette Bridges 1. Call To Order: 7:00 PM 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call (Present) President Tanya Allen, Vice- President Keith Martinez, Councilor Sharon Booker, Councilor Edward Booker, Councilor William Felder (late), Councilor Sandra Holcombe, Borough Manager Ieasa A. Nichols, Borough Engineer, Solicitor Courtney Richardson, Police Chief Richard Herron (Excused) Borough Secretary Celandra Rice-Adeloye, Councilor Rodney Hill, Mayor Hykeem Green 4. Public Comment (Related to Motion to Appoint Officers) – No Public Comment 5. Motion to Appoint New Part-Time Police Officer James Hooper Moved – Vice President Keith Martinez Second – Councilor Edward Booker Motion Passes 5 - 0 Madam President conducted the Swearing in of newest Police Officer 6. Public Comment John Lafferty, 502 Sharon Ave - Commended council for how well the Turkey Give-Away was conducted over the weekend. 7. Approval of Meeting Minutes: Thursday, September 15th, 2022 Moved: Councilwoman Sharon Booker Seconded: Councilor William Felder Motion Passes 5 - 0 8. New Business i. Motion to Authorize the Appropriate Borough Official to Advertise Ordinance #1407 Moved: Councilor Sandra Holcombe Seconded: Councilor Edward Booker Motion Passes: 5 - 0 ii. Ordinance #1407: Adoption of Sharon Hill Borough 2023 Fee Schedule Moved: Vice President Keith Martinez Seconded: Councilor Edward Booker Motion Passes: 5 - 0 9. Old Business i. Economic Development – Madam President opened the floor for discussion on taking Sharon Hill Borough from a dry town to a wet town.  1. Public Comment (Open to council members and residents) Councilwoman Sharon Booker expressed concerns about the borough going from ‘dry’ to ‘wet’ and stated that she will be circulating a petition against making Sharon Hill a ‘wet town’. President Tanya Allen implored council members to make recommendations on ways to bring additional monies into the borough exclusive of raising taxes. Councilor William Felder highlighted that taxes have not been sufficiently raised since 2014. He would like the tax base increased along with increasing fees such as the mercantile tax fund and the enforcement of getting liens satisfied. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols advised that our Solicitor is investigating as there may be legislation prohibiting additional increases. Solicitor Courtney Richardson advised the borough to discuss this legislation from 2014 with our tax collector. President Allen advised of the possibility of moving forward with a referendum. Based on the size of Sharon Hill only 2 liquor licenses can be issued. Councilor Sandra Holcombe expressed the importance of monitoring the type of establishment the borough allows. Vice President Keith Martinez was also in agreement with welcoming more upscale, family style franchises into the borough. John Lafferty, 502 Sharon Ave – Expressed approval of a small restaurant that can offer liquor. Tracy Turner – Voiced concerns that allowing the sale of liquor in the borough could possibly increase crime. Mrs. Pearson-Bey, 339 Laurel Rd – Inquired who would make the decision on which types of restaurants would be allowed making mention of Ruby Tuesday’s and other reputable establishments. 10. Committee Updates: a. President Tanya Allen, CPCIP – Madam President advised that the research for the Chester Pike Corridor Improvement Project was completed over a period of 18 months throughout five boroughs. Based on the discoveries, each improvement project was listed in a report. Each municipality is given an opportunity to vote on their project of choice. Library Report was read by Library Director Richard Ashby – Highlighted items were as follows: The Doll Making Workshop, a new sensory mat was installed, Homeschool Club, Morning Movies, Senior Bingo & Senior IT Project, Tutoring. President Allen made a special announcement inviting residents to the Senior Luncheon, Winter Wonderland, and the Wonderland Gift Wrapping Party. Treasurer, Will Morgan read the Finance Report. Inquiries made by Councilor Edward Booker and Councilor Sandra Holcombe. Their questions were answered by Treasurer Morgan and Madam President. Motion to Approve the Treasurer’s Report of the General Fund balance as of October 31st, 2022  Moved: Councilor William Felder Seconded: Councilwoman Sharon Booker Motion Passes 5 - 0 Updates were made to the expenditures list and the purpose for the TRAN/TAN [Tax Anticipation Note] loan was further explained. Motion to Approve the Bill’s List Moved: Councilor William Felder Seconded: Councilor Edward Booker Motion Passes 5 - 0 b. Vice-President Keith Martinez, Public Safety – The Sharon Hill Fire Department [SHFD] reports were read. Residents were reminded that fire detectors are available at the Sharon Hill Fire Department. Upcoming events were highlighted: Christmas tree sales November 26th and Candy Canes with Santa Around Town on December 17th. The Sharon Hill Police Department [SHPD] report was read. There were no new updates to share regarding the DCJA [Darby Creek Joint Authority]. c. Councilor Sharon Booker, SHACC – Councilwoman Booker thanked residents for their participation in the Wreath Making Workshop. The next two events are the Copper Jewelry Making Workshop on December 9th and the Kwanzaa Celebration on December 30th. d. Councilor Edward Booker, Public Health / Multiple Municipality – Councilor Booker provided an overview of the property tax and rental rebate program and its guidelines. Additional assistance program information was provided for SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] / TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families]. Councilor Booker advised that there was a delay in the meeting with the neighboring municipalities and he is working towards securing another date. e. Councilor William Felder, Public Works – Councilor Felder read the Code Report. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols provided clarity on the new consolidated fee schedule. Discussion was had to reinstate the Public Works reporting. 11. Officials’ Reports a. Borough Solicitor, Courtney Richardson - Solicitor Richardson provided an update on the contract negotiations with the FOP [Fraternal Order of Police] and states it has been productive. There has also been discussions with our Borough Manager on the mercantile tax and local tax reforms b. Borough Engineer, Lighthouse Engineering - Susan – The Folcroft Bridge demolition to begin October 2023 with coordination with PennDOT. Scheduling the meeting with the county for the High Street Sanitary Sewer Project which if fully grant funded. c. Code Official, Chris McSween – Code Official McSween provided the background on the increase of fees for the Consolidated fee schedule which will act to generate additional funds towards administrative cost, plan reviews and maintenance of borough vehicles. d. Chief Richard Herron – No new report f. Borough Manager, Ieasa A. Nichols – Thanked Building Code Official McSween for review of the fee schedules. Borough Manager Nichols advised that research was conducted to be sure that the borough’s fees are in line with neighboring municipalities so that the fees were right sized - including the review of the park fees and U&O/Resale fees. Borough Manager Nichols also thanked council for their joint efforts on the distribution of Thanksgiving baskets. An update was provided on the formation of Junior Council and review of applications. The meeting quote was read by President Allen 12 Adjournment 9:43 PM Upcoming Caucus Meeting, Thursday, December 8th @ 7:00pm Upcoming Legislative Meeting: Thursday, December 15th, 2022 @ 7:00pm