Loller Academy Windows Need Replacing In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —They are the windows that overlook York Road as vehicles drive by each day.

High from its perch, Loller Academy towers over its territory, its view to the left of the building now taken up by the Wawa super convenience store next store.

With this historic building serving as Borough Hall, the Loller Academy was outfitted with a new HVAC system that took a year to install. But the building also needs some new windows.

At Monday night's meeting, Borough Council approved a motion to authorize the application to the COVID-19 ARPA Capital Projects Fund Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Project for the Borough Hall Window Project and the Pennypack HVAC Project.

Plans call for the former Pennypack school on Spring Avenue to also get an HVAC upgrade.

While it served as Borough Hall for a year, the Pennypack Facility is now serving as a community center and also a temporary meeting space —like Monday night for the council when the Loller Academy building lost heat.

One resident wondered why $300,000 would be needed to replace the windows.

"It's a historic building," Council Vice President Dave Stockton said. "It's not like we can go to Home Depot. This is a really expensive undertaking. That's why we haven't done it yet."

Borough Manager Diane Hegele said the condition of the Loller windows is "terrible."

She said that the windows on the building's second floor are "hanging by their hinges."

Hegele said the wood around the windows was restored sometime back in 2005-2010.

Council President George Bollendorf said that the borough is seeking a grant for the Pennypack HVAC upgrades. He said it's a no-match grant, meaning there's "free money out there."

He said that HVAC project might not happen until anywhere from three to seven years down the road.

Another A'Harrah Joins the EAC

Todd A'Harrah, a candidate who ran unsuccessfully for council last November, is joining his wife on the Environmental Advisory Council.

A'Harrah was appointed at Monday night's Borough Council meeting to replace Tom Bilotta, who tendered his resignation. Kelly A'Harrah chairs the EAC.

In other business, Borough Council:

• Approved a motion for the Enterprise Fire Company Expenditure List for the month of January in the amount of $22,853.72.
• Directed the Civil Service Commission to establish a list of eligible candidates for the position of police officer.
• Authorized staff to proceed with obtaining finance documents for the proposed computer lease.
• Approved a change order #1 for the Hatboro Station Trail Project resulting in a reduction of $21,420.
• Approved final payment for the Hatboro Station Trail Project to Lenni Electric for $3,273.38.
• Approved the first payment for the Pedestrian Improvement Project to Marino Corp. for $98,053.02.
• Approved an extension request for the Fire House RACP Grant Project.
• Approved Resolution 2024-16 amending the 2024 fee schedule to add appeal fees.
• Approved the 2024 Special Event Requests.
• Approved the 2024 Banner Schedule as submitted by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Authorized the sale of Unit #3 and an air compressor on Municibid.