The Hatboro Borough Council has agreed to heat things up at the borough-owned 3,500-square-foot building within Victorian Village - provided costs can be kept to $2,500.

The ground floor space, originally envisioned Hatboro district court, is currently vacant and without plumbing, insulation, or heating. The lack of heat is bringing an added chill to the upstairs apartments, officials said. Victorian Village has requested that the borough install electric heat.

Borough manager Steven Plaugher said the 55 and over community has been after the town for several years to heat its space.

Council President John Zygmont said he was concerned about the cost of electricity and said something must have been done in in past seasons.

"There may not have been tenants up there (in previous winters)," Mayor Norm Hawkes said. "It’s really not our obligation to heat their apartments upstairs."

Borough solicitor Christen Pionzio agreed, but the council ok'd Plaugher finding a heating solution provided it be within $2,500. The money, Zygmont said, would come from capital funds.

In other business, the council discussed establishing an eligible list to hire a patrol sergeant for the Hatboro Police Department. The police department has had a vacancy since Detective Sgt. John Becker resigned in June following a nearly three-month-long suspension. 

Police Chief James Gardner also suggested that the council purchase a Ford Interceptor SUV to replace a Ford Expedition, which Gardner said would be used as a spare vehicle.

The Interceptor, Gardner said, would cost $33,428 - including outfitting with lights - and is $3,000 cheaper than the Expedition model. The vehicle, which he said is made specifically for police use, is more fuel efficient, according to Gardner.

"It’s really the first time a car’s really been deisgned for police work," Gardner said, adding that the vehicle would be received within four to six months after the order is placed and ready for use about two weeks after that once it's outfitted. 

The council took no action on either item and is expected to vote at its regular meeting on Jan. 23.