Borough of Riegelsville

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:03p.m. May 8, 2019.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P. Moyer, Rodney Scott, Mayor Stokes and Todd Myers, Borough Engineer.

Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council minutes from April 10, 2019. R. Scott Seconded.   Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Borough office received Riegelsville Community Fire Co Station 42 April 2019 Fire response.

BC Board of Elections- Municipal Primary May 21, 2019. Riegelsville Borough Hall is polling place. 7am-8pm.

Met-Ed 2019 Tree trimming program is underway.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes spoke to State Police Sgt Thomas in reference to increased speeding on Delaware Road and Route 611 and they will be patrolling at different times. The report back from the State Police was that they did hand out 1 speeding ticket.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  2-Borough residents present.

Robin Robinson, BC Recorder of Deeds introduced herself to Council and discussed the “Bucks County Adopt-A-Book Program” the process of saving history by restoring old deed books. In order to accomplish this we are asking for the assistance from the friends of Bucks County. The power point was very informative and showed how the books are currently stored and the process to restore them in Vermont and be stored in a new area of the current BC Recorder of Deeds building.  R. Robinson showed Council 2 repaired books.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs-

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm on April 17, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:  Ann P Moyer, E. Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Frank Preedy-EMS Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from citizens:   1 borough resident present, Amber Campbell wanted to know if there is any update for the trail. T. Stinnett will ask Todd Myers, Borough Engineer to update us for the next meeting on May 1, 2019.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council April 2019 report:

• Permits: 1-In ground pool and 2- Re-roof Building permits: 1-In ground pool Zoning permit.
• Jim discussed with Council the proposed Heffley Bill HB 349 (This Bill is currently in the Senate Committee) this Bill will cause hardship for Municipalities like Riegelsville who use a 3^rd party inspection agency to enforce the UCC.  Please contact your State Senator to oppose this legislation.
• Enforcement Activities

129 Maplewood Rd.-“Stop-Work Order” awaiting construction documents.

113 Delaware Rd. – waiting on permits.

141 Easton Rd. – property maintenance violation, appears to be cleaned up February 13, 2019

320 Delaware Rd. – property maintenance violation, compliance date is today March 20, 2019.

530 Easton Rd. complaint junk cars on property, compliance date is May 8, 2019, Property owner requested a 90 day extension of time for compliance.

Library News: Borough office received the March 2019 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office.  Ann Moyer read the minutes to Council.

• The new copier will be installed on April 12.
• Cooper mechanical will be coming on April 24 to perform annual ac checkups.
• Brewfest is set for Saturday September 28, 2019, planning is underway.
• Looking for a volunteer Treasurer.
• Book sale dates needed to be changed due to Primary Election on May 21 this year, new dates are May 31, June 1st and 8^th.
• Our “Unwind and Uncork” fundraiser with Villa Milagro, June 1.
• Summer Quest planning has begun, this year is “Outer Space Theme”. More info to come from Becky.

Proposed Walking Trail: No update.

Fire Co. News:

• Next breakfast is Sunday May 19.
• Fish Fry Friday Dinners are a big success until April 19.
• Ed reported that a lot of the Firemen are taking Fire Fighter 1 and Fire Fighter 2 training, there are a few new volunteers.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News:

• Memorial bench for Elaine was received, when Matt has time he will put it together.

UBREMS News: Ed reported that they are looking for 2 new stations to replace the current locations.

Rec Board News: Rodney reported to Council,

• The next Rec board meeting is set for Monday April 22 at 5pm.
• Ed and Rodney met with Dr Stokes & Tim Kulp to discuss the baseball field.
• The faucet in the stand & the roof needs to be fixed.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy reported to Council that the reservoirs are currently over full, the Delaware River was over 15 feet but has already started to recede.

• Frank met with State Rep Ullman – the topic was mostly Fireman’s relief funds.

Riegelsville Planning Commission: During the April 1 meeting, they looked over the wireless 5G information.

Misc:

• “Friends of the Delaware Canal” kayaking in the Delaware Canal has become a lot easier thanks to a contribution made by Riegelsville Borough Council years ago. The donation was used to purchase three Kaya-Arms for the Canal docks at Groundhog Lock, just north of Riegelsville, and Durham Aqueduct and Lock, just south of Riegelsville.
• Ann met with the Riegelsville elected Constable Walter Szablowski and discussed what his role is as Constable. Ann suggested he attends a Community Affairs meeting to introduce himself to Council.  Council agreed.
• Meeting adjourned 7:53 pm.         Next meeting May 15, 2019   7pm

Utilities-

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:54 pm on April 17, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:   Rodney Scott, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Frank Preedy-EMS Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from Citizens:  One Borough resident present.

Discussions:

P3 Generator Services is looking into the Borough Building Generator Sensor replacement or new generator.

Rodney & Sonny met with Ian- Hickory High Tree Service to get an estimate for trimming trees up at Well 1&2, dead spruce at the Borough Hall building and trim by our open space near 429 Poplar Road.  The estimate will be added to Council meeting on May 8, 2019.  The fence at the end of Linden Lane will need to be removed for the equipment to get thru.

Sherry will contact C & K landscaping to also mow the park at pedestrian bridge and the small parking lot when he is doing the Delaware Road parking lot.

Hydrant Flushing May 6-10^th.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:20 pm

Next meeting May 15, 2019

Streets & Properties-

Ed Bartosiewicz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on May 1, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett

Others Present:

Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comments from Citizens:   No Borough residents present.

Discussions:

The Ash Lane water line project just needs to tie-in to 611.

Tentatively Friday May 3, the front railing by stairs/ at 611 in front of the Borough building will be added.

The Borough received a few calls asking what St Lawrence is doing clearing out trees & brush by the Open Space right of way.  Sherry emailed the Church secretary and he said “General clean-up overgrown area for aesthetic purposes, no worries”.

Trail update: We received approval by the BC Conservation District for Erosion & Sediment pollution

control. We should receive the PNDI Environmental review soon. Bid packets are being worked on while waiting on final approvals.

Borough Council needs to discuss a “no right turn” signs on the Delaware Road Hill with the Borough Engineer. Sherry emailed Borough solicitor to ask if an ordinance is needed,” yes an ordinance because it would constitute a “legislative act” of “[r]egulating the conduct of a person or entity within the borough and imposing penalties for violation of the regulated conduct.”  8 Pa. C.S.A. 3301.1(b)(5).

            Ed reported to Council that Matt and his crew have been filling in holes on roads and alleys.  Crack sealing has started too.

Meeting adjourned 7:19 pm

Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on June 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Finance-

Kate Brandes called the meeting to order on May 1, 2019 at 7:56 pm at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present: 

Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comment from Citizens:   No one present.

Discussions:

Keystone grant paperwork was mailed April 18, was received in Harrisburg on Monday April 22.

Council discussed the Fire Co & the Borough’s insurance.  The Fire Co should add the Borough as additionally insured since the Borough owns the building.

Council looked over the finances.

Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm.

Next Finance meeting will be held June 5, 2019 immediately following Streets/Properties at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Approval of quote Total $6900.00 ($1600.00 Water Co, $5300.00 General Fund) to Hickory High Tree Service, Tree clearance at Well 1&2, Dead spruce at Borough Hall and Open Space behind Poplar Road.  Scott motioned to approve. A. P Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

            Todd Myers, Borough Engineer reported to Council the trail plot plan cannot be changed since all the permitting has been approved. Council approved the bid packet to be sent to Penn.

            Todd will put together the cost estimate for the Small Durham Road parking lot and the Spring Hill water line project.

            Todd will put together a curve geometrical diagram for the “No right turn” at the traffic light project                     

NEW BUSINESS:  Backhoe needs repairs.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  R. Scott motioned to approve bills.  K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.

Next regular Council Meeting June 12, 2019   7:00pm.

 Meeting adjourned 8:45 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:02p.m. April 10, 2019.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P. Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.  Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council minutes from March 13, 2019. A. Moyer Seconded.   Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Borough office received Riegelsville Community Fire Co. Station 42 March 2019 Fire Response sheet- total 12 calls.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes performed one wedding.  Spoke to State Police Sgt Thomas in reference to increased speeding on Delaware Road and Route 611.  Mayor Stokes had a question if they could open a bait shop out of their property, Mayor Stokes told them to talk to the Borough Zoning office.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  2 Borough residents present.

Bob Ryan, Borough resident asked why they haven’t looked into a slate roof bid for the Keystone grant application. Tom stated we have not gotten a slate bid due to the high cost. Ed does not recommend going with slate due to the new process of adding plywood under the slate instead of slats. Bob asked for permission from Council to get a slate quote.  Council said yes.  Bob also heard at our Finance meeting on April 3, 2019 that the Borough’s legal budget is at 60% already and asked why the Borough is using the borough solicitor in a fight over a private alley between neighbors on Poplar Road.  Tom stated that unfortunately legal council needs to be used when the Borough is questioned over legal matters.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs-

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on March 20, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:  Ann P Moyer, E. Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Frank Preedy-EMS Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from citizens:   1 borough resident present, Cory Campbell has a few questions about the tree line on the proposed walking trail.  Todd Myers, Borough Engineer will be asked to attend a meeting.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council February & March 2019 reports:

Zoning permits: 1-Detached garage, 1-pole barn addition and 1-fence. Building permits: 1 New Oil tank.

Enforcement Activities

129 Maplewood Rd.-“Stop-Work Order” awaiting construction documents.

113 Delaware Rd. – waiting on permits.

141 Easton Rd. – property maintenance violation, appears to be cleaned up February 13, 2019

320 Delaware Rd. – property maintenance violation, compliance date is today March 20, 2019.

530 Easton Rd. complaint junk cars on property, compliance date is May 8, 2019.

Library News: Borough office received the January and February 2019 Directors report, the minutes

have been filed in the Borough office.  Estelle Bloom, Library Board member reported the following to Council.

The Library Board is updating their by-laws to make some needed changes especially the number of library board members. They have been having issues with reaching a quorum for monthly meetings in 2018 & 2019.

Looking for a volunteer Treasurer.

Our “Unwind and Uncork” fundraiser with Villa Milagro, June 1.

Summer Quest planning has begun, this year is “Outer Space Theme”. More info to come from Becky.

Proposed Walking Trail: No update.

Fire Co. News:  Borough office received the January & February Fire Response.

Next breakfast is Sunday May 19.

Fish Fry Friday Dinners are a big success until April 19.

CPR recheck seminar was March 19.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News:

Boscov’s “Friends helping Friends” October 16.

UBREMS News: Nothing new to report.

Rec Board News: Rodney reported to Council,

The next Rec board meeting is set for Thursday April 4 at 7pm.

Softball signups are still going on.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy reported to Council that state rep Wendy Ullman

is having a meet & great on April 10.

Frank is attending quarterly training at Nockamixon on April 8, 9, & 10^th.

Frank is attending a hazardous seminar May 22& 23,

Frank is attending a flood preparedness event May 30.

Riegelsville Planning Commission: No March meeting, During the April 1 meeting they will be

looking at the wireless 5G information. REMARKS: Tom reported that they are looking for a sample ordinance, Tom asked Sherry to ask Durham Township and the BC Consortium if they have a sample ordinance to share.

Meeting adjourned 7:28 pm.         Next meeting April 17, 2019   7pm

Utilities-

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:29 pm on March 20, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:   Rodney Scott, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Frank Preedy-EMS Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from Citizens:  One Borough resident present.

Discussions:

Ed suggested that the sign on Durham that reads no trucks ahead should be taken down. Sherry will ask Matt.  Remarks: Matt already removed the sign a few months ago.

P3 Generator Services is looking into the Borough Building Generator Sensor replacement or new generator.

Ed & Rodney met with S&M General Services to discuss the sidewalk quote for the Delaware Road hill project.

Council discussed that in the spring the Pedestrian bridge needs anti-skid protection on the walking boards due to the moss.

Tom told the Borough Council that there was an article in October 2018 Bucks County Herald that “Sellersville restricts truck traffic on North Branch Street”.  Maybe the borough needs to look into this too.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:05 pm

Next meeting April 17, 2019

Streets & Properties-

Ed Bartosiewicz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on April 3, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett

Others Present:

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comments from Citizens:   3 Borough residents present.

Bob Ryan, Borough resident distributed a letter “Riegelsville Borough Hall Preservation” (Complete letter is filed in the Borough office) to Council that he understands that the Borough is applying for a Keystone Grant to replace the Borough Hall roof and windows on the second floor Library. The building is listed on the Bucks County register of Historic places. Bob would like Council to consider the benefits of wood windows and slate roofing to preserve the Riegelsville Borough Hall and further, the long-term financial condition of the Borough. Borough hall reflects the craftsmanship of the era and the area. Bob stated that members of our community own separate wood milling shops in Durham & Easton.  K. Brandes stated we had to prepare pre-bid information to the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation office, “Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission”, with specs of the project to be pre-approved from the before the final grant paperwork is sent in around April 15^th. The Borough did get approved from Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation office on the specs that was given for new windows, new roof and minor repair to water damage on the interior walls.

Discussions:

The Ash Lane water line project should be ready for pressure testing Thursday April 4 or Friday April 5, hopefully the water will be tested next week.

S&M Contracting finished painting the new Bilco door.

Borough office received a call from Borough resident, Nancy McEvoy on Spring Hill Road that cars have driving very fast on the road making it difficult to get out of her driveway. Is there anything the Borough can do? Remarks: Council discussed that they are not on the curves in the road, so their driveway is visible.

Hopefully when the 212 bridge repairs are done the traffic will lesson on Spring Hill Road.

Borough Council needs to discuss a “no right turn” signs on the Delaware Road Hill with the Borough Engineer.

Council discussed the updated quote for sidewalk replacement on the 611 hill to the parking lot.

Ed discussed with Todd what material should be used on the foot bridge boards, once Todd gets the information to Ed the project will be added to the spring maintenance list.

Finance-

Kate Brandes called the meeting to order on March 6, 2019 at 7:56 pm at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present: 

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comment from Citizens:   3 Borough residents present.

Discussions:

            Grant signatures are needed for the extension letter for the DCED grant- “Walking trail”.

Kate reported to Council that the Keystone grant draft budget will be completed so next Wednesday Council can look it over. Tom suggested we meet at 6:30 to look it over and then during Council they can vote on it.

Council looked over the finances.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Next Finance meeting will be held May 1, 2019 immediately following Streets/Properties at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Approval for up to $81,000.00 for the Borough’s match of the Keystone Grant application. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS:  No new business.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  K. Brandes motioned to approve bills.  A. P Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Next regular Council Meeting May 8, 2019   7:00pm.

Meeting adjourned 7:52 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:04p.m. March 13, 2019.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P. Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council minutes from February 13, 2019. K. Brandes Seconded.   Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Borough office received Riegelsville Public Library Annual Financial Statements December 31, 2018.

Borough office received Riegelsville Planning Commission annual report.

Letter received 2018 Floodplain management Activities Annual Report from Cowan Associates, INC.

Letter received the BC BA General Membership dinner meeting March 26, 2018. Let Sherry know if you are attending.

Letter received dated March 9, 2019, from Maureen Woerner, 303 Poplar Road. This letter is filed in the Borough office Council Minutes Book.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett reported that Riegelsville residents received a letter from Lori Campbell, Realtor referencing the property sales in Riegelsville for last quarter of 2018 including January and February approximately 1.8 Million.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes thanked the Riegelsville Fire Company for the very nice Banquet on February 23.

Mayor Stokes spoke to Jim Kopchak, Zoning officer in reference to a complaint about a Property owner on Durham Road having an illegal business.

 COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  3 Borough residents present.

Cory Campbell, property owner next to the proposed trail on Springhill Road, is concerned how water is laying from the rain and snow in the widest part of the proposed trail. S. Masteller will make Todd Myers, Borough Engineer aware of this.  Cory also reminded Council of the fence receipts that he handed in a while ago, T. Stinnett stated they are not sure how close the trail will be to his property yet.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs-no meeting February 20 due to weather.

Utilities- no meeting February 20 due to weather.

 Streets & Properties

Ed Bartosiewicz called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm on March 6, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett

Others Present:

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comments from Citizens:   2 Borough residents present.

Ellen Clemens, Borough resident gave a letter dated March 6, 2019 to the Borough office to be given to Council members to be added to the Streets & Properties action log for March 6, 2019 meeting. Masteller read the letter“ It is imperative that the Streets and Properties Committee request Borough Council to immediately take the required action to enact an ordinance to vacate an unopened alley North from Ash Lane, between Fairview Road and Poplar Road, as again was formally requested on February 7, 2019”. Tom stated that Council needs to discuss this with the Borough Solicitor.

Discussions:

Ash Lane water Line bid packets where opened and tabulated, Council will vote on it during Council meeting March 13, 2019.

Saturday March 2, 2019 the Borough Building had no heat, Haly was called and the technician needed to reset the pressure steam valve on the Boiler.  Since this is the third time the 3^rd floor tenant did not have heat a suggestion was made to add hard wired electric heaters to the apartment. A contractor has be called to give an estimate.

The Borough Building generator is not running and may need a new controller, the tech is getting a quote on a new controller.

S&M Contracting said they can paint the new Bilco door for $230.00.  Council agreed.

Ralph R. Riegel, Borough resident sent a letter in reference to trees on the Borough’s Property near his property that need to be trimmed and or removed. Rodney said he will meet the tree contractor to look at them.

Ed discussed with council the Small wireless facilities for 5G are looking to expand into municipalities and we should look into how this will affect our current ordinances.  Tom would like the Riegelsville planning commission to look at the documents. Sherry will email the planning commission the documents.

Meeting adjourned 7:37 pm   

 Finance

Kate Brandes called the meeting to order on March 6, 2019 at 7:39 pm at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present: 

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comment from Citizens:   2 Borough residents present.

Discussions:

 Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC, Borough Auditor finished the year ended December 31, 2018 audit on February 7, 2019. No discrepancies were found.

Riegelsville Fire Co is replacing the roof and a zoning permit is needed, Council will waive the fee.  Sherry will add that to the March 13, Council agenda.

Kate reported to Council that the bids are coming in for the windows & roofing quotes that are needed for the Grant paperwork.  Resolution will be added to the Council agenda on March 13.

Council looked over the finances.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Approval to waive the Riegelsville Community Fire Co. roofing permit fee. A. Moyer motioned to approve. K. Brandes seconded.  E. Bartosiewicz abstained motion carried 4-0 one abstention.

Approval to grant an extension of the required septic cleaning ordinance to 7 years for 420 Poplar Road. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval for the Ash Lane water main 3 phase project.  R. Scott motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval of Resolution #R-02-19, State Assurances of Certified signatures for Keystone Grant Application. A. Moyer motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

            Letter for an extension of the DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant for one year.

            NEW BUSINESS:  No new business.

            APPROVAL OF BILLS:  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills.  A. P Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Next regular Council Meeting April 10, 2019   7:00pm.

 Meeting adjourned 7:58 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary