Borough of Riegelsville

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey Kenny, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from April 12, 2017. A. Kenny seconded.  Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Todd Myers, Borough Engineer reported to S. Masteller that the amount of Wetlands on Spring Hill Road may affect the placement of the parking lot for the open space trail project.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett reported to Council that he attended a presentation “Bridges Across the Delaware River” on May 9. It was an illustration about the bridges that span the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The speaker was Joe Donnelly, Deputy Executive Director of Communications for the Delaware River Joint Bridge Commission.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported he spoke to Craig Cardone in reference to the clogged drain on 611 that he has always helped maintain until now it seems to be clogged farther into the pipe. Craig called PennDot and they said the Borough is responsible for that. Mayor Stokes told him to contact Rep Quinn’s office. S. Masteller emailed Mayor Stokes our PennDot contacts.  A complaint came in for 428 Poplar Road for a very large Brush pile.  S. Masteller will send out a violation to the property owner.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  One Borough resident and Frank Preedy-Riegelsville Emergency Management Coordinator.    Preedy discussed with Council that he would like the Council members to appoint Jason Anderson, Michael Myers as Deputy and reappoint John Panasiuk, Ray Kenny to the EMA Team. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to appoint & reappoint members. R. Scott seconded. Motion carried with one Abstention (A. Kenny) 3-1 F. Preedy will be attending the Bucks County quarterly training.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs:

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council that 2- Building permits were issued for Nelson- Deck w/pergola and Nelson-Kitchen remodel. 2-Zoning permits were issued Nelson- Deck w/Pergola and Nelson- Garage Addition.  919 Easton Road received a Junk Car and property maintenance violation and the Tenant has been cleaning the place up.  636 Easton Road was issued a “Stop Work order”, the property owner may need an extension of time, which will need to be a written request.   519 Easton Road, Mr. Szablowski is requested a “Special Exception” to the ZHB for a B-9(g) Home Occupation.

Mr. Szablowski would like to do business in his home under the name “Ethical Arms LLC.”   He wants to use a small section of his basement to design and fabricate fire arms.   There will be no retail sales.  All sales will be via mail to other licensed firearms dealers.  At the “Special Exception” Hearing he stated that he will only make 1 or 2 prototypes a year. The ZHB convened on Thursday, 23 March, 7PM. A decision was made to approve the special exception with conditions.

Ash Lane “Dunlap Lot” Michele White, prospective buyer, is requesting multiple variances to build a 3 bedroom Cape Cod style home. The following variances are needed:

1) Relief from section 502 (b) minimum lot area of 15,000 square ft.  (Actual lot size is 6795 Sq ft)

2) Relief from section 502 (b) minimum lot width of 100 ft.  (Actual width is 68 ft.)

3) Relief from section 502 (b) maximum building coverage, 20%.  Building coverage proposed is 21.8%.

4) Relief from section 502 (b) maximum front setback 40 ft.  You are requesting that the front setback be reduced to 20ft.

5) Relief from section 502 (b) maximum side setback 15 ft.  Proposed side setback is 7 ft.

She is aware of the previous ZHB decision and she submitted a “Right to Know” application to get copies of the records in the file.

The sale of the property is conditional on ZHB granting the variances.

Scott asked if a permit is needed for a paver’s wall at 210 Fern Road, Jim will look into it. R. Scott was asked by a Borough resident if Basketball hoops are allowed in the middle of sidewalks, Jim reported that is a safety issue and the property owners need to be notified. There is an abandoned car on Sycamore, S. Masteller will contact the State Police.

Library News: S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received the April 2017 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office. Estelle Bloom, Library Board Trustee reported to Council the following:

• The 4^th Barnes & Noble Book fair on April 7^th & 8^th at the Easton Store located in Easton Pa was not very well attended.

• No Library Fair on May 20 just the Book Fair, they are looking into different fundraisers to try.
• Library is looking for small containers and empty paper towel rolls for summer reading program.

Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported to Council that the “Fish Fry” served on average 205 people per week.

           Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: The next meeting is set for Wednesday April 26 at 7pm.

UBREMS News:  E. Bartosiewicz reported no new news.

Rec Board News: Community Easter Egg Hunt was on April 14, we helped parking cars again this year.

Karin will give us an update on the egg hunt.  So far the 4/5 & the 8/9 Girls Softball will be playing on the Softball field. Mayor Stokes and his men’s team has their first game Sunday April 22.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy, Emergency Management Coordinator reported

to Council that he received background checks for Mike Myers, and will get them for Jason Anderson. John

Panasiuk will be the computer help on the team.  Can we use the Borough Building for the Post Office if there is

an emergency?  A. Moyer asked if a different background check is needed for Volunteering instead of an

Employment check. They will look into this.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:  The next meeting is set for May 1, 2017 at 7pm. They are

making a few changes to the proposed Mailbox Ordinance.

Utilities:

Discussions:

Water bills were mailed out April 13, 2017 and are due May 5, 2017.  Matt Brady reported that there was no issues during water meter readings this quarter and usually after the winter there is a few.

Council discussed the plow damage at 319 Fairview Road, pictures were emailed. Council decided that the area by the hydrant should be repaired by the Riegelsville Road crew.  Before next winter we need a send out “Helpful Winter notes to Borough Residents”.

Matt Brady reported that only a few curb stops need to be found.

Hydrant Flushing is set for Monday May 1-May 5, 9pm-midnight.

Tilley performed their yearly inspection on the Borough Fire Extinguishers.

Streets & Properties:

Discussions:

2015. Bartosiewicz reported to Council that the Express-times had an article on “Busy bridges: Traffic trending up at toll crossings, dips at free spans” DRJTBC- Riegelsville Bridge 2016 average daily traffic, 3,400- same as 2015.

The Borough office received an email in reference to putting a trash receptacle next to the Pedestrian Bridge by the Canal.  Council said that is a good idea, S. Masteller will look into the cost of the last one.

The Borough office received a copy of a resolution from Township of Hopewell, NJ in reference to PennEast Pipeline.  T. Stinnett stated that the resolution that the Borough approved is all we need to do.

Council discussed the Bamboo violation at 503 Easton Road, the violation needed to be taken care of by June 14, 2017.

Brady reported that they are starting crack sealing 5/8/17 with Spring Hill Road, Sherer’s Hill, Fairmont and Edgewood Road.

Finance:

Discussions: Brady would like to purchase a Stihl Kombisystem that has brush & Pruner attachments. Council discussed the purchase and would like more information and then a decision can be made. A suggestion was to purchase the system piece by piece since we are over budget in the general fund for tools.

Council discussed the new truck quotes. One concern was is the truck going to be undercoated.

An increased volume of the per capita bills have come in due to the discount $9.80 by May 1^st.

The Borough insurance adjuster reported that nothing has been paid out for the fender bender of the parked vehicle in Easton.

Council looked over the financials.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval to purchase the 2017 F-550 4×4 truck $39,355.00 from Koch 33 Ford costar. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

Approval to purchase the body, hydraulics, spreader, snowplow & lights $37,122.00 for new truck chassis.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.

Approval for the 2017 Street project not to exceed $24,000.00 with the Asphalt, Aggregate and the Labor cost, Costar contract pricing. We will do the job when Durham does theirs too.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS:  Council discussed the current steam boiler service contract and would like S. Masteller to look into this.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to discontinue the current contract. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

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

Next Council Meeting June 14, 2017 at 7pm.

Borough office will be closed May 16 & 29, 2017.

Meeting adjourned 8:10 PM.

Sherry Masteller   Borough Secretary

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey Kenny, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. A. Moyer motioned to approve the minutes from March 8, 2017. A. Kenny seconded.  Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Letter was read dated March 30, 2017, County of Bucks Emergency Health Services- Yearly EMS Reports.

Letter was read dated April 5, 2017, Bucks County Borough Association- Funding for EPA.

Letter was read dated April 6, 2017, Upper Bucks Regional Emergency Medical Services, Inc.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported that he performed one wedding.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  One Borough resident was present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs:

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council that the updated fee schedule draft will be put on the April 12, Council agenda. Jim reported one zoning permit was issued for Shed at 709 Fairmont Road.  Stop work order was issued at 636 Easton Road due to project not constructed per approved plans, adjusted plans have not been received yet.  Zoning Hearing Board had a hearing on February 16, 2017 for 215 Ash Lane requesting a variance for relief from side and rear setbacks plus the proposed deck will need relief from the required side set back of 15 ft.  Variance was granted by ZHB to allow the new deck to be 9’6” from side property line (Required set back 15’).   Mr. Szablowski, Borough resident at 519 Easton Road is requesting a “Special Exception” to the ZHB for a B-9(g) Home Occupation. Mr. Szablowski would like to do business in his home under the name “Ethical Arms LLC.” He wants to use a small section of his basement to design and fabricate fire arms. There will be no retail sales. All sales will be via mail to other licensed firearms dealers. The ZHB is scheduled to hear his request on March 23, 7PM.  E. Bartosiewicz will go to the meeting as a representative of the Borough.

Library News: S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received the March 2017 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office. Beth Banko, Library Board Trustee reported to Council the following:

• The 4^th Barnes & Noble Book fair is for April 7^th & 8^th at the Easton Store located in Easton Pa.
• They are still in need of someone to play the Easter Bunny at the Community Egg Hunt, April 14. Volunteer time is approximately 2 hours.
• No Library Fair on May 20 just the Book Fair, they are looking into different fundraisers to try.
• Library is looking for small containers and empty paper towel rolls for summer reading program.

Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported to Council that the first “Fish Fry” served 159 and the second “Fish Fry” served 180. Breakfast this Sunday March 19, 8am – noon.  Easter Flower Sale is April 13, 14, 15 at the Antique Haven.

           Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: A. Moyer reported that the next meeting is set for Wednesday March 22 at 7pm.

UBREMS News:  E. Bartosiewicz reported that they did have a March meeting.

Rec Board News: Community Easter Egg Hunt April 14, we will help park cars again this year. Sign-ups have started for Softball online. The next meeting is March 28, 2017 at 7pm.  So far the 4/5 & the 6/7 Girls Softball.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy, Emergency Management Coordinator reported to Council that he is attended a training at the County and gave Council the handouts. F. Preedy has been incontact with Fire Chief Todd Myers in reference to asking Mike Myers to be the Deputy Chief on the team. F. Preedy called Jason Anderson and Ray Kenny to see if they want to be on the team.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:  T. Stinnett reported that during the March 6, meeting, they continued to discuss a mailbox ordinance and they discussed Borough land use implications of the Medical Marijuana Act.

Utilities:

Discussions:

Council discussed getting the Riegelsville Water Companies reservoir cleaned and inspected.

Information will be gathered and reported back to Council.

Streets & Properties:

Discussions:

Ed discussed with Council the raised sidewalk and wall under the Borough’s Footbridge.

Matt Brady discussed with Council that he does not want to get certified to be the Riegelsville Water Operator when Dick Meade retires.

Council discussed sharing our crack sealing machine with Durham Township. We would get our roads done first in the Spring/Summer and then Durham could use it in the fall. They would pay for the supplies they use.

Council discussed the sidewalk quote from S & M General Services, Council is looking into 1-2 more quotes.

Council discussed Street Sweeping the Borough Streets, it is usually done before the Memorial Day Parade.

Council discussed the specific Borough Streets- Tar & Chip Estimate from Cowan Associates, Borough Engineer.

Matt discussed the Ash Lane Lot- water hook up with Council.  Matt met with W. Dowd to look at the options.

Finance:

Discussions:

Council looked over the 2016 Audit and the 2016 Financials.  The Auditor filed them with DCED on March 30, 2017.

Matt discussed with Council that a new truck will cost approximately 70K-75K.

Financials were not discussed due to the Bank recs not being ready.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval of Ordinance #236 “Vacating an unopened alley”. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of Resolution R-03-17 “Updated Zoning Fee Schedule”.  R. Scott motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

 Walking Trail Update: Last piece for the preliminary design is the wetlands evaluation.  Due to the snow and wet weather this tasks is not completed.  We are schedule to walk the proposed route next week with are subcontractor.  We are shooting for preliminary design for the May council meeting

            Bamboo update at 503 Easton Road: The bamboo does not look like it was cut back to 2-3 feet tall by March 22, 2017 the letter was sent March 10, 2017. The rest of the removal needs to be completed by June 14, 2017 to be in accordance with Ordinance #228. A letter will be written again.

NEW BUSINESS:  None to report.

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

Next Council Meeting May 10, 2017 at 7pm.

Borough office will be closed April 14, 2017.

Meeting adjourned 8:05 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:03 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey Kenny, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from February 8, 2017. A. Kenny seconded.  Unanimous. 

 CORRESPONDENCE:  

Letter was read dated February 10, 2017 from Riegelsville Planning Commission giving activities from 2016.

Letter was read dated March 1, 2017 from Armour & Sons Electric Inc. 2016 Traffic Signal Maintenance year-end report and 2017 Traffic Signal Maintenance.

Letter was read dated March 6, 2017 from Riegelsville Zoning Hearing Board in reference to hearing that is set for March 23, 2017.

Email was read dated March 7, 2017 from Borough Resident, Peter Ryan, in reference to a Bamboo ordinance violation.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported that he performed one wedding.  Mayor has been in contact with Mike from State Rep Quinn’s office in reference to the pot holes on 611 and he asked when 611 would be paved. Mike replied back that it is not on Penn DOT’s 5 year plan.  Mayor received a complaint from Borough resident about 428 Poplar Road having a pile of brush in the front lawn that has been there since fall. S. Masteller will forward the complaint to zoning officer.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  1 Borough resident was present. E. Albrecht reported that the alley between Ash Lane & Fairview has washed out again so there is a bump.  S. Masteller will let Matt know about the bump.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs:

Discussions:

Resolution R-02-17. A resolution of the Council of the Borough of Riegelsville, Bucks County, PA, to appoint members, Dirk Odhner, David Masteller, Allen Madnick & alternate member Michael Walsh of the Zoning hearing board.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to appoint R. Scott seconded, Unanimous.

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council that the draft will be complete by

March 8, 2017 Council meeting. Jim reported no permits were issued.  Borough resident at 204 Fairview Road requested more time to execute his deck.  Stop work order was issued at 636 Easton Road due to project not constructed per approved plans.  Thursday February 16, 2017 at 7pm for 215 Ash Lane may be requesting a variance for relief from side and rear setbacks plus the proposed deck will need relief from the required side set back of 15 ft.  Borough resident at 519 Easton Road asked for a written zoning opinion, in reference to a home based business under the name “Ethical Arms LLC.  When the Borough receives the $60.00 required fee then the letter will be written.

Library News: S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received the “2016 Year in review” and the February 2017 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office. A. Moyer highlighted the report:

• A large number of new books were collected for the book sale from a book store that went out of business in the Palmer park mall.
• Weeding of the Adult nonfiction collection is taking place.
• The library received a check from Bowman’s North of $616.80 from their “Mondays Matter” that is 10% of their food sales in January 2017.
• The Library was closed on February 9, 2017 due to the weather.
• They are still in need of someone to play the Easter Bunny at the Community Egg Hunt, April 14. Volunteer time is approximately 2 hours.

Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that they received a grant for 25 sets of gear, each is approximately $2,000.00. Gear needs to be replaced every 10 years.  Tires for the vehicles need to be changed every 7 years no matter how many miles are on the vehicle.  Breakfast is Sunday February 19, 8am – noon. Riegelsville

Enhancement Committee News: E. Albrecht reported to Council that the next meeting is February 22, 2017. Hoagie sale was a success.

UBREMS News:  Nothing to report.

Rec Board News: Community Easter Egg Hunt will be April 14. We will help park cars again this year. Sign-ups have started for Softball online.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy, Emergency Management Coordinator reported to Council that he is attending a training at the County.  F. Preedy has been in contact with Fire Chief Todd Myers in reference to asking Mike Myers to be the Deputy Chief on the team. F. Preedy will be calling Jason Anderson and Ray Kenny to see if they want to be on the team.

Riegelsville Planning Commission: T. Stinnett reported to Council that there was no meeting in January. Remarks: T. Stinnett reported that during the February 6, meeting, they continue to discuss a mailbox ordinance and they discussed Borough land use implications of the Medical Marijuana Act.

Misc:  Cory & Amber Campbell, Borough residents feel that it is not necessary to put in a trail on the open space, they are concerned about the parking lot by their property and their privacy.  Cory asked if the parking lot can be located closer to town.  T. Stinnett stated that the Open Space was purchased before Cory purchased the house. Cory is concerned that it is wetland and may not be able to put a parking lot on the land.Stinnett said that he will keep Cory updated on the progress of the project.

Roger Vonah, Borough resident discussed with Council that during plowing the drivers plowed a lot of grass into his lawn.  R. Scott stated that does happen when there isn’t a curb or stakes to help the drivers with the property lines. Roger will put out stakes.

Utilities:

Discussions:

Matt wanted to know if the water line is going under the Open Space Trail. T. Stinnett stated that the trail is going to be 10 feet and width of the land is 50 feet. The water line will be done at a different time.

Streets & Properties:

Discussions:

There is a pot hole near 519 Easton Road, S. Masteller put cones in the hole since Matt was at a fire call. Penn DOT was called to fill it in and Matt will check it too since the Borough Water line is near the hole.

Council is looking over the draft Ordinance #236 vacating an unopened alley that will be added to the April 12, 2017 Council meeting.

There is a Zoning Hearing set for March 23, 2017 at 7pm- in reference to Resident Walter Szablowski, to have a home occupation-personal services, “Ethical Arms LLC”.

Bamboo ordinance violations were mailed to 503 Easton Road and 719 Easton Road.

Finance:

Discussions:

The Borough’s 2000 Ford dump truck needs an estimate of $1650.00 in repairs plus it is due for inspection in April.  Council agreed that the truck needs too much work done so we should look into buying a used or new Truck. Matt is going to get some information from the costar program too.

Sue Matthias manager of Penn Community Bank sent Council their new product launch with “Business Money Markets”, Council looked over the rates and decided to stay with what they already have.

Council looked over the financials and had a question about the misc. acct. Remarks: That total was from Melanie’s back pay. The small tools acct. was $450.00 for the backpack blower & saw.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval to advertise Ordinance #236 “Vacating an unopened alley” ad will run 3/29 & 4/5. Review & Passage will be during April 12, Borough Council meeting. R. Scott motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Approval request from Peter Ryan of additional 120 days for Bamboo Violations to be removed.  R. Scott motioned to approve that by March 22, 2017 the Bamboo needs to be cut back to 2 to 3 feet tall.  Then the rest can be completely resolved permanently in accordance with Ordinance #228 by June 14, 2017.  A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of Armour & Sons Electric proposal of $2070.00 for 2017 Annual Traffic Signal Maintenance. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

 NEW BUSINESS:  None to report.

 APPROVAL OF BILLS:  R. Scott motioned to approve bills.  A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

Next Council Meeting April 12, 2017 at 7pm.

Borough office will be closed April 3-7, 2017.

Meeting adjourned 7:58 PM.

Sherry Masteller  Borough Secretary

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:04 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey Kenny, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott, Mayor Stokes and William Dudeck, Borough Solicitor.  A. Kenny motioned to approve the minutes from December 14, 2016. R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Invitation was received from Community Fire Company No.1 for Council to attend their Banquet on February 4, 2017. Please RSVP to S. Masteller by January 25, 2016.

Invitation was received from BCBA General Membership dinner meeting January 31, 2017. RSVP to S. Masteller as soon as possible.

Letter from Borough Resident Kate Brandes. Requesting Fire Police Coverage for January 21, 2017.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

REPORTS:

President – “Happy New Year” T. Stinnett reported that the Borough lost 2 longtime residents this month Richard Strawn- was on the Borough Council and Donald Robert Ott.  After the December 14, 2016 and before tonight’s meeting the Council had an executive session in reference to possible litigation.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported that he performed a wedding on New Year’s Eve, the couple made a donation to the Riegelsville Recreation Board instead of the Mayor taking a fee.  Mayor Stokes also received a complaint about diesel truck idling at Frigid Freeze, unfortunately diesel trucks need to be stay on during the cold weather.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  3 Borough residents where present.  E. Albrecht reported “Super Bowl” Sunday is February 5, 2017 and the Enhancement Committee is taking orders for hoagies to be picked up that Sunday at Borough/Library Building from 9 am to 1 pm.  We have Italian, Turkey, Ham &cheese, all cheese for $6.50 each and also a veggie wrap for $7.25.  Place your order by calling Elaine 610 749-2672 or respond when you may be contacted by phone.  Order by Jan. 25.  We will also be selling our 2017 Riegelsville Calendar $10.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  No reports due to the Holidays.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval of check for $2473.49 to S&M General Services LLC. $2200.00 was original quote, $273.49 extra material was needed. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of check for $2904.00 (Water Co.) W. Dowd Excavating LLC (Maplewood Road repair). R. Scott motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of the “2016 Exoneration list for per capita tax”. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of “2016 Unpaid per capita tax accounts”. A. Kenny motioned to approve.  E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.

Approval to deposit the Open Space Grant check $167,651.25 into a money market account at Penn Community Bank. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

 NEW BUSINESS:

2017 “Bidding information released for Boroughs” effective Jan. 1 are as follows: Any contract or purchase under $10,700 requires no formal bidding or telephone quotations. Contracts or purchases in the amount of or greater than $10,700 and less than $19,700 require three telephonic or written/e-mail

Quotations. Any contract or purchase of or greater than $19,700 require the formal public bidding process as prescribed in Section 1402 of the Borough Code.

Borough tax collector’s 2016 lien summary report that was filed January 2017 states that $955.59 is owed to the Borough.

The Borough office received the fire response list for Station 42 in 2016. The complete list is filed in the Borough office.

            The Open Space update: The Borough Engineer is working on the design then permitting and then out for bid. There will be updates as the project moves forward.

Brady would like to get a circular saw to replace the old one that is broken, Council unanimously approved that purchase.

Kenny will prepare a letter with questions for the Borough Auditor.

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

Next Council Meeting February 8, 2017 at 7pm.

Borough office will be closed Monday January 16, 2017.

Meeting adjourned 8:05 PM.

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:04 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey Kenny, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from November 9, 2016. R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

A letter was read from Lance Lawn Care- a thank you note for the business we have given them this year.

REPORTS:

President – “Holiday wishes for everyone”.  T. Stinnett attended a Boy Scout dinner where the Fire Chief Todd Myers, was honored. They will continue to do this function annually.

Mayor– In October he performed the wedding of his daughter in his role as Mayor.  He also assisted with the election as a republican committeeman.  Spoke with Mike from Rep. Quinn’s office – asked what we needed.  He expressed his concerns about the conditions of the state road (Rt. 611) and the big pot hole was immediately resolved.  Fielded a complaint about the parking lot on Durham and the condition of the lot and the safety of the people who use it.  Also spoke to Zahn’s Landscaping for a price on the tree removal of the other lot.  The Zahn Company was unable to match the quote we received.

Ed also expressed a concern about another tree at Edgewood near the intersection of Fern and it’s hanging into the road.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  No one present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council that Five Building permits were

Issued, 1-Re-Roof, 2-Decks, 1-Electric and 1-Walk in Freezer.  Two Zoning permits were issued for 1- Deck and 1- Walk in cooler. J. Kopchak will start sending out permits expiration letters when permits have been open for more than a 1 year.

Library News: S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received the November 2016 Directors report via email.

The minutes are filed in the Borough Office.

Fire Co. News: A. Kenny reported to Council that the next breakfast is November 20 with a Bake Sale benefiting the December 3, “Free Community Dinner”.  There officer elections is in at December business meeting.

           Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: E. Albrecht reported to Council that Calendars will be sold at St John UCC Holiday Bazaar on Saturday November 19.  Red Maple Tree was planted on November 11, by Bluestone Garden.

UBREMS News:  E. Bartosiewicz reported nothing to report.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Nothing to report.

Rec Board News: S. Masteller reported that they had a successful Fall Rollout Car Show, the weatherwas perfect.

Riegelsville Planning Commission: T. Stinnett reported to Council that they will continue to discuss asidewalk/mailbox ordinance at the December 5, meeting.

Utilities

Discussions:

There was a water leak at 817 Easton Road, broke @ curb stop, W. Nicholas helped with this repair.

Stinnett reported to Council that he would like Dick Meade to measure the wells since it has not rained, it is reported that Bucks County is 9 ½ inches low. Remarks: Dick reported that the Well is at 42 feet, same as the last month when he checked it.

Audrey, Ed and Ann will be attending the Bucks County Borough Association quarterly dinner meeting on Tuesday November 29, 2016.

No December meeting.

Streets & Properties

Discussions:

The Library kitchen ceiling paint is chipping and it is also chipping in the apartment.  Rodney and Ed will set a time to inspect them and to repair. Ed reported to Council that the door in the Library at the fire escape needs a door sweep, Matt will take care of it.

Dave Xander retired from working for the Borough. Dave Nadeau will not be able to plow this year but will keep Matt up to date if that changes.

We have a quote for the dead maple tree at the large Borough Lot on Durham Road. Mayor Stokes is contacting another Company to give a quote too.  REMARKS: Mayor Stokes contacted the Borough office with the quote and it was much higher than the quote that was received already.

Ed reminded Matt that when the boards go up in the garage to make sure they are off the ground at least an inch.

Finance

Discussions:

The 2017 draft budget will be on the December 14^th, 2016 Council agenda.

Masteller updated Council on the Trail Grant, BC will be dispersing the 1^st installment. S. Masteller is looking over the grant information to see what the next steps are.

Audrey reported to Council that she and Ed went to the Bucks County Borough Association Meeting.

Bucks County is doing away with the Open Space Grants in the future.  The Bucks County Budget passed today December 7, 2016.

Council looked over the finances.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval of the 2017 Budget- No tax increase, No water rate increase. R. Scott motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of Ordinance #235, Tax Levy for 2017    13.25 Mils. A. Kenny motioned to approve.  E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.

Approval to award Morton Salt the 2016-2017 salt bid $56.13 delivered price per ton. Minimum 20 tons.  Reduced by $8. Over last year.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of check $637.85 to Maria Radus for 2017 Calendars, (Funds come out of Enhancement). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of check $385.00 to Jewell Computing, (repair of Secretary’s Computer). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Approval of check $787.86 to Home Depot, (plywood for garage walls). R. Scott motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.

 NEW BUSINESS:  

 Mayor Stokes that during the Election Day- it was a very long day with some stressful moments. Mayor Stokes asked to give a formal thank you to the Election Team that was here.       

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  R. Scott motioned to approve bills.  A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

Next Council Meeting January 11, 2017 at 7pm.

No Committee meeting 1/4/17. No Planning Commission meeting on 1/2/17.

Borough office will be closed 12/23, 12/26, 12/30 and 1/2/17

Bartosiewicz requested an executive session at the conclusion of the Council meeting.

Meeting adjourned 7:30 PM.

Audrey Kenny- Acting Borough Secretary