Borough of Riegelsville

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:01 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. ABSENT: Ann P Moyer Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from February 14, 2018. R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Email dated March 7, 2018 form Michael Sullivan, Borough Water Operator. Starting April 1, 2018 the Water Co. will be transferring our water testing and reporting to MJ Reider Associates.

Replace Route 611(Easton Road) bridge over Cooks Creek in Durham Township, starting March 15, 2018.

Invitation to the Bucks County Boroughs Association, General membership dinner meeting- March 27, 2018. No one is available to attend.

Riegelsville Planning Commission Annual Report was received and filed in the Borough office.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett reported that on Friday March 9, 2018 after the 2018 County & Municipal Tax Bill did not have the updated County millage correct so new bills will be sent Friday March 16, 2018. T. Macaluso, Borough Tax Collector has been working with Bucks County to get this corrected.  The County has acknowledged that it was their mistake.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported to Council that on Saturday March 10 he attended a “Meet & Greet” for Paul Mango, Candidate for Governor.  He also performed a Surprise Wedding at Van Sant Airport.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  2 Borough residents present.

Cory Campbell reported to Council that there is a dead deer on Spring Hill Road, near 370 Spring Hill Road. S. Masteller will pass the information on.

William Nelson, Borough resident spoke to Council about the late charge/interest on his water bill. His January payment was never received and he said he did not receive the second notice in the mail only the final water shut off notice on his door. W. Nelson came into the office on February 26 and paid the bill but wanted to have the penalty waived because he didn’t receive the second bill. He explained he has been here 25 years and he is having personal issues at the time. Council agreed to waive the late charge.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs

Discussions:

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on February 21, 2018 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

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

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Matt Brady-Borough Employee and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from citizens:   2- Borough residents present.

Diane, Borough resident from Durham Road stated that during the last snow storm the alley was plowed too low that it took the gravel with it.  M. Brady said that it is sometimes hard to see how high to raise the plow if the snow isn’t that deep, that is why alleys do not always get plowed.  Diane had a concern with bicycles going very fast past her on the Canal Path, she suggested putting signs up.  T. Stinnett stated that the DCNR could be contacted since they are in charge of the Canal path. Diane also inquired if the Borough was helping to maintain the pocket park by the Post Office. T. Stinnett stated that the building owner has contracted the garden maintenance to a local company.

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council:

• 3 Building permits: Water Heater, Fire Alarm and Residential Alterations.
• 913 Easton Road- “Stop Work” notice posted on February 9, 2018, permits secured on February 14, 2018.
• 129 Maplewood Road- “Stop Work” posted January 31, 2018, Residential alterations without permit.  Property located in the FEMA flood plain.
• 116 Cedar Road- Complaint inoperative/dismantle vehicle. Property maintenance letter pending.

Library News: Borough office received the February 2018 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office. JoAnne Walsh, President Library Board, sent a letter to Stephen Shylen in reference to Borough Council not approve his position as treasurer due to not submitting 2016 or 2017 State Ethic Forms to the Borough Office. Beth Banko library representative reported to Council:

• The Library will be hosting a program on Saturday March 3 at 1:00pm on Bats and Pollinators. Sandra Yerger of the Heritage Conservancy will be the presenter, it will be held in the community room.
• The library has added a new museum pass to our collection for the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia paid for by the Friends of the Library. It is for 2 adults and up to 5 children.
• The Friends of the Library will be holding a tricky tray event on March 24, 2018 if you can help or donate new items please see a Friends member.
• Ethan Arner a TV/Film major at DeSales University will be attending the meeting to discuss filming at the library.
• Brewfest may be at a new location this year.

Proposed Walking Trail: No update.

Fire Co. News:

• Friday Fish Frys started February 16 ends March 30.
• Breakfast was February 18, next one is March 18.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News:

• Hoagie Sale brought in $232.00
• Next meeting is February 28.

 UBREMS News:

• No February meeting.
• The Office received the BC 2017 Year end reports “Emergency Health Services”.

Rec Board News:

• Softball/Baseball sign-ups are underway.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:

• Nothing to report.

Riegelsville Planning Commission: 

• Met in February and approved minutes for 2017, these minutes comprise the annual report to the Borough Council for activities for 2017.

Utilities

Discussions:

1. Brady needs to replace the curb stop at 805 Easton Road, W. Nicholas will assist M. Brady.

1256 Durham Road had a water leak so when their plumber fixes it M. Brady will turn the water back on.

Council members discussed the Ash Lane water line, M. Brady will meet with W. Dowd Excavating to discuss the water line extensions.

There are 2 signs that need to be put back up on 611, Council asked Matt to put them back up plus

look into a different Library/Borough Hall directional sign near the traffic light.

1. Bartosiewicz asked if we shared with Mike Sullivan the inspection information from the well/cistern.
2. Masteller will give the information to Mike this week when he stops in the Borough office. E. Bartosiewicz asked S. Masteller to make Mike aware of the Aqua NJ issues in the past with their chlorine readings.

Rich from the Riegelsville Legion announced that the Memorial Day Parade is set for Sunday May 27 at 1pm.

Streets & Properties: No meeting due to weather.

Finance: No meeting: No meeting due to weather.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Apartment progress: Council agreed to contract Lori Campbell, Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate to help with renting out the third floor apartment.  The kitchen needs new vinyl flooring, the cost is $500.00 E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

Trail update:  Todd Myers emailed a recap of the walking trails activities.

• Received one of the PNDI clearances from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission by letter dated March 13, 2018.
• Penn’s Trail Environmental and Todd met on-site with Robert Deems from the Army Corps of Engineers on October 26, 2017 to perform a bog turtle screening and to review the walking trail footprint and delineated wetlands and water areas.
• It is Robert’s opinion that the wetlands that were delineated off Spring Hill Road and on our project’s property are not potential bog turtle habitats.
• Cowan Associates is providing Penn’s Trail Environmental with a detailed site plan in the area of the potential bog turtle habitat. The plan was supplied to the Army Corps of Engineers and Penn’s Trail Environmental for their use in the Phase 2 Bog Turtle determination.
• Cowan Associates provided the Army Corps of Engineers with engineered bog turtle screening data forms as required, noting the size and square feet of the wetlands area adjacent to the proposed walking trail in the area of the potential bog turtle habitat.
• A copy of the US Department of Fish and Wildlife Services letter dated February 27, 2018, as it relates to the possible bog turtle habitat. Phase 2 Study be performed in late April or early May.
• Last remaining engineering design activity is the required infiltration testing for the completion of the NPDES permit and storm water management. This will be scheduled as soon as the weather conditions permit, i.e. a little drying occurs.

NEW BUSINESS:  

            Borough office received a quote from Stratix copier, S. Masteller discussed that we add to the 2019 Budget.

            Borough office received a quote from Reilly Sweeping, Inc. for Street sweeping in 2018. Council approved the sweeping to be done before Memorial Day Parade.

 APPROVAL OF BILLS:  R. Scott motioned to approve bills.  E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

Borough office closed March 30, 2018 “Good Friday”

Next regular Council Meeting April 11, 2018   7:00pm.

 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, Ann Moyer, Ed Bartosiewicz, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from January 10, 2018. A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Thank you note from E. M. Kutz, Inc. for purchasing the dump body& salt spreader for our new Ford F550.

Letter dated January 2018 from PA State Association of Boroughs recognized the Borough membership and contribution to PSAB with a special-edition clock.

Letter dated November 2017 from RCN announcing that the Borough is now a member of a very exclusive and limited number of municipalities whose residents have access to 1 Gigabit internet speed.

Annual Financial Statements for 2017 from Riegelsville Public Library.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported to Council that he received a complaint in reference to a Durham Road employee continues to go the wrong way even when they have been told not to.  Mayor Stokes contacted the State Police to report this incident.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:

Ethan Arner, a TV/Film major at DeSales University, discussed with Council the filming in the library for a project. They will be filming when the Library is closed.  Council agreed to allow them to use the Riegelsville Borough Building.  They will be there approximately 4 days before March 12^th.  Ethan gave S. Masteller their certificate of insurance and all his contact information.  A Library representative will be present while they are filming.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council:

• 6 Building permits: sign, skylights, HVAC, finished basement, 2 electric.
• 1 Zoning permits: Sign.
• 134 Delaware Road- Property Maintenance violations.
• 116 Cedar Road- Complaint about inoperative/dismantled vehicle, property maintenance letter pending.

Library News: Borough office received the December 2017/January 2018 Directors report, the minutes have been filed in the Borough office. No library representative was present.   A. Moyer reported to Council:

• The Library added an additional day to their weekly schedule and is now open on Wednesdays 10am 4pm.

• The YA (young adult) non-fiction section was weeded this month.
• We have two new ongoing programs for spring in addition to Fireside Story Time. One will be Open

Play Chess held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Patrons of all ages may drop in any time during those hours to play chess.  Our second program is a Knitting Group to be held the 3rd Saturday from 1:00 PM -2:30 PM. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to bring their own projects to knit with companionship and share knitting knowledge. Both the chess and knitting programs will be held in the Main Library and are the result of community input regarding social opportunities they wanted available in the community

Proposed Walking Trail: No update.

Fire Co. News:

• January 21 is breakfast.

 

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News:

• No December meeting.

UBREMS News:  2 new members- Dani McClanahan (Durham) & Rhonda Mitchell (Richlandtown Borough).

Rec Board News:

• Next meeting is 1/29 at 7pm.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:

• Nothing to report.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:  No meeting.

Utilities

Discussions:

Mike Sullivan, (Borough Water Operator) reads the Well’s Monday’s & Thursday’s.  Sonny Groller reads the other days.

ES2 Inc. came January 5, 2018 to assemble new water inlet, corporation stop for the injector and install 2 mechanical scales.

On January 11, 2018 a tractor trailer hit the fire hydrant on Durham/Cedar Road. The Borough office received a video from a Borough resident in reference to this issue. The State police did come and a report was done. S. Masteller is in contact with the trucking company.

Streets & Properties

Discussions:

February 6, 2018 the Borough received our New 2017 Ford 550 Dump truck. M. Brady, E. Bartosiewicz and Ken Kerstner looked it over and test drove it after it was delivered and there was a few issues that need to be addressed. M. Brady will make an appointment with E. M. Kutz to get them taken care of.  The truck did not have running boards so M. Brady is looking into quotes.

Ed updated Council with the apartment: fans and lighting have been installed, painting is just about done and the shower surround has been started.

Todd Myers, Borough Engineer sent an email to update Council on the Trail. “The DEP General Information package for crossing the wetlands has been submitted.  Once that application has been approved the GP, general permit for a wetlands crossing will be submitted.  PNDI and Bog Turtle clearances are underway.  Once the weather clears we can proceed with the infiltration testing for the NPDES permit”.

Finance

Discussions:

The Borough received the New 2017 Ford F550 Dump Truck, Council approved the same insurance policy the other trucks.

Keith Deluca, Nockamixon Township Manager would like to get a consortium together to negotiate Service Electric franchise agreements.  Council discussed this and the fees are higher than what the Borough received from our current franchise agreements at this time.  S. Masteller will contact Keith tomorrow February 8, 2018 to let him know that we are not interested.

Council looked over the financials.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

            Council Vacancy: T. Stinnett asked Kate Brandes & Ken Banko if they had anything else to add to their “Letter of Intent” for the open Council seat. Discussion followed.  T. Stinnett asked them to step out for the Council discussion and vote. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to appoint Kate Brandes to Council and R. Scott seconded.  Motion carried 3-1.

NEW BUSINESS:  

Tammy, Borough Tax Collector is required to have a deputy tax collector.  She would like to appoint

Danielle Turdo.   R. Scott motioned to approve and R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

A letter needs to be sent to Emma Brotzman in reference to Borough Open Space trees, T. Stinnett will put the letter together.

Keith DeLuca, Nockamixon Twp Manager would like to meet with a group to possible create a Cable consortium to negotiate our municipal contracts. T. Stinnett will go to that meeting as a Borough representative.

Palisades Volunteer Opportunities from 8^th grade project committee the morning of May 23. Council suggested mulching around the Borough Hall building. S. Masteller will email Mr. Opp back.

Pennsylvania State Police “Community Awareness Bulletin” was added to the Borough “Rville Happenings”.

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

Borough office closed Monday February 19, 2018 “Presidents Day”

Next regular Council Meeting March 14, 2018   7:00pm.

 Meeting adjourned 8:15 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, Ann Moyer, Ed Bartosiewicz, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.

Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes from December 13, 2017. A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous. 

Scott motioned to approve the minutes from January 2, 2018 Council Re-Org meeting. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

 CORRESPONDENCE:  

Email received 1/10/18 “letter of intent” from Kenneth Banko for vacant Council Seat.

Letter dated 1/2/18 Board of Elections, General Primary- May 15, 2018, and General Election-November 6, 2018.

Letter dated 12/22/17 Bob Mensch, Senator. Municipal option to prohibit siting of category 4 casino.

REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett wanted to wish everyone a “Happy New Year”.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported to Council that he told a citizen where the handicapped parking is located on Delaware Road plus the citizen would like Borderline to deliver to his car, Mayor Stokes suggested to ask Borderline if they could do that.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:

10 Borough Residents present.

Kevin Pelanne, Borough resident reported to Council that he has lived in Riegelsville since 1985 and now residents are parking on both sides of the northside of wayside way. An emergency vehicle would never get thru. Kevin said that the residents that live next to the hair salon are parking on wayside instead of their parking lot. S. Masteller will contact the owner of the Salon.  Kristin Thomas, Borough resident also lives on wayside way and has been contacting borough office in reference to the resident that lives next to Kristin and blocks the road too. S. Masteller contacted the landlord and he was not helpful at all, he stated that anyone can park on either side of Wayside way.  T. Stinnett, Council president said Council will look into this issue and get back to them.

Maureen Woerner, Borough resident asked Council what the job description for the vacant Council seat is. T. Stinnett responded that they have committee meeting first and third Wednesdays and the second Wednesday is Borough Council. Each Council person is the Chair of a Committee. Council members check in with the Borough office staff to see if they need anything from them. Council members are active in the community too.  Maureen also stated that she is concerned with the draft ordinance that would allow alcohol in the Borough park and she has a concern with the mailbox draft ordinance is too loose. T. Stinnett stated we will continue the discussion under UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

Cory Campbell, Borough resident asked if there are any updates on the trail, T. Stinnett replied that we do not have an update but will check with Todd Myers, Borough Engineer.

Frank Preedy, Riegelsville Emergency Management Coordinator, reported to Council that the updated EOP was sent to the County.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: No reports due to holiday’s.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Approval of the “2017 Exoneration list for per capita tax”.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval of “2017 unpaid per capita tax accounts”. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval of Ordinance #239 (Amending Ordinance #135,141,171.) Alcoholic Beverages & Sidewalk obstructions. Council and Borough residents discussed their concerns with allowing private citizens to have alcohol on Borough properties. The consensus was to redo the ordinance so it does not allow private citizens to use alcohol on Borough properties.  There was a discussion in reference to the mailbox ordinance that it should be written more specific as to what rules to follow.  Council agreed to table the draft to revise the ordinance.

Approval of Resolution: R-01-18 “Opposing shale gas development” E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

 NEW BUSINESS:  

2017 Tax Collector Lien report was received.

Letter for new Council signers for Penn Community Bank was sent in.

Received $1000.00 deductible from the accident at the traffic light.

February 1, S. Masteller would like to attend the BC Consortium meeting 9am-11am. Speaker is Evan Stone BCPC New Director.  Council agreed to allow S. Masteller to attend.

Letter with signatures for Auditor to perform 2017 DCED audit were emailed to the Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC.

 APPROVAL OF BILLS:  R. Scott motioned to approve bills.  E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

Borough office closed Monday January 15, 2018 “Martin Luther King Jr. Day”

Next regular Council Meeting February 14, 2018   7:00pm.

 Meeting adjourned 8:33 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

The reorganization meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council was called to order on January 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gregory Stokes.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT:  Thomas E Stinnett, Ann P Moyer and Rodney Scott. ABSENT: Ed Bartosiewicz. (Mayor Stokes will issue Ed Bartosiewicz oath of office January 3, 2018)

Mayor Stokes issued the oath of office for newly elected Tax Collector, Tammy Macaluso and Council member Rodney Scott.  Mayor Stokes asked for nominations for President of Council.  R. Scott motioned to appoint T. Stinnett as President of Council.  A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

Mayor Stokes asked for nominations for Vice President of Council.  T. Stinnett motioned to appoint Rodney Scott as Vice President of Council.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Mayor Stokes asked for nominations for President Pro Tempore.  R. Scott motioned to appoint E. Bartosiewicz as President Pro Tempore. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

Mayor Stokes turned the chair over to President T. Stinnett.

1. Stinnett read a list of appointments. A. Moyer then motioned to appoint the list below. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous

Borough Secretary– Sherry Masteller

                                    Borough Treasurer- Tammy Macaluso

Depositories – Penn Community Bank &

                                                             PA Local Government Investment Trust

Auditor – Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC

Solicitor – Eastburn & Gray

Engineer – Cowan Associates, Inc.

Water System Operator – Private Utility Enterprises, Inc.

Zoning Office/Building Inspector – Keystone Municipal Services

Ordinance Enforcement Official – August Groller

Vacancy Board Chairperson –Allen Madnick

                                    Tax Collection Committee (TCC) delegates-

Primary voting delegate: Thomas Stinnett

First alternate:   Edward Bartosiewicz

 

1. Stinnett read a list of Board appointments. R. Scott then motioned to appoint the list below omitting **Stephen Shlyen. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous

 

Boards:

Zoning Hearing Board- 3 year seat

Allen Madnick

 

Planning Commission- 4 year seat

Collette Gerstenberg

 

Library Board-

Cheryl Bade

Beth Banko

Ken Banko-Vice President

Estelle Bloom-Secretary

Charles (Terry) Fritz

Gail Johnson

David Oleksa

**Stephen Shlyen

JoAnne Walsh- President

Recreation Board-4 year seat

Dirk Odhner-2019

Sherry Masteller-2019

Rodney Scott-2019

Ed Bartosiewicz-2019

Tom Speicher-2020

Marie Knecht-2020

BOCA Board of Appeals- 5 year seat

Michael Craig

Greg Ort-Alt.

Emergency Management:

Frank Preedy-Coordinator

Mike Myers-Deputy

Ray Kenny

John Panasiuk

Jason Anderson

Moyer motioned to adopt the current Borough Bylaws from 1994. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

 

1. Stinnett stated that the Committees of Council will be as follows:
2. Bartosiewicz- Streets/Properties
3. Moyer- Community Affairs

Vacant- Finance

1. Scott- Utilities

 

 

1. Scott motioned to add E. Bartosiewicz as a check signer and to the Safe Deposit Box. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Borough Council Meeting: January 10, 2018 7pm