Borough of Riegelsville

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

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:04p.m. January 9, 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 December 12, 2018. R. Scott Seconded.   Unanimous. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council Special meeting minutes from December 27, 2018. K. Brandes Seconded. Unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Letter dated January 2, 2019 from BC Board of Elections was read announcing that the Borough Hall is a polling place. The Municipal Primary is May 21, 2019 and Municipal Election is November 5, 2019.

Email dated January 9, 2019 from BC Recorder of Deeds office was read announcing “Adopt-a-Book: Preserving the Historical Deed Books of Bucks County program by donations.  Ms. Robinson would like to be added to a Council meeting in the near future.

Email was read announcing BC Borough Association- Membership Dinner meeting on January 31, 2019 if anyone would like to attend let Sherry know.

 REPORTS:

President – T. Stinnett reported that there was an Executive session at 6:30 before tonight’s Council meeting.  T. Stinnett discussed the congressional hearings investigating FERC- there is a petition to sign on line and Tom would like Council to look it over and sign the petition.  Council will discuss this further during next week’s committee meetings.

Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported to Council that he was asked by Penn DOT to use 1500 Gallons of Borough water and he contacted Matt Brady to get the OK. Sherry added the amount to unmetered spreadsheet.  Mayor Stokes received a concern in reference to a possible auto repair in a residential garage, Jim Kopchak-borough Zoning officer was contacted.

 COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  5 Borough residents present.

Diane Gonzalez, Borough resident voiced her opinion in reference to the private or not alley (ash lane/poplar lane) that is being used that has not been for many years.  People are walking private property. Diane asked Council what should be done. T. Stinnett stated that if involves trespassing then the State Police should be called.

Ellen Clemens, Borough resident also voiced her opinion that neighbors and their visitors are trespassing on private property to turn their vehicles around and trash cans are on her property too.  This was not an issue until the new house was built.

Maureen Woerner, Borough resident reported to Council that she had has the signed order and degree dated December 31, 2018 from the court that the matter was overruled and reversed. Maureen wants Council to facilitate to her neighbors that they can use the alley as a right of way.  T. Stinnett stated that Council will get more information from William Dudeck, Borough Solicitor.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: No reports due to the Holiday schedule.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

            Second estimate for Well 1& 2 Electrical work was received.  Barry Hoffman-Electrical Contractor was low bid of $750.00.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve Barry Hoffman’s Estimate $750.00. A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS:  

            Approval of Resolution R-02-19 “Reappoint Dirk Odhner as member of the Zoning Hearing Board”. R. Scott motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous

Approval of the “2018 Exoneration list for per capita tax”. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous

The 2018 Unpaid per capita tax accounts was sent to Berkheimer by Tammy Macaluso-Borough Tax Collector.

Approval Annual engagement letter for Auditor to perform 2018 DCED audit. A. Moyer motioned to approve. K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous

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

Borough office closed January 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 Next regular Council Meeting February 13, 2019   7:00pm.

 Meeting adjourned 7:37 PM.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary