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:
- 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.
- Bartosiewicz asked if we shared with Mike Sullivan the inspection information from the well/cistern.
- 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