President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. June 11, 2014. Following the Pledge of Allegiance the roll call was taken. PRESENT: Edward Bartosiewicz, Thomas Stinnett, Kathleen Weiss and Mayor Stokes. ABSENT: Rich Pursell. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2014 Council Meeting and K. Weiss seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter dated May 22, 2014 from Office of the Bucks County Commissioners introducing the “BUCKS2INVEST” financing programs.
Letter dated May 27, 2014 from Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center thanks Borough Council for the $500.00 donation to the Center.
Borough Office received a resume from Stephen J. Shlyen, CPA for a possible auditor appointment..
REPORTS:
President – Tom Stinnett reported to Council that Riegelsville hosted the Upper Bucks Softball League
All-Star game on Saturday June 7, 2014, it was a fun day and the park looked really good. The concession
stand brought in $683.00 and the Bounce House brought in $105.00- The new owners of Mueller’s sponsored
the Bounce House. Rodney received quite a few comments to how great our park is.
Mayor – Mayor Stokes thanked the Recreation Board for all their help to make the Baseball field playable again. Mayor Stokes had their first over 45 league game on Sunday June 8, 2014. Mayor Stokes spoke to Sherry about a few properties that have ordinance violations, Sherry stated that correspondence has already been sent to the property owners.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENSOne Borough Resident and Terry from Bucks County Herald.
None to report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS –
Community Affairs:
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning officerreported to Council that it was a very busy month,
ZP(Zoning permit) 2- Signs, ZP 1-Change of tenant, ZP 1- Driveway widening, BP(Building Permit) 2- re-roofs, BP 1- Generator, BP 1-Building Fit-out, BP 1- Exterior repair, BP 1-UST(Underground Storage Tank) removal. 530 Easton Road is currently in a dispute with the roofing contractor so Jim gave Mr. DeBartolo 60 days to finish the dispute, then he will inspect the property and re-write the non-traffic citations. Jim would like to revise the current fee schedule to be more “user” friendly and have updated fees. He will work with Sherry on this.
Fire Co. News: Ed reported that they have received $18,000.00 during the fundraiser drive. May Breakfast served 400. Riegelsville Masonic Lodge invited the Fire Co. to a “Thank-you” Ceremony. Next fundraiser is June 7, 2014 “Patio on the Delaware Fashion Show” with Pam Ptak.
Library News: Erica Sommer reported to Council that they had received a $50,000.00 anonymous bequest. The book sale fundraiser made $3,225.00, no total on the Library Fair yet. May marks the one year anniversary of the increased responsibilities of the staff. Julia has begun to work with the website.
May 2014 Statistics:
Circulation: 1127
Historic Room Visits: 1
Items added: 65
Public Count: 555
Internet use: 15
Adult Programs: 40
Teen Book Club: 2
Juvenile: 49 children, 26 adults
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: The new bench for down in front of the Post Office has
been ordered. The flower pots have not been delivered yet. The next meeting is May 28, 2014 at 7pm at the
Borough hall.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Borough office received the minutes from the Palisades School District Emergency Management Team meeting in May.
UBREMS News: No meeting so nothing to report.
Rec Board News: Rodney reported to Council that they have 4 ball teams in full force. Waiting on the
fence Co. to build the batters boxes.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported to Council that during the May 5 meeting they were
reviewing the proposed Bamboo ordinance for the Borough to adopt.
Utilities:
Discussions:
Ed reported to Council that Fry’s Run Water Shed Association has meeting the second Tuesday of the month. Rodney will try to attend on June 14, 2014.
Barry Hoffman finished installing the repairs from the power outage at Well #3 on May 19, 2014. Council all approved to give Barry a key to Well #3.
Mr. Pedrick owner of 420 Poplar Road is being sued by the Mortgage Co. There is a $451.30 outstanding water bill and a $77.50 maintenance fee for Borough Employee to mow. Remarks: Bill Dudeck, Borough Solicitor put liens for these amounts and these will be solved June 13, 2014.
The annual Wellhead Protection meeting was on May 12, 2014. Tom reported that Ken Kerstner joined the Wellhead Committee. Tom sent minutes to Sherry and she will distribute that to Committee. During the meeting it was suggested that we join the PaWARN- Pennsylvania’s Water/Wastewater agency response network.
Streets & Properties:
Discussions:
Matt Brady put together a street sign list of the stop signs that need to be replaced. There is $1,865.00 left in the 2014 Borough budget. Council agreed on changing all 16 stop signs and the “All Way” signs.
The generator for the Borough building is being delivered Friday June 6. Then Barry Hoffman will put together the quote.
Kiwanis Club of Riegelsville sent the Borough Council a letter stating that they disbanded as of April 30, 2014. They voted to offer the Borough of Riegelsville to take over the Car Show and Halloween Parade. Council would like to meet with members of the Kiwanis and the Riegelsville Rec Board to discuss this process.
Rich stated that during the last power outage the temporary stop signs at the traffic light are very difficult to see with no light on them. Rich suggested battery run flashing lights attached to the stop signs. Sherry will have Matt check on this when he orders the signs. Sherry will ask Matt if we have a “Reduced speed ahead” sign in Durham Township on 611.
Sherry will ask the Borough Engineer what is involved in putting up a legal stop sign.
Rich asked if we heard if PennDOT was going to street sweep 611, Sherry will contact Ron Martin. Tom Stinnett stated that PennDOT has grants available for $100,000.00, we would pay 30% towards the grant.
Rich suggested to Council to get an estimate to Tar & Chip Fairmont Road, plus put Bicycle catch basin covers on Delaware Road. Matt will get a count of how many we need to replace.
Finance:
Discussions:
Sherry sent the Library/Borough sign info to Brad Patterson- PCI (Pennsylvania Correctional Industries) for a quote. PCI made the new sign for Durham Township.
Tammy spoke to Steve Shlyen to take over the Borough auditing for next year.
Tom reported that he, Sherry and Kate Brandes met with Kris Kern with Heritage Conservancy to go over grant opportunities for Open Space/Trail projects. Kris will get back to us with a list of opportunities to pursue.
Sherry will ask Tammy about getting Tom and Kathie bonded since they are check signers for the Borough.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Approval of Ordinance #227 “AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN THE BOROUGH OF RIEGELSVILLE, BUCKS COUNTY, PA.” E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS: None to report
APPROVAL OF BILLS: E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills. R. Scott seconded.
Meeting adjourned 7:40 PM.
Next Council Meeting July 9, 2014 at 7pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary