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March 2020 Council Minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. March 11, 2020.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.  PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. Moyer motioned to approve the Council minutes from February 12, 2020, E. Bartosiewicz Seconded.   Unanimous.

Stinnett introduced newly elected Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie. B. Harvie reported that he is trying to get to 54 municipalities in his area and this is his 16th visit. This is a list that he is working on:

  1. Communication with the Municipalities needs to improve. The new voting machine information has been sent to all municipalities and training locations have been set up.
  2. Communication with the Census as to how important it is for funding. The last Census PA was second to Texas for receiving funds. That is very sad. So the Counties are trying to get the word out in all different avenues as to how important it is to fill the Survey out.
  3. As I am sure you are aware that as of tonight there are 2 cases of Covid-19 in Bucks County- They are quarantined at their homes. Information will continue to be shared.
  4. K. Johnsen, Borough resident stated thank you for communicating with Riegelsville, we have been left behind before.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Note received from St. John UCC thanking Borough Council for waving the permit fees for their new chair lift.

Letter received March 4, 2020 from Riegelsville Library Board of Trustees President, Ken Banko. The Library Board and Staff are very pleased to learn of Keystone Grant Award. The request of $13,488.50 to complete the grant requirements is within our ability and will happily honor this request.

Survey received March 10, 2020 from Alicon Environmental Inc. after conducting asbestos and lead-based paint testing at the Riegelsville Library second floor. Survey states no asbestos but lead was found in the paint on the current windows.

Email received from Frank Preedy, Riegelsville Emergency Management Coordinator. Frank reported to Council that he attended a briefing on the “Corona Virus” Monday March 9, 2020 in Doylestown. We were briefed by Dr. Damsker of the Bucks County Health Department, Mark Kaufman director of Bucks County IU (covering school districts) and Scott Forester, Bucks County EMC.

Email letter received March 11, 2020 from Pennsylvania Department of Education in reference to the Keystone Grant. The bid specs for the renovation of replacing the roof, window replacement and masonry repair in Library have been approved.

REPORTS:

President- T. Stinnett reported to Council that the Open Space trail is finally under way. The actual trail length is 6,953 LF then add the St Lawrence parking lot, Elmwood Lane, and crossing Delaware Road the total length is 7,453 LF or 1.41 miles. Grubbing the trail has been completed and starting the week of March 16 the E and S will get started.

Mayor-Mayor Stokes reported to Council:

  • Contacted the State Police that a local resident has a mustang that is high speed turning from Delaware Road to Durham Road past local businesses.

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:   5-Borough residents present

Amber Campbell, property owner is concerned with the excessive speeding on Spring Hill Road before the Open Space trail is complete. Can Council add speed bumps or other speed, T. Stinnett stated the Borough Engineer would need to do a traffic study, they will be contacted. The Engineer will give other advice for traffic calming.  Various suggestions:

  • Put a crosswalk at 611/ Spring Hill Road.
  • Paint “SLOW” on road.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs:

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on February 19, 2019 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

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

Others Present:   Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning Officer, Frank Preedy-EMC Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from citizens:   One borough resident present, no concerns.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council February 19, 2020 report:

  • Permits: Building permits: 1-Stair Lift. Zoning permits: 1- Fence.

Enforcement Activities:

  • 129 Maplewood Road- No Update.
  • 715 Durham Road- No Update.
  • 1274 Easton Road-Bowman’s North, “Stop Work” February 19, has done structural repairs to floor joists in Kitchen without permits. This project is in the flood plain.
  • 10-12 Delaware Road-Riegelsville Inn, Borough has received a complaint regarding unsafe electrical, the lights flicked during the complainants meal. Violation notice was sent to the property owner February 19, certified and first class.
  • 303 Poplar Road, proposed garage, driveway and parking pad- ongoing litigation.
  • No Zoning hearings scheduled.
  • Flood Plain permit report was sent to Todd 1-29-2020.
  • Continuing to send out expired permit notices to permits that are over a year old and have not been closed out yet.

Library News: Borough office received the January 2020 Directors report minutes have been filed in the Borough office.  Beth Banko- Library Board Trustee highlighted the Directors report to Council.

  • Library Board of Trustees did receive a letter from Borough Council asking for the additional funds for the Library Keystone Grant.  Thank you to Kate Brandes (Council member/Grant Writer) for attending their February meeting to discuss the Keystone Grant.
  • February 23, 2020 “High Tea” fundraiser event is sold out.
  • April 19, 2020 Antique show fundraiser.

 

Fire Co. News:

  • Fish Fry Fridays start February 28, 2020.
  • Breakfast is March 15, 2020.  Only 4 times a year.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee

  • Super Bowl Hoagie sale fundraiser, profit $211.00.
  • Next meeting Wednesday February 26, 7pm at Borough Hall.

UBREMS News: Nothing to report.

Rec Board News:

  • Palisades Girls softball sign-ups have started.
  • Spring Clean-up is set for April 4, 2020, weather permitting.
  • Rodney will contact Gene Campbell for a proposal to pave the Basketball Court at Borough Park.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank Preedy

  • Frank hasn’t heard any updates from Regan Wilson in reference to Grants for removing the tanks on his property.
  • Council was emailed the draft letter to Jason Miller- US Army Corps of Engineers, Chief Flood Plain Management Services asking for assistance in the two areas that was discussed at the October meeting. Survey the locations of the storm water inlets and Possible Water proofing the Well #3 building.
  • Frank reported that PennEast pipeline is from Luzerne County to Northampton County by the PennDOT Maintenance shed off of Route 33 in Easton PA.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

  • Tom Stinnett reported no quorum for meeting on Monday February 3, 2020.

Misc:

Meeting adjourned 7:25pm.         Next meeting March 18, 2020   7pm

Utilities:

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:47pm on February 19, 2020 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

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

Others Present:    Frank Preedy-EMC Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from Citizens:  1 Borough resident present.

Discussions:

  • The Borough received a quote from Alicon Environmental for asbestos and lead-based testing that the written results are needed for the Keystone Grant for new roof, new windows in Library & painting/Masonry work.  Council agreed this needs to be done and will be added to Council agenda on March 11, 2020.
  • Annual CCR water report went out via email Tuesday Feburary 18, added to the Borough website today February 19.  Paper copies will be mailed to those without emails February 20, 2020.
  • Passerini emailed the Spring Hill water line work schedule.
  • Monday February 24, 2020, Mobilization of the Open Space trail begins.  S. Masteller will let the Farmer know. Remarks: Ed Thaler, Farmer that farms on Borough open space visited the office and said anything that we need him to do for the new trail he will. S. Masteller just asked to not have the crops too close to the trail.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:48 pm

Next meeting March 18, 2020

 

Streets & Properties:

Ed Bartosiewicz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on March 4, 2020 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present:

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comments from Citizens:  7- Borough residents present.

Dave & Donna Pora-property on Maple Lane said that the Spring Hill Water Contractor- Passerini & Sons Inc. were very nice to work with since their property (has Water Easement) was needed for the water extension. Passerini needs to fix the paved driveway soon.

Discussions:

  • Email was read from Sue & Jon Gardner, property owner 719 Easton Road, they tried to dig the trench to remove the rest of Bamboo but the ground was frozen. The will address the trench, barrier and uprooting of the cleaned portion in the spring.
  • Cowan Associates, Borough engineer sent the Bid Specs for the Keystone Grant (Roof & Library windows for approval before the Bid spec process starts.
  • The Borough Hall generator was repaired and working well. Sonny will test it weekly.
  • Annual letter received from Bucks County Department of Health’s Mosquito Control requesting a letter granting permission for treat municipal properties to control the mosquito population when necessary to help reduce the spread of the West Nile Virus as well as other mosquito borne disease(s). S. Masteller sent the letter back in an email.
  • Trail update: Michael Craig, property owner on Fern Road came into the Borough office and stated his concern that the trail was going to be along his property line. He was told the property surveys have been done several times from the beginning of the Open Space project in 2000. John Panasiuk, property owner on Linden Lane was concerned that the Dead End of Linden Lane needed to be used as a construction entrance last minute due to the other location would not be work. Don Monteverde, property owner on Linden Lane asked if the Linden Lane contractor entrance will be taken back to the original use.  Yes the ground will be fixed and the fence will be put back.
  • Spring Hill Road water project update: The valve on Spring Hill Road didn’t hold so they had to shut off a valve at 611/Walnut Road. That affected 25 properties, they have to be on a boil water notice until 2 sample are taken with negative results. This is DEP requirements. Remarks: Saturday March 7th 2020 the second negative water test came back so the Boil Water was lifted. Sherry & Tammy went door to door to the properties that where affected.

 

Meeting adjourned 7:10 pm

Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on April 1, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Finance:

Kate Brandes called the meeting to order on March 4, 2020 at 7:11pm at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

Members Present:

Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present: 

Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comment from Citizens:   7- Borough residents.

Discussions:

  • Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC, Borough Auditor finished the year ended December 31, 2019 audit on February 12, 2020. No discrepancies were found.
  • Letter was read from Riegelsville Public Library Board of trustees President, Ken Banko in reference to the Keystone Grant additional needed funds.
  • County/Borough tax bills and Per Capita Bills were mailed out.
  • Council looked over finances. Stinnett stated we are over budget in income due to houses sold in the Borough.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Next Finance meeting will be held April 1, 2020 immediately following Streets/Properties at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Approval of Corrected Resolution R-02-2020 “Reappoint David Masteller as member of the Zoning Hearing Board & Michael Walsh (CORRECTED DATES) – Alternate of the Zoning Hearing Board. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.

 

Approval of estimate $1,250.00 for Alicon Environmental Inc. to conduct asbestos and lead-based paint testing at the Riegelsville Library second floor. R. Scott motioned to approve and A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of quote $355.49 (Travel & labor, material) to P3 Generator to replace water gauge at Well 3 Generator. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approval of quote and K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of additional LB Water materials for Spring Hill Road Hydrant, $6,301.64. R. Scott motioned to approve and A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Change order #2 Passerini Spring Hill water main connection. $6,822.00. K. Brandes motioned to approve and E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Pay Request #1 Passerini Spring Hill water connection. $66,991.15   A. Moyer motioned to approve and E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Check for $2734.84 P3 Generator, LLC (Controller replacement at Borough Hall Generator)

Aug. 2019 approve up to $2500.00, Feb. 2020 approved another $400.00. So the total is under approved amount.

 

Check for $824.98 Uline (3 workstations/Desks) February 2020 approved $760.00 plus shipping.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Nothing to report.

 

 

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

 

 

Next Council meeting April 8, 2020, 7:00pm.

 

Meeting adjourned 8:05 PM.

 

 

 

 

 


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