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DRAFT August 2020 Council Minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the Zoom regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. August 12, 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.

REPORTS: 

President- T. Stinnett reported to Council.

  • We are recording all our Zoom meetings. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.

 E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council minutes from July 8, 2020, A. Moyer

Seconded.   Unanimous. 

REPORTS: 

President: T. Stinnett had nothing to report.

Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported to Council:  He met with Jason Heninger, Scout that is in the process of working towards his Eagle Scout.  Jason asked to interview Mayor Stokes concerning his elected position as Mayor and the basics of the Riegelsville Water System.  Jason is also going to meet with Matt Brady to ask a few questions about his position with the Borough.

Mayor Stokes also talked to M. Brady in reference to the PennDot sinkhole at their Canal Bridge on Delaware Road. M. Brady said he is in contact with Mike from PennDot.

 

COMMENTS OF CITIZENS:  Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.

7-Borough residents present on Zoom.  No one spoke.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Zoom recording Links are added to the end of each Committee meeting minutes.

 Community Affairs:

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on July 15, 2020 via Zoom. We are recording this meeting. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.

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

Others Present:   Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from citizens:  Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.

4 borough resident on Zoom, No one spoke.

Discussions:

Library News: Borough office received the July 2020 Directors report minutes have been filed. Margret Fritz- Library Board Trustee highlighted the Directors report to Council.

  • Library employees Terri & Becky have been doing Curbside pickup since June 7, 2020, very successful.
  • July 7, 2020 Library opened to the public. Plastic shield was put on the checkout counter, chairs taken away, patrons using the front door, Employees & patrons are wearing masks. Areas continue to be sanitized. Social distancing, toys and chairs put away.
  • Fundraisers have been cancelled, Spring Book sale, Fall Book sale and the Brew fest will probably be cancelled too.
  • The Children’s programs with Becky has been going very well. Summer reading and online Storytime reading. Next week an online “Deconstructing Art” will be run by guest artists, there are sign-ups for these classes. Adult books group are trying to get together online too.
  • The Library is doing their best during this difficult time for their patrons, money is tight just like everyone else.
  • Hours: Tuesday & Thursday

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer could not attend the Zoom meeting. T. Stinnett reported to Council his July 15, 2020 report:

  • Permits: Building permits: 1-Single Family Home. Zoning permits: 1- Patio, 1-Single Family Home, 1- Re-Roof.

Enforcement Activities:

  • 129 Maplewood Road- No Update.
  • 715 Durham Road- No Update.
  • 10-12 Delaware Road-Riegelsville Inn, waiting for documentation from third party Electrical Underwriter that all electrical systems are safe. The “Open” permits for the walk-in cooler that is in the floodplain and the pad was not constructed per the “approved” plans.
  • No Zoning hearings scheduled.
  • J. Kopchak, Zoning officer put Information for Restaurants during Covid 19 Green Phase into his minutes.

Fire Co. News:

  • E. Bartosiewicz reported that the Fire Co. has not had any fundraiser since the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual fun drive that is mailed to the Community is the only income that is coming in right now.
  • The volunteers are still going to emergency calls and weekly practices.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee

  • No meetings during the pandemic.
  • A. Moyer spoke to S. Masteller verbally today she had an update:  the gardens are still being taken care off and the dead butterfly bush will be replaced.  The volunteer will be dropping an invoice for supplies to the Borough office to be reimbursed. A. Moyer stated in the future that purchases should be Okayed first before purchasing.

UBREMS News:

  • Bartosiewicz reported that had a lull in calls coming in do to people being afraid to go to the hospital but that has changed and they are getting more calls.
  • They are doing Zoom meeting also.
  • They did purchase to new used ambulance.

Rec Board News:

  • R. Scott stated the Men’s league has been underway and they had their first game last Sunday, not sure how they made out.
  • R. Scott announced that we will be hosting the ELV Girls Fall Softball league to use our softball field. They only have 4 fields, 2-Mount Bethal, 1-Silvercreek, and our field. They start tomorrow with a practice, the games start end of the month.  R. Scott is getting the field ready.
  • S. Masteller reported there is 9 games scheduled so far and trying to see if the Concession stand can safely be run during the games.
  •  S. Masteller also reported that there are 3 different yoga groups meeting down at the park and a boot camp class too.
  • S. Masteller stated we are waiting a few weeks before a decision is made if the Annual Fall rollout car show can take place on Sunday November 1, 2020.

Riegelsville Emergency Management: No update, Frank Preedy was not on the Zoom.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

  • T. Stinnett reported they have not had a meeting since the pandemic. They are hopping to have one in August.
  • T. Stinnett asked S. Masteller if she has the plans for the new house in Cook’s field. S. Masteller stated she will look but Zoning office has copies. T. Stinnett wants them for the PC meeting.

A. Moyer asked if anyone had any questions, no one replied.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6eFcBYH5-WBIXpHJuUbvBp8fNYHIeaa8h3Qb_vIJxRqfpurwKFnrVtFdMDT2AirU

Password:  6y@!$L@2

Meeting adjourned 7:20pm.         Next meeting August 19, 2020   7pm

Utilities:

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:21pm on July 15, 2020 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

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

Others Present:    Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Concerns from Citizens:  Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.

4 borough resident on Zoom, No one spoke.

Discussions:

  • Riegelsville Water Bills went out in the mail and payments are due August 3, 2020.
  • M. Brady has updated the curb stop repair/replacement list. S. Masteller reported from M. Brady’s list. There is a total of 32 that need to be done. M. Brady is contacting the excavator to set up the first 3 to be done then after that there are still 5 that need to be located.  Those 5 are a priority.
  • T. Stinnett asked if the valves in the streets are being exercised yet. S. Masteller reported that they have not be put on a schedule yet, back in March or April is when Borough Engineer sent a letter in reference to this process with suggestions.  S. Masteller will forward that letter tomorrow via email to Council.
  • R. Scott has a few path/trail questions:
  1. Looks like they are seeding along the trail today, S. Masteller stated they did ask for water.

 

2.A few people have asked if there is an easement near Berdini’s / Ash Lane to use as an entrance for the path.  T. Stinnett stated there is a street right of way if needed for the Catholic Church 200 acre property, just like Linden Lane and Maple too incase the land is developed in the future.  R. Scott stated that those possible entrance points are not located on the trail plans.  T. Stinnett stated we did not ask for them to be on the trail plans.  T. Stinnett was looking back on M. Brady’s comments on bollards and he was concerns that motorized vehicles could go around in the fields to get to the trail. T. Stinnett said in Hellertown they have fencing by the bollards so it is difficult to get motorized vehicles around it.

S. Masteller will ask M. Brady to take some pictures on his way to work and email them to us.

 

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6eFcBYH5-WBIXpHJuUbvBp8fNYHIeaa8h3Qb_vIJxRqfpurwKFnrVtFdMDT2AirU

Password: 6y@!$L@2

Meeting Adjourned: 7:23 pm    Next meeting August 19, 2020

 

Streets & Properties:

Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties Zoom meeting to order at 6:16 pm on August 12, 2020. We are recording this Zoom meeting. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.

Members Present:

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

Others Present:

Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comments from Citizens:   Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.

7- Borough residents present.

Cory Campbell, Resident near trail on Spring Hill Road stated that when the water line work was completed they top soiled and seeded and it looked great. Then the contractors for the trail used that area as entrance but did not add topsoil just seeded so the area was so compacted due to the trucks that the seed rain off and is not growing. Cory said it is the length of his fence.  S. Masteller will contact the Borough Engineer in reference to this concern.  Ed did state that the Contractor has a year to take care of any problems that are in the contracts scope of work.

 

Discussions:

Borough Building Spout- Council received an opinion letter from Todd Myers, Borough Engineer and Borough Storm water manager in reference to where the pipe should go plus to stay within the lands owned by the Borough. S. Masteller suggested that maybe to wait on fixing the gutter until the new roof goes on. Council thought that was a good idea.  S. Masteller will mention that to Todd Myers.

Apartment Update- E. Bartosiewicz showed Sonny the apartment and what needed to be fixed, Sonny said he is able to take care of everything.  Then apartment will be cleaned and then the process of getting a new tenant in.

Concession Stand- Storm update

S. Masteller reported that the park concession stand did get water from the last storm, Sonny took care of it and fixed the light that was hanging down. R. Scott and Dirk are going to look into where the water is coming in again.

Keystone Library Grant update-

The rebid contract will be added to the Council meeting agenda tonight for a vote.

Trail update- Sign discussion   

Council discussed the 2 metal Trail head signs for Fern Road & Spring Hill Road and M. Brady has the info on the other signs that are not in the list that the Contractor is doing.  Additional “No Parking” signs on Edgewood Road.  Council said not to put the metal signs on wood, should just be added to the metal breakaway posts.

Court Lane update-

E. Bartosiewcz reported the bushes were trimmed.

Spring hill Road traffic calming-

S. Masteller reported that Cowan will be starting the traffic study after this week due to the 212 bridge being closed and extra traffic on Spring Hill Road.

Delaware Hill mulching update-

T. Stinnett reported that he and S. Masteller met with Charlie- C& K Landscaping to discuss putting mulch on the hill, add rocks to build up the one area that mulch washes away plus remove the dead arborvitaes. Charlie will send a quote with his suggestions.

Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat discussion-

The Borough received an email from Becky, Children’s Librarian in reference to the Annual Halloween Parade during the Pandemic. Becky put the parade together herself and is concerns how to keep the children safe by social distancing them. The Rec Board sponsors the parade and feels that is should be cancelled too for everyone’s safety.  The Riegelsville Borough Mayor sets the date & time for “Trick or Treat” so since he is not on this meeting we can ask him during the Borough Council meeting. S. Masteller will ask if the Fire Co can put flares out like they do every year.

Meeting adjourned 6:43 pm

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

Zoom recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/wOd3bK7u7ltIGYWc8GTefa0dAqu9eaa80CAeqPJcmky9ipG1QAQNR4xDVlRcOzJP

Password: #UGz7vm$

Finance:

We are recording this Zoom meeting. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.

Kate Brandes called the Finance meeting to order on August 12, 2020 at 6:43 pm.

Members Present:

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

Others Present: 

Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

Comment from Citizens:   Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.

7- Borough residents present.  No comments.

Discussions:

  • The 4th pay request from Charlie Nansteel for Trail. $179,344.10 will be added to Council agenda tonight.

 

  • Tenant will be mailed his deposit after bills are approved during Council. Remarks: S. Masteller said after looking at the list of checks it is $903.97.

 

  • Boundary survey of Borough Building with markers by Cowan $350.00 will be added to Council agenda.

 

  • Council looked over the finances.  Total Bills & Payroll: $211,817.80

Meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm.

Next Finance meeting will be held September 1, 2020 immediately following Streets/Properties

Zoom Recording Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/wOd3bK7u7ltIGYWc8GTefa0dAqu9eaa80CAeqPJcmky9ipG1QAQNR4xDVlRcOzJP

Password: #UGz7vm$

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS:

Approval of pay request #4 (Stone Trail) recommendations from Cowan Associates $179,344.10 to Charlie Nansteel Tree & Excavation. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of deposit check $903.97 for Tenant. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Rebid for Library Renovations per Cowan Associates recommendations to ProCom Roofing Corporation total Contract bid amount $116,230.00 with the alternate for painting the window interiors in the amount of $4,500.00 bring the total to $120,730.00.   As such, an additional amount of approximately $2,500.00 will be required as an extra to the contract.  The maximum reimbursement provided by the Keystone Grant for Public Library Facilities is $45,125.00; therefore, the Borough of Riegelsville will be responsible for $78,043.00 of the total contract price. A. Moyer motioned to approve and E. Bartosiewcz seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Boundary retracement Survey of 615 Easton Road by Cowan Associates $350.00. R. Scott motioned to approve and A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Mayor Stokes was asked if the Borough will have “Trick or Treat”, part of the Mayors duty is to pick the date & time.  Mayor Stokes would like to have more time to make this decision.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  Total Bills & Payroll: $211,817.80   “Last month’s Payroll was omitted $6,819.98”   Council had no questions.  A. Moyer motioned to approve bills.  K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.

 

Meeting adjourned 7:18 PM.   Next Council meeting September 9, 2020, 7:00pm.

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

 

Zoom recording link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/–BfBYjM_0xJbYXi1VnzZJYiRNnmeaa8hCQZ86EPyEtsAaZUVIb849jZGBOG6bp1

Password: 5041r@zM

 

 


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