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September 2020 Approved Council minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the Zoom regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. September 9, 2020.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call was taken. PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott, Tammy Macaluso and Mayor Stokes.

E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve the Council minutes from August 12, 2020, R. Scott

Seconded.   Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:

S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received 2 emails from Kim Marciano-Hankinson, addressed to Council members in reference to a parking issue, State Police were called and no citations were issued.

S. Masteller, Borough Secretary received and email today at 1:10pm from Bob Ryan and he asked to read it tonight as correspondence. T. Stinnett stated Bob Ryan is on this call so I can answer some of your questions.

Due to the virus we have all been under a lot of stress. That is why the septic maintenance reminders are last minute going out, S. Masteller has been very busy will Borough duties and T. Macaluso is helping with the reminders. T. Stinnett said the second question, you asked about Kim Hankinson receiving a septic letter, please note when you have your septic replaced or fixed those permits come from Bucks County Board of Health and the Borough doesn’t always get copies of the completed project records. T. Macaluso stated the reminder notices are just a courtesy and are not listed in the septic ordinance. T. Macaluso feels yes it wasn’t sent out before July but I don’t think the Borough should be faulted for providing this courtesy a little later than usual.

 

REPORTS: 

President: T. Stinnett Correction from the Finance meeting “The Library donation was posted to the Rec Board account. Adjustment was taken care of September 3, 2020”

Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported to Council that he was asked to perform a wedding on short notice. The gentleman was going into the Army and leaving on the following Tuesday, so he performed the wedding between his doubleheader Baseball games at the Borough Park.   Mayor Stokes was monitoring when PennDOT was fixing the sink hole at the Canal Bridge on Delaware Road, he feels they did a good job.

 

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

6-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 August 19, 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:     Mayor Stokes, Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

 

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

1 borough resident on Zoom, No one spoke.

 

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer Permits: Zoning permits: 1- Detached garage, 1-roadside stand (Bait Shop), 1- Fence, 1-Change of zoning use.

Enforcement Activities:

  • 129 Maplewood Road- No Update.
  • 715 Durham Road- No Update.
  • 303 Poplar Road, proposed garage, driveway and parking pad. Ongoing litigation.
  • There will be a Zoning hearings scheduled soon for proposed deer fence.

Library News: Borough office received the August 2020 Directors report minutes have been filed.  A. Moyer reported that they have cancelled all their fundraising events until further notice.

Fire Co. News:

  • E. Bartosiewicz reported that the Fire Co Building is not open to the public, they continues to go on about 11 calls a month and practice.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee

  • No meetings during the pandemic. S. Masteller did talk to Julia- flower garden volunteer between the office door and she is going to remove the dead butterfly bush and add some different lily’s and mulch.

Julia will let me know and we can order from Bluestone.

  • A. Moyer asked if we have any calendars left, T. Stinnett and S. Masteller said around 15-20. We will mark the $5.00 and put in “Rville Happenings” to get rid of them.

UBREMS News:

  • Bartosiewicz reported they are working on their 2021 budget and will be asking Municipalities if they are able to give the same as last year due to the pandemic. They continue to go on emergency calls and are looking into different masks to purchase for their safety.

Rec Board News:

  • Scott was down at the softball field getting the field ready for tonight’s girl’s game. Concession stand is open for the games, a little slow. R. Scott also said we have been getting a lot of compliments on how nice our park is.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:  Frank Preedy reported that the Borough got very lucky with the last 2 storms with minimal damage, Unfortunately Durham Township and South of us got hit harder.

  • Reported a small washout on the Walking trail.
  • Frank continues to attend phone conferences with the County EMS as needed. Dr. Damsker said we are not seeing high spikes in positive Covid-19 in Bucks County right now, which may change due to the colleges going back to campuses.
  •  Jason Miller with Army Corps of engineers Chief Flood Plain Management Services would like to continue asking for assistance to Survey the locations of the storm water inlets and Possible Water proofing the Well #3 building.
  • Still working on the tank removals at 504 Easton Road with DCED loan application.

 

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

  • T. Stinnett reported they have not had a meeting since the pandemic.
  • T. Stinnett forwarded information to the PC Board from the monthly PA Borough News about Zoning and subdivisions.  T. Stinnett sent the PC Board the Riegelsville Zoning ordinance and the SALDO (land development).
  • T. Stinnett also sent the PC Board the drawings of the single home that is being built on the parcel that was sold on the Cook property. No one had any questions for zoning officer.
  • J. Kopchak- Zoning officer was out to the 546 Easton Road building site to do a wall slab inspection. A. Moyer asked if that is the size of the house, J. Kopchak stated that is the footprint of the home. They elevated the ground so they didn’t have to abide by the flood plain ordinance because the parcel is in the floodplain but not the house now.
  • R. Scott was talking to Dr. Berdini and he is concerned that he is seeing a lot of people entering the walking trail up Ash Lane and there is not signage posted that this is or is not an entrance for the trail.

Dr. Berdini is just worried about his patients driving and the walking not aware of the cars either. He doesn’t care that the trail is there but just to see if signage could be added. Council discusses signs and possible fence be added that location is not an entrance on the plans.

  • T. Stinnett asked R. Scott id there was any update for the tree that needs to be removed at Dr. Hahn’s apartment on Delaware Road. R. Scott received a text that a tree co came and looked at it and where putting him on their schedule.  R. Scott will look into that and get back to Council.

Zoom Recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/98hpMIzMzjtIU7eT5VDueKQiOam6X6a8gChIrKUFnUbRT81er14qExG0vS0iS0rb

Password: 5B$Dq$V?

 

Meeting adjourned 7:22pm.         Next meeting September 16, 2020   7pm

 

Utilities:

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:21pm on August 19, 2020 at the Riegelsville Borough Hall.

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

 

Others Present:   Mayor Stokes, Jim Kopchak-Borough Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

 

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

1 borough resident on Zoom, No one spoke.

 

Discussions:

 

  • Borough received quote $1200.00 from S & M General Services LLC, locations for replacement are 123 Cedar Road & 125 Fern Road. This quote will be added to Council agenda on September 9, 2020.

 

  • Council discussed a quote of $5,800.00 for a new Stahl Utility Body for the Borough truck. The current body is in bad shape but the rest of the truck is good. Troy, Riegelsville Auto would pick it up and put on our truck. For the September 9, 2020 Council meeting S. Masteller will get a quote from Troy to add to agenda for a vote.

 

  • Mayor Stokes added his Men’s Baseball team has a double header on Sunday starting at 9:30am at the Riegelsville Park.

 

  • Mayor Stokes stated that as of right now we will still be having “Trick or Treat” Saturday October 31, 2020 6-8pm.  Leave your light on if you are participating.

 

 

Zoom recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/98hpMIzMzjtIU7eT5VDueKQiOam6X6a8gChIrKUFnUbRT81er14qExG0vS0iS0rb

Password: 5B$Dq$V?

 

Meeting Adjourned: 7:31 pm

 

Next meeting September 16, 2020

 

Streets & Properties:

Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties Zoom meeting to order at 7:00 pm on September 2, 2020. Due to an oversight this meeting was not recorded until the end.  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, 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.

3- Borough residents present.

Maryellen Itterly-Borough Resident introduced herself and presented Council with a fall idea to do a “Caulk Art on Sidewalks Contest” This would be a fun fall event for families. Council thought that would be a great event.

M. Itterly will have a local artist judge them, she will continue to put all the specifics together. R. Scott has a concern that some art may be offensive, M. Itterly will add information to the registration form referencing what is not allowed.

 

Discussions:

Borough Building Spout-

S. Masteller has not received an update from Cowan on this project.

 

Apartment Update-

S. Masteller reported that the cleaning is done and S. Groller had a few things to finish up.

 

Keystone Library Grant update-

The rebid was approved during the August 12, Council meeting. The “Notice of Intent to Award” and Signed Contract have been completed. Project will be completed by December 31, 2020.

 

Trail update-

T. Stinnett talked to J. Keogh who is mowing the trail sides about cutting wider by entrances on Delaware Road due to the invasive jimson weed.

 

Court Lane update-

Nothing to report.

 

Spring hill Road traffic calming-

S. Masteller has not received an update from Cowan on this project.

 

Delaware Hill mulching update-

S. Masteller received an estimate from Charlie Stimmell – C& K Landscaping but more information is needed.

 

S. Masteller received the 2020-2021 Salt Consortium information and will be added to Council agenda to appoint Morton Salt again.

 

R. Scott reported to Council the Tree Co that Dr. Hahn hired to remove the tree at his Delaware Road apartment building is very backed up and will get it done by the end of this month September.

 

R. Scott reported to Council that there is a sidewalk that is raised 3-4 inches on Delaware Road, he will take pictures of them and the location.

 

Start thinking about 2021 budget items.

 

Meeting adjourned 7:12 pm

 

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

 

 

Zoom recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/vcuWshyXrMxTdETs8aCyuH91csj4i0Ps-X_FMo63XUuWJA4aHm3G3OzWkXqGAN2V.x3EldxYwkowWw5aV

 

Password: =Sp3=5+W

 

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 September 2, 2020 at 7:13 pm.

Members Present:

Kate Brandes, Ed Bartosiewicz, 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.

3- Borough residents present.  No comments.

 

Discussions:

 

  • Council discuss the additional $ 50.00 to the current $900.00 rent for the Borough third floor apartment.

That was suggested by Lori Campbell, Realtor when she was comparing the comps in the area. The rent includes Water, Trash & Recycling, Heat and Electric.  Council all agreed to the additional $50.00.

 

  • Start thinking about 2021 budget items.

 

  • Council looked over the financials.
  1. Stinnett has a question about 01-451-500 Recreation Board Contribution~ YTD actual 9,600.00 Budget 5,400.00 unexpended 4,200.00. S. Masteller stated the Rec Board received the Yearly Contribution of $5,400.00 in June. S. Masteller will email T. Macaluso- Treasurer for the answer. Remarks: The Library donation was posted to the Rec Board account. Adjustment was taken care of September 3, 2020.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:21 pm.

 

Next Finance meeting will be held October 7, 2020 immediately following Streets/Properties

Zoom Recording Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/vcuWshyXrMxTdETs8aCyuH91csj4i0Ps-X_FMo63XUuWJA4aHm3G3OzWkXqGAN2V.x3EldxYwkowWw5aV

 

Password: =Sp3=5+W

 ESSENTIAL BUSINESS:

Council received a spreadsheet with 5 different possible tenant applications from Lori Campbell and discussed that Savanah had the best Screening Score.

Approval of the new tenant Savanah for the Borough third floor apartment. A. Moyer motioned to approve and R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Estimate $1200.00 for S & M General Services LLC to replace 2 sidewalk slabs 1-123 Cedar Road & 1- 125 Fern Road.  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Approval of Estimate $ 2450.00 for labor, C & K Landscaping for the Delaware Hill project.

Supplies will be purchased at Blue Stone Gardens. A. Moyer motioned to approve and E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

 

Council discussed during the Finance meeting about the rent increase of $50.00.

Approval of increase in third floor rent by $50.00 for the new rent is $950.00   E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve and K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  Total Bills & Payroll: $26,353.11   E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills.  A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.

 

 

Meeting adjourned 7:15 PM.   Next Council meeting October 14, 2020, 7:00pm.

 

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

Zoom recording link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/BYPBU4ZeTBk2DH1iH3W6HA2zC5TXmLuEXc1HJ20ohVcWBRZsCZ0s9iBf0ORWAFIG.raiSuDx2qb6ZKbSC

Password: 4^BdJ@T^

 

 


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