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DRAFT March 2021 Council minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the Zoom regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:01 p.m. March 10, 2021.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call was taken. PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. ABSENT: Ann Moyer.

Motion to approve February 10, 2021 Council minutes.   E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve   K. Brandes Seconded.   Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:

Borough Council received “Conclusion Letter” from Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC. Borough Auditor.

Letter dated February 16, 2021 to Borough Council signed by 6 Borough Residents.

Letter dated February 26, 2021 from Todd Myers, Fire Chief “Consolidation of Emergency Services- Community Fire Co #1(Located in Riegelsville) & Ottsville Fire Company.

REPORTS: 

President: T. Stinnett introduced Todd Myers, Community Fire Co. #1 Fire Chief.  Chief Myers will discuss the potential consolidation of Riegelsville & Ottsville Fire Companies process.

Chief Myers stated: Last week they signed a contractual obligation with our consultants that will guide us through this process. There is a steering committee that is 3 members from each entity. Chief Myers is the head of steering committee. They will be meeting with the consultants in the next few weeks. Chief Myers promises to give minutes to all 3 of the municipalities they serve (Durham, Riegelsville & Nockamixon) and keep all updated in this exciting chapter in Emergency services in our communities. Nothing will change in our response time to the Borough. Mayor Stokes stated that is it his understanding that this will help with the cost of training our members. Chief Myers stated not necessarily both Companies this past year have done a lot of training and certifications together. Chief Myers is the driving force of this consolidation, during this pandemic it has been difficult getting PPE for the safety of our members. The demographics are changing as you can read in the BC Planning Commission’s Emergency Services Report (Last updated 1990):  https://dataportal-bucksgis.opendata.arcgis.com/#Documents .  Also there is a State Level report “SR6”.

Mayor Stokes asked how we can help. Chief Myers reported that they received 2 grants and they sent out letter fund drive to 1,100 addresses only received back 30%, if everyone could donate $50.00 that would be a huge help to the yearly budget.  They will continue to do fundraisers like dinners and breakfasts. T. Stinnett asked if you know the financial information from Ottsville. Chief Myers will get that financial information once they meet as a group.

T.Stinnett had some other questions in reference to the February 9, 2021 letter “Wildonger Lot Consolidation”, should Mrs. Wildonger hire Cowan Associates to do the work, T. Myers-Borough Engineer said no she should hire the firm (out of Allentown) that did the plans in the past to move forward. The County of Bucks Board of Assessment appeals has a process in which owners of contiguous tracts of land can have the Board of Assessment consolidate tax parcels. With doing that there should be a clause that the land could never be subdivided again to protect the Borough.  T. Myers will work with S. Masteller on the wording if needed for the letter to Mrs. Wildonger and have William Dudeck-Borough Solicitor look over the letter too. T. Myers stated as Cowan Associates he will stay out of that preparation.

Mayor: Mayor Stokes received a call from Rich from the Riegelsville American Legion, Rich said the Memorial Parade is cancelled but they will have a small ceremony instead.  Mayor Stokes will attend and speak.

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

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs:

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm on February 17, 2021 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:   Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Jim Kopchak- Riegelsville Zoning officer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

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

2 Borough residents and Beth Banko- Library Board of Trustee member attended the Zoom.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council his February 2021 report, Permits: Zoning permits: 2- Re-roofs, Building permits: 1-Stand by Generator.

Enforcement Activities:

129 Maplewood Road- No update, Will reach out to property owner to see if there is an update.

715 Durham Road- No update.

ZHB hearing set for February 25, 2021 7pm via virtual for 303 Poplar Road “Proposed driveway and

parking pad”.

Tentative ZHB hearing March 25, 2021 7pm for TNT Groundworks LLC/Tom Murtha (Previous owner

Weiss land/Easton Road-east side/Wayside way-North end of the Borough. “Requesting a special exception for proposed deer fence to protect his crops from wildlife”.

K. Brandes asked if the Fig Tree has received a formal letter in reference to the roof, J. Kopchak stated

that in the next two weeks he will send them property maintenance letter about the roof.

Library News: Borough office received the December 2020 Directors report minutes and they have

been filed.  Beth Banko, Library Board acting Secretary reported to Council:

Chris Snyder from BC Library will be retiring, she has been our liaison.

Kate Budlong has been hired as Bookkeeper to help the treasurer.

Annual Art grant has been applied for and waiting to hear back if it was approved.

Was the Outdoor Storytime approved by Council? S. Masteller will forward the unanimous vote from

February 10, 2021 Council minutes to the Board, sorry for the delay.

Annual letter will be going out the beginning of March.

The Library Board is looking for more volunteers to join their board.

Fire Co. News:

E. Bartosiewicz reported that the Fire Company is looking into joining Station 49 (Ottsville Fire Co) this

process could take up to a year.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee

Nothing to update.

UBREMS News:

E. Bartosiewicz reported that nothing to report except they continue to work.

Rec Board News:

R.Scott reported that Palisades Softball sign ups continue until March 14, 2021, since Silver creek

fields will not be used this season so the Borough fields will be used more.

Dr. Stokes men’s league have started their meetings.  Rec Board has received their tentative

schedule.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:

F. Preedy will be attending quarterly training next week virtually.

F. Preedy reported that he will be attending virtually the March 4, BC Hazard Mitigation Planning meeting. This meeting will be a blueprint for reducing property damage and saving lives from the impacts of natural and human‐made hazards. This Plan is also necessary for Bucks County and its municipalities to be eligible to receive certain types of state and federal disaster and mitigation funding after a disaster occurs.

F. Preedy said the Saturday before the big football game a poplar resident put on social media to complaint that there is a fire hydrant that is covered with snow on the corner of Poplar Road and Emergency Squad Road, who is responsible to clean that off. Regan Wilson took his back hoe up and cleaned it out. F. Preedy sent him an email thanking him for his community service. Was wondering if the Borough has policy on this.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

T. Stinnett reported they have not met yet and has not heard from any of the members. A. Moyer stated

that for that committee to be effective they need to meet. R. Scott asked who is the committee chair is, T. Stinnett stated John Panasiuk. Other member are Damian Newton, Peter Ryan, Jason Anderson, T. Stinnett is the secretary only.  A. Moyer will reach out to J. Panasiuk and ask if they are going to have some kind of virtual meeting soon.

Meeting adjourned 7:16 pm.   

Next meeting March 17, 2021   7pm

Utilities:

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:17 pm on February 17, 2021 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:   Rodney Scott, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Tom Stinnett and Ann P Moyer.

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

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

3 Borough residents on Zoom.

Discussions:

Council discussed purchasing a replacement body for our Utility Truck, was added to the 2021 budget.

T. Stinnett asked if anyone remembered the total, no one had that total in front of them. Discussion will continue during the finance committee meeting in March. R. Scott will reach out to Troy at Riegelsville Garage for answers to certain questions.

S. Masteller received a Water Co. Emergency call today around 4pm. for a property on Cedar Road,

Sonny was called to investigate the problem and proceed if the problem is on the Water Company side.

The 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) was either mailed or emailed (if email is available) to

Riegelsville Water Co. customers. Report was put on the Borough Website.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:25 pm

Next meeting March 17, 2021   7pm

Streets & Properties:

Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties Zoom meeting to order at 7:00 pm on March 3, 2021. 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, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present, Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

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

3- Borough residents present.

Discussions:

Borough Building Front PorchE. Bartosiewicz reported no update.

Borough Building Down Spout E. Bartosiewicz reported no update.

Keystone Library Grant Renovation updateS. Masteller reported that there will be another quarterly report and final paperwork when the restoration of the lawn, driveway is fixed when the snow is gone and warmer weather.

Trail update- T. Stinnett reported that he saw 5 snowmobiles after dark on the trail at the Delaware road entrance, he suggested when the bollards go in and split rail fencing hopefully that will help that.  The snowmobiles probably went through the farm fields to get on the trail.

Spring Hill Road traffic calming T. Stinnett corresponded with Cowan Associates in reference to the concerns from the study report.  The speed study was performed in accordance with PADOT recommendations. Specifically, data is recommended to be collected during off peak hours as it gives the most accurate “free flow” speed for the roadway. The radar gun was used but intentionally concealed. If a radar gun is exposed and visible, drivers have a tendency to slow down and can skew data. Council has also said as soon as the weather breaks to paint SLOW on the roadway.  Signage will be checked to make sure it is the same as the other locations of the trailheads.

Wildonger lot consolidation discussionT. Stinnett didn’t think there was anything to discuss that T. Myers letter had the recommendations for Council.  S. Masteller stated that during the last Council meeting that that Council had some additional questions to the letter.  T. Myers will be attending the March Council meeting to discuss the Fire Company and Council can then ask any questions in reference to the lot Consolidation for Mrs. Wildonger.

BC West Nile Program: Every year the Borough receives a letter from County of Bucks Department of Health asking permission to treat our municipal properties to control the mosquito population. We have always granted permission since it is a costly project for the Borough to do. Council agreed we should continue this program.  We will also be putting educational information on the “Rville Happenings”.

T. Stinnett said he received a mailer from Lori Campbell, Coldwell Banker listing the sold properties and for sale properties. Council had a discussion concerning this.

Mayor Stokes reported that he has the insurance certificate for the “Riegelsville Reds” baseball team and an additional game date to be added to the calendar.  S. Masteller reported that the Reds game dates have been added to the calendar.

Meeting adjourned 7:18 pm

Finance: Kate Brandes called the Finance Zoom meeting to order on March 3, 2021 at 7:19 pm.

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:

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

Others Present: 

Mayor Stokes and 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:

BC Open Space funds $55,883.75 update: The Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) has completed their part of the approval and now it gets sent back to John Ives for the completion and the payment to the Borough.

Borough Heating Oil update: S. Masteller reported that Haly oil was acquired by Moyer Indoor Outdoor Inc.

Currently they have the Borough oil account on the commercial plus pricing, which normally runs .30 off the retail average.  They do offer a fixed rate June 2021-July 2022, S. Masteller will get that rate in April and get all the info to Council.

Utility Truck body discussion: R. Scott talked to Troy at Riegelsville Auto and they found a steel body in Pittsburgh, The truck body plus the delivery would be approximately $7100.00.  This will be added to Council agenda next week.

Borough 2020 Audit update: Completed and Council received the conclusion letter.

Energy supplier update: The current energy supplier Entrust Energy has defaulted on its financial obligations so our current Energy Broker will reach out to us very soon to switch to a different company.  S. Masteller will continue to correspond with them and get information back to Council.

Look over the finances. 

T. Stinnett had a question on the Water Co. “Telephone Services” page 12. Why is it so high? S. Masteller stated that during the budget discussions that T. Macaluso suggested paying for the cell phone for the year instead of monthly and Council said that was a good idea. T. Stinnett asked what the $6,037.73 increase in the “Water Repair/Maint. Services” so far is from? S. Masteller said that is from the balance of the Spring Hill Road Water project with Passerini Inc.

R.Scott asked if anyone was been having difficulty getting to talk to a trash company in Riegelsville.

Meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.

Approval to purchase a new portable generator plus a wheel kit approx. $550.00 from Harbor Freight. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.  

Approval for Riegelsville Auto to fix the Chevy Dump new fender & painted approx.  $800.00. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.  

Approval for Riegelsville Auto to purchase a new Utility bed and delivery cost approx.  $7,100.00. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.  

Approval to advertise (Legal Ad) the completed 2020 Audit report.  R. Scott motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.  

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills.  R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.

Meeting adjourned 7:38 PM.   

Borough office closed Friday April 2, 2021 “Good Friday”.

Next Council meeting April 14, 2021 at 7:00pm

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

Zoom recording link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/lBAn8UHpxhR31bAUBh03fgZ83UaiB22f1rmSjE9GmrlzMfGiqS_C7YED8fgAovn_.MrEbvhJABeRqHsGQ

Password: SmT+yzc6

 


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