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Draft May 12 2021 Council Minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the Zoom regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm May 12, 2021.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call was taken. PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.

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

Motion to approve April 14, 2021 Council minutes.   A. Moyer motioned to approve   E. Bartosiewicz Seconded.   Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:

Nothing to report.

REPORTS: 

President: T. Stinnett reported that Council held an executive session before the May 5, 2021 meeting to discuss a legal matter.

Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported that there is a New Station Commander, Sergeant Griffith at the Dublin Barracks. Mayor Stokes passed on the complaints for speeding on Delaware and 611 plus a youg man that speeds in his mustang. Since that conversation the State Police coverage has increased in the area.  Mayor Stokes assisted Sherry with an incident that a Borough resident was trying to dump yard waste by the large Borough parking lot on Durham Road/Canal bank. Also there was a complaint by a Borough employee that someone was sleeping in the Borough Back hoe and this was addressed. Someone was metal detecting in the Borough Park and that was addressed.   Mayor Stokes introduced Cpl. Billger with State Police. Cpl Billger stated they have been running speed checks and are planning to do regular check points North & South on 611 very soon. Cpl Billger is glad to hear that it is helping to get the word out and speeding under control.

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

6-Borough residents and Guest, State Police Cpl. Billger were present on Zoom.

Kim Marciano-Hankinson, Borough Resident on 300 Bidwell Lane is concerned that people are driving very fast 35-40 up Elmwood off of 611 and blowing through the stop sign to get to the Catholic Church.  There needs to be a speed limit on this road. Mayor Stokes said the speed limit is 25. Mayor Stokes said this is the first time we are hearing this, what time of day. Kim stated morning time. Mayor Stokes said this will be handled and Cpl Billger asked a few more questions.

Bob Ryan, Borough resident 601 Easton Road said during the last Council meeting there was borough resident that wanted to use the Borough Solicitor’s Firm for a legal matter and Council voted no due to conflict of interest. Bob said Ann Moyer you thought that was a bad idea too right, did you ever use Eastburn & Gray as your attorney for a private matter since you have been on Council. Ann stated No sir I have not. Bob asked Kate if she has used Eastburn & Gray on a private matter, Kate stated yes I have. Bob asked what matter and Kate stated she will not discuss in the forum since it was a private matter. Bob asked Tom if he knew about this private matter and he said yes.

Kim Marciano-Hankinson has another grievance, during the neighbor parking issues a few months ago Council made me trim my bushes and I did right away. Kim states I take pride of my property and we need our property values to not go down. About 90% of the town take pride of the inside and outside of their properties. Councilman Ed Bartosiewicz, 821 Durham Road property is a dump site and is going to bring the house values down. An eyesore and health hazard. When is Council going to make him clean it up since Council made her clean up her shrubs.   Ann stated this is becoming a personal attack, Kate said you will be removed from the meeting and she was.

Tina Venini, Borough resident on Durham Road heard a concern about a young man that speeds on Sycamore Road and it may be the young man Mayor Stokes talked about. Cpl. Billgar is aware of that young man and have dealt with him on a few occasions. Cpl. Billgar asked Tina to call them if there are new criminal offenses.

Betty Rowe, Borough resident on Church Road stated that there is speeding on Church road especially during the times of people going to church.  Mayor Stokes will contact the 3 churches and get this info out to the parishioners about the speeding. Cpl. Billgar asked the location and he will add that to their log to watch.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Community Affairs:

Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm on April 21, 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.

4- Borough resident attended the Zoom and Beth Banko-Riegelsville Library Board member.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council his March 2021 report.  Permits: 2-Zoning permits: Pole Barn and Fence, 4- Building permits: 2-100Amp Electric, Generator, HVAC system.

Enforcement Activities:

129 Maplewood Road- No update, have not heard anything back about the stop work order.

715 Durham Road- Email was just sent to the property owner for an update ASAP.

Durham Road Parcel, just has a collapsed garage and debris on the property. An enforcement letter was sent and the property owner met with J. Kopchak to report that the property will be cleaned up by the compliance date of June 16, 2021.

No new ZHB scheduled.

Waiting to receive the written decision from March 25, 2021 ZHB decision for 303 Poplar Road “Proposed driveway and parking pad”.

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

Land/Easton Road-east side/Wayside way-North end of the Borough). Approved the special exception for deer fence.  No permit applications have been received yet.

Library News: Borough office received the March 2021 Directors report minutes and they have been filed.  A. Moyer introduced the 2 new board members, Jim Bunting and Marshal Miller. They both stated they live in Riegelsville and are very happy to be on the board and help the community.

Beth Banko, Library Board member reported that there was no meeting in March but they did have a meeting on April 12, 2021. The Board voted unanimously to appoint both J. Bunting and M. Miller to the Library Board.  Beth would like Council to approve them also. The Library Board received donations from Kimberton “Round Up” fundraiser and also Penn Community Bank.  No Hoagie sale during Primary Elections.

During the mid-year they will do a “Go fund me” fundraiser on social media. The annual letter went out the beginning of the year.  Ann reported that Council will let the Library know when we are opening the Borough building.

Fire Co. News:

E. Bartosiewicz reported they continue to do training and going on calls.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee

A. Moyer received an email from Bob Ryan that the new flower beds were weeded by 3 volunteers. Thank you for that. Ann talked to Joanne Walsh in reference to having an Enhancement meeting outside when it is nice to discuss the committee’s finances. They will update what needs to be done. The Walsh’s are going to take off the plastic tubing off Elaine’s Memorial Tree. Pansies are in the pot on the front steps of the Library. Pam Lazor will plant the 2 pots at the Pedestrian Bridge the second week in May.

UBREMS News:

E. Bartosiewicz reported that they went on 100 calls in March and continue going on calls.

Rec Board News:

R. Scott and S. Masteller reported that the water is on. The T-Ball team has started practice. Softball team will start practicing soon. Men’s team continues to practice, games start in May. 2 Yoga groups will be using the park and forever fit boot camp too. It is great to see the park being used by the community.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:

F Preedy attended the second Hazardous mitigation meeting.

Frank is attending the State of New Jersey certification for International Residential Code updates and will attend 2 more webinars.

Frank is attending 2 webinars May 14 and May 21 for PA “Floodplain Fridays”.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

T. Stinnett reported that they did not have an April meeting but will have a May 3, 2021 meeting at 7pm. S. Masteller will send the information out the same as the other Borough meetings.

Meeting adjourned 7:20 pm.    Next meeting May 26, 2021   7pm

Utilities:

Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:21 pm on April 21, 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.

4 Borough residents on Zoom and Beth Banko- Riegelsville Library Board member.

Discussions:

Hydrant flushing starts Monday April 26- Friday April 30, 9pm to midnight.  Communication was sent out via “Rville happenings”, flyers put up in the Post office and the pocket park. Notification was added to the Water bill too. This is scheduled twice a year or as needed.

Council discussed 2 properties (225 Linden Lane & 420 Poplar Road) in reference to the Borough Septic ordinance #227.  Council received the water usage history to look over and discuss. R. Scott suggested to have 225 Linden Lane get it pumped so there is a baseline to go by instead of just a 2 year extension.  This will be added to the Council meeting agenda on May 12, 2021 for a vote. 225 Linden Lane will also go on the agenda for a vote on for a 2 year extension.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:33 pm    Next meeting May 26, 2021   7pm

Streets & Properties:

 Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties Zoom meeting to order at 7:02 pm on May 5, 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, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.

Others Present, Mayor Stokes, Tammy Macaluso- Borough Treasurer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.  Guest speaker: Mike Sullivan- Riegelsville Water Operator.

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

3- Borough residents present.  Bob Ryan-Borough resident asked if the windows that where painted in the Library have an effect on the warranty? Ed replied not that he is aware of. Bob also asked what is going on with the roof he sees from a distance that something is raised.  Ed replied there are 3 shingles that are lifted and need to be fixed. This will be discussed more under “Keystone Library Grant Renovation update”.

Discussions:

Mike Sullivan, Borough Water operator discussed with Council that he and Tammy had a discussion about a potential multi-unit service line on Easton Road and that went into looking into the Boroughs current tapping fee ordinance. Mike discussed with Council that the boroughs Tapping Ordinance needs to be updated to meet today’s standards and fees. Tom stated he has marked up the current Tapping ordinance a few times. Mike continued the discussion with Council.

Borough Building Front Porch- E. Bartosiewicz reported no update.

Borough Building Down Spout- E. Bartosiewicz reported no update.

Keystone Library Grant Renovation update- S. Masteller reported that Charles- Cowan Engineering emailed ProCom to schedule the final items outside that need to be fixed and the roofing. No date has been determined yet. Sherry will contact Charles to get a date from ProCom on when they are coming.

Durham Road/Small parking lot update- Sherry talked to Todd Myers-Borough Engineer today and he is reaching out to the Surveyor that the owner of the property next door used since there is a discrepancy in the property lines.

Spring cold patching Borough Roads update: Cold patching is continuing, Sherry has not heard from Matt yet that they are done.

Meeting adjourned 7:21 pm      Next meeting will be held on June 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm.

Finance:

Tom Stinnett called the Finance Zoom meeting to order on May 5, 2021 at 7:21 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:

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

Others Present: 

Mayor Stokes, Tammy Macaluso- Borough Treasurer 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:

E Waste recycling event info: S. Masteller discussed with Council the E Waste Event that will be added to the Council Agenda, Council can limit the pounds @ .50.  Tammy asked if they need to show proof of residency, Sherry will reach out to Durham to discuss how we will keep the municipalities separate.

Trees at the Borough Hall: Ed met with met with 2 tree companies to look at the dead ash tree, maple and few other trees in the front of the Borough Hall. Both companies sent in quotes. Rodney stated that the 2 quotes are a little different so he offered to contact each of them to get the quotes for the same work.

Rhino liner for Utility Truck:  The cost of a new liner for the Utility Truck is approx…  $850.00 Tom stated that the truck really needs one and asked Council their opinion and everyone agreed.  Sherry will add to the Council agenda next week.

Look over the finances. 

T. Stinnett brought up that we paid out $600.00 to send out per capita bill and only get back about $6000.00 and maybe it would be better to do away with it. Tom said it is hard to keep track of the tenants.

Tammy said we got a great response from landlords sending back the yearly registration forms in a timely manner.  Tammy stated we have a great system from when she started in 2009. Rodney and Ann stated to continue with the tenants paying their per capita. Tom agreed not to talk about it anymore.

Tom attended and in person Bucks County Tax Collection Committee (TCC) quarterly meeting in Warwick Township and Keystone Collections reported that Bucks County’s first quarter of 2021 is the highest EIT they have ever received.  Tom stated that we are down 3%.

Tom said there is money that was collected for the Trail $55, 000.00 from the County. Tammy said yes that money came from the County. Bollard are purchased and we are waiting on a quote for the cement pads.

Tom said we need to look into parking for the Trail. Borough engineer will be contacted.

Rodney asked if all the signage is complete and Sherry stated that they will need to amend the current parking ordinance on Eastside of Edgewood Road. Sherry is almost finished with the draft and will forward to Borough Solicitor.

Tom asked what the 58, 000.00 is under Keystone, Tammy stated that is the money we received from Keystone and Library.  We are holding $3,500.00 for the retention plus to fix the outside yard and roofing.

No one had any other questions.

Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.      Next meeting will be held June 2, 2021 immediately following Streets/Properties

 Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)

As the appointed Open Record Officer (ORO) I will present a monthly report during the Borough Council meeting. January- April 2021 ORO report.

16~ RTK request received via Email.

2~ Appeals from requester to PA Office of Open Records.

2~ Denials where given.

1~ No Police records available.

Treasurer Hours to gather the documents 16.25.

Open Records Officer Hours 18.25 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to an agency of the Borough.

Misc: T. Stinnett stated that when he led the Finance meeting last week due to Kate’s absence it was unclear at that time that all the Trail grant money was used up. So to do the parking project the money will need to come from another place.

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

Council acknowledges the appointment of new members to the Library Board: Jim Bunting and Marshal Miller.  A. Moyer motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewcz seconded.  Unanimous.  

Approval for E-Waste event $ .50 a pound with a maximum 1 Ton   $1000.00 Dollar amount.  R. Scott motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.  

Approval for a new rhino liner for Utility Truck from Ziebart apprx $ 850.00. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.  

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  

 K. Brandes motioned to approve bills. A. Moyer seconded. E. Bartosiewicz abstained from the Fire Co. and Upper Bucks Regional Emergency Services Checks since he is on their boards as an officer.  Motion approved 4 to 0, 1 abstention.

Meeting adjourned 7:33 PM.   

Next Council meeting June 9, 2021 at 7:00pm

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

 

Zoom recording link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/46-StLipN6udi5B09QT1xeQ0mtnsrMZLFPErgxdScCsmDwbK_nHsqsyPLRxyWACy.MxX7oBbVVFufGhH_

 

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