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Approved June 16 2021 Council Minutes

President Thomas E. Stinnett called the Zoom regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm June 9, 2021.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary was absent, T. Stinnett stated everyone was present. 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 May 12, 2021 Council minutes.   A. Moyer motioned to approve E. Bartosiewicz Seconded.   Unanimous. 

CORRESPONDENCE:

Letter received from Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center for the donation that Council sent to them.

REPORTS: 

President: T. Stinnett stated nothing to report.

Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported:

Mayor had the honor to participate in Memorial Day remembrance with the Riegelsville VFW 950.

Mayor Stokes stopped a horse trailer from trying to go over the bridge and helped the driver get to route 78.

Mayor Stokes received complaints that late at night there was bright lights from cars parking at St John UCC, shining into houses on 611. After looking into the disturbance it was ghost hunters, the issue has been taken care of.

Mayor Stokes received a concern from a local approved pumper that he received nasty and harassing voice messages at his business due to pumping a local business frequently. A letter will be sent to the Borough resident with a copy of the Noise and Septic Maintenance Ordinances to prove that the pumper is not violating the Borough Ordinances.

Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)   absent.

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

4-Borough residents.  No comments were made.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Affairs:  Ann P Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on May 19, 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:   Mayor Stokes, 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 attended the Zoom and Beth Banko-Riegelsville Library Board member.

Discussions:

Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council his May 2021 report.  Permits: 2

Zoning permits: Deck w/pergola, Parking Pad and Driveway, 1- Building permits: Deck w/pergola.

Enforcement Activities:

129 Maplewood Road- No update.

715 Durham Road-Jim corresponded with the property owner who has a fire alarm contractor lined up and that he will be submitting permits soon for all the repairs.

Durham Road Parcel, has a collapsed garage and debris on the property. An enforcement letter was sent and the property has made some progress in removing items.  The compliance date is June 16, 2021.

Jim reported some info for the Fire Company, June 10, there are fireworks at the Palisades middle school and June 26th there is a car show at Vanderlely on 611 in Nockamixon Township, these 2 events may be asking for Riegelsville Fire police.

Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the April 2021 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Beth Banko, Library Board member reported:

They had the annual service check on the ac units.

The AmeriGlide stair lift was inspected. It needs to get inspected annually for the recertification to be issued every three years. Rodney Scott asked if the Borough has a copy of the certification, Beth said that she thinks it is placed by the chair.

Bucks County Free Library (BCFL) hired Chad Barger who is a professional fundraiser. He has been working with all the Libraries to improve fundraising and increase donations, a survey was filled out and sent to Chad Barger.

BCFL hired Hannah Miller as the new District Consultant and she is spending time at each Library for her training.

The Library has put out paperback books for sale, which will help get rid of some since they have not had a book sale due to Covid.

Summer Reading is planned and more information to follow.

Fire Co. News:

E Bartosiewicz reported the combining of Fire Companies is continuing and they have formed committees and are meeting. This process could take at least a year. Rodney asked if the Borough will continue to receive information during the process, Ed stated yes we will.

The Fire Company continues going on calls and training.

Ann asked if they did the Fish Fry’s Take out. Ed stated yes 2 Friday’s and they were a success.

Riegelsville Enhancement Committee:

A. Moyer reported that there was a rubber wrap around “Elaine’s Memorial Tree” that needed to be taken off and Bob Ryan removed that. Joanne Walsh suggested they just put a cage around it so it can get air and sun. A. Moyer is organizing a meeting for the Enhancement Committee, she will be sending an email to the current list which is outdated, to see if they are still interested. Possible dates are June 8 or 15th to meet at the Borough Park.

UBREMS News:

E. Bartosiewicz reported nothing to report.

Rec Board News:

R. Scott reported that he fixed the broken window in the shed. T-Ball & Softball games have started. Men’s team has a game this Sunday.  Rodney picked up the paint for the Basketball boards & paint for the doors of the Concession Stand too.  Rodney reached out to a paving company to look at the basketball Court and see about fixing the cracks and putting a layer on top. The basketball court gets the most use at the park. The rec board has money allocated for this project. Sherry said the concession stand is doing well during the girls’ softball games. They are waiting on another quote for new mulch.

Riegelsville Emergency Management:

Palisades is digitalizing the emergency preparedness documents.

F. Preedy attended the second Hazardous mitigation meeting.

Frank completed his classes for his State of New Jersey certification for International Residential Code.

Frank is attending May 21 for DCED PA “Floodplain Fridays”.

Riegelsville Planning Commission:

T. Stinnett reported that June 7th will be the next meeting and will be held at the Borough Park under the pavilion. Ann stated that perhaps the member list should be looked at like she is doing with the Enhancement list, since they haven’t met in a long time.

Meeting adjourned 7:17 pm.    Next meeting June 16, 2021   7pm

Utilities:    Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:17 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:   Mayor Stokes, 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 and Beth Banko- Riegelsville Library Board member.

Discussions:

Rodney reached out to one of the Tree companies that gave us a quote to look at the trees again since the 2 quotes where a little different, One is doing stump grinding and removal the other is not. Rodney suggested we proceed with the lower bid since it does have the stump grinding and a few extras.  This will be added to the June 9, 2021 Council meeting to be voted on.

Council received an email from 914 Fairmont Road for an extension on the Ordinance #227 due to low water usage.  Matt had a scheduled time to look at the current water meter because either the meter to the reader is not working correctly. The resident was not home on the scheduled time so Sherry emailed them to set up another time.  Sherry has not heard back yet so Council will need to hold off on this since they need to the water usage to make any decisions.   Rodney asked about 420 Poplar Road (225 Linden lane is the correct address) to see if that property owner has had his septic pumped yet. Sherry reported that she has not received anything in writing only on the phone he stated he was not going to get it pumped.

Rodney discussed the Borough office repairs/renovations. Council is aware of the sagging of the office floor where Sherry’s desk is located and is in need of repair. Rodney met with a carpenter to look in the basement, the floor is not structurally bad but is needs some hangers. The discussion as to how to update the office for ADA and also the safety and security of the Borough employees. Rodney sketched out a plan to updating the office to utilize the space for the Community that is coming in and also the employees too.  Jim Kopchak looked over the sketch and gave some great ideas. The sketch with Jim’s suggestions went to Cowan, Borough Engineer for approval and then the project can get bided out. We really want to get this done right away since Pennsylvania is letting up on the Covid restrictions so the employees and community can get in there when it is completed.  There was a discussion to see if the American recovery funds could be used for this project. Kate has been looking into how the funds can be used.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:28 pm   

Next meeting June 16, 2021   7pm

Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties Zoom meeting to order at 7:00 pm on June 2, 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 and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

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

2- Borough residents present.

Discussions:

Borough Building Front Porch/Steps- E. Bartosiewicz reported no update at this time. A. Moyer asked for clarification on this. Ed reported that 2 contractors looked at the repairs for the front porch and we only received one quote back. The steps also need to be replaced or repaired too. Ann thought it was the railing out front that was never replaced.

Borough Building Down Spout- E. Bartosiewicz reported no update at this time.

Keystone Library Grant Renovation update- The roofing was fixed and that should complete the project.

Sherry contacted Charles, Cowan associates to see when the final paperwork is coming to Council. Charles is waiting on the certified copies and then the Council will receive them for final payment.

Durham Road/Small parking lot update- Sherry gave Todd Myers, Cowan associates a reminder on Tuesday June 1, 2021.

Spring cold patching Borough Roads update: Sherry reported additional Cold patch was needed now they will continue.

Durham Road Signage issue: Borough office received an email with a concern from Borough Resident about the visibility of the speed bump sign. The “Wrong Way sign” facing south is hiding (from a distance) some of the “Speed Bump” sign.  Council discussed this, Rodney put a picture on Zoom/camera to see too.  Council didn’t see that it was blocking the speed bump sign plus there is one on the other side of the street too.

Council suggested to have the lines painted, Sherry thinks they are already on the schedule to be done.

Bamboo discussion:  Council discussed the bamboo at 719 Easton Road and the Bamboo Ordinance.

During the weeding of the Borough property next to 719 Easton Road there was bamboo growing on the Borough property even with the barrier. The new owners did receive the Ordinance. Council suggested to Sherry to send a letter and another copy of the Ordinance to explain what needs to happen to fix this problem.

Salt Consortium: The Borough joins with the BC Consortium to participate with the yearly salt bid process. Council would like to continue. Sherry will email the 2021- 2022 Consortium Rock Salt Joint Bid request form to the administrator.  The Borough’s estimated tonnage for the 2021-2022 season is 150.

Meeting adjourned 7:18 pm     Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on July 7, 2021 at 7:00 pm.

Finance: Tom Stinnett called the Finance Zoom meeting to order on June 2, 2021 at 7:18 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 and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.

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

2- Borough residents present.  No comments.

Discussions:

Council looked over the financials.  T. Stinnett questioned that there is still money in the Auditor on the May 2021 Financial Statement. Sherry reported that she does not remember getting an invoice for their services. Sherry will report additional information to Council. REMARK: The borough has not received an invoice from the auditor as of May 31, 2021.

Tom asked Council if we should discuss the water billing questions. Ann suggested that we discuss this during the Utilities meeting on June 16, 2021 so we are all prepared for that discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm.  Next Finance meeting will be held July 7, 2021 immediately following

Streets/Properties.

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

Approval of K&R Tree service estimate $ 3200.00 (tree work at the Borough Hall Building). R. Scott motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval of S&M General Services LLC $600.00 (sidewalk slab replacement near fire house). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval of S&M General Services LLC $3,300.00 (6 Bollard bases concrete (Trail). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval to pay Pro-Com final pay request $3,500.00 contingent on grass germination. Council discussed this for a short time.   E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded.  Unanimous.           

Approval for a 2 year extension from Ord #227 Septic system maintenance 420 Poplar Road, 225 Linden Lane and 914 Fairmont Road.  R. Scott motioned to table until more information is collected, A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

Approval for check total $1071.13 to Riegelsville Auto (2004 F350 Front Brakes) GF $535.56 & Water Co. $535.57.  R. Scott motioned to approve, A. Moyer seconded.  Unanimous.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:  K. Brandes motioned to approve bills. A. Moyer seconded.

Meeting adjourned 7:33 PM.   

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

Sherry Masteller

Borough Secretary

 

 

 


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