President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:03 pm August 11, 2021. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
The Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call: PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Ann Moyer and Rodney Scott.
Motion to approve July 14, 2021 Council minutes. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve K. Brandes Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter was read from Borough resident, Ellen Clemons addressed to Borough Council to be filed in the Borough.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that Borough Council had a 15 minute executive session in reference to personnel.
Mayor: Mayor Stokes was absent.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
July 2021
2~ RTK requests received via Email on July 29, 2021.
Both will be finalized in August.
Open Records Officer Hours: 1 Hour to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to an agency of the Borough.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
4-Borough residents.
Borough resident, Bob Ryan asked Council it the property that Ellen Clemens mentioned in her letter belongs to the Borough, T. Stinnett stated that the property is not owned by the Borough. Bob said he looked at the location of the tree removal that is going to be voted on tonight and asked are you sure it is on the Borough property because he didn’t see any property markers. T. Stinnett stated yes that property had been surveyed for the trail and the stakes were removed. Bob reported that he walked the trail and was wondering what the location of the weeds that are in question on the agenda. K. Brandes explained that the weeds that are in the middle of the trail are on the curved hill between St Lawrence Church and Delaware Road. Bob asked if this will cost the Borough when Cowan inspects the weeds. Todd Myers stated in an email that he will look into the weeds at no cost to the Borough. T. Stinnett said the maintenance bond expires in December 2021 and Cowan will inspect the trail before that time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Kate Brandes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on July 21, 2021 back to in person 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, Tom Stinnett and Rodney Scott.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Jim Kopchak- Riegelsville Zoning Officer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 1- Borough resident present.
Concerns from citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
No one spoke.
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council his July 2021 report. Permits: No Zoning permits. 3- Building permits: Pole Barn, Electric service and Fit out for market.
Enforcement Activities:
129 Maplewood Road- No update.
Durham Road Parcel, had a collapsed garage and debris on the property. An enforcement letter was sent and the property has made progress in removing items. The compliance date is June 16, 2021. Next week Jim will look at the progress since the compliance date has passed.
Complaint was received for a pool at 216 Ash lane that does not have a building or Zoning permit. Enforcement letter will be sent out to the property owner and tenant.
No scheduled ZHB meetings.
Jim was asked if the Borough’s Ordinance Enforcement Officer (OEO)-August Groller takes care of the high grass/vegetation complaints and the process. Yes a violation notice is given, if they don’t comply the borough employee will take care of it and bill the property owner. Usually they comply with in the 10 days. If not them a lien will go on the property.
Jim had an inquiry for 1269 Easton Road to change a garage into apartments, information was given to the property owner.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the May 2021 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Sherry gave updates from the minutes.
They opened the sitting areas for patrons and returned the table and chairs in the children’s room. New
Library hours. The Art for Kids summer classes began July 20. The front AC was not working so the
Technician from Cooper mechanical was scheduled to look at. Summer Quest program has started.
Fire Co. News:
E. Bartosiewicz reported that he received a memo from Todd Myers, Fire Chief. Updates for the month of June & to date of July:
13 Emergency calls were answered for June, 18 emergency calls were answered so far for July. COVID-19 Crisis Fire, Rescue and EMS Grant was received in early 2021, $22,603.00.
In May 2021 received $13,837.45 from Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Debt Reduction Grant and it was applied to the last payment of Rescue 42 Truck. On July 17, 2021 the consolidation steering committee, along with the five sub committees which consist of rebranding, finance, operations, apparatus, and governance met with the consultant as they continue to gather information from the 5 subcommittees for the ultimate proposal to consolidate both fire companies. Over the next several months the sub-committees will continue to meet to refine the proposal to consolidate. The timeline to meet with the municipalities is anticipated to happen in late 2021 or the beginning of 2022. Ed also reported to Council that they may be asking Council in the future to add more mils that we have on our taxes now.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee:
Borough office received the June 2021 minutes from Ann Moyer and they have been filed. Sherry gave a few updates from the minutes. Trim & weed the triangle at Borough Hall & Parking lot sign bed.
Maintenance of front beds and garden beds along split rail fence. Welcome Signs at North end and south end of the Borough need to be plants under the signs. Hill at traffic light under discussion.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News:
E. Bartosiewicz reported that they are looking for another used truck. They have raised the pay for all their employees, it is difficult to fill openings.
Rec Board News:
R. Scott reported received 2 quotes from paving Companies for the basketball Court and the original tennis court to fixing the cracks and putting a layer on top. Will be discussed during the next meeting.
Rodney had a “13 & under” Boys Baseball Coach reach out to Rec Board to use the baseball field for Fall Ball. They have given their paperwork to Sherry. They will start in August.
Car Show preparations are moving along, November 7 is the show.
Riegelsville Emergency Management:
F. Preedy reported that during the quarterly training they learned that there is a new format to contact the EOC during an emergency. Frank has been reaching out to area volunteer group to help the Borough during an emergency. Frank reported that the PA state Fire Commissioner stated the volunteer fire companies were flat funded on June 30th 2021 budget.
Riegelsville Planning Commission:
T. Stinnett reported the next meeting is set for August 2, 7pm. Bob Ryan asked if they had a meeting in July. Tom said they did not due to the holiday, this was stated during the June Community Affairs meeting.
Meeting adjourned 7:29 pm. Next meeting August 18, 2021 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:30 pm on July 21, 2021.
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 and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: 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 present.
Discussions:
Council received & looked over the info for the 2021/2022 Moyer Furnace/Boiler contract, will be added to the August 11, Council agenda.
The Gov-pay links are all set up on the website, water bills, Rville Happenings too.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:35 pm Next meeting August 15, 2021 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:04 pm on August 4, 2021. 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 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.
No Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Borough Building Front Porch/Steps- E. Bartosiewicz stated no update to report.
Borough Building underground drain- Matt & K. Kerstner are doing this project, Ed has some questions so he will get together with Matt to discuss.
Durham Road/Small parking lot update- No update to report.
Bollard/pads project: Waiting to hear a new date since it on rained the last scheduled date.
Borough Hall tree service: Started today and will be back tomorrow. Ed said Rob was going to look at the dead tree by trail off of Linden Lane and give a quote.
Borough office update: Council looked over the preliminary plans from Cowan and did not see any changes that were needed.
Council looked over the Penn Dot winter traffic services 5 year agreement for the Borough to take care of the winter maintenance of Delaware Road at 611 to the Delaware River Bridge. 2021-2022 season we will receive $679.18. This will be added to the Borough Council agenda.
2022 Budget preparation time: Start thinking about items / projects that need to be added.
- Paving Elmwood Rd/ Bidwell Ln, discussion with Borough Engineer, Cowan.
Meeting adjourned 7:19 pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on September 1, 2021 at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Kate Brandes called the Finance meeting to order on August 4 2021 at 7:20 pm.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present: Kate Brandes, Tom Stinnett and Ed Bartosiewicz
Others Present: Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
No Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Kate suggested we develop a plan for what we are using the Covid funds for. Council had a discussion.
So far 2 suggestions the Borough office renovations and Water valve replacements. More information is being gathered.
BC Board of Elections Drop Boxes lease agreement Update: Sherry sent an email to BC Assistant Solicitor, Mr. Austin Soldano asking when we will receive the draft. Austin said they are sending them via email August 5, 2021. Sherry will forward to Council when received.
Council looked over the finances and no questions to follow up on.
2022 Budget preparation time: Start thinking about items / projects that need to be added. Kate suggested we look into professionals to look over the Borough Ordinances that need to be updated or redone. Tom asked Sherry to contact the BC Planning Commission for information since they helped rewrite Zoning Ordinance.
Kate noticed that there are weeds that have gone thru the weed barrier in the middle of the trail. The location is St Lawrence Church & Delaware Road. Sherry will send an email to the Borough Engineer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm. Next Finance meeting will be held September 1, 2021 immediately following Streets/Properties
Borough Resident, Tammy Macaluso stated that in the Community Affairs minutes / Rec Board discussion that “13U” definition is “age 13 and under”. Minutes reflects this.
Borough Resident, Dave Masteller asked R. Scott is after the paving is completed on the Basketball and Tennis courts that a chain will be put up so no one parks on it. Rodney states yes the Rec Board has decided to put fencing up and signage.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval of K&R Tree service estimate $ 1700.00 (tree removal at the Linden Lane/Trail). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Borough Engineer, Cowan Associates, Inc. to inspect the weeds going thru the weed barrier in the middle of the trail. At no cost to the Borough. The location is between Saint Lawrence church & Delaware road. R. Scott motioned to approve, A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous. T. Stinnett asked S. Masteller to check if there is a cost when Cowan does the final inspection before the maintenance bond expires.
Approval to enter into the 5 year Penn DOT winter maintenance agreement (611 to Delaware River Bridge .06 mileage) $679.18. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Moyer Indoor Outdoor 2021- 2022 Furnace Service Plan $349.00. R. Scott motioned to approve, A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of $750.00 check, Escrow refund TNT ZHB. K. Brandes motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of $466.74 check M & W Precast LLC (supplies for drain repair at the Borough Hall). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS: No new business.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Moyer asked what PaWARN stands for on Water Co. Check #4670 $35.00. REMARK: PaWARN~ Pennsylvania’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network. T. Macaluso, Borough Treasurer stated they send out information for water companies like ransomware attacks. S. Masteller said they aid in getting supplies for emergencies. A. Moyer asked what the Water Co Check #4676 $255.63 was for. T. Macaluso responded that a Water Company customer had a credit on their water bill and the property changed ownership so that credit is returned. A. Moyer motioned to approve bills. K. Brandes seconded.
T. Stinnett asked if there is anything additional to discuss. A. Moyer wondered what we are doing with the Arborvitaes on the Delaware Hill, can we add that to the Streets meeting. E. Bartosiewicz stated we also need to redo the sidewalks too since the Arborvitaes have grown into the sidewalks.
Meeting adjourned 7:32 PM.
Next Council meeting September 8, 2021 at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary