President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm October 13, 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, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.
Motion to approve September 8, 2021 Council minutes. R. Scott said there is a typo (page 3 “be” should be “been”) that needs to be corrected. R. Scott motioned to approve with the typo fixed, A. Moyer Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Received an email from Peter Ryan resignation from Riegelsville Planning Commission. T. Stinnett reported that the email was added to the October 4, 2021 Planning Commission minutes.
Letter of intent for any vacancy on the Riegelsville Planning Commission from J. David Xander, Borough Resident.
Letter received from Fire Chief Todd Myers requesting Council to consider increasing their monetary support to our Fire Company by $5,000.00. This request is driven due to the unprecedented inability to fund raise during the pandemic.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that Borough Council sent Doris Keller a card for her 100th Year Birthday. Tom reported that David Litz passed away, he is the twin brother of Doug Litz that was on Borough Council for many years.
Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported that he performed a wedding for one of his Baseball team mates.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
September 2021
3~ RTK requests received via Email.
1~ needed a 30 days extension finalized 10/7/2021
2~ granted within the 5 business days.
1~Appeal received from the PA office of open records.
Open Records Officer Hours: 2 ½ Hours to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to an agency of the Borough. Borough Treasurer ½ hour.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
6-Borough residents present.
Mike Cavallaro asked Council if they received the letter he sent and T. Stinnett stated that he will receive a response soon.
A. Moyer asked Mr. Dalven-Borough resident if he had anything to say in reference to the Borough sign and the flowers. Mr. Dalven said he sent letters in reference to the digging on his property and he does not want the stones around the flower bed. Ann said the stones around the flower bed will be removed this weekend and Ann will correspond via email when they are doing maintenance to the bed since they will be on his property. R. Scott said if email was the best way since it takes time. Mr. Dalven also stated that Ann Moyer could call him. T. Stinnett stated as President of Council he would like to apologize to you Mr. Dalven that this should have be handled differently. Mr. Dalven stated no need for apology, it has been taken care of.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Ann Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on September 15, 2021.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present: Ann Moyer, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Tom Stinnett, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Jim Kopchak- Riegelsville Zoning Officer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. Riegelsville Library Trustee- Beth Banko and 3- Borough residents 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 September 2021 report. Permits: 3 Zoning permits: Fence.
Enforcement Activities:
129 Maplewood Road- No update.
Property owner of 808 Durham Road received a posted “stop work order” for doing construction work in the FEMA floodplain and along the Canal. A written “Notice of Violation” will be sent. The Bucks County Conservation District and PA DEP were notified.
R. Scott asked if anything can be done with the property on 141 Delaware Road, the painting needs to be completed and no one is ever there. Jim said a while ago a property maintenance letter was sent to paint the garage door and removing vehicles. That was taken care of. S. Masteller reported that the owner does take care of the lawn maintenance.
No scheduled ZHB meetings.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the August 2021 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Beth Banko – Library Board member reported to Council that the used Book sale will be held Friday September 17, 7-9pm for preview sale, with a $10.00 donation at the door. Saturday September 18th and 25th 9am-4pm. September 21, 4pm Edward Lupico will be viewing the Keystone Grant project site at the Library/Borough Building Terri and a board member will be attending.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz read the activity memo update from Chief Myers:
Tropical storm Ida: Fire Co. responded to fourteen 911 reported emergency call from 7pm on September 1, 2021 until 5:30am September 2, 2021. The Fire Co. was in service essentially until 4pm on September 4, 2021. The Fire Co. responded to an additional eight non 911 reported requests for help by residence of Nockamixon and Durham Township’s.
Fire Company Consolidation: The fire company consolidation is moving along rapidly. November 10, 2021 dual meeting to approve new consolidated Bylaws and Constitutions. This will allow the initial filing of paperwork with the Attorney General’s office and the Prothonotary’s Office on Bucks County. It is anticipated that early January 2022 the steering committee, along with the consultants, will meet each municipalities to discuss our partnership with regards to making this consolidation work for both the fire companies and the communities. Mayor Stokes asked if the Fire Company is staying in Riegelsville Ed said yes.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: A. Moyer reported that the 2 “Welcome to Riegelsville” signs at both ends of the Borough have been repainted and flowers will be added around them. Planter flowers at the pocket park by the pedestrian bridge will be replanted for fall. Plans for a scarecrow event are underway and flyers will be available soon. Next meeting is Wednesday September 29, 6pm at the Borough hall.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News:
E. Bartosiewicz reported no August meeting, the next meeting is Monday September 20, 2021
Rec Board News:
R. Scott reported that the Fall Ball (2 Softball & 1 Baseball teams) game schedule is set starting with the Men’s Red Team playoffs Saturday 3pm. Games and times are listed in “Rville Happenings” We are always looking for Concession stand help. Contact Borough office.
Car Show planning is in full swing! Next meeting is set September 16, 7pm.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: F. Preedy, Borough EMC just returned from the Palisades Middle School, they had a 20th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony.
Frank reported that due to Tropical Storm Ida he and J. Anderson have been putting many volunteer hours doing Borough checks due to the storm. Two properties had damage- 808 Durham Road and Riegelsville Trail is 2 locations and were reported to Bucks County and FEMA. Property owner at 808 Durham road was given the contact information due to her damage. Frank forwarded the documents that the Borough needs for filing the Trail damage. S. Masteller has contacted the Borough Engineer and Borough insurance agent for additional information that is needed to file the paperwork.
Frank reported that H & K has the contract from Penn DOT to fix North on 611 damage by the Canalside Cup, the work has started. Mayor Stokes will reach out to the Northampton County Penn Dot Supervisor to see if there is an update of how long the project will take. REMARK: Mayor Stokes reported that the Engineers have their paperwork/drawings ready now just the construction need to done consistently. They said it should be done by the end of November, Mayor Stokes will call for another update and report back to Council.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: T. Stinnett reported they did not have a September meeting due to the holiday, so the next meeting is October 4, 2021. A. Moyer asked if they heard anything from P. Ryan an official resignation, Tom stated no they have not.
Misc.: Bucks County voter box update: Council approved lease agreement during the September 8, Council meeting and the document was sent to Bucks County for their signatures.
Meeting adjourned 7:25pm. Next meeting October 20, 2021 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:25 pm on September 15, 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, Ann P Moyer, Ed Bartosiewicz, Kate Brandes, Tom Stinnett and Mayor Stokes.
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.
3 -Borough resident present. No one spoke.
Discussions:
Borough Hall boiler inspection/cleaning is set for Tuesday September 21, 2021.
Tree removal at Linden Lane/ Trail was done today, Sherry will get an update from Matt to see if it is complete. Matt took Rob, tree contractor to look at the some trees up on the Well 1&2 property that need to be removed. Rob will get back to us with a number of trees and quote. REMARK: Sherry reported that she has not received a quote yet and will send a reminder email tomorrow October 14, 2021.
S. Masteller is gathering information from Borough Engineer, Borough insurance agent, BC Emergency Services and FEMA for the walking path damage due to Storm Ida. Sherry will update Council as soon as more information is received.
Cowan, Borough engineer is preparing the final specs for the Borough office renovations plus the PennBid and Express Times advertising. The tentative schedule is to post on PennBid 9/16, PreBid meeting 10/13, Bids Due 10/27 and Council vote on award 11/10 during Council meeting. REMARK: Tom asked how the Office renovation pre bid went today. Sherry reported that there were 3 contractors, Borough Engineer, Rodney (Via facetime) present. They looked at the office and the electrical panel in the basement. If the Contractors have any questions they will ask the Engineer.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:37 pm Next meeting October 20, 2021 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on October 6, 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, Ann Moyer, 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. Tammy Macaluso-Borough resident was asked by her friend Mr. Dalven to read his letter since he was unable to attend the meeting. A. Moyer said T. Macaluso should not be reading the letter, Council agreed that she could read it since Mr. Dalven was unable to be there. This letter was in reference to permission not being obtained to be on his property to fix the “Welcome to Riegelsville sign”, to construct a flower bed with rocks, and plants in it. This additional letter was submitted to Council after Mr. Dalven confronted 4 ladies in his front yard planting flowers in a flower bed surrounded by rocks that he did not grant permission to construct below the “Welcome to Riegelsville sign”. Mr. Dalven would like Council to rectify this injustice. A. Moyer asked if Council saw Mr. Dalven’s first letter and the emails from Susan Mathias-Penn Community Bank manager. Council all said they did receive and read them. A. Moyer said she personally talked to Mr. Dalven when he came out while they were planting and she said he seemed fine with what they did. A. Moyer said that the Enhancement Committee will take care of the watering and maintenance of the flower beds around both signs at the north and south end of the Borough. R. Scott said we need to move forward with this to make it right for the Borough resident. K. Brandes stated we need to ask Mr. Dalven how this can be rectified. A. Moyer was asked to write a letter and email it to Council to look it over before it is mailed to Mr. Dalven.
Discussions:
Borough Building Front Porch/Steps- E. Bartosiewicz stated no update to report.
Durham Road/Small parking lot update- Nothing to report.
Bucks County Board of Elections drop box was set up and security cameras installed. Final signed lease agreement was received.
S. Masteller continues to gather information for the Trail damage from IDA for the FEMA paperwork.
We received an estimate from Borough Engineer-Cowan Associates for full reconstruction of Elmwood Road/Bidwell Lane.
Borough received the information on the Bucks County run regional Household Hazardous Waste program 2022-2025. Commitment form will be added to the Borough Council meeting October 13, 2021.
Meeting adjourned 7:21pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on November 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Kate Brandes called the Finance meeting to order on October 6 2021 at 7:22 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, Ed Bartosiewicz, Ann Moyer, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett
Others Present:
Tammy Macaluso-Borough Treasurer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
2 Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Covid funds update: Auditor stated that the initial report was due this month/October, now it is April 2022. Matt Brady suggested doing water main extension on Edgewood Road. Council discussed this and looked at the maps. Covid funds can be used for the water mains/updates for the Riegelsville Water Company. Tammy will reach out to Audrey-Borough Engineer for a project estimate.
Utility Truck needs a Headache Bar/lights the quote is approximately $850.00, this was discussed when Rodney talked about the truck seat/truck body but not voted on. Will be added to the Oct. Council meeting.
Borough received the updated programming fees from RCN.
Sherry reported that the PA Office of Open records put together a “2021 Agency website review”, there is information on the Borough website but more could be added. They gave examples. Sherry stated she needs help with the website and a Borough resident has offered to help with that, Sherry will reach out to her.
Sherry asked where we are with hiring additional part timers. Council discussed that we need a job description, updated application, and then the information will go out in the Rville Happenings and on the website.
Council looked over the finances and no questions to follow up on.
7:41pm started the 2022 Budget work session, will continue after the Utilities meeting on October 20, 2021.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm. Next Finance meeting will be held November 3, 2021 immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval to award Morton Salt the 2021-2022 salt bid $57.88 delivered price per ton. Minimum 20 tons. Increased by $10.13 over last year. R. Scott motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval to accept Peter Ryan’s resignation from Riegelsville Planning Commission. A. Moyer motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution R-04-21, Bucks County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan update. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of BC Planning Commission: Household Hazardous Waste Collection program 2022-2025. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of approx. $850.00 to Riegelsville Garage for the headache bar/lights for Utility Truck. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, K. Brandes seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $1,050.00 to Ken Kerstner (Backhoe & operator for drain pipe at the Borough Building). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $412.50 to Westside Hammer Electric (Street light damage from tree branch at Pedestrian Bridge/Riegelsville Inn). K. Brandes motioned to approve, A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hydrant Flushing is set for October 18-22 2021 9pm-midnight.
*** Frank Preedy- Riegelsville Borough EMC, discussed with Council the “FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program”. This will help remediate the storm drains over flowing when the River floods. Frank also talked to Devin Buzzard from DCNR about closing the canal locks when the Canal is rising in Riegelsville and Mayor Stokes said that he will contact them when they need to close them at a specific level. Tom said that he will be attending a Canal advisory committee meeting tomorrow and will also mention the canal locks.
*** A. Moyer made a motion to prepare and send a “Letter of Interest for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program” by Friday October 15, 2021, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
T. Stinnett reported that during the October 4, Riegelsville Planning Commission meeting a potential buyer for 702 Durham Road property talked about opening an art studio “Black Box Art” it will staff 2 employees, with approximately 10-20 visitors a day.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: K. Brandes motioned to approve bills. E. Bartosiewicz seconded.
Meeting adjourned 7:47 PM.
Next Council meeting November 10, 2021 at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary
*** Was added to the agenda during the meeting.