President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. December 9, 2015. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken. PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Kathleen Weiss, Ed Bartosiewicz, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. K. Weiss motioned to approve the minutes from November 11, 2015 Council Meeting. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter was received from Lance Lawn Care, thanking the Borough for letting them take care of our lawn needs.
REPORTS:
President – Tom Stinnett thanked Kathie Weiss, Vice President of Borough Council for her thirteen years on Council, Kathie is retiring from Council and tonight is her last meeting.
Mayor – Mayor Stokes commended Kathie for her service to the Borough Council.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: One Borough resident and many family and friends of Kathie Weiss came to support her last Borough Council meeting.
Sherry Masteller, Borough Secretary thanked Kathie Weiss for making her feel welcome when she first started working for the Borough and learning the ropes as the Council Secretary. Enjoy your extra time to have fun.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs:
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough zoning officer reported to Council that 3 Building permits were issued
1-addition, 1-foundation, 1-electrical service and 2 Zoning Permits were issued 1-addition, 1-Single Family Dwelling. 141 Delaware Road Property owner has a rescheduled court date for Wednesday January 13, or later 2015 for property maintenance violations. Jim suggested a few amendments to the Borough Ordinance 225 adopting the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code. Sherry and Jim continue to review the fee schedule.
UBREMS News: Wendy Badman, Durham resident joined the board.
Library News: Terri Randolph, Riegelsville Library Director emailed the November 2015 minutes to the borough office. Estelle Bloom, Library Board trustee reported to Council that the Brewfest was a great success for the first year. Bravo to Erica Sommer for the terrific planning and working so well with Mueller’s. The Barnes and Noble “Bookfair” at the Easton location was another success in spite of the low local participation. Lots of fun was had at the Riegelsville Halloween Parade. The annual Gingerbread making event is scheduled for December 12.
October statistics:
Circulation: 1509
Public Count: 665
Historic Room Visits: 0
Internet use: 28
Wireless use: 37
Items added: 93
Adult programs: 1 programs with 7 adults.
Juvenile: 10 programs 78 children, 50 Adults.
Art in the Library: 3 event, 17 attended.
Fire Co. News: November 15 Breakfast served about 366. Community dinner is Saturday December 5. Santa Breakfast is December 20.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: Elaine Albrecht gave the September minutes to Sherry.
No meeting December and January. They are selling 2016 Calendars ”Riegelsville Yesterday and Today Celebrating 100 years” $10.00, they can be purchased at the Borough Office, Fig Tree and Super Natural Hair Salon! GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Nothing to report.
Rec Board News: The new counter tops, cabinet and hot water heater was put in the concession stand before the car show. The car show was a huge success. Final numbers are being gathered.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: 1st draft “outdoor and open burning” was given to Council.
State Police stats from October 2015 was received.
Last night November 17 was the second round of public meetings for the Delaware Canal Vision study in the Borough Hall.
Utilities:
Discussions:
The dead oak tree at 573 Easton Road has been removed and cleaned up.
Ken Kerstner, Matt Brady, Sonny Groller and Dick Meade are attending the DEP Seminar tomorrow in reference to new coliform testing to start April 2016.
Council discussed the proposed Ordinance for outdoor and open burning. The Riegelsville Planning Commission prepared the proposed Ordinance.
Borough office received the RCN updated franchise agreement.
No December meeting.
Streets & Properties:
Discussions:
Jim Kopchak, Zoning officer sent a letter to Tom Kreider in reference to what needs to be taken care in reference the Property Maintenance Code before the January Court date.
Ed updated Council on the heat for the Borough Garage, Ed talked to Matt and will contact Philo for an updated quote for insulation.
No crack sealing until spring.
Finance:
Discussions:
Council received the final copy of the proposed water increase resolution and the Tax levy ½ mil increase that will be on the Council agenda December 9, 2015.
Council received a copy of Cowan’s quote for the “No Right Hand Turn” on Delaware Road entering Easton Road heading south.
Council looked over the financials.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Approval of the 2016 Draft Budget. R. Scott motioned to approve. K. Weiss seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Ordinance #232, Tax Levy for 2016 (13.25 Mils). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. K. Weiss seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution R-07-15, Water rate increase for 2016. R. Scott motioned to approve. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS: None to report.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: K. Weiss motioned to approve bills. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
Meeting adjourned 7:30 PM.
Borough office will be closed December 14 & 25, 2015 January 1, 2016
Council Re-Org Meeting January 4, 2016 at 7pm
Next Council Meeting January 13, 2016 at 7pm