President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm July 13, 2022. 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: Ed Bartosiewicz, Gary Chase, Michael Pulsinelli, Rodney Scott, William Dudeck- Solicitor and Mayor Stokes.
Motion to approve June 8, 2022 Council Meeting minutes. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase Seconded. Unanimous.
Motion to approve June 15, 2022 Special Vacancy Board Meeting minutes. G. Chase motioned to approve, R. Scott Seconded. Unanimous.
Motion to approve June 15, 2022 Special Council Meeting minutes. G. Chase motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter was read from Riegelsville Public Library thanking the Borough for the annual donation.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that before tonight’s meeting Council had an executive session. Robert Ryan, Borough resident asked what the executive session was about. Tom stated it was in reference to RTK’s (Right to Knows).
Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported that he talked to the Black River representative about the Borough Water Company servicing their water service to the new building that is going up next to Hootz in NJ. Mayor Stokes contacted Sherry. They would need to contact Aqua NJ.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
June 2022
11~RTK requests received from Mr. Robert Ryan.
YTD: R. Ryan 48, A. Moyer 1, Smart Procure 1, Build Zoom 2.
7~ RTK 30 day extensions.
7~Granted (one still needs to be picked up with a $3.00 fee).
4~Denied on 7/8/2022.
2~ Appeals from PA Office of open records, Ryan VS Riegelsville Borough OOR Docket No. AP 2022-1464 Final Determination July 18, 2022 and Ryan VS Riegelsville Borough OOR Docket No. AP 2022-1425 Final Determination July 13, 2022. YTD: 10 Appeals, R. Ryan 9, B. Banko 1.
Open Records Officer Hours: 10 1/2 Hours/ Total $206.85 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to agencies of the Borough.
YTD: $1,152.45
YTD Appeals hours: 12 1/2 hours/$246.25
Zoning officer 30 minutes/ $31.50. YTD: $31.50
Solicitor fees: June: $250.00 YTD: $1,062.50
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
6-Borough residents. No one spoke.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Thomas Stinnett called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm on June 15, 2022.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Gary Chase and Rodney Scott.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Mayor Stokes, Becky Finberg- Library Youth Service Coordinator and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
7- Borough residents present.
Comments from citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Nothing to report.
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council his June 2022 report
Permits: 3- Building permits: Commercial roof, Hoop house, 200 Amp service. 2-Zoning permits: 2 residential re-roofs.
Enforcement Activities:
129 Maplewood Road- Court date was June 1, 2022. Jim discussed that he has received some of the required paperwork and Jim had no objection to a 30 day continuance. Honorable Gambardella granted the 30 day continuance.
808 Durham Road update: No new updates as of 6/15/22.
702 Durham Road: Work was done without permits, received stop work order and notice of violation on May 4, 2022. Todd Myers, issued the floodplain review letter on April 20, 2022 Property owner did not submit the documents that Todd requested.
Property Maintenance Violations:
141 Delaware Road, 118 Fern Road and 224 Easton Road have until June 21, 2022 for compliance.
Mr. Kreider, 141 Delaware Road has requested an additional 30 days. Mr. Kreider has made minimal repairs to the garage door. Council stated agreed to give him extra 30 days to complete the violations.
No scheduled ZHB meetings.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the May 2022 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Becky Finberg- Library Youth Service Coordinator reported they need a new AC, they are getting quotes. 40 Children have signed up for the Summer Art program. Terri and Becky met with Emily Webber-Wood, Marketing and Fundraising Specialist BCFL. Emily had suggestions about how to work with the algorithm in place on Facebook.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported the next Breakfast is Father’s Day, June 19, 8am to noon. Springtown Fire Company is also helping with Breakfast and calls.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: No June meeting. July 7, is the next meeting.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported they continue to look for more employees.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported all 4 teams (T-Ball, 6/7/8 Softball, 13 U baseball and Men’s baseball) continue to finish their season. The baseball field backstop will be replaced when there is a time off in the game schedule.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: F. Preedy reported that he attended a flood plain class. Frank received the BC “Excessive Heat Emergency Annex”, Bucks County would like to know if the Borough meeting room could be a cooling station, Frank will be present if Council would like to participate. Frank will get back to Sherry by June 29.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: T. Stinnett reported they did not have a meeting on June 6, 2022 due to no quorum. David Brandes and Todd Myers continue working on updating the Flood plain/ Storm water Ordinance. No meeting in July due to Holiday.
Misc.:
E. Bartosiewicz introduced Kathleen Kurtz to Borough Council, The Library Trustees appointed her during their meeting on Monday June 13, 2022.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting July 20, 2022 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:18pm on June 15, 2022.
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, Gary Chase and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
7- Borough residents present.
Concerns from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Sue Pulsinelli, Borough resident that she is having a strong smell of chlorine in her facet. The time is around 12-2am. Sherry will contact John, water operator to discuss this. There is no water work in the Borough right now.
Discussions:
Office renovation: Rodney asked Sherry when they will be in. There is still something going on this the internet/ WIFI, when that is straightened out Sherry will move in, probably next week. Tammy is hoping to move in end of this week.
Covid funds/Water main connection project: Bid packets have been put on Penn Bid and the Pre bid meeting is set for Tuesday June 21, 2022.
Elmwood Lane/ Bidwell Road project: Just waiting on the bid packets and time line from Cowan, Borough Engineer. Bob Ryan, Borough resident asked if Court Lane was included too. Rodney stated it is not included in this project.
Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding program, PennDOT application due June 30: Rodney reported that he has been researching this annual program. This is considered smaller funding and the recipients are approved by a point system. The Borough has 16 storm drains, 8 need to be hand dug out. This would be a great project for road safety. Plus the traffic light would be another good project for us. This is a yearly funding program and is awarded each January. Rodney will talk to Tammy in reference to the application requirements.
Misc.:
Sherry reported that she received an email from Tricia that stated that there is no update on the Well installation at their farmland, she will update Council when this changes.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:35 pm. Next meeting July 20, 2022 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on July 6, 2022. If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present: Ed Bartosiewicz, Gary Chase, Michael Pulsinelli, 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.
3-Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Borough Office renovation is complete. Jim Kopchak, Zoning officer suggests getting Borough Engineer to do a safety score and certificate of occupancy for the Borough Building. Council agreed, Sherry will contact Cowan Associates.
Borough Building front porch, gutter and tenant stairs update: Ed did receive one quote for the gutter on the front porch. The current gutter is 5 inch K. Rodney said he could help Ed. Bob Ryan, Borough resident asked if this is something that Matt could help with. Sherry did ask Matt if he could replace the stairs, he said he could be a helper. Ed will put a list together for the supplies and Matt can get them.
Elmwood Ln/Bidwell Ln road project update: Cowan should have the bid documents ready for the Borough Council meeting on July 13, 2022.
Pedestrian Bridge board replacement/pressure washing/water sealing update: Boards have been replaced. Monday July 11, 2022 Sonny and Tony will start pressure washing to prepare for sealing. The Trail Bridge will also be done.
Chevy dump truck update: The Chevy dump will go to Riegelsville Auto on Monday July 11, 2021 to give us a quote. Rodney asked what it needed to have done to pass inspection. Ed thinks it is a rust issue. Rodney will ask Matt again. REMARK: The truck has a hydraulic leak and rust issues.
Library Front door: Sonny and Tony finished the Library door and fixed the cleaning supply door. Need to purchase paint that matches the other doors.
Quotes were received from Ziebart of Quakertown 2004 Ford undercoating & 2017 Ford undercoating. The quotes will be added to July 13, 2022 Council agenda.
Borough Building Shingle issue update: Ed will email Cowan, Borough engineer to have the installer fix it.
Alley behind Post office update: Matt reported to Council that the Alley needs to be graded again. This alley is heavily used. There is also a french drain that needs attention, the grate is below the grade of the alley. Rodney said Cowan, Borough Engineer should look at the issues and we can take care of them.
Bob Ryan, Borough resident asked when the 611 Drains will be cleaned. Mayor Stokes states he hasn’t heard a date and he will give them a call and update Council.
Meeting adjourned 7:16 pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on August 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order on June 1, 2022 at 7:16 pm.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present:Gary Chase, Ed Bartosiewicz, Michael Pulsinelli, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett
Others Present:
Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
3 Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Gary reported to Council that Ordinance #245 Septic Ordinance was advertised and will be add to the July 13, Council agenda for Vote.
Gary reported that on June 30, 2022, Tammy, Tom and he met James Cahill, Owner of JEC Computers LLC from Erwinna PA to discuss .org email platform for Council and employees. Discussed Microsoft 365, cloud backup and security. These upgrades will be done in stages. James is putting together his recommendations and a quote for Council.
Gary reported that the draft of the Borough bylaws may be ready by July 13, 2022 Council meeting for Borough Council to start looking over. Ed stated that during the last Library meeting a suggestion was to have a Council member to attend the group that will be reviewing the Library By-Laws. Sherry will email the Board of Trustees for more information. Gary would be willing to attend or Michael Pulsinelli, New Community Affairs Chair.
Gary reported that he has additional information on the annual “Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding program with PennDOT. This is a 14 million dollar program, the largest award was 1 million. Recipients are approved by a point system, first time applicants and the recipients adding funding is high in the point system. The Borough Traffic light would be an appropriate project. The Traffic light is due for an inspection, Sherry will reach out to Armour & Sons to make sure we are on their calendar. The timeframe is 2 years.
Spring 2023- Scope of work and application June 2023. June- July 2024- construction of the project. November 2024- forward paid project documents. February –April 2025 receive finding.
Gary reported that since Hootz restaurant and the train station (soon) is opening on the New Jersey side of the Bridge, we may see more tourists looking to visit and park in the downtown area of the Borough. Fixing the Small parking lot on Durham road will add some spaces. Sherry will reach out to Cowan, Borough Engineer for an update of the Parking lot renovation.
Rodney reached out to the property owner of the 2 Vacant properties (old Bank & the 5 & 10) to see if those properties are for sale or not. The owner would like to get tenants. The Bank building has a lot of available parking and maybe that could help the possible parking issue.
Bob Ryan, Borough resident asked Council that he saw a “Stop Work Order” notice on 702 Durham Road, did the property owner attend a Planning meeting about parking yet. Tom stated that on 2 occasions he was going to attend but did not.
Council looked over the financials. Gary asked if the account numbers needed to be under the description of the checks that are written.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm. Next Finance meeting will be held August 3, 2022, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Motion for nominations to appoint “President Pro Tempore” to replace Kate Brandes. R. Scott motioned to appoint Gary Chase, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Ordinance #245 “An ordinance governing municipal management and maintenance of on-lot sewage disposal facilities in the Borough of Riegelsville, Bucks County, PA”. R. Scott motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval for Cowan “Elmwood Rd/Bidwell Ln road project”, to post on Penn Bid and Newspaper (Borough Secretary will put in the newspaper). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of quote $2,500.00 (2004 Ford Truck sandblasting and undercoating) to Ziebart of Quakertown. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
Approval of quote $1,100.00 (2017 Ford Truck undercoating) to Ziebart of Quakertown. R. Scott motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
Approval of check $3,200.00 S& M General Services (5-slab replacements). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
Approval of check $7,280.00 W. Dowd Excavating LLC (5-Curb stop replacements). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous
Borough Council received the bid review and recommendation from Cowan Associates, Borough Engineer for “Edgewood Road Water Main Extension”. Four bids were received.
Approval to award bid to the low bid base $62,185.00 to Passerini & Sons, INC. for “Edgewood Road Water Main Extension project”. G. Chase motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval to execute the agreement. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous
Approval of “Notice of intent to award”. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS: Nothing to report.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: G. Chase motioned to approve bills. R. Scott seconded.
Meeting adjourned 7:37 PM.
Next Council meeting August 10, 2022 at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary