President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 p.m. April 13, 2016. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken. PRESENT: Thomas Stinnett, Ed Bartosiewicz, Audrey R Kenny, Ann P Moyer, Rodney Scott and Mayor Stokes. A. Kenny motioned to approve the minutes from March 9, 2016. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Email dated March 21, 2016 from Tom Stinnett, Secretary of Riegelsville Planning Commission presented their 2015 minutes.
REPORTS:
President – Tom Stinnett reported that Ann Moyer and he attended the quarterly dinner meeting of the Bucks County Borough Association, Ed Troxell went over the hot topics Spring 2016 PSAB government affairs.
Mayor – Mayor Stokes reported to Council that he attended the Delaware River Basin Commission-Regulated Flow Advisory Committee meeting in Hawley, PA on April 5, 2016. There was a rapid flow reduction the last week of March in the West Branch of the Delaware River (approx. 750cfs to 100cfs), there was no response and no explanation forthcoming from any of the Principals. This event also coincided with the coveted and historic opening day of Trout fishing season in NY State. Mayor Stokes will keep Council updated on these issues.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: One Borough resident present, no comments at this time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affair
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer reported to Council that one building permit/Re-roof wasissued to 211 Fairview Road. Stop work order was issued at 112/114 Delaware Road, Contractors continue to work without permits. Todd Myers met with Jim to go over the grading and evaluate the property due to being in the flood plain. Stop work order was issued for 1255 Durham Road, Todd Myers met at the property due to the FEMA flood plain issues. Council approved the Ordinance #233 “Adopting the 2012 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code” March 9, 2016. Todd Myers is looking over the current fee schedule for updating the engineering sections.
Library News: No representative was present. Sherry received the Directors March 2016 report via emailed. Ann reported that the library received a $6500.00 grant so the “Art in the Library” will start again in April. The Library needs to switch their IT hardware equipment. The youth service department has a new Gmail account: [email protected]. Complete minutes are filed in the Borough office.
Fire Co. News: “Fish Fry Friday” March 11, served 212. Next breakfast March 20, 2016, 8am to noon, with Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Easter Flower Fundraiser is March 24, 25 and 26 at Antique Haven.
Riegelsville 100 Year meeting news: Next meeting March 28, 2016 at 6pm. Celebration will begin Friday June 24 and Saturday June 25, rain date Sunday June 26, at the Borough Park. Time 3-11pm. Events: Parade, Welcome ceremony, Chili Cook-off, Live music/games/food, Movie under the stars. Fundraising Mugs/T-shirts.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee News: Next meeting is Wednesday March 23, 2016 at 7pm, Borough Hall.
UBREMS News: Ed reported that a law was passed that the insurance companies will directly pay the invoices.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Nothing to report.
Rec Board News: Rodney reported that girls’ softball signups are going well. T-Ball flyers went
Out, emails where sent to last year players and put on social media. Rodney has been getting quotes for lawn maintenance for the Park.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: During the last meeting on March 7, 2016 they looked over the
draft of the Burn Ordinance.
State Police: Stats from February 2016 was received.
Sherry got a copy of a resolution from New Hope Borough supporting the Senate Bill #974 and House bill # 1510 known as the PA Fairness Act. Tom will look over this resolution and get back to Council.
Utilities
Discussions:
There was a major water leak at 529 Easton Road that Matt Brady and W. Dowd Excavating did the repair. Matt recycled some copper that was damaged by the chlorine leak then moved the other copper to the garage.
The Ford Utility needed a new starter.
Tire quotes were received for the Backhoe and will be added to the Council agenda on April 13.
Tullytown Borough sent the Borough office a copy of their resolution opposing the Trans-Pacific Trade deal, plus they attached a handout with additional information, Council will look over these document.
“Bucks County Tour of Honor”, will offer another Veterans trip on September 26, 2016, more information will follow. In 2015 the Borough gave a donation to this great cause.
Streets & Properties
Discussions:
The street sweeping quote will be added to the Council agenda on April 13.
The Recreation Board has decided to stay with the current landscape company as long as he give monthly invoices.
Durham Historical Society will not be using the meeting room for a presentation on Lenape Indians April 24th, 2016 at 2pm. Due to not wanting to fill out the room rules & regulations forms.
We are waiting on 2 more quotes for painting the smaller fire escape, we have one so far.
Sherry spoke to Bill Sadow in person and asked if the front railing project could be completed by April 30, if not then we will get another contractor to do this job. Bill said he will definitely get the job done. Council approved the project June 2015.
Borough office received an email from John Huffman, Borough resident with a concern about the excessive speed between the firehouse and up Sherer’s Hill that leads into Durham Township. Mr. Huffman spoke to PennDOT and they suggested we do speed bumps. Council read the email and it was forwarded to Todd Myers, Borough Engineer. Todd did state that a traffic study would need to be done before anything can be done to the Borough road. The State police will be notified as to this specific speed area again. Council will continue looking into other suggestions besides speed bumps. Sherry will send Mr. Huffman an email stating what Council discussed.
Matt would like to replace the temporary fencing down at the pedestrian bridge with 2 split rail fence. Council agreed since the neighbor property has the same.
Matt received one quote to frame out and cover the garage walls with plywood plus prime and paint. Council suggested getting at least another quote.
Matt is trying the new cold patch from M&W Supply a subdivision of Wehrung’s since we can get it by the scoop and they are close by.
Finance
Discussions:
Riegelsville Community Fire Co. #1 cordially invites each Council member and a guest to attend their Banquet on Saturday evening April 30, 2016. Sherry will send the RSVP to Todd Myers.
Council received a save the date for the May 10, 2016 Delaware Canal 21 Landmark future luncheon, formal invitation to follow.
Council received an Open House celebration of the Quakertown Regional Trail Network on Thursday, April 28th, 5:30-8:30 at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place, Quakertown.
The resolution opposing house bill 340 (Recording executive sessions) will be added for consideration to the Council agenda on April 13, 2016.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Lower Delaware, Wild Scenic River will be added for consideration to the Council agenda on April 13. 2016.
Sherry will attend the FEMA & PEMA briefing on Monday April 11, at 1pm in reference to the January severe storm incident.
Kris Kern, Senior Land Conservationist, Heritage Conservancy has not heard any information on the Borough’s DCED grant due to the State budget impasse.
Council discussed the current Borough Employees vacation/personal and sick time benefits. Currently there is no bereavement days off listed. Council and Sherry will continue looking for more information and report it back to Council.
Council looked over financials.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Approval of check $1,124.69 to Riegelsville Auto (Chevy Insp. /tires) E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $2430.00 to W. Dowd Excavating LLC (529 Easton Road water repair) R. Scott motioned to approve. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $10,936.00 to Armour & Son’s (2 30’strain pole replacements) R. Scott motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of not to exceed $1850.00 to Riegelsville Auto (new Backhoe tires & sanding, painting rims) A. Moyer motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Reilly Sweeping to street sweep the Borough streets, not to exceed $1,100.00. R. Scott motioned to approve. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of bid for the small fire escape at the Borough building was awarded to Dave Nadeau in the amount of $1470.00. R. Scott motioned to approve. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval to advertise Ordinance #234 Outdoor and Open Burning. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. A. Moyer seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of “Memorandum of Understanding” implementing the designation of the Lower Delaware River and selected tributaries as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Systems. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution R-02-16, to Support the PA Fairness Act. A. Moyer motioned to approve. A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution R-03-16, Designation of agent (Sherry L Masteller-Borough Secretary) for PEMA (Winter Storm Jonas-DR4267). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. A. Kenny seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution R-04-16, Opposing House Bill 340 Recording Executive Sessions. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve. R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS: None to report.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: A. Kenny motioned to approve bills. E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Borough office is closed Election Day, Tuesday April 26, 2016.
Meeting adjourned 8:00 PM.
Next Council Meeting May 11, 2016 at 7pm.