President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm November 9, 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, Michael Pulsinelli, Rodney Scott, Tom Stinnett and Mayor Stokes.
Motion to approve October 12, 2022 Council Meeting minutes R. Scott motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Borough Council received an email from Pat and Therese Johnsen, Borough Residents thanking
Council for organizing the recycling event on Saturday October 15, 2022
Borough Council received a Thank you letter from Enhancement Committee. Thanking Council,
Sherry, Borough Secretary and Matt, Public Works Supervisor for assistance with the new Christmas tree. Especially Matt for hand digging the hole for the tree ball.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that Council received a copy of a draft dog ordinance from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs to look over. This will be added to next week’s meeting.
Mayor: Mayor Stokes thanked the election ladies that worked at the polls. Mayor Stokes thanked Matt, Tony, Sonny and Quakertown Borough for helping clean out the lateral drains. PA State Police was present at the Annual Car show. Craig Staats attended the Annual Car show.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
1~ RTK received from Smart Procure. YTD: R. Ryan 53, A Moyer YTD 2, Smart Procure 2, Build Zoom 2, Attorney Jacobs 1.
No extensions.
1~Granted.
No new appeals. YTD: R. Ryan 9, B. Banko 1.
Open Records Officer Hours: 1/2 Hour~ Total $9.85 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD: $1,546.45. ORO-Appeals YTD: $344.75
Treasurer: 15 minutes / $5.18 YTD: $188.25
Zoning officer YTD: $84.00
Solicitor fees:
October paid: $639.68 YTD: $3,114.68
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
3 Borough residents and Jim Nilsen-UBREMS Treasurer (came in late-Spoke at the end of meeting).
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm on October 19, 2022.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present: Michael Pulsinelli, Ed Bartosiewicz, Gary Chase, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Tammy Macaluso- Borough Treasurer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 1- Borough residents present.
Comments 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 October 2022 report.
No Building Permits. 1-Zoning permit: Fence.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of October 19, 2022.
702 Durham Road: No update as of October 19, 2022. Gary asked if 702 property owner has not done anything since April 2022. Jim said he has not done anything to comply with the stop order and there is nothing we can do unless the property has property maintenance issues.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: We will be filing a non-traffic citation next week for not complying with the property maintenance violation.
919 Easton Road, Zoning office received a complaint regarding the overgrown vegetation and the poor condition on the roof and fascia boards at the property. Property maintenance violation letter was sent out August 10, 2022 to the property owner. The compliance date is October 12, 2022. An attorney for the owner called to discuss the violations and stated the owner will arrange for the property to be cleaned up. In the next week it will be inspected for compliance.
573 Easton Road, Borough office received a complaint regarding chickens. The property is on 1.59 acres. The Zoning code requires a minimum 3 acres to have poultry on your property. A violation notice was sent on September 7, 2022. The compliance date is October 12, 2022. Update: Letter was received dated October 7, 2022 from tenant that the chickens are for emotional support. Documentation was received also. Jim responded on October 12, 2022 stated that the property owner needs to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board for relief from Article III, Section 303(A1) (a). That is for a dimensional variance because the property is less than 3 acres. Gary asked if the letters are going to the Property owner, Jim said they are going to the owner and the tenant.
No scheduled ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings. UCC/DCED quarterly report was submitted to Tamm- Borough Treasurer.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the September 2022 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Next meeting is November 14, 2022. Kathleen Kurtz, Library Board of Trustees member reported that they are required to apply for the Government’s System for Award Management (SAM) they are awaiting the final certification. They submitted the filing with the PA State Library the plans for the use of the projected $6,093.37. The Library uses this money to supplement the new material budget each year. The Library will be presenting 2 more new programs for the fall. Elizabeth Weaver will be presenting Peter Uhler, 19th Century Williams Township Entrepreneur. On Saturday November 5, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Community Room. Durham Days was held on October 15, 2022, Kathleen and Beth represented the Library- it was a great day. Youth Services Statistics for September 2022: Total Programs: 4 Total Attendance: Children: 13 Adults: 13.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that on October 1, 2-8pm, The PRFR (Palisades Regional Fire Rescue) had the Open House/Community Day event at the Palisades middle school. Around 600 people attended, they weather was a little rain off and on. Recently we had 3 calls at one time so it helped having the other stations to coordinate with. Gary asked what kind of calls does the Fire Company usually get, Ed stated house fires, vehicle accident and Alarm systems.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: Pumpkin Carving Contest is set for October 26. The live Christmas tree has been planted watch for updates of holiday events.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported they continue to look for more employees. Continue going on calls. Ryan Pankoe, Executive Director will be attending the November 2, Committee meeting to discuss their funding request for the Borough.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported the 13 U Boys Baseball has playoff games on Saturday October 22.
New Basketball nets will go up next week. State Rep Craig Staats is checking hi Calendar to possible hand out the Trophies at the Fall Rollout Car show.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank reported that he attended Zoom Bucks County EMS meeting. Took a Zoom PEMA training on October 13. Attended Palisades Emergency Management meeting on October 13. Frank is taking State Rep Staats on a tour of Riegelsville and visit the library on Friday.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Met on October 3, 2022, Discussed and suggested Council hire Cowan to update the Storm water management and Floodplain Ordinances. Next meeting is set for November 7, 2022.
Meeting adjourned 7:34 pm Next meeting November 16, 2022 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:47pm on October 19, 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, Gary Pulsinelli and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Tammy Macaluso- Borough Treasurer, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 1- Borough residents present.
Concerns from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Discussions:
Covid funds/Water line extension Edgewood project: Mobilization is set for the week of October 31, 2022.
Elmwood Lane/ Bidwell Road project: Tentative date to start the end of November/First week of December.
Update on Electronic recycling: Ed reported that they filled 2 large trucks. Did not charge the residents for refrigerators, they said to give a donation to the Firehouse. Hopefully we can get them again next Fall 2023.
Cowan Quote for Borough Reservoir property survey: Council received the quote and agreed it needed to be done. Cowan will survey all the Riegelsville Borough property at Well 1 and 2. Then they can meet with Mr. Brown in reference to the property lines and ours.
Misc.: Tonight will be the last night for Hydrant flushing. Meeting Adjourned: 7:46 pm.
7:46pm – 8:11pm 2023 Budget discussion. Next meeting November 16, 2022 7pm.
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on November 2, 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, Michael Pulsinelli, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Mayor Stokes and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary and Ryan Panko, Director/Chief Upper Bucks Regional EMS, Inc.
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
No Borough residents present.
Ryan Panko, Director/Chief Upper Bucks Regional EMS, Inc. presented to Council the Annual Municipal Update. They received National recognition from American Heart Association- 2022 Mission Lifeline “GOLD PLUS” EMS and EMS agency meets all of the standards established as part of a “Voluntary Pediatric Recognition Program- Expert Level. Bucks County is giving UBREMS $44, 000.00 from ARPA funds to utilize for recruitment. UBREMS can only charge the insurance companies when the patient is transported to the hospital. There is a $7,000.00 shortfall in Subscriptions for 2022. Currently $300,000.00 Revenue shortfall in 2023. St. Luke’s University Health Network provides training for the current EMT’s and Paramedics for the yearly hours that are mandatory. Ryan explained this is why he is asking for $26,523.91 from the Borough for 2023. Borough gave $18, 000.00 in 2022. Tom stated that the Draft 2023 Budget has $18,000.00(this include the ½ percent tax and the rest from General fund to UBREMS.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: Update-Cowan will do a walk-through of the Borough Building with Jim Kopchak, Ed and Rodney will be set up, waiting for date.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update & replacement boards on the Pedestrian Bridge, received one quote. Waiting on the second quote.
Elmwood Ln/Bidwell Ln road project update: End of November/Early December.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith: We are connecting next week.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: Rodney talked to Ed from EMB contracting today and will be put a quote together to seal off the returns for winter then do construction after. We may need to allocate more money since we never know how deep the rot is.
Edgewood Water Main project: Updated schedule: November 7 and 8, start excavation, plates will cover the excavation at the end of the day. November 10-14 perform the taps and lay the water main. Letters were mailed to residents with estimated schedule and went out in the Email Blast. 11/3 or 11/4 this update will go out in the Email Blast.
256 Linden Lane Plants trees/shrubs/ trail update: Matt talked to the property owner and Rodney looked at the placement of the trees. Matt has the copy of the plans/maps of the Trail to check to see whose property they are on. Ed will look over the plans and talk to the Property owners.
945 Edgewood Road has a retention pond/sandpit on the property that rises and drains with the Delaware River. There is some kind of plastic laying in it that was not in there before. Council stated that Borough Engineer- Cowan Associates should look into this.
Meeting adjourned 7:54pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on December 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Rodney Scott called the Finance meeting to order on November 4 2022 at 7:54pm.
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, Michael Pulsinelli 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.
No Borough residents present.
Discussions:
Borough Email & IT Upgrades update; Jim-JEC will tentatively start 11/15-working remote, then 11/16 should be in the Borough office.
Review of Library and Borough Bylaws; Borough Bylaws are finished and Tom reviewed them. No update.
Armour & Sons 2022 Inspection report received – 2022 Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program. Gary and Rodney are going to meet with Fred from Armour & Sons to go over the report. Sherry will contact PennDOT for them to update the Borough’s permit.
Pulse Water Meter Purchased and received. We are going to update our current water meters in 2024.
The damaged fence by the Well due to fallen tree will be repaired the week of November 7.
Durham Road Small Parking lot/ Quote received. Gary is reaching out to Cowan to see if there are any ideas of how to cut the cost of redoing the Parking lot.
Tree quotes (2) were received. Cowan is surveying the Riegelsville parcels at Well 1 and 2 within 30 days.
Non-slip Tape for the walking bridge steps update: Estimate to purchase the tape will be added to Council agenda November 9 for approval.
TNT Groundworks, LLC Agricultural security area. – Bill Dudeck is looking over the paperwork and will report back to Council.
Borough heating oil update: Council suggested to stay with Moyer since the Market is so volatile right now. We will still get a cost plus discount.
Council received Borough Engineer, Cowan’s 2023 rates.
Council received Tru Green 2023 Rate for the contract for the arborvitaes on Delaware Hill. Quote will be added to the Council agenda.
2023 Draft Budget will be added to the Council agenda for approval to advertise.
Council looked over the finances and had no questions.
Next Finance meeting will be held December 7 2022, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote. N/A
Approval to advertise the Draft 2023 Budget and the Tax Rate 15.50 Mils, Ordinance #246. R. Scott motioned to advertise, E. Bartosiewicz seconded.
Approval for TruGreen 2023 proposal of $821.92 for Delaware Hill Parking lot shrubs & down to traffic light. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded.
Approval to purchase with an e-check for Microsoft Office 365, Business License, $870 per year. R. Scott motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli seconded.
Approval to purchase anti slip tape from Uline cost with shipping $610.70. R. Scott motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli seconded.
Approval of checks to Riegelsville Auto $1137.47 GF, $1137.47 WF (F350 2004, Inspection, shocks, ball joints) E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli seconded.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF BILLS: E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills, R. Scott seconded.
Jim Nilsen-UBREMS Treasurer introduced himself to Borough Council and wanted to ask if they had seen the 2022 Municipal presentation the lists the suggested 2023 request. Tom stated that Ryan Panko attended the Committee meeting on November 2, 2022, and tonight we voted to advertise the 2023 Draft budget. Tom suggested UBREMS come to the Borough early to discuss requests next time.
The meeting adjourned 7:34 PM.
Next Council meeting December 14, 2022 at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary