President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm December 14, 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, Tom Stinnett, and William Dudeck-Borough Solicitor.
Motion to approve November 9, 2022, Council Meeting minutes E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE: none received.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that Borough Council and Bill Dudeck-Borough Solicitor had a 27-minute Executive session before tonight’s meeting in reference to prospective legal issue by recent correspondence. Bob asked what legal issue? Tom stated that is all I have to report.
Mayor: Absent
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
November 2022 No RTK’s received. YTD: R. Ryan 53, A Moyer YTD 2, Smart Procure 2, Build Zoom 2, Attorney Jacobs 1.
No new appeals. YTD: R. Ryan 9, B. Banko 1.
Open Records Officer Hours: ORO YTD: $1,546.45. ORO-Appeals YTD: $344.75
Treasurer: YTD: $188.25
Zoning officer YTD: $84.00
Solicitor fees:
November paid: $100.00 YTD: $3,214.68
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
5 Borough residents present.
Don and Kim Monteverde, residents near the Trail. Don remembers that during the trail process that we were told that if there is any money left then we could put up privacy shrubs/ trees. Tom stated that if there was extra money, we would have put trees/ shrubs on resident’s properties not Borough property. Kim planted Burning bush and forsythias on the Borough property and put rocks around them, so they don’t get mowed. Kim will remove the rocks but would like to keep the shrubs. Rodney, Gary and Matt will meet Don and Kim at the trail to see the placement of the shrubs on the Borough property. Tom showed the plans for the trail.
Thomas Murtha (TNT Groundworks, LLC) property owner stated he was sorry it took so long for him to come in person due to the busy farm season, to explain that would like to add five of his parcels into the Agricultural Security Area (ASA). Riegelsville does not have an ASA so permission would be needed from the Council to join Durham Townships ASA. Thomas’s top priority is to preserve and protect the farmland. The farmland has class 1 soil. The first step is the tracts need to be in an ASA. G. Chase asked how long you will be farming, Thomas said forever. Thomas also said if anyone has questions, they can contact John Ives, Director of Agricultural Land Preservation & Open Space Programs/ Bucks County Planning Commission too. Thomas also said he is trying to go forward with the new Well construction and will be following the Boroughs rules and regulations that were already agreed on.
Debra Wooden, Borough Resident asked Council if they are still looking into a Dog Ordinance. T. Stinnett said the Council has a draft copy of a “dog nuisance ordinance” from PA Borough association. The council will continue to be discussed during Community Affairs meeting.
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on November 16, 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, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary and Kathleen Kurtz- Library Board of Trustees member. 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 November 2022 report.
2- Building Permits: 1-Alterations, 1-Chimney repair. 2-Zoning permit: 2-Re-Roof. Jim is in the office on November 23, 9-noon.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of November 16, 2022.
702 Durham Road: No update as of November 16, 2022.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation.
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for 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. A 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. Non-traffic citations were filed on October 27th, 2022. No update as of November 16, 2022.
573 Easton Road, Borough office received a complaint regarding chickens. The property is on 1.59 acres. The Zoning code requires a minimum of 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, stating 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. Non-traffic citations were filed on November 9, 2022.
300 Bidwell Lane: The Borough Council received a complaint regarding bright lights that are on the shed and shining on the neighbor’s house. This may be a violation of Zoning Ordinance 222, section 1105. “Glare”.
No scheduled ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the October 2022 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Kathleen Kurtz, Library Board of Trustees member reported Riegelsville Library will do a “Rounding up” program at the Kimberton Whole Foods for March 2023. A Square terminal was purchased for the library by the Friends of the Library. It is a more reliable way to take credit cards. The Fall used book sale will be held 11/18, 11/19 and 11/26. Storytime had a visit from the Palisades Regional Fire Rescue for Fire Prevention Week. Halloween Parade was a success. December is the special Teddy Bear Storytime. Ed reported that during the Library Board of Trustee meeting they appointed Tammy Corwin to the Board.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that they are purchasing a 2021 Fire truck for Station 42(Riegelsville)
The cost is $723,000.00. will replace the 2001 Engine.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: 1st Annual Tree lighting is set for December 3, 7pm-8:15.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported they continue to look for more employees and different ways to get more money.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that even though the weather was not great, we had a successful Car show. Sherry reported that they had a wrap up car show meeting. The spectators coming through the gates were fewer than last year. We had approximately 325 show cars. We were able to donate back to the Community $4,650.00.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank reported that he and Michael Pulsinelli attended a PEMA Hazard Mitigation training. Frank took an online presentation with Penn State on Racial equity. Frank also attended a webinar for the quarterly EOC meeting. Frank thanked Mayor Stokes, Matt, and Road Crew for helping the Quakertown crew clean out the laterals.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported that they did not have a November 7, 2022, meeting. Next meeting is set for December 5, 2022.
Misc. Rodney was made aware that a wheelchair was unable to get in the Borough Building during Election Day. Rodney talked to Jim Kopchak, Zoning officer and Jim suggested to take the screen door and change the doorknob to a lever door lock.
Rodney reached out to Todd Myers-Borough Engineer, about the estimate to restore the Small Parking lot on Durham Road. One idea was to turn it into a small park.
Meeting adjourned 7:33 pm No December meeting. Next meeting January 18, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:34 pm on November 16, 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, Michael Pulsinelli and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Frank Preedy- Borough EMC and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
1- Borough resident present.
Concerns from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Discussions:
Covid funds/Water line extension Edgewood project: Update, there was an issue locating the water mains from the plans, so a company came in to locate them today, then they will move forward. Tom also stated there needs to be road closed signs at Cedar/Edgewood and Church/Edgewood. They will be working 7-3pm. They may be starting November 21.
Elmwood Lane/ Bidwell Road project: Preconstruction meeting was November 10, 2022, 9am. Tentative start date November 28.
Cowan will survey the Borough Reservoir property on Monday November 21.
302 Ash Lane (Dr Berdini sent a note to discontinue one of the water billings, since his practice has closed, and it is a residence only now. This will be added to the Council agenda on December 14.
Well 1 & 2 need a new chlorine reader. It was ordered and the cost with shipping is $697.95.
No December meeting.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:55 pm. Next meeting January 18, 2023, 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on December 7, 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: Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak. 1 Borough resident present. No comment
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. Waiting for a date from Cowan Associates.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update & replacement boards on the Pedestrian Bridge: Received a second quote for front porch. The Pedestrian Bridge only has one quote. Ed will reach out to another person for a quote on the Pedestrian Bridge.
Elmwood Ln/Bidwell Ln Road project update: Project is completed. Bracalente Construction did a great job, very professional and only took two days to complete.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith: Brian is updating the quote to add a lever doorknob on the front Library door also.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: Rodney will reach out to Ed from EMB contracting since we did not receive the quote yet.
Edgewood Water Main project: Updated: There have been a few setbacks, due to needing additional materials and returning some materials. Will update when we get more information. REMARK: If the additional piping is delivered and the weather cooperates, they may continue on Friday December 16, 2022.
256 Linden Lane Plants trees/shrubs/ trail update: Ed did look at the trail plans and they are planted on the Borough property. The property owners will be attending a meeting to discuss this.
Meeting adjourned 7:13pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on February 1, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order on December 7 2022 at 7:14pm.
If anyone makes inappropriate comments, tries to sell something, is attacking someone, etc. you will be removed from this meeting.
Members Present:
Gary Chase, Rodney Scott, Ed Bartosiewicz, Michael Pulsinelli and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present:
Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak. 1 Borough resident present.
Discussions:
Borough Email & IT Upgrades update. Borough Secretary and Treasurer have new email addresses. Council members’ new emails are next. We have updated to Microsoft 365. Next will be the shared document folders.
Review of Library and Borough Bylaws; Council members have the Draft Borough Bylaws, and they will be added to the Council agenda for January 11, 2023.
2022 Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program (ARLE) & PennDOT Green Light-Go Funding Program. Gary reached out to Fred Herb -Armour & Sons for information on a new traffic light estimate. Fred suggested 3 different Companies to get information on the 2 programs. Gary will contact PennDOT about our current permit that needs to be updated.
Rodney will reach out to the Fence Co. that is fixing the fence at Well 1 & 2, he was short on help the last time they spoke. REMARK: Rodney did talk to Fence Co. and they will be going to the Well on Friday December 16 and Rodney will let Matt know.
Regarding ‘flashing red speed limit signs’ for 611, the discussion among Council was that this project would be worth pursuing with PennDOT so data could be collected as to vehicle speeding rates, times and frequencies along 611. Gary will speak to Mayor Stokes to our addressing this issue with the appropriate PennDOT representative.
Durham Road Small Parking lot/ Quote received. Rodney talked to Cowan about the idea of turning it into a pocket park for all the community to enjoy. Reach out to Kate and the Enhancement Committee for plants designs etc.
Tom and Rodney are meeting Todd at the Water Company parcels to go over the survey on Saturday afternoon. The tree quotes will be added to the Council agenda on December 14, 2022. REMARK: Rodney and Tom met Todd Myers up at Well 1 & 2 to go over the Survey and we own more land than we thought. All the trees are on the Borough property.
Non-slip Tape for the walking bridge steps update: Matt will order this the week of December 12, 2022.
TNT Groundworks, LLC Agricultural security area. – Council continues to look over the documents.
The sample Animal Nuisance Ordinance from Borough Association will continue to be looked over by Council. Michael will add this to Community Affairs for discussions.
2023 Draft Budget will be added to the Council agenda for vote.
Resolution No. R-6-22 to Appoint August Groller to OEO (Ordinance Enforcement officer), will be added to the Council agenda on December 14.
Resolution No. R-7-22 to Appoint independent auditor, Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC. Will be added to the Council agenda on December 14.
Parts needed to be ordered from LB Water for the Edgewood water extension project. No update was available to when they will continue with the project or when the parts will be available.
Well #3 Chlorine scale needed service, the report stated we should calibrate every 6 months. Sherry will get a quote.
The council looked over the finances and had no questions. Bob Ryan asked why his copy of the financials didn’t have the account numbers, project number and some descriptions. Gary stated the account numbers, and the project numbers are not listed for security purposes. Rodney discussed that the descriptions should all be there in the guests’ copies; Sherry will let Tammy know.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held February 1, 2022, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Council approval for Tami Corwin to the Riegelsville Public Library Board of Trustees. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval to change 302 Ash Lane Water Billing to one unit. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of change order #1 (Elmwood Lane and Bidwell Lane resurfacing) recommendations from Cowan Associates Net Change -$3672.39 (was deducted from original contract) to Bracalente Construction, Inc. (actual amount of asphalt). R. Scott motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of final pay request #1 (Elmwood Lane and Bidwell Lane resurfacing) recommendations from Cowan Associates $83,904.61 to Bracalente Construction, Inc. G. Chase motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of the Draft 2023 Budget. G. Chase motioned to approve, E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Ordinance #246, Tax Levy for 2023 15.50 Mils (.50 increase) R. Scott motioned to approve, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution No. R-6-22 Appoint August Groller to OEO (Ordinance Enforcement officer). R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of Resolution No. R-7-22 Appoint independent auditor, Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of updated December 2022 Bylaws Governing the Riegelsville Borough Council. G. Chase motioned to table until January 11, 2023, Council agenda, M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of tree quote from Hickory High Tree Service LLC, $5,050.00. (For trees at Well 1 and 2). R. Scott motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
During the last finance meeting one item was missed. There is a young adult resident that would like to help the Streets department with winter maintenance like shoveling the Borough properties. This is a seasonal/part-time position. The council said that would be a help. Bob Ryan stated that T. Stinnett said we do not need to advertise this position. Bob asked Bill Dudeck if that was true. Bill will look into this and get back to Council.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills, G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
Meeting adjourned 8:25 PM. Next Council meeting January 11, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary