President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm February 8, 2023. 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 Mayor Stokes. Frank Preddy- Riegelsville EMC / resident.
Motion to approve January 11, 2022, Council Meeting minutes E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Borough Secretary received the Annual 2022 Meeting Minutes from Tom Stinnett, Secretary Riegelsville Planning Commission.
A letter was read from Newly elected Jarrett Coleman, PA State Senator introducing himself.
County of Bucks Board of Election: polling places and hours for upcoming elections: Municipal Primary May 16, 2023, and Municipal November 7, 2023, Polls open 7am-8pm.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett reported that during the February 6, 2023 Riegelsville Planning Commission meeting, Matthew Walters- BC Planning Commission discussed to work with Council to update ordinances. Matt will put together a quote for Borough Council.
Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported that he called the State Police when a few trucks tried to get across the Delaware River Bridge. Mayor Stokes would like the Council to revisit the current Chicken Ordinance that requires a three-acre lot to have Chickens. Mayor Stokes said that in the Netherlands they give residents 3 Chickens if they want them. Raising chickens is a great way to teach children to take care of them. The price of food keeps rising and this is a way to help that. T. Stinnett stated we have an ordinance that was done before, S. Masteller is not sure if it is just a draft. Resident comments will be heard below on the agenda.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
January 2023
1 RTK was received in January. YTD: 1- Smart Procure YTD total RTK’s Received 1.
1-Granted within 5 business days. No new appeals. YTD: 0
Open Records Officer Hours: 1 hour- Total $20.09 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD pay: $20.09. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: $0.
Treasurer: January 15 Minutes YTD pay: $5.29
Zoning officer YTD pay: $0.
Solicitor fees: YTD pay: $0.
G. Chase introduced Anton Kuhner, and Engineer with McMahon, a Bowman Company- they are a Traffic Engineering Company. Anton gave Council members a folder with information about the Company. He touched on this list: The work with PennDOT District #6 for example with the HOP’s (Highway Occupancy permits). Perform traffic studies and designs for ADA. Help to administrate the projects grants like for funding for our Traffic light. They work with the Bucks County Planning Commission. Anton stated they can be hired for specific projects that the Council needs help with. For example, the Traffic light replacement and paving program to help the roads last. The next step for the Council would be to put together a scope of work for specific projects.
Dirk Odhner asked what is wrong with the current traffic light. G. Chase and R. Scott stated it needs to be updated, PennDOT is in the process of updating their permit, so we know what needs to be done.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
8 Borough residents present.
Patrick Schottmiller, Borough resident agrees with Mayor Stokes that the Council should look into allowing residents to have a few chickens. The had a few and received a violation since he doesn’t have 3 acres, he is rehoming the chickens.
Andrew Yoder, Borough resident does have 3 acres and chickens. Having the chickens is a good way to teach his children to feed, clean up to take care of the chickens.
Robert Ryan, Borough resident asked how many residents received violations. T. Stinnett stated two residents. R. Scott stated they will revisit the current ordinance. R. Ryan asked when this will be done. R, Scott stated no specify timeframe.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on January 18, 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: Mayor Stokes, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary and Tami Corwin- Library Board of Trustees member. 2- 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 January 2023 report.
4- Building Permits: 1-Above Ground Pool, 1-Replace oil tank w/anchoring, 1–100-amp service, 1-Roof mounted Solar. 6-Zoning permits: 1-Above Ground Pool, 1-Garage, 1- 6ft fence, 1-Flood plain permit, 1-Re-Roof, 1 Roof mounted solar. Jim mentioned to Borough Council that a RTK may come in for Dean’s Deli location to view the property file.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of January 18, 2023.
702 Durham Road: No update as of January 18, 2023.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, No update as of January 18, 2023.
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, No update as of January 18, 2023.
919 Easton Road, Update: A tree recently fell on this building and the roof is no longer weathertight as of January 18, 2023.
573 Easton Road, Borough office received a complaint regarding chickens. Non-traffic citations were filed on November 9, 2022. No update as of January 18, 2023.
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”. Jim was told that they would be fixed, he will revisit this.
301 Poplar Road: Received a complaint on October 12, 2022, regarding a boat and boat trailer in the front yard. Should be parked in the side or rear yard. Enforcement letter was sent December 27, 2022. Compliance date is on or before January 31, 2023.
1107 Easton Road: January 17, 2023, a complaint was received about excavation and grading work being done without a permit. “Stop Work order” was posted and issued a violation via certified mail. Flood plain manager was emailed since that may require Floodplain or E & S permits. The property owner came to the Zoning office to get permit applications on January 18. 2023.
Quarterly DCED reports were given to Tammy.
The yearly housing report was given to the US census Department.
No scheduled ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the November and December 2022 Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Tami Corwin, Library Board of Trustees member reported Riegelsville Library was slow in December. Becky is working on the Valentine Children’s event. Becky is also working on the Children’s summer reading, there will be a Dinosaur event too.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported they have had a lot of alarm calls to go to. Recently we have had 3 house fire calls.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: Next meeting is February 2, 2023, at 6pm.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported they continue to look for more EMT’s. They cover 190 Square miles.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that we will have a different Boys Baseball Team this year using the Baseball Field. We are looking into the prices of a batting cage. Rodney and Mayor Stokes will investigate the location at the park. Baseball field needs work on the home plate. Rodney is going to put netting up on the baseball backstop to help with the fly balls going over the neighbor’s fence. Girls Softball signups have started.
We are looking into another shed to use for the Car show supplies. Looking into a Spring clean up date.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank also attended an online Bucks County Commissioners meeting. They discussed ARPA funding for Companies like UBREMS can apply for a matching grant. Frank and Jason identified the 5 outlets to the canal or the river. Locations are Delaware/Durham, Maplewood, Cedar, and Fern.
Frank attended the DEP quarterly meeting the discussion was Oil spills. There is a 24-hour service assistance number 484-250-5900.
G.Chase and Frank went to visit Representative Craig Staats at his office in Quakertown to discuss a few concerns.
The condition of Easton Road/611, and the Borough part of 611 is not on PennDOT’s 5 year project plan. Rep Staats will contact his contact with PennDOT for more information.
They discussed the library ceiling plaster issues. Frank contacted the Representative from the Keystone Library grant that the Borough used for the library new windows and roof.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported that Matthew Walters with BC Planning Commission is attending the February 6, 2023, meeting to give a quote on updating certain Ordinances.
Misc. M. Pulsinelli continues to gather information on a nuisance animal ordinance, he is looking at other municipalities ordinances. S. Masteller will give him BC Dog Warden, Verna North’s contact information.
Meeting adjourned 7:54 pm Next meeting February 15, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting to order at 7:55 pm on January 18, 2023.
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: Mayor Stokes, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 2- Borough resident present.
Concerns from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Robert Ryan, Borough resident asked when the annual CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) water report will go out. Rodney stated end of March or April.
Discussions:
Covid funds/Water line extension Edgewood project: Update, to finish the project leak detection testing will be performed the end of this week or beginning next week. Rodney asked if this is cost is part of the bid figures. Sherry stated that since the specs changed to use different valves there will be a change order for the cost of the leak detection.
Rodney and Gary met with Pat McCourt with PennDOT Traffic Signal Supervisor regarding the Armour & Sons traffic signal inspection quote and Riegelsville’s new traffic signal project. Pat said the traffic light permit needs to be updated. Pat will give the Borough a list of Traffic Engineers for guidance with a grant for the new traffic signal. Ed also mentioned that one of the push buttons and street sign looks like it was hit by a truck, these will need to be fixed also.
Rodney, Gary and Tammy met with Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates, regarding PADEP monitoring of Riegelsville’s (3) groundwater supply wells. We have worked with Toby on our Wellhead protection project, so he is very familiar with our wells. Toby will work on the compliance monitoring for the DEP waivers. Rodney suggests we move forward since the waivers need to be completed very soon. Service agreement will be added to the Council agenda on February 8.
Rodney and Gary met with Lon Zeigler, Mr. Handyman, regarding repairs and upgrades and securing a quote for Borough Hall and library ceiling resurfacing. Lon is going to email the quote. We are going to have two more quotes.
Rodney, Gary, and Matt met with Monteverde’s regarding bushes along walking path. The solution was to move the bushes back, so they are back in line with all the other bushes and the rocks were removed. This matter is resolved.
Misc.: Rodney suggested purchasing Reflective vests with the Borough of Riegelsville on them for all Employees. Sherry will look into them at Wehrungs.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:33 pm. Next meeting February 15, 2023, 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on February 1, 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.
No Borough residents were present.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: Rodney met with Fox Brothers when they performed the annual inspection of the Borough alarm system. Rodney looked over the file that was in the Borough office and the installation was done in 2005. Rodney is going to reach out to Mike Smith, Cowan Associates in reference to adding more pull stations.
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 reported maybe we can get a quote from the Company that may do some smaller projects in the Borough Hall.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith: The special cylinders are ordered, so when they are delivered, Lock Smith will come and put the new doorknobs on.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: Rodney will reach out to Ed from EMB for an update.
Edgewood Water Main project: On Friday January 25, 2023, leak testing was performed and no leaks. We are waiting for the final report.
719 & 805 Easton Road, Property owners questioned the Borough to see who owns the strip of land between them. This is West Maplewood Road. The property has a few trees that they want to cut down. The Borough does have a water main on that property. Cowan, Borough Engineer and William Dudeck, Borough Solicitor, are looking into this.
Meeting adjourned 7:25pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on March 1, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order for February 1 at 7:25 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, 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 were present.
Discussions:
Borough Email & IT Upgrades update. Council members’, Zoning officer, Public Works Supervisor and Emergency Management Coordinator will have emails set up in the next two weeks.
Gary continues to review the Borough Bylaws referencing DCED Borough Handbook and PA Title 8 (Borough Code).
Armour & Sons Inspection – 2022 Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program (ARLE) & PennDOT Green Light-Go Funding Program, Update: Gary followed up since he and Rodney met with Pat McCourt, PennDOT’s Traffic Signal Supervisor. Pat created an updated permit “draft” for the traffic light. Once the “draft” is approved by Pat’s Supervisors, the Borough will then be ready for Armour & Son’s to update the 2022 Traffic signal inspection quote. Updated pricing from Armour & Sons will follow. The council will then look over the quote and approve it.
Gary discussed with the Council to possibly hiring a dedicated Traffic Engineering Company for the Borough. Gary has reached out to 3 companies that will come to a Borough meeting to discuss what they can offer the Borough.
Durham Road Small Parking lot update: Tomorrow night February 2, the Enhancement Committee has a meeting and will go over their draft of a Survey to go out to the Riegelsville residences for their ideas of what we could consider doing with the lot.
Well #1 and #2 tree trimming/removal update: Sherry left VM and emailed Hickory High to get the date they are coming. Middle of December they said they should be able to get it done by the end of January.
The Borough Council agenda for February 8, Monitoring Waivers of 3 Borough Wells & certification; The Gilmore & Associates Agreement will be added to the Borough Council agenda February 8, for Monitoring Waivers of 3 Borough Wells & certifications.
Borough Council discussed the two contractors that we received quotes from for the repairs to the Borough Hall/Library wall/ceiling. We are still waiting for the third quote.
The Council discussed purchasing an iPad/ Tablet with Verizon network service for Matt Brady, Public Works Supervisor. This will help with taking pictures and creating emails and corresponding via email with Borough Council without using the Supervisor’s personal cell phone.
February 8, 2023, Gary and Frank Preedy- Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) are meeting with a PennDOT representative to discuss 611 paving.
Gary attended the Bucks County Tax Collection Committee quarterly meeting on January 26, 2023. Keystone Collections collects earned income tax (EIT) for Bucks County residents and collects delinquent taxes, with penalties, from county residents who did not pay their EIT. Keystone has collected a 7.6% increase in tax revenues from 2021 to 2022. TCC voted to extend Keystone Collections’ contract to December 31, 2024.
All 3 of the Borough wells need to get flow meter certifications, this is done periodically and will be added to the yearly reports for DEP.
Sherry will reach out to Solid Products to order vests for public works employees and keep a few in the Borough office for Council members while they are out working in the Borough, also. Sherry will be looking into business cards and ID tags as well.
The council looked over the finances and had no questions.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held March 1, 2022, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval of change order #2 (Edgewood water main extension) recommendations from Cowan Associates Net Change $3,249.00 (Quantity adjustments from bid estimate to actual installed) to Passerini and Sons, Inc. R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pusinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of pay request #2 (Edgewood water main extension) recommendations from Cowan Associates $29,353.20 to Passerini and Sons, Inc. G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $1,061.92 to Eastern Penn Supply Company (A spare Gould’s Booster Pump for well #3). R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $ 3,200.00 to Passerini & Sons, Inc. (115 Sycamore Curb stop repair). R. Scott motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of estimate $436.42 to Mr. Handyman (Small projects, Borough Hall) 50% deposit ($218.21) needed to start project. R. Scott motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of check $218.21 to Mr Handyman (50% deposit). R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval for the updated Penn DOT Traffic Light permit. G. Chase motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of estimated fee $2,406.00 to Service agreement with Gilmore & Associates, Inc.- Toby Kessler to consulting the monitoring waivers for the Water Company. R. Scott motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
S. Masteller reported that we are waiting for the final report on Edgewood Water main leak detection. We have a verbal that it is fine.
NEW BUSINESS:
Approval of verbal quote from Riegelsville Auto a maximum of $1200.00 (Labor & parts to replace oil pan on the Utility Truck). G. Chase motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
F.Preddy reported that he met with State Rep Staats, PennDOT representative, M. Brady, G. Chase to discuss the condition of 611 through Riegelsville. The outcome was that they will fix from Northampton line to traffic light by September/ October 2023.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: R. Scott motioned to approve bills; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Borough office will be closed on Monday February 20, 2023 “Presidents’ Day”.
Meeting adjourned 8:12 PM. Next Council meeting March 8, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary