President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm March 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.
Motion to approve February 8, 2022, Council Meeting minutes E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase Seconded. Unanimous.
G. Chase introduced Matt Johnston- Pennoni /Traffic Engineering Company, Matt is the Transportation Division Manager. He stated they have 40 offices, and he is in the Warrington office. He suggests the Borough apply for the ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement) grant program. This program is 100% funded. They did Bristal Township traffic lights with this program. They would work with the person putting the grant application together.
Part of the application is the cost estimate. They use Penn Bid to process the bidders. Matt will forward a fee schedule. They work well with PennDOT, DRJTBC and BC Planning Commission. Craig Cardone, Borough resident that lives right by the traffic light and wanted to know if shields could go on the new lights since they shine in his windows. Matt stated that could be handled during the design phase.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Borough office received the Annual Bucks County Department of Health “Mosquito Disease Control Program” information. Approval letter will be forwarded to BC BOH.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett stated he did not have anything to report.
Mayor: Mayor Stokes reported that he assisted 5 trucks get turned around from crossing the Delaware River Bridge and helped the State Police locate someone.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
February 2023
17 RTK was received in February. 1-prime Builder, 1-MGM Law, 15- Robert Ryan.
13- Granted within 5 business days.
3- 30-day extensions.
1-Denial.
No new appeals. YTD: 0
YTD total received: 19. YTD: 1- Smart Procure, 1- Brendan Breslin, 1- Prime Builder, 1-MGM Law, 15-Robert Ryan.
Open Records Officer Hours: 12.8 Hours- Total $257.15 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD pay: $277.24. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: 0.
Treasurer: February 2.16 Hours $45.66 YTD pay: $50.95
Zoning officer: 30 Minutes $31.50 YTD pay: $31.50.
Solicitor fees: February $25.00 YTD pay: $25.00.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak. 15 Borough residents present.
Craig Cardone- Borough Resident said he heard that Mayor Stokes is resigning. T. Stinnett said this will be discussed at the end of the meeting.
Robert Ryan -Borough Resident asked why Allen Madnick needed to be appointed as the Vacancy Chair since he was appointed during the last re-org meeting. T. Stinnett stated that the Borough Code states we need to appoint the Vacancy Chair annually.
Julia Justin-Borough Resident stated she doesn’t want her lawyer to have to go further with the ZHB appeal in reference to her chicken violation and wanted to see where the Council is looking into changing the current chicken ordinance. T. Stinnett stated they have not received the past draft ordinance and information yet.
S. Masteller- Borough Secretary stated she has not had time to gather all that information yet. Ann Moyer- Borough Resident said that ordinance was done when she was on Council, T. Stinnett stated that was not needed since the resident decided to not keep the chickens. Kim Marciano-Hankinson stated it shouldn’t take that long to get that passed.
Robert Ryan asked if the Dog ordinance is ready yet, M. Pulsinelli stated it is still being worked on.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on February 15, 2023.
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, Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary and Kathleen Kurtz- 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.
Guest Speaker: Steve Gozur-Traffic Engineer with Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. gave an overview of the Company to Borough Council. Steve works out of the Doylestown location. They work closely with PennDOT, Armour & Sons, DRJTBC (Delaware river joint toll bridge commission and Borough Engineer- Cowan Associates. The services they provide are Grant preparation, pedestrian safety, storm replacement, traffic signals, multimodal-complete streets & mobility services to name a few. G. Chase stated we would use a Traffic Engineer for the 2024 replacement traffic light.
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer, reported to Council his February 2023 report.
2- Building Permits: 1-Oil Tank Replacement, 1-Roof over exterior steps. No -Zoning permits.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of February 15, 2023.
702 Durham Road: No update as of February 15, 2023.
573 Easton Road, Borough office received a complaint regarding chickens. Non-traffic citations were filed on November 9, 2022. A hearing was held February 15, 2023, all parties agreed that this case should be heard by the Riegelsville Zoning hearing board. Honorable Gambardella granted a 60-day continuance to allow the defendant(s) to file an appeal with the ZHB for the dimensional variance.
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. January 26, 2023, a review letter was sent stating Jim needed sealed drawings and hydraulic calculation indicating that the proposed retaining wall was designed to withstand a flood event. Update: Property owner decided not to go forward with this project. He informed Jim that he would restore the property to how it was prior to excavation.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation. No update as of February 15, 2023
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, No update as of February 15, 2023.
919 Easton Road, Update: A tree recently fell on this building and the roof is no longer weathertight as of February 15, 2023.
No scheduled ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings.
Annual floodplain report was sent to Todd Myers.
Jim is going to investigate Artic Swan to see if they are in violation of the Zoning ordinance for doing retail, “Carry Out” sales.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the January Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Kathleen Kurtz, Library Board of Trustees reported that the “Fiber Artists”-social stitching group has returned to meet and was very well attended. Crayola Experience of Easton, PA reached out to the library to be part of their online discount ticket program. This program was added to the library website. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Bucks County will present a program on March 25, 2023, at 1pm. Spring Book sale is set for May 19, 20 and 27 2023. Summer Reading has a lot of performers that are already scheduled. They can do more things due to the additional money from the Children’s department grant. On behalf of the library board of trustees, Terri and Becky are doing a great job with all the extra work they are both doing for the community. The library is a vital part of Riegelsville Borough and surrounding areas.
Fire Co. News: S. Masteller read a letter from Todd Myers on behalf of the Palisades Regional Fire Rescue (PRFR) to request that the borough council consider deeding the existing Fire Station to PRFR as they move closer to finalizing their merger. They believe that this would limit the borough’s liability. The council will continue to investigate the deed and talk to the Borough Solicitor. S. Masteller read the new Palisades Regional Fire Rescue news release.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: Kate Brandes gave the February 2, 2023, meeting minutes to S. Masteller-Secretary and are filled in Borough office. Next meeting is March 1, 2023, at 6pm. Ann Moyer- Borough resident and Enhancement Committee member asked if the survey for the renovation of the small parking lot on Durham Road is going out to all Borough residents. The Enhancement committee suggested it go in the quarterly water bill. R. Scott reported that they asked the Enhancement Committee for ideas since the quote to do a parking lot is very high for only a few parking spaces. The money for this project will not come from the Enhancement Committee budget. The council has been discussing this renovation during public meetings.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that they are having some financial issues, one issue is they are short-staffed and need to pay overtime. They continue to look for more EMT’s.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that the Boys Baseball Team would like to practice this weekend. Rodney Baseball field needs work on the home plate. We are looking into another shed to use for the Car show supplies. Looking into a Spring cleanup date. Roller rental will be needed this season after frost. Next meeting is February 28, at 7pm. The fence by wide waters needs some repair and some trees need to be trimmed.
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 contacted Tom Hughes about Storm water management. Frank also joined a webinar with DEP about the infrastructure grants for new water testing regulations in 2024.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported that Matthew Walters with BC Planning Commission should have a quote on updating some ordinances for the March 6 meeting.
Robert Ryan-Borough resident asked who is going to work on updating the chicken ordinance. T. Stinnett stated that the Council will look at the current one and the draft that was worked on before. T. Stinnett asked Sherry to get the information for Council.
Misc. Mike presented the council with a draft dog ordinance to look over.
Rodney reported that the part of the tree work was completed today up at Well 1 &2 and then they will be back to finish the rest.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting March 15, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting on February 15, 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.
Discussions:
Rodney reported that he contacted EMB about the eve repairs on the Borough building and they will get back to Rodney on Friday February 17 to go over when we can get on the schedule.
Covid funds/Water line extension Edgewood project update: we received the leak detection results confirmation- no leaks. There are a few things to be done in spring- seeding and demobilization then the last payment of $875.00 the project will be finalized.
PennDOT Traffic Signal Supervisor regarding Armour & Sons traffic signal inspection quote and Riegelsville’s new traffic signal project update: Council approved the updated permit on February 8, 2023, during Council.
Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates update: Service agreement was approved during February 8 Council meeting. Toby sent PADEP review of the SOC Monitoring Waivers and his recommendation to initially test for 4 quarters. If there are no detects and no land use changes, there would no longer be a need for sampling of SOC’s for 3 years.
Lon Zeigler, Mr. Handyman, Small repairs are scheduled for Tuesday February 28, between 8-9 am.
Rodney reported that the part of the tree work was completed today up at Well 1 &2 and then they will be back to finish the rest.
The council received a quote for Flow meter certifications 3 wells, John Scully-Water operator suggested doing Aqua NJ’s meter too, so they are all done the same time.
There is DEP training for “Lead and Copper Service Line Rule”, Borough water operator will be attending.
The annual 2022 CCR Report drinking water quality report was mailed or emailed to property owners, put on Website and went out in the “Rville Happenings” email blast.
Misc.:
Gary has contacted a grant writer to possible search and write grants for the Borough. He is setting up a meeting to get more information. PRFR is currently using this grant writer.
Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 pm. Next meeting March 15, 2023 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on March 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, and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
3 Borough residents were present.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: Rodney (emailed his updates since he can’t attend tonight’s meeting) will do a follow up with Mike Smith, 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 has 2 other Companies to reach out to for quotes.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith: Sherry followed up with the locksmith on Monday, January 30, 2023, and did not hear back yet.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: Rodney followed up with Ed & Mike from EMB and they will have a quote in the next few days.
Edgewood Water Main project update: Waiting for Spring to seed and then the final payment/ closeout will be done.
West Maplewood Road (paper street) 719 & 805 Easton Road update: William Dudeck, Borough Solicitor, gave his legal opinion to Borough Council and it was read. REMARK: S. Masteller asked Council if the letters should be sent to the 2 property owners. The council said yes.
Penn DOT sent correspondence that they have begun planning and design of State Road 611, Section WCW Canal Wall Replacement-Williams Township, Public Meeting. This letter will go out in the “Rville Happenings”.
Office received the 2023 Service Repair/Inspection Proposal for Tilley Fire Solutions (Borough fire extinguishers). Sherry will set up an appointment.
Durham Road Small Parking lot renovations update: Rodney reached out to Todd Myers, Borough Engineer for information he has on the property, and we will get the deed information too.
Meeting adjourned 7:11pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on April 5, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order for March 1 at 7:11 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 and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present:
Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak. 3 Borough residents were present.
Discussions:
Borough Email & IT Upgrades update. Council members’, Mayor, Zoning officer, Public Works Supervisor and Emergency Management Coordinator received Riegelsville.org emails. Once the few issues are worked out, they will all go on the Borough website. We are starting to put documents in a share drive for everyone to have access too.
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: Council is waiting for the updated approved PennDOT permit that will be available to Armour & Sons to update their yearly proposal. Then Council will move forward on the repairs to the traffic light. The funding programs will help fund the new updated traffic light in 2024.
Gary invited the last of three Traffic Engineering Company to the Borough Council meeting on March 8. The flashing light speed limit sign for 611 will be one of the projects for the Traffic Engineer.
Durham Road Small Parking lot renovations update: Rodney reached out to Todd Myers, Borough Engineer for information he has on the property, and we will get the deed information also.
Well #1 and #2 tree trimming/removal is completed, they need to trim the tree by the Borough Garage and then the job will be completed.
Monitoring Waivers of 3 Borough Wells & certification; Gilmore & Associates Agreement Executed 01/19/23 – Status- PA DEP we received waivers for PCB and Dioxin testing, but not for SOCs. The SOC’s will be tested this year.
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, so we will get another contractor to look at the job and give a quote.
The Council discussed purchasing a 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. Gary is looking into the government accounts with Verizon to purchase. Bob Ryan asked since it wasn’t discussed for this year’s budget, where is the money coming from. Tom stated there is budgeted in the small tools in Water Company and General fund. Remark: In the Water Budget there is money for the Caselle portal for new water meters, that will not be done this year.
On February 8, 2023, Gary, and Frank Preedy- Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) met with PennDOT representatives to discuss 611 paving. They do not have that on the 5-year plan, but they see that it will need to be repaired and will hopefully get done by September 2023.
The updated quote was received, 4 Flowmeter certification quote $ 1600.00, This will be added to Council agenda.
The council looked over the finances and had no questions.
Misc:
Handyman contractor came and put the restroom exhaust fan in and will be back to finish the list when it is warmer outside.
Bob Ryan asked Gary if anymore was done with the Downtown revitalization that was discussed in past meetings. Gary will reach out to Rodney since they were both working on it.
Gary mentioned the meeting in March with a potential grant writer to help the Borough.
Sherry has a virtual meeting with a website designer in March.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. Next Finance meeting will be held April 5, 2023, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Borough Council looked over the Enhancement’s Draft copy “Community Survey”. for the small parking lot on Durham. The council will continue discussing this during the Community Affairs meeting on March 15, 2023.
Approval to reappoint Allen Madnick, to Vacancy Board Chair. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of final pay and closeout (Edgewood water main extension) recommendations from Cowan Associates $875.00 to Passerini and Sons, Inc. Pending the final pay documents. R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
Approval of quote $1,600.00 from Lawco Inc. (4 flowmeter certification from Well-1,2,3, and Meter for Aqua NJ at the bridge). R. Scott motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
Robert Ryan asked that since this was the third Traffic Engineer will the next step be they will give a price to the Borough. Gary stated they will each give Council quotes.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: R. Scott motioned to approve bills; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous.
Mayor Stokes read a letter to Borough Council stating due to changes in his life and constraints on his time, after 14 years of service he is resigning his position as Riegelsville Borough Mayor. He stated it was an honor and pleasure to work with each of the Council members, along with Sherry Masteller and Tammy Macaluso. He continued to say thank you to the citizens of Riegelsville for their steadfast guidance and support.
Council members thanked Mayor Stokes for all his years of hard work and dedication to the Borough.
T. Stinnett stated with regret that the council needs to vote. R. Scott motioned to accept Mayor Stokes resignation as Riegelsville Borough Mayor. G. Chase seconded Unanimous.
Many Borough residents that were present at the meeting also thanked Mayor Stokes for his time as Mayor.
Meeting adjourned 8:13 PM. Next Council meeting April 12, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary