President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm May 10, 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, Michael Pulsinelli, Rodney Scott, Tom Stinnett, and Mayor Boenzli.
Motion to approve April 12, 2022, Council Meeting minutes, E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, R. Scott Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Tom Stinnett, Riegelsville Planning Commission Secretary amended the December 5, 2022, minutes and added minutes for October 3, 2022, minutes they have been filed in the Borough office.
Letter was read dated April 24, 2023, from Kate Brandes-Borough Resident in regard to the April 19, 2023 Community Affairs meeting.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett stated he talked to K. Brandes about her letter and told her we didn’t intend for the discussion to come across that Council doesn’t support the Enhancement Committee efforts.
Mayor: Mayor Boenzli reported she volunteered with the Enhancement Committee to mulch around the Borough Building. She also met with Dr. Stokes to discuss the Memorial Day Parade, previous floods, and other Borough Mayor duties.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
April 2023
1 RTK received in April: 1- Allium Data, 1-Trileaf,1- Lien One Inc., 2- Evan Kechley 6- Robert Ryan,
1-Granted within 5 business days.
30-day extensions-None
Denial’s-None
No new appeals. YTD: 0
YTD total received: 31. YTD: 1- Smart Procure, 1- Brendan Breslin, 1- Prime Builder, 1-MGM Law,
1- Tyler O’Keefe, 1-Trileaf, 1- Lien One Inc., 2- Evan Kechley, 21-Robert Ryan, 1-Alliam Data.
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: $588.63. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: 0.
Treasurer: March 45 Minutes $15.84 YTD pay: $66.79.
Zoning officer: 1 ½ Hours $94.50 YTD pay: $126.00.
Solicitor fees: April fees $87.50 YTD pay: $112.50.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak. 5 Borough residents present.
Robert Ryan asked why his comment wasn’t in the April minutes when he stated his concern that the position was not advertised when K. Newton was approved for the parttime Laborer position and that he is a relative to Damian Newton, Planning Commission member. Tom stated we didn’t have to advertise this position after consulting with the Borough Solicitor. Robert Ryan asked for this to be in the minutes since the Secretary didn’t have them in the April minutes. S. Masteller, Borough Secretary did state she does not record the minutes word for word but are a summary. Robert Ryan read the Title 8 Borough Code for Secretary minutes.
Ann Moyer, Borough Resident stated she is the audience member that K. Brandes is referencing in her letter, Ann was concerned that if they didn’t fundraise then the current funds would not be replaced.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm on April 19, 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: Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 9- 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 April 2023 report.
No- Building Permits: No -Zoning permits. New applications are under review.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of April 19, 2023.
702 Durham Road: No update as of April 19, 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. March 13, 2023 Property owner submitted an application to appeal to the ZHB for variance. ZHB hearing May 4, 2023.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation. Court date March 16, 2023.
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, Court date March 16, 2023. This hearing was rescheduled for May 24, 2023 at 12:30pm.
919 Easton Road, Update: A tree recently fell on this building and the roof is no longer weathertight as of February 15, 2023. Court date March 16, 2023. Rescheduled for May 24, 2023 at noon.
ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings. Tentative hearing May 4, 2023, at 7pm. 573 Easton Road They are requesting relief from Article lll, Section 303, (A-1) Minimum lot size requirement of (3) acres.
Quarterly DCED, UCC report was submitted to Tammy on 4/5/23.
Riegelsville Inn: Mr. Evan Kechely contacted Jim for an opinion letter on the Pre-27 status of the Riegelsville Inn. He is interested in purchasing the Riegelsville Inn from Mr. Jeff Ryan. Jim conducted a courtesy inspection at the property on March 29th. Jim observed that some of the hotel rooms on the second floor have been converted to dining room areas. This was done without permits. Seating was increased so Bucks County Board of Health will need to see what number is approved. T. Stinnett reported that Evan Kechely attended the Riegelsville Planning Commission meeting on March 6 and Evan stated that he will be taking away the two seating areas upstairs.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the March Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Here are a few items from the Directors report. A donation of $7,068.06 will be coming from Kimberton Whole Foods from their rounding up at the register program for the month of March. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Bucks County presented their program “Ending the Silence” on Saturday, March 25th at 1 PM in the Borough Community Room. Attendance for this program was very small, but the audience was very interested in the topic and there was a great discussion with the group. The Egg Hunt was held Friday, April 7th at Borough Park. Karin Crotts did a wonderful job as always facilitating the hunt. Over 200 Children attended.
The Museum of Indian Culture will present the “Northeastern Woodlands” Program at the library on Saturday, April 29th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. This program is appropriate for grades 6 – adult; funding is provided by the children’s department grant. The dates of the Spring Book Sale will be Friday, May 19th 6 PM – 9 PM for preview night. Book Sale Saturdays will be May 20th and May 27th from 9 AM – 4 PM. Publicity has already begun for this event.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that on Monday April 17, early morning there was a single car accident on 611 at 1291 Easton Road. The Borough fire hydrant was taken out and the Telephone pole pushed. We are working on getting a new hydrant and send all the paperwork to the Drivers car insurance.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: April 6, meeting minutes were received and are filed. Here are a few items from minutes. Congrats to the new Mayor Viana. Community Surveys went out in April water bill and are due back by May 5, then they will sort them. Planning for spring garden season. Memorial Day decorations. Budget discussions. Kate asked Council if they would consider opening a savings account for the Enhancement Committee. They had a discussion. Ann Moyer, Borough Resident had a concern with the Enhancement Committee not doing any fundraising. M. Pulsinelli stated they will add a donation discussion during the 2024 Budget meeting in October. Next meeting is May 5, 2023, at 6pm.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that they continue to have financial issues. They continue to investigate different fundraising opportunities.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that he is getting prices for another shed and pad. Practices are continuing for both fields, games start at the end of April. We are renting a roller on April 25, to roll both fields. Rodney stocked the lime and will get the softball field ready for the games.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank reported that he is working on updating the Riegelsville EOP (Emergency Operation Plan). The William Penn Foundation is offering Grants for Storm sewer issues.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported above under the Zoning discussion. The next Planning Commission meeting is Monday May 1, 2023.
Misc. M. Pulsinelli stated the draft dog ordinance was sent to the Borough Solicitor for review. Mike continues to gather information in reference to possible updating the current chicken ordinance.
The council received a letter from BCPC (Bucks County Planning Commission) endorsing the request for an addition to the Agricultural Security Act, Property owner TNT Groundworks, LLC. 4 parcels in Riegelsville to join the Durham Township’s Agricultural Security District. The hearing is set for Tuesday May 9, 2023, 7:00pm at Durham Township building.
Meeting adjourned 7:58 pm Next meeting May 17, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting on April 19, 2023 at 7:58pm.
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, Jim Kopchak-Zoning Officer and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Concerns from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Discussions: Dan Frank-Borough Resident discussed with Borough Council and Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer questions and issues with the U&O plus the stone wall on the side of the house. J. Kopchak stated there were a few issues with communication with the Builder. There was a discussion about what is needed for a deck on the back since part of the property is in the flood plain. D. Frank said he wants to do the right things and wants the Borough to work with the residents. Rodney stated that the Builder needs to work with D. Frank and J. Kopchak to get everything straightened out.
PennDOT Traffic Signal Supervisor regarding Armour & Sons traffic signal inspection quote and Riegelsville’s new traffic signal project update: The next step is the ARLE grant Pre-Application that is due April 30, 2023.
Flow meter certifications 3 wells and 1 at the river bridge (Aqua NJ) Update: updated quote was approved 4/12, waiting for them to send equipment.
The council may reach out to Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates, regarding Lead service line inventory 2024, Rodney will discuss this with Tammy.
Rodney reported that the new windows for Well #3 have been ordered.
On Monday April 17, 2023, early morning there was a one car accident that took out a hydrant. We are working on getting a quote from the contractor.
Misc.:
Both generators were serviced.
Hydrant flushing is set for May 1 to 5, 2023 9pm-midnight.
James Zdepski, beekeeper came to remove a swarm of honeybees and will help get the other ones in the eves.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:30 pm. Next meeting May 17, 2023, 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on May 3, 2023. 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 Boenzli and Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary.
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
3 Borough residents were present.
Mike Cavallaro, Borough resident discussed with the Borough Council that he would like to talk about buying or leasing the small parking lot next to his property. Mike would pave it and make 4 spaces and 2 handicapped spots. Mike also talked to Evan from the Inn about having spots for them since there is an exchange for easement with the Borough. Rodney reported that Council is looking into different ideas and are getting the property appraised. Mike stated the County has it appraised for $44,000.00.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: S. Masteller contacted Joanne, Borough Insurance agent and she recommended our current alarm monitoring company (Should be NICET certified) or the company that services our extinguishers. Rodney has reached out to Fox Bros. already and will stop and talk to the Zoning officer next Wednesday.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update & replacement boards on the Pedestrian Bridge update: Matt Michaelson-Mr. Handyman Inc. came to look at both projects with Ed today and will email the 2 quotes.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith update: Sherry emailed Locksmith for another update. Rodney will give him a call. Remark: Rodney reported that there was some confusion that the Locksmith thought we needed the Yale locks, but we can use the Schlage brand like the office has, he will be here hopefully next week.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: We are waiting for a quote from EMB and James Zdepski.
The Voter Ballot Box was delivered Wednesday April 26. Ballot Box watchers started 5/2- 5-16 During Library hours.
Parking lot Borough Sign/ flower bed-treated wood update: Matt Brady said that he will replace the boards. Remark: Rodney and Matt replaced the 6×6 wood on Friday May 5. Viana asked Rodney if they should be stained. Rodney said that is a good idea, he will talk to Matt.
The new toilet for the apartment was installed on May 1, 2023.
Rodney reported that there is a car that always parks on the left side (that has a no parking this side sign) of Maplewood Road that makes it difficult to see pulling out onto 611. Also, there is a car that parks on Cedar Road close to the corner. The Police will need to be called since we do not know who owns the vehicle.
Rodney asked if the curbs are on schedule to be painted, Sherry will check with Matt.
Meeting adjourned 7:16 pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on May 3, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Sherry Masteller-Secretary called the Finance meeting to order for May 3 at 7:17pm.
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 Boenzli and 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 IT Update: All Borough employees, EMA Coordinator and Borough Council have the new .org emails that are listed on the Borough Website.
Review of Borough Bylaws referencing DCED Borough Handbook and PA Title 8(Borough Code)- no update.
ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program) Armour & Sons 2022 Inspection. Pennoni Traffic Engineer- Traffic light project. Update: Pennoni and Denise Whitely-Grant writer prepared the ARLE pre application and Council reviewed and it was sent in on April 28, it was due by April 30. We now have the PennDOT TSMS agreement number so that will be sent to Armour & Sons.
Flashing Speed Limit Signs for 611 no update.
Durham Road small parking lot update: Waiting for memorandum from William Dudeck, Borough Solicitor and getting the property appraised.
Cowan property survey, status Update: we received the survey.
Replacing Well House 3 broken windows and getting Sycamore trees inspected in the park for structural integrity. Update: The windows have been ordered. The Council discussed the park Sycamore trees and would like to ask the Companies that we have quotes from to also quote for just trimming.
Well flow meter testing. Update: waiting for the supplies to be mailed to us.
Borough Hall/Library wall/ceiling repairs: no update.
Grant researcher and writer, Denise Whitley, LDR ProSolutions Update: Bill Dudeck-Borough Solicitor looked over her professional agreement, Council will vote during the May 10, Council meeting. The Council also received her quote for the ARLE project and that will also be voted on during the May 10, Council meeting.
Android phone on Verizon’s network for Riegelsville Borough’s Public Works Supervisor. No update as of May 3.
Resolution R-05-23 Amendment of the Sterling Act: Tom stated that this was adopted by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1932 and requires that all non-residents working in the City of Philadelphia pay an earned income tax to the city for the privilege of working there. The current tax rate is 3.448% of earned income. The Act was intended to be in place for a one-year period and was designed to help the city with the cost of municipal services during the Great Depression. The BC TCC put together a resolution for the municipalities to consider. This resolution will request an amendment to the Sterling Act to require that up to one percent (1%) of Philadelphia wage tax paid by non-residents of Philadelphia be remitted to the municipality in which the taxpayer resides.
The council looked over the finances, with no additional questions.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held June 7, 2023, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval of Resolution R-05-23, Amendment to the Sterling Act (up to 1% of Philadelphia wage tax paid by non-residents of Philadelphia be remitted to the municipality in which the taxpayer resides). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; R. Scott seconded. Unanimous
Ann Moyer, Borough Resident asked if the Borough needed to advertise this position, T. Stinnett stated that we do not since it is a professional services contract.
Approval of Independent Contractor agreement Denise Whitley, LDR ProSolutions: Grant Researcher and Writer for the Riegelsville Borough. R. Scott motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of $2,750.00-$3,300.00 ARLE Grant proposal preparation Denise Whitely, LDR ProSolutions. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval to hire an appraisal company to appraise the small Durham lot (38-006-130). R. Scott motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of check $468.23 Moyer Indoor Outdoor (130 gallons diesel for Well #3 generator) E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
T. Stinnett reported in addition to the Enhancement Committee discussion: there are 3 items.
1.There is an income and expense item added to the monthly financial report. This will allow for any contributions to the Enhancement Committee to be shown as part of the Borough records. These contributions will need to be spent during the year into which they came into Borough funds.
2.During the 2024 Budget discussion they will discuss a yearly donation.
3.If a separate Saving account is opened at Penn Community the interest is much lower than where it is currently with PLGIT.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Borough Council received an email from M. Woerner, Borough resident, asking if the Riegelsville Planning Commission minutes be put on the Borough Website. The council discussed and said yes to putting them on the website.
Milford Township and Haycock Township have requested PRFR Fire Police services for 4 events. R. Scott motioned to approve, and M. Pulsinelli seconded Unanimous.
D. Odhner, Borough Resident/Recreation Board member asked if a meeting can be set up an in person soon, since he didn’t know about the discussions of the Sycamore trees. R. Scott said we will set that up and meet at the Park Pavilion.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Included in tonight’s bills are the donations/dedicated millage that were approved in the 2023 Budget.
Robert Ryan, Borough Resident asked what Annual SDW Chapter 109 Check for $1000.00. Sherry will get the answer and get it to him. Robert Ryan said when he gets RTK copies of William Dudeck’s invoices he will see the descriptions. Robert Ryan stated that the donations have stayed the same in the 2023 Budget for Library, Recreation Board, etc.
R. Scott motioned to approve bills; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned 7:58PM. Next Council meeting June 14, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary