President Thomas E. Stinnett called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm June 14, 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 Boenzli.
Motion to approve May 10, 2022, Council Meeting minutes, G. Chase motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE: (added after the agenda was posted)
The Borough Council received the final order from ZHB in reference to the May 5, 2023, ZHB hearing for 573 Easton Road, the applicants request a variance for the provisions of the Riegelsville Borough Ordinance to permit four pet chickens on the Property. Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary read this order.
REPORTS:
President: T. Stinnett stated he did not have anything to report.
Mayor: Mayor Boenzli reported she continues to work on the Borough website. She sent an email about how slow it is. Sherry will forward Go Daddy information to her.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
May 2023
10 RTK’s received in May. 9 – Robert Ryan, 1- Smart Procure.
8-Granted within 5 business days.
2-30-day extensions
Denials-None
No new appeals. YTD: 0
YTD total received: 41. YTD: 4- Smart Procure, 1- Brendan Breslin, 1- Prime Builder, 1-MGM Law,
- Tyler Okeefe, 1-Trileaf, 1- Lien One Inc., 2- Evan Kechley, 30-Robert Ryan, 1- Allium Data.
Open Records Officer Hours: 10 Hour- Total $200.09 to process, gather documents and if needed forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD pay: $788.72. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: 0.
Treasurer: 15 minutes $ 5.29 YTD pay: $72.08
Zoning officer: YTD pay: $126.00.
Solicitor fees: No May invoice received. YTD pay: $112.50.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
4 Borough residents and Frank Preedy- Borough EMC present.
Dirk Odhner- Borough resident and ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) Chairperson, reported to Borough Council that during the Memorial Day event on Sunday May 28, 2023, he heard a rooster crowing possible from 573 Easton Road. Can the Zoning officer investigate that the rooster has been rehomed. Sherry Masteller- will email the Zoning officer.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on May 17, 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, Rodney Scott, and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Mayor Boenzli, Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry Masteller-Borough Secretary. 1- Borough resident present and Tami Corwin- Library Board of Trustee.
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 May 2023 report.
1- Building Permit: Bay window extension 1-Zoning permit: Bay window extension. New applications are under review.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of May 17, 2023.
702 Durham Road: No update as of May 17, 2023.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation. Court date March 16, 2023. This hearing is rescheduled for May 24, 2023.
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, this hearing rescheduled for May 24, 2023.
919 Easton Road, Update: A tree recently fell on this building and the roof is no longer weathertight as of February 15, 2023. Hearing rescheduled for May 24, 2023, at noon.
ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings: Julia Justine and Cheryl Montero, 573 Easton Rd.
They are requesting relief from Article III, Section 303, (A-1) Minimum lot size requirement of (3) acres.
The ZHB met on May 4, 2023. (7Pm)
The zoning solicitor gave full disclosure that Dave Masteller, a board member, is related to the borough secretary. His wife is Sherry Masteller. Dave Masteller stated that he would be impartial in this case. It was determined that Dave could remain a voting member for this hearing. There was testimony given by the applicant and the applicant’s attorney.
Evidence was presented that the chickens are Julia’s pets and are for emotional support. Members of the community stated that they support her request for the variance. The board went into executive session to deliberate. The board ruled that Julia Justine may have up to 4 hens. The rooster shall be relocated to a new home. Because these are “emotional support” chickens, the variance is just for her and does not stay with the property.
Riegelsville Inn: Mr. Evan Kechely contacted me for an opinion letter on the Pre-27 status of the Riegelsville Inn. Evan 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. No updates as of May 17, 2023.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the April Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Tami Corwin-Library Board of trustee member reported that the Museum of Indian Culture presented the “Northeastern Woodlands” Program at the library on Saturday, April 29th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. They had 21 adults, and 2 children present for this fascinating program. Participants stayed for over an hour after the 1.5-hour program concluded to ask questions and examine the items that Christine brought. This program was provided by the children’s grant. Tami stated they are reactivating a few committees; Governance Committee is looking over the By Laws. The Historical Room Committee is chaired by Marshal Miller, they are looking into grant opportunities. They are also reactivating the Fundraising Committee also; Tami is the chair. Board members went to local businesses to ask for donations and be sponsors for the National Library week April 23 to the 29. Hootz Bar & Grill, Spirit & Soul Fitness, Dumpling Mama’s Café, Arctic Swan Bakery, Airco Heating and Cooling, Nick Zangli Plumbing and Traugers Farm Market all helped make the National Library Week a success. Tami said to Viana that they could work together with the Enhancement Committee on fundraising. Rodney had talked to Pat Johnson that maybe the Rec Board, Enhancement Committee and the Library can have events at Borough Park like a Community Flea Market. Rodney stated the Annual Car show is a great opportunity to set up during that event and volunteer during the event.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that the three stations are working the calls together really well and they practice together. Six members spent over 200 hours to earn ProBoard national certification Fire Fighter 1 classification. One member is from Riegelsville Borough. PRFR (Palisades Regional Fire Rescue) will be cooking for the Wehrung’s Anniversary sale is Saturday May 20, 2023. May 13 and 14 there was boat training, and the new boat was used.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: May 5, meeting minutes were received and are filed. Here are a few items from minutes: Spring Garden work is underway, will be decorating for Memorial Day, discussing some fundraising ideas. Next meeting is June 1, 2023, at 6pm.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that next week 5/22-5/26 is EMS week. They continue to have financial issues. They continue to investigate different fundraising opportunities. The Annual community ambulance Subscription has been mailed out and will be added to the “Rville Happenings”.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that 2 softball and 2 baseball teams games have started. The fields look great, and the playgrounds are getting some mulch added to freshen them up. The next Rec Board meeting is May 30, 7pm at the Park Pavilion.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank reported that he attended the Palisades safety walk through. Frank met with Mayor Boenzli to discuss what the Emergency Management team does and the EOP. Frank gave the Council the draft updated EOP to go over and vote on. M. Pulsinelli had questions on pg. 2, 4 and 8. Frank discussed the answers. Frank met with Bob Ryan, Borough Resident, to go over the EOP. Bob Ryan asked if Frank receives a list of those that need help getting out during an emergency, Frank answered. Bob Ryan also asked how we get the community involved so they know what is happening during emergencies. During the past emergencies-Frank explained how the EM team, volunteers and employees walked around flyers, put them out in public areas. Email is also used to get the information out. Mayor Boenzli stated maybe we would need to get a translator and someone that knows sign language to help during an emergency.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported the Council has received a quote from Bucks County Planning Commission to update the Borough comprehensive plan. Tom stated there is a DCED grant that can be used to help with the cost of this project. The next Planning Commission meeting is Monday June 5, 2023.
Misc. M. Pulsinelli stated the draft dog ordinance was sent to the Borough Solicitor for review. Mike reported that the Council received a draft chicken ordinance. Bob Ryan has a suggestion to have an open meeting to have residents look & discuss the draft 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 7:53 pm Next meeting June 21, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting on May 17, 2023, 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 Boenzli, 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:
PennDOT Traffic Signal Supervisor regarding Armour & Sons traffic signal inspection quote and Riegelsville’s new traffic signal project update: ARLE grant Pre-Application was emailed April 28, 2023. Next step is Mark with Pennoni and Armour & Sons will work on the 3 maintenance items from the 2022 proposal. Denise, grant writer and Mark with Pennoni will work on the ARLE grant application.
Flow meter certifications well 1&2 and 1 at the river bridge (Aqua NJ) Update: Chambers were delivered today; S. Groller will switch the chambers and get them sent back to company and then we will receive the certifications.
Rodney met with Tammy and looked over the documents for the “Lead service line inventory 2024”, Rodney reported that it is very extensive. Gary is also looking over the process and this may be something that Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates is more qualified since he did the Borough Well head protection project for the Borough.
Hydrant replacement due to accident update: The new hydrant and other materials are in, cost $3,200.00. Waiting to see when the contractor will install it.
Rodney reported that the new windows for Well #3 have been ordered and should be by the end of next week May 26. Rodney will use an 18-gauge material to put over the window to protect from rocks being thrown at the windows.
Tom reported that the top of Edgewood Road where the road was cut for the water main, they need to be sealed more. Sherry said if someone takes pictures then they can be emailed to the contractor.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:11 pm. Next meeting June 21, 2023 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on June 7, 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, Gary Chase, 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.
4 Borough residents were present. No comments.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: No Update as of June 6.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update & replacement boards on the Pedestrian Bridge update: We received quotes from Matt Michaelson-Mr. Handyman Inc. for both projects. Ed reported we need to look over all the quotes that we have received.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith update: Rodney reported that he has talked to him and was ready to get us on his schedule, He will look for another Company.
Corner rot of the Borough building update: Council received a quote from James Zdepski. Rodney stated the Borough would need to rent a lift for the week for this project. The quote will be added to the Council agenda for the vote.
Parking lot Borough Signupdate:No update as of June 6.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) will be collecting count data in the next few months. The location is Spruce Road between 611 Easton Road and Durham Road.
Rodney contacted A. Adams, property owner of 112 Delaware Road to discuss the Borough’s property on his property and should it be removed. Rodney said to Council that they have caution tape around the benches. A. Moyer, Borough resident mentioned that the Bulletin board needed to be repaired, that was discussed before. Council agreed that it needs to be replaced and Council is hoping to work with the owner.
Tom Murtha/TNT is having a new irrigation well installed. Tomorrow June 8 they will start setting up. John and Wayne, Borough water operators are aware. C. Warren, the onsite well driller supervisor, will let the office know when they perform the draw down test so John or Wayne can be present. REMARK: Today Brianna with BCBH called the Borough office for information on the depth of Well 3 for the Well driller on Tom Murtha’s farm property. The information was emailed.
Miscellaneous: The Borough office received the information for the 2023-2024 Salt Consortium. Sherry asked if the Council would like to join again this year, Council agreed.
Meeting adjourned 7:20pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on July 5, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order for June 7 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:
Gary Chase, 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.
4 Borough residents were present.
Discussions:
Review of Borough Bylaws referencing DCED Borough Handbook and PA Title 8(Borough Code)- Gary reported that he continues to look over these documents to possibly consider using the DCED Borough Council Handbook in place of the Bylaws.
IT & Outlook Updates and discussions: Gary asked Borough Council if they can use their Outlook emails and One Drive, Gary is willing to help if anyone that is having issues. Mayor Boenzli reported that she is helping with the Borough Website and is having issues with GoDaddy, it is very slow. Gary asked if she could put an email together with the issues and send it to Borough Council. Mayor Boenzli reported she will send the email.
Armour & Sons 2022 Inspection: Borough Council reviewed the revised 2022 proposal. There are three items on the proposal that will need to be fixed, 2 have costs and 1 is time and material. Tom Stinnett asked if we could receive a maximum cost for the 1 item, that is time & material so it can be voted on. Gary will email Armour & Sons and they updated quote was received.
ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program). Pennoni Pre App Scoping submission: results & discussions of traffic signal project. Gary reported that Rodney, Sherry, Denise Whitley -Grant writer, Mark Bickerton and Matthew Johnston with Pennoni had a team’s call to discuss the pre-app scoping submission that Penn Dot reviewed. Denise and Mark are reworking the narrative addressing safety issues. Discussed reaching out to state representative, Senator, BC Planning Commission, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Emergency services, for letters of support for this project.
Calming Traffic, Flashing Speed Limit Signs for 611 and Pennoni’s joint program with PennDOT’s LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program) Update: Gary discussed with Borough Council to move forward with radar counters so this information can be shared with PA State police also. The results will help us know what type of calming traffic devices can be considered and installed.
Durham Road small parking lot Update: Borough Council received a quote for the appraisal and will be added to June 14, Council agenda.
Well House new windows received, and 2 Quotes for Sycamore tree work received. Rodney reported that the windows will be installed in the next 2 weeks. Rodney also reported that the Recreation Board discussed the Sycamores and suggested trimming them and cutting low branches by the Basketball court and Softball field. Quotes will be added to June 14, Council agenda.
Well flow meter testing. Update: Sonny will be unavailable to take care of the flow meter testing so Sherry will ask Matt if he is able to take care of them.
EPA/PADEP Service Line Inventory, Gilmore & Associates Update: Gary reported that Tammy, Rodney and himself had a phone conversation with Toby Kessler about the extensive service line inventory that PA DEP is requiring October 16, 2024. Toby will put together a consulting services agreement. Tom reported that in the June Borough Newsletter there is an article about possible federal funding through Pennvest for this project, Gary will forward this information to Denise Whitley-Grant writer.
Borough Hall/Library wall/ceiling repairs update: Gary will have Denise Whitley-researcher/grant writer put together a proposal for the plaster project and the DEP service line also.
Android phone on Verizon’s network for Riegelsville Borough’s Public Works Supervisor. Gary reported that we are putting this on hold, other projects have taken priority.
The Borough Council received a quote for new outlets for an outside generator at Well #3, this will be added to Borough Council agenda on June 14.
The Borough Council received cyber insurance coverage information from EMC (Borough Insurance Company). Gary reported that last year the Council investigated this and discussed that we did not want to add this to our policy. The council discussed that we do not need to add it for 2024 either.
Sherry ordered (2) Liquid Chlorine Tanks to replace the ones at Well #3, Gary and Tom signed the paperwork for the delivery on Monday June 12, 2023.
The council looked over the finances.
The meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held July 5, 2023, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval of K&R Tree Service’s quote of $1,920.00 to trim 8 Sycamore Trees at the Borough Park. R. Scott motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Estimate $5,725.00 Zdepski Fine Woodworking LLC, (repair rotted soffits & remove Bees on the Borough Hall building) If approved- Approval for Check 50% deposit $2,862.50. R. Scott motioned to approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous A. Moyer, Borough resident asked if the Borough is getting the lift for this project. Yes, the Borough is renting the lift.
Approval of quote $800.00 To Laudone & Associates, Inc. appraisal company to appraise the small Durham lot (38-006-130). G. Chase motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Quote $2,435.00 from Armour & Sons Electric, Inc. (2022 Revised Annual Traffic Signal Maintenance). G. Chase motioned to approve; R. Scott seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Quote $ 1,400.00 from West Side Hammer Electric (2 new outlets& Conduit for outside generator at the Borough Well#3 pump house). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval Check $3,200.00 LB Water (supplies for new Hydrant at 1265 Easton Road) G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Frank Preedy- Borough EMC-reported that PennDOT has finished patching 611, next they will do the line painting. Frank will thank PennDOT and State Rep Staats for getting this done before September.
Frank also received a call from Audrey Kenny, BC Director of Emergency Services asking if the Borough will be offering a cooling station this summer. G. Chase made a motion for Frank to open the cooling station when Bucks County requests it, R. Scott seconded. Unanimous
G. Chase reported that Pennoni-Borough traffic engineer will be putting up radar on 611 for speed and count of cars on July 10th. This radar report, with help the Borough decide what type of traffic calming devices will help the speeding on 611 and Delaware Road.
G. Chase reported that he has received four “Letters of support” back for our ARLE Grant application.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: G. Chase motioned to approve bills; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned 8:08 PM. Next Council meeting July 12, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary