RIEGELSVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
Municipal Building
APPROVED July 12, 2023
Vice President Rodney Scott called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm July 12, 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 Scot and Mayor Boenzli.
Motion to approve June 14, 2023, Council Meeting minutes, G. Chase motioned to approve, M. Pulsinelli
Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Borough Council received a thank you letter from Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center for the $600.00
donation.
REPORTS:
President: Absent.
Mayor: Mayor Boenzli reported she received a call from M. Pulsinelli about the power outage and Tree
down on Durham Road Sunday July 9. Frank Preddy stated the road was blocked off. Met Ed fixed it early
Monday July 10, morning. Mayor also reported that on Monday July 10, she helped place the radars on the poles.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO)
June 2023
5 RTK’s received in June. 4 – Robert Ryan, 1- Mike Cavallaro.
2-Granted within 5 business days.
1-30-day extensions
Denials-3
No new appeals. YTD: 0
YTD total received: 46. YTD: 4- Smart Procure, 1- Brendan Breslin, 1- Prime Builder, 1-MGM Law,
1-Tyler Okeefe, 1-Trileaf, 1- Lien One Inc., 2- Evan Kechley, 34-Robert Ryan, 1- Allium Data, 1-Mike
Cavallaro.
Open Records Officer Hours: 8 1/2 Hours- Total $170.77 to process, gather documents and if needed
forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD pay: $959.49. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: 0.
Treasurer: YTD pay: $72.08
Zoning officer: YTD pay: $126.00.
Solicitor fees: YTD pay: $112.50.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
3- Borough residents present and Guest: Robert McEwan, with Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic Rivers.
Robert Ryan asked Rodney if push bars are needed for the doors that the new locks are going on.
Rodney stated that they are not needed.
Paul Anthony asked if there is an update on the Dog Ordinance. Michael stated the draft dog ordinance
has been sent to the Borough Solicitor for review.
Robert McEwan presented to Borough Council the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River (LDWSR)
Partnership is part of the national wild scenic rivers system, a partnership program between the National Park
Service, state and local entities, nonprofit organizations. along the Delaware River between the Delaware
Water Gap and Washington’s Crossing. Robert introduced adding new tributaries expansion program to
endorse adding creeks, rivers and streams for congressional designation. Robert is asking Borough Council to endorse this expansion. A draft resolution was handed out. The council will look over the information and get back to him.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on June 21, 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 Boenzli, Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry MastellerBorough Secretary. – 2 Borough residents present and Marshal Miller- Library Board of Trustee Secretary.
T. Stinnett-Council President reported that Borough Council had an executive session before tonight’s meeting with William Dudeck- Borough Solicitor in reference to a possible litigation. Bob Ryan asked what it was, and T. Stinnett said he had nothing to add.
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 June 2023 report.
2- Building Permit: 200 Amp update and Replace deck boards on porch (flood plain) 2-Zoning permit: Re-roof and shed permit.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of June 21, 2023.
702 Durham Road: The only update was the owner asked the Riegelsville Water Company to turn off their water as of June 21, 2023.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation. Court date March 16, 2023. He observed a bucket loader and 2 trees that were taken down. Jim emailed the
property owner to get more information as to what they are doing.
573 Easton Road, Rooster complaint: Dirk Odhner resident, Zoning Hearing Board member reported to the
Council during a meeting that he heard a rooster crowing during the Memorial Day service. Jim left a voicemail with Julia for her to return his call and let him know if she found a new home to relocate the rooster. Bob Ryan, Borough resident, stated that Julia is out of town. Jim asked Mr. Ryan if he knew if she rehomed the rooster and he stated that he did not know.
T. Stinnett reported to the Council that they received a meeting request from Alex Adams, property owner Delaware Road, Artic Swan Bakery. The Council discussed that he should attend the next Community Affairs meeting on July 19, 2023. This is to discuss the Borough’s benches and Community Bulletin board that is on hi property and what Mr. Adams wants to do with his property. Sherry will invite Mr Adams to the meeting.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the May Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Marshal Miller-Library Board of trustee member reported that the Spring Book sale was a success. The Chair lift was inspected and passed. Summer reading starts June 10.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that the three stations are training together, they had a Boat water training. Gary asked if the new boat is in Riegelsville Station 42, Ed said both boats are in Station 42.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: June 1, meeting minutes were received and are filed. Viana reported that they are working on doing a garden recognition. They are discussing some fundraising ideas. Next meeting is July 6, 2023, at 6pm.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that now more money is coming in than going out. They continue to research grant possibilities.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported that spring softball is over. 13U Baseball team has a few more games. The men’s baseball team continues through the summer. During the Rec Board meeting on May 30, we looked at the sycamore trees and suggested they should be trimmed not cut down. The water hook-up needs to be repaired by the pavilion.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank met with Ryan Pankoe, UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional
Emergency Services) discussed how ambulances would get in the borough during an emergency and worked out a plan. Frank is going to meet with the new Nockamixon Township Emergency Management Coordinator to collaborate with their positions as Coordinators. Evan Stone, BC Planning Commissioner would like the Borough’s support to update the current Act 167 plans from nine individual plans to one. Frank spoke to BC Commissioner Robert Harvie in reference to the UBREMS state of their finances.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: Tom reported that the Council has received a quote from Bucks County Planning Commission to update the Borough comprehensive plan. The next Planning Commission meeting is Monday August 7, 2023.
Misc: M. Pulsinelli stated the draft dog ordinance was sent to the Borough Solicitor for review. P. Anthony,
Borough resident asked if they will be able to look it over. The response was that once the Borough Solicitor reviewed the process would move forward during future meetings.
Meeting adjourned 7:53 pm Next meeting July 19, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting on June 21, 2023, at 7:53pm.
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.
2- Borough residents-no one spoke.
Discussions:
PennDOT Traffic Signal Supervisor regarding Armour & Sons traffic signal inspection quote and Riegelsville’s new traffic signal project update: ARLE grant application will be sent in by June 30. Letters of Support that we have received will be added to the ARLE Grant application. Armour & Sons will work on the 3 maintenance items from the 2022 proposal.
Flow meter certifications well 1&2 and 1 at the river bridge (Aqua NJ) Update: Matt or Sonny will switch the chambers and get them sent back to the company and then we will receive the certifications within a few weeks.
Rodney reported that we received a service agreement/quote from Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates in
reference to the “Lead service line inventory 2024”. Gary has been looking over the agreement that separates the scope of work to Task 1 document review & inventory. Task 2 is inventory preparation. Rodney and Tammy will look through the water company archives for information that will help Toby.
Hydrant replacement due to accident update: Just waiting on a date when the contractor will install it.
Rodney reported that the new windows for Well #3 are here, installation will be soon.
Misc:
Tom Murtha’s irrigation well was finished, and the draw down was done today June 21, 2023. John
Scully, Borough water operator stated the drawdown did not affect Well #3 and he will have a written report next week.
Today the office received an email from PA DEP acting Secretary on behalf of Governor Josh Shapiro
announcing a drought watch- to reduce water use by about 5% through voluntary conservation measures.
Rodney and Tammy fixed the office copier, so there was no need to spend money to fix or replace it.
Rodney introduced E. Letko, a commercial property owner, to a borough resident that is looking to rent
office space in the Borough.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:05 pm. Next meeting July 19, 2023, 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on July 5, 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.
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
1 Borough residents were present. No comments.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: No Update as of July 5.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update: The Council looked over the quotes. A resident asked if the boards under the porch were rotted. Ed answered, “Yes, they need to be replaced.” The question was asked if the boards are pressure treated and Ed answered affirmatively. The council decided further discussion of the (3) quotes was needed.
Pedestrian Bridge replacement boards update: The Council also looked over the quotes.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith update: received a quote and will be added to the Council meeting on July 12, 2023. A resident asked if the door has a panic bar, and Rodney answered it does not.
Borough Building Corner Rot Update. Waiting for the date that James Zdepski will start date, Borough needs to rent a lift.
Parking lot Borough Sign update: No update as of July 5.
Park Sycamore Trees are set for trimming on August 18, Rodney will meet Rob- K & R tree service before they start.
Meeting adjourned 7:12pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on August 2, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order for July 5 at 7:13 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, Rodney Scott and Tom Stinnett.
Others Present: Mayor Boenzli
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
1 Borough resident was present.
Discussions:
Review of Borough Bylaws referencing DCED Borough Handbook and PA Title 8(Borough Code)- Gary
continues to review these documents.
IT & Outlook Updates and discussions: Viana discussed website update, hosting changeover from GoDaddy to Big Scoots, modifications, and speed enhancement. A resident questioned when the changeover was effective? Viana replied, in the middle of the week. Viana stated with the domain registry change, money was returned from GoDaddy.
Armour & Sons 2022 – crosswalks & stop line were painted; other items have not been done yet.
Gary stated he spoke to Fred Herb at Armour & Sons states Fred believes he will be able to finish their project up this month, month of July. It was noted by Council the crosswalk by the steps were not painted and Matt and Sherry have been in touch with Armour & Sons regarding this.
ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program). Update: Grant Application was submitted 6/29. Gary stated the Council is waiting for results in January 2024. Green Light Go application will be submitted in December 2023.
Calming Traffic, Flashing Speed Limit Signs for 611 and Pennoni’s joint program with PennDOT’s LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program). Update: Gary stated Marvin from Pennoni & PennDOT’s LTAP program will be here 7/10/23 to install (3) radar devices, north of the traffic signal, south of the traffic signal, Delaware Road before the traffic signal. A resident questioned which direction vehicles will be monitored. Gary replied with both directions.
Durham Road small parking lot Update: Appraisal received. Gary stated the appraisal is currently under
review.
Well House new windows received. Gary stated Rodney will install when he can. New outlets for the outside generator at Well #3 are set to be done July 25.
Well flow meter testing. Update: Gary stated Sonny will be doing done in the next 2 weeks. A resident
questioned if this was related to the new well that had been dug at the organic farm. Gary stated this is not related to the farmer’s well.
EPA/PADEP Service Line Inventory project, Gilmore & Associates. Gary stated Tammy searched for related documents; Toby submitted price proposal; discussion with Toby revealed and update to the proposal to be presented after TEAMS meeting with Toby. A discussion ensued among Council as to how to proceed with next steps. Gary reaffirmed this would be addressed during the 7/11 conference call.
Borough Hall/Library wall/ceiling repairs. Update Gary stated there is a grant from the Bucks County
Foundation that Denise is looking into which funds up to $10,000.
Denise Whitley, LDR ProSolutions, projects. Update: Gary stated Riegelsville Comprehensive Plan from the
Bucks County Planning Commission is a project for next year and grants are being explored by Denise through DCED.
Android phone on Verizon’s network for Riegelsville Borough’s Public Works Supervisor. update: On hold
Gary stated the project continues to be on hold due to other priorities.
Borough received the 2023-2024 EMC insurance renewal. Gary indicated the renewal and Council stated there was a small increase, but no additional comments.
The council looked over the finances. No comments on finances.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held August 2, 2023, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Approval of Estimate $935.00 The Flying Locksmiths, (2 new locks, Main door & Library door). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval of renewal $19,975.00, 2023-2024 EMC Insurance Company Borough policy, first installment $1,669.58 is included in tonight’s bills. G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of check $1,661.00 LDR ProSolutions, LLC (ARLE grant project). G. Chase motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval of check $3,080.00 Grim, Biehn & Thatcher (ZHB 573 Easton Road). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to
approve; G Chase seconded. Unanimous
Approval Check $2,838.75 Pennoni Associates Inc. (ARLE Grant app). G. Chase motioned to approve; M.
Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Mr. Handyman Contractor quote $5,652.37 Footbridge repair. G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Mr. Handyman Contractor quote $6,996.15 Porch repair/ railing. E. Bartosiewicz motioned to
approve; G. Chase seconded. Unanimous
Approval of Service agreement with Gilmore & Associates, Inc. (to prepare the lead service line inventory). G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
APPROVAL OF BILLS: G. Chase motioned to approve bills; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned 7:50 PM. Next Council meeting August 9, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary