RIEGELSVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
Municipal Building
DRAFT August 9, 2023
Vice President Rodney Scott called the regular meeting of the Riegelsville Borough Council to order at 7:00 pm August 9, 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 and Mayor Boenzli.
Motion to approve July 12, 2023, Council Meeting minutes, E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve, G. Chase Seconded. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE: Borough Council received a letter from Riegelsville Zoning Board since the Borough Park is within one hundred feet of 418 Easton Road. 418 Easton Road is seeking a variance to erect a square foot garage at the rear of the property. The hearing is set for August 24, 2023, at 7pm.
REPORTS:
President: Absent.
Vice President: R. Scott reported Edward Letko, property owner of 107 Delaware Road (old bank) and
719 Durham Road (Lundies 5&10) is in discussion with possible renters for each of his properties. Two girls’ softball teams will be playing Fall Ball on the softball field, Rodney will reach out to see if the boy’s baseball will be using the field for fall too. Rodney will be installing a few more windows in Well 3 the week of August 14.
Robert Ryan, Borough resident asked if Tom is okay since he hasn’t seen him at meetings for a while.
Rodney stated he is recovering from surgery; we will see him soon.
Mayor: Mayor Boenzli had nothing to report.
Report: Sherry Masteller appointed Open Records Officer (ORO) July 2023
7 RTK’s received in July. 6 – Robert Ryan, 1- River Rock Management LLC
5-Granted within 5 business days.
2-30-day extensions
Denials-3
No new appeals. YTD: 0 YTD total received: 53.
YTD: 2- Smart Procure, 1- Brendan Breslin, 1- Prime Builder, 1-MGM Law, 1-Tyler Okeefe, 1-Trileaf, 1- Lien One Inc., 2- Evan Kechley, 40-Robert Ryan, 1- Allium Data, 1-Mike Cavallaro and 1-River Rock Management LLC.
Open Records Officer Hours: 6 Hours- Total $120.54 to process, gather documents and if needed
forward requests to agencies of the Borough. ORO YTD pay: $1,080.03. ORO-Appeals YTD pay: 0.
Treasurer: 30 Minutes-$10.57 YTD pay: $82.65
Zoning officer: YTD pay: $126.00.
Solicitor fees: July $25.00 YTD pay: $137.50.
COMMENTS OF CITIZENS: Please state your name, you have 3 minutes to speak.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Affairs: Michael Pulsinelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm on July 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, and Rodney Scott.
Others Present: Mayor Boenzli, Jim Kopchak-Zoning officer, Frank Preedy- Borough EMC, Sherry MastellerBorough Secretary. – 6 Borough residents present and Tami Corwin- Library Board of Trustee member.
Comments from citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
Mike Cavallaro-Borough Commercial property owner introduced new Business owners at 801 Durham
Road, Maria Valentino, and Todd Schirm. Zoning permits have been approved. Maria and Todd will be opening a Health, wellness, and beauty store. Featuring organic coffee, gifts, and wellness beauty products. They are very excited to have a store in Riegelsville Borough.
Alex Adams-Borough Commercial property owner and Mike Cavallaro discussed with Borough Council
what their plans are for cleaning up the existing planted beds and have applied for a permit to install a sidewalk to the Artic Bakery entrance door. The Borough items (Bench, bike rake) that are in front of the “Post office” and the “Spirit and Soul” property can stay there since this is like the hub of the Borough and he is trying to make it more inviting. The bulletin board will be removed by borough employees. The Borough will find another location for a new Community Bulletin Board. Alex stated he is putting a lot of work into the buildings since he purchased the properties. The Borough’s 2 Benches and the trash can stay but lids will need to be added to the trash can. Birds/Black Vultures are getting into the cans. Mike also asked for a lid to be added to the trash can by the pedestrian bridge too. The Council will investigate the attached lids. Rodney stated there is an unmetered water hook up that is currently shut off, we will look into this in the future for a solution.
Discussions:
Zoning: Jim Kopchak, Borough Zoning Officer, reported to Council his June 2023 report.
2- Building Permit: 1-Commercial roof & Carpets and 1- Remove 1,000-gallon UST and install new above ground tank. No -Zoning permits.
Enforcement Activities:
808 Durham Road update: No update as of July 19, 2023.
702 Durham Road update: No update as of July 19, 2023.
Property Maintenance Violations:
224 Easton Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation. This hearing was on July 13, 2023, the property owner is making progress on fixing up his property, so the magistrate granted a continuance of 60 days.
141 Delaware Road Update: Non-traffic citation was filed for property maintenance violation, this hearing
rescheduled for May 24, 2023, Property owner has been working on the violations and Zoning officer requested that the Magistrate grant a continuance. The next hearing is set for August 9, 2023. Remark: Hearing was canceled today.
919 Easton Road, Update: Hearing was held on May 24, 2023, we discussed the issues with the damaged roof and the timeline for the roof repairs. Riegelsville Zoning officer agreed to a 90-day continuance.
Note: Jim Kopchak, Zoning officer thanked Frank Preddy, Borough EMC for contacting the DEP regarding the possible underground fuel tanks. Four tanks were removed in 1998 and one tank was removed in 2003.
ZHB (Zoning Hearing Board) meetings: Upcoming: Applicant 418 Easton Road is seeking relief from Article X, Section 1007.C. (10ft. minimum setback for accessory structure). The proposed 528sq ft garage will be approximately 1 ft from Wayside Way.
Library News: Borough office received from Terri Randolph (Director) the June Directors report minutes and they have been filed. Tami Corwin-Library Board of trustee member reported that they are financially ahead for the first half of this year’s projected budget due to the Annual letter for giving. Kimberton “Rounding up” program brought in $7,400.00. The Summer Art programs are all filled. They continue to look over the current by-laws. The next fundraiser is set for September- flea market. Possible Halloween event. Gary reported we are researching grants for the plaster repairs that are needed, Mike will keep the board updated. Tami reported that they will need a treasurer, Kathleen Kurtz will be moving, they are working on a job description.
Fire Co. News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that they have been busy with water rescue calls and training.
Robert Ryan stated he saw on William Dudeck, Solicitor invoice about the Fire Company building transfer, Rodney reported that is currently on hold.
Riegelsville Enhancement Committee: Viana reported they had a meeting on July 6 mostly to work on the
Garden recognition, certificates were dropped off to properties, The Committee has received notes and the office has received calls thanking the Committee for recognizing their hard work. They are planning a Halloween event with Traugers. Next meeting is August 3, 2023, at 6pm.
UBREMS (Upper Bucks Regional EMS) News: E. Bartosiewicz reported that the Chief has been let go and they are restructuring. They continue to be very busy with call volume.
Rec Board News: R. Scott reported trees are scheduled to be trimmed August 18. Car show documents are being mailed to the past sponsors and vendors this week. The first meeting for the Car show will be set up shortly after vacations.
Riegelsville Emergency Management: Frank attended 2 PEMA online courses 7/4 and 7/5. Frank was glad he was able to help to get information on tank removal at 919 Easton Road. Keep in your thoughts those involved with the flooding emergencies south of the Borough in Upper Makefield Township. Very sad. Frank and his team were aware of the power outages in the Borough.
Riegelsville Planning Commission: 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.
Gary reported that Friday July 21, we should have the Radar Counter report.
Michael reported that during the power outage this past weekend the traffic light area was dangerous with just stop signs and flairs, is there anything else we could do for this intersection in the future. The Council had a discussion and will investigate different options, for example battery flashing lights. Frank stated Met-Ed needs to get a better tree trimming schedule due to all the recent outages. The Council will look into contacting, Met- Ed representatives and residents can also contact the PUC with concerns too.
Meeting adjourned 7:39pm Next meeting August 16, 2023, 7pm
Utilities: Rodney Scott called the Utilities meeting on July 19, 2023, at 7:40pm.
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, and Michael Pulsinelli.
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.
6- 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 was sent June 29. Armour & Sons are putting the traffic light maintenance items on their schedule, Sherry will get an update.
Flow meter certifications well 1&2 and 1 at the river bridge (Aqua NJ) Update: within the next few weeks Matt or Sonny will switch chambers.
Rodney reported that we received the signed service agreement from Toby Kessler, Gilmore & Associates in reference to the “Lead service line inventory 2024”. The next step will be Toby coming to see what documents we do have.
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. July 25, Electrician will install 2 new outlets and conduit for generator at Well#3.
Rodney read the items on the Borough office calendar and the park pavilion rentals/meetings.
Misc.: Gary reported that Friday July 21, we should have the Radar Counter report.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:09 pm. Next meeting August 16, 2023, 7pm
Streets & Properties: Ed Bartosiewicz called the Streets & Properties meeting to order at 7:00 pm on August 2, 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 and Rodney Scott.
Others Present: Mayor Boenzli.
Comments from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
1 Borough resident was present. No comments.
Discussions:
Borough Building Safety Score & Cert. of Occupancy: Rodney will continue this process with an architect that is NICET certified.
Borough Building front porch/tenant stairs update: Construction scheduled August 14, Tenant has been notified.
Pedestrian Bridge replacement boards update: Construction scheduled August 14. Rodney asked to check on an estimate on how long the construction will be since the bridge is heavily used. Sherry will email Lon with Handyman for additional information.
Library Front door lock, Lock Smith update: Borough office received an email August 1, that due to their tech vacations that they will possibly schedule within the next 2 weeks.
Borough Building Corner Rot Update. Rodney spoke to James Zdepski, he stated that he should be able to start at the end of August or beginning of September. Ed will contact the rental company for a quote for the lift.
Parking lot Borough Sign update: Sherry gathered all the information from when the front sign was made & purchased from PCI. The Council suggested adding the website and office phone number to what the current sign has listed.
Park Sycamore Trees are set for trimming on August 18, Rodney will contact Rob- K & R to get a start time and meet him before he starts.
The Borough office received a concern from Borough resident that across the road from 945 Edgewood Road that occasionally cars are parking on Eastside hill of Edgewood and hiking on the Borough trail. The council had a discussion and decided to put up no parking signs and amending the current no parking on the west side of Edgewood Road ordinance to include Eastside Hill.
Robert McEwan presented to Council the Lower Delaware wild & Scenic River segment endorsement project at another meeting and would like to see if Council is interested in putting together the resolution. The council discussed having Sherry prepare the resolution for next week’s Council agenda.
Meeting adjourned 7:21pm Next Streets/Properties meeting will be held on September 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Finance: Gary Chase called the Finance meeting to order for August 2 at 7:21 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 Rodney Scott.
Others Present:
Mayor Boenzli
Comment from Citizens: Please state your name, you have maximum 3 minutes to speak.
1 Borough resident was present. No comment.
Discussions:
Review of Borough Bylaws referencing DCED Borough Handbook and PA Title 8(Borough Code)- Gary stated he continues to review these documents.
IT & Outlook Updates and discussions: Viana reported that the website is updated. Gary asked if there is a
way to see how much traffic/hits go to the website. Viana said she will look at a program to keep track of that.
Armour & Sons 2022 – There is one crosswalk & stop bar that needs to be painted per the updated PennDOT permit. Armour & Sons sent revision #2 quote to include the additional crosswalk, added push button and sign added to strain pole. The additional quote amount of $1270.00 will be added to the August 9, Borough Council agenda.
ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program). Update: Grant Application was submitted 6/29. Gary stated we should get the results in January 2024.
Calming Traffic, Flashing Speed Limit Signs for 611 and Pennoni’s joint program with PennDOT’s LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program). Update: Gary stated we received the speed data analysis from the 3 days 7/11/2023-7/14/2023. Ed, Gary and Viana will go over the next step in the traffic calming process with Marvin from Pennoni & PennDOT’s LTAP program.
Durham Road small parking lot Update: Appraisal received. Gary stated the appraisal continues to be under review by Council.
Well House new windows Update: Rodney installed 2 of the new windows, took 3 hours. Rodney will continue in between his work schedule.
New outlets for the outside generator at Well #3 were installed on July 25, 2023-project completed.
Well flow meter testing. Update: Sonny will be doing one on Thursday, 8/3, and needs Wayne-Water operator to help him with the Aqua NJ meter; target next week. Remark: Aqua meter will be done tomorrow at noon.
EPA/PADEP Service Line Inventory project, Gilmore & Associates. Gary stated that on a date in the middle of September they will have Toby come and gather documents for this project with Tammy, Rodney, and Gary.
Borough Hall/Library wall/ceiling repairs. Update: no update currently.
Denise Whitley, LDR ProSolutions, projects. Update: no update currently.
Borough received a letter PennDOT Winter Maintenance Agreement (Rate increases to benefit municipalities) stating that the Borough will need to send a letter to PennDOT to terminate the current agreement so a new agreement will be generated with the new rates. This winter agreement is for the Borough to do winter maintenance on Delaware Road and receive funds from PennDOT.
Borough received the 2023-2024 EMC insurance renewal binder.
The council looked over the finances. No comments on finances.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Next Finance meeting will be held September 6, 2023, immediately following Streets/Properties
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: If anyone has any questions please comment prior to the vote.
Rodney has noticed that the siren has been going off a lot lately, Ed why is that? Ed stated they have
been busy with downed trees due to the weather and other local emergencies. Rodney said maybe we need to look at another contractor to replace the hydrant on Easton Road, Sherry will ask the Water Operator for a recommendation.
Gary asked Mayor Boenzli to report on conversation with Pennsylvania State Police about the speed
data analysis. Mayor Boenzli spoke to Trooper Rodgers since Sgt. Pennington was not available, and they
went over the speed analysis which includes the total enforceable violations. When Sgt Pennington is available Mayor Boenzli, Gary and Ed will have a conversation about the analysis too.
Resolution: R-06-23 Lower Delaware Wild &Scenic River segment endorsement project. G. Chase motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
Armour & Sons Electric Revision #2 (updated per PennDOT permit) proposal $3,705.00, June 14, Council
approved the Revised Proposal $2,435.00. The additional amount in Revision #2 is $1,270.00 that needs to be voted on tonight. G. Chase motioned to approve; E. Bartosiewicz seconded. Unanimous
Approval of checks $899.38 (general fund) and $899.37 (water fund) to Riegelsville Auto. (2004 F350 rotted oil pan/leaked). E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS: Sherry discussed with Borough Council that she has been researching the current Borough’s Oil supplier and Boiler service agreement and other companies for their current prices. Sherry will report during next weeks Utilities meeting.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Robert Ryan, Borough Resident asked what is “PSTCA”- Pennsylvania State
Tax Collectors Association.
E. Bartosiewicz motioned to approve bills; M. Pulsinelli seconded. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned 7:49 PM. Next Council meeting September 13, 2023, at 7:00pm
Sherry Masteller
Borough Secretary