Borough of Riegelsville

Prior to the meeting, an executive session was held to discuss pending litigation. Reports covered the appointment of the Open Records Officer and a presentation by the Bucks County Planning Commission regarding the draft "Riegelsville Reimagined," Comprehensive Plan update, with plans for Borough Council approval at a subsequent meeting. Unfinished business included the approval of the 2025 Exoneration list for per capita tax, the transfer of the 2025 Delinquent per capita tax to Berkheimer, filing of the Tax Collector's 2025 Lien summary report, and the signing of the Borough Auditor engagement letter. Several professional service quotes were approved, including engineering consulting services for the 2026 Water Service Curb Stop program, 2026 Service Line Inventory updates, payment for an electric supply issue at wells 1 & 2, and the purchase of a Neoprene Valve for a storm water drain installation project. New business noted that Commercial rates for Del Guerico's Inc. will increase in 2026. The council approved bills totaling $33,828.30, which was subsequently amended to $33,978.70 to reflect corrected General Fund amounts.

The reorganization meeting involved swearing in the Mayor and newly elected Council Members for their respective terms. Key organizational actions included the unanimous appointment of Thomas Stinnett as President of Council, Rodney Scott as Vice President of Council, and Gary Chase as President Pro Tempore. Various official appointments were confirmed, including the Borough Secretary, Treasurer, Public Works Supervisor, Solicitor, Engineer, and Auditor. The Council also approved appointments to the Zoning Board, Planning Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Recreation Board, BOCA Board of Appeals, and the Emergency Management Team. Furthermore, the Council adopted the Borough Bylaws from 1994 and assigned committee chairs for Streets & Properties, Finance, Community Affairs, and Utilities. It was announced that the draft comprehensive plan, "Riegelsville Reimagined," would be presented at the subsequent Council Business Meeting.

The Committee Meetings covered reports from Community Affairs, Utilities, Streets & Properties, and Finance. Key discussions included the January 2026 Zoning report detailing three building permits and ongoing enforcement activities. The Library Board reported on a successful cookie sale and the passing of a former member. PRFR announced their 2026 officers. In Utilities, updates were provided on the EPA/PADEP Service Line Inventory, finalization of a professional services agreement with Private Utility Enterprises for water services, progress on the GLG Traffic Signal Replacement, and planning for the Stormwater Drainage System and Curb Stop Repair Program. The Council also reviewed IT/website analytics and discussed hiring for the public works department and exploring payroll service companies.

The meeting covered reports from the President, noting the last meeting for a current member and the upcoming swearing-in of an elected replacement, and the Mayor, who commented on the Annual Tree lighting event. The Open Records Officer reported zero RTK requests for November 2025. Key discussions included public comments on the Draft 2026 Budget from a citizen and a visit from PA State Police. Unfinished business included the unanimous approval of the Draft 2026 Budget, Resolution R-06-25 establishing the tax rate at 17.00 Mils, Resolution R-07-25 appointing Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC as independent Auditor, Resolution R-08-25 reappointing David Masteller to the ZHB, and execution of an Easement Agreement for the Traffic Signal project. The Council also approved a professional services agreement with "Private Utility Enterprises" for 2026, which will be finalized at the reorganization meeting. Finally, general fund, water fund, and highway aid bills totaling $42,024.56 were approved for payment.

The committee meetings covered reports and new business across Community Affairs/Utilities/Streets Properties/Finance. Community Affairs discussions included zoning permits (Solar Array, Re-Roof), enforcement activities regarding property maintenance violations at 140 Delaware Rd, and Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) cases. The ZHB hearing for Legacy Stone Empire regarding E-3 Retail Sales and G-1 manufacturing in the R-1 District was approved subject to Health Department confirmation. The ZHB hearing for Palisades Regional Rescue regarding a D-3 Office in the R-1 District was continued to December 8, 2025. Updates were provided on the Library's upcoming 50th anniversary and fundraisers, PRFR elections, the Riegelsville Enhancement Committee's tree lighting event, and Hazard Mitigation training for Emergency Management. New business included approval for an arts and crafts club to use the community room monthly. Utilities discussions focused on the LSA grant application for EPA/PADEP Service Line Inventory, a professional services agreement for Water Company operations starting January 1, 2026, and updates on the GLG Traffic Signal Replacement and Stormwater Drainage System, including ordering a duck valve. Streets & Properties planned to address Borough Building Safety Scores in 2026 and move forward with the Durham Road parking lot project in 2026. Finance reviewed the website analytics, advertised the Draft 2026 Budget, and confirmed the Borough Treasurer position was filled.