David Waltz, Council President, opened the scheduled Borough Council Meeting at 7:30 PM, in the Council Meeting Room, 212 Unity Terrace, Rutledge, PA.
After the salute to the flag, the following Council members answered roll call: David Waltz, Marie Govannicci, Tom Kopp, Daniel Werner, James Jones
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Police Chief Brian Craig, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq.
Not Present: M. Diane McGaughey, Marlaina Kloepfer
Minutes:Â MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of March 3, 2014 and Work Session of March 24, 2014. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Brian Blundin, 2 Unity Terrace, stated that he is renovating 4 Unity Terrace, and applied for permits after he had completed the work. The property is sold and the buyers want to settle on Friday, April 11, 2014. The permits for fences were declined because the fences that were erected at 2 and 4 Unity Terrace are 5’5’, rather than the 4’ that is required. Mr. Blundin also changed 2 Unity from three bedrooms to two bedrooms without a permit, and installed a small porch and roof. In order to get a Use and Occupancy permit, Mr. Blundin must correct the fence height, and apply for permits for the other items.
Marjorie Corcoran, 124 Rutledge Ave., reported that the Girls’ Club made $519.00 at the Craft Fair. She has a thank you letter for Council. The money will be used for new bases and coaches’ uniform shirts. Ms. Corcoran stated that there are companies that will donate to the Girls’ Club if it is 501.C3. Solicitor Hunt will look into the matter.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the months of February and March 2014. MOTION by James Jones, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve the Treasurer’s Reports as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence:
1)Â Â Â Â Â PA One Call System Inc.- 2014 PA Safety Days- May 8, Oaks, PA
2)Â Â Â Â Â Delaware County Association of Boroughs- Banquet, Friday, April 25, 2014, Springhaven Country Club, 7:30 PM, $45.00 per person
3)Â Â Â Â Â Diane McGaughey- written report on the Craft Fair
4)Â Â Â Â Â Steven Beckley, Delaware County Planning Commission- Needs a letter from the Rutledge Planning Commission stating that the Committee has reviewed the County Act 537Â Plan
Tax Collector’s Report: No report.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for March.
6 Home Inspections/U&OÂ Â – 4 Failed; 2 Passed
Correction Notices- 20 written and delivered
Mr. Mirra would like to talk to the Building Code Official regarding a garage that is leaning and looks like it will fall down.
There are 3 Active Zoning Permits- 1 Deck and 2 Aprons
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for March 2014. There were 24 Parking Tickets, 9 Traffic Citations
The Craft Fair on Saturday was a big success. Mayor Cunningham and Harry Mirra are organizing an event for Memorial Day. Taps will be played, a list of the names of Rutledge residents who died in service will be read, a wreath placed in front of the Community Center. The tentative date is Sunday, May 25, 2014, at 1:00 PM.
Public Safety:Â Tom Kopp reported that in March, there were:
31 Calls with time in service of 36 Hours 10 Minutes
4 training with time in service of 8 Hours 15 Minutes
8 assist Springfield                  8 Assist Swarthmore
Property endangered $800,000.00Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Property Lost:$250,000.00
3 funeral details- one was R. Holstein, a Rutledge Fire Co. member
Mr. Kopp reported that there will be a Public Safety Day at the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10AM to 2PM. There will be live fire demonstrations, a stop, drop & roll station, and a medical helicopter provided by Jefferson Hospital. Food will be provided.
Mr. Kopp would like to get a digital camera for the Fire Marshalls.
4th of July: Marie Govannicci reported that the Easter Egg Hunt will be on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 1:30 PM.
Recreation:Â Marie Govannicci reported that J. Jansen completed the work at the Triangle Park. They mulched and dugout the poles from the old slide. They did a great job. Basketball rims with reinforced hooks have been ordered. The park looks good for spring.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– Marie Govannicci reported that J. Jansen completed the work at the ballfield. They installed DiamondTek, dug out the grass and leveled it, and replaced home plate.
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: James Jones stated that the Borough will apply to the County to help review the Borough’s ordinances for revision.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: James Jones reported that the storm drain at Sylvan Ave. & Melrose Terrace has damage in the piping and the concrete is caving in. Mr. Jones took pictures and will consult Catania Engineering regarding pricing to repair it. The debris needs to be cleaned out. Mr. Jones has been reviewing the sewer tapes and narrative and is working with Daniel Werner on repairs. CDCA has offered to loan the Borough three portable flow meters, and placement of them has to be decided. The Borough is responsible for installation and maintenance costs. Mr. Jones has been appointed as the Borough’s representative to CDCA and will attend the Board Meetings.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Finance: Nothing to report.
Streets: David Waltz reported that PECO Energy will apply seed and topsoil on Linden Ave. & Waverly Terrace on Wednesday and Thursday. The paving work is currently out for bids. The holes will be mill and patched, and other areas will get new paving. Harry Mirra stated that residents told him that PECO put gravel on their front lawns and put asphalt on one resident’s apron instead of cement.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt, Jr. reported on uses for the former Rutledge Fire Co. Four types of usage are allowed: residential, mental health facility, municipal building, fire station or similar use. The cheerleading rental does not meet the list of uses at this time. The issue could be amended by ordinance or the Fire Co. can go before the Zoning Hearing Board to apply for a Special Exception. The Fire Co. is permitted to use the building for community based activities and services. The issue will be discussed at the Work Session. The resident who complained about the noise does not want to meet with the Fire Co., Council and her husband, as was presented to her by Council to resolve the issue. There have been no more complaints since those last discussed at the March 24, 2014 Work Session. Dan Werner stated that the operation is not in compliance with the Borough Code. Council will allow the cheerleaders to continue renting, but Mr. Blundin must comply with the Borough Ordinance. It appears to be selective enforcement. David Waltz said that the cheerleading stays in operation, and Council will review the new information received tonight from the Solicitor.
Old Business: Tom Kopp reported that the Community Center elevator passed the 3-year pressure test required by the State. The light bulbs in the elevator must be rubber coated .Karl Eilinsfeld ordered them; they are a special order. Mr. Kopp needs the electrical prints for the elevator.
New Business: David Waltz asked everyone to keep Monday, May 12, 2014 open because he will host a party for a resident who is turning 103 this year. The State, County, and Mayor Cunningham will issue proclamations, and Rutledge’s State Representative will try to get a special person to attend. All Borough residents are invited.
Public Comment: None
Bills for April 7, 2014:Â
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $43,661.79. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $552.88. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by James Jones, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund the amount of $55,323.13. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary