MINUTES OF THE RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
August 6, 2018 Meeting
212 Unity Terrace
Rutledge, PA 19070
Meeting was called to order and Pledge of Allegiance recited at 7:10 pm.
Roll Call, Present: Heidi Sentivan, Jody Roberts, Marie Govannicci, Ken Torres-Zickler, Samantha Newell, Lindsay Reed, Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Solicitor Christine Reuther, Administrator Barbarann Keffer;
Absent: Christine Gradel
Motion to pass July 30 minutes: KT-Z/JR, motion passed unanimously
Trash & Recycling: Mike from B&L Disposal led a discussion on the near-future increased costs of single-stream recycling. It is estimated that the Borough will recycled 90 tons in 2018. We recycled 96.92 tons in 2017. In January 2019, the costs are expected to rise by over a 1000%. The Borough currently pays $3/ton for recycling. The rate for 2019 is expected to be well over $100/ton and could be as high as $200-300/ton (well above the dumping rate for garbage). This is currently a huge issue across the country and is related to China no longer being willing to accept US recycling. He should know more in the next couple of months about options for future recycling. He will keep the Borough informed as he gets additional information. He also emphasized that the Borough should continue to educate residents to clean items before recycling and not to put pizza boxes and plastic bags into the recycling bins. Additionally, garbage dumping costs are also going up from $35 to $55 a ton.
Mayor’s Report: Speed Enforcement Evaluator data indicated that there were 31,000 vehicles going in both directions (200 block of Linden) between July 10th and July 19th , about 6% of the traffic goes above the speed enforcement rate (36 MPH). Discussion continued about the details of the report. It was also noted that the police have noticed a decrease in drivers not stopping at the stop signs. KC also read and submitted the Police Report and talked about Wren Peterson’s inaugural “Rutledge Observer†newsletter.
Communications: the Committee is set to meet at 7:30 pm on Thursday (August 9)
Parks: The softball infield needs some extra attention to get it ready for the fall season. MG to coordinate with Joe McGinnis. MG to coordinate bench and garbage can installation at the park with Joe.
Activities: Oktoberfest plans are coming together. The MRFC Horseshoe Tournament is September 15 (rain date September 16). Cost is $25/person or $40/team.
Finance: JR met with Lisa Seal and BK to discuss monthly reports, aligning the reports with audit standards. In October, we will be transitioning to a new system for the budget season. MG asked if the bookkeeper could provide a monthly bills list going forward.
Streets: Joe Maginis made a list of potholes to be filled for the PAT (Pothole Assistance for Taxpayers) program.
Sewers: The old grants are still in the process of being closed out; The state notified the Borough that there has been a delay in the awarding of grants and that we won’t know if the Borough will receive the PA Small Waters Grant for Phase 3 until October.
Building: KT-Z talked about revamping the hall rental agreement to gear it toward community groups; the community group usage policy draft should be ready for the August workshop. There was discussion on liability insurance, the right to reclaim space among other related topics. The upstairs should be painted in time for Oktoberfest.
New Business: Appointment to the Zoning Hearing Board. Two people, Kim Brown, who served on the Board previously, and Joseph Brook, a member currently serving on the Zoning Hearing Board, submitted resumes for consideration. Motion to appoint Joe Brook (JR/LR), motion passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn, 8:21. (HS/SN)