Meeting Minutes june 26,2017

MINUTES OF THE RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
June 26, 2017 Meeting
212 Unity Terrace
Rutledge, PA 19070

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm

ROLL CALL:
Present:  Brianne Thomas, Dr. Marlaina Kloepfer, Jack Shingle, Marie Govannicci, Jim Jones, Council President Dave Waltz, Mayor Cunningham.
Also in attendance was William Neill, Esq.
Absent: Eric Leggett
No public comment was made.
Mr. Jones announced that televising of the sewer lines would begin after July 4th. He asked Dr. Kloepfer to put out information to the residents letting them know that General Sewer would be working in the area and would be wearing identification.  They may need to approach some properties. A contract for $9,900 was signed previously. Mr. Jones spoke to the vendor about adding in the filming of the basketball area where we are experiencing some sinking of the blacktop.  They are going to film that area and the rain garden drain for free.
Dr. Kloepfer discussed that the communications desire to go live with a video of the council meeting on Facebook. She expressed her feelings that this would be a new way to let residents be involved. It was noted that we hold public meetings and have minutes, but she noted that the last minutes on the website were February.  Ms. Bascelli advised her that we were sending out new minutes but audit prep was handled first. Communications next meeting is July 13, 2017.
Ms. Giovannicci indicated that the 4th of July Activities Committee would hold a meeting after the council meeting.  Thanks were offered to Council and Julie for the work that has been done for the 4th and the backstop. The backstop still needs to be finished. She also reported that the new musical piece for Triangle Park was ordered.  There was a brief discussion about confusion regarding the approval for the piece.  The piece was approximately $500.
Mayor Cunningham indicated that the Girl’s Club championship game will be at the park on Wednesday at 5:30pm. It was requested that the flagpole be checked at the ballfield. A tent is needed and tables and the grill. Ms. Govannicci reminded everyone that wristbands will be distributed at the park after the parade.  This is a new procedure. Baracades will be needed at 8am for the parade route. She also stated that Marge (last name?) is doing a great job with the team.  The Mayor added that they are a young team that was moved to a new bracket so it was especially impressive considering their age.
Marie also mentioned the passing of Mr. Hans (spelling?) and what a huge part of Strathaven he was.  Several council people commented on their memories and Marie felt the borough should do something in his honor.  It was stated that contributions were recommended in lieu of flowers. The Mayor will check on the services.
Rachel Sten discussed that the Shade Tree Commission was trying to plan summer plantings.
Council President Waltz advised council that the Fire Company was going to allow the Salvation Army van to park in the bay. There also was a discussion about reminding renters that parking in on the street only, not in the back of the building.
Public Comment –
Jackie Myers of 33 Linden commented on her disappointment that a flyer circulating for 4th of July decorating specifies that funds raised benefit the Rutledge Democrats.  She stated that every year politics is left out of the 4th of July celebration and she doesn’t want to see anything that she feels is divisive on the holiday as that has never been a political time.  She stated that it wasn’t a democrat or republican issue – just one of community.  Rachel Sten explained that the decorating was free but other items were for sale but Ms. Myers said that is not what the flyer stated.  A brief discussion ensued.

Council President Waltz advised council that he reviewed our insurance policies and discovered some errors and duplicate coverages that could be avoided.  Working with the insurance carrier our bill was reduced by approximately $2000.  He advised that next year the borough should shop the policy around to make sure we get the best pricing.

Council was advised that highway employee Mark Bascelli would be putting in the pad for the trash container within the next 2 weeks.  With hot weather and full cans there have just been too many leaky food bags and with the container, the trash contractors will handle removal eliminating the need to come in every Sunday night.

Mayor commented that he would need the borough’s card to get the awards for July 4th.

William Neill, Esq, reviewed Ordinance 482 Accessory Uses for council review which will go to a vote on July 3, 2017.  The details of this ordinance were worked out during the last few meetings in conjunction with the zoning representative and the borough engineer.

Mr. Neill also reviewed his progress on council’s options for how to officially establish the Shade Tree Commission.  Although the commission has been in operation for some time, it was never legally established leading to concerns.  They wish to be an advisory entity, as is their current position but other legal aspects have to be identified in the ordinance which is what Mr. Neill is reviewing.  Ms. Bascelli provided him with the PA Borough’s Association ordinance and he is comparing it with what he has collected from other communities. Various documents and processes were necessary based on the choice made.  These included advertisements that had costs associated with them, budget filing, audit and annual report issues. Various options were discussed.

Council President Waltz brought up the matter of live streaming the meetings on Facebook with a volunteer community member taping.  After consultation with some other communities and the County, Council President Waltz discussed the negative issues surrounding the matter.  These include the fact that the Borough of Rutledge does not own the taped version so it can be used, edited and quotes can be taken out of context.  No other community in Delaware County allows this and because of their prior research and concerns, he feels that a small community like Rutledge should not be the first in this case. Dr. Kloepfer stated that she felt it was innovative and informative but was not looking to be a rebel.  She felt we could be first with this and it was cost effective.  However, the debate became about control of the content when we the product is not ours. Comcast used to do it but they do not any longer. Council President Waltz stated he had no objection to taping the meetings, he just wants it done the right way and we should get prices.  Dr. Kloepfer felt that people take things out of context either way. Ms. Govannicci stated her concern about leaving out older residents who aren’t Facebook savy. Dr. Kloepfer stated she wanted to be ahead of the curve and that was why she pursued the matter.

A bamboo discussion took place. Several residents are making complaints about neighbors having invasive bamboo which is entering their yards, damaging walls and other related concerns.  It was requested that Dr. Kloepfer put something about invasive bamboo and the Borough of Rutledge bamboo ordinance on the website.  Rutledge was one of the first communities to have a bamboo ordinance in Delaware County. So far Linden and Sylvan are affected this spring. Code enforcement is handling the current complaints.  It is important for residents having bamboo to take it out the right way which is cumbersome, time consuming and can be expensive if contracted out.  Dr. Kloepfer reminded residents that they can have bamboo if it is potted.

Motion to adjourn: J. Jones/M. Govanicci  All in Favor
7:50 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

DawnMarie Bascelli
Borough Secretary


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