Greg Lebold, 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: Greg Lebold, Tom Kopp, Jack Borsch, Kurt Morrison, and Diane McGaughey
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig, Mayor Scott Shields
Not present: Mark King, Thomas Ash
Minutes : MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of July 13, and Work Session of July 27, 2009. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Heidi Sentivan, 2 Rutledge Ave., stated that the toddler swings with chains at the Triangle Park are a hazard; children can slide through. Greg Lebold stated that Council will look into upgrading the swings next year. Ms. Sentivan also stated that children are running in the sloped area of the rain garden. Kurt Morrison stated that Council is looking into putting a fence around the rain garden. The contractors are still working on the rain garden.
Robert Hunt, 209 Linden Ave., reported that Kevin Cunningham is the new President of the Rutledge Girls’ Club. Mr. Hunt was President for 11 years. Kurt Morrison stated that the program was very successful under Mr. Hunt’s supervision, and thanked him for his years of hard work and service.
Tax Collector’s Report: Leonard Michael reported that $227.14 was collected in July.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of July 2009.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for July.
2 House Inspections
2 Active zoning permits for roof replacement
2 Correction Notices were issued for: debris and overgrowth, and industrial material stored in yard.
Mr. Mirra reminded residents to clear any standing water from pots, buckets or other receptacles to prohibit mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for July. There were: 1 Accident, 11 M.V. Citations, 15 Parking Tickets, 19 Police Calls, 11 Complaints, 6 Assist Ambulance
Mayor Shields reported that there was a noise violation in the 100 block of Sylvan Ave. on 7/01/09
7/05/09 – Lawn mower removed 100 block of Linden Ave.
07/11/09 – Suspicious person unit block Morton Ave.
Mayor Shields reported that there have been complaints about uneven sidewalks that are tripping hazards.
The Rain Garden Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 16 was a great success. Kurt Morrison, Greg Lebold, Diane McGaughey, and Ed McGaughey contributed many hours to make the project a success. Council is investigating fencing options, and to keep the cost down, and have the fence maintenance free.
Police Chief Brian Craig reported that Robert Hunt, Highwayman, went to court as a witness to a driver who passed a school bus while it was stopped and picking up children. The perpetrator was found guilty of reckless driving. Chief Craig thanked for attending the hearing, and stated that he appreciated Mr. Hunt’s efforts.
Correspondence: Delaware County Intercommunity Health Coordination – Delaware County has received its first report of a positive mosquito pool in Collingdale Borough. Mosquito dunks are available for use in areas with standing water that cannot be cleared.
Committee Reports:
4th of July: Nothing to report
Communication: Nothing to report
Ordinance/Trash: Nothing to report
Building: Nothing to report
Sewer: Nothing to report
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report
Highway: Nothing to report
Recreation: Kurt Morrison reported that the informational sign for the rain garden has been ordered. Fencing is under consideration to protect the rain garden and children who play at the park. Additional work is required by the contractor to rectify issues reported to Catania Engineering. Council is considering having electrical service installed at the park.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were: 15 alarms, with time in service of 8 hours, 16 minutes, and 4 drills with time in service of 10 hours, 0 minutes, in July 2009.
Manpower response – Full Compliment- 11, Undermanned – 4, Scratched – 0, Late Response – 0.
R.F.C. History – On June 15, 1964, we covered Swarthmore boro with our fire company as their boro was visited by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Our coin card fund drive receipts were at $1,124.46.
Mr. Kopp reported that the 6th Annual Horseshoe Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 19, at the Triangle Park, with a rain date of September 20. Registration begins August 1; the cost is $30.00 per team of two.
Mr. Kopp reported that the Kidde Smoke alarm, Model PI2000, has been recalled because the electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire.
Finance : Diane McGaughey asked Council to calculate budget expenses needs for 2010.
Solicitor’s Report – G. Guy Smith reported that he has been in contact with Tom O’Brien of PNC Bank regarding the loan requests the Borough has made to pay off the mortgage for the Borough building and street repairs. Mr. O’Brien will come to the Work Session to discuss. A requirement for approval of the loan is a general unconditional pledge of revenues.
Mr. Smith reported that the Comcast Franchise Agreement has been negotiated for 15 years, 5% fee paid quarterly to the Borough, a $1,000.00 grant, and free internet service. MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to renew the franchise agreement with Comcast for 15 years, 5% fee, $1,000.00 grant and free internet service. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mr. Smith stated that the lawsuit started by the Morris’ on President Ave. for their sewer backup cannot be resolved amicably, and will go to trial.
Old Business: Nothing to report
New Business: Greg Lebold reported that he, Diane McGaughey, Jack and Sue Borsch attend the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan meeting on July 28. The discussion was about the formation of an Environmental Advisory Committee to discuss environmental issues the member municipalities have. The organization is looking into grants to purchase rain barrels to be provided to residents at a reduced cost. Kurt Morrison reported that the major funders of the Rain Garden Project have been promoting rain barrels from the beginning. Diane McGaughey reported that the committee will meet every 3- months to exchange information. The conservation of electricity was discussed, as well as the infringement of people and foliage into creeks that prohibits the ability of water to flow. Ms. McGaughey stated that the Rutledge rain garden is working well. She observed the garden during the storm on Sunday.
Jack Borsch stated that he witnessed the rain garden during the storm on Thursday, and the pits were filled to the top with water. Mr. Borsch stated that Council should continue to look for grants to install a pipe from Waverly Terrace to Melrose Terrace. Water continues to pool to the middle of Swarthmore Ave. Solicitor Guy Smith stated that the cost to install surface water transport systems is prohibitive.
Diane McGaughey stated that any Council members may attend the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan Task Force Committee meetings.
Jack Borsch reported that there are Federal grants available, up to $200,000.00, to install solar panels on the Borough building. The grant application is due on August 14, 2009. Mr. Borsch has contacted someone to get a cost estimate.
Greg Lebold reported that the trash contract will expire on December 31, 2009, and the Borough will have to advertise for bids for 2010. The issue will be discussed at the Work Session on August 24, 2009.
Mr. Lebold stated that the Borough Office has had complaints about raccoons on residents’ properties. This is a private property issue, and residents are responsible for rodent/pest removal.
Public Comment: None
Bills for August 3, 2009:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $24,188.51. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $22,105.89. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $20,136.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary