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, and Kurt Morrison
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig, Mayor Scott Shields
Not present: Mark King, Thomas Ash, Diane McGaughey
Announcements: Greg Lebold reported that the July 6, 2009 Council Meeting was postponed because of the death of Paul R. Mecouch, former Mayor and Councilman. MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Tom Kopp, to set aside a page in the minutes in memory of Paul R. Mecouch. MOTION approved unanimously. Discussion regarding a donation to the Fire Co. in memory of Mr. Mecouch will be discussed at a later date.
The Shade Tree Committee proposes to plant 5 trees on the Borough property- three trees along Unity Terrace and two along Sylvan Ave. MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Jack Borsch, to authorize the Shade Tree Committee to plant cherry trees on the Borough property. MOTION approved unanimously.
Minutes : MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of June 1, and Work Session of June 22, 2009. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Bob Hunt, 209 Linden Ave., presented the 2nd place championship trophy that the Rutledge Girls’ Club, 12 and under, won, to the Borough.
Tax Collector’s Report: Leonard Michael reported that $8,720.81 was collected in May, and $1,930.78 was collected in June. The Borough is behind in tax collections compared to last year.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of June 2009.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for June.
4 Correction notices were issued for low-hanging tree branches, overgrown shrubs, property maintenance
2 Building permits completed
Mr. Mirra asked residents to clear any standing water in buckets or other vessels to prevent mosquitoes and West Nile Virus.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for June. There were: 2 Accidents, 7 M.V. Citations, 12 Parking Tickets, 17 Police Calls, 5 Complaints, 3 Assist Ambulance
Unlocked car breakins continue to be a problem. Please notify the police of any suspicious persons in the Borough.
Mayor Shields reported that Henry Hofmann, former Council Member, has died. MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Jack Borsch, to set aside a page in the minutes in remembrance of Henry Hofmann. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence: None
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: Jack Borsch reported that there will be no Tree Committee meeting in August.
Highway: Nothing to report
Recreation: Kurt Morrison reported that there is a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 16, 4:00 PM, for the Rain Garden and new basketball court/stormwater management system. There have been some installation issues that are being corrected. Representatives from Bryan Lentz’s Office, Joe Sestak’s Office, Pa Environmental Council, Delaware County Conservation District, PECO Energy, and Council members and residents will attend.
Mr. Morrison distributed a sample informational sign for the rain garden. It will take 5 weeks to complete.
Fencing is needed to protect the rain garden. A lot of basketballs are ending up in the rain garden. Greg Lebold spoke with Charles Catania, who proposed a fence consisting of three rail posts at a cost of $3,200; it can be completed before the ceremony. Council will look at other fence options, since the proposal is expensive. The shrubs that have died will be replaced on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were: 15 alarms, with time in service of 7 hours, 2 minutes, and 5 drills with time in service of 12 hours, 1 minutes, in June 2009.
Manpower response – Full Compliment- 0, Undermanned – 2, Scratched – 3, Late Response – 0.
R.F.C. History – In 1911, 400 bonds were issued to fund the building of the Rutledge Fire House.
Mr. Kopp reported that the Federal grant received for equipment purchases is almost completed. A state grant for additional equipment is being prepared.
The 4th of July festivities were a success. Rutledge Fire Co. participated in the Morton Borough parade.
Mr. Kopp reported that Paul Mecouch was a member of the Rutledge Fire Co. for 66 years. The Rutledge Fire Co., Swarthmore and Union Fire Cos. made an arch at the cemetery for Mr. Mecouch’s interment.
Finance : Nothing to report
Solicitor’s Report – G. Guy Smith reported that he sent a proposed contract to Kevin Broadhurst of Comcast. Mr. Smith expects to have the franchise agreement in place by September.
Old Business: None
New Business: Trash Contract – MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Jack Borsch, to authorize the Solicitor to advertise for bids for the 2010 trash collection contract. MOTION approved unanimously.
Greg Lebold appointed Jack Borsch as Rutledge’s representative to CDCA, to complete the term vacated by Paul Mecouch.
Public Comment: None
Bills for July 13, 2009:
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $19,676.30. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $829.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Grant Fund in the amount of $6,489.41. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary