M. Diane McGaughey, 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: Jack Borsch, Tom Kopp, M.Diane McGaughey, Brian Costello, Marlaina Kloepfer, Kurt Morrison, and David Waltz.
Also present: Mayor Gregory C. Lebold, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of September 12, 2011. MOTION approved unanimously. MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve the minutes from the September 26, 2011 Work Session. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Thomas Heron, 228 Rutledge Ave., asked about the status of crosswalk signs discussed two meetings ago. Chief Craig reported that there is a sign available, with no words, of a person in a crosswalk that can be put up.
Michelle Senior, 100 Rutledge Ave., stated that the block of Unity Terrace between Rutledge and Sylvan Aves. needs to be repaired.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that there was 1 collection in September.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of September, 2011.
Code Enforcement Report: Kurt Morrison read Harry Mirra’s report for September 2011:
1 Home inspection passed
7 Correction notices
2 Zoning permits – 2 completed
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Greg Lebold read the Police Report for September. There were: 9 Parking Tickets, 5 Motor Vehicle Citations, and 2 Motor Vehicle Warnings.
9/10- Complaint of dog barking all day on the 100 block of Linden Ave.
9/13 – Complaint 200 block Linden Ave. – bicycle stolen from front porch between 8AM & 4:30 PM.
Correspondence:
1) PECO Energy – Thanked municipalities for help during Hurricane Irene
2) H.A. Thompson – Workers’ Comp Audit rebate
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Rutledge Girls’ Club- Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the committee will hand out surveys regarding communication in the Borough on Election Day in an effort to get more emails on the listerve. The Committee will meet on 10/10/11 to discuss how to get information to residents. The Committee will post the Council Meeting agenda on the website and listserve prior to the meeting.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that there is one application pending. The Committee will meet on 10/17/11 to revise current ordinances.
Trash : Jack Borsch reported that bids for trash removal for 2, 4, & 5 years will be opened on 10/17/11 at 7:30 PM.
Building: Nothing to report
Highway: David Waltz reported that signs have been ordered- “Watch Children.”
Sewer: Catania Engineering is updating the Borough sewer map to include 3 manholes that were not included previously. Catania Engineering is reviewing the DVD of the Borough sewer lines and will prioritize the needed repairs.
Shade Tree Commission: Jack Borsch reported that there may be a fall tree planting. The committee has not received requests from residents.
Recreation: Kurt Morrison reported that the basketball hoops are up, and the new signs have been posted.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. had 22 Calls, time in service of 7 hours, 5 minutes, and 5 Drills, time in service of 19 hours, 30 minutes in September 2011.
The Fire Co. attended the Police/Fire Memorial Service at Rose Tree Park on 9/11.
The Fire. Co. is having training tonight- live burn.
There is no action on the sale of the fire truck.
Mr. Kopp reminded drivers to pay attention to children and school buses.
Finance: Diane McGaughey asked Council to submit their budget requests.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Smith reported that he worked on the Use & Occupancy Permit for the sale of 112 Rutledge Ave. $1,000.00 will be held in escrow until the debris has been cleared from the property, and $1,300.00 will be collected for delinquent sewer and trash fees.
Mr. Smith sent letters for 2009 delinquent sewer and trash fees. He will work on the bamboo ordinance.
Old Business: Solicitor Smith informed Council about a PA State Association of Boroughs alert: Currently contracts must comply with the prevailing wage law- anything over $25,000.00 must comply with what the City of Philadelphia pays for wages. There are Senate bills pending to raise it to $200,000.00. The PSAB would like Council and its constituents to contact their Senators and Representatives and tell them that they want relief from the current $25,000.00 prevailing wage requirements for contracts, and eliminate the requirement for road repairs.
New Business:
Vice President Position- MOTION by Kurt Morrsion, Second by Jack Borsch, to nominate Brian Costello as Vice President of Council. MOTION approved unanimously.
Solicitor Smith reported that a tree from 110 Sylvan Ave. fell across the street during the hurricane. The tree was removed to clear the street, and the bill sent to the Borough. Mr. Smith has contacted the homeowner for insurance information, because the homeowner is responsible.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Jack Borsch, to authorize the purchase of a push lawnmower at a cost not to exceed $250.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment:
Christine Gradel, 121 President Ave., asked for an explanation of the Prevailing Wage Act. Solicitor Smith explained that, if the Borough has a construction/road project for $25,000.00 or more, the bidders must pay wages to their employees that are the same as the prevailing wages paid to construction employees in the City of Philadelphia. This eliminates competitive bidding. Municipalities would like the amount raised to $200,000.00, so they can get more work done for less money, and would like the requirement eliminated when bidding for road repair work.
Jean Lenke, 5 Sylvan Ave., thanked the block captains of the July 4th Committee for going door to door to distribute emergency information before the onset of Hurricane Irene. The communications Committee needs Council approval for a Borough Facebook page.
Bills for October 3, 2011:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $28,040.10. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $412.81. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Brian Costello, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $32,034.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary