Diane McGaughey, Council President, opened the scheduled Work Session 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: Diane McGaughey, David Waltz, Brian Costello, Marlaina Kloepfer, Daniel Werner and Marie Govannicci
Also present: Mayor Gregory C. Lebold, Solicitor G. Guy Smith
Not present: Tom Kopp
Public Comment: Phil & Elizabeth Taggart, 17 President Ave., and Lars Schless, architect, whose house burnt down, stated that there is a 6-month rule to start reconstruction. The Taggarts want to rebuild the house using the same footprint as the old house.
Solicitor Smith advised Council that the 6-month rule cannot be enforced, and the Taggarts do not need to go before the Zoning Hearing Board . The Taggarts need to clear up issues with the insurance company, and submit permit applications to rebuild the house. The Taggarts have obtained a demolition permit.
There is an issue with the deed that the Taggarts need to get resolved with the recorder of deeds. The tax map does not show the part of the property that was deeded to Chambers Memorial Church.
Mayor’s Report- Discussed the bamboo ordinance. Mayor Lebold stated that the Borough cannot have members of the Zoning Hearing Board speaking badly about the Borough. Harry Mirra needs to go to 110 Sylvan Ave. and send a notice regarding the bamboo. Residents in violation of the ordinance need to be cited. A certified letter and a letter sent by US mail needs to be sent that gives the residents a certain amount of time to remove the bamboo.
Building: 25 President Ave. application for an addition has been approved by the Building Committee and Chili’s Inspection Services. There are four things that need to be corrected.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer and Marie Govannicci will attend a seminar “Communicating in the 21st Century”.
Finance: Solicitor Smith stated that he will send a letter to the Tax Collector stating that Council cannot verify tax payments. He is bonded to do so.
Ordinance: Diane McGaughey would like the property maintenance ordinances to be updated.
Property/Borough Building: Diane McGaughey reported that the ceiling on the second floor needs to be repaired, and the first floor door, Sylvan Ave. side, needs to be replaced.
Public Safety: Nothing to report.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported on conditions at the Triangle Park: one sidewalk block is elevated, four blocks are cracked, and she has contacted contractors for prices. Ms. Govannicci thanked Karl Eilinsfeld for painting at the Triangle Park. Four large swings need to be fixed. Tobacco Control provided a sample ordinance so that Council can declare Triangle Park tobacco free.
The Rutledge Girls’ Club will have its opening game ceremony on Wed., 04/25/12, 6:30 PM. Amie Lebold will throw the first ball.
The Tree Commission will plant flowers at the Community Center and shrubbery at the Triangle Park.
Trash: Daniel Werner stated that he has prepared a sewer and trash pamphlet, and asked for Council’s opinion. He suggested that there be cleanup weekends to encourage residents to keep up their properties. Mr. Werner suggested that October be a trash pickup month, and that the Borough overlook trash that is put curbside on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sewer: Daniel Werner reported that he cannot witness sewer repairs. He will choose the repairs from the high priority list. Suburban Realtors Alliance sent a letter stating that it is against sewer lateral inspections required at point of sale. Mr. Werner will look at the costs of video inspection and resleeving of laterals.
Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that Catania Engineering completed the loan application for road repairs. The response should be in 4-6 weeks.
MMEAC: Diane McGaughey reported that there will be 2 workshops- Rain Gardens and Stormwater Basin Naturalization Update.
Solicitor: Nothing to report
Old Business: Diane McGaughey stated that she and the Solicitor will meet with that administrators of the group home at 1 Sylvan Ave. to discuss property maintenance issues and the behavior of the residents. The owners of 7 Sylvan Ave. want to put up a fence that does not comply with the Borough’s ordinance regarding height because of the activity at 1 Sylvan Ave. Discussed having annual inspections of the property. Ms. McGaughey wants a report of false alarm calls from the Fire. Co.
Harry Mirra will contact Morton Borough regarding the lights at the apartment building on Morton Ave.
Swarthmore is negotiating a police contract.
New: Nothing to report.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 PM.
Submitted by: Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary