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, Marlaina Kloepfer, Tom Kopp, Daniel Werner, Marie Govannicci, Brian Costello, David Waltz
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Solicitor Guy Smith, Jerry Connelly
Public Comment: Jerry Connelly, Morton-Rutledge Fire CO., wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of the Fire. Co. The tree sales are ahead of last year. Santa will ride through town on Christmas Eve. The new fire truck will be delivered next month. Mr. Connelly will step down as President of the fire co., effective January 1, 2013.
Building: Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Communications Committee Meeting was successful, and there will be another on January 10, 2013, at 7:30 PM. The Committee will distinguish what types of messages will go on what type of media, and discuss sending out weekly emails.
Finance: The 2013 Budget was approved at the last Council Meeting.
Ordinance: The final revision of the accessory use structure and deck ordinances were submitted for Council and Solicitor approval. Will discuss at the January 2013 Work Session.
Property/Borough Building: Nothing to report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that Santa rode through Morton Borough on December 22, 2012, at 5:00 PM. Santa will start his ride in Rutledge on Monday, December 24, 2012 at 5:00 PM, at Rutledge Court Apartments. Pete Black will host a reception for the Fire Co. after Santa’s ride, for the 58th year. Residents are asked to look for the signs on their blocks for the locations where Santa will stop.
The Fire Co. had a tag day on black Friday from midnight until 2 AM that was very successful.
Diane McGaughey spoke with the police regarding execution of a new contract.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci stated that she attended the Open Space Meeting. It did not apply to Rutledge because we do not have the space that is required for projects that qualify for grants. There may be a grant opportunity for sidewalks with the “Path to Schools†program.
4th of July Committee: Marie Govannicci submitted dates for the 4th of July Committee’s 2013 meeting dates. Ms. Govannicci thanked the Fire Co. for storing the luminaries. They will be delivered on December 24 starting at 10:00 AM. The rain date will be New Year’s Eve.
Rutledge Girls’ Club: Nothing to report.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Dan Werner reported that there was a sewer backup at 225 President Ave. today that was determined, by General Sewer Services, to be caused by tree roots in the Borough’s sewer main. General Sewer Service recommended that the line be cleared of tree roots at a cost of $950.00 per day for jetvac with root cutter, and $2.15 per linear foot for root control application.
MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Brian Costello, to approve the sewer work proposed by General Sewer Service to clear the tree roots from the Borough sewer main from Melrose Terrace to Waverly Terrace, the 200 block of President Ave., at a cost not to exceed $2,000.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that the new salt spreader has been installed on the truck. It will handle a mixture of salt and sand, has a 30 ft. capacity, and a two-year warranty.
MMEAC: Nothing to report.
Mayor: Nothing to report.
Solicitor: Guy Smith reported that there was a hearing for the property maintenance issues at 7 Rutledge Ave. Another hearing has been scheduled for February 14, 2013, at which time the property should be cleaned up to Council’s satisfaction. Harry Mirra will send a list of the items that need to be cleaned up. Any questions regarding the matter should be referred to the Solicitor.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New: Â Diane McGaughey stated that she attended an awards ceremony for the D.A.R.E. program, that is now privately funded, designed to prevent drug abuse.
Brian Costello invited Council to his home on Friday, 12/28/12, 6:00 PM for a gathering.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary