David Waltz, 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: David Waltz, Marlaina Kloepfer, Daniel Werner, Marie Govannicci, James Jones, Diane McGaughey
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq., Lucien Calhoun, Jeffrey Calhoun of Calhoun Baker
Not present: Tom Kopp
Lucien Calhoun and Jeffery Calhoun of Calhoun Baker gave a presentation on borrowing funds from DVRPA. DVRPA tries to minimize the costs of issuance. The loan origination fee is .5%. Other costs are the DCED application, which is under $100.00, ordinance, advertisements, and the Solicitor fee for his/her opinion. DVRPA has a 15 year fixed rate of 2.45%, with a 10 year payoff.
A variable rate is available. The current rate is .94% and is constantly updated to coincide with the market rate. The rate has been under 1% for two years. The loan can be changed to a fixed rate at any time without a transaction fee or DCED application. Council would need to adopt a resolution.
The loan can be used for new capital projects and to refinance an existing loan, but cannot be used for operating purposes. The minimum loan amount is $100,000.00. A description of all uses for the loan funds is required with the application. The time of the process, from application to approval, is approximately 8-10 weeks.
Borough Property/Building: Diane McGaughey reported that the upstairs floors were stripped and waxed. Ms. McGaughey got an estimate to retile the bar and kitchen area.
Ms. McGaughey stated that a $2,000.00 grant was received, and the Borough has to match the funds, and she will talk to the Shade Tree Commission regarding the use of the funds.
Marie Govannicci stated that the Shade Tree Commission is a different entity from the Girls’ Club. They stated that they were guaranteed $1,000.00 from the Borough each year, at the Commission’s inception. The Committee does not do fundraising, and would like to be recognized as a “Tree Cityâ€, but it costs a lot. Diane McGaughey recommended that the Tree Commission members come to the EAC meetings, because they are looking for specific conservation projects.
President Waltz asked Ms. McGaughey if someone had been hired as the rental custodian. Ms. McGaughey reported that someone is in a probationary period and has been working with Carlynn Barrett. The first job will be on October 31. Mr. Waltz asked if paperwork had been filled out, because Council has not met with or approved the hire of anyone. Mr. Waltz stated that he needs a job description, pay rate, the person’s qualifications, and will do a background check.
Ms. McGaughey stated that the person was recommended by A&A General Cleaning, the company that waxes the floors. The person is in training. Mr. Werner asked how the person is getting paid if they are not hired yet. Mr. Waltz stated that a job description needs to be given to Marlaina Kloepfer, and the person cannot work until they are approved. Ms. McGaughey will ask the current custodian to cover the two parties this weekend.
Jim Jones asked if the rental fees could be increased, and residents be given a discount. The matter will be reviewed.
Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Planning Commission rewrote the rental contracts.
Diane McGaughey stated that she would like a bartender present at parties, even if there is no alcohol. She asked Mayor Cuningham to notify the police that there is a party here on October 31. Marie Govannicci stated that these are adults having adult parties, and there should not be so many restrictions. She understands that there are concerns, but they should not be policed so tightly. Having the bartender check identification should be enough. Ms. McGaughey suggested that Ms. Govannicci come to look at the parties. Mayor Cunninham stated that 80% of the guests are great, 15% have to be told they cannot have any more drinks, and 5% need the police to be called. Most of the parties are good, and the renters need to have their space.
Building– Daniel Werner reported that there are two building permits to be completed- 105 E. Sylvan and 125 President. The plans for an addition at 132 Sylvan Ave. have to be revised by the architect. Mr. Werner thanked Heidi Sentivan for her help. A plot plan will be submitted, and the new plans will be based upon the Zoning Hearing Board decision.
Finance– Daniel Werner stated that work will begin on the 2015 Budget when the numbers are received from the County and CDCA.
Public Safety – No report.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that the 4th of July Committee will have the tree lighting on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM. The nylon basketball nets have been ordered and will be here by the end of the week. The tent is on order.
Tree Commission – Marie Govannicci reported that the Tree commission had a nature walk on Saturday, October 25. There was a good turnout, considering that there was a soccer game and the Media Halloween Parade.
The Committee would like to plant a dwarf alberta spruce tree on the left side of the Community Center, on Sylvan Ave. side. The tree is an evergreen, and a slow grower with a mature height of 5 feet. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Daniel Werner, to authorize the planting of an alberta spruce tree on the Community Center property, firehouse side. Diane McGaughey asked if the tree will have lights on it. Marie Govannicci stated that electricity will get to the tree safely, and any cords will be taped down. MOTION approved unanimously.
Ms. Govannicci reported that blueprints for the rain garden were obtained, and the committee will look at the plants to be sure they are the ones that are planted at the rain garden.
The committee is looking at replacing the information sign for the rain garden. The last one cost $500.00 and did not last.
Streets – David Waltz called the Engineer regarding road repair on Swarthmore Ave. Diane McGaughey questioned the pipes that are on Melrose Terrace. They belong to Aqua. Ms. McGaughey Asked if a “25 MPH†sign could be placed on the second block of Swarthmore Ave. The highwayman will be notified tomorrow. Ms. McGaughey stated that the speed limit on the terraces is 15 MPH; there are no signs. President Waltz stated that lines will be painted on the street when the road work in completed on Swarthmore Ave. Ms. McGaughey asked if Rutledge could borrow the flashing sign that records how fast drivers are going. Mayor Cunningham will look into it.
Sewer: James Jones reported that General Sewer Services started sewer work today at 32 President and 213 President Ave. The work should be completed by October 28.
Communications – Marlaina Kloepfer reported that she has put Information about the Craft Fair on the website and Facebook. Pictures from the Shade Tree Commission’s nature walk will be posted, as well. Diane McGaughey thanked the Borsches for leaving the Community Center in good condition.
Planning Commission – MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to appoint Jennifer Mickle as Secretary of the Panning Commission. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Daniel Werner, to appoint Sarah Hill as an alternate on the Planning Commission. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that 13,000 pounds of electronic waste was collected at the recycling event. Mayor Cunningham said that he spoke with Swarthmore Police about the parking on Linden Ave. They will do their best to enforce the parking ordinance. Mayor Cunningham is trying to get the Silvertones to perform at the tree lighting ceremony on December1, 2014.
Solicitor’s Report – Robert Hunt stated that the 2015 Budget has to be advertised by the December Board Meeting. Ordinances for 2015 taxes and salaries need to be advertised.
Old Business– The Fire Co. sent a certified letter to Council stating that the cease and desist letter sent to the Fire Co. was sent 30 days prior to the stop date of October 24, 2016. Since Council voted on 60 days before operations were to cease, the letter was incorrect.
President Waltz stated that the Fire Co. members present tonight are on notice to cease and desist cheerleading classes at the former Rutledge Firehouse, or the Code Enforcement Official will issue a citation that carries a $500.00 fine. Diane McGaughey stated that cheerleading was going on Sunday and tonight.
Solicitor Robert Hunt stated that the letter that was sent was an informal request to stop the cheerleading operation. The next step is to send a formal enforcement notice that lists the violation and the time for compliance, and the right to appeal, and the fine. The Fire Co. has the right to appeal the enforcement notice, and request a Zoning Hearing. If there is no compliance in that time frame, it is filed with the District Court. Solicitor Hunt will compose the letter for Catania engineering.
Diane McGaughey stated that there are two areas of meetings that are closed to the public- Personnel and Litigation. Why is this part of the meeting open to the public? Solicitor Hunt stated that the Fire Co. matter is not considered litigation.
David Waltz stated that if the Fire Co. wants to work with Council, Council will work with the Fire Co.
Marlaina Kloepfer wanted clarification of the process so far. The Fire Co. received a cease and desist letter stating that they had to stop cheerleading lessons by October 24, 2014, and the letter stated that they had 60 days. They will get another letter to give them a set time to comply, and a set notice to apply for a zoning hearing. Ms. Kloepfer stated that there has been no discussion by the Planning Commission to change any language in the ordinance for the Firehouse use.
New Business – The proposed 2015 Holiday Schedule is fine with Council. The Committee Meeting dates are needed.
Catania Engineering has been instructed to refer residents who have complaints about other residents to the Borough Office. Council will not take any anonymous complaints.
The streetlight on the unit block of Linden Ave. is out, and has been called in for repair.
Public: No comment.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano, Secretary