RUTLEDGE BOROUGH MEETING MINUTES
April 7th, 2025
7:30 PM Council Session
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call Jody Roberts, Sue Hunt, Heidi Sentivan, Ken Torres-Zickler, Andrea Juarez-Excused, Sean Sheehan, Vaughn Johnson-Excused, Mayor Gamal Sherif, Solicitor Carl Ewald-Attending Remotely, Borough Secretary Janet Diiorio.
Approval of Agenda
Approve Agenda: 2025.04.03. Motion Heidi, Second Sue
Public Comment:
- Jesse from Shadetree spoke about future program to donate trees in memory
- Where to plant Black Maple, can it go in Triangle park, Heidi working on a plan
- Update on plaques for 10 trees. May be able to donate tree in someone’s honor
- After 25 trees we can achieve arboretum status
Tax Collector’s Report:
- Rachel gave Tax Collector Report
Mayor’s Report:
- Ambulance Calls to Rutledge – Regional
- Morton-Rutledge Fire Company Chief Don Holstein
- Swarthmore Fire Company Chief Conlen Booth-Working on aligning with municipalities
- Both Chief Holstein and Chief Conlen Booth discussed emergency services plan because of Crozier and Taylor hospitals potential closings
Approval of Minutes:
- Action: Approve Meeting Minutes for 2025.03.17-Sue Motion, Ken Seconded-Approved as amended date of April 26 Earth Day
Activities:
- Information Share:
- Lots of April events; Snow Jam, Spring Celebration, and Earth Day
- Earth Day SWAP Day: possible use of garage/driveway in the event of rain?
- Next Activities Meeting is 4/30/25 – topic: Quizzo
- Possible Triangle Park event August 2025/August 2026
Parks & Property:
- Information Share: Gather Space Update-Contract signed, waiting for approval
- Visual talk thru from Heidi at next work session
- Action Item: Vote on Resolution to apply for Small Waters Grant of a not to exceed of $300,000 ($45,000 match). Due on 4/30.
- Heidi said we will notify residents of ongoing projects at Triangle Park
Personnel:
Public Safety:
Action: Vote to appoint acting Emergency Coordinator
- Voted to appoint Kevin Cunningham
- Kevin will be point of contact and will stay in roll until he resigns
- Resolution 2025-04 – Motion Heidi, Second Ken-All Approved
Sewer:
Streets:
- Info Share: We did declare Rutledge’s intent to accept the county aid liquid fuels for 2025 and to use it for signage on Waverly. As of 4/1, we are awaiting drawings from the borough engineer.
Building:
- Vote to approve property request: Activities Committee use of Lower Hall on 4/26 at 9:30 AM as a rain location for Earth Day
- Vote to approve property request Rutledge Girls Club use tables, chairs, and canopy at Triangle Park for Opening Day on 4/27 at 3:00 PM. Motion Sean, Second Sue, all approved
- Rutledge Girls Club will need 2 tables and 4 chairs at the field. Mayor has volunteered to get them to the field
- Discussion on where to set them up, street, grass or sidewalk. Final decision will be made closer to the event depending on the status of the Triangle park project.
- Discussion on shutting down Rutledge Ave?
Communications:
Finance:
- Action Item: Approve Bills and Distributions 2025.04.01-2025.04.04-
Motion Sean, Second Heidi-Approved
- Action Item: Vote on 2 Resolutions:
- Resolution to close outdated bank accounts (DCNR Phase 2 and ARPA)-Resolution 2025-06-Motion Sean, Second Sue-Approved
- Resolution to open bank accounts for Gather Space Phase 2 and Stormwater at Softball field-Resolution 2025-07-Motion Heidi, Second Sue-Approved
- Information Share: 2024 Actual versus Budget-Heidi gave update on surplus
Ordinance:
- Action: Vote to Approve Ordinance 2025-01 Amendment to Chapter 15-204 “ONE-WAY STREETS ESTABLISHED”-Motion Sean, Second Heidi-All Approved
Trash & Recycling:
- Discussion:
- Tweak Trash Guidelines-Remove 6PM, remove word continually, add bulk trash must be phoned a head
- Earth Day – Collection of Clothing, Shoes, and Glass for transport to Planet Aid and PRC Glass bin, respectively.
- Yard Waste day returning to Fridays after April 7th
- Door Knocker draft-Looking at new draft
- Tentative visit to recycling material recovery facility (MRF) in June
- Opt Out number for circulars
Borough Commissions:
- Shade Tree
- Planning Commission
Public Comment:
- Jesse from Shade Tree offered assistance with contractors proposals
Old Business/New Business:
- Mayor brought up resident concern about fox issue
Adjournment-
- Adjourn at 9:07 PM –Motion Heidi, Second Sue-All in Favor