RUTLEDGE BOROUGH MEETING MINUTES
September 15, 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, Borough Secretary Janet Diiorio.
Approval of Agenda
Approve Agenda: add discussion of sewer maintenance-Moved to down Sewer Sean Motion/Heidi Second. All approved
Public Comment: Marty Spiegel Swarthmore Mayor, thanked Rutledge for all their support of ALS Ambulance system. Linda Harris inquired about interest payment on her sewer charges. Lindsay from Girl Club announced a softball clinic on 9/20 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Triangle Park. All invited.
Tax Collector’s Report:
- NA
Mayor’s Report:
- Swarthmore Police Department – monthly report
- Regional Safety Task Force – Safe Routes to School
- Thanked Sue for bringing the Art Show to Rutledge on 10/4
Approval of Minutes:
Action: Approve Meeting Minutes for 2025.09.02-Sue Motion/Heidi Second/Ken abstained. All Approved
Activities:
- Information Share:
- 10/4 – update-Sue gave update of events, chalk art, music, happy hour
- Luminaries are in
- Activity donations are down, exploring ways to make donating easier
- Meeting 10/24-to Honor New Residents, Pumpkin Decorating contest, Happy Hour
Parks & Property:
- Information Share: Gather Space -Heidi had a meeting with the contractors and gave update, Reviewed concrete and paver samples, addressed street parking adjacent to the park, Boulders by the Rain Garden must be placed before the concrete is poured. Making progress, completion date around Nov 12th.
Personnel:
Public Safety: Letter of intent to be sent to Community and Economic Development along with other municipalities to set up regional authority logistical support from DCED. Thank you to Swarthmore for their help.
- Vote to approve DCED Letter of Intent –Sean Motion/Sue Second-All Approved
Sewer:
- Vote to ratify the payment of $537.47 for 3 previous years to resident at 1323 Morton Ave. Will cut check for interest, total not to exceed $600. Sue Motion/Ken Second. All Approved
- Discussion: Heidi recommended a sewer cleaning of the main sewer line to be included in next year’s budget
Streets:
Building:
- Vote to Approve property request to use the Lower Borough Hall and Other Items for Rutledge Porch Fest on 10/4/2025, time from 10:30 AM thru 6:30 PM – Art work will stay up for a week on display. Sean Motion/Sue Second. All Approved
- Sean gave Monthly Reports from Catania
Communications:
Finance:
- Action Item: Approve Bills and Distributions 2025.08.17-2025.09.13-Heidi Motion/Sean Second. All Approved
- Heidi discussed the 2026 Budget Schedule
- There was discussion about setting up a Venmo account for the Borough
Ordinance:
Trash & Recycling:
- Information Sharing:
- Yard Waste delay
- Yard Sale 2026 (Maxwell)- Resident asked about hauling truck for 2026
- Use of textile bin
Borough Commissions:
- Shade Tree
- Planning Commission
Historical Committee:
Andrew gave updated report on Historical Committee. He thanked Council for investing in the history of Rutledge. The committee met on 9/4. The committee is welcoming anyone who would like to participate. Their email address is Historicrutledgepa.org
Jody asked Andrew to think about a modest financial request for things they may need for next year
Public Comment:
Old Business/New Business: Ken discussed recent email phishing the borough experienced
Adjournment – At 8:34 PM – Heidi Motion/Sean Second. All Approved