RUTLEDGE BOROUGH MEETING MINUTES
December 2nd, 2025
7:30 PM Council Meeting
Council went into an executive session from 7:22 PM until 7:25 PM
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 Bob Scott, Borough Secretary Janet Diiorio.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve by Sean, Sue second. All in favor.
Public Comment
Joe Kadlec President of Girls Club. Softball will open in the spring. There will be sign-ups starting in January. Also for age groups U-8, U-10, and U-12, no experience necessary
Tax Collector’s Report
No change from last month.
Mayor’s Report
Swearing in Jan 5th at 7:30 PM (Family and friends invited to attend). Judge Debra Kroll will be attendance
Mayor thanked the activities committee, council and community for all they do. He suggested Rachel start a Community Choir.
Mayor joined the Climate Mayors group to learn more about what can be utilized in smaller boroughs. Heidi suggested contacting Borough of Mayors. Sue suggested to talk to Media and Swarthmore. Sean said maybe we could collaborate with other small municipalities.
Approval of Minutes
Approve Meeting Minutes for 2025.11.03. Motion Sue, second Ken. Sean abstained. All in favor.
Activities Committee
Information Sharing
Tree Lighting on 12/1 – Silvertones dropped out. Lots of residents of all ages came out to sing Christmas Carols, and to enjoy the tree lighting and snacks. Another great MC job by Kevin.
Luminaries are coming together—showcase example of a luminary kit. Sue told story of how the tradition started.
Sand bagging- This Saturday December 6th at 1:00 PM. Volunteers invited, bring gloves.
2026 events in the works – Quizzo January 30, Bingo February 28th .
Building Committee
Sean gave Catania October Report
Janet will update Rental Inspection Report
Jody asked best way resident would get in touch with code enforcement and it was said for them to contact the borough office.
Communications Committee
None
Finance Committee
Discussion
Update on Draft Budget
Approve Bills and Distribution 2025.11.15-2025-11.30
Information Sharing
Heidi gave updated of 2026 Budget.
Solicitor fee was lower related to ALS was lowered so we can put extra money toward the roof
Budget includes 6 extra yard waste pickups for 2026
Need to Vote on Budget Ordinance at next meeting
Jody commented given the changes due to the collapse of Crozier, being able to only have a $20,000 increase is phenomenal
Jody thanked Heidi for all her work on the 2026 budget
Action Item
Vote to advertise the 2026 Budget Ordinance with millage rate in the Swarthmorean. Motion Sean, Ken Second. All approved
Will Vote on Budget at the next Borough Meeting on December 15th at 7:30 PM
Approved Bills Distribution: 2025.11.15-2025.11.30. Motion Sue Second Sean. All approved
Ordinance Committee
None
Parks and Property Committee
Information Sharing
Gather Space Update
Discussion
Gather Space Budget Update. Council person Heidi gave update.
Discussed Liquidated Damages for Triangle Park.
Shade Structure Order-
Playground DCED Grant Opportunity for Point area including: crosswalk improvements, sidewalk improvements and new ship in playground.
Action Item
Construction fence is down, space is usable. Waiting for fence and gate to be completed. Footings are in waiting for fence and planting beds to be completed
Agreed upon completion date was November 21st. They are 11 days late. We may pursue liquidated damages
Next phase of gather space is above ground.
Thank you to Charles Catania who reached out to let us know about another DCED 100% grant for Adventure Plan VI
Will Vote on Budget at the next Borough Meeting on December 15th at 7:30 PM
Playground DCED Grant Opportunity for Point area including: crosswalk improvements, sidewalk improvements and new ship in playground.
Vote to ratify Resolution 2025-15 for DCED grant for playground in the amount of $374,755. Motion Heidi, Second Sue. All approved
Jody let Heidi know of the remarkable job she has done on the Triangle Park project
Personnel Committee
None
Public Safety Committee
Action Item
Vote to approve MOU on ALS regional authority legal services. Motion Sean, Heidi second. All approved.
Sewer Committee
None
Streets Committee
None
Trash and Recycling
Information Sharing
Sanitation Schedule for 2026. Casella agreed to pick up trash, Recyclables and yard waste on Mondays
Discussion
Six additional yard waste pickups approved.
Glass bin for 2026-Will be splitting the cost with Swarthmore
Textile bin 2026. Need an MOU to continue.
Discussion
Vote on textile and glass bins at next meeting.
Planning Commission
None
Shade Tree Commission
None
Historical Committee
Next meeting December 19th.
This is the 140th year of Rutledge on the map. Andrew would like everyone to be interviewed, tinyurl.com/rut-interview.
Would like Borough to consider a resolution For America 250 PA to fly a Flag at the Borough Hall or maybe someone’s house or maybe Triangle Park.
Idea for a time capsule in 2027
Hats for sale!
Public Comment
None
Old Business/New Business
None
Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn at 8:32 PM Motion Heidi, Second Sue