April 20, 2020 Work session

MINUTES OF THE RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL

April 20, 2020 Work Session 

212 Unity Terrace

Rutledge, PA 19070

 

Meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance recited at 7:37 pm.

 

Roll Call:  Present: Heidi Sentivan, Jody Roberts, Marlaina Kloepfer, Samantha Newell, Christine Gradel,  Ken Torres-Zickler, Lindsay Reed,  Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Administrator Barbarann Keffer, Solicitor Christine Reuther (7:39 arrival). 

 

Public Comment: none

 

Tax Collector: 

 

Mayor’s Report:  KC read the police report.  He also encouraged parents to make sure their children are social distancing.

 

Chief Stufflet discussed the precautions the SPD are taking to minimize unnecessary contact with people.  He said there have been somewhat frequent calls about social distancing and wearing masks.  The SPD is fully functioning.  The fighting dog issue has been addressed with the owner.   The district courts are closed through May 8 at least and the President Judge will likely wait until the Governor says otherwise.

 

Swarthmore Parks remain closed to group activities and people are encouraged to stay off of playground equipment.

 

Minutes: motion to pass the minutes from the April 6, 2020  meeting (HS/JR); a couple of edits were included regarding clarification of which streets will be paved.  The public safety report should be included but was not read aloud. Motion passed unanimously, with edits included.

 

Parks and Property: Bids came in for the street and sidewalk portion, Phase 1, of the Triangle Park project; G&B are the recommended bidders at $21,322.  There was a discussion about Phase 2 because of its small size and the possibility of soliciting quotes if there are no bidders.  Motion to approve Phase 1 (HS/LR), all in favor.

 

The Governor has allowed construction to proceed on May 8 with social distancing rules in force.

 

Activities: LR said over 20 children participated in the virtual Easter Egg hunt; she will get gift cards and pictures on the borough Facebook page.

 

KC encouraged Council to think about how to congratulate Rutledge high school and college graduates.

 

Finance: JR stated that this bills list includes the B&L Disposal bill from January.  Motion to pass the bills list (HS/CG); all in favor.  JR discussed the 2019 budget review and highlighted unexpected costs including tree removal/ trimming at the park, previous years billing issues and computer replacements  which were paid for through reserves.  It was opened up for questions.  HS discussed the NPDES costs which were just over $11,000 and were covered out of the General Fund.  Both JR and HS thanked Lisa Seal for her work on the 2019 budget review. These numbers were known and incorporated into the 2020 budget.

 

Streets: HS said Catania is finalizing the road paving package and will follow up with Colleen.

 

Building:  There was a discussion of adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).  It needs to be advertised at least 7 days but not more than 60 days and include a summary of any changes that pertain specifically to the borough.  CR suggested that Council keep working on it before advertising.  MK discussed amendments concerning sump pumps and gutters and whether or not to include it as part of the ordinance.  MK will do a draft summary of the changes to the IPMC.

 

Motion to move forward with advertising the adoption of the 2018 IPMC, (HS/KTZ); all in favor.

 

Public Comment: none

 

Old/New Business: MK stated that there are text alerts for the new smoke detectors.  She will coordinate with the council on who should be alerted.

 

Resolution 2020-4, Indigenous People Day; HS thanked Ms. Corson and her 5th grade students from SRS for their hard work and advocacy of this.  Motion to pass the resolution (HS/SN); all in favor.

 

The Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Proclamation was read aloud by KC.

 

CR gave a COVENT-19 update: there isn’t too much new information although there appears to be a nursing home problem in the county in terms of positive tests.  JR mentioned the Delco Strong Small Business Program and that applications will be accepted on May 5.

 

There was a discussion on how to reach people who are not on-line and/or without computers.  CR said lit-dropping is okay and that there was little chance of spreading the virus this way.  CR also encouraged people to vote by mail.  JR asked about the Planning Commission and other borough committees and commissions and how they can hold meetings and be in compliance with the Sunshine Act.

 

Motion to adjourn, 8:38 pm (HS/CG).