M. Diane McGaughey, Council President, opened the scheduled Borough Council 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: M. Diane McGaughey, Daniel Werner, Marlaina Kloepfer, Tom Kopp, Marie Govannicci, Brian Costello and David Waltz.
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Minutes:Â MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by David Waltz, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of October 1, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by David Waltz, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of October 22, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of October, 2012.
Correspondence:
1)Â Â Â Â Â Delaware County Association of Boroughs- Meeting on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, Sharon Hill Borough
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that there is no change in tax collections. There is $16,000.00 to be reconciled in collected funds.
Public Comment: Jean Lenke, 5 E. Sylvan Ave., stated that she has been approached by residents in response to the letter distributed by a resident at 7 Rutledge Ave. Ms. Lenke asked if the Code Enforcement Officer is allowed to go onto private property and look in windows, and requested that Council make a public statement regarding boundaries.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police report for October. There were:
26 Parking Tickets      4 Warnings     3 Motor Vehicle Citations
Mayor Cunningham thanked the Communications Committee and the Public Safety Committee for the preparation for Hurricane Sandy, and to Karl Eilinsfeld for cleanup after the storm.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for October 2012:
Notices:
Potty removed from 25 President Ave.
Basketball hoop removed from the street – 208 Linden Ave.
Bamboo & logs removed from 110 Sylvan Ave. – pictures taken for court hearing
Went to court regarding 110 Sylvan Ave. – Solicitor Smith satisfied with status of property cleanup and withdrew citation
Unit block Sylvan Ave. 90% clear of grass in street at curb
Unit block of President Ave. – 60% clear of grass in street at curb
Zoning Permits: 2 completed
Solicitor Smith stated that the Code Enforcement Official provides safety and enforces ordinances in the Borough. He is not permitted to go in the front door. He can go on properties to see if there are violations that warrant citations, with the full blessing and authority of Rutledge Borough and the State of Pennsylvania. The Officer is very cooperative and works with the residents to resolve issues. The Borough is not interested in collecting fines, but in having properties cleaned up. The Health Officer will be contacted if there are health issues. The Police and Mayor will get involved if there are safety issues.
Diane McGaughey reported that the situation at 7 Rutledge Ave. has been going on for years, and the last resort was to cite the homeowner.
If residents have questions regarding the duties of the Code Enforcement Officer, they are directed to call the Borough Office.
Sewer Authority: Representative Paul Mickle reported that there will be a 9-10% increase in sewer fees.
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4th of July: Nothing to report.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Borough Newsletter has been distributed. The veterans’ newsletter from the County has been posted on the website. Emergency cards will be available on Election Day.
Ordinance: Brian Costello stated that ordinance revisions will be discussed at the November Work Session.    Â
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Trash: Daniel Werner reported that he walked around the Borough during the storm and after. There was a lot of small debris. Residents are encouraged to use yard waste on their properties as compost and shrub cover during the winter. If properties are kept tidy, there are fewer places for rodents to nest.
Building:Â Brian Costello reported that 17 President Ave. is under construction, and construction at 25 President Ave. is completed.
Highway: David Waltz reported that potholes are being repaired.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that the 4th of July Committee will have a tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 3, 2012, 7:00 PM outside the Community Center. The Silvertones will sing. Refreshments will be served. A flyer will be sent out.
Ms. Govannicci stated that she in considering a proclamation to have the Triangle Park be smoke free.
Sewer: Daniel Werner reminded residents that sump pumps are not to be discharged into the sanitary sewer system. The water should go to a hose that is directed to a low spot in yards. The hoses cannot be put in the street.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp read the Fire Company report for September:
22 Alarms  9 hours 37 minutes
3  Drills    7 hours 30 Minutes
Mr. Kopp informed residents that, if they move road barricades and drive through them and get stuck, the cost will be $100-$1,000.00, plus the fees of the rescuing company.
Mr. Kopp reported that there was a full crew at the fire station from Sunday night until Wednesday morning in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. Mr. Kopp thanked Dave Waltz, Kevin Cunningham, and Marlaina Kloepfer for keeping the Borough informed, and Karl Eilinsfeld for keeping the storm drains cleared. Mr. Kopp received updates from the 911 center every three hours.
Discussed erroneous information that was sent on the Listserve regarding storm preparedness, and the chain of command in emergency situations.
The Red Cross has regional shelters in Ridley Par, Chester, and Lansdowne.
There will be a low-cost clinic by the SPCA on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 4-6 PM, at the former Rutledge Fire House.
Finance: Brain Costello read the Preliminary 2013 Budget:
Gas Fund:   Income   $25,850.00
Expenses   $25,850.00
Sewer Fund: Income     $209,191.00
Expenses  $209,191.00
General Fund: Income   $298,546.00
Expenses $298,546.00
The final budget will be presented at the December 10, 2012 Council Meeting.
Property/Borough Building: The front door, 1st floor, Sylvan Ave. side, of the Community Center was replaced. Rentals have been good.
Solicitor’s Report: The property maintenance issue at 110 Sylvan Ave. has been resolved and the citation withdrawn. The Borough has the right to enact ordinances and take action on violations and provide for the removal of nuisances.
Council attended a meeting about the new Borough Code, and Solicitor Smith encouraged Council members to read it. Enforcement provisions and fines are automatically amended with the new code.
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Old Business: None
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New Business:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Tom Kopp, to authorize the repair of seven sidewalk blocks at the Triangle Park, by Edward Mundy, at a cost not to exceed $1,175.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz reported that he has gotten price quotes for a salt spreader for the Borough truck ranging from $2,800.00 to $3,300.00.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to authorize the Secretary to advertise the preliminary 2013 Budget. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: None.
Bills for November 5, 2012:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $19,510.96. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $1,759.36. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $108.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary