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 Daniel Werner, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of September 10, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of September 24, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of September, 2012.
Correspondence:
1)Â Â Â Â Â Delaware County Solid Waste Authority- Effective 01/01/13, the trash disposal fee will be increased from $23.45 per ton to $33.00 per ton, a $9.55 per ton increase.
2)     Green Region- PECO Open Space Program – PECO Energy is partnering with Natural Lands Trust to provide grants to assist communities to preserve open land. Deadline for submitting applications is December 14, 2012.
3)     PA State Association of Boroughs – has a municipal employee benefits program such as life insurance, disability, dental, vision, critical illness, accident
4)Â Â Â Â Â Crozer-Keystone Health System- Having an educational event and open house for Firefighters on Saturday, 10/06/12, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA
5)Â Â Â Â Â Meet the candidates legislative forum- Thursday, 10/11/12 from 5:30-8:30 PM, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, 200 Yale Ave., Morton, PA. Legislators will share views on health/healthcare and environmental issues affecting Delaware County residents.
Tax Collector’s Report: No report.
Public Comment: None
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police report for September. There were:
5 Parking Tickets        2 Warnings     5 Motor Vehicle Citations
9/5/12 Unit block Linden Ave. – door open/uncollected mail
09/13/12 100 block of Linden Ave.-smoke from 3rd floor/resident notified/ fish tank on fire
Barbara Burgett, Swarthmore Police Secretary, passed away.
The Mayor issued a proclamation: National Red Ribbon Campaign will be celebrated from October 23-31, 2012. This campaign seeks to promote awareness among all citizens about the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse.
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4th of July: A letter was sent to the Fire Co. to store bags for luminaries in the Fire House. The luminaries are planned for Christmas Eve, with a rain date of New Years’ Eve. The next meeting will be on 10/08/12 at 8:00 PM.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– The girls’ softball team lost on 09/29/12. There are 2 more games.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the additional SPCA clinics have been added to the website, as well as voter information. The newsletter has been distributed for review. Ms. Kloepfer will print and distribute it. Marie Govannicci stated that the Junior 4th of July Committee can help deliver the newsletter.
Ms. Kloepfer will take a picture tonight of Council for the newsletter.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that the ordinance committee is looking at revisions of the accessory use structure and deck ordinances. Mr. Costello asked Council to review the ordinance regarding open burning/fires, because fire pits have become popular. Residents have approached Mr. Costello regarding the use of fire pits.
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Trash: Daniel Werner reported that the September cleanup is finished, but there is no way to assess if the residents complied.
Mr. Werner encouraged residents to remove brush piles and store wood 4†off of the ground to prevent rats, and to get rid of standing water. Residents should put trash cans with lids out to the curb the night before trash collection.
Building: Brian Costello reported that the property at 17 President Ave. has been cleaned up. Mr. Costello met with the contractor to review the new plans and discuss the times he will work. The contractor has set up
concrete blocks on the foundation.
The new contractor has been working on 25 President Ave.
Highway: David Waltz reported that some potholes will be filled. Lines will be painted on Swarthmore Ave. by next month for the police.
Grass growing in the streets must be removed or citations will be issued to the residents.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci will get a price from Ed Mundy to have 7 sidewalk blocks replaced at the Triangle Park.
Sewer: Daniel Werner reminded residents that no sump pumps are to be discharged into the sanitary sewer system.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp that the September Fire Co. report has not been completed.
There will be two SPCA low costs clinics on 10/23/12 and 11/20/12.
10/08-10/13/12 is Fire Prevention Week.
As of 10/01/12, there have been 200 runs, averaging 25 calls per month.
There was smoke at 139 Linden Ave. – fish tank heater
There were repairs at the Triangle Park field from the horseshoe tournament
Mr. Kopp urges residents to call 911 for any type of emergency
Finance: Brian Costello reported that he will meet with representatives of Swarthmore to discuss the 2013 police contract.
There will be a meeting on 10/03/12 at 10:30 AM to discuss the 2013 budget.
Property/Borough Building: Diane McGaughey reported that the new door on the first floor of the Community Center has been installed. The upstairs was cleaned for the upcoming rental season.
Solicitor’s Report: The 2013 Budget must be advertised for 30 days, and the preliminary budget available for public viewing for 10 days prior to adoption of it. Solicitor Smith needs all of the information by the November 26 Work Session so that he can prepare the documents.
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Old Business: The hearing for 7 Rutledge Ave. was postponed until November. The hearing for 110 Sylvan Ave. is on October 18.
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New Business: Council Members attended a meeting about the new Borough Code. Areas of responsibility will be changed, and members will be accountable for committee funds. Elected officials need to sign an oath stating that they were residents for at least one year before being elected. More responsibility will fall on individuals rather than the Borough. A discussion of how the changes affect Council will be held at a Work Session.
Public Comment: None.
Bills for October 1, 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 $14,978.63. 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 $169.56. 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 $44,093.25. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary