MINUTES OF THE RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
March 16, 2020 Work Session
212 Unity Terrace
Rutledge, PA 19070
Meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance recited at 7:31 pm.
Roll Call: Present: Heidi Sentivan, Jody Roberts, Marlaina Kloepfer, Samantha Newell (by phone), Christine Gradel, Ken Torres-Zickler, Lindsay Reed (by phone), 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.
Chief Stufflet explained the NRAD (system for timing speed rates) and how it was tested in a couple of spots in Rutledge (pre-virus time). He encouraged residents to call 911 outside of normal police office times. The business office of the SPD is closed to the public for regular business. Chief Stufflet talked about the precautions the police are taking to minimize spread of the virus.
Swarthmore Parks are closed to group activities and people are encouraged to stay off of playground equipment.
Minutes: motion to pass the minutes from the February 18, 2020 meeting (HS/JR); motion passed unanimously.
Trash & Recycling: Regular service continues.
Communications: KTZ will update the website with COVID-19 information as the situation changes.
Parks and Property: The $5000 check from PECO/Natural Lands Trust arrived today. The softball teams have not been practicing and will not until March 30.
Activities: The Talent Show and Easter Egg Hunt have been cancelled.
Public Safety: There was no report from the MRFC. Ray Devine is almost officially the borough Emergency Manager, pending final County approval. HS and JR both said that he has been very active and helpful.
Finance: Motion to pass the bills list (HS/KTZ); motion passed unanimously. Letters about delinquent sewer fees went out today. JR and HS are working with Lisa Seal, the Borough Bookkepper, on the 2019 financial reconciliation.
Streets: The borough is still attempting to work with Morton Borough and Catania Engineering on a joint street-paving project for 2020.
Sewer: Some of the final details of the Phase III billing are still being worked out.
Building: MK thanked Jen Mickle and Sulaiman for their extra cleaning in the building.
The Property Maintenance Code Update: MK discussed the progress on the implementation of the 2015 Property Maintenance Code. The amendments still need to be finalized. There was a discussion of sump pump and gutter run-off and how to determine distance requirements and how to describe these changes as part of the amendments to the code.
Planning: The commission is planning on holding workshops in June.
New Business: There was a discussion on a proclamation or resolution on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week; the Indigenous Day proclamation was also discussed.
Old Business: There was discussion on the borough’s COVID-19 plan and that residents got an email on it yesterday. Hall rentals have been cancelled for March and April.
Motion to follow current CDC guidelines regarding the hall rentals and the size of gatherings on borough property (HS/JR); motion passed unanimously.
Motion to close borough parks entirely by authority of the mayor until he reopens it(HS/JR); motion passed unanimously. A discussion of how long and the practicality of how much of the park should be closed off followed. Joe will be directed to put caution signs around Triangle Park.
Motion to adjourn, 8:29 pm (HS/JR).