RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2022
7:30 PM Council Meeting
Meeting started at 7:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call Jody Roberts, Samantha Newell (excused), Marlaina Kloepfer, Heidi Sentivan, Christine Gradel, Ken Torres-Zickler, Sue Hunt, Mayor Gamal Serif, Solicitor Carl Ewald, Administrator Jen Mickle.
Guest: Becky Ferguson South Morton Ave; Tax Collector Rachel Hezlep
Approval of Agenda:
Additions:
Approval of minutes of 8.15.22 under minutes: HS/MK unanimous approval
2022 Budget update: HS/KTZ unanimous approval
Planning Commission Appointment: SH/MK unanimous approval
Approved as amended: KTZ/HS unanimous approval
Public Comment:
Trash and recycling: Questions will be addressed during the Trash and Recycling Committee report.
Tax Collector: Tax collector report attached
New payment plan put into place for 3 individuals who are overdue on their taxes, trash and sewer fees
Property with upset sale will have a lien placed on it for overdue taxes and fees
Mayor’s Report:
Public engagement: Thu, Aug 18 – Recap of panel on reproductive healthcare
Synopsis of DCIU event on reproductive health
Mental health: National Institutes of Health – Wellness Toolkits (www.bit.ly/RutWell)
Minutes:
Approval of Minutes for 8.15.22 KTZ/HS unanimous approval
Trash & Recycling:
Yard Waste collection on 9/2 update.
Takeaways from the Municipal Recycling Workshop 8/30;
Trying to find ways to track yard waste tonnage
Applying for a 904 grant to add yard waste
The County can conduct a recycling audit. SH to follow up.
No Recycling 9/7/22 due to holiday week
Do’s and Don’t of Recycling- attached
Request to get more comparative data from neighboring municipalities on tonnage per household
Rose Valley and Morton would be a good place to start
Committee will work with Solicitor on request to explore the possibility of including apartment residences in recycling pick-up
Communications: none
Parks & Property:
Received DCNR Grant funding for Renovations to Triangle Park Gather Space for $250,000
Total funding available now 510K including $250,000 from Delco Greenways + $10,000 from PECO Growing Greener Grants
State Rep Leanne Krueger has confirmed the upcoming availability of Small Waters Grant starting in October. This is the grant that was used to line the municipal sewer lines. This can also be used to fund stormwater retention under the softball field. Grant is for upto $500,000 and requires a 15% match. This is being funded from state ARPA funds. HS to follow up with Catania Engineering on how to move forward to prepare for this grant.
Activities: Block captains needed; Yard Sale 9/10; Oktoberfest 10/1
Public Safety: none
Finance:
Disbursements and Bills Lists: HS/CG unanimous approval
2022 Budget Update:
The Borough remains fiscally sound.
Hall rentals are lower than anticipated. This was a difficult number to estimate given the post-covid return to rentals.
Tax revenue and overdue payment are very strong
Other revenues up or on target
Anticipating loss of approx $5-8,000 by end of 2022
New loan payments for HVAC and related building upgrades does not start payment until 2023
Expecting a second payment for ARPA funds of approximately $40,0000. The Borough has not used the initial $40,000 yet.
Possible use of funds is for the design of the stormwater and for the 85/15 match for sewer work.
Requests from 2023 budget items:
Street sign and pole replacement/repair
Hall renovations/improvements including insulation, lighting, other
Streets: none
Sewers:
Update on Smoke Test
Waiting for data; looking for information on leakages that may be impacted storm water entering the sewer system; will develop actions based on level of information provided
Review draft lateral inspection ordinance. Vote to advertise. HS/KTZ unanimous approval
Questions regarding ordinance: inspections would be required to get a certificate of occupancy
Important that the Borough has an educational outreach on what a sewer lateral is, where it is, how it works, etc.
Building: none
Personnel: none
Borough Commissions:
Shade Tree: Final day for tree orders 9/12; meeting scheduled for 9/15
Planning Commission:
Vote to appointment Scott Hezlep to PC term ending 12/31/2023: HS/CG unanimous approval
Still one opening on the Planning Commission. Residents can submit letters of interest to the Borough office.
Public Comment: none.
Old Business/New Business:
CG: Bucks County is no longer considering sale to AQUA
Adjournment 9:02pm
SH/HS unanimous approval