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, Brian Costello, Marie Govannicci , Marlaina Kloepfer, Daniel Werner, Tom Kopp and David Waltz.
Also present: Mayor Gregory C. Lebold, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of March 5, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of March 26, 2012. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March, 2012.
Correspondence:
1) Aqua PA – Inventory of hazardous chemicals present within Aqua PA facilities in Delaware County in 2011
2) Delaware County Emergency Services – SNS program regarding mass medication dispensing during a major emergency
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that as of 01/01/12, $390,721.76 was due- the total tax base at 2% discount. As of 03/31/12, $304,529.49, 78% was collected at the 2% discount. The uncollected balance is $87,916.31, and will be in the penalty period if paid after 05/31/12.
Public Comment: Kevin Cunningham reported that the Rutledge Girls’ Club Fundraiser at Zac’s Hambugers raised $150.00.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for March 2012:
Use & Occupancy Sales – 2 Inspections – 1 Passed & 1 Failed
Correction Notices- 3 Issued
Zoning Permits – 2 – Garage & New Gas Line- Not completed
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Greg Lebold read the police report for March 2012.
2 Motor Vehicle Citations, 11 Police Calls, 8 Complaints, 1 Assist Ambulance, and 46 Parking Tickets.
Mayor Lebold thanked Chief Craig for the police presence in the Borough. Chief Craig reported that he will have an officer drive by the Triangle Park around 3:30 PM to monitor the activity. Chief Craig reported that there have been burglaries and attempted break-ins and vandalism in Nether Providence and Swarthmore. Council President McGaughey asked the Chief to give the information to Marlaina Kloepfer to post on the Borough website.
Brian Costello reported that, early one morning, his security alarm went off. Instead of hitting the “off” button, Mr. Costello hit the “panic” button by mistake. A police officer responded in 30 seconds. Mr. Costello thanked Chief Craig and commended the Swarthmore Police Dept. for an excellent job.
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Rutledge Girls’ Club- Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Easter Egg Hunt is on Saturday, April 7, 2012, 1:00 PM has been posted on the Borough website.
Ordinance: Brian Costello stated that the Committee has to respond to one request and will have a formal report at the next meeting.
Trash: Daniel Werner stated that he would like to implement a yearly cleanup in the Borough, to encourage residents to clear their properties. To be discussed further at the Work Session on April 23, 2012.
Building: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that Catania Engineering completed a loan application to the PA Infrastructure Bank for $125,000.00 for road repairs.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci Reported that dirt was delivered and spread at the Triangle Park infield. The 4th of July Committee will host an Easter Egg Hunt on 4/21/12, 1:00 PM, at the Triangle Park. There is a lot of activity at the Triangle Park, and the police are driving by at approximately 3:30 PM.
Someone placed a black fence in front of the flowers at the Triangle Park that could be a safety hazard.
Sewer: Daniel Werner reported that he will get quotes to do the sewer work that is a priority, according to the Catania Engineering report. Mr. Werner will not be available to witness the repairs. To be discussed further at the Committee Meeting.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported the activities for the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. for March.
17 Calls Time in Service 16 Hours 34 Minutes 3 Drills Time in Service 6 Hours
The banquet was a success. Jack Borsch received the President’s Award for getting the books in order and preparing the documents for the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. merger.
Mr. Kopp reminded residents that there is no open burning allowed in Rutledge Borough.
Mr. Kopp reported that the County is trying to improve the Emergency Response Plan by listing places that will dispense medications in the event of an emergency. The Health Officer needs a copy.
Finance: Nothing to report
Property/Borough Building: Nothing to report.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Guy Smith recommended that Council pass a Resolution provided by the PA Association of Boroughs regarding the Prevailing Wage Act. Mr. Smith met with Tom Killion of the County twice to discuss the issue because the burden placed on small communities is not fairly placed on them regarding this issue. Communities must meet the prevailing wage paid by Philadelphia, $25,000.00. The Borough Association suggests that the amount be changed to $183,000.00, and adjusted annually for inflation. The Borough would get 30-40% less work done if it had to do road work at the current rates.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve Resolution 2012-04-01, a resolution that urges the PA General Assembly to modernize the State Prevailing Wage Act (Act 442 of 1961). MOTION approved unanimously.
Old Business:
Harry Mirra is authorized by Council to issue citations to the owners of 1 Sylvan Ave. for property maintenance violations. The neighbors next to the group home want to put up a fence that exceeds the height allowed by the Borough’s ordinance because of the condition of the property at 1 Sylvan Ave., and the actions of the residents. The Council President and Solicitor want to meet with the owners of the group home so the rules and ordinances of Rutledge Borough can be reviewed. The neighbors at 7 Sylvan Ave. are instructed to call the police when they see violations.
David Waltz stated that residents who have not removed the bamboo from their properties should be cited.
New Business: Daniel Werner will be the representative to Central Delaware County Authority until June, 2012.
Public Comment: Kevin Cunningham, 20 Rutledge Ave., thanked Council for the infield dirt. There are 3 softball teams with at total of 38 girls. The 1st game will be on Wed., April 25, 2012, at 6:30 PM. Mr. Cunningham thanked everyone who attended the fundraiser at Zak’s Hamburgers.
Bills for April 2, 2012:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $51,066.92. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $1,000.93. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary