David Waltz, 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: David Waltz, James Jones, Marlaina Kloepfer, Marie Govannicci, Kimberly Brown, John Shingle
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Police Chief Brian Craig, Michael F. Culp, Esq.
Not Present: Tom Kopp
Mayor Kevin Cunningham swore in John L. Shingle, III, as Council Member, to complete the term vacated by Daniel Werner.
Public Comment: Janine Michael, 209 Sylvan Ave., asked what the ordinance is for owning chickens.  Her neighbor at 215 has a chicken coop. Ms. Michael had asked her neighbor to consider her neighbors when placing the coop. It is placed on the property line. The chickens are out of the coop and roaming the yard and dig holes in Ms. Michael’s garden, and one was under her deck. One almost got hit by a car. She has asked the neighbor nicely to control the chickens. President Waltz stated the Code Enforcement Office will look into the matter and report to Ms. Michael in a week.
Minutes: MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of March 28, 2016. Kim Brown asked about the recording of the motion to appoint John L. Shingle as Council Member to complete the term vacated by Daniel Werner. The Secretary explained that the vote is recorded by number of votes and who made them when there is not a unanimous vote. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2016. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the March Treasurer’s Report as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence:
- PA DCED- Seminars- Intermediate Accounting, Collaborative Approaches to Funding Fire and EMS Services
- PA One Call System – 2016 Pipeline Safety Bulletin
- Delaware County Voting Machine Dept.- Voting machines to be delivered on Friday 04/22/16 8AM-4PM and picked up 04/29/16 8AM-4PM
- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission – Local and County Roads Safety Newsletter – Fatal Crashes and run off the road crashes
- EMC Insurance – 60 day notice of estimated renewal premium
- National Stormwater Center- Invitation to participate in stormwater compliance training April 18-19
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron read his report for March 2016. $222,906.32 was collected as of March 31, 2016. 52% was collected during the discount period, which is lower than last year.
Code Enforcement: The Secretary read the Code Enforcement reports for January, February and March.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for March 2016. There were 30 Parking Tickets, 3 traffic tickets and 1 traffic warning.
Mayor Cunningham congratulated Marlaina Kloepfer on earning her Doctorate degree.
Mayor Cunningham reported that six acts played at the Snow Jam on Saturday night, and 100 people attended the event. Mayor Tim Kearney of Swarthmore Borough performed with his ukulele band.
Mayor Cunningham emailed the School Board members who attended the March 7, 2016 Council Meeting and thanked them for their time. Two members emailed back and thanked the Mayor for the warm welcome and the words of gratitude for what they do.
Mayor Cunningham stated the he was still upset that he did not receive an email to attend the interviews for the vacant Council position. According to the PA Borough Code Section 1003, “the Mayor may attend any or all regular and special meetings of Council and may take part in the discussions of the Council on matters pertaining to Borough affairs, subject to any restrictions applicable to members of Council contained in the rules of order or bylaws of the Council.†David Waltz stated that he would talk to the Mayor after the meeting. Marie Govannicci apologized to Mayor Cunningham, and stated that she brought it to President Waltz’s attention.
Public Safety: No report.
Building/Permits: David Waltz reported that he approved a fence permit.
Finance: No report.
Property/Building Maintenance: No report.
Rutledge Activities Committee: Marie Govannicci reported that the Easter Egg Hunt was successful. Ms. Govannicci thanked David Walt and Marlaina Kloepfer for their help.
The Committee met on April 1 to discuss the July 4th festivities and Memorial Day presentation. The matters will be discussed at the Work Session.
Rutledge Girls’ Club : Marie Govannicci reported that the softball season has started.
Triangle Park: Marie Govannicci reported that the picnic tables that were splintering and dry rotted have been removed. Mark Bascelli will get new tables. The other safety issues the insurance company had have been addressed.
Communication: No report.
Ordinance: Kim Brown reported that the proposed parking ordinance was given to the Solicitor for review. Council needs to discuss the proposed fire pit ordinance. The Tree Commission will have an ordinance for review. Ken Torres- Zickler stated that residents who have a fire pit should register it with the Borough in some way.
Trash: Â Nothing to report.
Sewer: No report.
Shade Tree Commission: Marie Govannicci state that there is meeting on April 21, 2016 at 7:30 PM. It will be orientation for the residents who are having trees planted on April 23.
Streets: David Waltz reported that Mark Bascelli has repaired potholes in the Borough. Mr. Waltz is waiting for prices for a new truck.
Solicitor’s Report: Nothing to report.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business: Marie Govannici stated that Mark Bascelli can get tables for the Triangle Park for $400.00 each, and the regular price is $826.85. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to authorize the purchase of two picnic tables at a cost not to exceed $400.00 each. David Waltz stated that he will pay for one table. MOTION approved with a unanimous vote.
David Waltz reported that he met with the streetlight organization and the audit procedure was discussed. They will send documents to be signed. The cost is $2,019.00, and will start in May. They organization will send emails to Council that shows a map of the town, and how the audit is progressing. The lights on the building will be replaced with LED lights.
Marlaina Kloepfer asked if the Borough would consider hiring an additional cleaner for the Community Center. The building is not as clean as it should be. Ms. Kloepfer noticed that the bathrooms are dirty and there are handprints on the glass, and stains on the walls. Jim Jones suggested that an industrial cleaner be brought in twice a year to do heavy cleaning. The issue will be discussed at the next Work Session.
Public Comment: Thomas Heron, 228 Rutledge Ave., asked how the change in sewer bills is progressing. President Waltz stated that the Planning Commission is working on it and hopes to have information by September.
Bills for April 4, 2016:Â
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $9,289.38. Â MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $784.40. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $700.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary