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, Tom Kopp, M. Diane McGaughey
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Not present: Daniel Werner
Minutes: MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by James Jones, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of March 2, 2015. Tom Kopp stated that building fire damage was $5,000.00, not $210,000.00 as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously with the noted change.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by James Jones, to approve the minutes for the Work Session of March 23, 2015. Diane McGaughey stated that she voted “No†to the infield work at the ballfield. MOTION approved unanimously with noted change.
Public Comment: None
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2015. MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by James Jones, to approve the February Treasurer’s Report as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence:
- Mont-Del Fire Equipment Co.- Estimate to update fire extinguishers- 6 for $448.20
- Catania Engineering- Attended a seminar given by PEMA/FEMA to update the Floodplain ordinance- referred to the Solicitor
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that, as of March 31, 2015, $413,287.24 was collected in current year taxes.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for March 2015. There were 39 Parking Tickets, 10 traffic tickets and 1 traffic warning.
Mayor Cunningham stated that a resident asked him about a Code Enforcement Report. There has not been one since Harry Mirra retired. David Waltz stated that he is working with Catania Engineering on completing a monthly report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp read the Fire Co. report for March.
There were 17 calls with time in service of 8 Hours, 23 Minutes; 39 Hours 55 Minutes Manpower
Mr. Kopp reported that there will be a Chief at the Morton and Rutledge Borough Council meetings.
Mr. Kopp reported that the annual training and fire drill was completed at the group home at 1 Sylvan Ave.
The Fire Co. will host a Family Public Safety Day on April 25, 2015 from 10AM-2PM. There will be a safety trailer, a mock car accident demonstration, Nationwide Insurance, and Swarthmore Ambulance will give a CPR demonstration.
Property/Building Maintenance: Nothing to report.
4th of July Committee: Marie Govannicci reported that the Committee is preparing for the July 4th festivities.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that the Easter Egg Hunt was a success, and thanked the Mayor and David Waltz for their participation. There were approximately 60 children.
The mulch was delivered at the Tringle Park.
The infield work will be completed this week, depending on the weather.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– Marie Govannicci reported that the Girls’ Club will send a softball schedule.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Committee will meet on May 14, 2015 at 7:00 PM. The Committee has been busy. Ken updated the Borough website to include the required Stormwater Management information.
Planning Commission: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Commission will meet on Monday April 13, 2015 at 7:30 PM. Kim Brown reported that a flyer with information about Rutledge Property Days and Rain Barrel Workshop has been distributed. The Rain Barrel Workshop is on Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10 AM. The rain barrels are free to the 1st 50 people to sign up. Others may attend the workshop to get information, but no rain barrel will be provided. April 11 and April 18 are mulch days. J. Jansen Landscaping will deliver and spread the mulch and gardens edged and weeded. The cost is $110 per square yard, which covers a 10 X 10 area. April 25 is stump grinding day. J. Jansen will grind 8-15 inch stumps for $65.00, and 15-24 inch stumps for $95.00.
Ordinance: Nothing to report.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: David Waltz reported that a shed permit application was received for 133 President Ave. Diane McGaughey stated that she is concerned about the validation of information on permit applications, and we need to have verification that it is legitimate. We need to formalize it with ordinance work.
Sewer: James Jones reported that the sewer repair work at 213-215 President Ave. has been approved. General Sewer and SWERP will complete the work within two weeks, depending on the weather.
Shade Tree Commission: Marie Govannicci stated that the free trees received will be planted on April 25, 2015, at 10:00 AM. The trees will arrive on Thursday. The Commission is looking for volunteers to help dig holes and plant the bare root trees. Ms. Govannicci and Rachel Sten attended the Open Space Planning meeting with the MEAC. The MEAC members are very excited that Rutledge Borough is doing so much with the Shade Tree Commission and they are very impressed with Rachel Sten. They are happy that Rutledge is now a contributing part of the MEAC instead of standing on the sidelines.
Finance: Nothing to report.
Streets: David Waltz reported that Karl Eilinsfeld is filling potholes. Mr. Waltz stated that he has been in contact with Catania Engineering and Aqua PA regarding the repair and repaving of Melrose Terrace due to Aqua’s work.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt reported on the Flood Plain Ordinance required by PEMA. PEMA had authored three ordinances previously, which Rutledge had not adopted. The latest version is required to be passed by September 2, 2015.
Solicitor Hunt reported that there was a hearing with the Fire Co. on April 2, 2015. The enforcement notice was defective in that it was sent to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co., and the Rutledge Fire Co. is the owner of record at the County. The notice did not have a 30-day appeal date listed, and citations were sent to Jack Breslin, and not to the Fire Co. The process will have to start over, if Council so desires.
Old Business: Tom Kopp asked when the sand will be removed from the Fire Co.’s driveway. Marlaina Kloepfer will put something on the website and Facebook about free sand until April 25, 2015. After that date, Marie Govannicci will take care of the removal.
New Business: MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by James Jones, to go into Executive Session at 7:58 PM to discuss possible litigation with the Fire Co. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to go out of Executive Session at 8:32 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
Diane McGaughey stated that there are no speed limit signs on the terraces. It should be 15 MPH on the terraces. Chief Craig had told Ms. McGaughey that State law says 25 MPH, and the Borough would need an ordinance to change it. To be discussed further at the Work Session.
Tom Kopp reported that the clothes shed is a success, and 8.4 tons of clothing was collected.
Public Comment: Kim Brown, 32 President Ave., asked if the parking situation could be revisited. There is now a blue pickup truck parked outside of her house that has been there for a month. Mayor Cunningham advised Ms. Brown to call the police and let them know that the vehicle has been there for more than 72 hours. There is nothing that can be done if the vehicle has valid tags and inspection. Ms. Brown asked what the threshold is for 72 hours, and stated that people from the apartment buildings in Morton are parking there. The vehicles are tearing up her property. Ms. Brown has been told by the Police that it is a public street. She is unable to see around the truck when backing out of her driveway. Ms. Brown is frustrated, and her neighbors, who are also affected by the vehicles, were supposed to be here tonight.
Mayor Cunningham will talk to Morton Borough’s Mayor.
Bills for April 6, 2015:
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $11,579.13. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $1,248.35. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by James Jones, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $52,555.71. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary