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, Marie Govannicci, Jim Jones, Marlaina Kloepfer, Eric Leggett
Also present: Kevin Cunningham, Police Chief Brian Craig
Not Present: John Shingle, Michael F. Culp, Esq.
Public Comment: Arthur Weisfeld, Director of Senior Community Services, thanked Rutledge Borough for its support of the program since 1987. Rutledge was the first community to send a check and get it started. Rutledge has 38 residents who attend the Senior Center. Mr. Wiesfeld stated that Senior Community Services is entering into a partnership with United Way for a program that will be launched in October. The program addresses any barriers seniors may experience that may prevent them from staying in their homes. 50 vendors offer discounts, and services are offered, such as yard work, snow shoveling, and issues related to the home. There will be a council of community members, and the organization would like to have Rutledge resident on it.
Minutes: MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of July 11 2016. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of July 25, 2016. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of July 2016. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Eric Leggett, to approve the July Treasurer’s Report as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence:
- Metropolitan Fire Protection Co., Inc. – Completed the Aqua PA backflow preventer test
- Semi-Annual Elevator Inspection Completed
- Emergency Communications Network- Contract with CodeRed notification System has been cancelled
- Kimberly Brown- Resignation as Council Member due to work conflict
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron read his report for July. $405,412.66 has been collected as of 07/31/2016.
Code Enforcement: No report.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for July 2016. There were 29 Parking Tickets, 5 Traffic Tickets, and 3 traffic warnings. Mayor Cunningham stated that the Mayor’s Office supports the Swarthmore Police Dept.
The Mayor would like to have a meeting, once a month, on Saturdays, “Coffee with the Mayorâ€, and invite residents. It will be an informal setting to meet with residents and get their opinions. He would like to have meetings for two months, to see how it works out. The first will be on Saturday, August 13, 2016, from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in the downstairs meeting room.
Public Safety: No report.
Planning Commission: Nothing to report.
Building/Permits: Nothing to report.
Finance: Nothing to report.
Property/Building Maintenance: Nothing to report.
Rutledge Activities Committee: Marie Govannicci reported that the park looks good.
The Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. would like to use the park for its Horseshoe tournament on Saturday, September 17.
Rutledge Girls’ Club : The Girls’ Club will have a fall league.
Communication: Nothing to report.
Trash: Â Jim Jones reported that the trash contract expires at the end of the year.
Sewer: Jim Jones reported that he is waiting for a price to repair 32 President. The sinkhole has returned.
Mr. Jones received information regarding potential grant money to repair sewers from the State DCED. The Borough would have to match 15%.
Shade Tree Commission: Marie Govannicci stated that there will be a meeting on August 18.The pear tree will be discussed. The Commission would like to be made aware of what Council plans to do, in the future, when removing trees. The bushes on the Unity Terrace side of the Community Center have been removed, and Rachel Sten will assist with the new plantings.
Streets: David Waltz reported that the highwayman has been patching potholes, and cutting the grass at the Community Center and Triangle Park.
The new truck will be delivered in September5.
Solicitor’s Report: Nothing to report.
Old Business: The police submitted a new five-year contract for approval.
MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the contract for Police services with Swarthmore Borough, with a five-year contract starting January 1, 2017. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz reported that Marlaina Kloepfer is working on pictures to be hung in the first floor meeting room. Marie Govannicci stated that she had a referral for the work. The pictures should be no larger than 2’ by 3’, so that they will not be blurry or show pixels.
David Waltz stated that there was a hearing regarding the property maintenance issues at 7 Sylvan Ave. An agreement was worked out with the bank. The bank will have the exterior of the property cleaned up. There is a debate about the signs with the resident’s attorney, who says that the signs can stay, due to the First Amendment. Rutledge Borough’s ordinance allows one sign. The bank that owns the property is cooperating with the cleanup and has 15 days to clean up the property or go back to court. Mr. Waltz will keep the Solicitor informed. Once the resident has vacated the property, the bank will get inside and clean it up. The Sheriff has to serve the resident with eviction papers. There has been no time frame announced for this to occur.
The resident has a hearing on August 29 to get the foreclosure reversed.
New Business: Marlaina Kloepfer would like to advertise the Community Yard Sale in the Town Talk and the Swarthmorean at cost of $68.00. MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to advertise the Community Yard Sale in publications, cost not to exceed $68.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Jim Jones welcomed Eric Leggett to Council, and stated that he is looking forward to working with him.
Public Comment: None.
Bills for August 1, 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 $11,507.05. Â MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Eric Leggett, Second by Jim Jones, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $813.46. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Eric Leggett, Second by Jim Jones, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $485.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary