M. Diane McGaughey, Council President, opened the scheduled Borough Council Meeting at 7:45 PM, in the Council Meeting Room, 212 Unity Terrace, Rutledge, PA.
After the salute to the flag, the following Council members answered roll call: Tom Kopp, M.Diane McGaughey, Brian Costello, Marlaina Kloepfer, Kurt Morrison, and David Waltz.
Also present: Mayor Gregory C. Lebold, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Not Present: Jack Borsch
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of November 7, 2011. MOTION approved unanimously. MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes from the November 28, 2011 Work Session. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of November, 2011.
Correspondence:
1) Mario Civera, County Council, – Information regarding the Animal Protection Board and facility for stray animals. Cost $1,250.00/year for three years, $250.00 credit for each of five animals accepted at the facility.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that there is no change in 2011 uncollected taxes: $32,000.00. Mr. Heron has submitted an application for bond renewal, and ordered bill from the County.
Public Comment: Michelle Senior, 100 Rutledge Ave., stated that the road is still coming apart. Ms. Senior asked if letters were sent regarding the Prevailing Wage Act. Solicitor Smith stated that the bill is on the table for consideration. It is too late for any road repairs in 2011. Ms. Senior asked if there is a temporary fix, because she picks up about 10 pieces of asphalt a day. Mayor Lebold stated that Catania Engineering will be contacted to see if any temporary repairs can be done.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for November 2011:
1 Use & Occupancy Sale – Passed
7 Correction Notices
8 Zoning Permits – 5 Completed
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Greg Lebold read the Police Report for November. There were: 1 Parking Ticket
11/4/11 – Complaint of foul language of juveniles at the basketball court. They were advised if the complaint and agreed to keep the noise down and language under control.
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Rutledge Girls’ Club: Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer thanked Council for feedback on the Facebook information.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that the committee will meet with the Zoning Hearing Board to put an action plan in place for 2012.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that two signs at the crosswalk have been put up at the Triangle Park on Swarthmore Ave. Mr. Waltz will contact Catania Engineering regarding patching parts of Unity Terrace until road repairs are done.
Sewer: Nothing to report.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Recreation: Kurt Morrison thanked the Police for monitoring the Triangle Park and basketball court.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported the activities for the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. for October and November.
October – 20 Calls Time in Service 8 Hours 40 Minutes
8 Drills Time in Service 36 Hours 30 Minutes
November- 24 Calls Time in Service 13 Hours 30 Minutes
6 Drills Time in Service 43 Hours 10 Minutes
Mr. Kopp reported that there is a Holiday Hazard Checklist available in the Borough Office.
Santa Claus will start his Christmas Eve ride through the Borough at 5:00 PM, at the Rutledge Court Apartments, 12/24/11. This year, Santa will stop once on each block at a location indicated by a sign.
Former Rutledge Fire Chief, Bill Kruse, died at age 78.
Jack Breslin has a prospective buyer for the fire truck; they want it brought to their fire station on Saturday, December 10, 2011. MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by David Waltz, to pass Resolution 2011-12-01 that authorizes Council President Diane McGaughey to sign the title for the sale of the 1982 Sutphen Class A Pumper. MOTION approved unanimously.
Finance: Brian Costello reported that the 2012 draft Budget was approved at the November Work Session, and the final budget will be approved at the Work Session on December 19, 2011.
Solicitor’s Report: Nothing to report
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to authorize the Secretary to advertise the 2012 Meeting Schedule. MOTION approved unanimously.
The newly formed County Animal Protection Board requests a letter of intent from Rutledge, by December 16, 2011, to join the organization. The Delaware County SPCA will no longer accept stray animals from municipalities. Delaware County is building a shelter in Darby Twp. to accommodate strays in Delaware County. The cost is $1,250.00/year for 3 years- 2012-2014, and allows 5 strays per year. Additional animals are $250.00 each. Nothing is mentioned about carrying over the fee if no animals are brought to the shelter. The Chester County will accept strays until the County facility is built.
Public Comment: Marie Govannicci, 221 Sylvan Ave., reported that the luminaries will be placed on the curbs on 12/24/11 at 9:30 AM. Bags will be filled with sand on 12/16/11, at 1:30 PM at the old Rutledge Fire House. Volunteers are needed.
Christine Graedel, 121 President Ave., inquired as to the wording of the bamboo ordinance. Solicitor Smith will get a copy to her. Ms. Graedel questioned whether animal control will pick up foxes and raccoons. Mayor Lebold explained that is a private property matter, and the Borough is not responsible for removal of them.
Bills for December 5, 2011:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $9,096.02. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $7,997.76. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $4,988.45. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:49PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary