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 Diane McGaughey, Second by James Jones, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of January 5, 2015. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by James Jones, to approve the minutes for the Work Session of January 26, 2015. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Jim Wurther, Springfield Twp., stated that his organization is going to have a coffee house in the Chambers Memorial Church’s basement for people with disabilities, 18 and older. His organization would like to bring the people together in an environment where they can socialize. Mayor Cunningham is invited to attend. A temporary sign will be put out. David Waltz stated that the matter will be discussed at the Work Session.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2015. The Secretary noted that money has been transferred from the Reserve Account to the General Fund until taxes have been collected. MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the January Treasurer’s Report as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence: PMAA 2014 Financial Statements
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron. As of 12/31/14, $463,807.28 was collected. Accounts Receivable: 6 Real Estate Taxes, 7 Sewers, 41 Per Capita for a total of $18,176.75. Unpaid Real Estate Tax invoices will go to the County by 02/28/15. Mr. Heron will mail the tax bills this week. Mr. Heron suggested that a Treasurer’s summary be sent out with the tax bills and something be put on the website regarding the budget and any increases.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for January 2015. There were 34 Parking Tickets, 3 traffic tickets and 4 traffic warnings.
Last Saturday was the Souper Bowl of Caring. Last year 1,000 items were collected; this year 1,817 items were collected.
Joe Hackett and two of his staff members helped out for two hours. The Mayor appreciates what they did.
Mayor Cunningham thanked everyone who participated in the event.
Diane McGaughey stated that she would like to get involved with the homeless, and has clothes to donate.
Mayor Cunningham thanked residents for parking in their driveways during the snowstorm.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp read the Fire Co. report for January.
There were 22 calls with time in service of 30 Hours, 15 Minutes
There was a suspicious shed fire
There were 3 assists to the medical examiner
There were 5 assists to Swarthmore Borough
There were 2 training, 4 hours 30 Minutes
Reminder letters were sent out for the fund drive.
Property/Building Maintenance: Nothing to report.
4th of July Committee: Nothing to report.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci thanked Council for the fruit basket.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that everything has been posted on the Borough website. The recycling was not picked up due to the anticipated major snowstorm on Tuesday.
Planning Commission: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Commission met in January and discussed rain barrels, fire pits, decks, composting, and accessory structures. The Commission will meet next week.
Ordinance: Nothing to report.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: James Jones reported that he met with General Sewer Services regarding the sewer repair at 213-215 President Ave. Mr. Jones received a proposal in the amount of $5,250.00 for the repairs. Mr. Jones would like to set up a reserve for sewer repairs, and have a long-term repair plan. The sewer mains need to be cleaned and video-taped.
Mr. Jones stated that he is exploring different avenues for revenues to pay for sewer repairs.
Diane McGaughey asked if any sewer repairs were planned for the proposed $100,000.00 loan. David Waltz stated that the loan will be used to pay off the mortgage with the Fire Co., repair the roof of the Community Center, and sewer work. Diane McGaughey suggested that the Borough borrow more money because interest rates are low, and the Borough could get curbing done.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Finance: Nothing to report.
Streets: Nothing to report.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt stated that a hearing date has not been scheduled for the Fire Co. issue. Solicitor Hunt reviewed the elevator maintenance contract with EZ Concepts. The payments will be semiannually. The terms are 1 year, renewable for another year. They need the wiring diagrams of the elevator, which may be available from the manufacturer or on the internet.
Old Business: MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the contract for elevator maintenance with E-Z Living Concepts, subject to the typo changes. MOTION approved unanimously.
New Business: James Jones suggested that the Committee Meetings held on the third Monday be held on the 4th Monday, at 7:00 PM, prior to the Work Session.
MOTION by James Jones, Second by Diane McGaughey, to have Committee Meetings on the 4th Monday of the month, at 7:00 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz reported that Council is in the planning stage of changing sewer bills to Aqua PA water usage rather than EDU based. Morton, Swarthmore and Prospect Park Boroughs bill this way. It is a more equitable way to bill sewer costs.
Diane McGaguhey stated that she attended a COG Meeting where electricity conservation was discussed. The organization suggested that communities get together and work as one, because they are not interested in smaller communities.
Public Comment: None
Bills for February 2, 2015:
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $35,099.06. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $1,442.72. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $9,948.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary