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, Daniel Werner, Marie Govannicci, Tom Kopp
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Not present: M. Diane McGaughey
Minutes: MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of December 8, 2014. Gennifer Guiliano noted that the November 3, 2014 minutes say â€Work Session†rather than “Council Meetingâ€. MOTION approved unanimously with the noted correction.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by James Jones, to approve the minutes for the Work Session of December 22, 2014. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Robert Hunt, 209 Linden Ave., stated that he is interested in buying a property on Linden Ave., and he received a copy of the new Use & Occupancy Checklist, which includes about 75 items. David Waltz stated that the property must be maintained and in a clear and sanitary condition. The Code Enforcement Official can walk through the property and let the homeowner know what work has to be done.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2014. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. MOTION approved unanimously.
Correspondence:
- Catania Engineering Associates, Inc.- 1st & 2nd notices of violation- Leaves in street 112 Rutledge Ave.
- Delaware County Association of Boroughs- Dues for 2015 $32.00. Board Meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2015, Upland Borough of Rutledge
- Zoning Hearing Board- Final decision on application by Chambers Memorial Church
- LIPP- Lateral Insurance Program- Insurance solicitation for insurance for sewer laterals
- PA Local Government Training Partnership – Spring Road Safety and Maintenance Seminar
6)Â Â PennDOT- Local Technical Assistance Program- Newsletter
7)Â Â G. Guiliano- Thank you for Christmas gift
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron submitted his report for December, 2014. 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.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police Report for December 2014. There were 6 Parking Tickets. Mayor Cunningham thanked everyone for their help with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, 2014.
Mayor Cunningham told Chief Craig that the Swarthmore Police Dept. is an excellent department, and he is proud of the way they conduct themselves.
Chief Craig stated that residents should call 911 to report suspicious persons. They are happy to answer the calls, and there is no other way to contact the police.
On January 31, Chambers Memorial Church will have a Souper Bowl of Caring. Canned goods and non-perishables will be collected from residents’ porches and steps for food banks in Delaware County. Last year the collected food lasted one month. Let’s try to contribute more this year. Mayor Cunningham was in Vista/Peace Corp, and saw hungry children, and it is something he will never forget.
Mayor Cunningham stated that the Silvertones are having a twelfth night celebration on January 12, 7-10:30 PM. Cost is $35.00 for drinks and hors d’ouvres, and is a fundraiser to send the group to Italy.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp read the Fire Co. report for December.
There were 18 calls with time in service of 5 Hours, 41 Minutes
There was 1 drill for ebola virus information, time in service 7 Hours
There were 3 details, 78 Hours, 30 Minutes
There were 2 work details, 29 man hours, to prepare Santa’s sleigh
The Black Family hosted a party for the Fire Co. after Santa’s ride through town, for the 60th year.
The tree sales were successful.
Mr. Kopp will have the 2014 report for the next meeting.
There are no changes of officers. Since Jerry Connelly passed, a new liaison to the Borough will be appointed.
Property/Building Maintenance: Nothing to report.
4th of July Committee: Marie Govannicci reported that the Committee is cutting down the meeting frequency due to lack of interest. The next meeting will be in April.
Recreation: Mrie Govannicci thanked everyone for their understanding regarding the luminaries. They were lit on New Year’s Eve, and looked great. Ms. Govannicci thanked everyone for distributing and lighting the luminaries.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Borough’s website is up and running. Andrew Sentivan worked very hard on it. It is visually pleasing and interactive. The Committee meets on January 8.
Planning Commission: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Commission will review ordinances for fences and composting.
Ordinance: Nothing to report.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Daniel Werner reported that there are two active building permits.
Sewer: James Jones reported that the work at 213 President Ave. is not completed. How to repair that area needs to be determined. The ideal repair would be to reline from manhole to manhole, which would cost approximately $22,000.00. There are two leaky laterals in that area. We are trying to determine whose responsibility the leaky laterals are. Mr. Jones asked the Solicitor to prepare letters to the residents. Jack Borsch, 213 President Ave., stated that one of the laterals on his property is abandoned and can be sealed off. The property behind his has an active lateral that is leaking. Tree roots had to be cleared from that area. Mr. Jones stated that tree roots going into the Borough’s sewer mains should be handled by the homeowner. The Borough had a maintenance program with General Sewer Services, and Mr. Jones would like to get back on a schedule with them. Duke’s Root Control was the last company to treat a portion of President Ave. for roots in the sewer.
Karl Eilinsfeld stated that tree roots go into the sewers for water because the sewers are leaking. Mr. Jones stated that the roots go in at a joint.
Mr. Jones responded to three PA One Calls this month.
Shade Tree Commission: There will be a meeting on January 14, 2015.
Finance: Daniel Werner stated that he hopes 2015 will be as good or better financially as 2014.
Streets: David Waltz stated that the Borough has three pallets of salt, and is ready for tomorrow’s storm.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt stated that a hearing date has not been scheduled for the Fire Co. issue.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business: President Waltz stated that there is a list of Committee Chairs in Council Member’s folders, and asked Council to have a Committee Member list by the Work Session on January 26, 2015.
Mr. Waltz reported that the downspout on the Community Center was repaired. The two windows in the back of the Borough Office were repaired and siding put up.
Tom Kopp stated that he is working on getting a maintenance contract for the elevator.
Marie Govannicci reported that Rutledge Borough now has a Welcoming Committee. Lisa Kaufman, who lives on Sylvan Ave., will be in charge. She has made brochures that list some of the Borough’s ordinances. Mary Woodling will make copies of the CD of the history of Rutledge. Ms. Kaufman will make up a basket that has a baked good, and meeting information. Council will look at the first basket before it is distributed. The Committee will work on a list of local businesses. Anyone may donate empty baskets.
Public Comment: Jack Borsch, 213 President Ave., asked Council if anyone was experiencing problems with water pressure. Mr. Borsch expected better pressure after Aqua replaced the water lines in the Borough. President Waltz advised Mr. Borsch to contact Aqua.
Bills for January 5, 2015:
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $45,468.27. Mr. Werner noted that the Solicitor fees for two zoning hearings was $3,452.50. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $876.45. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $53,117.13. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary