Gregory C. Lebold, 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: Gregory Lebold, Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey, Kurt Morrison, Brian Costello, Jack Borsch and David Waltz
Also present: Mayor Scott Shields, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig, Fire Chief Scott Waltz
Public Comment: Bob Hunt, 209 Linden Ave., stated that he is concerned about the house at 208 Linden Ave. The house has been abandoned for 2 years, and there appears to be a hole in the roof. The property is deteriorating, and will affect neighboring property values. President Lebold stated that the family lives out of town, and the homeowners died. Code Enforcement has looked at the house for code violations. Solicitor Smith stated that homeowners have 3 years to make up tax delinquencies. The Court House is working on 2007 and 2008 delinquencies now.
Mr. Lebold stated that he will have Harry Mirra inspect the house. The Borough had inspected it and padlocked the property 2 years ago. Mr. Smith stated that the Borough can condemn the property if it starts to collapse on itself. The police cannot go into the property without a court order or a search warrant. Mayor Shields stated that he spent a lot of time tracking down the property owners. The Borough is unable to do anything, and cannot allocate taxpayers’ money to pay for this property.
Mr. Lebold stated that municipalities are limited in cases like this. If it becomes a hazard or dangerous condition, procedures would be initiated to condemn the property. Both of the homeowners are deceased.
Kevin Cunningham, 20 Rutledge Ave., stated that 45-50 girls have signed up for the softball teams. There are 4 teams. The port-a-potty will be delivered on March 18, and the season starts at the end of April.
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by David Waltz, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of February 7, 2011 and Work Session of February 28, 2011. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that the 2011 tax bills were sent in February. $40,000.00 has been collected for 2011 taxes. Delinquent taxes as of 2010 total $22,000.00,and are comprised of 18 residents, 2 sewer, and a one group of per capita. The delinquents were due to the County on 02/28/11, but Mr. Heron missed that date, and referred the matter to Council and the Solicitor.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2011.
Code Enforcement Report: Greg Lebold read Mr. Mirra’s report for February.
Spring is here – residents are encouraged to clean up their yards and streets in front of their properties.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for February. There were: 8 Parking Tickets, 8 Motor Vehicle Citations, 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 16 Calls, 10 Complaints, 1 Assist Ambulance, 1 Assist Fire Co.
Correspondence:
1) PECO Energy- Will be trimming trees in the Borough
2) 2)PA Municipal Planning Education Institute – Course in Zoning Administration- March 15,22, and 29, 2011.
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that he will meet with the Zoning Hearing Board on March 21. The Board will reorganize, and continue the discussion about updating ordinances.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jack Borsch stated that the flushing and televising of the Borough’s sewer mains will begin in March.
Shade Tree Commission: There will be a Tree Tenders class on April 6, 13, & 20 at Rutledge Community Center. The cost is $25.00.
Highway: David Waltz reported that he is working on a list for new street signs. The highwayman is working on the potholes. Mr. Waltz asked residents to call the County regarding the potholes on Swarthmore Ave.
Recreation : Kurt Morrison reported on electricity at the Triangle Park. One contractor backed out, and he has contacted other electricians
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there has been no change in the truck sale. Chief Waltz reported Fire Co. activities for January and February: January time in service 58 Hours, 48 Minutes. February time in service 25 Hours, 38 Minutes.
Finance: Diane McGaughey reported that she attended a meeting with PECO Energy regarding grants for municipalities to install systems that save energy. PECO has $700,000.00 to grant to Delaware County municipalities. They will do an energy audit of the Borough building. Ms. McGaughey is interested in replacing the heating and air conditioning in the Borough building.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Smith reviewed a proposed agreement with Morton Borough regarding the payment of Workers’ Comp Insurance for the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co.
Old Business : Tom Kopp reported that the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Banquet was a success. 105 people attended, including Pat Meehan and Bill Adolph. Awards were presented.
Diane McGaughey stated that she would like the specs for the fire truck that is for sale.
New Business: A Resolution submitted by Solicitor Smith in support of the Delaware County Environmental Fair, April 9,2011, at Strath Haven School was read.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to adopt Resolution 2011-03-01, a resolution in support of the Delaware County Environmental Fair on April 9, 2011. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mr. Lebold thanked Jack Borsch for fixing the beeping in the elevator shaft- the battery in the water flow alarm was bad. Diane McGaughey also thanked Mr. Borsch, because he saved the Borough money.
Public Comment: Robert Hunt, 209 Linden Ave., stated that there is a dead tree on President Ave. & Waverly Terrace. Jack Borsch stated that it is the homeowners’ responsibility to remove it. A letter will be sent to the homeowners.
Bills for March 8, 2011:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $27,757.87. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $776.86. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $64.50. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary