M. Diane McGaughey, 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: M. Diane McGaughey, Marlaina Kloepfer, Daniel Werner, Marie Govannicci, Tom Kopp, Brian Costello and David Waltz.
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig, Robert Hunt., Jr., Esq.
Minutes:Â MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Brian Costello, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of April 1, 2013. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of April 22, 2013. MOTION approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of April, 2013.
Correspondence:
1)Â Â Â Â Â PLGIT 2012 Annual Report
2)Â Â Â Â Â Complaint about high grass at 230 Linden Ave.
3)     Delaware County Planning Dept. – Producing “Delaware County 2035â€, a comprehensive policy framework plan. Public Meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2013, 4:00 PM, Jury Commission Conference Room 115, Government Center, 1st Floor, Media, PA
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that $359,291.00, 86%, was collected the first three months of 2013. The next due date is May 31, 2013- face value is due.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for April 2013:
48 Apartments Inspected
3 Correction Notices- Logs on front lawn- removed
2 Property maintenance notices left on April 16, 2013- on May 16, Mr. Mirra will go to the homes, with police protection
A letter was sent from the owner of 7 Rutledge Ave.- no response is needed at this time, per the Solicitor.
Public Comment: None
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Kevin Cunningham read the Police report for April. There were:
14 Parking Tickets     2 Warnings     10 Motor Vehicle Citations
Permission was given to the Todds to put a trailer in the street for three days while their basement is cleaned out.
4th of July: There will be a meeting on May 13, 20113, 8:00 PM.
Rutledge Girls’ Club– The softball season is in full swing.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that there will be a meeting on May 9, 2013 at 7:30, and she would like Council to attend. The Borough’s emergency plan will be reviewed. The tree photo contest and road repair bid information have been posted on the Borough website.
Ordinance: Brian Costello stated that he submitted three ordinance revisions to the Solicitor for review.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: The new house on President Ave. is almost completed.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that four swings have been replaced at the Triangle Park- two toddler and two infant. The fence has been repaired. Ms. Govannicci needs the safety recommendations from the insurance company.
Sewer: Diane McGaughey attended a meeting at the County regarding private sewer lateral inspection ordinances.
Shade Tree Commission: There will be a meeting on May 8, 2013, 7:00 PM.
Public Safety: Â Tom Kopp read the Fire Co. report for May:
22 Calls          23 Hours         47 Minutes
4 Drills            8 Hours
The Fire Co. hosted Public Safety Day on April 27. Activities included a fire simulator, firefighting for children, stop, drop and roll, and poison control, and a fire apparatus showcase. Mr. Kopp thanked residents for their attendance.
The Fire Co. would like to bring the new fire truck to Rutledge for Council to see.
Finance: Brian Costello reported that he will start the 2014 Budget soon.
Property/Borough Building: Marie Govannicci and Brian Costello have volunteered to be committee members
Streets: David Waltz reported that pothole repairs have been done.
Solicitor’s Report: Nothing to report.
Old Business: David Waltz reported that of the 2010 delinquent taxes, one is a rental property, and inquired whether the Borough can revoke the rental license since the taxes are not paid. The matter was referred to the Solicitor.
New Business: A Planning Commission needs to be established, per the State Code, comprised of an odd number from 3 to 9 members, with the majority of members being residents. The members serve for 4-year terms, at the will of Council. The Mayor cannot be on the Commission. The purpose is to handle projects given to the Commission by Council. Rutledge opted for a five-member commission, with 3 residents and 2 Council members.
Bids were opened for road repairs on May 1, 2013, at 10:00 AM. The repair work is on Unity Terrace, from President Ave. to Rutledge Ave., and Waverly Terrace from President Ave. to Rutledge Ave.
Joseph Sucher and Sons                                 $103,016.00
Innovative Construction                                 $113,619.00
A.F. Damon                               $145,000.00
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Brian Costello, to award the contract for road repair to Joseph E. Sucher and Sons, Inc., at a cost of $103,016.00, subject to receipt of loan funds from the State. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz reported that there is grass growing in the street on Rutledge Ave, between Unity Terrace and Waverly Terrace. Mr. Waltz would like to have that portion milled and repaved with the extra funds from the State PIB loan. Three price quotes are required. Mr. Waltz would like to have curbing installed on Waverly Terrace, from Sylvan Ave. to Rutledge Ave., which will require advertisement for bids.
Diane McGaughey reported that she received a letter of resignation from Solicitor Guy Smith. MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by David Waltz to accept the resignation of Solicitor G. Guy Smith. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to appoint Robert S. Hunt, Jr. as Borough Solicitor. MOTION approved with a majority votes of YES; One NO vote by David Waltz.
Daniel Werner reported that he received a letter from a resident regarding a tree branch that is falling on her property from a neighboring property.
Public Comment: G. Guy Smith stated that anything he has done has been done with the help of the Borough Secretary, and presented her with a silver coin. Mr. Smith was the 1st assistant Solicitor in Swarthmore Borough, and was given a chance by the then manager, Richard Hunt, who was the grandfather of Robert S. Hunt, Jr. Richard Hunt was an excellent manager and tutor. Robert Hunt, Jr. is a smart and industrious attorney. There is no chance for young lawyers to get ahead unless old lawyers give them a chance. Mr. Smith stated that he is leaving the Borough in better hands. Council thanked Mr. Smith for his service to the Borough.
Bills for May 6, 2013:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $26,892.87. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $812.75. MOTION Â approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $86,476.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary