Diane McGaughey, Council President, opened the scheduled Work Session 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: Diane McGaughey, Marie Govannicci, Brian Costello, Marlaina Kloepfer, David Waltz

Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq.

Not Present: Tom Kopp, Daniel Werner

Public: Marc and Jean Lenke, 7 E. Sylvan Ave., stated that they submitted an application for a fence in two parts. Part one was approved by the Code Enforcement Officer. Part two was not because it does not comply with the current fence ordinance. The Lenkes would like to erect a 6-foot closed fence along the property line that is shared with 1 Sylvan Ave., the group home. Mr. Lenke stated that there are garbage issues, unsightly behavior, safety and security issues with the group home that directly impact the Lenkes. They would like special consideration to put up a physical buffer. The mentioned issues affect their property’s value. The Lenkes have been residents for 15 years, and have been good in dealing with the residents of the group home. The behavior and condition of the group home and its residents have affected the Lenkes’ enjoyment of their property. The Lenkes are watched by the group home residents when they are outside smoking. One resident was locked out and asked the Lenkes to use their bathroom. Part One of the fence permit has been approved. Part Two is not approved. The Lenkes want to add vegetation to the fence area. The Lenkes request that Council grant approval of the fence because of other fences in the Borough that are not in compliance with the ordinance, for example the house at Unity Terrace and Rutledge Avenue. The Lenkes submitted signatures of neighbors stating that they are not opposed to the six foot fence; it does not include 1 E. Sylvan Ave. Solicitor Smith stated that the height limit of closed fences is four feet, so the Lenkes have the option to go to the Zoning Hearing Board for relief, after Harry Mirra lets them know that their application has not been approved. Solicitor Smith recommended that Council go into Executive Session to discuss the issue.

MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to go into Executive Session at 7:49 PM, to discuss legal matters and the fence permit at 7 E. Sylvan Ave. MOTION approved unanimously.

MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Marie Govannicci, to end Executive Session at 8:02 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.

The Code Enforcement Official will send a letter to the Lenkes which gives his decision regarding Part Two of their fence permit application.

Solicitor’s Report:

Solicitor Smith will wait for advisement to see if the homeowner of 7 Rutledge Ave. files an appeal.

Solicitor Smith reviewed the paperwork regarding the Global Connect contract. It is fine for Council to approve.

Planning Commission- Previously, Council comprised the commission. The current law is three members, but not more than nine members. If the Commission is 5 members, 3 must be citizens who have been residents for at least 1 year, and 2 Council members.

If the Commission is 7 members, 5 must be citizens, and 2 Council members. The Mayor, Secretary, and Zoning Hearing Board Members may not be members of the Planning Commission. Council would define what it wants done and the Planning commission would resolve specific questions.

Swarthmore Police Contract: Solicitor Smith wrote to the Borough Manager, and there is still no contract. They have sent $41,600.00 in past due bills.

Building: Nothing to report.

Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer stated that she has posted pictures of the Rutledge Girls’ Club opening day ceremonies. The next Communications Committee Meeting will be on May 9.  A child was missing today, and the Communications Committee was not informed. Council needs to look at the communications plan, and rework an emergency plan.

Finance: Nothing to report.

Ordinance: Nothing to report.

Property/Borough Building: Diane McGaughey reported that a new gas stove was purchased for the 2^nd floor.

Public Safety: Nothing to report.

Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that the Borough’s insurance company recommended that new swings be purchased for the Triangle Park.

MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by David Waltz, to authorize the purchase of two toddler swings and two infant swings, at a cost not to exceed $690.00. MOTION approved unanimously.

Basketball court- lines and hoops have been painted.

Ms. Govannicci went to neighboring residents to inquire if they had any problems with children playing at the park, and basketball courts. None had a problem.

Trash: Brian Costello stated that the trash workers are throwing the cans and lids all over the streets.

Sewer:  Nothing to report

Tree Commission: Nothing to report.

Highway: David Waltz reported that bids will be opened for road repairs on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:00 AM.

Mayor: Mayor Cunningham reported that he is waiting for two more “No Smoking” signs for the Triangle Park.

A woman wants to use the Triangle Park and ballfield for a kindergarten birthday party. She will not have exclusive use of the facilities.

The opening ceremony of the Rutledge Girls’ Club was a success- pictures were taken.

Old Business: Nothing to report.

New: Joe Hackett will have a shredding event on May 4, 2013, from 9AM to 2 PM, at the Brookhaven Borough Building.

Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM.

Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary