David Waltz, 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: David Waltz, Marlaina Kloepfer, Daniel Werner, Tom Kopp, Marie Govannicci
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert S. Hunt, Jr., Esq., Kim Brown, Planning Commission
Not Present: Diane McGaughey, James Jones,
Public Comment: Albert Murro, Executor of 235 President Ave., stated that his father-in-law died, and he and his wife, Bernadette are trying to settle the estate. Mr. Murro spoke with the Code Officer about repairs that need to be made to the property in order to sell it. The major repairs are the sidewalks and curbing. Because of the estate’s outstanding bills, the debts may not be able to be paid. The cost of curbing and sidewalk blocks is approximately $10,000.00. There is nothing wrong with the curbing, but it is on a slope. Mr. Murro agrees that the sidewalk blocks need to be replaced. He does not want the property to go into foreclosure, but may have to because of the high expenses of getting the property ready to sell. Mr. Murro asked Council to allow the Use & Occupancy Permit to be issued without replacing the curbing. The houses on either side have the same curbing. Mr. Murro has been here for a month, and needs to get back home to Florida. He thanked Council for allowing him to speak.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that, on Wednesday, July 22, Morton Police and Fire Co. responded to a medical emergency. A woman had overdosed on heroin, and members of both companies gave her Narcan and saved her life. They got to the scene before the medics did.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that two sidewalk blocks at the Triangle Park are cracked outside of the gate. The water shut-off valve needs to be repaired. Two sidewalk blocks in front of the Community Center are cracked. Ms. Govannicci will get prices to repair. The trees that were planted by the Shade Tree Commission look good. The Rutledge Girls Club will play fall ball. Ms. Govannicci asked the coach what will be needed next year for budgeting purposes.
Ms. Govannicci will get an estimate for mulch for the playground and the Community Center.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Planning Commission is reviewing two ordinances- Shade Tree Commission and fire pit.
The bills for web hosting and CodeRed have been paid. The County will reach out to the Borough regarding its emergency notification system.
There will be a meeting on September 10, 2015 at 7:30 PM.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Cunningham reported that a telephone pole was damaged and taken down during the storm in June. When the pole was replaced, on Unity Terrace & Sylvan Ave., the streetlight was not replaced.
Officer Roger Hinkley talked to the person at 124 Linden Ave. regarding the property maintenance issues.
People from Chambers Memorial Church asked to have an outdoor concert on a Sunday afternoon in the parking lot.
Streets : David Waltz reported that Melrose Terrace has been paved from curb to curb. Mr. Waltz will follow up with the County regarding the paving of the rest of Swarthmore Ave. Ridley Twp. has plans to widen the intersection of Swarthmore and Morton Aves.
Old: Solicitor Hunt reported that the PA Association of Boroughs wants Boroughs’ support for Senate Bill 3, medical marijuana. The Association would like Boroughs to pass resolutions in support of medical marijuana. Council is not interested.
Solicitor Hunt reported that the Zoning Hearing for the Fire Co. scheduled for August 26 has been cancelled and rescheduled for September 30, 2015, at 7:30 PM.
David Waltz stated that there has been a lot of talk regarding a new logo for the Borough. Mr. Waltz thinks Council should reach out to the residents. Kim Brown stated that it is a whole branding of Rutledge Borough. They tried reaching out to residents previously, and received no response. There is a website that charges $5.00 for an artist to give a rendition based on a given description. Marie Govannicci stated that it should be put out to residents so that there is no negative feedback. Marlaina Kloepfer asked for a clear description and a timeline for submissions.
Kim Brown asked whose intellectual property the design would be. Solicitor Hunt stated that it is a donation and handed over freely to the Borough.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the purchase of three designs at a cost of $5.00 each from Fiverr for a new Rutledge Borough logo. MOTION approved unanimously.
New: Marie Govannicci stated that the residents of the 200 block of Sylvan Ave. would like to have a block party in September. The Mayor will let the Police know. Ms. Govannicci stated that she would get permission from all of the residents on the block, and the event would be open to all Rutledge residents. Dave Waltz advised that emergency vehicles must be able to get down the street during the event.
David Waltz reported that 101 Sylvan and 110 Swarthmore Ave. need the sidewalks repaired, and will have the Code Enforcement Officer look into the matter.
Curbing at 235 President Ave.- Jack Borsch stated that a gas line was put in behind the curbs on President Ave. and the area was not backfilled properly. All of the curbs on the street are slanted. Solicitor Hunt stated that the Executor of the Estate is correcting and repairing all of the other violations. Marlaina Kloepfer read an email from Dan Werner regarding the issue.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Tom Kopp, to allow the curbing at 235 President Ave. to remain the way it is in order to issue a Use & Occupancy Permit for the sale of the property. MOTION approved unanimously.
Dave Waltz reported that 7 Rutledge Ave. has been forclosed on, and the bank now owns it. Catania Engineering sent a letter regarding the garage and the signs on the property.
Meeting adjourned 8:32 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano,
Secretary