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, Marlaina Kloepfer, David Waltz, Brian Costello, Daniel Werner,
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq.
Not Present: Marie Govannicci, Tom Kopp
Building: Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that notification of Santa’s ride through town has been sent out. She is working on the next newsletter. The next Communications Committee Meeting will be on January 9, 2014.
Finance: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Nothing to report.
Property/Borough Building: Diane McGaughey reported that she received a price of $665.00 to repair the walk-in door to the garage. Ms. McGaughey reminded Council that there is no full-time building custodian to clean up and asked that anything that is used be put back.
Public Safety: Nothing to report.
Recreation: Nothing to report.
4th of July Committee: Nothing to report.
Trash: Recycling will be on Thursday, December 26. A thank you note will be sent to Suburban Waste Services for the candy.
Sewer: Dan Werner reported that there have been major backups in two parts of the sewer lines in the past 6 weeks. Insurance companies offer homeowners coverage for sewer backups. Mr. Werner would like that information to go in the next newsletter.
A resident on President Ave. called a plumber to clear his line, and found that it was the Borough’s sewer main that had the problem. The resident presented the Borough with the bill for $129.00. Another resident on Swarthmore Ave. had the same situation, and submitted a bill to the Borough for $335.00. Mr. Werner proposed that both bills be paid by the Borough, because of the sewer main blockage. The residents should be made aware of the procedure to follow when they have a sewer backup.
Solicitor Hunt suggested that a resolution on how to handle sewer backup claims be composed
Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that salt was delivered last Thursday, and the streetlight at Morton Ave. & Sylvan Ave. has been repaired.
Mayor: Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that 20 people sang Christmas carols last night, and they had a lot of fun.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt reported that James Jones’ Zoning Hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2014. The Zoning Hearing Board alternate will be appointed on January 6, 2014.
The Borough Reorganization Meeting will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014, 7:00 PM. Judge Mallon will swear in the newly elected officials. They need an affidavit of residency in order to be sworn in. The Mayor will be sworn in, and then nominations for President and Vice President. Committees will be appointed.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to adopt Resolution 2013-12-03, a resolution that states the wage and salaries for employees. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Daniel Werner, to adopt Ordinance 467, an ordinance levying taxes in the Borough of Rutledge for the calendar and fiscal year 2014 for general Borough purposes, municipal pension obligation and debt service; establishing trash collection and sanitary sewer usage fees; fixing the discount for prompt payment of taxes and fees, and the penalty for late payment; proclaiming the continuance, without change of the one (1%0 percent realty transfer tax and the per capita tax now in effect under the local tax enabling act of 1965, its amendments and supplements. 5.71 mill for General Purpose Tax, $196.04 per dwelling unit for trash/recycling collection, and $692.75 per dwelling unit for usage of the sanitary sewer system. MOTION approved unanimously.
Old Business: Diane McGaughey reported that Tim Durham of Chili’s Inspection Services has been ill and is recuperating, but The Borough’s work must go on. Ms. McGaughey asked Council if they would like to continue with Chili’s Inspection Services as the Borough’s Building Code Official, or consider a replacement. Council would like Catania Engineering Associates, Inc. to be the Borough’s Building Code Official, beginning in 2014.
David Waltz reported that the new house on President Ave. has a safety violation- the second floor deck has no railing, and the owners are living in the house. The Secretary will contact Chili’s Inspection Services for an explanation.
New Business: Two resumes were submitted for the Zoning Hearing Board Member and Alternate positions: Robert Bagonis and Kaycee Conallen. Council reviewed the resumes. Diane McGaughey interviewed both candidates. Council members asked for a job description for the position.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by David Waltz to approve the 2014 Meeting Schedules and authorize the Secretary to advertise the schedules. MOTION approved unanimously.
Diane McGaughey asked Council for goals for the 2014 Committees, and if anyone would like to serve on a different Committee.
Diane McGaughey stated that the EAC would like to apply for a PECO Growing Greener Grant. Each member municipality (Swarthmore, Nether Providence , Rutledge, and Rose Valley) must pass a resolution, and apply individually. Rutledge would be responsible to commit $2,000.00 in order to receive a grant. MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Daniel Werner, to pass Resolution 2013-12-04, to apply for a Growing Greener Grant from PECO Energy, with a $2,000.00 commitment from the Borough. MOTION approved unanimously.
Daniel Werner stated that he read an article in today’s paper about Folcroft Borough’s Council Meetings, and the political battles that have ensued. Mr. Werner stated that this Board acts extremely civil in comparison to others, and he appreciates that. The President of Council is an important position, and someone who has the capability and time to do it. Mr. Werner would like an information sheet submitted by those interested in the position. The person who leads Council needs to have a lot of time- it is almost a fulltime job. The person who is voted as President should be someone who can best run Council, and not just be a seat in a chair.
Daniel Werner stated that the Borough should pay the two sewer bills that were discussed earlier.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by David Waltz, to pay $335.00 to General Sewer Services for the sewer backup at 126 Swarthmore Ave.- Joe Latcham, and to pay $129.00 to Horizon Services for the sewer backup at 217 President Ave.- Bart Leach. The funds will be spent from the Sewer Reserve Fund. MOTION approved unanimously.
Marlaina Kloepfer stated that her husband attended the Council Meeting on December 9, 2013, and he could not hear what Council said due to the noise from the heater. Ms. Kloepfer suggested that the table and chairs be moved to a different position in the Meeting Room.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.
Submitted by: Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary