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, Marie Govannicci, James Jones, Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey
Also present: Robert S. Hunt, Jr., Esq. , Kim Brown
Not Present: Daniel Werner, Mayor Kevin Cunningham
Public Comment: None
Building Permits: No report.
Borough Building/Property: Marlan Kloepfer reported that the first floor renovation is completed. Finishing touches will be done this weekend. Ms. Kloepfer will post pictures of the room on the website and Facebook, and will make handouts to promote rentals. Officer William Thomas will provide a CD with old pictures of the Borough. Two will be selected to hang on either side of the fireplace.
Finance: The final 2016 Budget that was approved on December 14, 2015 was distributed. President Waltz informed Kim Brown that she has the right to open the budget and make changes from January 4 to February 15, 2016.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that everything went well with Santa’s ride through the Borough on Christmas Eve.
Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that the luminaries were canceled on Christmas Eve because of the rain, and rescheduled for New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015. No luminaries will be placed around the Triangle Park because lighting them is a problem. Ms. Govannicci asked for as many volunteers as possible.
The basketball nets have arrived and the highwayman will install them
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewers : Jim Jones reported that he is waiting for a price for 2016 video inspection of the Borough’s sewer lines. President Waltz asked Mr. Jones to look into the Marcellus Shale money, because he read in the paper that Brookhaven Borough received funds.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Committee will meet in January, and the new email addresses will be coming out then, as well.
Planning Commission: Nothing to report.
Mayor’s Report: No report.
Streets : David Waltz reported that the highwayman will repair the potholes on Waverly Terrace between Linden and President Aves.
Old: David Waltz reported that Mark Bascelli has experience with parking tickets and citations, and can do them. Mr. Bascelli would do it as a paid service, when it is raining and he is unable to work outside. Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the citations are completed. Mr. Waltz stated that he will bring them to the Swarthmore Police Station for processing.
Discussed procedures for parking tickets, and whether reminder letters should be sent before a citation is issued. Ms. Kloepfer stated that parking should be another committee. President Waltz stated that parking tickets are the Mayor’s jurisdiction. Council will wait until the Mayor is in attendance to set up a procedure for delinquent parking tickets. Mr. Waltz stated that there are currently 34 unpaid parking tickets.
New:
David Waltz reported that the current electricity provider contract with Constellation Energy will expire in February, and current quotes were provided by them. The people who are helping the Borough with the new LED streetlights will help the Borough find the least expensive electricity provider. Mr. Waltz stated that he is working on a questionnaire from the organization. There may be some rebates available from PECO Energy for replacing the old streetlights with LED lights.
Mark Bascelli would like to purchase a bullet heater for the garage so that he can do work in it when it is cold, and build a loft to store supplies. Mr. Bascelli will get a price for building materials.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Jim Jones, to approve the purchase of a bullet heater for the garage at a cost not to exceed $300.00, subject to approval by the insurance company. MOTION approved unanimously.
Discussed the interviews with the candidates for Solicitor, Marie Feindt and Michael Culp.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Diane McGaughey, to appoint Marie Feindt as Borough Solicitor. MOTION failed due to a majority vote. (2 YES votes M. Kloepfer, D. McGaughey, 4 NO votes T. Kopp, M. Govannicci, D. Waltz, J. Jones)
MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Tom Kopp, to appoint Michel Culp as the Borough’s Solicitor. MOTION carried with a majority vote. (4 YES votes T. Kopp, M. Govannicci, D. Waltz, J. Jones, 2 NO votes M. Kloepfer, D. McGaughey)
The Secretary will send letters to the candidates.
Diane McGaughey stated that she is concerned over the budget and sewer repairs. She hopes a 4 or 5 year plan is put together to stop wasting money because of inflow and infiltration in the system. Jim Jones reported that the Borough is building up reserves, and he and the engineer are looking for funds through the State and Federal Government for repairs. Ms. McGaughey stated that the Borough will be negotiating a new police contract in 2016 that will be a major cost increase.
Ms. McGaughey stated that it has been a pleasure serving the community, and wished Council well.
Solicitor’s Report : Solicitor Robert Hunt reported that the Reorganization Meeting is on January 4, 2016. Affidavits of Residency must be filed by the newly elected officials. Jude Greg Mallon will swear them in. The Reorganization Meeting will be closed and the regular Council Meeting will begin.
Public Comment: Kim Brown, 32 President Ave., stated that parking on Unity Terrace in front of her house is a problem again. Contractors are parking there, and blocking her driveway. A car was towed to Unity Terrace and left there for two and a half weeks. Ms. Brown called 911 twice. There was a truck that did not move for four days. Ms. Brown stated that the Police said that they did not have a copy of the ordinance.
President Waltz said that he has a sample ordinance for parking permits. Solicitor Hunt reminded Council that, if there are parking permits, there may be problems with guests parking.
Ms. Brown would like the matter put on the agenda and addressed once and for all.
Meeting adjourned 8:59 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary