David Waltz, Council President, opened the scheduled Work Session Meeting at 8:00 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, Marie Govannicci, James Jones , Daniel Werner, Kimberly Brown
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Michael F. Culp, Esq.
Not Present: Tom Kopp, Marlaina Kloepfer
Public Comment: None
Building/Borough Property– The lintel above the garage door is bowing and needs to be repaired. A price of $3,800.00 was received. Mark Bascelli can do the work in the spring.
The contract with Constellation Energy expired this month. The new contract will be voted on at the
March 7, 2016 Council Meeting.
Shade Tre Commission– Marie Govannicci reported that there was a meeting on February 17, 2016. Suzanne Stewart and Cathy Myers will act as co-Vice Chairs. Ms. Stewart is taking Jack Borsch’s place.
The Commission would like to know if PECO Energy would let them know before trees are cut in the Borough. The Commission is thinking about becoming a “Tree City USAâ€. The cost is $1,600.00.
The PA Horticultural Society is giving the Commission seven trees for planting on Linden Ave. The cost to residents is $30.00, which includes planting on April 23, 2016, and mulch.
The next meeting is on April 21, 2016, and will include tree planting orientation.
Kim Brown is working on the Tree Commission ordinance, which will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, and then given to Council for review and approval.
Rutledge Activities Committee – There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on March 19, 2016, 2:00 PM. Fliers will go out on March 1, 2016. The next meeting is on March 19, 2016.
Two picnic tables are rotted, and need to be removed.
Ms. Govannicci emailed J. Jansen for a quote for landscaping at the Triangle Park. She would like to get the ballfield up to speed with DiamondTek and mulch.
The signs behind the backstop that read “No Dogs†need to be touched up.
The lines on the basketball court need to be painted, and the nets need to be replaced. Four swings need to be replaced. Ms. Govannicci will call the insurance company to see what kind of swings are approved.
Streets – David Waltz stated that J. Jansen has contracted to plow the snow at $175.00/hour for the rest of the season.
Paving needs to be done on Waverly Terrace, between President and Linden Aves., and Rutledge and Swarthmore Aves., and Unity Terrace, between Rutledge and Swarthmore Aves.
Mark Bascelli will buy blacktop patch in bulk in Aston. He will repair the hole in front of the driveway at 222 Rutledge Ave.
Delaware County does not meet the requirements for State Aid for the snowstorm on January 23, 2016.
James Jones reported that PECO has a grant for open spaces, and applications must be received by March 1, 2016. David Waltz stated that Council should contact the State Representative, Luanne Kruger-Braneky because there are grants available for open spaces.
Sewer – Jim Jones reported that sewer fees are down $48,000.00 from 2015. Sewer fees will, most likely, go up in 2017, but we cannot get answers from DELCORA. The Philadelphia long term control plan and the Chester City long term control plan are big expenses that will be charged to the municipalities.
Trash – Jim Jones reported that the trash contract will expire in December 2016.
Mayor – Mayor Cunningham reported that the Open House scheduled for February 26, 2016 has been postponed until the end of March.
The Souper Bowl of caring collected 3,100 items.
The Snow Jam will be on April 2
Solicitor – Nothing to report.
New Business – A dog training organization wants to have classes here for $25.00 per week. They will mop the floor. MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to decline having dog training at the Rutledge Community Center. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mr. Waltz asked the Wallingford Swarthmore School Board President to attend the March 7, 2016 Council Meeting.
Citations were issued to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. and the person running the cheerleading in the former firehouse.
Mr. Waltz asked Council for permission to talk with Swarthmore Fire Co. to provide fire protection to Rutledge Borough. They have fully paid firefighters. Council agreed that he should speak with Swarthmore Fire. Co.
Old Business –Mr. Waltz stated that Council had approved getting a loan for $100,000.00. Mr. Waltz would like to borrow $125,000.00. Taxes will not have to be increased to cover the payment. He would like to use the money as follows: Streetlight Project – $25,000.00, Mortgage – $38,000.00, Sewer – $40,000.00, 2nd Floor Community Center – $19,000.00. The loan would be for 10 or 20 years.
The Borough needs a new truck. Mr. Waltz received information regarding Municibid, but cannot use it because we are required to get three4 qualified quotes. There is $14,690.00 in the Truck Reserve Account,
and we can use the $13,492.00 in the Streetlight Reserve for the truck purchase. MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Marie Govannicci, to apply to borrow funds from DVRFA in the amount of $125,000.00. MO TION approved unanimously.
Kim Brown brought up overnight parking and offered two solutions: 1- no overnight parking on any street.2- Permit parking that gives permission for residents to park on the terraces overnight. Mr. Jones stated that no overnight parking will not work for him, and he realizes that parking of apartment residents from Morton Borough is a problem. Â Mayor Cunningham stated that the residents will get upset about parking permits. Discussed the parking situation and options to resolve it. The issue was tabled until the next Work Session. Mr. Waltz asked Council to review the ordinances and report back at the Work Session.
Meeting adjourned 9:15 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano, Secretary