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, James Jones, Tom Kopp, Marlaina Kloepfer, Marie Govannicci
Also Present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert S. Hunt, Jr., Esq., John Yergey, Munibilling
Not present: Diane McGaughey, Daniel Werner
John Yergey, Munibilling, gave a presentation on sewer billing by water usage. Residents are currently billed annually by EDU. Munibilling would generate quarterly bills, based on Aqua PA’s water bills. Munibilling has many options. Aqua PA would send a file to Munibilling that would be imported to its system, and bills would be created. The payments can go to a lockbox at a bank, or to the tax collector. Aqua may charge to send the usage information. The Borough can go to paperless billing and the residents can pay the bills online. This promotes conservation. Households with one person will benefit the most. This type of billing is a fairer distribution of costs.
The cost to the Borough will be approximately $1,000.00 per year, paid quarterly. There is no contract, but there will be a five-year price agreement that states there cannot be an increase of more than 3%.
Borough Property/Building: Nothing to report.
Building– Nothing to report.
Finance– Nothing to report.
Public Safety – Tom Kopp stated that there was a room and content fire in Morton Borough last week. The SPCA will have low cost spaying and other services in the spring.
Recreation – Marie Govannicci would like to call Jansen to work on the ballfield when the snow melts so that it is ready for the softball season.
Tree Commission –Marie Govannicci reported that she and Rachel Sten are going to the EAC meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Open Space Study. Rachel Sten is moving forward with the Tree Commission. She made some calls and got ten shrubs donated by Barry and Emma of the PHS. They gave a report on their assessment of the Triangle Park, and made recommendations of what will be good to plant there. They provided a blueprint that shows where to plant the shrubs. The large trees that are planted there now will die soon. Free trees are available, and they will advise where to plant them, and how to trim things. Rachel Sten recommended that the Tree Commission members should take a refresher course, such as Tree Tenders. Jim Jones suggested that the area at Linden Ave. and Melrose Terrace be developed. Ms. Govannicci stated that she and Ms. Sten are working on it. Ms. Sten has been working on a Tree Commission website. It is not live yet, and there will be a link from the Borough’s website.
4th of July– No report.
Streets : David Waltz reported that Karl Eilinsfeld ha been plowing and salting the roads. Marlaina Kloepfer stated that Linden Ave. has been very clean. Mr. Waltz will speak to the Borough’s Engineer about Aqua PA and repaving Melrose Terrace. The Borough may be able to get a check from Aqua and resurface the whole street with additional funds, using the Borough’s own contractor.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewer: James Jones submitted a bill from General Pipe to proceed with the repair work at 213-215 President Ave. MOTION by Jim Jones, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the proposal by General Pipe to repair the sewer main at 213-215 President Ave., at a cost not to exceed $5,250.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Communications –Marlaina Kloepfer reported that she made changes to the website with the new Committee Meeting dates.
Planning Commission – Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the updated rental lease for the downstairs meeting room has been reviewed by the Solicitor. MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to approve the new rental agreement for the downstairs meeting room. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that the former Snow Jam music event will be on March 14. Margie Corcoran gave the Borough the 2014 Girls Club Championship trophy to display in the Community Center.
Mayor Cunningham and President Waltz are working on letters and citations for outstanding parking tickets.
Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor Robert Hunt stated that he has not received a revised elevator maintenance contract from EZ Concepts.
Old Business– President Waltz stated that he has been looking at options to paint the upstairs of the Community Center. The painters’ union has apprentices who will paint at no cost. The Borough would have to provide the supplies.
President Waltz stated that there will not be a craft fair in March.
New Business – David Waltz stated that the Rutledge Court Apartments are for sale, and the Borough will get .5% transfer tax.
President Waltz stated that he will move forward with looking at sewer billing bases on Aqua PA water usage. There are homes not in Rutledge that pay Rutledge for sewer usage. Jim Jones asked if the Solicitor could look into ways that the Borough could fund a long-term sewer maintenance and repair plan.
The Borough received the grant from the County for the 2014 repair of Swarthmore Ave.
The Code Enforcement Officer has been checking houses to make sure the snow is shoveled. He issued two citations to 1 Sylvan Ave., Northwestern Human Services.
The Secretary collected brochures and newsletters to be included in the Welcome Baskets.
There has been one inquiry about renting the upstairs for a wedding in May. David Waltz will contact the person.
PMAA is having its conference in Lancaster, if any Council members are interested in attending.
There is a Municipal Secretary seminar in April in Fort Washington.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to go into Executive Session at 8:41 PM, to discuss possible litigation with the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by James Jones, to go out of Executive Session at 9:14 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public: No comment.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Jim Jones, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary