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, Tom Kopp, Marlaina Kloepfer, Â Daniel Werner
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq., Jack Borsch, Heidi Sentivan
Not present: Marie Govannicci, Diane McGaughey, James Jones
Building Permits – Daniel Werner reported that he received plans from a resident to put pavers in his rear yard. Mr. Werner contacted the resident for more information, but has not heard back from him.
Mr. Werner stated that notices were left at residents’ homes regarding clippings/grass growing in the streets at curbs. There is no ordinance regarding the issue, so it is difficult to enforce. The notices were sent so that residents would clean up for the July 4th celebration. Mr. Werner stated that his 70 year old neighbor was out in the street in the 90 degree heat clearing grass, and he helped her.
Public Safety – Tom Kopp reported that he will have the Fire Co. reports for the August 4, 2014 Council Meeting. As of August 8, Mr. Kopp will no longer be Fire Marshall because the certificate runs out.
Tree Commission – Marlaina Kloepfer reported for Marie Govannicci that Jack Borsch sent a letter to Council. Karl and Pat Eilinsfeld have resigned from the Shade Tree Commission. Rachel Sten submitted a resume. She would like to join the Commission and be Chairperson. Ms. Sten will take the Tree Tenders class and higher education classes.
Jack Borsch stated that the Commission is down one person, and one more member is needed for the Secretary position. The Commission will have a reorganization meeting in September. Ms. Sten will come to the next Council Meeting to introduce herself.
Streets – Nothing to report.
Communications – Marlaina Kloepfer reported that there was a meeting on July 10, 2014. A campaign was discussed to increase enrollment for the CodeRed notification program. The Committee would like to set up a table at the Community Yard sale and distribute flyers that will include information regarding the Borough’s committees. There will be a test of the CodeRed system on October 2, 2014 that will be advertised.
Planning Commission – Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Commission will sell rain barrels at the Community Yard Sale. Heidi Sentivan, Zoning Hearing Board Chairperson, came to the meeting to discuss some concerns the Board has. The Commission will provide meeting minutes to Council.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that there will not be an electronic recycling event this year. The Mayor would like to have one every other year. Mayor Cunningham received emails from Jayne Young of Lansdowne and Michelle Roberts of Morton regarding Rutledge hosting a recycling event on Saturday, September 6, 2014. There is not enough time to plan for it, and it should not be held on the same day as the yard sale. It is too dangerous with the increased traffic.
No dumpster is allowed for a roofing job on the 100 block of Rutledge Ave., to be parked in the street on the side where parking is prohibited.
Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor Robert Hunt reported that bill SB 1342 is before the Senate that would allow local governments the ability to waive the local earned income tax for volunteers first responders.
Bill SB 1262 is before the Senate for full consideration that would give municipal governments the option of establishing policies and helping residents repair damaged sewer laterals.
Governor Tom Corbett signed into law SB 707 (Act 65 of 2014) that allows Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association Funds to be used to pay for the costs related to advanced life support or paramedic training.
Solicitor Hunt reminded Council that 2015 is quickly coming upon us, and budget preparations should begin soon. Solicitor Hunt received a call from a tenant regarding a per capita bill with penalties in excess of $50.00, and was advised to address Council at the August 4, 2014 Council Meeting.
Public Comment: Heidi Sentivan stated that she attended the Planning Commission meeting. Changes to current ordinances were discussed, and how to communicate the proposed changes to Borough residents. The community should be able to give opinions about ordinance changes. Ms. Sentivan suggested that the meeting topics be posted on the Borough website and Facebook. Marlaina Kloepfer stated that topics of discussion will include fire pits and fences. She will give the meeting dates and topics to be discussed, and will have a handout at the yard sale.
Solicitor Hunt advised Council to plan ahead by letting residents know ahead of time. The Commission should have a draft proposal to submit to Council for comments, then the ordinance should go back to the Planning Commission, and then have public comments before the ordinance is advertised to finalize.
Jack Borsch stated that he has a big sinkhole in the back of his property. The sewer line seams are separating on the bottom according to the last video inspection. Jim Jones will investigate.
Old Business– None.
New Business – Gennifer Guiliano thanked the Committees for having the meetings in the meeting room and not in the office. Ms. Guiliano reported that the summer intern, Matthew Kroon, is doing a great job. He has been shredding documents and sending out letters for delinquent parking tickets.
The Borough magazine has as Annual National Night Out on August 5, 2014 listed for Borough participation. To show support against crime, residents are asked to turn on their porch lights.
Ralph Brown, PECO Energy, notified the Borough that its Growing Greener Grant application was approved, along with those of the members of AFewSteps.Org.
MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Daniel Werner, to apply for County Aid for pothole repair in the amount of $438.45. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Daniel Werner, to apply for County Aid for road repairs to Swarthmore Ave. in the amount of $30,000.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Daniel Werner, to appoint Rachel Sten to the Tree Commission as Chairperson. Â MOTION approved unanimously.
Tom Kopp reported that the appointment of Fire Marshall should be done January 1, but he received the application in August. MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to appoint Tom Kopp to the position of Fire Marshall. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz reported that the Auditors reviewed the rental account, and recommend that 1099s be sent to the custodians for the tax year 2013. The Borough can be fined if they are not sent. MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Daniel Werner, to send Form 1099 MISC for 2013 to the rental custodians, per the recommendation of the auditors. MOTION approved unanimously. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary