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, Marie Govannicci, Marlaina Kloepfer Diane McGaughey, Daniel Werner, James Jones
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq.
Borough Building- Diane McGaughey reported that she has attended a citizen’s police academy for the last 12 weeks. There was no charge, and food and drinks were provided. She received four certificates, and recommended the course to Council.
The following repairs are needed to the Borough building:
1)     New roof- 1 estimate received $18,000.00  Remover 3 roof vents $4,250.00
2)Â Â Â Â Â Paint Ceiling- $1,200.00
3)Â Â Â Â Â Wax floors – $500.00
4)Â Â Â Â Â Wash Windows- 1st Floor $136.00Â 2nd Floor $170.00
The building also needs concrete repairs.
Ms. McGaughey would like an agenda for meetings and the minutes distributed one week prior to the meeting.
Ms. McGaughey met Lucien Calhoun of Calhoun Baker, at a CDCA meeting. His firm can lend the Borough $100,000.00 at an interest rate of .9% or 1%.
The mortgage with the Fire Co. for the Borough building has a balance of $38,426.39 at 6.25%.
The road repair to Swarthmore Ave. went over the budgeted $50,000.00 by $3,700.00.
The loan could be used for other road repairs and repairs to the Borough building and to pay off the mortgage.
Ms. McGaughey reported that there was a meeting last week to discuss Citizen of the Year.
Building Permits – Daniel Werner stated that he had made a motion to ask a resident to apply for a Zoning Hearing, without realizing that the Borough would incur Solicitor fees of $1,000.0 or more. Mr. Werner stated that, in the future, he will not make any motions regarding the order of process regarding zoning process.
Public Safety – Tom Kopp reported that the 4th of July Committee may use the hot dog cooker for the festivities. The Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. participated in the Delaware County Firemen’s Association parade in Brookline. It was its 100th anniversary. Mr. Kopp requested the check from the Borough for operations.
Recreation – Marie Govannicci reported that the new apparatus will be installed at the Triangle Park by July 4th. Ms. Govannicci left a message with the contractor regarding rain garden drainage problems.
4th of July – The July 4th festivities will start at the Community Center and end at Triangle Park.
Tree Commission – Marie Govannicci reported that the Committee does not have a Chairman, and may not continue as a committee. The Committee would like to plant an evergreen on the Borough property. In the past, trees planted in this area have died because there is too much clay and water in the soil.
Girls’ Club – Marie Govannicci reported that the Girls’ Club were co-winners of the championship in the 6, 7, and 8 year old division.
Streets – David Waltz reported that the Borough was approved by the County for $30,000.00 for road repairs to Swarthmore Ave. It has not been officially announced. The amount is lower than expected because the County distributed money for pothole repairs.
Sewer – James Jones reported that a dye test was done at 32 President Ave. to see why the sinkholes formed. It was determined to be the Borough’s sewer main problem. Mr. Jones is waiting for prices to repair the sewer at Melrose Terrace and Sylvan Ave.
Communications – Marlaina Kloepfer was in contact with Matthew Kroon, summer intern, who will start on July 9, 2014.Ms. Kloepfer will send changes to the hall rental contracts to Council for review. The solicitor reviewed the contracts.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that Juli Kroon, 4th of July Committee, sent out letters to the Police, Karl Eilinsfeld, and VFW. Mayor Cunningham will talk to Mr. Eilinsfeld regarding placement of barricades for the July 4th parade. 25 chairs and 4 tables are needed at the park.
Mayor Cunningham stated that there is a bush blocking the stop sign on Sylvan Ave. and Unity Terrace.
Mayor Cunningham wished Tom Kopp a happy 60th birthday.
Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor Robert Hunt distributed a list of changes to the State Borough Code.
The prohibition of a Council Member not being able to get paid while serving on another Board has been removed. Firefighters and police employees may not serve on Council; if currently on Council, the person may finish his/her term. Solicitor Hunt will see if this applies to volunteer firefighters. The threshold to solicit formal bids for work is over $19,100.00.
Diane McGaughey asked if Council Members can write off their unpaid services on their Federal tax returns. A CPA should answer that question.
Old Business– None.
New Business – Daniel Werner stated that he has gotten questions from residents regarding firepits. Mr. Werner received a call regarding an open fire on Sylvan Ave. The person was told to call the police. Mr. Werner conferred with the Fire Co. and the Mayor, and went to the resident’s house and informed her that the fire was illegal. The resident told Mr. Werner that he was wrong, and her neighbor told her that it was okay. Mr. Werner called the police.
Mr. Werner stated that there is a cat problem on Sylvan Ave. Cats are going under residents porches and urinating and defecating. There is an ordinance to regulate dogs, but not cats. The Solicitor will look into it.
Aqua PA will begin the replacement of the water main near the Triangle Park beginning on June 26. Dave Waltz will call the company to see if it can be postponed until after the July 4th celebration.
Marlaina Kloepfer asked Council Members if they want the Planning Commission to look at the ordinance regarding open fires. Tom Kopp stated that the fire to which Mr. Werner referred was the burning of yard waste.
DEP did not approve the County Act 537 Sewage Plan, and sent a letter of comments.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
Submitted by: Gennifer Guiliano, Secretary