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, via telephone, and in person starting at 7:58 PM, Marie Govannicci, Daniel Werner, James Jones, Tom Kopp
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert S. Hunt, Jr., Esq.
Not Present: Diane McGaughey
Public Comment: None
Building Permits: Dan Werner reported that he received a permit for a shed to be placed on an existing concrete pad that is 40†from the fence line. The existing ordinance requires 60â€. The resident is asking for an exemption. Dan Werner will offer a solution of extending the pad so the shed will be the required 60†away from the fence. Solicitor Hunt warned Mr. Werner about giving advice, and stated that it appears the resident needs to apply for a variance.
Finance: Dan Werner reported that the 2016 Budget has been completed. The big issue is that the country line dance group will be leaving as of December 1, 2015, which results in a $9,100.00 loss in income. Real Estate taxes will be increased to $203,654.00. Legal fees will increase from zero to $7,000.00, because Solicitor Robert Hunt has resigned. Sewer fees are down from $220,254.00 to $171,248.00, a 22.2% decrease. Millage will go from 5.71 to 6.05, a 6% increase.
MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to advertise the 2016 budget. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Dan Werner, to adopt Ordinance #470, a Floodplain Ordinance. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to advertise Ordinance #472, the 2015 Property Maintenance Code. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Marie Govannicci, to advertise the 2016 Tax Ordinance. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Jim Jones, to advertise the 2016 Wage and Salary Resolution. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. will have breakfast with Santa on December 13, 2015. Flyers will be sent to all residents.
Santa will ride through Morton on December 19, 2015 at 4:00 PM, And Rutledge on December 24, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
Tree Commission: Marie Govannicci stated that Rachel Sten took a sample of the soil in front of the Borough building, and a tree that goes with the PG level will be planted there. The Tree Commission is looking into installing a rain garden at the end of Linden Ave. and Melrose Terrace. They are thinking of putting two benches there, and solar lighting.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci reported that they are thinking about putting a shed at the Triangle Park for hoses and the Girls’ Club Equipment. They might have a fundraiser for it. Dan Werner stated that he is concerned about vandalism because the portapotty there was tampered with.
Ms. Govannicci reported that the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 7:00 PM. The Silvertones will sing.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewers : Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that the Committee met last week, and submitted a meeting schedule for 2016. The Delaware County Emergency Center contact will attend the January meeting. The Committee is working on the website inventory.
Planning Commission:
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Cunningham asked how far he can go with getting cars towed during snowstorms so that the streets can be plowed. Cars can be towed only on snow emergency routes, not side streets.
Streets : Nothing to report.
Old: None.
New: David Waltz reported that he has a recommendation for the Fire Marshall position. Thomas Moleski lives at Unity Terrace and Swarthmore Ave., and is a 25-year resident. He is also Fire Marshall in Swarthmore. He will be appointed at the December 14, 2015 meeting.
Jim Jones reported that he received a resume for the Solicitor position from Mike Culp. He is on the Delaware County Council, and a Commissioner at Springfield Twp. He graduated from Widener University in 2002, and has worked for numerous firms.
Marlaina Kloepfer submitted a resume for Marie Feindt. She serves on the Delaware County Women’s Committee, and is a Widener University graduate. She lives in Swarthmore and has experience with municipal law.
Solicitor Hun t advised Council to set rates ahead of time. Council will meet with the candidates at the December 28, 2016 Work Session. The Secretary will contact other Boroughs to see what hourly rate they pay their Solicitors.
The Reorganization Meeting is on Monday, January 4, 2016. The Secretary will contact Judge Greg Mallon to swear in the elected officials. MOTION by Dan Werner, Second by Jim Jones, to authorize the advertisement of the Reorganization Meeting on Monday, January 4, 2016, at 7:00 PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
State Representative Leanne Krueger-Braneky is having an open house on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, from 7PM-9PM.
Marlaina Kloepfer stated that there needs to be more structure with the Committee Meetings, and would like to change the times of the Committee and Work Session Meetings so that there is better attendance. MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second Dan Werner, to have the Committee Meetings at 7:30 PM on the 4th Monday of the month, and Work Sessions at 8:00 PM on the 4th Monday of the month. MOTION approved unanimously.
Marlaina Kloepfer stated that Diane McGaughey will be leaving, and would like to acknowledge her 34 years of service on December 14, 2015. She would like to get a proclamation from the County. The Mayor said that he would get a proclamation from the State. Ms. Kloepfer would like to invite Ms. McGaughey’s family to the meeting. The Secretary will contact them.
MOTION by Marlaina Kloepfer, Second by Marie Govannicci, to ask the County for proclamation from the County in recognition of Diane McGaughey’s 34 years of service. MOTION approved unanimously.
Solicitor’s Report : Solicitor Hunt reported that the Floodplain ordinance was passed, and the Borough has to apply to FEMA and PEMA. An ordinance is needed to enforce the handicapped parking. The 2016 meeting dates need to be advertised. Mr. Waltz asked the Solicitor if the Committee Meetings and Work Session can be rolled into one meeting. The Solicitor will look into it.
Solicitor Hunt will look into an ordinance for handicapped parking so the Police will be able to enforce it.
Meeting adjourned 9:21 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano, Secretary