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, Daniel Werner, Marie Govannicci, James Jones, Tom Kopp
Not present: Diane McGaughey, Mayor Kevin Cunningham
Interviewed Soliaman Reid for the Hall Rental Custodian position.
Borough Property/Building: Someone is needed to open and close on Tuesday, November 25, for the country dancing group.
The downspout on the front of the Community Center has come down. David Waltz will ask Robert Coppick to repair it, and replace the plywood outside the rear of the Borough Office.
Building– Nothing to report.
Finance– Dan Werner reviewed the 2015 Budget. Mr. Werner noted the following:
Income from cable fees increased
Group rentals income increased
Trash fees down $2,000.00 for the trash disposal fees
Newsletter cost was eliminated
Code Red notification was added $500.00
Office expenses were increased $1,000.00 for a new computer
Seminars was decreased to $300.00
Borough building maintenance was reduced from $10,000.00 to $5,000.00
Rental Custodian Salary was added- not budgeted in 2014
Fire Co. Operations down $1,000.00
Debt Services- Loan with DVRFA $12,000.00 to repair roof, sewer work, and pay off mortgage with the Fire Co.
Code Enforcement- Catania Engineering will charge $720.00 per month, or $50.00 per hour
Sewer fees are down $13,896.00
Tom Kopp and Jim Jones will look for a company to have a maintenance contract for the elevator.
2015 mills will be 5.71, and 5.60 discount.
Public Safety – Tom Kopp reported that bad weather reports have been received regarding Wednesday, November 26, 2014.
Santa will start his ride through the Borough at 5:00 PM, at Rutledge Court Apartments on Christmas Eve.
Recreation – Marie Govannicci reported that the tree lighting ceremony will be on Monday, December 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM. The Silvertones will sing. A flyer with information regarding the luminaries and the tree lighting ceremony was handed out. The bags will be filled on December 21, and delivered on December 24.
Tree Commission – Marie Govannicci stated that, at the last Council Meeting on November 3, 2014, Diane McGaughey gave her a $2,000.00 from a PECO Growing Greener Grant, and told her to give it to the Tree Commission. The funds are not to be used for the Tree Commission. The money is to be used to fund an open space study for the MMEAC- Swarthmore, Nether Providence, Rose Valley, and Rutledge. The check is to be deposited and used to pay a consultant for an open space study. Susan Kelly wanted representatives for a Steering Committee from each of the members. Marie Govannicci and Rachel Sten will be Rutledge’s representatives.
4th of July– Marie Govannicci stated that Diane McGaughey attended the last meeting and stated that the 4th of July Committee was running the craft show. Ms. Govannicci wanted it made clear that the 4th of July Committee was not in charge, but received donated money from the 50/50 winner. The Committee assisted by handing out flyers. David Waltz stated that the hall could not be rented for two nights, and the Borough lost potential income. Mr. Waltz will find out where the $20.00 per table rental fee went.
Streets – David Waltz reported that Swarthmore Ave. was paved on November 11, 2014. The contractor paved 40 feet more than he was supposed to, and will not bill the Borough for it.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jim Jones reported that the Borough has 16,000 feet of sewer mains, and it would cost approximately $850,000.00 to $1 Million to repair all. Mr. Jones suggested that the Borough apply for a block grant from the County for $100,000.00.
The sewer repairs at 32 President Ave. and 213 President Ave. are 90% completed. Two areas are leaking at the lateral connection. The homeowners are responsible for repairs to the laterals. Some laterals are in the Borough’s mains too far, and need to be corrected before the main can be relined. Mr. Jones suggested that the Solicitor prepare a letter to be sent to the homeowners.
The cost to line 400 feet is $22,000.00, and all tree roots must be cleared out before the work can be done. The 200 block of President should be relined, manhole to manhole. The work has a one-year warranty for installation and a manufacturer’s warranty. Another option is trenchless, which would be done in eight feet sections.
Communications – Marlaina Kloepfer stated that she will supply the 2015 meeting dates. The Borough website is down and being worked on. Ms. Kloepfer discussed having wireless access.
Planning Commission – Marlaina Kloepfer stated the Commission will provide the 2015 meeting dates. The Commission rewrote the building rental contracts.
Mayor’s Report – No report.
Solicitor’s Report – No report.
Old Business– The Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. sent a certified letter requesting the paperwork for a Zoning Variance. The information was given to Tom Kopp. David Waltz stated that there will be no more discussion about the issues at a public meeting because the Fire Co. has threatened litigation.
New Business – The Borough received a letter from a doctor at Children’s Hospital regarding a handicapped ramp at 110 President Ave. The residents had inquired about a ramp previously, and were informed that they could install one in the back of the property, not the front. James Jones suggested the residents look into a wheelchair ramp. Marie Govannicci suggested that they talk to the homeowners on the 200 block of Sylvan Ave., who have a wheelchair lift.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to appoint Rachel Sten and Marie Govannicci as representatives on the MMEAC Steering Committee for the Open Spaces Study. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Daniel Werner, to authorize the Secretary to advertise the 2015 Budget. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Daniel Werner to authorize the Secretary to advertise the 2015 Wages & Salary Resolution. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Daniel Werner to authorize the Secretary to advertise the 2015 Tax Ordinance. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Daniel Werner, Second by James Jones, to complete the application for a $100,000.00 loan with Delaware Valley Regional Financing Authority. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz stated the Borough will apply for a community block grant with the County for sewer work.
Public: No comment.
MOTION by James Jones, Second by Daniel Werner, to go into Executive Session at 8:49PM, to discuss personnel issues. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Daniel Werner, to go out of Executive Session at 9:02PM. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Marie Govannicci, Second by Marlaina Kloepfer, to hire Soliaman Reid as the Hall Rental Custodian, on a 90 probationary period, with intent to hire permanently. Council is still accepting applications and will interview other candidates. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11 PM.
Submitted by: Gennifer Guiliano, Secretary