Diane McGaughey, 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: Diane McGaughey, Marie Govannicci, Marlaina Kloepfer, Â David Waltz, Brian Costello, Daniel Werner, Tom Kopp
Also present: Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Robert Hunt, Jr., Esq.
Building: Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer reported that there will be a Communications Committee Meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2013, 7:30 PM. The Committee will set goals and the 2014 meeting schedule. Ms. Kloepfer has been in contact with CodeRed regarding the alert system. She is waiting to see how to purchase the phone number list. Ms. Kloepfer will have a handout on Election Day regarding the CodeRed alert system.
Finance: Brian Costello reported that there will be two more meetings to discuss the 2014 Budget. At the November 4, 2013 Council Meeting, Mr. Costello will ask for approval of the preliminary budget, and authorization to advertise it. The goal is to have an approved budget at the December 9, 2013 Council Meeting.
Ordinance: Nothing to report.
Property/Borough Building: Diane McGaughey reported that the dead tree on the Borough property, Unity Terrace, was removed at no cost. Ms. McGaughey thanked Jack Borsch for making the arrangements.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that Jerry Connelly has been trying to get in touch with Diane McGaughey to discuss the 2014 Budget. Ms. McGaughey was away. The numbers will be the same as 2013, but that has not been approved by the Fire Company yet. Mr. Kopp asked that funds be allotted in the 2014 Budget for training for the Fire Marshall and Emergency Operations Coordinator.
The SPCA will have a low-cost clinic on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 4:30-6:30 PM, at the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co.
Recreation: Marie Govannicci was contacted by a resident regarding a hazardous condition at the Triangle Park by the red swing. After she inspected the area, Ms. Govannicci determined that it was not hazardous, and filled in the hole with mulch. The Committee would like the red slide removed and another piece of equipment installed.
4th of July Committee: Marie Govannicci reported that the Tree lighting Ceremony will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013, 7:00 PM. Mayor Cunningham will do most of the organizing. There will be luminaries again this year. The Committee will send a letter to the Fire Co. to ask permission to store the filled bags at the Rutledge Fire Co. for two days.
There will be a Committee Meeting on November 12, 2013.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Daniel Werner reported that a resident on Rutledge Ave. near Waverly Terrace had a sewer blockage near the sewer main. The resident contacted three contractors, none of which could open the blockage. The resident will have the lateral replaced and a vent installed.
Mr. Werner received three price quotes for sewer main repairs, 2 sections, Rutledge Ave. and President Ave. easements, linear feet sections to be repaired.
General Pipe Cleaning                                                                     $9,750.00
Video Pipe Services                                                                         $13,000.00
Sewer & Water Evaluation & Rehabilitation Providers                    $13,950.00
Each section is itemized.
Mr. Werner is looking at replacement of the entire system instead of patch repairs.
Diane McGaughey asked if an ordinance should be passed to force the removal of trees along the Borough’s sewer main right of way. Mr. Werner suggested that new plantings in the right of way should be discouraged.
Tree Commission: Meeting in November.
Highway: Diane McGaughey reported that a sign that says “No Parking This Side†is needed on Morton Ave. near President Ave. David Waltz stated that signs and posts are needed, to cost 889.00.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Brian Costello, to approve the purchase of street signs and posts at a cost not to exceed $889.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mayor: Mayor Kevin Cunningham reported that there have been numerous thefts in the neighborhood due to open windows and unlocked doors. Mayor Cunningham asked Chief Brian Craig to increase patrol of the Borough.
Mayor Cunningham and Jack Borsch were interviewed by a reporter from the Inquirer for an article about politics in a small town.
Solicitor’s Report: Solicitor Robert Hunt reported that he is looking into the liquor ordinance. Mr. Hunt will work with Tax Collector Thomas Heron to see what is outstanding and how to collect it.
A Use & Occupancy permit was issued to the buyers of 206 Linden Ave. There are repairs that must be done within 18 months, or the buyers can be sued, up to $10,000.00. The Municipal Code forbids municipalities from stopping sales from occurring because of needed repairs.
Old Business: Marie Govannicci reported that the volleyball net that has been appearing at the Triangle Park belongs to the George family, and they were instructed to remove it.
New Business: The Planning Commission will submit its report under “New Business’. The Zoning Hearing Board Alternate will be appointed that the January 2014 Organization Meeting.
Election signs may be taken to the Borough Building for recycling.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary