Gregory C. Lebold, Council President, opened the scheduled Borough Council Meeting at 7:30 PM, in the Council Meeting Room, 212 Unity Terrace, Rutledge, PA.
After the salute to the flag, Greg Lebld asked for a moment of silence in honor of deceased Mayor Scott Shields.
The following Council members answered roll call: Gregory Lebold, Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey, Kurt Morrison, Brian Costello, Jack Borsch and David Waltz
Also present: Judge Gregory Mallon, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Council members commented on the tragedy of Mayor Scott Shields’ passing:
President Lebold requested that a page in the minutes be set aside in honor of Mayor Shields.
Kurt Morrison stated that Mayor Shields did an incalculable amount of work for the Borough. He could be very controversial at times, but that made things colorful. He cannot imagine how the void will be filled.
Brian Costello stated that he is sad, and it is so tragic that such a bright, young man’s life was cut short. It is still difficult to comprehend.
Greg Lebold stated that the Solicitor prepared a memorial resolution that acknowledges Scott Shields’ contribution to the Borough of Rutledge, to be presented to his family. MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to adopt a memorial resolution that recognizes the contribution of Mayor C. Scott Shields to the Borough of Rutledge, to be signed by Council and sent to his family. MOTION approved unanimously.
Solicitor Guy Smith stated that Council has 30 days to fill the Mayor vacancy, the position to be appointed by resolution. Greg Lebold expressed interest in the Mayor position, and submitted his resignation as Council Member. Solicitor Smith stated that Diane McGaughey is President Pro-Tem to proceed with the Council Meeting.
MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Jack Borsch, to accept the resignation of Greg Lebold as Council Member. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to appoint Diane McGaughey as Council President. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Brian Costello, to approve Resolution 2011-04-01, a resolution to appoint Greg Lebold as Mayor, to serve the unexpired term of out late Mayor, C. Scott Shields. MOTION approved unanimously.
Judge Greg Mallon swore in Greg Lebold as Mayor. Mayor Lebold stated that this is a new challenge for him, and he looks forward to doing as well a job as Scott Shields, and thanked Council for appointing him as Mayor.
Council President Diane McGaughey stated that there is a vacancy on Council, and asked any interested parties to submit a letter with a resume. Solicitor Smith stated that the candidates must be registered voters and have lived in the Borough of one year.
Diane McGaughey stated that Jack Borsch has been the Fire Marshall for 43 years, and has resigned from the position. Ms. McGaughey presented Mr. Borsch with a certificate of commendation for his 43 years of dedicated service to the Borough of Rutledge as Fire Marshall.
Public Comment: Kevin Cunningham, 20 Rutledge Ave., reported that the softball season starts in two weeks, and there will be an opening ceremony. There are 60 girls on the teams. Mr. Cunningham wished Michelle Senior a happy birthday.
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of March 7, 2011 and Work Session of March 28, 2011. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that the $268,223.70 has been collected as of April 2, 2011.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2011.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for March.
Mr. Mirra asked residents to clean their yards, sidewalks, and porches. Mr. Mirra stated that stink bugs are back.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Greg Lebold read the Police Report for March. There were: 12 Parking Tickets, 5 Motor Vehicle Citations, and 4 Motor Vehicle Warnings. Mayor Lebold stated the he received letters of condolence and sympathy from Philip Turner, District Justice, and Richard Lowe, Mayor of Swarthmore.
Correspondence:
1) Delco Environmental Fair – Saturday, April 9, 2011- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM-Strath Haven High School
2) Stephanie Miller, Juvenile Probation Office, Delaware County Juvenile Court- looking for sites and opportunities for youth to complete their community service hours
3) Ralph W. Galati, Department of Veteran Affairs, Delaware County-Wants to improve outreach and communications to County Veterans and their families.
Available to discuss programs and determine local community needs
Asked Municipalities to include Delco Veterans’ Affairs phone and website information
on municipalities’ websites
Asked how his services could better be advertised – Judge Mallon stated that he went to school with Mr. Galati, who was a POW in North Vietnam. Diane McGaughey stated that Harry Mirra sends items to the troops, and there is a collection box in the Borough Office
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that he met with the Zoning Hearing Board members on March 21, 2011. They are very experienced in construction and codes, and will review the current ordinances. Meetings to discuss ordinance revisions will continue.
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jack Borsch reported that the flushing and televising of the Borough’s sewer lines will begin on April 11, 2011, 8:00 AM. The contractor may have to go into residents’ yards to access manholes.
Shade Tree Commission: Jack Borsch reported that there will be Tree Tenders Training on April 6, 13, and 20, 6PM to 9PM, at the Rutledge Community Center. The cost is $25.00, and includes refreshments. Any interested parties may still sign up for the course.
Highway: David Waltz reported that he will order new street signs. The potholes are being worked on. Karl Elinsfeld got $132.00 for metal posts that he recycled.
Recreation : Kurt Morrison stated that he received one bid for electrical service at the Triangle Park, and is waiting for more bids.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there has been no change in the fire truck sale. Mr. Kopp reported the Fire Co. activities for March: 20 Fire Alarms – time in service 17 Hours, 34 Minutes. Drills – 8 – time in service 17 hours, 20 minutes.
There was a pole fire in Rutledge. The road was closed until PECO Energy arrived.
There was an automatic call to 1 Sylvan Ave.- someone was cooking. There were false alarms to 1 Sylvan Ave. for someone smoking on the 3rd floor. They were sent a citation and a fine for $100.00. Mayor Lebold stated that there were 4 police calls from 1 Sylvan Ave. that were hang-ups. Solicitor Smith suggested that Council meet with the people who run the home to discuss this; they are tying up the police and fire co. with the nuisance calls.
Mr. Kopp stated that he, Harry Mirra, and Swarthmore Police Office McGinnis inspected 208 Linden Ave. There was no hole in the roof. The front door was still locked, but the back door was unlocked. A new lock was put on the back.
Finance: Nothing to report
Solicitor’s Report: Mr. Smith stated that the Borough needs to sign a joint Workers Comp agreement with Morton Borough, to split payment of the workers’ comp insurance for the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co.- 25% Rutledge, 75% Morton- based on population.
Mr. Smith stated that there is no Vice President of Council. Council President needs to appoint one, and committee members. Council President is not a voting member at committee meetings. Council has 30 days from today to fill the vacant Council position. Brian Costello and David Waltz will conduct the interviews.
Old Business : Tom Kopp stated that there have been no responses regarding the sale of the fire truck. Diane McGaughey stated that an ad can be put in the PA Association of Boroughs magazine.
Jack Borsch stated that he cannot have the pine tree in front of the Community Center removed for free. He has gotten a quote of $400.00 to remove the pine tree and bushes. The Tree Committee will work on planting a new tree. MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Brian Costello, to have the pine tree and bushes removed from the front of the Community Center at a cost of $400.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
New Business: David Waltz reported that approval is needed to piggyback with Ridley Twp. for road repairs. MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Brian Costello, to piggyback with Ridley Twp. for Rutledge Borough’s 2011 road repairs. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz stated that an act was passed in 2008, to go into effect January 2012- Earned Income Tax. There will be a central county tax collector for this. Working residents would pay a tax on their wages. The tax is paid to the municipality in which the person lives. Ms. McGaguhey stated that the members of the Multi-Municipal has discussed the tax, and three of the four communities were not in favor of the new tax. Solicitor Smith stated that this is not a simple issue, and Council should inquire to the State Governor to see what form this bill will take.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Jack Borsch, to adopt a resolution to approve an agreement between Rutledge and Morton Boroughs to split the payment of Workers’ Comp insurance 25% Rutledge Borough, 75% Morton Borough. MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: None
Bills for April 4, 2011:
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $27,185.58. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $773.75. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary