APPROVED MINUTES OF THE RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
October 23, 2017 Work Session
212 Unity Terrace
Rutledge, PA 19070
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the meeting was called to order at 7pm by Council President David Waltz.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Council President Waltz, Brianne Thomas, Marie Govannicci, Jim Jones, Mayor Cunningham. William Neill, Esq. was also in attendance.
Absent: Mr. Shingle, Mr. Leggett, Ms. Kozub
Public Comment –
Dimitri Semos of 230 Rutledge Avenue asked for follow-up on the situation near the front of his home where a no-parking sign was placed because it was felt by the crossing guard and some other residents that his car was blocking the crosswalk for small children traveling to and from the park. He asked to give some information on his situation and council obliged. Mr. Semos felt the area in front of his home was better identified as a “dead area†rather than a street or intersection. He says there is barely any traffic there and he can sit there with his car door open and not worry about car traffic hitting him. He indicated that he received tickets but the Chief waived them because he agreed with his position that parking in the spot he was, was not a problem. A Swarthmore officer in the audience advised him that this was not the reason his tickets were waived and that he and the Chief went out and visited the site in person and determined it was an intersection which was confusing to the Chief from the pictures Mr. Semos submitted. The officer also cited the areas of the traffic code that Mr. Semos was violating which included parking his car in the wrong direction and being too close to an intersection and crosswalk. There was an extended conversation on whether the area was in fact an intersection by Mr. Semos’ standards. However by the officer’s standards it clearly was.
Mr. Semos presented materials he felt maintained his position that his car being parked where it was is not a safety problem. He felt the crossing guard was responsible for the safety of the children and his car was not a factor. However, being as his car was blocking a sight line to the crosswalk and other areas, council members expressed their concern. Mr. Semos also wanted to know if Ridley was advised that a student was almost hit and what they were going to do about it. He asked that the crosswalk be moved to another area. He feels that not being able to park in front of his house affects the value of his home and affects how many people can visit him.
The officer advised him he can park in front of 232 but he does not want to. As for moving the crosswalk, council advised him that it was a Ridley crosswalk and unlikely to move.
Mr. Tom Heron, Mr. Semos’ neighbor stated that he had questions about parking and the intersection. Unlike Mr. Semos, Mr. Heron feels concern for the children in the park from the high speeds of the cars on Swarthmore Avenue and the merge of cars from Rutledge, around the corner of the park onto Swarthmore Avenue. He feels a traffic study should be done because he estimates speeds in excess of 40 mph. He asked that there be a way to slow Swarthmore Avenue traffic down. He also noted that many people don’t stop at the crosswalk on Rutledge but proceed out to be able to see around the park fence onto Swarthmore Avenue. He suggested that this is a bad area for a crosswalk to the park.
Mr. Jones discussed PA One Call and General Sewer and the video of the sewer lines. He stated the CDCA would be installing meters to survey flow numbers.
Motion to approve the minutes of September 25, 2017 and October 2, 2017 Ms. Govannicci/Mr. Jones All in Favor
Ms. Govannicci discussed the luminary supplies being delivered. She also mentioned that the girls club wants a scoreboard in the park. Mr. Shingle indicated that Chris Parker’s father passed and left money for the scoreboard either near the flag in centerfield or along the 1st base line. His name will be on the scoreboard as a memorial.
Motion to allow the Girls Club to pursue adding a scoreboard to the park as long as the logistics are approved by council and there is no taxpayer expense outside of donated services. Ms. Govannicci/Mr. Jones AIF
Ms. Govannicci announced that this year’s tree lighting would be on December 4th so the council meeting will be changed to December 11, 2017.
The Shade Tree revised ordinance has been received. Rachael Sten stated a tree planting would take place on November 14, 2017.
Council President Waltz reminded Ms. Govannicci that he needed her new budget numbers by November 1, 2017.
Mayor Cunningham will be giving out candy on Halloween in Borough Hall.
Christine Gradel of 121 President Avenue went to the fire department meeting in Morton about the Tax Credit. They are also thinking about hiring part time employees. She was concerned about this and how those expenses might affect the Borough.. Workers compensation insurance is already shared with us so there was little more to discuss at this point until a proposal for something more is given.
OLD BUSINESS – Tax credit for the fire department will be discussed at a public meeting on November 27. Morton’s ordinance mirrors ours. If all is ok after the public meeting, the matter can be voted upon in December. Council President Waltz reminded everyone that there will be guidelines and as of now, only 2 Rutledge homeowners could possibly qualify making the potential costs small. (about $150 reduction) The Fire Company will keep the records.
Motion to adjourn at 7:45pm: Ms. Thomas/Ms. Govannicci
All in Favor
Respectfully Submitted,
DawnMarie Bascelli
Borough Secretary