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, the following Council members answered roll call: Greg Lebold Jack Borsch, Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey, Brian Costello, Kurt Morrison and David Waltz.
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Mayor Scott Shields, Police Chief Brian Craig
President Lebold called for a moment of silence for former Council Member Ed McGaughey, who passed away on March 23.
Public Comment: Kevin Cunningham, 20 Rutledge Ave., President of the Rutledge Girls’ Club, stated that the softball season is dedicated to Edward O. McGaughey. Mr. Cunningham received a plaque for the Midget Team, and presented it to Diane McGaughey.
Rita Kramer, 106 Rutledge Ave., stated that there is an air compressor going off day and night at her neighbor’s house, Steven Smith. Ms. Kramer asked if anyone went to Mr. Smith’s hearing to support him. President Lebold stated that Ms. Kramer did not attend the hearing. She stated that she didn’t know the hearing date. Ms. Kramer reported that Council referred her to the Borough Solicitor regarding property maintenance issues at Steven Smith’s house. She has been sick and will address those issues when her health problems are resolved. Harry Mirra stated that he has taken pictures of the property in question.
Robert Hunt, 201 Linden Ave., stated that the Borough’s equipment is up and running. A resident suggested to Mr. Hunt that the Borough hire a street sweeper to clean the Borough’s gutters once or twice a year. President Lebold stated that Council would look into the cost for the 2010 budget.
Minutes: MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of March 1, 2010 and Work Session of March 22, 2010. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector’s Report: Randall Poe distributed his report. $235,789.33 was collected in March 2010.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of March 2010.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for March.
1 House Inspection/Sale – passed
2 Correction Notices:
Front porch full of debris – not corrected
Side yard with fallen tree- partially cleared- some branches remain – will consult with the Solicitor regarding issuance of a citation
4 Permits – 2 Completed – 2 in progress
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for March. There were: 8 Police Calls, 6 Motor Vehicle Citations, 6 Parking Tickets, 8 Complaints, 1 Missing Person, 1 Missing Person Cancelled, 1 Assist Ambulance, 1 Burglary, 1 DUI
Mayor Shields stated that it is nice to see people out there working on their properties.
Council is working on a noise ordinance.
Mayor Shields asked residents to say a prayer for Diane McGaughey. Ed McGaughey will be sorely missed. He served the Borough as Council Member and Mayor during his 34 years of service.
Chief Brian Craig reminded residents to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
Correspondence:
1) Thank you note for use of Triangle Park
2) 2010 Southeast PA Environmental Advisory Council Conference April 10, 2010, Abington Friends School in Jenkintown
3) William Stanton, 214 E. Sylvan Ave. – Concerns about the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132)
4th of July: Nothing to report
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that he is reviewing the ordinance book. He had a meeting with the Zoning Hearing Board. Heidi Sentivan is a new member of the Board. Mr. Costello asked Council members to give him input and suggestions for the update of ordinances. This is a huge endeavor, and priorities need to be identified.
Solicitor Smith stated that any meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board must be advertised.
The Zoning Hearing Board can appoint a new Solicitor at any time it chooses.
Trash: Jack Borsch and Brian Costello attended a meeting with Suburban Waste Services, the Borough’s trash contractor. Discussed how trash and recycling pickup is to be handled in emergency and bad weather situations. Recycling was discussed. The website says no number 3-7 plastics are recycled, but Suburban Waste stated that they will pick up those. Residents need to have cans marked, and trash cans should have lids on them.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jack Borsch stated that he is looking into televising the Borough’s sewer system.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz stated that progress is slow with the County in trying to obtain grants.
Recreation: Kurt Morrison reported that he and Bob Hunt cut tree roots and cleaned up the Triangle Park on Saturday. Mr. Morrison will get estimates for wood chips from Buzz Burger.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were: 26 alarms, with time in service of 10 hours, 15 minutes, and 8 drills with time in service of 11 hours, 30 minutes, in March 2010.
Manpower response – Full Compliment-25, Undermanned – 1, Scratched -0, Late Response – 0.
Alarms – non-building fires – 24 Building fires – 2
The fire report was received regarding the fire at 234 President Ave. Cause of the fire was a cigarette discarded in the leaves under the porch lattice. There was $50,000.00 damage to the home and $15,000.00 damage to contents.
Fire Co. members attended a forcible entry class in Prospect Park, and got certifications.
On April 3, there was an 8 hour live burn at the training center. There was a house fire on April 3 in Swarthmore. Repair of the fire siren is being discussed.
Kurt Morrison stated that the Swarthmore fire was at his brother’s house. The response of the Fire Co. was fantastic, and the house was saved by the quick action taken, and the damage to the house was minimized.
Finance: Diane McGaughey asked Council to watch expenses.
Solicitor’s Report – Nothing to report.
Old Business: 125th Anniversary of Borough- Diane McGaughey reported that in 1885, Rutledge broke away from Ridley Township, unincorporated, and incorporated in 1887. That makes the 125th Anniversary in 2012, not 2010, as the PA State Association of Boroughs has in its records. The Solicitor stated that the incorporation date is the date to be used.
Jack Borsch stated that the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. merger has been approved by the State, and they wanted the merger to be completed by April 1, 2010. The new Fire Co. is trying to make funding arrangements with Morton and Rutledge Boroughs.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Brian Costello, to recognize the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. to represent Rutledge Borough in case of fires and emergencies.
Discussion ensued regarding funding. Mr. Costello withdrew his second. David Waltz seconded the MOTION. Recognition of the Fire Co. and financial consideration are separate issues. Solicitor Smith explained that the Borough has an obligation to provide fire protection to its residents, and must have a company that has the vote of Council. How the Fire Company is to be funded is a separate issue. The Borough has an obligation to provide adequate funding for fire protection through taxes paid by residents. Diane McGaughey asked if the Fire Co. will provide a contract that states what services will be provided. Ms. McGaughey stated that there is an ordinance that recognized the Rutledge Fire Co. Solicitor Smith stated that State law supercedes ordinances. The discussion of financing the new Fire Co. will be discussed at the April Work Session. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector fees for tax certifications, copies of tax bills, and other information requests- MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve Resolution 2010-04-01, that authorizes fees to be charged by the Tax Collector. MOTION approved unanimously.
New Business: Greg Lebold reported that Bob Hunt gave notice that he must resign as Borough Highwayman because his business has increased. Three applications for the position have been received. Kurt Morrison stated that Bob Hunt has provided stellar service to the Borough, especially during the snowstorms, and Mr. Hunt stated that he will help train the new highwayman, as his schedule allows.
Public Comment: None
Bills for April 5, 2010:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Brian Costello, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $5,676.78. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Brian Costello, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $947.06. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $485.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary