RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL AGENDA
April 1, 2024
(advertised) 7:30 PM Council Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting began at 7:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Mr. Totaro called role and preset were: President Jody Roberts, Vice-President Sue Hunt, Heidi Sentivan, Ken Torres-Zickler, Ms. Andrea Juarez was excused, Sean Sheehan, Vaughn Johnson, Mayor Gamal Sherif, Solicitor Carl Ewald, and Borough Secretary Craig Totaro.
Approval of Agenda
Ms. Hunt motioned to approve the agenda
Seconded by Ms. Sentivan
Vote: unanimous.
Public Comment:
Ms. Linda Harris 1323 Morton Avenue – Commented on the sewer bill as high and wishes for verification that while her property is in Ridley Township it is connected to and billable through Rutledge Borough. The Borough Secretary will follow up with seeking and communicating proof of the connection. Ms Harris also reported an obstruction to the right-of-way view due to vegetation on Morton Avenue and also advocated for additional patrols in the area.
Ms. Katie Gerakaris of 139 Sylvan Avenue asked Borough Council about the new trash volume policy, the sanitation survey, and the status of the yard waste collection in future years.
John Bemkio of 201 Sylvan noted that the 35-gallon can upper limit is small compared to the size of the can that most people currently have.
Doreen Bemkio of 201 Sylvan noted that very few people have 32-gallon cans and that the cans will be damaged because the cans are small and less sturdy and the crews leave the cans in the street and are often thrown by the crews.
Tax Collector’s Report:
The Tax Collector reported on the following amounts for the period and noted that the discount period ended March 31st 2024.
Real Estate Tax collected $234,824.50
Balance remaining to be collected: $32,825.95
Sewer Fees collected: $128,916.77
Sewer Fees balance to be collected: $23340.15
Trash Fee Collected: $150,211.31
Uncollected Trash Fee balance: $28,474.48
Mayor’s Report:
The mayor provided a Give the Past a Future that highlighted the History of the Rutledge Institute and the Blue and the Gold. The mayor shared the Blue and Gold lyrics and read them aloud.
Approval of Minutes:
There were no minutes to approve for March. The March minutes will be compiled and distributed for the April 15th 2024 meeting.
Activities:
Ms. Hunt reported on the Easter Holiday children’s event last weekend. Ms. Hunt noted the next game night will be on April 24th, 2024; that Snow Jam is happening on Saturday April 6th 2024; Earth Day will be held on April 20th and the new Neighborhood meet and greet will happen on Friday May 3rd 2024.
Communications:
Mr. Torres Zickler motioned to approve up to $300 for the mailing of newsletters
Seconded by Mr. Johnson
Vote: unanimous
Finance:
Ms. Sentivan motioned was made to approve the bills for the period;
Seconded: Mr. Sheehan
Vote: Unanimous
Ordinance:
No Activity
Parks & Property:
No activity
Streets:
No Activity
Trash & Recycling:
Ms. Hunt reported that the annual e-waste is tentatively set for June 15th 2024 and the price has increased to $1,500 which is more expensive than $600 in 2023. Typically, the cost per electronic unit dropped is $30. Ms. Hunt will explore alternative vendors. Ms. Hunt noted that Haverford will have a glass traveling bin at their municipal building. Ms. Hunt also reported on an incident in a neighboring municipality of radioactive waste in the trash stream and advised to take appropriate precautions in the case that you may be aware of such activity.
Planning Commission
Mr. Sheehan noted that he had previously distributed the comprehensive plan draft and called for any edits or comments.
Ms. Sentivan motioned to adopt the Rutledge Comprehensive Plan Update 2024
Seconded: Mr. Sheehan
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment II
None.
Old Business / New Business
Clarifications were made on the dates and times for some of the events.
The mayor questioned the bill for the elevator and it was noted that it was broken and repaired.
The mayor asked about need for a more accessible elevator.
Mr. Ewald noted that new laws and pending case law move towards more conservative interpretation of what can and cannot be deliberated on and acted upon as it relates to the published agenda.
Ms. Sentivan made A motion was made to adjourn at 8:28pm
Seconded: Mr. Sheehan
Vote: Unanimous