RUTLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES
May 6, 2024
7:30 PM Council Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call President Jody Roberts, Vice-President Sue Hunt, Ms. Heidi Sentivan, Mr. Ken Torres-Zickler, Ms. Andrea Juarez, Mr. Sean Sheehan, Mr. Vaughn Johnson was absent, Mayor Gamal Sherif, Solicitor Carl Ewald, Borough Secretary Mr. Craig Totaro.
Approval of Agenda
Action Item:
Ms. Juarez made a motion was made to approve the agenda
Seconded: Ms. Sentivan
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment:
None
Tax Collector’s Report:
The Tax Collector reported on the following amounts for the period and noted that the discount period ended April 30th, 2024:
Real Estate Tax Collected $251,832.38
Balance remaining to be collected: $20,670.43
Sewer Fees Collected: $141,413.85
Sewer Fees balance to be collected $13,729.50
Trash Fee Collected: $166,000.16
Uncollected Trash Fee Balance: $15,751.84
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Sherif thanked the Borough Council for finding ways to engage the community including recent events that have been successful in getting people participating in various activities. The Mayor suggested leveraging present structures and activities including consideration of stipends and/or food at meetings for Borough Council in January of 2025 and this may increase the incentive for people to get involved.
Approval of Minutes:
Action Items:
Mr. Totaro will distribute the minutes for the April 16th meeting and these will be set for consideration at the next meeting,
Activities:
Information Sharing:
Ms. Hunt summarized recent activities including the Happy Hour and noted May 22nd as the next meeting for planning the 4th of July event(s) including the donation letter and flyer. Discussion followed. Name tags were suggested for next time.
Building:
Information Sharing:
Mr. Sheehan Reminder about upcoming Community Engagement Session on the Plan for Borough Hall – May 22 at 7:30PM. Format will be interactive and include activities and noted there is a survey currently open for resident input.
While there is no documented process in place for when there should be a process for requesting use of Borough property such as tables and chairs. Ms. Juarez noted a pending request from the Folsom Church. President Roberts also noted that insurance is a consideration for users of any Borough property such as a park, tables and chairs or the Hall facility.
Communications:
Action Item:
Ms. Juarez informed the body of logistics on mailing through USPS to deliver the cost of which is $120 for 19070 Route 5
Ms. Juarez motioned to increase the cost of previously approved expenditure for the mailing of the newsletter up to $120.00
Seconded: Ms. Sentivan
Vote: unanimous
Finance:
Action Item:
Ms. Sentivan motioned to approval of the bills and distributions for the period
Seconded: Mr. Sheehan
Vote: Unanimous
Parks & Property:
Ms. Sentivan reported on the new basket swing and merry-go-round have been installed. This work allows for the closing of the DCNR grant. Ms. Hunt communicated a concern about the proximity of a swing to adjacent items. Ms. Sentivan confirmed that the location was set by the parameters of the equipment manufacturer and the spacing of the equipment meets all recommended guidelines.
Personnel:
Information Sharing:
Borough staff updates
Action Item:
Mr. Roberts noted that Mr. Totaro will transition to a new role and be leaving in the next two weeks. Mr. Totaro has been working to transition to Ms. Diorio.
A motion was made by Ms. Sentivan and seconded by Mr. Torres Zickler to approve the hiring of Ms. Diorio for a period for that will expire June 30th 2024.
Public Safety:
No report.
Sewer:
No Report
Streets:
Information Sharing:
Ms. Juarez reported on the progress of the current year street resurfacing work and the scheduling of the remaining streets.
Ms. Juarez opened a discussion on the progress on the Girl Scouts proposal to install crosswalks painting
Approximately 12 crosswalks. Initially at Borough Hall before moving to busier streets
Does the Borough want the GS’s to present plan of action
Mr. Roberts noted that the DPW could work with the GS’s and support material needs including stenciling and paint.
Ms. Juarez noted the need to trim trees along the sidewalks along the borough park. Mr. Roberts noted this is an item to include in the newsletter. Specific areas of excessive tree trimming along 200 Block of Rutledge Ave / Park
Trash & Recycling:
Information sharing:
Ms. Hunt reviewed the Yard waste event on May 3rd 2024. On recycling night there was recycling in plastic bags which is not collectable.
Ms. Hunt provided information on the E-waste event, proposals from 2 vendors one in June and a different vendor in September including pricing. Vote on one E-waste event in June at no-cost to the boro; and one E-waste event in September at a cost of $720, but not to exceed $920.
Ms.Hunt motioned to approve a no-cost e-waste event and metal scrap event for June 15th at Borough Hall; seconded by Ms. Juarez seconded and vote unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rachel – asked about the ability to enforce property enforce property maintenance on a vacant/foreclosed property.
New flags, Ken;
250 anniversary Sue
More small flags Heidi
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35pm was made by Ms.. Sentivan; Ms. HUnt