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, Kurt Morrison and David Waltz
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Mayor Scott Shields, Officer Bill Thomas
Not Present: Brian Costello
Public Comment: None
Minutes: MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of July 12 Council Meeting and July 26, 2010 Work Session. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron is on vacation. Former Tax Collector Len Michael reported that he went over the books and met with Mr. Heron twice. Current outstanding taxes are $33,206.92. No taxes were collected in July. Mr. Heron has all of the documentation from the former Tax Collector.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of July 2010.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for July.
2 Correction Notices – Debris in side yard, debris on porch and side yard, debris along curb
1 Non-traffic citation issued last month – with District Justice
2 Zoning Permits Completed
Mr. Mirra stated that West Nile Virus has been found in Yeadon, Darby, and Collingdale, and asked residents to empty any containers that have standing water in them.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for July. There were: 21 Police Calls, 4 Motor Vehicle Citations, 2 Parking Tickets, 13 Complaints, 2 Accidents, 2 Assist Ambulance
Correspondence:
1) DELCORA – brochure on inflow and infiltration into the sanitary sewer system from private sewer laterals- will be distributed to residents
2) SPCA – will no loner accept stray animals from municipalities/animal control – will accept only from private citizens
3) Ron Powell, former highwayman, donated a gas powered hedge trimmer to the Borough, saving the Borough $300.00
4) PA State Associations of Boroughs- Fall Leadership Conference, October 15-17 at the Wyndham Gettysburg
5) Delaware County Association of Boroughs- September Shindig, Tuesday, September 28, 6:00 PM, Heritage Ballroom, Celebration of PA State Association of Boroughs’ 100th Anniversary
4th of July: Nothing to report
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Nothing to report
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jack Borsch reported that Duke’s Root Control contacted him to look at the Borough’s sewer mains. They will be contacted after the lines are videoed, which has been put off until the fall.
Shade Tree Commission: Jack Borsch reported that 3 trees planted last fall have died and will be removed. He’s not sure if replacements will be planted in the same place. A soil sample has been sent to be tested.
Highway: David Waltz stated that road repair will be discussed at the August Work Session.
Recreation – Kurt Morrison reported that the drains at the rain garden at Triangle Park have been cleaned out. There should be a vent on the pipe between the two gardens. A metal one will be retrofitted on. Chairman Lebold stated that the rain garden and the rain barrel at the Borough building are featured in the video on sewer lateral inflow and infiltration produced by DELCORA., and can be viewed on the internet at www.delcora.org.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were: 21 alarms, with time in service of 8 hours, 36 minutes, and 2 drills with time in service of 5 hours, 0 minutes in July 2010.
Manpower response – Full Compliment-13, Undermanned – 5, Scratched -3,Highest Manpower Response – 12, Lowest Manpower Response – 1, Late Response – 0.
Safety tips- We have engaged extreme weather over the summer. During thunder and lightening storms find a safe refuge in the house to stay in until the storm passes. If you see any wires down outside treat every wire as a live wire and avoid contact. Call the proper authorities to have the area secured.
Mr. Kopp stated that the siren on the Rutledge Borough building cannot be repaired, and the Morton-Rutledge Fire. Co. is discussing whether it should be replaced. Diane McGaughey stated that she would like the siren to be removed so that roofing can be done.
Mr. Kopp reported that new signs were installed at the fire station three weeks ago. The truck has been re-lettered. Charlie Hornberger, former Rutledge Fire Co. volunteer, passed away, and the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. participated in the funeral.
Finance: Diane McGaughey stated that a Council Member must get authorization from the Council President to expend funds if he/she wants to contact the Engineer, Solicitor, or any other professional for advice.
Ms. McGaughey asked Council to report their financial needs in 2011 so she may include them in the budget.
Solicitor’s Report – Nothing to report.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business:
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to authorize the Rutledge Tree Commission to plant a dogwood tree on Rutledge Borough grounds in honor of Edward McGaughey, with an inscribed plaque. MOTION approved with a majority vote. (Diane McGaughey abstained)
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Diane McGaughey, to piggyback with Ridley Twp. for Rutledge Borough’s 2010 road repairs. MOTION approved unanimously.
David Waltz stated that the PA Department of Transportation requires that street signs be upgraded to highly reflective signs. Mr. Waltz obtained a proposal to purchase 40 highly reflective stop signs, posts, and bright strips at a cost of $2,860.20, which includes a 10% discount.
The stop sign in a barrel at Melrose Terrace is too low – perhaps it can be installed on Ridley Twp.’s side of the street. The county community service crew may be able to install the signs; someone from the Borough has to watch them. MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Diane McGaughey, to purchase 40 stop signs, posts, and bright strips at a cost not to exceed $2,860.20 MOTION approved unanimously.
Public Comment: Michelle Senior, 100 Rutledge Ave., asked if the stop signs could be moved closer to the corner, so that drivers can see. Council President Lebold stated that the signs should be installed at the point of curvature.
Officer Bill Thomas Stated that a resident in the 100 block of Sylvan Ave. caught 14 rats on his property that were eating his tomatoes.
Harry Mirra stated that he took more pictures of 112 Rutledge Ave., and the property looks the same as it did two weeks ago. There is a trailer in the back that is enclosed and has been there for a few months.
Mr. Mirra stated that there is a box in the Borough Office for donations for the troops.
Diane McGaughey reported that the Community Wide Yard Sale is on Saturday, September 11, 2010, beginning at 8:00 AM. All residents are encouraged to participate. The Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. will sell refreshments at the former Rutledge Fire House.
Bills for August 2, 2010:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $10,080.07. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey , Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $514.06. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey , Second by Kurt Morrison , to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Grant Fund in the amount of $1,248.66. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary