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: Gregory Lebold, Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey, Kurt Morrison, Brian Costello, Jack Borsch and David Waltz
Also present: Mayor Scott Shields, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig
Public Comment: Kevin Cunningham, 20 Rutledge Ave., and coach of the Rutledge Girls’ Club, thanked Council for the donation. The Club would like to purchase an electric pitching machine, and inquired as to whether there will be electricity at the ballfield in the spring- yes.
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of December 6, 2010, Special Council Meeting of December 13, 2010 and Work Session of December 27, 2010. President Lebold stated that, in the minutes of December 6, where a fire is reported as “Brian Costello’s house” should be changed to the address only. MOTION approved unanimously with noted change.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron distributed a report of taxes collected as of July 1, 2010. Mr. Heron reported that there is $22,117.91 in uncollected taxes and fees as of December 31, 2010. Mr. Heron received a packet from the county, and sent a list of the unpaid taxes to them. He has ordered the 2011 tax bills, and will renew the tax collector bond. He needs advice on the settlement of duplicates.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2010.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for December.
2 House Inspections – 1 Passed, 1 Failed
Mr. Mirra asked residents to clean up the leaves in front of their homes so that they don’t get into the storm sewers and cause blockages.
Mr. Mirra reminded residents that sidewalks must be cleared of snow within 24 hours.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for December. There were:Â 11 Parking Tickets, 2 Motor Vehicle Citations, 15 Police Calls, 7 Complaints, 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents.
12/05/10 – Animal Complaint 200 block Linden Ave.
12/13/10 – 200 block E. Sylvan Ave. – Car broken into
12/24/10 – Intoxicated person in vehicle at the Rutledge Court Apartments
12/27/10 – 200 Block Waverly- Complaint that snow plow put snow in his cleared driveway
Mayor Shields stated that some residents did not make an effort to remove the snow after the last snowstorm.
Mayor Shields stated that any residents who are unable to remove snow from their properties should contact him and he and his children will shovel for them.
Police Chief Brian Craig advised residents to check their credit card statements, as fraud during the Christmas holidays has been high.
Chairman Lebold stated that residents on President Ave. have two dogs that bark incessantly. Officer Craig advised Mr. Lebold to call 911.
Correspondence:Â None
4th of July: Nothing to report.
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Brian Costello reported that he will try to meet with members of the Zoning Hearing Board on January 17, 2011 to discuss changes to the current ordinances.
Trash:Â Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Jack Borsch reported that Pipe Services Corp. will televise and flush the Borough’s sewer lines at a cost of $9,990.00. The work will be started in March.
Dike’s Root Control sent a letter to renew a warranty for three tears on work that was done. The warranty expired in July 2010.
Shade Tree Commission: Jack Borsch reported that there will be a meeting next Wednesday.
Highway: David Waltz reported that the plowing of the first snowfall went well. Karl Eilinsfeld started snow removal at 5:00 AM.
Recreation : Kurt Morrison reported that Catania Engineering completed the Grant Close-out Report for the Rain Garden Project.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were:Â 15 alarms, with time in service of 11 hours, 0 minutes, and 2 drills with time in service of 5 hours, 0 minutes in December 2010.
Manpower response – Full Compliment-9, Undermanned – 4, Scratched -2,Highest Manpower Response – 9, Lowest Manpower Response – 1, Late Response – 0.
Mr. Kopp reported that he will have the final 2010 report in February.
Santa’s ride through town went well, and finished at the Black’s house on University Ave. The Black’s have had refreshments for the Fire Co. on Christmas Eve for 56 years.
Christmas tree sales went well- no numbers yet.
Jack Breslin placed ads for the fire truck that is for sale in PA Fireman and 1st Responder Magazines. One call was received from a company who wanted to help sell the truck. There was a call from a Tennessee Fire Co. that asked if the truck could be donated.
Mr. Kopp reported that Scott Waltz will be the new Fire Chief. Mr. Waltz stated that he has been a part of the Borough for 42 years, and will do everything he can to support the Community.
Deputy Chief               Don Holstein
Assistant Chief             Mike MacCrone
Captain                        Dean Kemp
Captain                        Chris Reith
Finance: Diane McGaughey read the 2011 Budget:
Gas Fund         Income            $26,969.00
Expenses         $26,969.00
Sewer Fund     Income            $130,915.00
Expenses         $130,915.00
$391.59 Per Unit
General Fund   Income            $255,308.00
Expenses         $255,308.00
Millage            4.332 Mills
Trash               $169.66 Per Unit
Chairman Lebold stated that Council has done everything to keep taxes low and have small increases. Mayor Shield stated that Council worked hard to whittle away at expenses so that the increase in the 2011 budget is 4.5%
Old Business : None
New Business: None
Public Comment: None
Bills for January 3, 2011:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsh, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $8,212.62. 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 $1,374.52. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Reserve Fund in the amount of $1,981.25. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary