Greg 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, Kurt Morrison, Thomas Ash and Diane McGaughey
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Police Chief Brian Craig, Mayor Scott Shields
Not present: Tom Kopp, Mark King
Minutes: MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Council Meeting of October 5, and Work Session of October 26, 2009. MOTION approved unanimously.
Announcement: Greg Lebold reported that Council awarded the 2010 Trash Collection Contract to Suburban Waste Services, Inc. at a cost of $39,000.00, at the October 26, 2009 Work Session. Trash will be picked up every Monday, and single-stream recycling every Wednesday. There will be no trash pickup on Thursdays during the summer, due to the prohibitive cost.
Public Comment: Arthur Weisfeld, Senior Community Services, thanked Council for Rutledge’s support of the Schoolhouse Senior Center. In 1977, Rutledge was the first municipality to send a check in support of the center. Senior Community Services has submitted a donation request for 2010 of $200.00, and Mr. Weisfeld hopes it’s acceptable. Mr. Weisfeld stated that if everyone donates a little, it adds up to a lot. Donations from local governments totaled $55,000.00 last year. As assistant coach of the Rutledge Softball Team, Mr. Weisfeld thanked Rutledge for providing the port-a-potty at the Triangle Park during the season.
Robert Hunt, Highwayman, stated that leaves in the Borough are a problem. Mr. Hunt has cleaned the inlets three times this week. Residents need to clean the leaves in front of their houses. The Borough truck is full of leaves, and there is nowhere to put them.
Heidi Sentivan, 2 Rutledge Ave., asked how the recycling is going. Mr. Lebold stated that the Borough is going single-stream recycling in 2010, with Monday only trash pickup and Wednesday recycling. The Thursday pickup in the summer has been eliminated. Mayor Scott Shields added that the County trash disposal fee is going up from $15 per ton to $23 per ton.
Tax Collector’s Report: Leonard Michael reported that $1,064.38 was collected in October.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of October 2009.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for October.
3 Use & Occupancy Inspections for sales
1 Correction Notice – to remove sign from 105 Morton Ave.
4 Zoning Permits
Diane McGaughey stated that the sign on Morton Ave. was never approved and is larger than allowed.
Mr. Mirra stated that there is still industrial material in the rear yard of 112 Rutledge Ave. The Solicitor will look into.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for October. There were: 2 M.V. Citations, 8 Parking Tickets, 16 Police Calls, 6 Complaints, 3 Assist Ambulance, 1 Assist Fire Co., 2 Missing Person Reported and Cancelled
Diane McGaughey reported that a car has been parked on Melrose Terrace for 2 months, and the tags are valid. President Lebold stated that nothing can be done as far as removal if the tags are valid. Mr. Mirra will look at the car tomorrow.
Correspondence:
1) Letter from Arielle Emmett, 225 President Ave., requesting that Rutledge Borough institute a single-stream recycling program.
2) PA State Association of Boroughs – Rutledge Borough has a 125th anniversary in 2010- will honor the Borough with a plaque
3) PA State Association of Boroughs – Newly Elected Municipals Training classes in 2010
4) H.A. Thomson – Loss control inspection of the Rain Garden at Triangle Park – Even ground level with drain, replace tot swings, no fence necessary around rain garden
4th of July: Nothing to report
Communication: Nothing to report
Ordinance/Trash: Nothing to report
Building: Nothing to report
Sewer – Jack Borsch reported that the homeowners at 235 President Ave. had a sewer problem that was corrected. Diane McGaughey did a great job setting up and hosting the EAC meeting.
Shade Tree Commission: Jack Borsch stated that 11 cherry trees will be planted in the unit block of Sylvan Ave. on Saturday, November 21, 2009, 8:00 AM. The committee is asking for volunteers to help plant the trees. The county Community Service work crew has been contacted for help. Harry Mirra contacted the Marine Training Center, but hasn’t heard back. Diane McGaughey stated that she will contact the Delaware County Daily Times, and breakfast and lunch will be served to the volunteers.
Highway: Thomas Ash reported that the leaves in the street are a problem.
Recreation: Kurt Morrison stated that he has contacted Tom Lucas regarding the fence at the Rain Garden at the Triangle Park. The informational sign can be installed. Mr. Morrison has contacted the engineer to correct the inlet that’s above ground.
Public Safety: No report.
Finance -Diane McGaughey reported that the Finance Committee is working on the 2010 budget. Solicitor Smith stated that the Preliminary Budget will be approved at the November 23 Work Session, and the Final 2010 Budget will be adopted at the December 28 Work Session.
Solicitor’s Report – Mr. Smith stated that he needs authorization to advertise any changes in Rutledge’s Floodplain Management Ordinance.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business:
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to authorize the Solicitor to advertise any changes to the Floodplain Management Ordinance. MOTION approved unanimously.
Diane McGaughey reported that Rutledge Borough hosted an Environmental Action Committee meeting on October 27 that was attended by representatives from Rutledge, Swarthmore, Rose Valley, and Nether Providence.
Rose Valley will have a workshop on November 7, 9:00 AM, regarding the removal of invasive plants.
Greg Lebold stated that Mark King submitted a letter of resignation as Council Member. MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Thomas Ash, to accept the resignation of Mark King with regret. MOTION approved unanimously. Ms. McGaughey stated that Mr. King was an outstanding Council Member, and was instrumental in preparing the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
Public Comment: Leonard Michael, 209 Sylvan Ave., on behalf of the 4th of July Committee, thanked the Borough, Fire Co., and residents for coming to the Halloween parade on Saturday, even though it rained.
Bills for November 2, 2009:
MOTION by Thomas Ash, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $14,537.98. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Thomas Ash , Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $748.71. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Thomas Ash, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $20,136.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Thomas Ash, Second by Diane McGaughey, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Grant Fund in the amount of $396.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary