Diane McGaughey, Council Vice 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: Tom Kopp, Diane McGaughey, Kurt Morrison, Brian Costello and David Waltz
Also present: G. Guy Smith, Esq., Mayor Scott Shields, Police Chief
Not Present: Greg Lebold, Jack Borsch,
Public Comment: Rita Kramer, 106 Rutledge Ave., stated that the 6-year anniversary of having complaints made about her property has passed without any complaints made about her backyard. The complainer’s eyesight must have improved or he is sick. Mrs. Kramer spoke with an attorney, and she will go to court if there is another complaint about her property because it will cause her mental and emotional distress, and can be considered a form of elderly abuse.
Mrs. Kramer asked if cereal boxes can be recycled – yes.
Diane McGaughey, 414 Unity Terrace, stated that she is a long-term resident and she is pleased with the community. On behalf of the McGaughey and Salisbury families, Mrs. McGaughey thanked Council and the Mayor in honoring her husband, Edward McGaughey.
Michelle Senior, 100 Rutledge Ave., stated that she saw in the minutes that the Borough was going to repave the streets, and curbing would cost $30,000.00, and the residents might be assessed for the curbing costs. Residents don’t have money to pay for curbing. Diane McGaughey stated that Council has not made a final decision regarding road repairs. David Waltz stated that Council is putting a hold on curbing. The reason for curbing is that water gets under the asphalt and causes damage to the newly paved roads. Curbing is required for any new homes that are built in the Borough.
Minutes: MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the minutes as submitted for the Work Session of August 23, 2010. MOTION approved unanimously. MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to approve the minutes for the Council Meeting of August 2. Mr. Kopp stated that the minutes should be changed to state that “some of the trucks have had new lettering completed”. MOTION approved unanimously.
Tax Collector’s Report: Thomas Heron reported that $2,397.56 was collected in August. Mr. Heron received a check for $89.72, which represents the balance in the previous Tax Collector’s bank account. Mr. Heron has set up a new bank account, and bonding is in process. Mr. Heron responded to 7 requests for tax certifications.
Treasurer’s Report: Gennifer Guiliano distributed the Cash Flow report for the month of August 2010.
Code Enforcement Report: Harry Mirra read his report for August.
Mr. Mirra stated that he went to court for a non-traffic citation for property maintenance issues. There is a new court date of October 19, 2010, and the homeowner must comply by this date.
There are 91 homes with grass growing along the curbing in the street.
West Nile Virus is in full swing in this area. Please empty any containers that have water outside your home.
There are 6 active building permits.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Scott Shields read the Police Report for August. There were: 8 Police Calls, 2 Motor Vehicle Citations, 10 Parking Tickets, 10 Complaints, 1 Assist Ambulance
There was a fire at the Behmke residence and the police were there immediately- great response.
There was a complaint to the Borough Highwayman about inappropriate language at the Triangle Park. The resident was told to call 911. Council will look into getting signs with verbiage about the use of foul language. Ms. McGaughey asked the police to monitor the situation.
Correspondence:
1)PA One Call System, Inc. – Board Meeting October 27, 2010, West Miflin, PA
2)Delaware County Fair Housing Task Force – Seminar – Housing Trends Issues & Solutions for Immigrants – September 17, 2010, 9:30 AM-1:30 AM, Smedley Park Environmental Center
3)Federal Aviation Administration – Phila. International Airport Capacity Enhancement Program Study
4)Delaware County Association of Boroughs- September Shindig, September 28, 2010, Heritage Ballroom, 6PM – 9 PM.
4th of July: Nothing to report
Communication: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Nothing to report
Trash: Nothing to report.
Building: Nothing to report.
Sewer: Nothing to report.
Shade Tree Commission: Nothing to report.
Highway: David Waltz reported that the new stop signs have been delivered, and he will get help to install them in October. Diane McGaughey asked that white lines be painted in the streets- there were three accidents on Swarthmore Ave. recently.
Recreation – Highwayman Karl Eilinsfeld is concerned about two trees at the point at the Triangle Park- will budget for this in 2011. Mr. Morrison will look into signs for the rules and regulations for use of the park, including foul language.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that there were: 22 alarms, with time in service of 15 hours, 46 minutes, and 6 drills with time in service of 16 hours, 0 minutes, 2 Misc. activities, 2 hours, 30 minutes in August 2010.
Manpower response – Full Compliment-19, Undermanned – 2, Scratched -1,Highest Manpower Response – 17, Lowest Manpower Response – 2, Late Response – 0.
Safety tips – School is back in session. Pay attention to kids walking to school and darting out in the street. Please tell your children to cross where the crossing guard stands. Motorists obey all 15 mph blinking signs whether you see anyone or not. Do no pass a school bus when they are picking up or discharging students.
Mr. Kopp reported that there was a shed fire at 21 Sylvan Ave. The police got the tanks out before the fire company got there.
David Waltz took care of the food sales at the Community Yard Sale.
The Horseshoe Tournament is on September 18, rain date September 19.
The fire co. participated in the firefighter memorial at Rose Tree Park.
Finance: Diane McGaughey asked Council for estimates of their financial needs for 2011. Money is tight, so accuracy is important.
Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor Guy Smith reported that he is preparing an agreement with Morton Borough regarding the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co., and will send it to Morton Borough Solicitor Jay Wills.
Old Business: Nothing to report.
New Business: Diane McGaughey reported that 91 houses participated in the Community Wide Yard Sale. Advertising costs were .75 per residence.
Public Comment: None
Bills for September 13, 2010:
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the General Fund in the amount of $30,936.55. MOTON approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve payment of the bills for the month from the Gas Fund in the amount of $3,553.52. 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 8:05 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary