Greg Lebold, Council President, opened the scheduled Work Session Meeting at 7:30 PM, in the Council Meeting Room, 212 Unity Terrace, Rutledge, PA.
The following Council Members answered roll call: Diane McGaughey, Tom Kopp, Greg Lebold, Jack Borsch, Kurt Morrison, Brian Costello, and David Waltz
Also present: Mayor Scott Shields, G. Guy Smith, Solicitor, Jerry Connelly, Morton-Rutledge Fire Co.
Reviewed proposed noise ordinance prepared by Brian Costello. Solicitor Smith stated that there are two separate issues: 1) excessive noise/disorderly conduct, 2) Start/stop times for contractors/landscapers.
The State of PA has a disorderly conduct statute, so the Borough cannot regulate what the State has regulated. Solicitor Smith suggested that the Borough pass an ordinance regulating hours during which contractors may operate. A noise ordinance requires a decibel meter, and a trained person who is certified, to operate the meter. The cost is prohibitive.
Greg Lebold stated that the stumbling block in passing an ordinance for this has been the start time on Saturday and Sunday.
Diane McGaughey asked how the Borough can enforce the State’s requirement of a contractor’s license. Solicitor Smith stated that the Borough would have to hire a full-time employee who would be in the Borough every day to check throughout the Borough. Council members cannot cite a contractor. The Mayor is the closest to a law enforcement figure.
Discussed payments due to the new Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Jerry Connelley stated that copies of the Fire Co.’s 2010 Budget had been distributed. Rutledge Borough is to pay 25% – $18,175.00 and Morton Borough is to pay 75% – $54,525.00. Rutledge’s portion consists of $5,675.00 for operations and $12,500.00 for the Fire Truck Reserve. Mr. Connelly asked that the $5,675.00 be paid in May, and the $12,500.00 paid by the end of the year.
Diane McGaughey stated that Rutledge Borough has paid $3,480.22 in 2010 for insurance and equipment repairs, and asked if Morton Borough has agreed to pay both portions of the Fire Co.’s 2010 Budget. Mr. Connelly stated that Morton Borough has agreed to pay the full amount of the 2010 Budget.
Ms. McGaughey asked if Morton Borough has a contract with the new Fire Co. Mr. Connelly stated that Morton Borough has an ordinance regarding the Fire Co., because that is how it was handled in the past.
The title of the GMC Jimmy needs to be changed to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co., and the 1982 Sutphen fire truck, in the Borough’s name, should be sold.
The new fire co. has a committee that will take care of selling the fire truck for Rutledge Borough. The truck will sell for a better price if it is equipped, which the committee will take care of, and Rutledge Borough will reimburse them for the equipment.
MOTION by Tom Kopp, Second by Brian Costello, to authorize the sale of the 1982 Sutphen fire truck owned by Rutledge Borough, subject to the provisions of the State regulations; the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. committee to handle the advertisement of bids; the bid package to be in two parts: 1) truck 2) equipment; Rutledge Borough to pay for the advertisement, and to pass a resolution when the truck is sold to finalize everything. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by David Waltz, to authorize the Borough of Rutledge to pay the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. $5,675.00 for operations and $12,500.00, to be paid from Rutledge’s Fire Apparatus Reserve Account, for the truck replacement fund in 2010. MOTION approved unanimously.
Ms. McGaughey stated that she is concerned that there are 4 Fire Co. members on Council, and that, from a political perspective, the motions should be made by non-members of the Fire Co. Solicitor Smith stated that there is no conflict of interest, so the motions are valid.
Jack Borsch stated that all insurances as of April 3, 2010 will be paid by Morton Borough. Rutledge Borough will be responsible to have insurance on the 1982 Sutphen until it is sold, and will pay 25% of Workers’ Comp Insurance to Morton Borough. The GMC Jimmy is used by the Fire Chief, and has to be put in the Fire Co.’s name. The truck was donated by PECO Energy, and has a value of less than $1,000.00.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to authorize Greg Lebold, Council President, to sign the title to transfer the JMC Jimmy to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. for a nominal fee of $1.00, because the truck has no material value. MOTION approved unanimously.
Jerry Connelly stated that Rutledge’s mortgage payments need to be made payable to Morton-Rutledge Fire Co., Rutledge’s Workers’ Comp insurance for the Fire Co. to be cancelled, and the name changed on the lease for Rutledge’s use of the garage.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Brian Costello, to make the mortgage payments payable to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Kurt Morrison, to authorize Council President Greg Lebold to sign any assignment of the mortgage and/or garage lease between Rutledge Borough and the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. MOTION approved unanimously.
Jack Borsch stated that the Fire Co. will match TD Bank’s offer to refinance the mortgage at a rate of 6.25% for 10 years, no fees. The monthly payment would be $660.54. Diane McGaughey stated that the Borough needs to borrow money for roadwork, and the mortgage with TD Bank is needed to establish a relationship with the bank for future loan needs. David Waltz stated that TD Bank doesn’t care if the Borough gets the mortgage with them, and he can get the rate reduced to 6% if Council lets him talk to the bank representatives. The discussion was tabled until the next Work Session on May 24, 2010.
Council went into Executive Session at 8:46 PM to discuss personnel matters, and came out of Executive Session at 8:53 PM.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to hire Karl Eilinsfeld as the Borough’s Highwayman, at a salary of $15.45 /hour, time and one half for snow plowing, 20 hours a week. MOTION approved with a majority of 6 YES votes, 1 NO vote. (David Waltz voted NO).
Kurt Morrison listed options for the purchase of wood chips at the Triangle Park. The chips will be placed around the equipment.
45 C yards $1,650.00
75 C yards $2,500.00
100 C yards $2,900.00
The cost includes delivery and installation.
MOTION by Diane McGaughey, Second by Jack Borsch, to authorize the purchase of 100 cubic yards of wood chips for the Triangle Park for protection around the equipment at a cost of $2,900.00. MOTION approved unanimously.
Diane McGaughey suggested that we look into getting electricity at the triangle Park. It could be used to operate a pitching machine for the softball team, and other activities at the park. Kurt Morrison will get some estimates for the work.
Diane McGaughey stated that 8 finials are needed to replace those that are missing from the staircase railings. Iron Works shop cannot manufacture them. Jack Borsch suggested looking in antique shops.
Ms. McGaughey stated that the plaques on the front of the building need to be removed in order to be cleaned, and would like to have the work completed for the 4th of July Celebration.
Mayor Scott Shields suggested that the ball field at the Triangle Park be renamed the Edward O. McGaughey Memorial Field in honor of Mr. McGaguhey’s contribution to the Rutledge Girls Club. David Waltz was against it because a lot of people have done a lot for the Borough.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to rename the ball field at the Triangle Park “The Edward O. McGaughey Memorial Field”. MOTION carried with a majority of 4 YES votes (J. Borsch, B. Costello, G. Lebold, K. Morrison), 1 Abstention (D. McGaughey) 2 NO votes (D. Waltz, T. Kopp).
Scott Shields will get prices and designs, and hopes to have a banner done by the 4th of July celebration. Relatives should be notified so they may be present.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary