Diane McGaughey, Council President, opened the scheduled Work Session 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, Jack Borsch, Kurt Morrison, Diane McGaguhey, David Waltz, Brian Costello and Marlaina Kloepfer
Also present: Mayor Gregory C. Lebold, G. Guy Smith, Esq., Jack Breslin, Barbara Ormsby
Building: Nothing to report.
Communication: Marlaina Kloepfer distributed an article regarding Facebook.
Finance: Brian Costello reported that there is a modification to the Sewer Fund explanation for the 2012 budget: the increase in sewer fees is 39%, and not 110%. This does not affect the 2012 sewer fee amount.
Ordinance: MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Tom Kopp, to approve Ordinance 461, an ordinance that adopts regulations for the planting, growing, or cultivating of bamboo. MOTION approved unanimously.
Diane McGaughey stated that the peddling/solicitation ordinance needs to be revised.
Property/Borough Building: Nothing to report.
Public Safety: Tom Kopp reported that he gave Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve route to Marlaina Kloepfer to post on the Borough’s website. Santa will stop once on each block in the Borough where signs are posted, and will start at the Rutledge Court apartments.
The Fire Marshall certificate runs out on January 6, 2012.
Morton Borough paid $37,500.00 for the new fire truck reserve to the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Rutledge owes $12,500.00.
Jack Breslin reported that the fire truck that is for sale has a buyer, who was going to come pick up the truck on Saturday, December 17, 2011, but Diane McGaughey was not available to sign the title. Mr. Breslin will make arrangements for the buyer to pick up the truck at a later date.
Recreation: Nothing to report.
Trash: The trash workers gave out envelopes to residents to solicit tips. This is allowed, per Council.
Jack Borsch reported that there is a small business in Rutledge that had 20 bags of leaves. Mr. Borsch suspects the person is bringing the leaves to his residence from his landscaping customers.
Sewer: Nothing to report.
Tree Commission: Jack Borsch reported that he and Karl Eilinsfeld planted two crape Myrtles at the Triangle Park.
Highway: David Waltz reported that the crosswalk signs were put up at the Triangle Park.
Mr. Waltz reported that Innovative Construction Services, Inc. will patch the three potholes on Unity Terrace between Rutledge & Sylvan Aves. for $600.00, with a 2-year guarantee.
MOTION by David Waltz, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the temporary repair of the three potholes on Unity Terrace between Rutledge & Sylvan Aves., to be completed by Innovative Construction Services, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $600.00, with a two year guarantee. MOTION approved unanimously.
Solicitor: Guy Smith reviewed Organization Meeting procedures for the January 3, 2012 meeting, and distributed oaths of office that he prepared. The certifications are needed in advance.
Old Business: The proposed County Animal Protection Board revised its contract to include the annual fee of $1,250.00 will be carried forward for the length of the contract, if no animals are brought to the facility that year. Council is not interested in participating at this time.
2012 Budget:
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve the 2012 Budget as submitted, with the change in the explanation of the increase in the sewer budget- 39% increase rather than 110% increase. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello, to pass Ordinance 460, an ordinance levying taxes in the Borough for 2012, establishing trash collection and sanitary sewer fees and penalty for late payment, 1% realty transfer tax, and per capita tax, now in effect under the local tax enabling act of 1966, its amendments and supplements. General Purposes tax rate: 4.68 mills; Trash collection: $183.21 per dwelling unit annually; Sanitary sewer system:$544.14 per dwelling unit annully ; Realty transfer tax 1%, and Per Capita Tax. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Jack Borsch, Second by Brian Costello, to approve Resolution 2011-12-02, a Salary & Benefits Resolution. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Kurt Morrison, to approve Resolution 2011-12-03, a resolution that authorizes the Borough Tax Collector to collect the annual sanitary sewer usage fee. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Jack Borsch, to approve Resolution 2011-12-04 a resolution that authorizes the Council President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer to sign checks. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Kurt Morrison, Second by Brian Costello to approve Resolution 2011-12-05, a resolution to appoint the following auditors for fiscal year 2012: Catherine Myers, Paul S. Garrity, and Jack Borsch. MOTION approved with a majority vote (Jack Borsch abstained.)
Diane McGaughey read the 2012 holiday schedule, which will be posted on the bulletin board outside the Borough building, and on the Borough website.
New: A new Recycling Coordinator needs to be appointed.
A new PA One Call contact person needs to be appointed. Jack Borsch stated that he will continue serving until someone is appointed.
A new CDCA (sewer authority) representative needs to be appointed to complete the 2 years left in Jack Borsch’s term. There is no compensation for Council members. Marlaina Kloepfer will put it on the Borough website.
MOTION by Brian Costello, Second by Jack Borsch, to appoint Tom Kopp as Fire Marshall. MOTION approved unanimously.
Mr. Kopp reported that the homeowners of 17 President Ave. are still working with the insurance company and insurance adjuster to come to a settlement on replacement price.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM.
Submitted by: Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary