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: Tom Kopp, Greg Lebold, Diane McGaughey, Jack Borsch, Kurt Morrison
Not present: Mark King, Thomas Ash,
Also present: Milt Grime, Herb Jackson, Bob Hunt, Highwayman, Scott Shields, Guy Smith
Opened trash bids for 2010-2011.
| OPTION 1. | Monday pickup all year, Thursday May 1 to September 30.
Paper/cardboard recycling ever other Wednesday. |
| OPTION 2. | Monday pickup all year, Thursday May 1 to September 30.
Single stream recycling ever other Wednesday. |
| OPTION 3. | Monday pickup all year.
Single stream recycling one day per week. |
| Laxton Enterprises, Inc., Lenni, PA 19052 | Option 1 | A | B | Total |
| 20% Bid Bond | 2010 | $ 48,500.00 | $ 960.00 | $ 49,460.00 |
| 2011 | $ 49,955.00 | $ 1,050.00 | $ 51,005.00 | |
| Option 2 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 48,400.00 | $ 1,440.00 | $ 49,840.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 49,800.00 | $ 1,225.00 | $ 51,025.00 | |
| Option 3 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 48,400.00 | $ 5,760.00 | $ 54,160.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 49,800.00 | $ 6,912.00 | $ 56,712.00 | |
| BFI Waste Service of PA, King of Prussia, PA 19406 | Option 1 | A | B | Total |
| 20% Bid Bond | 2010 | $ 60,903.00 | $ 14,544.00 | $ 75,447.00 |
| 2011 | $ 63,035.00 | $ 15,053.00 | $ 78,088.00 | |
| Option 2 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 60,903.00 | $ 14,544.00 | $ 75,447.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 63,035.00 | $ 15,053.00 | $ 78,088.00 | |
| Option 3 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 51,995.00 | $ 21,816.00 | $ 73,811.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 53,814.00 | $ 22,579.00 | $ 76,393.00 | |
| Solid Waste Services, Inc., Audubon, PA 19403 | Option 1 | A | B | Total |
| 20% Bid Bond | 2010 | $ 84,456.00 | $ 0 | $ 84,456.00 |
| 2011 | $ 87,408.00 | $ 0 | $ 87,408.00 | |
| Option 2 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 84,456.00 | $ 0 | $ 84,456.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 87,408.00 | $ 0 | $ 87,408.00 | |
| Option 3 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 98,400.00 | $ 0 | $ 98,400.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 101,844.00 | $ 0 | $ 101,844.00 | |
| Suburban Waste Services, Inc., Bear, DE 19701 | Option 1 | A | B | Total |
| 20% Bid Bond | 2010 | $ 38,000.00 | $ 3,000.00 | $ 41,000.00 |
| 2011 | $ 38,000.00 | $ 3,000.00 | $ 41,000.00 | |
| Option 2 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 38,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 44,000.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 38,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 44,000.00 | |
| Option 3 | A | B | Total | |
| 2010 | $ 33,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 39,000.00 | |
| 2011 | $ 33,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 39,000.00 |
The Solicitor will review the bids and the contract will be awarded at the October 5, 2009 Council Meeting.
Milt Grimes, Morton resident and co-chairperson of the Tri-Boro Fire Co. Task Force attended the meeting to answer any questions regarding the Morton and Rutledge Fire Co. merger.
Diane McGaughey asked if the merger would be completed by December 31, 2009. Tom Kopp stated that is the target date.
Herb Jackson stated that the State Attorney General has 90 days to approve or reject the merger.
Diane McGaughey stated that Council needs to know when the merger will be completed so that she may budget for fire protection in 2010. Jack Borsch stated that the papers are in the lawyer’s hands, who is drawing up the final papers that create the Morton/Rutledge Fire. Co.
Guy Smith stated that the Borough can’t release budgeted funds to the new entity until the entity is formed.
Jack Borsch stated that the new fire company needs letterhead and a bank account to pay bills jointly. This should be completed by October.
Milt Grimes distributed the Morton/Rutledge Fire Co. budget for 2010. The first year will have a deficit of $22,700.00, with $50,000.00 added to purchase a new fire truck in the future. The total budget is $72,500.00. Rutledge will be asked to pay $18,175.00, 25%, based on population.
The Morton Fire Co. owns two trucks, Rutledge Fire Co. owns one truck, and Rutledge Borough owns one truck.
Tom Kopp reported that the two oldest trucks are parked in Rutledge. The truck that the Borough owns will be sold eventually. The Pierce that was purchased 11/2 years ago with capital reserve funds will be the oldest truck and will be replaced.
Mr. Grimes reported that the trucks have to be kept current. The new company would like to purchase a new truck every 20 years. The Fire Co. will build a fire apparatus reserve account instead of the Borough doing so.
Mayor Shields asked the Solicitor if there are any problems with the new fire company holding a fire apparatus reserve fund.
Solicitor Guy Smith stated that if the legal entity exists as a not for profit organization not directly owned or controlled by the Borough, the new entity would have that ability. The Borough is required to live hand to mouth annually. The financial request for the new company’s first year is not an unreasonable amount.
Greg Lebold stated that Rutledge Borough has a contract with Swarthmore Police to provide police services, and we don’t question how that money is being split up. We have been presented with a bid proposal from the Fire Company that states what fire protection will cost.
Diane McGaughey asked if the Borough will get a contract to sign that states what services will be provided.
Solicitor Smith stated that the Borough needs an amount to use for the 2010 budget. The Borough needs to know if the current Rutledge Fire Co. can provide protection services to its residents until the merger is officially completed. The quoted cost for 2010 from the new company is in line with what the Borough has paid previously. The new company is a responsible one that will provide safety services to the Borough.
The Swarthmore Police are regulated by the Municipal Code, while the Fire Co. is not beholden to the State code the way the Borough and Police are. The 2010 budget can be revisited in January 2010, after it has been approved in December. The burden is on the Fire Co. to become a legal entity so it can get paid.
Herb Jackson stated that the Rutledge and Morton Fire Companies have been operating as two separate entities under the same roof until the merger is approved by the State.
The billing method to the Boroughs hasn’t been decided, but will be included in the contract.
Mr. Grimes stated that the Borough will no longer pay $400/month for the Pierce fire truck, or insurance, or repairs. Morton Borough will be billed for the entire Workers’ Comp insurance, and Rutledge will pay Morton Borough for its share.
Guy Smith stated that the Workers’ Comp issues need to be in the Fire Company contracts with Rutledge and Morton Boroughs, and there needs to be an agreement between Rutledge and Morton Boroughs. Resolutions are needed from Rutledge Council and Morton Council. Tom Kopp stated that Morton Borough will be billed for the Workers Comp because that is the new Fire Co.’s address.
Mr. Smith stated that there will be a lot of first-time issues to deal with.
Diane McGaughey requested a four-year plan as to what the company will do – will the numbers stay the same every year.
Mr. Grimes stated that the Fire Company would like to do a plan after they see how the first year develops. Mr. Lebold stated that a contract will be presented annually.
Rutledge Borough Council members need to meet with Morton Borough Council members to discuss Workers’ Comp insurance and any other issues
Mr. Grimes stated that he is not a fireman, and had no idea what the fire companies are up against. There is a serious manpower problem, and they need to recruit young people. He visited the Marcus Hook Fire Co. It has a weight room and a computer room. The Morton/Rutledge Fire Co. has no way to do that. We will be looking at paid firefighters in the future if we don’t get young folks involved. The training requirements have increased, and young people don’t want to spend their weekends training. Tom Kopp stated that there is grant money for companies that merge. The station can be enlarged down the road if need be.
Greg Lebold asked Council Members to think about 2010 budget needs and report back at the October 26 Work Session.
Jack Borsch is handling the PA One Calls, and would like to turn them over to Bob Hunt.
Tom Kopp reported that the Fire Co. Fund Drive is down $4,000.00. There was a barbeque for the families of the 2 fire companies, and 75 people attended.
Kurt Morrison reported that the Rain Garden sign is in the garage, and will be installed after the fence is installed. Lucas Fencing submitted a proposal for a post and rail fence on two sides and 8’ chain link fence along the basketball court side for $2,550.00. Mr. Morrison questioned it, and the contractor verified that it could be done for that price. Mr. Morrison got two other proposals for $9,000 and $7,000. Mr. Lebold asked that references be gotten from other municipalities for Lucas Fencing. Diane McGaughey asked if we could get a white fence. Mr. Morrison said that the black doesn’t show up as much. Ms. McGaughey asked if shrubbery could be planted in front of the fence.
Bob Hunt stated the he would like to be included in the design of the fence. He is having a hard time taking care of that area. He would prefer no fence because he can’t get in with the tractor. Mr. Morrison stated that there could be a liability issue. Mr. Hunt stated that the gardens are draining within 16 hours, and the grading is finally correct.
The garden was not designed for bathing purposes, so a fence is not needed.
Mr. Hunt stated that he hasn’t seen any kids in the rain garden or any damage to it.
Mr. Morrison will get a price for 8’ along the basketball court. The secretary will contact the insurance company if a fence is required.
New rules of conduct at the Triangle Park need to be decided upon; no foul language, and children must be supervised at all times.
112 Rutledge Ave. has property maintenance issues. Harry Mirra submitted photos to the Solicitor.
The owners of 135 President Ave. have not paid for their 2009 rental license. The secretary contacted them three times by mail and two times by phone, and has not received a response.
The Borough needs to compile a 2010 permit fee schedule that includes inspection fees charged by Chili’s Inspection Service.
Mayor Scott Shields went to 208 Linden Ave. with the Swarthmore Police. The place is filthy and has animal droppings. Mayor Shields identified Christine Cianci as the owner and has left her telephone messages. The front door is still unlocked. Harry Mirra should take action as the code official to make sure the building is secure and is not a health or safety problem to the community. Mayor Shields stated that there is no water service. Mayor Shields will instruct Mr. Mirra to put a padlock on the outside door and include a note that the property has been secured by the Borough.
Jack Borsch reported that the Tree Committee has cancelled the October 10 planting date for trees.
Mr. Borsch gave a deposition for three hours for the sewer backup lawsuit at 215 Linden Ave. General Sewer Service gave a deposition as well.
Mayor Shields asked that Bob Hunt put the flag at half-mast on Sunday, October 4 for the national fallen firefighter memorial service.
Diane McGaughey reported that the 4th of July Committee asked if they could fill the luminaries in the Community Center in December. They can’t because of rentals.
The Committee would like to use the Borough garage from December 18-24. Bob Hunt could take the Borough truck home. This is not an option because public safety is first. Mr. Hunt needs access to the equipment in the garage in the event of a snowstorm.
Bob Hunt stated that the fence around the field at the Triangle Park needs to be painted, and will cost around $4,000.00. Mr. Hunt would also like a new salt spreader and a 16†chainsaw. The old tractor is taking up space in the garage. Mr. Hunt will put it out in the trash. Mr. Hunt asked Council to consider getting
Healthcare benefits for the secretary, and he would like a raise in 2010.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 PM.
Submitted by:
Gennifer Guiliano
Secretary