Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES April 18, 2023 The regular meeting of Ambler Borough Council was held Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Borough Council Chambers located at 131 Rosemary Avenue, Ambler, Pennsylvania, 19002. Council President Siskind called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mrs. Siskind, Ms. Forst, Ms. Welch, Ms. Endicott Ms. Henderson, Ms. Hughes, Ms. Auerbach, and Ms. Roecker Coates, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Solicitor Joe Bresnan, and Borough Manager Aversa also were in attendance. Mayor Sorg was absent. Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Siskind made a motion to approve the Minutes of the March 21, 2023, Council Meeting. Seconded. All Aye. Carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS The Committees of Ambler Borough Council met Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Borough Council Chambers located at 131 Rosemary Avenue, Ambler, Pennsylvania, 19002. Present: Mrs. Siskind, Ms. Welch, Ms. Forst, Ms. Endicott, Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Hughes, Ms. Henderson, and Ms. Auerbach. Police Chief Borkowski, Solicitor Bresnan, Mayor Sorg and Borough Manager Aversa also were in attendance. This evening the following was discussed: Finance and Planning Committee- Ms. Nellie Forst, Chairperson Committee Members: Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Auerbach, Ms. Roecker Coates. 1. A public hearing was held this evening at 7:00pm with the possible adoption of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance sign chapter regarding sign architectural elements and other inconsistencies. A vote was taken at the conclusion of the hearing. 2. That the March 2023 bills be paid in the amount of $647,959.60 as follows: General ($226,074.16); Street lights ($3,737.69); Fire (0.0); Refuse ($52,934.47); Parks and Recreation; ($1,208.88); Water ($155,189.24); Sewer ($18,764.83); WWTP ($187,991.53); Liquid Fuels ($183.99), Water Capital ($1,874.81); Voided Checks (0.00). 3. A presentation was made this evening for the Preliminary / Final Land Development Plan to convert the existing buildings into three residential condominium units along with off street parking at 24 -26 North Ridge Avenue – John’s Court, LLC. 8 Aye Ms. Sheedy asked a question regarding the tree waiver and the future planting of trees - will the monies be budged toward future trees? Ms. Aversa answered the monies will be used to plant new trees and maintain existing trees. Ms. Roecker Coates questioned the pavers imperviousness and the possibility of a test to determine the level. The lawyer for the applicant replied that the developers will comply with the conditions and the pavers have been upgraded to be impervious. Jim Dougherty supported that they have spoken to the developers and there is a plan in place. 4. The County's updated Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed by Ambler's Planning Commission. The plan can be downloaded at https://www.montcopa.org/3850/Hazard- Mitigation-Planning Resolution 2023-3 was considered for possible adoption at April 18th Council meeting 9 - Aye The following business was discussed: 1. The Borough Engineer’s report was received. APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. Authorization was gr anted to advertise a public hearing and possible adoption of an ordinance amending the Transit-Oriented Development Zoning Ordinance on May 2 at 7:00pm. Montgomery County Planning Commission and Borough Planning Commission reviews. 8-Aye 2. An Ordinance 1132 was adopted modifying the street sweeping schedule. 8-Aye Recommendations: 1. That the March 2023 bills be paid in the amount of $ 647,959.60. 9 Aye 2. Authorization was gr anted t o adopt an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance sign chapter regarding sign architectural elements and other inconsistencies. 9 Aye 3. Authorization was granted for the Preliminary/Final Land Development approval to convert the existing buildings into there residential condominium units along with off street parking at 24-26 North Ridge Avenue – St. John’s Court, LLC. 9 Aye 4. Authorization was granted to adopt Resolution 2023-3 adopting the County’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. 9 Aye Public Safety Committee: Ms. Jennifer Henderson – Chair, Nancy Roecker Coates, Erin McKenna Endicott, and Amy Hughes. The Committee made no recommendations. The following business was discussed: 1. The Police Department report was reviewed. 2. The Community Ambulance report was reviewed. 3. The Fire Department report was reviewed. 4. The Public Works and the Code Enforcement reports were received. 5. A request to hold CPR training is being researched. If people would like to participate, they will need to register and a fee will be charged. Interested residents can inquire by filling out an online form on the Borough website.  Ms. Roecker Coates questioned Chief Borkowski regarding what kind of over $200 theft was occurring. Chief answered the catalytic converters. Discussion ensued. Public Utilities Committee – Ms. Haley Welch, Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. McKenna Endicott, Ms. Hughes, and Ms. Sheedy. The following business was discussed: 1. The WWTP Engineer’s report was provided. The Committee will make no recommendation. Parks and Recreation Committee - Ms. Erin McKenna Endicott – Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. Henderson, Ms. Welch, and Ms. Auerbach. The Committee will make no recommendations: The following business was discussed: 1. Staff is working with the YMCA to plan the 2023 Camp Program will run June 19th to July 28th from 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Camp fee is $50 per child. Registration will be held at Borough Hall on Wednesday, May 3rd 5pm – 7pm. Proof of Borough residency is required at time of registration. 2. Join the EAC for a fun, family friendly day to learn how to “Invest in Our Future”. This year the event is set to take place in Ambler Borough Hall Parking lot, Cavalier Parking lot and surrounding area. Come by for live music, food, retail vendors, electric vehicles, kids activities, educational exhibits and more! All while supporting local vendors! To find out more visit https://www.amblereac.org/earth-fest Saturday, April 29th 10am – 4pm Ms. Auerbach questioned the age requirements for camp. Ms. Endicott gave range. Ms. Aversa advised that counseling positions are available for older students. Ms. Hughes thanks the Chief for throwing out the first pitch at opening day for AJB Ms. Lipinski questioned the date for the Borough’s Earth Day celebration. Ms. Endicott answered. Salary & Personnel Committee Ms. Karen Sheedy – Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. Welch, Ms. Forst, and Ms. Henderson. The following business was discussed: 1. The vacant Water Department Operator II position has been advertised. Resumes are being accepted.  The committee will make no Recommendations. PUBLIC COMMENT & ADJOURNMENT Ms. Aversa gave a PFAS grant update: Rep. Dean called to let her know that the borough’s application made it through the first round of grants. Justin Chamrin informed us about the NAMI walk May 5th at Temple University and let us know that NAMI will be making a presentation in June. Lou Orehek commented that Walnut Lane needed road repair. There being no further public comment or other business, Ms. Siskind moved the meeting to be adjourned. Seconded, motion carried. Meeting adjourned. 9 Aye Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier Assistant Secretary Borough of Ambler