Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES May 17, 2023 The regular meeting of Ambler Borough Council was held Wednesday May 17, 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. Henderson, Ms. Hughes, Ms. Auerbach, and Ms. Roecker Coates, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Solicitor Joe Bresnan, and Borough Manager Aversa were also in attendance. Absent. Ms. Endicott. Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Siskind made a motion to approve the Minutes of the April 18, 2023, Council Meeting. Seconded. 8 - Aye. Carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS The Committees of Ambler Borough Council met Tuesday, May 2, 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, and Borough Manager Aversa also were in attendance. Mayor Sorg was absent. This following business was discussed: Finance and Planning Committee- Ms. Nellie Forst, Chairperson Committee Members: Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Auerbach, Ms. Roecker Coates. 1. That the April 2023 bills be paid in the amount of $700,895.44 as follows: General ($157,249.71); Street lights ($4,246.67); Fire (0.0); Refuse ($47,117.18); Parks and Recreation; ($3,32402); Water ($150,647.99); Sewer ($157,849.29); WWTP ($170,760.78); Liquid Fuels ($9,699.80), Water Capital ($0.0); Voided Checks (0.00). 2. A recommendation was requested to consider a residential inspection program for resale properties and determine the direction on sidewalk inspection and repairs was requested. A memo was attached detailing the recommended process and scope. 3. A request was received to purchase a 2023 Ford Police Inceptor Utility Base at a cost of $40,541.00. 4. The Zoning Hearing Board notice for 215 Mattison and 162 Park Avenue was received. APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. A public hearing was held and the adoption of Ordinance 1134 amending the Transit Oriented Development Zoning Ordinance was approved (8-Aye and 1 – abstain Lisa Auerbach). Recommendations 1. That the April 2023 bills be paid in the amount of $700,895.44 8-Aye 2. A recommendation was made to have the Solicitor prepare an Ordinance for a residential inspection program for resale properties. 8-Aye 3. A recommendation was made to purchase a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Base at cost of $40,541.00. 8-Aye Discussion ensued: Ms. Roecker Coates asked if Hybrid was a possibility for the police car. Chief Borkowski explained availability is an issue. Question from Ms. Sheedy regarding the zoning for the property on Mattison Avenue, and Zoning hearing’s decision. Mr. Kucher explained that the issue will be revisited. Question from Ms. Siskind regarding Sewer Inspection. Ms. Aversa answered, now is the time to implement process. Ms. Dougherty (338 Tennis Avenue) questioned re-sale sewer lateral inspection; the concern is that a mandate is an issue. Mr. Breslin explained sewer lateral inspection is the most important item on the list. Ms. Aversa explained that the process is important for the Borough because we issue water certifications at closing. Ms. Lapinski (136 Rosemary Avenue) questioned whether inspection was a mandate to repair. Ms. Aversa explained the opportune time to fix the problem would be at inspection. Mr. Kucher added the time of sale is the time to work out unseen issues on a property. Ms. Sheedy clarified that the ordinance requires inspection only for all listed items. 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 will be provided. 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. Ms. Aversa recommended the CPR training be removed from the agenda given there were only 2 residents interested in the program, Ms. Henderson agreed. APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. Authorization was approved for the No Mow May Program 9-Aye Public Utilities Committee – Ms. Haley Welch, Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. McKenna Endicott, Ms. Hughes, and Ms. Sheedy. The Committee considered the following recommendation: 1. Authorization is requested to purchase a Valve Exercising Machine for the water system, at a cost of $77,387.25 from Exeter Supply Company. This item was budgeted. The following business was discussed: 2. The WWTP Engineer’s report was provided. APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. Resolution 2023-4 in support of the 2023 MIRIA Grant Application was approved. 9-Aye Recommendation 1. Authorization was given to purchase a Valve Exercising Machine for the water system, at a cost of $77,387.25 from Exeter Supply Company. 8-Aye Parks and Recreation Committee - Ms. Erin McKenna Endicott – Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. Henderson, Ms. Welch, and Ms. Auerbach. The Committee made no recommendations: The following business was discussed: 1. A presentation from Bird Town Pa will be made June 6th. Tom Voter from Wissahickon Trails and Heidi Shiver from Bird Town PA will be presenting. APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. Authorization was granted to approve the cost of $647.50 for the Juneteenth event. Discussion ensued: Ms. Siskind reminded everyone that the Auto Show was happening this Sunday May 21st. Ms. Henderson reminded everyone that the Community Garden has a scheduled planting from 10:30- 12:00 this Saturday and all are encouraged to attend. Salary & Personnel Committee Ms. Karen Sheedy – Chairperson - Committee Members: Ms. Welch, Ms. Forst, and Ms. Henderson. The following business was discussed:  1. Below is a list of the vacancies for the following positions: • Appeals Board (3year term) – 1 seat • EAC (3-year term) – 2 seats • HRC (3-year term) – 1 seat • Civil Service Commission (Alternate) – 1 seat • Zoning Hearing Board (Alternates) -3 seats APPROVED AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 1. The Committee held an executive session and approved the recommendation from Chief Borkowski. 9-Aye Recommendations. 1. Approval was given to approve the applicant for the alternate zoning board member. 8-Aye 2. A recommendation was made to offer employment to fill the 3 vacant Water Operator positions. 8-Aye PUBLIC COMMENT & ADJOURNMENT Ms. Lapinski inquired regarding where to find committee reports. Ms. Aversa replied online. There being no further public comment or other business, Ms. Siskind moved the meeting to be adjourned. Seconded, motion carried. Meeting adjourned. 8-Aye Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier Assistant Secretary Borough of Ambler