Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES February 20, 2024 The regular meeting of Ambler Borough Council was held Tuesday February 20, 2024, at 7:00PM 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: Ms. Siskind, Ms. Welch, Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Hughes Kelly, Ms. Roecker Coates, Ms. Iovine, Mr. Orehek, Mayor Sorg, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski and Borough Manager Mary Aversa were also present. Ms. Henderson, Ms. Auerbach were absent. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Siskind made a motion to approve the Minutes of the Reorganization meeting January 2, 2024. Carried All AYE – 7 Ms. Siskind made a motion to approve the Minutes of January 16, 2024, Council meeting. Seconded. Carried All AYE – 7 Finance and Planning Committee – Ms. Hayley Welch Chairperson, Committee Members: Ms. Karen Sheedy, Ms. Lisa Auerbach, Ms. Elizabeth Iovine. The Committee will consider the following recommendation: To authorize advertisement of the transfer of the liquor license # R-15892 for Cantina Feliz to the former Lucky Well property located at 111E Butler Avenue. The Following Business was discussed: 1. The Borough Engineer’s report was received. 2. SEPTA hosted an open house for the Ambler Station Area Concept Meeting on January 30th at 6:30 PM at Borough Hall to solicit input from riders, residents, and businesses about the possibility for development of the underutilized areas of the SEPTA train station parking lot. 3. A presentation was made by Valley Forge Tourism. 4. On March 19th, Drew Shaw and Erin Landis of the Wissahickon Clean water partnership will make a presentation and discuss the process on a proposed resolution and Consortium process. Recommendation: 1. That approval is given to authorize advertisement of the transfer of the liquor license # R-15892 for Cantina Feliz to the former Lucky Well property located at 111 E Butler Avenue. Carried All AYE – 7 Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the report. Carried All AYE – 7 Public Safety Committee: Ms. Amy Hughes Kelly – Chair, Committee Members: Jennifer Henderson, Nancy Roecker Coates, and Lou Orehek 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 Code Enforcement reports were reviewed. 5. The committee discussed how to make Butler Avenue downtown safer regarding ride- share and delivery drivers. Committee comment: Ms. Roecker Coates asked a question regarding the delivery drivers, and whether the Chief had noticed any change. Chief Borkowski explained that indeed the patrol officers were aware and monitoring the situation. Discussion ensued. Ms. Aversa informed Council that the Frost Bite run had been postponed from last Saturday due to inclement weather and would take place this Saturday February 24th. Ms. Iovine asked a question regarding the uptick in motor vehicle violations. The Chief replied that the meter maid had been out on medical leave and had returned, which is the reason the violations are so robust. Ms. Siskind moved to accept the report. Carried All Aye – 7 Public Utilities Committee: Karen Sheedy - Chair, Committee Members: Haley Welch, Amy Hughes Kelly, Lou Orehek The Committee will consider the following recommendations.  1. Recommendation is requested to approve the request to adopt the Memo of Understanding to pursue information regarding the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) for PA program. Committee Comment: Ms. Welch expressed concern because the program was not tested in PA and there appears not to be enough tangible data regarding consumer protection. She feels this program may not be the right choice for the Borough at the current time. Ms. Sheedy commented that the “opt out” option was her concern. Ms. Welch made a point regarding the rate base and the “opt in or out” percentage. Would the Borough be afforded the same low rate if we had a large “opt out” rate. Ms. Iovine remarked that she is not comfortable giving them permission to gain personal information from PECO. Ms. Siskind commented that perhaps now is not the time and that the option should be revisited at a later date. Discussion ensued. Public Comment: Mark Setman 237 N. Spring Garden St. remarked that CCA in used New York. He feels CCA is worth considering and not a big risk. The following business was discussed: 1. The WWTP Engineers report was received. The Committee made no Recommendations. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the Public Utilities report. Carried 7- Aye. Parks and Recreation Committee: Jennifer Henderson – Chair, Committee Members: Haley Welch, Nancy Roecker Coates, and Lisa Auerbach The Committee will make no recommendations. The following business was discussed: 1. No Mow May Staff is working on the No Mow May program for 2024 it will run from April 20th to May 20th. Details will be posted on the Borough website. Committee Questions: Ms. Welch asked a question regarding the purchase of signs. Ms. Aversa answered that The Borough has some from last year. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the report. Carried 7- Aye Salary & Personnel Committee: Chair – Lisa Auerbach, Jen Henderson, Karen Sheedy, Elizabeth Iovine. The Committee make no recommendations: The following business was discussed: 1. An executive session was held at the Committee meeting. 2. A request was received from the Ambler YMCA to increase the contribution for the summer camp program. Committee questions: Ms. Sheedy questioned the YMCA’s contribution. Ms. Aversa answered that there was a discussion with YMCA personnel regarding the desired number. Mr. Yaghooty has confirmed that there is money in the budget to cover the contribution. Discussion ensued. 3. The current Committee Vacancies are as follows: Planning Commission 1 Seat Zoning Hearing board 1- Seat (Alternate) Civil Service – 1 Seat (Alternate) Appeals Board – 1 Seat Ms. Siskind made motions to approve the report. Carried All AYE – 7 Public Comment Ms. Iovine offered some kind words on the passing of longtime Planning Commission member William Mulroy. Bernadette Dougherty 338 Tennis Ave. questioned the time frame for resume acceptance for the vacant Planning Commission seat, and when the vote would take place. Ms. Aversa replied end of March beginning of April. There being no further public comment or other business, Ms. Siskind moved the meeting adjourned. Carried All Aye - 7 Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier Assistant Secretary Borough of Ambler