Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES September 17, 2024 The regular meeting of Ambler Borough Council was held Tuesday September 17, 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. Auerbach, Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Hughes Kelly, Ms. Roecker Coates, Ms. Iovine, Mr. Orehek, Mr. Hui, Mayor Sorg, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski and Borough Manager Mary Aversa, Solicitor Joe Bresnan were also present. Ms. Henderson was absent. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Siskind made a motion to approve the Minutes of August 20, 2024, Council meeting. Seconded. Carried 8 -Aye. Finance and Planning Committee – Elizabeth Iovine - Chairperson, Committee Members: Karen Sheedy, Lisa Auerbach. A public hearing was held tonight on the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance that includes additional Uses, Aesthetics, Development Bonuses, and Architectural Elements. A vote was taken to adopt Ordinance #1140. Carried 8-Aye The Committee will consider the following recommendations: 1. That the August bills be paid in the amount of $983,335.23 as follows: General ($25,348.92); Street lights ($8,868.79), Fire ($0.0), Refuse ($60,107.87); Parks & Rec ($12,641.22); Water ($296,602.12); Sewer ($15,942.74); WWTP ($331,901.07), liquid Fuels ($922.50); Water Capital ($0.0); Voided checks ($0.0). 2. A public hearing was held tonight on the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance that includes additional Uses, Aesthetics, Development Bonuses, and Architectural Elements. A vote will be taken to adopt Ordinance #1140 3. Recommend approval of the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Ordinance #1141 that was advertised for adoption. 4 A presentation was given on the 219 Hendricks Street subdivision proposing a two-lot subdivision preserving the existing home. 5. Recommend approval of The Minimum Municipal Obligations (MMO) resolutions for 2025 for Borough Municipal Employees’ (Defined Benefit & Defined Contribution) and Police Pension Plans resolutions.  - Resolution 2024-10 Defined Contribution Pension Plan for the Benefit of Municipal Employees Hired after 1/1/14 - Resolution 2024- 11 Defined Benefit Pension Plan for the Benefit of Municipal Employees Hired Prior to 1/1/14 - Resolution 2024- 12 Pension Plan for the Benefit of the Borough’s Police Employees The Following Business was discussed: 1. The Borough Engineer’s report was received. 2. The new Zoning Hearing Board notice for 27 W. Butler was received 3. A presentation was made by Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC tonight. Committee questions: Ms. Auerbach asked if there was a difference in the report they had received and the report they were just given tonight. Mr. Beinhauer explained. Ms. Auerbach also asked what reference to the inverse in unassigned funds meant. Mr. Beinhauer explained that they were working through the particular with Gail. Mr. Orehek asked a question regarding government funds and the term restricted, also why a negative number was in the calculation. Mr. Beinhauer explained. Ms. Auerbach further clarified that the negative number is a result of a rule change. Ms. Aversa explained that the negative number comes primarily from the pension and medical costs of retired employees. Ms. Sheedy asked a question of Mr. Penna regarding the 219 Hendricks Street presentation looking for plans or a mockup drawing illustration the plans for development. Mr. Penna responded that when one becomes available, he will provide it. Public Comment: Shelly Brick 318 Forest Ave. asked a question regarding the T.O.D. ordinance and affordable housing grammatical phrasing. Bernadette Dougherty 338 Tennis Ave. expressed concern regarding the height allowance in the T.O.D. ordinance. Ashley Abel 31 Orange Ave. expressed concern regarding parking and the Septa proposed development. She expressed concern regarding and increase in traffic. Lindsay Daku 122 Greenwood Ave. asked a question regarding storm water management and the 219 Hendricks Street subdivision. Mr. Bresnan clarified. Recommendations: 1. Recommend that the July bills in the amount of $983,335.23 be paid.  Carried 8-Aye. 2. Recommend adoption of Ordinance #1140 for the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance amendments. Carried 8-Aye. 3. Recommend approval of the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Ordinance- #1141 Carried 8-Aye. 4. A recommendation is requested to approve 219 Hendricks Street subdivision Carried 8-Aye. 5. A recommendation is requested to approve Resolution 2024-10 Defined Contribution Pension Plan for the Benefit of Municipal Employees hired after 1/1/14. Carried 8- Aye. 6. A recommendation is requested to approve Resolution 2024- 11 Defined Benefit Pension Plan for the Benefit of Municipal Employees Hired Prior to 1/1/14. Carried 8-Aye. 7. A recommendation is requested to approve Resolution 2024- 12 Pension Plan for the Benefit of the Borough’s Police Employees. Carried 8-Aye. Ms. Siskind made a motion to adopt the report. Carried 8-Aye. Public Safety Committee: Ms. Amy Hughes Kelly – Chair, Committee Members: Jennifer Henderson, Nancy Roecker Coates, and Lou Orehek The Committee will make 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. Public works and code enforcement reports were received. 5. The Butler Avenue Traffic Study is complete, and the proposed changes are being reviewed. Chief Borkowski wanted to tell Council about the planned children’s activities for Oktoberfest. There were no Committee Questions Ms. Siskind moved to accept the report. Carried 8- Aye. Public Utilities Committee: Karen Sheedy - Chair, Committee Members: Amy Hughes Kelly, Lou Orehek, David Hui The Committee will consider the following recommendation. 1. Attached is the bid recommendation for the North Wales water main improvements and connection. The following business was discussed: 1. The WWTP Engineer’s report was received. 2. The Ambler WWTP is requesting quotes for the supply and installation of VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) for ALL 5 blowers as part of the digester conversions. 3. System flushing is underway, locations will be posted on the Borough Website. Recommendations: 1. A recommendation is requested to award the attached bid to Caddick Utilities LLC in the amount of $1,335,051.00 for the NWWA connection. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the Public Utilities report. Carried 8- Aye. Parks and Recreation Committee: Jennifer Henderson – Chair, Committee Members: Nancy Roecker Coates, Lisa Auerbach, and David Hui The Committee meeting was held on September 3, at 7:00pm. Committee Members: Jen Henderson - Chair, Lisa Auerbach, Nancy Roecker-Coates and David Hui. The Committee made no recommendations. The following business will be discussed: Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the Parks and Rec report. Carried 8- Aye. Salary & Personnel Committee: Chair – Lisa Auerbach, Jen Henderson, Karen Sheedy, Elizabeth Iovine. The Committee meeting was held on September 3, at 7:00pm. Committee Members: Lisa Auerbach – Chair, Jen Henderson, Karen Sheedy and Elizabeth Iovine. The Committee will consider the following recommendations. 1. Resumes were accepted for the Planning Commission vacancy. 2. A recommendation is requested to appoint Bruce Anderson to the vacant HRC position. The following business will be discussed: 1. The Water Operator 1 vacancy will be advertised. 2. An executive session was held at 5:30 this evening for a personnel matter. 3. Chief Borkowski requests authorization to begin the civil service testing procedures to fill an upcoming vacancy in the department. Recommendations 1. A recommendation is requested to appoint Bruce Anderson to the vacant HRC position. Carried 8 – Aye. 2 Resumes were received to fill the Planning Commission vacancy a recommendation is requested. A roll call vote was taken 5- Kessler, 2 Braccio, 1 abstained. Recommendation was made to appoint Mr. Kessler to the Planning Comission. Carried 8 – Aye. 3 Authorization was requested to move forward with the Personnel issue discussed in the Executive session. Carried 8 – Aye. 4 Authorization was requested to allow the Chief to move forward to begin the civil service testing procedures to fill an upcoming vacancy in the department. Carried 8 – Aye. Ms. Siskind made motions to approve the report. Carried 8 – Aye. Public Comment: Bernadette Dougherty 338 Tennis Ave wanted to know more about what was discussed at the Executive session. Ms. Auerbach explained the session was held to discuss hiring for vacant executive positions. Mary Thornton 39 Belmont Ave wanted to bring the feral cat problem on her street to Councils attention. She explained what was happening to Council. Ms. Siskind reported that they had found a state law that may help remedy the problem. Discussion ensued. Lindsay Daku Greenwood Ave. Asked for further explanation regarding the Stormwater management plan for 219 Hendricks Street. Mr. Bresnan further explained the law and ordinance. There being no further public comment or other business, Ms. Siskind moved the meeting to be adjourned. Carried 8 – Aye. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier Assistant Secretary Borough of Ambler