Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes May 21, 2025 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER President Glynnis Siskind called the Ambler Borough Council meeting of May 21st , 2025, to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Jeanne Sorg led the pledge of allegiance. III. ROLL CALL Present at the meeting were: Ms. Siskind, Ms. Sheedy, Ms. Iovine, Mr. Orehek, Mr. Hui, Mr. Brubaker, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Borough Manager Kyle Detweiler, and Solicitor Breslin. Ms. Henderson, Ms. Hughes Kelly, and Ms. Roecker Coates were absent. • Solicitor Breslen called the Public Hearing regarding the adoption of Ordinance 1145 to order. Mr. Breslen presented exhibits and documentation to support and there was no Public Comment. IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS- AGENDA ITEMS ONLY There were no Citizen’s comments on agenda items. V. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the May 6th Committee Meeting were approved 6-AYE. VI. CONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS – Matt Beinhauer & Tim Mirra from Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC, presented the Borough’s 2024 Audited Financial Statements. • Ms. Iovine asked a question regarding the increase in Borough Assets. • Z & A responded that the increase was driven by revenue and expenses, and that the revenue last year was higher than the expenses. • Ms. Iovine requested that Z & A alert Council to any large differences from the year prior.  VII. FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. a. Ms. Sheedy asked if staff had pre-ordered items set to have the tariff increase. b. Mr. Detweiler answered that staff are doing their due diligence to shop competitively. c. Ms. Iovine asked for more clarity in more context to be discussed at the Budget meetings. d. Mr. Detweiler explained that staff is looking for a better format and that he and Mr. Gambel are actively working on the solution. VIII. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. • Ms. Sheedy asked a question regarding the uptick in fraud on the Police report. • Chief Borkowski had no explanation for the increase, there was nothing unusual in the police calls from the month to determine the cause. IX. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. • Ms. Sheedy noted that the FD is getting a new engine and was wondering if there was a “housing” celebration planned. • Consensus is that it is T.B.D. • Ms. Siskind thanked Ambler Main Street and the Volunteers for another successful Auto Show X. EMS REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. XI. INTER-DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Public Works Department A written report was submitted for the record. B. Manager’s Report- Kyle Detweiler A written report was submitted for the record. • Mr. Detweiler shared that he and Mr. Pagano are actively working on a parks plan reviewing the parks, reviewing the playgrounds, equipment etc. He also reported that he will be  attending the Borough’s meeting at the end of this month. • Mr. Hui asked a question regarding the Fire Station whistle. Mr. Detweiler explained that a decibel level study had been done, and the whistle operates at an acceptable level that will not cause hearing loss. He offered that some residents had hired an independent contractor to perform a sound study and that we are waiting on the results. Mr. Breslen further explained the history of the fire whistle and the reason for its continued use. • Discussion ensued. • Ms. Sheedy inquired regarding the compliance report and the time frame for its delivery. • Mr. Detweiler offered that it will be delivered. • Mr. Orehek asked a question regarding the maintenance of the streetlights and the location. • Mr. Pagano clarified that all the lights are located along Butler Ave from Main to Lindenwold Ave. C. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS A. Engineer’s Report A written report was submitted for the record. B. Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineer’s Report A written report was submitted for the record. • Ms. Sheedy asked if the UV at the plant was operational. • Mr. Detweiler offered that it is close to operational and that the rain caused the odor experienced this week. C. Solicitor’s Report - Joe Breslin D. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Planning Committee – Elizabeth Iovine, Chair 1, Motion to approve 2024 Borough Audited Financial Statements. Carried 6-AYE 2. Motion to authorize payment of all bills as presented for April 2025 in the amount of $2,2887,928.34. Carried 6-AYE 3. Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-06 – Adoption of Ordinance 1145 Amending Zoning Ordinance. Carried 6-AYE Ms. Iovine made a Motion to accept the report. Carried 6-AYE The Public Hearing occurred as advertised. B. Public Safety Committee – Amy Hughes Kelly, Chair. • Mr. Orehek conducted the report. Mr. Dougherty reported that the motions are regarding traffic calming studies, he further explained logistics and costs.  • Ms. Sheedy asked if a decision had been made regarding implementation of the traffic study. • Mr. Dougherty explained that yes it has been broken into short-term and long- term goals. Mr. Orehek made a Motion to accept the report. Carried 6-AYE C. Public Utilities Committee – Karen Sheedy, Chair. 1. A recommendation was made to approve authorization to bid the main Farm Lane and Schiavone water replacement project. Carried 6-AYE • Ms. Sheedy asked Mr. Smallberger to elaborate more on the project. • Mr. Smallberger went into detail on the timing of the project regarding PECO impending repairs. Ms. Sheedy made a Motion to accept the report. Carried 6-AYE D. Parks & Recreation Committee – Jennifer Henderson, Chair. Mr. Hui conducted the report. The committee discussed the Montgomery County food services infrastructure grant • Mr. Detweiler explained the Grant details, and offered we will apply for it. • Ms. Sheedy gave the floor to Amy Seponara from the Community Graden. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hui made a Motion to accept the report. Carried 6-AYE E. Salary and Personnel Committee – Glynnis Siskind, Chair. Salary and Personnel Committee considered no motions. Ms. Siskind made a Motion to accept the report. Carried 8-AYE E. OTHER BUSINESS F. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were no citizens’ comments. Ms. Siskind made the motion to Adjourn the meeting at 8:00. Carried 6-AYE G. ADJOURNMENT