Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes July 15, 2025 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER President Glynnis Siskind called the Ambler Borough Council meeting of July 15, 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. Henderson, Ms. Hughes Kelly, Ms. Roecker Coates, Ms. Iovine, Mr. Orehek, Mr. Hui, and Mr. Brubaker, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Borough Manager Kyle Detweiler, and Solicitor Breslin. IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS- AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Bernadette Dougherty 338 Tennis Ave asked Council to consider removing the tree at 95 E. Butler Ave. Discussion ensued. V. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the June 17thth Council Meeting were approved 9-AYE. VI. CONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS – NONE. VII. FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. Ms. Sheedy questioned if we were “on track” for this year. Mr. Detweiler confirmed that indeed we are. VIII. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT  A written report was submitted for the record. Detective Cassel offered that the Ford Explorer purchased in February is in service. IX. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. 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. Water & Highway Department Reports A written report was submitted for the record. C. Wastewater Treatment Plant Report A written report was submitted for the record. D. Code Enforcement Report A written report was submitted for the record. E. Manager’s Report- Kyle Detweiler A written report was submitted for the record. XIII PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS A. Engineer’s Report A written report was submitted for the record. Ms. Hughes Kelly asked a question regarding 24-26 North Ridge Ave. Mr. Kucher answered and explained the time frame. Mr. Detweiler further clarified. B. Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineer’s Report A written report was submitted for the record. Mr. Orehek gave congratulations for the new P.U.C. unit being fully operational. Mr. Evans gave an update on an employee milestone.  C. Solicitor’s Report Mr. Breslen offered that the Asbestos lawsuit against the Borough has been dropped. A. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Planning Committee – Elizabeth Iovine, Chair Ms. Iovine questioned an excessively high bill. Mr. Detweiler explained. 1. Motion to authorize payment of all bills as presented for June 2025 in the amount of $866,466.14. Carried 9-AYE. 2. Item For Discussion – Quotes for tree removal – Butler and Ridge. Ms. Iovine asked a question regarding trimming versus removal. Mr. Detweiler clarified that it depends on the health of the tree. Ms. Sheedy expressed support for removing trees that are a tripping hazard. Ms. Roecker Coates offered that trees not planted correctly need succession planning. Ms. Henderson asked if the restaurant owners had complained about the tree. Mr. Detweiler answered, “No they had not”. Discussion ensued. 3. Item for discussion – Ambler Theater loan Mr. Detweiler explained the terms and that the repayment date is 12/31/25 and that we were beginning negation of repayment. Council is in favor of pursuing negotiations. B. Public Safety Committee – Amy Hughes Kelly, Chair. Public Safety Committee considered no motions. C. Public Utilities Committee – Karen Sheedy, Chair. Public Safety Committee considered no motions. D. Parks & Recreation Committee – Jennifer Henderson, Chair. Parks & Recreation Committee considered no motions. E. Salary and Personnel Committee – Glynnis Siskind, Chair. 1. Motion – Appointment to appoint Ms. Mary Aversa to the open vacancy board position. Carried 9 AYE. B. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Henderson gave an update on the Food Systems grant, and what her committee would like to use the Grant money regarding garden improvement and expansion. Ms. Hughes Kelly remarked on how wonderful South Ambler looks and thanks to Ms. Henderson and her efforts, and the efforts of the Borough employees to keep it clean. C. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS Lindsey Daku 122 Greenwood Ave. commented on the I.C.E. activity in Norristown and the Borough. She questioned the law and wants to be sure that our PD is doing what they can to protect our residents. John Perry 234 N. Spring Garden Street also echoed Ms. Daku’s thoughts. Montanna Greenwood 234 N. Spring Harden echoed the previously expressed thoughts. Discussion ensured. Maria Ferro 32 Orange Avenue. Expressed a problem with her next-door neighbors who are running a halfway house that is not registered. She elaborated on the issues she has. Chief Borkowski offered his help. Anthony Gianetti 11 Center Street wants the agenda posted Friday. He offered observations regarding 220 S. Chestnut Street. James 11 Center Street echoed Mr. Gianetti’s thoughts and cautioned too much building and development in the Borough and flooding and infrastructure issues. Yolanda 200 S. Chestnut Street seconded all the previously expressed thoughts. Dawn 11 Center Street echoed the previously expressed thoughts regarding flooding. Anna Lee Lapinski 136 Rosemary Ave. offered thoughts and tripping on tree roots. Ms. Siskind made the motion to Adjourn the meeting at 8:55. Carried 9-AYE D. ADJOURNMENT