Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes August 19, 2025 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER President Glynnis Siskind called the Ambler Borough Council meeting of August 19, 2025, to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Siskind 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, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Borough Manager Kyle Detweiler, and Solicitor Breslin. Mr. Brubaker and Mayor Sorg were absent. IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS- AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Lindsay Daku 122 Greenwood Ave. expressed her strong support for a tree succession plan. She commented on the importance of trees and appreciated the involvement of the E.A.C. Mary Spross 366 Forest Ave. echoed Ms. Daku’s previous comments. She reiterated her support for the tree plan and the importance of caring for mature trees. She also expressed her desire for Council to support the Historical Society with a $1000.oo donation Ashley Aker 31 Orange Ave. also expressed her support for the tree succession plan. Jim Neeley 230 N. Ridge commented regarding 220 S. Chestnut St. He noted that after his purchase of the property, the current tenants would stay through their lease. He gave more detailed description of the parcel, its current state and possible use in the future. Expounded on the benefits of new housing for the Borough. Rob Cardillo 300 E. Park Ave. noted that he is the newest member of the E.A.C. and offered commentary on the importance of trees to the Borough. Wesley Aber 31 Orange Ave, a practicing arborist, gave comment on the current trees on Butler Ave. and is in support of the succession plan for those trees.  Will Nassau 269 N. Ridge Ave echoed the importance of trees and stressed the importance of a succession plan for the trees. Mark Setman 237 N. Spring Garden St. commented on the trees and the need to care for them. He wanted to make the public aware of the order form for the E.A.C. fall tree planting campaign – orders due 8/28/25. V. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the July 15th Council Meeting were approved 8-AYE. VI. CONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS – Jordan Seigel Ambler Borough Intern reflected on her time working in the Borough Offices this summer. VII. FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. VIII. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. Ms. Hughes Kelly asked about the incident report, specifically #4 and #24 and if they were related. Chief Borkowski offered that progress was made, and arrests are in progress. Ms. Hughes Kelly questioned the bump in parking violations and traffic stops, wondering if it was a new initiative. Chief Borkowski confirmed that indeed it was a new initiative, and the new technology was just put into use. IX. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. Ms. Hughes Kelly asked a question regarding F.D. response time and if it was an average. Chief Borkowski replied that it was an average for response time. 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. Mr. Orehek asked if plans were being considered to improve the entrance to Riccardi Park. Mr. Pagano said yes, indeed they are. Ms. Hughes Kelly thanked the public works team for all their hard work. Mr. Pagano posed a question to council regarding the decorative blocks surrounding the trees on the Avenue. He explained that loose blocks will be removed, the mulch is showing cosmetic improvement around the tree beds. He also gave a report on the removal of unauthorized play equipment at Jean Thompson Park. Discussion ensued. 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. Ms. Hughes Kelly asked a question regarding the Regulating animals’ violation. Mr. Kucher replied that he would rather not comment on the violation. E. Manager’s Report- Kyle Detweiler A written report was submitted for the record. Mr. Detweiler offered that a new payment terminal was in use for all payments at the front desk. Ms. Roecker Coates asked how the D.V.I.T. visit went. Mr. Detweiler answered that the size of the report was reduced, and we are already working on items pointed out in the new report. Ms. Hughes Kelly asked a question regarding 24-26 North Ridge Ave. Mr. Kucher answered and explained the time frame. Mr. Detweiler further clarified. XIII 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. C. Solicitor’s Report COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Finance & Planning Committee – Elizabeth Iovine, Chair 1. Motion to authorize payment of all bills as presented for July 2025 in the amount of $860,011.70. Carried 8-AYE. 2. Motion to authorize the development of a succession plan for tree planting along Butler Ave. Carried 8-AYE. 3. The Committee did not recommend a vote not to amend the zoning ordinance to permit residential use in the Office Campus zoning district. Carried 8-AYE. Council opinion: Ms. Hughes Kelly is not opposed to continuing a conversation to allow additional use for the property, but she is not in favor of a residential zoning change. Mr. Breslin advised on procedure regarding the motion. Council for the landowner asked to table the motion until full council was present and was denied. 4. Motion to authorize a donation to the Wissahickon Vallet Historical Society for $1,000.00 in recognition of their 5oth Anniversary. Carried 8-AYE. B. Public Safety Committee – Amy Hughes Kelly, Chair. Council opinion: Ms. Hughes asked if there was a difference between the ordinances. Chief Borkowski explained the differences. 1. Motion to approve Resolution 2025-07 the revision to the parking violation fines. Carried 8-AYE. 2. Motion to approve Resolution 2025-08 an agreement between the Borough of Ambler and PennDOT for winter maintenance services. Carried 8-AYE.  C. Public Utilities Committee – Lou Orehek, Chair. 1. Motion to proceed with the EPR-1 & EPS-2 MMC Panel Change-Out proposal from Arris Engineering. Carried 8-AYE. 2. Motion to proceed with the water meter replacement and installation proposal from Rio Supply. Carried 8-AYE. 3. Motion to proceed with the Wastewater treatment plant roof replacement proposal from San Giuliano roofing. Carried 8-AYE. D. Parks & Recreation Committee – Jennifer Henderson, Chair. Parks & Recreation Committee considered no motions. E. Salary and Personnel Committee – Karen Sheedy, Chair. 1. Motion to offer a conditional offer of employment to Thomas Johnson for the available position of Wastewater Treatment Plant mechanic 1. Carried 8 AYE. A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS Anna Lee Lapinski 136 Rosemary Ave. asked about a Councilpersons absence. Lindsey Daku 122 Greenwood Ave. questioned the trimming of the tree outside the PD. Mr. Pagano explained that the tree and the vines covering it were scraping the police cars as they exited and entered the driveway. Mr. Detweiler explained that the officers couldn’t see past the vines and branches hanging. Mr. Pagano explained that the vines had been removed. Mr. Kucher offered that the person attending to the tree is a certified “tree tender”. Mark Setman 237 N. Spring Garden St. reminded everyone that the forms for the fall tree planting were located in the back of the room on the table. Ms. Siskind made the motion to Adjourn the meeting at 8:45. Carried 8-AYE B. ADJOURNMENT