Borough Council

AMBLER BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes September 16, 2025 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER President Glynnis Siskind called the Ambler Borough Council meeting of September 16, 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. Roecker Coates, Ms. Iovine, Mr. Orehek, Mr. Hui, Police Chief Jeff Borkowski, Borough Manager Kyle Detweiler, and Solicitor Breslin. Ms. Hughes Kelly and Mayor Sorg were absent. Statement from President Siskind regarding the situation revolving around the Social Media post made by tax collector Jennifer Stompsky. The statement noted that a majority of Council members thought it best for Ms. Stompsky to resign her position as Borough tax collector. IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS- Michael Cassidy 49 School St. thanked Council for requesting Ms. Stomsky to resign. Gave his thoughts on the Pledge of Allegiance and reflected that we owe it to each other to do what is right. James Carnihan 135 N. Main St. a retired law enforcement professional had some comments for the Chief and his team. He was hoping they interviewed people who made comments and online threats. He is worried about a credible threat. Bill Thornton 39 Belmont Ave. asked if a special election would be held. He asked Council to consider a special election. Tom Homan 136 Park Ave. commented on his interactions with Ms. Stompsky in the past. He felt she was a pleasant person. He was upset with her Facebook comment and questioned what the deceased Activist Charlie Kirk’s offences. He feels the MAGA movement is the best political option. He wondered what took so long for Council to make a formal statement. He states that he could forgive Ms. Stomski but feels she needs to be held to a different standard as an elected official. Sandy Honeycutt 320 Euclid Ave. finished Mr. Homan’s statement stating that Ambler is a Democratic strong hold and commented further on his feeling around the social media post. He holds Council accountable for not making a timelier statement. He is looking for Civil dialogue in the future. Ms. Honeycutt’s thoughts – she was happy that Council reacted to Ms. Stomsky, she is very upset by her social media post and Ms. Hughes Kelly’s as well. Mr. Breslin explained why you cannot demand the resignation of an elected official. New legislation was issued in 2023, and nothing happened to change this. There are two options: #1 State legislature can hold an impeachment hearing. The state would not do that for a local official. #2 is the “Quo Warrinto” option proceeding with the DA’s office. Which also is unlikely to happen. • Neither of these options are available to us in this situation. Andrew Zimmerman 48 Church St. made comments on the statement regarding Martyrdom. Offered some quotes from the deceased. Shared some of his personal Christian beliefs. He feels that we all have a moral and civic duty to condemn the afore-mentioned rhetoric. Sharon O’Donnell 317 Edgewood Dr. had some comments for the Chief. Expressed her fear in the community even on her own street. Expressed disgust regarding the house on her street with the “86-47” sign – feels that is threatening and questioned whether that was considered freedom of speech. Pledged to be seen and heard at the polls. Offered her thoughts on Ms. Stomsky and the Democrats on Council. Matt Edgar 44 School St. asked for the resignation of Ms. Hughes Kelly from council. Is fearful for the unintended consequences from the circumstances around the social media post. He is concerned about the heightened threat level. He stated that he is a disabled Vet and is concerned for his safety given his proximity at home to Ms. Hughes Kelly. He wanted a statement from each individual council member. Michael Penna 233 Trinity Ave. wrote to the mayor and cc’d Ms. Stomsky. He didn’t agree with her apology. He doesn’t want an open dialogue with Ms. Stompsky. Hoping council will take ownership for their position. Steve Frustaci 329 Euclid Ave wants to see some consequences for the social media post and feels they need to be chosen carefully. Stated that people do listen to words. He reflected that we have a community where this shouldn’t matter. He reflected on the movement from the community to save Mattson Ave. school and the unity with no vitriol, no hatred. He feels Ms. Stomsky should resign. Feels council should have a serious talk with Ms. Hughes Kelly. There is no place for this in this town. Lindsey Zimmerman 48 Church St. expressed her feeling that the purpose of Government is to punish evil and reward good. In the absence of a responsible from Borough government people will believe what they want to believe. Jim Thompson 305 Lindenwold Ave. wants to bring perspective. He wondered what would  have happened if a post like the one in question was made against a school. It feels like the post was made by an adult who needs to behave more like an adult. Wanted to remind Council that they represent the community, and his tax dollars pay for Council. Jim Pasceri 100 N. Main St. Accused Ms. Stompsky of yelling profanities at his house. Allison Wolf 318 Rosemary Ave. expressed extreme disappointment regarding Council’s response. She wasn’t Council to think about how much trust has been lost. She urges them to keep the focus on the community. V. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the August 19th Council Meeting were approved 8-AYE. VI. CONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS – None VII. FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. A budget workshop was held at 6:00PM this evening. VIII. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT A written report was submitted for the record. 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.  Mr. Evans and Mr. Brown explained the WWTP and SEPTA improvements. Bucks County water and sewer is in charge and Gilmore is the Engineer, J.L. Bradley is the contractor. 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. Ms. Roecker Coates requested that a representative from the Ambler Theater give a presentation regarding the Anchor loan which is due for repayment at the end of 2025. XIII PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS A. Engineer’s Report A written report was submitted for the record. Mr. Orehek wondered about the bridge to the WWTP and its condition. Mr. Detweiler explained the plans and asked for a new proposed access point which is critical. 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 August 2025 in the amount of $966,311.46. Carried 8-AYE. 2. Motion to advertise the request for qualifications (RFQ) for the following positions: Borough Solicitor, Municipal Engineer (Borough & Water Quality, and Borough Auditor. Carried 8-AYE. 3. Motion to advertise the request for proposal (RFP) for Municipal solid waste & recycling collection service for the period from January1, 2025 through December 31, 2030. Carried 8-AYE. Mr. Detweiler commended Finance Director James Gambels for attending the training in Gettysburg.  Ms. Sheedy requested more context on the payment of the larger bills and written checks. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the report. Carried 8-AYE. B. Public Safety – Amy Hughes Kelly, Chair Ms. Roecker Coates has concerns regarding the upcoming Oktoberfest. The Chief reassured her that we have given the current climate consideration. C. Public Utilities – Lou Orehek, Chair 1. Motion to proceed - MCC EPS-1 & EPS-Electrical panel replacement. Carried 8- AYE. 2. Motion to proceed with the replacement of the water department utility truck. Carried 8- AYE. Mr. Detweiler explained the budget number for the truck. An acceptable replacement was found and is ready for purchase in the acceptable price range. Mr. Orehek questioned the motion for water control on upgrades to the control panel. Mr. Evans outlined the plans, explaining that there are 2 motor control centers, the upgrades were to facilitate equal distribution in the electrical panels in the building. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the report. Carried 8-AYE. D. Parks and Recreation – Jennifer Hederson, Chair E. Salary and Personnel – Glynnis Siskind, Chair Tuesday September 9, 2025, and executive session was held regarding a personnel issue. Ms. Siskind made a motion to accept the report. Carried 8-AYE. Public Comment: Lindsay Daku 122 Greenwood Ave. had a question about the Mascaro contract and the parameters for environmental sustainability. She wants the E.A.C. included in the discussion. Mr. Detweiler explained that the Borough would like some competitive bids and didn’t want to set the parameters to be too narrow to jeopardize that competition. Mary Spross 366 Forest Ave. Congratulated the borough on its quick action in remediating the cooking oil spill in the Rose Valley Creek. She also commented on the removal of trees on private property on Valley Brook Rd. and really wants Council to adopt a tree ordinance for the Community. Joe Herron 10 Hendricks St. wondered what the progress was on the fire alarm decibel level, and had anything been done about it yet? Mr. Detweiler explained that staff is meeting with the FD leadership and are waiting on the County for more guidance. Annalee Lapinski 136 Rosemary complained about the meeting format feels like the Q&A section is censored. Ms. Siskind responded the Q&A portion at the Committee meetings will revert back to the prior format with a Q&A section after each committee report. Kevin Rangers 258 N. Spring Garden had a power grid question regarding the abundance of power outages in his area. Was wondering if there is anything the Borough can do to address the issue, Mr. Detweiler responded that he will address it with his connections at PECO. Ms. Siskind made the motion to Adjourn the meeting at 8:15. Carried 8-AYE A. ADJOURNMENT