BOROUGH OF AMBRIDGE Council Meeting: March 12, 2024 Live Meeting - Council Chambers  MINUTES  I.  Roll Call: Present:  Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Mayor Miller  Also Present: Borough Manager Leone, Chief DeLuca, Asst. Chief Gorecki, Borough Engineer Daniel  Slagle, and Solicitor Joseph Askar.  Absent:  Mrs. Tessaro  II. III. IV.  Invocation - the invocation was conducted by Pastor Rick Thornhill of New Hope Church Presentations - MY Project - Marty Schafer - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Pledge of Allegiance  Question raised on when the program starts and ifit was just a summer program. Typically, it's a 4-day work week - Monday through Thursday. Mr. Schafer said this isj justa a summer program. Question raised ifity was kids with disabilities and have an IEP. Mr. Askar wanted to make sure ity would be ok with the unions. Mr. Cafarelli commented that he thinks Public Works employees would welcome the help. Mr. Schafer commented that they do help these kids financially as well when they apply for trade school or college applications. Another question about liability, Mr. Schafer stated that they cover everything there is nol liability. He states that all they need is Council's approval. No further questions, Mr. Schafer was  excused.  V.  Public Comment On/Off Agenda Items (5 minutes per speaker) John Thomas - 607 Maplewood Ave -Ambridge  Mr. Thomas spoke about the danger of the dumpster on the 600 block of Merchant St. Public Works put two yellow barriers at the site to keep people from walking in that area, but they are walking around the barriers. He suggested for Council to sit and watch that areai from across the street for any half an hour during the day and watch how many people walk around it. He talked about the rumors that the union was the reason he was not reappointed to the Water Authority. He isi in no way against unions. Sometimes things need to be resolved by filing a grievance, followed by a disciplinary action. He cited two other occasions in which the Board attempted to offer the union higher pay for various positions or shifts, but the union rejected both proposals. There has been some talk concerning the extension ofthe deadline for appointments to the Water Authority Board. Mr. Leone said that not just the Water Authority all board deadlines were extended. Mr. Bell noted that his application arrived on schedule. According to Mr. Leone, both applications, yours and the other applicant, were date stamped prior to the initial December 7  David Bell - 800 15th St. - Ambridge    deadline. As the chairman oft the board, you are responsible for overseeing the Water Authority's finances, and during your tenure as chairman, a million dollars was embezzled from the people,  Mrs. Miller remarked.  Mike Mikulich - 940 Ohioview. Ave. Ambridge  He mentioned the Ambridge Aliquippa bridge, and he spoke with the South Heights Borough Manager. The manager informed him that the County does not plan to renovate or replace the bridge, since doing sO would require spending more than $400 million. He mentioned that it took our fire department three or four minutes to arrive at the Crescent Township incident. In Hopewell and Aliquippa, our fire department responds to calls for mutual help as well. He requested that the Council continue to press the County Commissioners over the bridge, which is more than a century old. Mr. Mikulich concurred that they could place a weight there ifthe examinations reveal that the concrete is fractured, and Mr. Cafarelli said that they may shut it down. Mrs. Miller states she called PennDOT, and they said it's not their bridge and it's our  problem. There is infrastructure money out there, let's look into it.  VI.  Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:  February 13, 2024  Mr. Dunn made the motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Ms. Gilliam; a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y N  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  Mr. Gill noted that he voted No because he was not in attendance.  VII.  Borough Bills and Expenses  Motion to pay the bills was made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Basalyga; a roll call vote was taken:  1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.  General Fund Grants / Special Project Fund Recreation Fund 2021 Capital Note ARPA Fund Escrow Fund Drug Investigation Fund Police Grant Fund Fire Apparatus Replacement Fund 10. Bicentennial Fund Questions on the bills:  Unpaid: $117,665.71 Paid: $130,459.01 Unpaid: $4,234.65 Paid: $68,467.95  Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00  Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $16,478.29 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00  Mr. Gill asked about an invoice for Public Safety - budgeted amount VS amount spent for police overtime- are the amounts correct and asked about the December date at the top of the report? Mr. Leone commented that it probably is correct, there were some officers that were off. Chief DeLuca commented about the costs that are correct. Chief DeLuca commented that itr might be some reimbursable overtime in there that it not broken down, he will investigate it. Mr. Leone stated that the report shows January through December, buti it is accurate to date - the reportj just populates and shows December = iti is probably correct. Mr. Leone states that he will make sure next month it reads April not  December.  2    Motion made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Basalyga: a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 5-1  Vote Y Y Y N  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  VIII.  Consent Agenda:  Those matters included under the consent agenda are sell-explanatory and are not expected to require further review or discussion. Items will be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired by any member of Council, that item must be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. 1.Borough Financial Report- - acknowledge receipt of the Borough Treasurer's Report.  Treasurer's Report March 12, 2024 Rich Dobrosielski- Treasurer GeneralF Fund Analysis  $502,694.30 General Fund Bank Account Balance as of: $467,653.92 Available Balance as of:  -March 12, 2024 9:00 am -March 12, 2024 9:00am  $35,040.38 AII (including todays checks) Outstanding Checks as of: -March 12, 2024 9:00am  pleared the bank area as follows: Deposits:  $513,057.09 $400,404.44  General Fund Debits: Bank -which include thef following: Summary: 67 Checks  $94,500.66  2 Payrol $182,793.85 36 ACH/C $123,109.93  Other Fund Balances as of February 13, 2024 9:00 am  $18,811.13 Ambridge Bicentennial 2024 Fund. $18,560.92 Ambridge Borough Drug Investigation Fund $48,167.92 Ambridge Fire Apparatus Replacement Fund $56,208.03 Escrow Disbursement, Account $50.05 Fire Department Grant Fund $21,233.40 Grants/Speciall Funds $50.05 Henning Street Park- DCNR Grant $4,307.68 Liquid Fuels Fund $44,056.80 Police Department Grant Fund $47,692.57 Recreation! Fund $1,096,792.42 2021 Notes Capital Program $60.86 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) $28,808.73 Sinking Fund $1,384,800.56 Total Other Funds Balances (Restricted Use)  2. Consider granting approval for Youth Flag Football League to use the Walter Panek Park and concession Stand on April 20th and April 21st. Mr. Leone asked if they want to approve the other dates as well or just these two dates. Ms. Gilliam commented that the Parks & Rec. Board met with the Beaver County Football Youth League, and we received 3 different applications and there are traveling teams, we need to get clarification. Our police aren'ts sure of when their games or practices will be held, and the Borough could be liable. They are supposed to have a medic present and onei instance there was a person who passed out and it could have been  3    worse than it was. Mr. Leone noted that they are permitted to use the field for practice and Motion to accept 2i items listed on the Consent Agenda made by Mr. Gill, seconded by Mr.  tournaments June through August. Prentice: a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  IX.  New Business 1.  Consider Action to approve the High Bid to sell Borough Property located at 1100 Duss Ave - Parcel #12-003-043.000 & 12-003-0413.000- - in the amount of $3,110.00 by Duane Hall Mr. Gill asked about the appraisals, Duss Ave appraised at $30,000 & Park Rd @ $10,000.000. Mr. Leone stated it's only worth what someone is willing to pay. This was our 2nd run, first time around, no bidders on Park Rd and only at few hundred dollars on Duss Ave., this time only one bid each for Park Rd & Duss Ave. So, everyone is aware it costs the Borough money to maintain these properties each summer. In reality, empty lots are only brining $5,000.00 right now. He has no idea why the appraiser had such high values on these lots. Mr. Askar noted that there are two ways a municipality can sell property - you can listi it with a price or put it out for bid. The Boro has the option to sell to the highest bidder. He also commented that Council should remember that his property will now go onto the tax rolls and will start to generate tax monies. Mr. Cafarelli noted that those properties have been vacant for al long time. Mr. Gill commented that iti is being sold at 10% of the values. Mr. Leone stated that not only do we cut the grass on these properties, but we also have to carry insurance in case someone gets injured. When we decided to put these out for sale ouri intentions were to free up Public Works for other projects, and the process requires us to get the appraisals. Mr. Cafarelli commented that the signs "toi inquire within" were up for a while and we only received 2 bids on these after months. The first round of bids were only 2 or 3 hundred dollars and now he bid $3,000.00. A question was asked if he intended to build on the land. The answer was no, he owns al landscaping company, and his intentions are to landscape it and puta a sign on it referring to his company. Mr. Askar commented about putting a minimum bid on the property, you may not get any bids. He noted the old saying "a bird in the hand is better than 2 in the bush" - are we going to hold out for more money or accept the $3,100.00 we have now, what Motion to approve made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Basalyga: a roll call vote was taken:  would be the magic number. Council followed all the rules to sell.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 5-1  Vote Y Y Y N  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  Mr. Gill voted No because he felt it was too low a price.  4    2.  Consider Action to Approve the High Bid to sell Borough Property located at 104 Park Rd - Parcel #09-005-0117.001 in the amount of $1,500.00 by Crivelli Enterprises. Motion made by Mr. Basalyga and seconded by Mr. Dunn: a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 5-1  Vote Y Y Y N  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  Mr. Gill voted No because he felt it was too low a price.  3.  Consider Action to select EPA Brownfield Assessment Study Grant Project Consultant Stromberg - Garrigan and Associates (SGA) as recommended by Borough Manager Motion made by Mr. Basalyga and seconded by Mr. Dunn: ar roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  4.  Discuss Action to adopt Junior Council Resolution  Motion made by Mr. Gill, seconded by Ms. Gilliam: a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0 SchoolICollege Students)  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  5.  Discuss Action to Advertisement for Temporary/Part-time/Seasonal worker for Public Works Department. (Preference for Ambridge Student minimum 18 years of age High Discussion concerning part time VS full time - full time was not in the budget. Motion made by Mr. Basalyga and seconded by Mr. Dunn: a roll call vote was taken:  Mr. Gill stated that he wished it would be full-time.  5    Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  6.  Consider Action to approve opening the P.J. Caul Grant Fund Account with New Alliance Motion made by Ms. Gilliam, seconded by Mr. Basalyga: a roll call vote was taken:  Federal Credit Union. (Initial deposit amount is $140,200.00)  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  Committee Reports:  1. Public Safety Committee 2. Mayor's Report  Mr. Prentice stated they will set up a meeting prior to the April Regular Council Meeting. Mrs. Miller commented that the Borough Electrician would like something done around the Wilson/Glenwood Ave area- repairs on thei iron fencing that needs attention and maybe a memorial fort the American Bridge workers around the A& A bridge area- - maybe some grant money. She also noted that she is working on her Youth Outreach program for young people who might need help with drug dependence or mental health issues. She noted that we may have to be proactive with our police officers hiring full time. Also, she continued to comment that she received some letters from 8th graders suggesting Ambridge needs more ethnic stores and restaurants to accommodate different ethnic people. Asst Fire Chief Gorecki commented that they received the SCBA Cleaner that they ordered 9 months ago. This unit will clean their" self-contained breathing apparatus" better than they ever could prior andi it takes about 8 minutes. They also received the hose dryer that the Borough paid over $100K. Mr. Leone commented that he wants to do a press  release for recognition for our fire department.  3. Code Committee  Mr. Basalyga gave the report on how many Code letters were sent out and how many Rentals, Pre Sale Fire Safety Inspections, Code Sweeps were done in February. He also noted that they haven't  had a Code meeting yet, but they will prior to the next meeting.  4. Public Works Committee  Mr. Prentice reported that they had a meeting concerning the full-time VS part-time Public' Works help. They also talked about a maintenance schedule for Public Works equipment.  6    5. Park and Recreation Committee  Ms. Gilliam gave a report concerning the Ambridge Youth Football Assoc. and would like transparency with them. A Councilmen from Leetsdale came and talked about their Splash Pad and gave us some insight to the problems they had and some goodi ideas. Also concerning signage for rules and regulations. Mr. Leone commented that Memorial Day is the target date for opening - we will have the vendor will be on sight to work on any issues that come about, grass is being planted now, andi ift the weather is good and grass grows quickly with no mud Council may open its sooner. Mrs. Miller commented that there is not a drainage issue like the internet told everyone, butt the Borough is just doing landscaping right now. Ms. Gilliam also noted that they want to hold a Craft Show at the 8th St. Pavilion on April 20th. Mr. Leone stated it doesn't need approval, just put it onto  the Boro calendar. 6. Engineer's Report  Mr. Slagle gave his report concerning Columbia Gas directional drilling and running lines through storm sewers or sanitary sewers then gas can get into a home. He noted that Mr. Leone has been forthcoming with Columbia Gas, they will be videoing free of charge all the storm sewers are and he states that Mr. Leone has given him the flash drives with the information so their firm can take al look at cross sections and correct them before there is something terrible that happens. Mr. Basalyga asked about the lead lines. Some discussion about the lead lines whether residents have to pay to remove ori if there was grant money available. Mr. Leone noted that when it was done in Monaca while he was manager the Borough paid fori it because they were doing a street scape at the same time. Mr. Prentice had questions for Mr. Slagle about thet taps on the newest streetscape that  Ambridge is doing. 7. Solicitor's Report  Mr. Askar reported that the Mayor and the Police Chief are working on a few matters that we are trying to get settlements on, also ordinances and resolutions. He suggested ifanyone has questions to contact the manager. Mr. Cafarelli asked about Glenwood situation. Mr. Askar commented that he needed the file, and he received the file from Mr. Leone, and he will be working on it.  8. Manager's Report  Mr. Leone commented that he received information on the Façade Grant for $50K and willl be distributed among businesses on Merchant St. - 50/50 Grant and the maximum is $5K for each that applied. We also received word from the Community. Arts Grant that we will be receiving $15K fora a mural that abuts Henning Park. He also noted that the Bicentennial mural that will be ont the 5th St Park that will be erected in April - this was also thru the Community Arts Grant earlier in the year. We also received a $7.5K Grant from the National Realtor's Assoc. - Pa. Chapter - that paid for two college interns to do a mapping of rental units in Ambridge whether they are single family or multi- family units. He also states that Mr. Steve Roberts will be attending the Intern Fair in Pittsburgh in his (Mr. Leone) place as he willl be out of town that week. Mr. Roberts was also instrumental in obtaining the grant from the Realtor's Association. He also spoke of the Shell Mitigation Grant money, and solar panel money for the Borough. He also spoke of Federal appropriation funds, and  he commented that there is sO much progress in Ambridge. Official Reports - Motion to accept Official Reports.  X.  Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Prentice: a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill  Vote Y Y Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Absent  7    Motion Carried 6-0  XI. XII.  Other Unfinished Business: No unfinished business. Adjournment  Motion made by Mr. Prentice, seconded by Mr. Basalyga All were in favor of adjournment at 8:36pm.