-  MINUTES Council Chambers  Borough of Ambridge - Regular Meeting ofl Borough Council  Tuesday, February 13th, 2024- 6:30 PM  I.  Call to Order/Roll Call Present: Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Mrs. Tessaro Mayor Miller (6:35pm)  Also Present: Borough Manager Leone, ChiefDeLuca, ChiefLarrick, Borough Engineer Daniel  Slagle, and Solicitor Joseph Askar.  Absent: Mr. Gill  President Ms. Tessaro introduced the new Borough Engineer Dan Slagle from Nicholson Slagle II. Invocation - Rick Thornhill, Senior Pastor, New Hope Community Church Ambridge  Engineering.  II. Pledge of Allegiance  IV. Public Comment on/off Agenda Items (5 minutes per speaker)  Dave Bell - 800 15th St Ambridge, Pa  Mr. Bell made comment on what a great job the Council, the Mayor and Mr. Leone is doing getting new businesses into the Borough and how well the new Streetscape etension is coming He also commented on his tenure on the Ambridge Water Authority Board. He was surprised to see that the application date was extended, and he was the only one to get his re-appointment application in for the original closing date. He was concerned why he heard from people around town that he would not get reappointed. He was told that it was the AWA union was not happy with him because he was on the board that terminated and employee, and disciplined an employee because ofimproperly using equipment, which would have amounted to ai reprimand in his folder.  along.  For 24 yrs. the union was happy about their pay and benefits.  Pastor Rick Thornhill - New Hope Church 592 Beaver Rd - Ambridge, Pa    He made a comment on a situation he had at the church. He reached out to the Police Chiefand the chief was very responsive and sent an officer right away. The chiefcatches a lot of flak and is Mr. Leone responded to Mr. Bell. He stated that he could see Mr. Bell's point that there might have been some impropriety on extending the time for applications but as you canseeon tonight's agenda, we are appointing two spots that were not] previously filled on other committees. He suggested that ifl Mr. Bell wanted to serve the community there are still Board positions open. Mr. Bell stated that he will continue his concerns at the next meeting - he did not want to take up  doing a great job and is always willing to listen and help.  more oft the time allotted.  V. Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes  December 5th- Budget Meeting December 12th- Regular Meeting December 28th- Workshop Meeting January 2nd. Reorganization Meeting January 23rd. Workshop Meeting  Motion made by Mr. Cafarelli to approve the minutes from Dec. 5, Dec. 12:Dec. 28, Jan. 2, and  Jan. 23, seconded by Mr. Basalyga. No questions or concerns.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  VI. Approval to ratify and pay the Bills and Expenses:(For the month of February)  1. General Fund 2. Grants Special Project Fund 3. Recreation Fund 4. 2021 Capital Note 5. ARPA Fund 6. Escrow Fund 7. Drug Investigation Fund 8. Police Grant Fund 10. Bicentennial Fund  Unpaid: $168,047.59 Paid: $ 137,715.06 Unpaid: $ 2,760.00, Paid: $ 137,997.24  Unpaid: $ Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00  85.00 Paid: $  686.58  Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $ 38,000.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00 Paid: $0.00  9. Fire. Apparatus Replacement Fund Unpaid: $0.00 Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, séconded by Mr. Dunn.  Ms. Tessaro had a question for Mr. Leone about the. ADP charge. He said he would look into it. She also asked about the Civil Service charge, and Mr. Leone explained that it was a charge for the Civil Service Solicitor. Ms. Tessaro had a question about the riding mower getting repaired, Mr. Leone commented that was for the new push mower and the repair. Ms. Tessaro commented that the holiday pay was over budget already, Mr. Leone commented that there are codifications that was coded incorrectly. He'll make sure it's corrected; he didn'thave a chance  -2-    to review it himself prior to the packets being sent out. She asked about the tax collector's bond being paid -isitaone-time charge? Mr. Leone states iti is for Stacey Krol and for the Borough Treasurer as well. She asked Mr. Larrick about Engineering for Code Consultations- - Mr. Larrick wasn'tsure, but Mr. Leone will ask the bookkeeper to pull the invoice. Ms. Tessaro asked about the Health Dept billing, Mr. Leone said it'sa a one time bill for all the restaurant  inspections.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  Ms. Tessaro introduced the new Solicitor, Mr. Joseph Askar. He thanked the board for making him aj part ofthe community and he hopes that Ambridge will continue to move forward as it has Those matters included under the consent agenda are self-explanatory and are not expected to require further review or discussion. Items will be enacted by one motion. Ifdiscussion is desired by any member ofCouncil, that item must be removedj from the consent agenda and  been doing. VII. Consent Agenda  consideredseparale).  Motion to approve 2 Items listed on the Consent Agenda.  1.1 Borough Financial Report - acknowledge receipt of the Borough Treasurer's Report for 2. Consider granting approval for Youth Football League/Thomas Cephas to use the big Football field at Walter Panek Park Feb 13th thru May 31st from 5:301 PM to 8:00 PM  February.2024.  Motion made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  IY: New Business  *Ms. Tessaro stated that there willl be a change on item #7, it will not be an Ordinance, it will be 1. Consider Action to. Appoint Councilwoman Mary Jane Gilliam to the Civil Service Board as an  reclassified as a Resolution.  Alternate member for a 2-year term to expire December 31st-2025.  -3-    Motion made by Mr. Cafarelli, seconded by Mr. Dunn.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  2. Consider Action to Appoint John Ivancik as member to Zoning Board of Adjustment for an  unexpired term set to expire on December 315t2025. Motion made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  A question was raised about Mr. Ivancik being on the Planning Commission, Mr. Leone stated that he is on that board as well and should there be a conflict- - Mr. Ivancik would have to abstain  from a vote and there is an alternate as well.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  3. Consider Action to Appoint Geraldine G. Miller as a volunteer Ambridge Fire Police Officer.  Motion made by Mr. Cafarelli, seconded by Mr. Basalyga.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  4. Consider Action to Approve the Low Bid for the Merchant Street Streetscape Project as recommended by our consultants from SGA to Bronder Technical Services, Inc. in the amount of (Base bid: 4,973,902.01 minus Deduct. Alternatives D, F, and G. applied = $3,785,168.94)  $3,785,168.74  Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Dunn.  4-    Mr. Cafarelli asked Mr. Leone to explain this action. Mr. Leone states that they had 31 bids from contractors - 2 were over 61 million and 1 was over 41 million. We originally budgeted and took out bonds for 3: million plus some. ARPA money we had 41 million to spend. We will be eliminating some crosswalk markings and some planters to bring it down to the 4million dollar budget - the new streetscape will be going from gthto1 11th Street. We are working on separate funding for the extra block. There is also a grant for $450,000.00 for work on 11th Street which will be added. Mayor Miller commented that we are looking for the funding for the following year. Mr. Cafarelli commented that iffunding arrives while we are working on block #1, we can continue the work to 12th St. -it seems logical tol keep them working here while their equipment  is here.  Comment from the audience on how beautiful it is going to be.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  5. Consider Action toj purchase 6 park benches and 6j picnic tables for Henning Park at a cost of Question was raised about the quality of the benches and tables. Mr. Leone commented that we should  $8,000.00 plus shipping from Barco Products. get 10 yrs. out ofthem, they are powder coated. Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  6. Consider Action to Sign the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative Agreement Mr. Leone commented that this is a new health care insurance for the Borough and the decision to make this change to save the Borough almost $4,000.00 per month, maybe $40,000.00 ay year.  (PMHIC).  Same health insurance but better prices.  Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Cafarelli.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  5-    Motion Carried 6-0  7. Consider Action to Advertise for the Advertising of an Resolution 2024-1 entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement to participate as a member joining (PMHIC)  Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Dunn. Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Dunn.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  8. Consider Action to discuss signing Key Code. Agreement/Contract with Beaver County Humane A question was raised about the action by the ChiefofPolice. He explained the difference between the "ala-cart" fees and regular contract. Mr. Leone states that ifv we take this contract, we will get a key code to drop the dog off during the offhours, weekends and holidays - this $600.00 is for the keycode -P plus other fees--otherwise we are stuck. Otherwise, we. have to wait for them to come pick it up from our kennel and we don'twant tol keep them in thel kennel. This is an annual contract. The Chief  Society.  recommended both Key Code & Ala-Cart. Mr. Leone agreed. Motion made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Basalyga.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Vote Y Y Y Absent  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Vote Y Y Y  Committee Reports  1. Public Safety Committee - Mr. Prentice  Meeting was Monday morning, both fire and police chiefs were in attendance. Mr. Leone and Mr. Dunn were also there. They talked about parking permits and municipal parking lots. Mr. Dunn stated that they talked about removing the parking meters and make the permits annual since there is no money being put into the meters anyway. They are hoping to generate funds with the permits. Thej police chief comments that they would possibly do the municipal lots in the afternoon, he can't commit to a certain time. There will be more discussion concerning this issue about illegal parking  in the municipal lots without permits and how tol handle those vehicles.  2. Mayor's Report - Mrs. Miller    Discussion about the police department locking and unlocking park gates. Mrs. Miller states that the police are very busy, and maybe there is another option, for another department to open the gates. Mayor asked about the walkway - dumpster on 6001 block of Merchant Street = discussion about how long it's going to take to finish and barricades sO traffic can go around, and pedestrians will have to walk on the other side oft the street until it's finished. Mr. Cafarelli commented about the protection for the new: sidewalk and street - should be covered when bricks are dropping. Chief Larrick commented that he has al bond to cover damages. Mr. Cafarelli said we should have taken  pictures first SO he can't say he didn't do the damage.  3. Code Committee - Mr. Basalyga  Hel has nothing to report, they will set up a meeting. Mayor asked ift they could schedule ai meeting  around her schedule - she would like to attend. 4. Public Works Committee - Mr. Cafarelli  Meeting set for next week. No overtime for Public Works - good news for taxpayers. Comment  made that the one snow we did have the streets were cleaned at 5am.  5. Parks and Recreation Committee - Ms. Gilliam  They had ai meeting in January, all committee members and Mr. Leone was present, and they discussed the conditions oft the parks. They discussed Henning Park and what has to be finished and creating a sub-committee for events in the parks. They talked about putting benches in Park Rd park. They have another meeting scheduled to discuss splash pad opening and safety, rules and  regulations. It may be open and operational maybe April. Thanked the board for appointing him as Engineer.  6. Engineer's Report - Mr. Slagle 7. Solicitor's Report - Mr. Askar  He spoke of hearings that were: rescheduled. Mr. Leone commented on the item that was changed from an ordinance to ai resolution was the suggestion ofMr. Askar. Ifthey kept it as an ordinance- -it would have to be advertised which the cost is approximately $500.00 and it's al longer process - SO  right off the bat the new solicitor saved the Borough $500.00.  8. Manager's Report - Mr. Leone  He doesn't have a formal report since the last meeting. He discussed the new streetscape, the Henning Park grass planting and grant writing wellness center and senior center. We submitted requests for funds from Senator Casey and Fetterman. A new business in the historic district has reached out to him and he will be contacting the HARB. He discussed some code issues on buildings on Merchant that are being addressed. He also stated that a distillery is possibly interested in al building on Merchant. He also states that a dermatologist's office in the 500 block ofl Merchant and possibly another doctor's office in the old WMBA building in the 700 block ofl Merchant. The  mural on the 5th Street Park being completed.  X. Official Reports - Motion to accept Official Reports.  Motion made by Mr. Basalyga, seconded by Mr. Prentice.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli  Vote Y Y  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice  Vote Y Y  -7-    Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Motion Carried 6-0  Y Absent  Ms. Tessaro Mayorl Miller  Y  XI. Other Unfinished Business  Ms. Tessaro asked ifCouncil is using their Borough email, ifn not being used we should delete them. Mr. Cafarelli commented that we will be notifying all utilities - including AWA and AMA to check their lines ahead oft time. Mr. Leone said the gas company said their lines are good. Mr. Leone suggested that might be a good idea if we camera our own catch basins. Suggestions just sO the utilities don'thave to tear up the street right after the streetscape is finished. Mr. Cafarelli thanked Mr. Slagle and Mr. Askar forj joining our board. Mr. Prentice thanked ChiefLarrick: for showing him around the fire dept. Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Cafarelli, seconded by Mr. Dunn -  When is the deadline for the properties - it was March 7th.  XII. Adjournment All in Favor  NEYT MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL:  Workshop Meeting: Regular Meeting: Announcements:  Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 at 6:301 PM Tuesday, March 12"h, 2024 at 6:301 PM  Zoning Board of Adjustment Hearing on Monday, February, 26th at 6:00PM