MINUTES  Borough of Ambridge Workshop Meeting ofl Borough Council  Tuesday, January 23rd, ,2024-6:30PM  I.  Call to Order /Roll Call Present: Mr. Basalyga  Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Mayor Miller  Also Present: Mario Leone, Fire ChiefLarrick, Lt. Chickos  II. Pledge of Allegiance  III. Public Comment on/off Agenda Items (5 minutes per speaker)  John Thomas - 607 Maplewood Avenue - The demolition on 600 block ofMerchant Street, the concern isi it'sa a hazard for pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic has been forced out into the street. Suggested establishing aj pedestrian bypass with jersey barriers in parking spots. Mr. Cafarelli spoke with another resident regarding the same situation. Mr. Cafarelli asked Mr. Leone ifthere is a time limit for demolition permits. He stated that the property owner has taken legal action against the contractor. ChiefLarrick spoke with thej property owner, and hei is taking action to resume the demolition. Anne Bacher 956 Beaver Road - Point ofinformation, regarding the social media position, is the part-time position included in the budget? Mr. Leone advised that those  dollars would potentially be used for this position.  IV. New Business  1. Discuss/Consider, Action for the Solicitor Position.  Motion by Mr. Basalyga to remove the solicitor's duties from the firm of Amato & Start; Comment: Mr. Gill asked why we want to get rid of them when we just voted to retain them. Mr. Basalyga stated there were some issues while in negotiation, but maybe we have to further discuss this in Executive Session. Mr. Gill made a motion to go to Executive Session. Ms. Tessaro stated that action was needed on the initial motion before action is taken to move to Executive Session. Mr. Cafarelli stated that he had requested an Executive Session. Mr. Gill asked ifthis item can be tabled until an Executive Session. Mr. Basalyga asked ifl he could rescind his initial motion. Mr. Basalyga rescinded his motion to remove the current solicitor, then motioned to move to Executive  seconded by Mr. Dunn.  Session; seconded by Mr. Cafarelli at 6:47j p.m.    Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion. Carried Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0 Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  2. Motion by Mr. Dunn to exit Executive Session at 7:22 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Cafarelli.  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  1. Discuss/Consider Action for the Solicitor Position.  Motion by Mr. Basalyga to remove the solicitor's duties from the law firm of Amato & Comment: Mr. Gill asked ifthere would be a motion to replace them; Ms. Tessaro stated  Start; seconded by Mr. Dunn. that would have to be a separate motion.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes No Yes No  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes No Yes 4-3  Motion by Mr. Basalyga to retain the legal services of. Joe Askar as Solicitor for  Ambridge Borough; seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes No  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 6-1  Comment: Mr. Cafarelli requested that a formal letter be sent to Amato & Start for their 23 years ofs service to the Borough. Mr. Gill asked if there were any other solicitors in mind? Ms. Tessaro had considered the solicitor for the Water Authority, but questioned 2. Consider Action to Reappoint Ann Ridley to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a 3-year Motion by Mr. Gill to Reappoint Ann Ridley to the! Zoning Board of Adjustment for a 3- year term that will expire December 31, 2026; seconded by Mr. Prentice.  whether that would be a good move. term that will expire December 315t, 2026.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0    3. Consider. Action to Appoint Rich Dobrosielski as the Borough Treasurer effective Motion by Mr. Cafarelli to appoint Rich Dobrosielski as the Borough Treasurer effective Comment: Mr. Gill asked what the bond amount is? Mr. Leone confirmed with Rich  February 2nd, 2024.  February 2, 2024; seconded by Mr. Gill. Dobrosielski that the bond amount is $210,000.00.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  4. Consider Action to Approve a 2-year contract extension for the Borough Manager. Motion by Mr. Basalyga to approve the 2-year contract extension for the Borough Comment: Mr. Gill asked ifanyone has reviewed the contract. Ms. Tessaro advised that itist the same contract with changes that were discussed in the last Executive Session. Mr. Gill asked what his regular hours are; Mr. Leone stated that his hours are whatever it takes to get the job done. Ms. Tessaro stated that Mr. Leone conducts Borough business outside of the Borough'sr regular business hours including times during his time off and vacation time. Mr. Leone assured Council that he works far more than 40 hours on behalf ofthe Borough. Mr. Leone stated he represents the Borough outside of! business hours to promote the activities within the Borough. Mayor Miller commended Mr. Leone's networking skills outside of Ambridge. Ms. Tessaro advised that she has been told at PSAB events that Ambridge has the best borough manager. Mr. Leone prides himselfon promoting the Borough and making a difference in Beaver County. Mr. Leone expressed  Manager; seconded by Mr. Dunn.  his appreciation of Council's support.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  5. Consider Action to not accept the two bids for the property located on 1100 Duss Avenue from Jason Pearce ini the amount of $302.00 and Duane Hall in the amount of$1,010.00. Motion by Mr. Gill to not accept the two bids for the property located at 1100 Duss Avenue from Jason Pearce in the amount of $302.00 and Duane Hall in the amount of Comment: Mr. Leone explained the results oft the bid opening. These amounts are grossly under the appraised amounts. We can now re-bid and hope to get higher bids. At that time, the bid can be accepted or negotiated at aj price that is acceptable. Ms. Tessaro asked what happens ifal buyer wants to put something on aj property that may not be  $1,010.00; seconded by Mr. Basalyga.  acceptable. Mr. Leone explained that process.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  3-    6. Consider Action to Re-advertise both the 1100 Duss Avenue #12-003-0413.000 & #12- 003-0413.001)and 104) Park Road (#09-005-0117.000) properties fors sale. Motion by Mr. Gill to re-advertise both the 1100 Duss Avenue (#I2-003-0413.0004 & #12-003-0413.001) and 104 Park Road #09-005-0117.000) properties for sale; seconded  by Mr. Cafarelli. Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  7. Consider Action to Re-adopt the 2013 Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Motion by Mr. Basalyga to re-adopt the 2013 Civil Service Rules and Regulations; Comment: Mr. Gill asked what this is about. Mr. Leone explained that it was to go back tot the 2013 Civil Service Rules and Regulations from February 2013. Requirement for years ofs service and certain scoring on testing. Copies will be made available to anyone who wants a full copy. This was voted to advertise back in December.  seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  8. Consider Action to. Advertise to Establish a new eligibility for Full-Time Police Officers. Motion by Mr. Gill to advertise for establish a new eligibility for Full-Time Police Comments: Mrs. Miller stated that Sgt. Sovich has put in his papers to retire in 3 years. She also stated that there is not a large pool of police to pull from anymore. We also have to fill the two part-time spots. Mr. Cafarelli had a question - he asked about the full-time position VS the part time positions budget wise = are we: still on track?) Lt. Chickos stated yes, but right now we have two officers off because ofi injuries we. had some overtime hours. One on light duty and one will be off for 6 months. Mrs. Miller stated that we need to bej proactive. Mr. Leone stated we need an eligibility list because anyone can give two weeks' notice and we should be ready with an eligibility list, ifyou are not ready with a list, it could generate additional overtime. We should also be ready for the fire dept. Mr. Gill stated you should always have a list and it's good for 3 yrs. Mr. Leone stated because oftoday'so conditions, people getting otherj jobs or moving away, the candidates aren't  Officers; seconded by Mr. Prentice.  always there. Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  9. Consider Action to Approve 4 Turtle Racing Event dates to be held at P.J. Caul Park.  on the 3rd Saturday (May-August).    Motion by Mr. Cafarelli to approve 4 Turtle Racing Event dates to be held at P.J. Caul  Park on the 3rd Saturday (May-August); seconded by Ms. Gilliam.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  10. Consider Action to authorize the execution/signing of the Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Agreement between Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Motion by Mr. Basalyga to authorize the execution/signing oft the Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Agreement between Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Borough of Ambridge; seconded by Ms. Gilliam. Comment: Mr. Leone stated this previously fell through the cracks and was never executed, therefore we are passing it with this motion. This certifies that local  the Borough of Ambridge.  government recognized the Historic District.  Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller Council Mr. Basalyga Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Gill Mayor Miller  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried Council Ms. Gilliam Mr. Prentice Ms. Tessaro Motion Carried  Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0 Vote Yes Yes Yes 7-0  11. Discuss/Consider Action tol hiring a social media/Website assistant.  Vote Yes Yes Yes Yes  Motion by Mr. Basalyga to discuss/consider action tol hire a social media/Website Comment: Mr. Leone commented that the website and Facebook pages need refreshed. The office staff doesn'thave the resources. The SOOFA can push the events around town, like the Turtle Races, businesses having an event. The Borough would still have the final say-so on what goes onto our social media. Ms. Tessaro commented that we should also have Instagram and Twitter accounts forj people that don't use Facebook. Mr.  assistant; seconded by Mr. Dunn.  Leone stated they would also take over our text messages.  V. Other Unfinished Business  1. IPMC-Ticket Ordinance for Zoning/Code Violations -  Mr. Leone stated that is progressing and Mr. Gill will be a part ofit as well.  2. Glenwood Properties    3. Mr. Gill asked about the tax for the charging station. Mr. Leone states that we do pay tax on the amount when someone uses the machine, but the amount is not real large. Mr. 4. Mr. Gill asked Mr. Leone ifhe was aware oft the Ice Cream Corporations giving $20,000.00 for Boroughs to help with their snow plowing. Someone asked ifit was like Bryers or Ben & Jerry's and Mr. Gill said yes. Mr. Leone thought it was Domino's Pizza helping to fill potholes and then they would put their logo on top of the patch, but he was 5. Mrs. Miller asked if we could get the crossing lines at intersections repainted. Some 6. Mrs. Miller asked if we could get a traffic study for traffic on the A&A bridge. Seems like there is a lot oftraffic. It's putting al lot of wear and tear on our roads drivers use to get to Route 65. Discussion concerning speeding vehicles and how to control the situation, speed bumps or other options of no turn signs were discussed. Suggestions were to take traffic tol Merchant Street or Duss Ave. Maybe street scape all the way to 19th 7. Mr. Cafarelli asked a question about the statis on the demo that is on Merchant. Mr. Leone states because it's aj public safety issue with lots ofkids going to the karate school right next door, he'll have Public Works & police chieflook into what can be done. A question was asked what does the owner oft the property intend to do with the property once the demo is completed. Mr. Leone stated that the owner has come to the Borough Office with drawings for a two-story restaurant he wants to put in - spending about 800- 8. Ac question by Mr. Cafarelli about our Borough Engineer- would he be present at the next meeting. Ms. Tessaro stated that he had surgery, but he should be back.  Leone will look into it further.  unaware ofice cream and would look into it. stayed nice but some are SO faded.  Street and let the traffic flow right onto Rt. 65 from Merchant.  900 thousand dollars.  VI. Adjournment All in favor.  Motion by Mr. Cafarelli to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Dunn;  NEXT MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL: Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024