BOROUGH OF AMBRIDGE Council Meeting: June 9, 2020 Virtual Setting on Zoom.us  MINUTES  The June 9, 2020 meeting of Ambridge Borough Council was called to order at 6:30PM, remotely and virtually on the website www.Zoom.us and via conference call.  Roll Call: Present:  Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Mrs. Miller Mr. Mikulich Mrs. Tessaro Mayor Drewnowski Engineer Suehr  Also Present: Borough Manager Kauer, Chief Gottschalk, Chief DeLuca and Solicitor Start Invocation - the invocation was conducted by Mrs. Barbara Costa, Trinity School for Ministry.  Absent:  Pledge of Allegiance Presentations -  Mr. Mikulich called for a motion to adopt a Proclamation.  Mr. Gill made a motion to table the motion regarding the Proclamation until Council can get together and talk more about it, motion seconded by Mr. Cafarelli; ar roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Citizen's Participation On/Off Agenda Items (3 minutes per speaker)  Mayor Drewnowski questioned the time limit for public comment, he stated that is used to be five minutes. Mr. Mikulich stated thati it was reduced to three minutes for the viral setting but will return 1) Mr. David Ninehouser, 1116 Duss Avenue, stated that he attended the March 10th meeting and then there was no talk about the upcoming COVID-19 pandemic, he was there to express concerns about the proposed Beemac Trucking Development He stated that he was troubled that there was no conversation then about COVID-19. He then explained that on May 31st there were peaceful protests in Aliquippa regarding racial inequities and police brutality andi it was then reported that the protests would move to Ambridge that day. Mr. Ninehouser expressed concerns and frustrations with a militia group that open carried riffles, dressed in tactical gear, and fortified al business on 10th Street here in Ambridge. He questioned this militia groups legitimacy and background. He stated there needs to be an apology to the  tot five once we return back to Council Chambers.  community regarding this group.    Mr. Mikulich stated that Borough Council had nothing to do with this group, it was not authorized by Borough Council; this was actions by a private business. He stated that the Borough has nothing to do with a private militia group and he had no idea they were coming to Mayor Drewnowski stated that he understands the citizen's frustration, and added that he, the Police Department, nor the Chamber of Commerce called this militia group to come to town Mrs. Erin Ninehouser, 1116 Duss Avenue, stated that she was appalled by the militia group in town on May 31st at Muscle's Gym. She called for a public apology to the. African Americans of our community that the actions of this militia group do not represent our community. Mr. Mikulich stated that the Borough is not responsible for this militia group or business's actions; he stated he is appalled as her. He added that Ambridge Council will never hire a militia group.  town.  and that he was appalled byi it.  She again called for a written apology. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes  May 14, 2020  Mr. Flannery made the motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Mr. Dunn; Mr. Gill questioned Council to see ifh he and Mrs. Tessaro need their own lawyer to represent them as the statement from Solicitor Start at the May meeting only represented five members of Council and not them. Mr. Gill stated that not everything in Solicitor Start's statement is correct, and that half of Mr. Gill's statement is not entirely in the meeting minutes. He added that not all of Council agreed to hire an Mr. Mikulich stated that all members of Council did have the opportunity to talk to Chief DeLuca before the May Council Meeting and that we couldn't all meet with him in person at the same time due to the pandemic. Mr. Mikulich stated that Mr. Gill had the opportunity to meet the Chief in the Mr. Gill stated that the process that we hired the Interim Chief of Police was not right. Mr. Mikulich stated that a process that wel have used ini the past was followed.  Interim Chief of Police from outside of the Department.  Public Safety Committee meeting before hand.  Mrs. Tessaro questioned ifs she needs her own lawyer, echoing the statements of Mr. Gill. She stated that she was never. advised to call Chief DeLuca before the May Meeting. Mr. Mikulich stated that he personally called Mrs. Tessaro before the May meeting and that she did not object to the matter. He stated that he advised her that if she wants to meet Chief DeLuca, he will arrange a meeting for both her and Mrs. Miller to meet with him and she did not have a problem with that. Mrs. Miller stated that she had a good opportunity to talk to Chief DeLuca before the May meeting, had no objection to the process and stated it was the same process used to hire Chief Romutis. Mr. Mikulich commented that Mr. Gill and Mrs. Tessaro dor not need their own lawyer, and that he is not going to put up with their criticism ift they don't understand how something works. Mrs. Tessaro stated the she was never told that Council was going to hire Chief DeLuca, and that Mayor Drewnowski stated that his full comments were not recorded in the May minutes. Manager Kauer stated that he is not a stenographer, minutes are not a verbatim record of the meeting and that if you want your prepared statements in the meeting minutes, they need to be provided to him after the meeting. Mr. Gill thanked Mr. Kauer for explaining this. Solicitor Start responded to these comments and stated that he will not stand for these untruthful allegations and that his May statement reflects the facts andi if Council wants a new lawyer, they  she had no issue with meeting and greeting him.  should fire him.  2    Mrs. Tessaro questioned is it facts or the comments of four people who attend the Public Safety Committee Meeting, is that a rumor? She said the Solicitor never called her. Solicitor Start stated Ar roll call vote was taken, those voting yes were with the requested changes added to the minutes:  that he chose not to call her.  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr.Gill Motion carried. Borough Bills and Expenses taken: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Motion to pay the bills was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Flannery; a roll call vote was  General Fund Grants/Special Project Fund Recreation Fund Escrow Fund Police Pension Fund Service Employees Pension Fund Firemen's Pension Fund Drug Investigation Fund Fire Apparatus Replacement Fund  Unpaid: $167,187.81 Paid: $16,016.84  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  Questions on the bills:  Mrs. Tessaro questioned why zeros are next to all funds numbered two through nine. Manager Mr. Gill questioned items on the Solicitor's invoice and wanted to know who was involved with conversations regarding the Police Department. Solicitor Start answered the Manager, President and Councilmen Dunn and Flannery. The Solicitor informed Mr. Gill that ifyoue ever have any  Kauer explained that there were. no bills for those funds to pay.  questions, please feel free to call his office.  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried. Consent Agenda: separately.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs.Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  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. Ifo discussion is desired by any member of Council, that item must be removed from the consent agenda and considered Motion to accept item 1 and 2 listed on the Consent Agenda; all were in favor.  1.  Borough Financial Report- - acknowledge receipt oft the Borough Treasurer's Report.  3    Treasurer's Report (June 9, 2020) Marilyn Sheleheda- Treasurer General Fund Analysis  $1,054,710.37 General Fund Bank Account Balance as of: $819,926.82 Available Balance as of:  -(June 9, 2020) -3:00 pm -(June 9, 2020) -3:00 pm  $234,783.55 AII( (including todays checks) Outstanding Checks as of -(Juneg 9, 2020) -3:00 pm  Totals that cleared thel bank area ast follows:  Deposits: Debits: 83 Checks &1 Transfers 2 Payroll (s)  $257,979.69 $547,862.82  GeneralFund Bank -whichi include the following:  Summary:  $403,432.36 $144,430.46  Other Fund Balances as of (June 9, 2020) 3:00 pm Ambridge Bicentennial: 20241 Fund. Ambridge Borough Drug Investigation! Fund  230.00 $1,218.48  $25,908.39 Ambridge Fire Apparatus Replacement Fund $12,227.49 Escrow Disbursement, Account $95,352.27 Grants/Special Funds $219,579.45 Liquid Fuels Fund $35,842.13 Recreation Fund $327,266.45 Sinking Fund  $717,624.66 Total Other Funds Balances (RestrictedUse)  2. A.  Authorize the Ambridge Crime' Watch to use PJ Caul Park on Thursday evenings starting June 25 through August 21, 2020 for their summer movies in the park program. Motion to authorize the advertisement and release for public bid of the 2021 Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Contract. Motion was made by Mr. Gill, seconded by Mrs. Miller;  New Business Items for Discussion: ar roll call vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  B.  Motion to accept thel lowest responsible bid received from Independent Enterprises in the amount of $51,113.751 fort the 2020 Road Program. (Bid Opening of. June 4, 2020, project includes paving of DPWYard (90% grant funded) and 10th Street between the busway and Glenwood Avenue.) Motion was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Cafarelli; a roll call vote was taken:  4    Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  C.  Motion to authorize the execution of an Agreement with the Beaver County Housing Authority for the biannual inspection and registration of all of their units within the Borough as part oft the Borough's Rental Registration Program. Motion was made by Mr. Gill, seconded by Mr. Cafarelli;  ar roll cally vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  D.  Motion to accept the resignation of Borough Manager Joseph Kauer effective July 24, 2020. Motion was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Flannery; Mr. Gill questioned what ifv we don't accept, will he stay? Mr. Mikulich replied that he wishes. A roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller No Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  E.  Motion to appoint Dennis Lapic to the Planning Commission with a term that would expire December 31, 2024. Motion was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Cafarelli; Mrs. Tessaro questioned ift this was advertised and when was his application received? Mr. Mikulich stated that yes ity was advertised. Manager Kauer stated that it was received last month around the time of  the Council Meeting; a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  F.  Motion to authorize the purchase of a tailgate salt spreader for Public' Works Truck No. 3 from US Municipal Co. in the amount of$3,615 to be paid for from the Special Project Fund per the adopted 2020 Budget. Motion was made by Mr. Cafarelli, seconded by Mr. Flannery; a roll call  vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  5    Committee Reports 1.  Public Safety Committee:  Mr. Flannery stated that Chief DeLuca recently completed an evaluation of the Police Department and that the Committee will be meeting soon to discuss this along with recent insurance claims Mayor Drewnowski questioned ift the evaluation will be on the Committee Meeting Agenda to discuss all points ofit. Mr. Flannery said yes, along with moving forward with body cameras for Mr. Mikulich stated that the damage to thei fire engine is estimated at $31,000 and questioned the Manager ift this is in the budget. The Manager said no and that hei is in the process of appealing this insurance claim denial and asked for some time to see what can be accomplished. Mayor Drewnowski thanked and welcomed Chief DeLuca. He stated that the two are working well together and that he again welcomes him to Ambridge and the Department. The Mayor read a  involving one oft thet fire engines and police cruisers.  the police officers.  2.  Mayor's Report  prepared statement regarding the militia group in town on May 31, 2020:  "This is a statement from the Mayor:  On May 30, 2020 at 7:14 pmlwas notified by Ambridge Police that they received a call from an outside law enforcement agency notifying us that a protest was going to start in Aliquippa at 10:00 am on Sunday, then proceed to Ambridge at noon, and then on to Beaver Falls. At7:15 pmlo called Chief Deluca to inform him, he stated that he would call the Ambridge Police At 7:50 pml called the Council President, Mike Mikulich. There was no answer, soll left a At7:53 pml I called Joe Kauer who said he would send an email to all of Council with the At 8:00 pm Mike Mikulich called me back and linformed him of the information we received about a protest coming to Ambridge and that Chief Deluca was notified. linformed him that Ambridge Police Department would NOT stop or intervene with the protest as long as it remained peaceful. At 8:23 pm Joe Kauer sent an email to all of Council and myself stating the information that was received and the police department plans that were being puti into place. Quote from Joe in the email "simply letting thet folks be unless something alarming happens (end quote)." At 8:37 pml I called some of the merchants that I had phone numbers for. One of them suggested Ats 9:34 pml spoke to Kim Villella, president of the Ambridge Chamber, informing her of the possible protest on Sunday. There is al lot off family owned businesses in Ambridge. She stated that the Chamber would send an email to the business owners that are members. Iknew that ifit was a local community protest, there would be no violence. After seeing what was supposed to be a peaceful protest in Pittsburgh turn violent, Ifelti it was my duty to ensure safeguards were put in place to protect life and property in Ambridge. Ap post was created on Ambridge Connection's community bulletin board social media page and people started blaming Council, the Mayor, and the Chamber for bringing a group wearing Camo and guns into town. That is completely untrue, and Iwas shocked to find out that they were in Council President Mike Mikulich reacted to the comments by posting on social media "It was the Mayor who put out the message to just his friends that a mob was coming which never happened.  Officer who notified me. message asking him to call me.  information.  thatlo call Kim Villella.  town.  Blame the Mayor (end quote)."  6    Idid notp put outi information toj just my friends and I NEVER used the word' "Mob." Mike Mikulich was fully aware of what was puti into place through the email he received and my Attacking the Mayor on social media with lies is unacceptable behavior from a Council President. Acouncil president should unite all elected officials as one for the best interest of Ambridge. I know he will disagree with me, but his actions and words prove differently. Mike, bring us together Mrs. Miller questioned the Mayor asking sO youy were not aware this militia group was coming to Ambridge before they came? Mayor Drewnowski stated that Mrs. Tessaro called himi the night before the proposed protest andi informed him that this militia group called her and asked heri if they were needed int town. She then called me to ask whatlt thought, he said that was a decision for the Public Safety Committee and then said no to them. Mrs. Miller said then both you and Mrs. Tessaro knew welli in advance that they were coming to town. She said shame on both of yout for not going tot that business and letting this happen. She is embarrassed that both the  conversation directly with him.  as a whole, not divide us." (END OF PREPARED STATEMENT)  Mayor and Mrs. Tessaro knewi in advance and did not stop it. Mayor stated that he did not know that they were coming.  Mrs. Miller read Mrs. Tessaro's recent Facebook post regarding this incident, highlighting that she was called Sunday morning by Iron City CRU and asked her if we needed their assistance. She said that she was in no position to give the go ahead sO she called the Mayor and they said it would be up fort the Public Safety Committee to decide, but later said no. She then reported that Mrs. Tessaro called Matt back. Mrs. Miller affirmed that Mrs. Tessaro knew they were coming and asked her why didn'tyou go tot that business owner and tell them not to come. Mrs. Tessaro stated that when she called the Iron City CRU team back, she did not ask what business they were going to go to. Mrs. Miller stated that iti is your business to ask what business Mrs. Tessaro commented thati iti is completely legal to open carry a gun and that it is not up to her tos go to a group or business to police this. She stated that ifs she knew the extent that this group was going to take here in Ambridge that day, she would have said no. She added that we can not legally say to this group that they can't come to Ambridge; people can walk up and down Mrs. Miller told Mrs. Tessaro that you knew what they were doing and coming, and she knows the constitution. She added that Mrs. Tessaro could have stopped this by going to the business Mayor Drewnowski stated that he agrees with Mrs. Miller and that he was not aware this group was coming in camo fatigues and brandishing guns. He stated that he was questioned ift this group is needed to help in Ambridge and that both him and Mrs. Tessaro told themno. Mrs. Tessaro stated that she did not think ity was necessary to have this group in town and told them no thank you, buta al business did request them, and they told her that the Iron City CRU group was going to stay inside the business. Mrs. Miller stated shame on you for not asking what Mrs. Tessaro stated that the Mayor did not cause hysteria by notifying people of the planned protests, it was precautionary. Mrs. Miller stated that if youy wanted to be precautionary,; you Mr. Mikulich stated that all of Ambridge Council was attacked on Facebook regarding this militia group in town on May 31st. Hei is not going to stand for it and take the blame. He stated the Mayor made the calls to the Chamber which concerned this business. He added that the Mayor got everyone alarmed, not Council. Mr. Mikulich stated that he is not going to have this arguing in  they planned on going to.  Merchant Street open carrying a gun ift they want.  owner.  business the group was going to in Ambridge. should have told the militia group not to come.  meetings in the future, this will not bring about any progress.  7    Mayor Drewnowski: stated that he never said a' "mob" was coming to town, the President said that. He stated the President of Council represents all of us and the town and that he should not make comments against the Mayor, we need to work together. Mr. Mikulich stated that he was really upset that people were blaming Council for this issue and that he defended Council. He stated that we are all on Council to make the Borough better and that we don't need to agree on everything buts said we need to stop bashing one and another, this isn't how we conduct business. He added that we do not need extra solicitors, thati is a ridiculous statement. He stated that the Solicitor's May statement was for five members of Council as the five members were being  condemned. Code Committee  3.  Mrs. Tessaro reported that commercial fire and home sale inspections have resumed. She stated that the March Electronic and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event that was to be held at the Borough Building has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2020. Mrs. Tessaro also reported that high grass has been a recent issue in town, 148 letters were sent out this past  month.  4.  Public' Works Committee Mr. Cafarelli reported the following:  Street sweeping is ongoing every other week. Parking enforcement is scheduled to begin the week of. June 15th. The Police Department willl be giving out warning notices in advance. News of the enforcement has been posted on the Borough website, Facebook page, WMBA Radio, Beaver County Times and at textr message Cleaned catch basins and swales throughout town on rainy days. Crew also emptied and logged collected debris in the catch basin nets in the French Point watershed Yard waste collections have been busy with citizens cleaning up their yards. Grass cutting of parks, borough properties, right of ways and abandoned properties is Crew planted new street trees on 13th and 14th Streets, replaced a dead one on 4th Troop banners have been hung for the year throughout town and the Borough Office Electrician is currently working on retrofitting the streetlights on Church Street to LED. He also made repairs to the streetlights on Merchant Street in the Historic District. Sign maintenance is on-going, replacing missing signs and repairing damaged Ongoing maintenance has been dedicated to filling potholes and repairs to multiple Foreman responded, marked and reported multiple PA-One Call requests.  will be sent out the Friday before.  area.  now underway for the season.  All playground equipment has been mulched for the year. Street and added two new shade trees to PJ Caul Park. is still accepting applications for new banners.  Equipment Maintenance: locations. alleys.  Truck 1- inspected, itr needed rear brakes.  5.  Parks and Recreation Committee  Mrs. Miller reported that all playground were recently mulched by DPW, potholes in the access road at Walter Panek Park fixed and that the road crew will be addressing concerns with the dog She also reported that the annual Fall Festival of Churches that is co-sponsored with the Chamber of Commerce will more than likely be cancelled this year due to COVID-19. She said there are restrictions on how many people can be at a gathering and that donations willl be hard to secure this year with economic impacts facing our business community. Mr. Cafarelli and Mr. Mikulich thanked Mrs. Miller and her family for their work with the festival  parkf fence.  each year that makes ita success. Engineer's Report - no report.  6.  8    Official Reports  Motion to accept the Official Reports; was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Flannery; a  roll call vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried. Other Unfinished Business: his first day addressing issues that weekend. planned tol be back in person in Council Chambers.  VOTE Yes Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Mikulich welcomed Chief DeLuca to Ambridge and thanked him for stepping into the role before Mayor Drewnowski questioned ift the. July meeting will be virtual on Zoom; Mr. Mikulich said no, iti is Mayor Drewnowski stated that at the end of next month's council meeting on July 14th, the Ambridge Grocery Store Committee willl hold a drawing for (4) $25.00 gift certificates for those that returned their grocery committee surveys. He asked if that would be ok, after the meeting; there They Mayor stated that the committee hopes the results oft the survey willl help Ambridge get a grocery store. He stated that when he ran for Mayor, he never: said he promised a grocery store for Mrs. Miller stated to the Mayor that Council invites the Mayor to all of their committee meetings, why aren't they invited to the Grocery Store Committee meetings. She said she knew nothing of this committee other than a mention int the Manager's report. The Mayor stated all are welcome to attend his meetings and encouraged Council to attend. He willl let everyone know of the next Mrs. Tessaro stated at the May meeting the Administration and Finance Committee was discussed, and she reported that the last mention of this Committee was in the. January 2016 meeting minutes and its states all of Council are responsible for this committee. Mr. Mikulich stated that the Administration and Finance Committee never stopped existing and that every month the bill list section of the meeting is the finance report for the month. He added that the President of Council Mrs. Miller stated that iti is the role of Council President to set committees at his discretion; membership doesn't pick their committee assignments; they are appointed by the President. Mr. Mikulich stated that Mrs. Tessaro is referencing actions from 2016, iti is now 2020, he sets Mrs. Tessaro stated thati in the newsletter she had an article about the new Pet Finder program and askedi the public tos submit their pet's information to the Borough Office ify you want to bei included. Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mr. Dunn; motion carried unanimously  was no objection.  the town, he said he'll work hard to get a store.  meeting.  sets all committees and narrowed down the membership.  committees at his discretion.  Adjournment - - meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM. Respectfully submitted: DRAFT Joseph Kauer Borough Manager/Secretary  9