BOROUGH OF AMBRIDGE Council Meeting: February 11, 2020 Ambridge Borough Building  MINUTES  The February 11, 2020 meeting of Ambridge Borough Council was called to order at 6:30PM within Council Chambers oft the Ambridge Borough Building, 600 11th Street. Mr. Mikulich announced that the Council met for an executive session prior to this meeting to  discuss personnel and legal matters.  Roll Call: Present:  Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Mrs. Miller Mr. Mikulich Mrs. Tessaro Mayor Drewnowski Solicitor Start Mr. Cafarelli  Also Present: Borough Manager Kauer, Chief Romutis, Chief Gottschalk, Engineer Suehr and  Absent:  Invocation - the invocation was conducted by Mrs. Barbara Costa, Trinity School for Ministry.  Pledge of Allegiance Presentations - None  Citizen's Participation On/Off Agenda Items (5 minutes per speaker) along Merchant Street within the downtown are hard to see at night.  1. Mr. Tom Friend, 511 Merchant Street, expressed concerns to Council that the stop signs 2. Ms. Cathy Holler, 824 11th Street, questioned a $7 charge on the water bills. Mr. Mikulich advised her that, that feei is not al Borough fee and that she should direct that question to the Water Authority. Ed Dzubak, Water Authority Board Member, who was in the audience, stated that the feei is dedicated to replace capital assets of the Water Authority and that it was always 3. Mr. Doug McCombie, 638 Maplewood Avenue, questioned how residents could dispose of large amounts ofy yard waste and tree branches. Mr. Mikulich stated there is a special bin at 4. Lorianne Burgess, 570 Merchant Street, urged the Borough Council to apply for a COPS hiring grant. She would like to see some of our part-time officers get full-time positions. Mrs. Miller made the motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Mr. Dunn; a roll call vote was  part of the service fees assessed.  the Public' Works Facility where residents could drop off such materials.  Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes  January 6, 2020 taken:    Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried. January 14, 2020 Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried. Borough Bills and Expenses  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Motion was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mr. Dunn; Mr. Flannery pointed out a typographical error that he'd like to see corrected; a roll call vote was taken:  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Motion to pay the bills was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mrs. Miller; ar roll call vote was  taken: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.  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: $80,615.91 Paid: $30,878.38  Unpaid: $125.00 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $15,662.14 Unpaid: $7,915.91 Unpaid: $1,073.98 Unpaid: $3,144.28 Unpaid: $0.00 Unpaid: $0.00  Paid: $0.00  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried. Consent Agenda: separately. 1.  VOTE Absent 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 note expected to require further review or discussion. Items will be enacted by one motion. Ifdiscussion is desired by any member of Council, that item must be removed from the consent agenda and considered Motion to accept items 1 through 6 listed on the Consent Agenda; all were in favor.  Borough Financial Report acknowledge receipt of the Borough Treasurer's Report.  2    Treasurer's Report February 11,2020 Marilyn Sheleheda- Treasurer General Fund/ Analysis  $461,324.76 General Fund Bank Account Balance as of $340,743.62 Available Balance as of: February 11, 2020 -3:00 pm  February 11, 2020 -3:00pm  $120,581.14 AII (including todays checks) Outstanding Checks as of: Fehnay11,20-300pm.  Totals that cleared the bank area asf follows:  Deposits: 73 Checks Payroll (s)  $271,063.92 $394,282.34  General Fund Bank Debits: Summary: -whichi include thef following:  $230,804.79 $163,477.55  Other Fund Balances as of February" 11, 2020 3:00 pm Ambridge Bicentennial. 2024 Fund. Ambridge Fire Apparatus Replacement Fund Grants/Special Funds Sinking Fund  $250.00 $5,788.17 Ambridge Borough Drug Investigation Fund $1,952.04 $24,416.82 Escrowl Disbursement. Account $5,528.18 $11,780.13 Liquid Fuels Fund $35,830.27 Recreation! Fund $4,761.13  $90,306.74 Total Other Funds Balances (RestrictedUse) recommended by the Ambridge Police Department. 6., as recommended by the Ambridge Police Department.  2. 3. 4. 5. 6.  Authorize the dedicated on-street handicap parking space at 1141 Maplewood Avenue as Authorize the dedicated on-street handicap parking space at 917 Hazel Avenue, for Apt. Authorize conducting a Community Tire Collection Eventi in partnership with the Independence Conservancy on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Borough Building. Authorize the Ambridge Rotary Club to close Merchant Street, with parking restrictions, from 4th to 8th Streets on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 8:00AM to 3:00PM fort their Authorize the Ambridge Fireworks Committee to conduct the annual Independence Day  annual Car Cruise and CommUnity Festival.  Celebrations in' Walter Panek Park on Friday, July 3, 2020.  New Business Items for Discussion:  A. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2020-2, al Resolution of the Borough of Ambridge authorizing submission of a grant funding request tot the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the Henning Street Playground Project. Motion was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr.  Dunn; a roll call vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  3    B. Motion to authorize submission of Community Development Block Grants for 1) Business District Parking Lot Improvements (Melrose Lots), and 2) Commercial Demolitions of 316 6th Street and 435 Maplewood Avenue. Motion was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mr. Dunn; a roll call  vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr.Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Motion to authorize the disbursement of $3,118 to Merit Electrical Group for Invoice No. 8/Final oft the Merchant Street Streetscape Project, electrical work. Motion was made by Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mrs. Tessaro, Mr. Gill questioned the scope of this invoice's work. The Manager explained that thisi invoice was the only payment the Borough made for the streetscape electrical work as ity was for a change order for the signal pole at 8th Street. A roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  D. Motion to accept the donation of and authorize the Ambridge Rotary Club to erect a pavilion within the Merchant Street Central Park. Motion was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Flannery; Mr. Mikulich stated that the Rotary Club intends to dedicate this shelter to the memory ofMr. Whitey Mikush and that a plaque for such will be installed within the shelter mentioning  this. A roll call vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  : Motion to accept the resignation of Jeffrey Wood from the Historical Architectural Review Board. Motion was made with regrets by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mr. Dunn; a roll call vote was taken:  Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr.Flannery Mr.Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  F. Motion to authorize the purchase of a2 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor from McCandless Ford at State Costars Price of $33,839, and further authorizing emergency equipment upfitting from Ibis Tek. (Note: vehicle replaces 2018/ Ford Explorer that was involved in a collision on January 5, 2020.) Motion was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mrs. Miller; a roll call vote  was taken:  4    Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr. Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Mayor Drewnowski questioned that the 2020 budget called out for a purchase of a new police cruiser, sO thati in addition to the vehicle being purchased to replace the totaled cruiser, the Borough should be purchasing two this year. The Manager explained that he detailed this tot the Public Safety Committee that there is a deficiency in the cash flow to the Drug Fund that is leaving the revenue short to pay for the half of the car in which wel have been doing for the past couple ofy years. The Manager explained that this was also detailed within the Buget Report. He explained that cash flow needs to be improved and that the second cruiser could be considered in the coming months. The Manager explained in detail the purchase made possible by this motion and that the car totaled was not fully paid off, leaving the Borough short on the costs to replace it. o Code Enforcement Committee: Mrs. Tessaro reported that the committee met on January 23rd and everyone was brought up to speed on the staff roles everyone has and the various programs currently underway. She stated that rental inspections are currently underway for the year and that a special Electronic Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Mayor's Report: Mayor Drewnowski asked if his report could follow Public Safety The Mayor stated that Coffee with a Cop willl be after tonight's meeting at the Library. He also updated Council that one oft the new license plate reader sites is up and running on the Ambridge-Aliquppa Bridge, and that the equipment has been helpful in already solving two hit and run accidents within the Borough. He also stated two of our officers were injuring in a collision on Route 65 near the bridge at Merchant Street during an ice event. He asked Council to send al letter to PENNDOT asking for Bridge Ices Before Roadway" signs be Chief Romutis summarized the recent youth law enforcement forum at the High School. He Mayor Drewnowski reported that there have been 16 drug busts in the Borough in the past year and four in January. He also stated that he has four officers assigned to a Truck Task Force enforcing truck laws. He stated that he will have az zero tolerance for trucks not following the rules and driving on posted streets. Mrs. Miller questioned, didn't we always have officers certified and serving in these roles? Mayor stated yes. Public Safety: Mr. Flannery reported that the Committee recent met and summarized that Chief Gottschalk presented a 2019 Year End Report to Council on the Fire Department's activity. He reported that the AFDI responded to 349 calls for service with an average of 6-8 firefighters per call and a response time of 3-3.5 minutes in 2019. He stated that the firefighters participated in 966 hours of training and of all the property involved in fires last year, al loss of only $138,400 was sustained. The Chief reported that proactive Code Enforcement is making a positive difference mitigating fires and emergencies in the community. Hel highlighted examples of finding gas leaks on inspections. Chief Gottschalk reported that the AFD received a grant for $88,000 lasty year to install an exhaust system within the station and is working on an application to seek $156,000 for new air packs. Lastly, the Chief stated that for 2020 the AFD has a goal toi increase volunteer membership, get the firefighters Firefighter-2 certified and to replace the aging air packs.  Committee Reports  Event willl be held at the Borough Building on March 28th. Committee in thet future; Mr. Flannery approved.  erected on Route. 65. Mr. Mikulich stated that we'll send a letter. stated that the event was well attended and a success.  the Fire Department is doing an excellent job.  5    Mr. Flannery stated that the Committee is reviewing other grant programs to help fund public safety equipment. He also reported that all the Crossing Guards are doing a greatj job so far this year and discussed other issues including two officers riding in patrol cars at the same time, revenue in the Drug Fund and annual police firearm qualifications. The Mayor stated that the annual COPS Hiring Grant deadline is March 11. Mr. Flannery stated that manpower and scheduling are an issue worth discussing and that we must be financially responsible in considering applying for a COPS hiring grant. Mr. Flannery also reported that the Committee is still reviewing parking concerns on 10th and Glenwood Avenue. He also reported that an elected official police survey is being circulated. Lastly, he reported that there is a shortage of available part-time police officers. Mayor Drewnowski stated that we have an issue with low pay for part-time officers, saying they are paid $13/hour. He asked Council to consider applying for a COPS grant to hire two additional full-time officers. The grant would fund a portion of the officer's wages over three years. He stated that the grant deadline is March 11th and that hei is seeking Council's Mrs. Miller stated that for year's Mr. McCoy would point out that the Police Department would ask for additional hires saying that it will reduce overtime and part-time officer usage, and time after time there has been no change. She stated that the police budget is already very Manager Kauer explained part-time officer wages and stated that the part-time officers make on average $16-$19 per hour. Hes stated that $13 an hour is the training wage and that many Mr. Mikulich questioned the Mayor do we want to raise taxes to pay for additional police officers? Mr. Mikulich urged the Mayor to reschedule the officers to only put two on duty on Mr. Flannery stated that hei is concerned that after the last COPS grant, balancing the budget was an issue. He stated that Council needs additional information and budget clarification  approval to apply.  high.  of the recent hires skipped right over this step.  the daylight weekend shifts.  before a decision could be made. Public Works: Nor report. Parks: No report.  Engineer's Report: Engineer Suehr reported that the PENNDOT highway occupancy permit for the 8th Street ADAI ramps has been closed out. He also reported that hei is working Motion to accept the Official Reports; was made by Mr. Flannery, seconded by Mr. Dunn; a roll  with the Manager on developing estimates for 2020 road work.  Official Reports call vote was taken: Council Mr. Cafarelli Mr. Dunn Mr. Flannery Mr.Gill Motion carried.  VOTE Absent Mrs. Miller Yes Mrs. Tessaro Yes Mr. Mikulich Yes Mayor Drewnowski  Council  Vote Yes Yes Yes  Other Unfinished Business = Mrs. Tessaro reported that the Laughlin Library Board met on January 23rd and she highlighted many of the upcoming events at the Library including American Girl Doll Parties, Soup Cook-off on March 28th and urged the citizens to follow the Library on  Facebook.  6    Adjournment - Respectfully submitted:  Motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Flannery; motion carried unanimously  - meeting was adjourned at7 7:40PM.  /  Joseph Kauer Borough Manager r/S Secretary  7