Borough of Ambler

The Council discussed various departmental reports including those from the Police, Fire, Public Works, Water, and Wastewater Treatment departments. Key topics included new parking operations and kiosk installations, appointments to the Environmental Advisory Council, and authorizations for infrastructure projects such as EV charger upgrades and park improvements. Professional consultants provided reports on stormwater management and wastewater engineering. Financial items included approval of bill payment lists, ordinance amendments for water and sewer tapping fees, and a grant application for municipal waste management.

The meeting included budget workshop discussions prior to the main session. Key items reviewed included written reports from the Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Water & Highway, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Code Enforcement departments. Code Enforcement matters involved protracted issues regarding a property violating floodplain regulations and an unresponsive property owner. Council addressed traffic calming measures on Butler Avenue, including clarification on temporary striping. Committee reports covered several actions: the Finance & Planning Committee authorized a modification to the Ambler Theater loan agreement and approved payment of September 2025 bills. The Public Safety Committee approved Resolution 2025-10 for the LSA Grant application concerning police fleet maintenance. The Public Utilities Committee authorized the replacement of a water department crane truck, a supply agreement with the North Wales water authority, and approved a change order for Wells 2, 6 & 7 filtration plant, noting the overage is reimbursable via the MIRIA Grant. The Salary and Personnel Committee approved a Police disciplinary memo and authorized advertisements for Water System 1 Operator and Wastewater Mechanic 1 positions. Other business included the announcement of upcoming trash bids.

Key discussions centered on the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) ordinance, including clarification on the process and a vote to advertise the ordinance, with significant debate regarding proposed building height, stormwater management, and parking provisions related to the development. Council members also reviewed departmental reports from Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Water & Highway, and Code Enforcement. Specific actions included confirming commendations for police officers responding to a drowning incident, accepting a real estate agreement of sale for 24 W. Butler Ave., passing the 2026 Operating Budget, and authorizing the purchase of parking kiosk replacements. Furthermore, motions were passed to proceed with the design for MCC Replacement at EPS-4 & PS-3 and to accept a resolution dedicating a water system extension. In executive session, the Council addressed a personnel issue, leading to motions authorizing the Police Chief's contract and a two-day suspension for an employee. Public comment included concerns about parking availability on Mattison Avenue and Ridge Avenue.

Key discussions during the meeting included receiving reports from various departments (Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Water & Highway, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Code Enforcement) and consultants (Engineer and Solicitor). The Finance & Planning Committee authorized the notice of intent to award the solid waste and recycling bid to J.P. Mascaro and approved the advertising of the proposed 2026 Borough Budget, along with authorizing payment for October 2025 bills. The Public Utilities Committee moved forward with the Constellation Energy supply agreement. The Salary and Personnel Committee approved advertising the 2026 calendar and awarded a conditional offer of employment for a Water System II Operator position. Other business included an update on a toy drive and public comments regarding facility tours and future development.

The reorganization meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected and re-elected officials. Key actions involved the nomination and election of the Council President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem. The council also approved the official 2026 meeting schedule, encompassing both committee and business meetings. Furthermore, various professional services and borough staff appointments were confirmed, including the Borough Manager/Secretary/Open Records Officer, Treasurer, Auditor, and Solicitor. In other business, motions were carried to appoint Ambler Savings Bank as the depository for Borough funds and to designate the Council President, Treasurer, and Manager as account signatories.