[0:23] No, I'm not here to be appointed for anything as you're just discussing. I was telling Kyle before we started here that I have done my time in these borough settings as I was the assistant manager of North Wales borough for a handful of years. So yet, no, no, no, I'm done too many of these. I love my daytime hours. Yeah. So I just wanted to come and give a quick introduction

[0:53] to myself and the organization, so I'm about a year into my time as Associate Director

[0:58] at Monco Sack. We're right over here on Forest Avenue in Spring Garden and Belmont,

[1:04] because if I guess that's Ford Street, we have the whole block. Big old, a hundred-year-old

[1:10] school building for anyone who doesn't know it. And basically in my first year, what I found was

[1:17] people saying, oh, we never knew what happened in that building. So it occurred to me that we need to

[1:22] get out in the community and spread our message of what we do and I thought the first stop ought

[1:27] to be, you guys to say, you're the people connecting with residents who can direct them

[1:32] to our services.

[1:34] So I want to make sure you all know what we do and who I am so you can give me a call or

[1:38] give us a call for whatever.

[1:40] So basically we have, we're a senior day center, everyone there's independent, where they come

[1:46] with a caregiver, it's not a resident, it's not a assisted living, anything like that.

[1:51] it's just day activities, recreation. We run a variety of programs. It's very

[1:57] easy resource as it's very accessible, $40 for the whole year. That's the

[2:02] membership, you can't really beat it. That gets you access to $2 fitness

[2:06] classes, also can't really beat it. I think if you you know went to any local

[2:11] studio, yoga, zumba, whatever, you're definitely coming out ahead by the end of

[2:16] year. One common misconception with us is we serve people 50 plus. So you don't have

[2:23] to be, you know, Medicare eligible or, you know, 65 plus, whatever, 50 plus we consider

[2:30] a senior. So that's either good news or bad news, depending on where you are. But the

[2:37] point of saying that is that we're really trying to reduce the stigma of the word senior.

[2:41] We're removing it from our name actually and we will be having a rebranding shortly.

[2:48] We're working on the finalities of that, but I can say we will be Monco active community

[2:53] centers very soon once we get all that paperwork filed.

[2:59] So we're looking at that changing kind of the image of what we are and what we do.

[3:05] We'll still serve 50 plus, that'll be our primary focus, that's still our mission.

[3:10] But it's trying to remove that stigma of all of you who just cringed and said I'm 50 plus, but I am not a senior

[3:17] That's fine. Come be active be an active agent as we like to say

[3:23] So as I said, we have not better active agent. No, we're we're market testing a lot of things here

[3:32] I'd some people said older adult and I didn't feel like that landed well either

[3:36] So, I laugh all the time because our executive director's probably mid-60s and he always asks me what do you think seniors want? I don't know Mark, what do you want? He doesn't like when I do that.

[3:48] So anyway, like I said, the point of coming out here today is to connect to understand what we do and to reimagine that viewpoint in everybody's mind of I'm not going to the senior center.

[3:59] Right, as I said, we have fitness classes, so Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, very popular, a couple

[4:09] of others that are, I will say, a little more senior-heavy, but all accessible the instructors

[4:16] are all, you know, trained to deal with any level of ability, so some people work in

[4:21] just a chair, some people stand, do a whole yoga thing, it's whatever fits your ability.

[4:27] We sort of launch every day.

[4:29] It's a $2 suggested donation for lunch.

[4:32] If you're under $60, it's $5.

[4:34] Sorry, it gets a little expensive.

[4:37] Still can't beat that anywhere.

[4:41] And then we have regular programming as well.

[4:43] We have art classes.

[4:44] We have an art therapy program with an art therapist.

[4:47] We have an intergenerational art center.

[4:50] So that is all ages.

[4:51] This summer we have kids camp.

[4:53] So if you got a kid who doesn't know what to do in the summer, like SART, sign them up for a kid's summer program,

[4:59] we're hosting a workshop with Amber Community Garden.

[5:03] Do a painting workshop in the garden. So one of our professional painting instructors will go there. So that's coming up.

[5:10] That's all over both of our social media so you can go out and sign up for that.

[5:16] And the art center runs, ceramics classes, painting classes, drawing classes, you name it.

[5:21] That's a regular tuition-based professional art center for all ages, and we really tie that to our mission with the intergenerational piece.

[5:31] And then lastly, we run Meals on Wheels.

[5:33] So, if you are an ambler and you call the county for Meals on Wheels, you most likely get us.

[5:40] There is another four-profit company that also runs it with a little bit different models, so you get the choice between the two of us.

[5:46] We're really looking to grow our impacting Ambler and the surrounding area because we

[5:52] run three meals on wheel sites, Norris Town Glendside, and Ambler is our smallest currently.

[5:59] That might be because of need, it could be needs-based, but we also feel it's probably just

[6:03] not getting the word out enough, and again, understanding what the meals program is.

[6:10] So if you have residents that are talking to you or a neighbor that you see, hey, they

[6:14] They could use some help, they could use meals, they can get them.

[6:18] We will find a way to get them funded.

[6:20] Some people are funded by the county, some Medicare, some pay for themselves, some are

[6:25] supported by donors.

[6:26] We have a lot of ways, so if you see something call, see something, say something, and we can

[6:32] get that sorted out.

[6:34] The meals program can be for anybody.

[6:37] You want to be a 40-year-old soccer mom who doesn't have time to make food, we'll drop

[6:41] a bunch of meals.

[6:42] If it's, you know, a seven-year-old homebound person, obviously that's our bread and butter

[6:49] there.

[6:50] So, that's kind of what we do, and who we are.

[6:53] I also want to give you a little bit of a sense of what's coming, and I know I'm between

[6:57] everybody in Margaritas, so I'm trying to keep it short.

[7:01] It is 100 years of the building this year, so looking to partner with the borough, with

[7:06] mainstream maybe, about doing something with celebrating 100 years of the building, started

[7:10] it as a school building. It was county offices for a while and then we came in. When I was

[7:16] a kid, I remember there being a playground there somewhere. I can't figure out where it was today,

[7:21] but my great-grandmother lived on Belmont right behind it, and I remember going and playing on

[7:25] the playground. So I remember it being a school building at least in image. I don't know if it was

[7:31] still a school. And we just had a feasibility study done by GKO Architects over their Nambler yards

[7:37] for major renovations to the building and the property.

[7:42] And so they give us a nice large project that we will seek funding for,

[7:47] but it turned into a capital plan for us that will be kind of a five-year capital plan to re-imagine

[7:52] not just what we do in the image of the center, but the actual center itself.

[7:58] So on the horizon, we're hopeful to get funding for redo of the front lawn,

[8:03] Add a garden, like another community garden essentially, and a walking path, albeit small,

[8:12] but a place to be outside, that's not a parking lot.

[8:17] So I say that with the idea, I don't have an ask tonight.

[8:20] I'm not looking for support for anything. I want to come out before I have to do that.

[8:23] But of course, in the future, you will probably see me again to say I need a letter of support

[8:28] or whatever it might be, for whatever funding sources we can find.

[8:33] We do, moncosac.org, soon to be moncoactive.org, but they'll link to each other somehow.

[8:42] Any other?

[8:46] Memberships a little hard to nail down because we run it as a Norris town and the Ambleer combined thing.

[8:52] But daily average attendance is about 50.

[8:55] So about 50 people a day coming to participate in activities, not everybody stays the whole

[9:00] day, right?

[9:01] Some people just do a fitness class and leave, that's great too.

[9:05] But it's about 50 people in and out today.

[9:11] We have a vendor, it's all, yeah.

[9:13] The vendor does schools and senior centers and things like that.

[9:18] I don't think anybody can ignore the absolute resource that of your Ambuler Art Center.

[9:24] I believe you're going to be about to start your summer programming there, and the most

[9:30] important wheel throwing.

[9:33] You need to get...

[9:34] You look at me and...

[9:35] Yeah, I would say, but you know, try and get your name on that list sometime if you're

[9:39] 50 plus.

[9:40] No, no, art centers all ages.

[9:42] You can get your name on the wheel throwing list any time.

[9:45] I mean, that just seems like the perfect thing to get some aggression out.

[9:49] Oh yeah.

[9:49] Yeah, two days of ceramics classes, wheel, hand building, we are in the fall, we will

[9:56] start evening programming as well for all of those that still work and are like, well,

[10:00] I can't come to a daytime program.

[10:02] We have finally solved that issue and in the fall, we'll have some evening program as well.

[10:10] Thank you.

[10:11] I appreciate the time.

[10:12] I will leave some brochures, flyers, whatever, do you have a place that you guys can stick

[10:18] on?

[10:18] That would be great.

[10:21] Thank you so much.

[10:22] That was great.

[10:25] We're doing a kill.

[10:27] All right.

[10:28] What's the week?

[10:29] It's a human sign.

[10:32] What do you think?

[10:34] Well, listen.

[10:34] It's about gave me.

[10:36] We need some targets.

[10:38] Okay.

[10:41] Thank you.

[10:42] Thank you.

[10:54] Thank you.

[11:01] That the public comments will be after each agenda.

[11:15] Well, as the only member of my committee here, I get to ask all my questions first, but the committee

[11:21] will not consider any recommendations at this time, but the following visits will be discussed.

[11:27] Number one, the borough has successfully completed its audit of liquid fuels funding for calendar year

[11:34] end 2024 and 2025. A formal letter from the PA auditor general is to follow. Number two,

[11:42] Zonkovski Axelrod is progressing on schedule with the boroughs 2025 audit. We anticipate draft

[11:50] audited financial statements will be shared with the committee in June. Are there any questions from

[11:57] Anybody on council about either of those two items,

[12:02] okay?

[12:04] We also have an item for consideration, and Kyle I will hand off to you.

[12:09] Ambler, borough, film, international, city slash county management, association, TV proposal, and closed.

[12:17] Take it away, Kyle.

[12:19] Sure, not a problem.

[12:20] So I am a candidate for ICMA's credential manager status in 2027.

[12:25] This is a multi-year undertaking, something I've been working on for a while.

[12:28] There's a lot of requirements for that process, but that's kind of seen as like the industry standard for local government management.

[12:36] I was part of the credentialing list for 2026 announcing for 2027 what they do with the credentialed list of candidates is a deep dive into the municipality that you're coming from, because they do a lot of promotional activities, they also do a major annual conference.

[12:59] which is a global footprint, has a global reach.

[13:04] And so they looked into all the things that our borough here has to offer.

[13:09] And they said, we'd love to feature the borough at our annual conference.

[13:13] And so that's what this proposal amounts to.

[13:16] This is a professionally shot, professionally edited film crew.

[13:21] You pick the date and when you want them here and they'll show up.

[13:24] They give you about nine or ten hours, a full day of filming with the crew, and makeup, and lighting, and everything.

[13:31] And they basically get it down to a five-minute 4K film that is for our use, obviously, but is also displayed and played for all at the annual conference, which is in Long Beach, California in mid-October, as detailed in there.

[13:49] So they also will give us several 90-second-ish clips that we can use for social media all the B-roll footage

[13:56] Everything that doesn't make the cut we get to keep so we can have some fun and play around with that

[14:00] Of course, there's a caveat and there's there always is the caveat is that we have to pay for it ourselves

[14:07] so

[14:09] As enticing and it's wonderful and as great as that sounds

[14:12] I told the representatives from ICMA and web's edge who does this that as certainly at this price point

[14:19] it needs to be a conversation at a higher level above my head and so I wanted to put that

[14:24] in front of everybody for your consideration this evening.

[14:27] I do think this is priced appropriately.

[14:30] If we were to go through the whole process of exploring this, I had already kind of said

[14:35] in my head, I think 30 to 35,000 is what you would expect for this level of time and attention.

[14:42] You know, but I think it presents an exciting opportunity.

[14:47] You know, I think there would be some conversations we need to have with administration and finance and some opportunities in the current budget.

[14:56] Maybe some, you know, shifting of, you know, this...

[15:19] Okay.

[15:23] I would love the idea of a video. It really brought up the idea of, I would love for us to have a video that we could use.

[15:30] The question I had was about who our target audience should be and what we want to feature.

[15:39] So this would be borrow accomplishments and policies and stuff like that.

[15:44] I was thinking of an alternative of hiring a local filmmaker getting quotes from a local

[15:49] filmmaker to promote more things like, you know, our festivals, our events, our stellar

[15:58] school district are, you know, neighborhoods and community activities with a target audience,

[16:04] not of other borrow officials, but of potential residents, businesses, investors and things

[16:10] like that. So I was wondering about the concept of a video with a completely different message

[16:16] and target audience that included our stellar policy. Did you happen to watch any of the YouTube

[16:22] two videos embedded in the link with the proposal.

[16:24] So that is the demographic.

[16:28] So the videos are shot to highlight the town.

[16:31] And they are done in a manner to present

[16:33] all of the reasons why you would want to be there,

[16:36] either visiting or as a resident.

[16:38] It is with the intent to highlight

[16:41] what your municipality is doing.

[16:43] It's not so much about legislative and ordinances

[16:48] and hey, we have this going on now.

[16:50] Now it's all of that, it's, you know, why Amble or why would you want to visit here?

[16:55] Why would you want to consider living here?

[16:57] It's meant to be like a highlight film for our town.

[17:01] Yeah.

[17:01] I also note that $7,000 of it is too broadcasted at the conference, essentially.

[17:09] I don't know how much more business or investments or publicity we would get out of spending $7,000

[17:16] dollars, having shown it, what is a conference and a website with global reach, I get that,

[17:22] but that also gave me a little bit of pause.

[17:27] I can certainly ask for more information on that line item and what exactly that entails

[17:32] and what we get for that.

[17:33] Or not to be overly capitalistic, but how much other, how many other businesses or investments

[17:40] have other boroughs gotten by having this film displayed at this conference right you know

[17:47] not everything has to have an ROI but how have they potentially used the video on other platforms

[17:55] for example. And I just did the zoom at the end of last week so I haven't had a chance to

[18:02] make contact yet with Limerick Township but I do intend to do that to get the same thing I was looking

[18:09] for, like you're asking about, you know, not that you can maybe quantify the ROI, but you

[18:14] know, what do you think you felt like you got back as a result of the investment?

[18:20] Yeah. I do appreciate that you're a member of this organization. You're promoting

[18:26] envelope to this organization. You're progressing through to a certification with this organization.

[18:30] I think all that's great. I just, oh, I always lean toward local people, especially filmmakers.

[18:37] So those are the questions I had.

[18:40] Does anybody else on council have any questions about this proposal or a concept?

[18:47] Thank you.

[18:49] So I appreciate you actually answered most of my questions about licensing and B-roll

[18:53] and how that all is delivered.

[18:55] It said one highlight reel, but you say several would be included?

[18:59] Yes, so the five-minute feature film is the, you know, crowning accomplishment,

[19:05] but there's several different piece together, 45, 60, and 90-second clips that you'll get the embedded link to which can be posted directly to our social media.

[19:18] There are four-matter design in such a way that they're supposed to be played on social media.

[19:23] And we have full licensing of all the raw footage as well that we can make whatever we want.

[19:28] Yes, so what would be the scope of that could we like could we ask them to go on the whistle can trail and like

[19:35] Get footage down there and like in every park if if we

[19:41] Agreed this and we say yes, there is a series or sequence of planning events and planning calls and zooms to take place

[19:47] And basically we'll talk through exactly that the game plan the strategy where we're going to start where we're going to

[19:52] You know who we want to have in there and what and all those things that can all be

[19:57] hashed out so yeah I think you know there isn't anything to say no to at this

[20:02] time and for what it's worth I do video production as part of my job and

[20:08] this is pair pricing yeah okay yeah and you know and Karen to your point

[20:13] earlier I mean we operate the same way you know if if we can get something from

[20:17] Denny Electric and not from Amazon you know we do these things too you know but

[20:22] but this is just a unique opportunity presented and I just want to

[20:25] elevated to all of you. Yes. We appreciate that. Anybody else have any other questions?

[20:33] There are answers. All right. Excellent. Do I now accept questions from

[20:37] the public about these agenda items? Right? Does anybody in attendance have any

[20:43] questions about any of these agenda items?

[20:50] All right. Seeing none, that's our

[21:01] The committee will not consider any recommendations at this time.

[21:05] The following business will be discussed.

[21:07] One, we have fully distributed all NOMO month signs and registrations are at capacity.

[21:13] Two, initial discussion about borough strategic plan.

[21:17] We have one item for consideration, a presentation from the Environmental Advisory Council.

[21:22] On their annual report, we'll be delivered at the May 20th, 2026 Council business meeting.

[21:30] So I guess the first thing we have, we're at capacity which is great.

[21:34] So we had a lot of, that's 20, right?

[21:37] That's great.

[21:39] And then Nancy, if you could, on the strategic plan.

[21:44] And this is just a preliminary discussion on what we are working on in committee and we

[21:52] hope to bring forward a recommendation in August.

[21:57] But coming back to the organizational assessment that we did, one of the priority recommendations

[22:03] was to develop a strategic plan.

[22:06] And it really is beneficial for us to develop a strategic plan in a conjunction or the same time around the same time he has the comprehensive plan because basically I'm just going to try to keep this short and hopefully in August we'll have some more documentation to bring forward.

[22:29] But the strategic plan will connect with the comprehensive plan, the comprehensive plan giving us the vision, the what and the why, but where do we go from there?

[22:43] The strategic plan is going to then provide a five-year guidance or mapping of moving forward, so it's going to give us the how and the what.

[22:53] So the benefit to doing a strategic plan is that, you know, municipalities who have had a strategic plan, along with a comp plan, like Phoenixville, they have, it has worked to their benefit to get more funding, either, you know, state or federal funding.

[23:17] So that would be the benefit of doing the strategic plan at the time.

[23:24] So I would really encourage everybody to, you know, keep a pulse on what the planning

[23:29] commission's doing, but the comp plan, when they have the fall open house to attend that

[23:36] because we'll, you know, hopefully moving forward with a strategic plan, we would be using

[23:41] some of those priorities from residents to help guide developing a strategic plan.

[23:46] So it will work hand in hand and that's why August we'd like to bring this for a full discussion on actually the guidance and

[23:54] You know more details on how we're going to you know, we recommend doing this

[24:00] So, you know, we would really be beneficial if everyone just stayed you know followed the comp plan

[24:07] You know providing input at meetings and or at the next open house because that that's a great way for residents

[24:14] to have their voices heard.

[24:18] Any questions from the committee?

[24:25] Any questions from the rest of council?

[24:28] Kyle, do you have anything that you want to add to that?

[24:33] With who we are as a borough,

[24:36] and our municipalities specifically,

[24:39] grant funding and the future of grant funding is critical to our mission

[24:42] and the success that we are going to have in future years.

[24:44] Often times when you apply for grant funding and you can specifically cite a comprehensive

[24:50] plan and or a strategic plan, that goes a long way because those who award the grant

[24:58] funding see your vision that you've done your homework, you've spent a lot of time

[25:03] effort and energy into this and you've identified these opportunities as a result of the feedback

[25:09] the direct input as you alluded to from the people who live here right so only

[25:14] good things can come out of this process and we're excited about you know what

[25:19] that looks like coming down the road

[25:24] other I guess other than that is there

[25:29] any questions or from the rest of council on anything else on the agenda no yeah

[25:41] So then are there any questions or comments from the public?

[25:49] That's our report.

[25:50] Thank you, David.

[25:51] And Nancy.

[25:54] Next we have parks, recreation and community relations.

[25:57] And tonight we have Lindsay.

[25:59] Yes, thanks, Liz.

[26:00] The committee will consider the following recommendations.

[26:03] Improvements and court resurfacing at Recarty Park.

[26:06] in closed items for consideration swing set upgrades to Locust Street Park and

[26:13] Jean Thompson Park design concept for uniform burrow park signage three is

[26:18] fencing around kids playground equipment at night park for Internet and security

[26:23] upgrades at Recardi Park so I'll go back to number one swing upgrades at Locust

[26:30] Street Park at Jean Thompson Park I think we're exploring needs and pricing for

[26:34] that at this point?

[26:35] Yeah, so we regularly inspect the chains and the physical swing, the part that you sit

[26:40] on and have fun, it's the A-frame that is cost for concern.

[26:45] So we're looking at a multitude of avenues for pricing relative to the physical structure,

[26:50] but the swings themselves are in normal, good working operation.

[26:55] Excellent.

[26:57] I did not, I let that happen to somebody much smaller, weighs a lot less.

[27:06] Design concept for Uniform Barrow Park signage, I think we requested a few options or quotes

[27:14] for multiple concepts, and then we're considering doing some sort of community engagement

[27:20] competition to include a community-made design or an artist-led design to get that in play

[27:27] as well.

[27:30] Any questions about any of those items?

[27:34] Yes, what would be the timeline on the artists, the local people for the park signage?

[27:42] That's a great question.

[27:43] I actually wanted to find out if we should strategically align it with a rebranding effort

[27:47] if we need to wait on rebranding that will go along with the website.

[27:51] I would agree with that.

[27:54] Do you have an updated timeline or any idea of when that will be happening?

[27:58] We have one more website vendor that we're waiting for pricing on, and once we feel like we have three quotes, then we'll move forward, accordingly, based upon all the recommendations and the feedback, yeah.

[28:13] Sorry, David, questions from the committee.

[28:17] on those four items yes not on those I did have questions on the Recarty Park

[28:25] resurfacing and I guess he doesn't just on that with the are we still having

[28:35] issues with vandalism over there yes regularly that's where the internet and

[28:40] and the parameters will come into play.

[28:43] How does that work with the timing of all of this?

[28:46] Because it looks like project timeline may

[28:51] through October.

[28:52] No, that's just, sorry, I've read that wrong.

[28:54] Construction limited.

[28:56] Am I reading that right?

[28:56] Construction is limited to may through October only,

[28:59] or is it?

[29:00] Correct.

[29:01] Okay.

[29:01] Which we're in may now.

[29:03] Right.

[29:04] So these guys are professionals, and they do this all the time.

[29:07] So they can move pretty quick and get it done, I think,

[29:09] within honestly two to four weeks once you schedule it out the full resurfacing so it's just

[29:16] a matter of you know saying yes in the start date so what we have with the security part of it

[29:21] is Comcast need to do a site survey and sites to visit to figure out the physical location of where

[29:27] the Wi-Fi and Internet capabilities will exist and then from there it's what is the security camera

[29:33] installation that we would do similar to how we have it at night park with the

[29:38] Wi-Fi system that's enabled there because you'd want to obviously protect

[29:42] that investment is there so at night park we have the block house is there

[29:48] something similar now is there going to have to be now that's why we need to do

[29:52] the site survey yeah okay thanks so are we saying that the Recarty Park

[29:58] resurfacing project is kind of-

[30:02] We should move forward with that. Yeah, it would be more so for, you know, council's consideration to protect the investment, right? We want to make sure that, you know, we know that you're putting this investment into this park and we get great eyes on it and great surveillance footage, so we can ensure that it's maintained and it's safe and accessible, you know, without repeated damage. We've gone through a slew of pickleball nets.

[30:28] That's just in my, you know, one year and a half here, so it's definitely on our radar

[30:35] and I think if we know that we have that security footage, hopefully that would start

[30:41] from future issues.

[30:45] The quote for resurfacing doesn't include any nets.

[30:49] Is there a recommendation for nets to be included?

[30:52] We have a separate net vendor that we use already, and if they weren't constantly

[30:59] vandalized, I think they would hold up for a really solid amount of time because it's

[31:04] the premier manufacturer of those nets, but they endorse some pretty brutal outcomes

[31:11] unfortunately.

[31:12] And do we currently have the permanent ones or the mobile?

[31:17] No, they're mobile.

[31:18] They're portable.

[31:19] That's for pickleball, right?

[31:20] Right.

[31:20] Okay. Okay. Okay. Um, questions on anything from the RSA Council. So my question is I, in

[31:30] this memo here, um, it's saying that the resurfacing is primarily for tennis and pickle

[31:38] ball. Um, that those courts have been, um, previously also used for street hockey type

[31:47] thing, it's soccer ball, if we're putting this kind of investment into it with a surface

[31:52] that's for Tennyson, will it be durable to withstand other usage?

[31:58] Yeah, so it basically goes to support, you know, two or four people who are engaging in

[32:06] this physical activity at the same time with the footwear and appropriate equipment.

[32:10] So, you know, that's, it's, it's a surface that's specifically designed for these sports.

[32:18] Right, but it only says tennis and pickle.

[32:20] And that's why I was just saying.

[32:22] Right.

[32:23] Yeah.

[32:24] The physical material to surface.

[32:26] So they wouldn't recommend, you know, obviously having cleats and playing a football game.

[32:29] That's the point of-

[32:30] Right, I just didn't see any of that set in here, so I just wanted to clarify.

[32:35] But I think that's good.

[32:37] Yeah.

[32:37] We are striping for those.

[32:38] Right.

[32:39] But just making sure that is durable, like because it's a, you know, it's a considerable

[32:43] investment and definitely, you know, a good one, but just making sure like it doesn't

[32:49] get.

[32:50] These, Vito and I heavily vetted these guys.

[32:52] They have a lot of great references and referrals and they seem to be, you know, who's doing

[32:58] the best work in Pennsylvania at the moment.

[33:01] Great.

[33:02] Thank you.

[33:04] Karen?

[33:07] Hi.

[33:08] I know it has been pointed out that this park is not my ward but it is our neighborhood

[33:12] park. A couple of questions. Number one, if it's possible to wait till after summer vacation

[33:20] and do this work in September, October, that would probably be good, just so the kids

[33:25] could play there over summer vacation. How are you going to secure it for the 14 days that

[33:31] the asphalt has to cure? Are we going to put locks on the gates or?

[33:35] They have that whole thing mapped out for us with their recommended strategy and avenue on how to accommodate that

[33:41] So, you know, we'll defer to them for what they have found success with dealing, but yes to your point

[33:48] It would be you know a lock on the gates. Right. Yeah, you know, they're secure fencing with locks that are unique

[33:55] You know, you know, you need code a key system that we can are the only ones who have access to yeah. Okay. All right

[34:02] Any chance of putting up a basketball hoop and having some like half-court lines?

[34:11] I can ask, but I just know that the, you know, again, the resurfacing, the actual content,

[34:20] the material, is for those sports specifically.

[34:24] I imagine they could play basketball on that surface, better that they could play like

[34:28] like in the street with the nets that are above our streets.

[34:35] We just don't want somebody having a three on three, 200 men, and then all of a sudden

[34:39] it voids our warranty.

[34:41] Yeah, and it works itself out for the multiple different purposes of that park.

[34:47] It has been challenging at times, especially when we first started allowing Pickleball I

[34:51] know.

[34:51] But that's all seemed to have worked out.

[34:54] Do you have any idea when the vandalism is taking place of the Pickleball nets?

[34:59] like I can, I can patrol that area with my big dog.

[35:03] Well, you just told me that.

[35:05] Yeah. Well, it would have to be when school is not in.

[35:08] I would at least limit it to that.

[35:10] I would agree to that, yes.

[35:12] And it was always multi-use, like you said.

[35:14] Yes.

[35:15] So I'm kind of thinking that the kids may go on there

[35:19] with their bikes and something with the nets

[35:21] or something like that.

[35:25] We're not sure.

[35:26] Okay.

[35:27] Let's get here to cameras and find out.

[35:30] There you go.

[35:30] All right.

[35:31] Perfect.

[35:32] All right.

[35:33] That's what I had.

[35:34] Thank you.

[35:35] Any other questions from Council?

[35:36] I'm going to go ahead and do the announcements.

[35:38] Oh, can I ask another question?

[35:40] Your thoughts on the design concept for the Barrow Park signage?

[35:45] When you talk about the possibility of two for us to discuss a community design competition or contest.

[35:54] Yes.

[35:56] Would that concept then allow for each park to have a different sign maybe that the community

[36:03] would be putting in based on the usage of that?

[36:07] You know what I mean?

[36:07] And I know some parks do it and it could be beautiful and you know the concept of that.

[36:12] I'm sure that would incur additional costs, but we could do that.

[36:15] I didn't know if that's what we were going with.

[36:18] I think the the the concept at least a even if the font or the color scheme is consistent

[36:24] We just want you to know that you know you're in a burrow park

[36:28] Right, right. I think it might be fun to have it own little like yeah design for you

[36:33] I didn't know if that was the direction like the committee was going with that

[36:36] I

[36:37] Can go so many different ways that are good and fun, and you know, thank you

[36:48] When we are getting quotes for the design, how are we soliciting those because there's

[36:54] a number of really good graphic artists in the borrow that I would love to have quote

[36:59] on this.

[37:00] So we use co-stars as a vendor for us, so there's a lot of great government contracts that

[37:06] are, you know, they do this type of things throughout all municipalities.

[37:10] We've also got some referrals, you know, some of the website folks that we've talked

[37:15] to have also referred us to not just sign makers but branding consultants and so you know that

[37:22] is one of the website quotes that we have has a branding consultation and wrapped into that with

[37:27] a separate firm so you know that would be my thought process you know once we've identified what

[37:36] that looks like from a branding website then it transitions out into the field and the signage comes

[37:44] the life. Okay.

[37:49] Community Relations, Public Service

[37:51] Announcements, Eagle Scout Community Service Project

[37:54] Request, Night Park Community Library Upgrade. David, if you'd like to speak,

[37:58] providing details about that. I think that would be Kyle. I did have a great

[38:05] conversation with Nate and his father last week and Nate is a local resident who's

[38:12] an Eagle Scout candidate. He said he was in a class of 30 which I thought was great.

[38:16] I thought a class of 30 Eagle Scouts, I think that's really remarkable and good for them.

[38:24] I hope that is a sign that Eagle Scout interest is on the rise.

[38:32] There's parameters within the project and scope and there's things that he's required

[38:36] to do.

[38:37] One of the things that he identified through this project analysis and the scope of work

[38:45] was improving the former newsstand, retired, you know, newspaper thing. That is the mini library

[38:54] that exists, the free library, the book there. So, you know, once you do a total design,

[39:00] an overhaul, once you put some native plantings, as well as potentially a bench,

[39:06] so you could sit there and read what's in the mini library. But he's got a lot of homework

[39:12] himself that he's working through and then his proposal he's going to put together formally

[39:19] that he's going to share with the group so and

[39:24] I was going to say you know and I obviously

[39:28] conveyed that if there were parts of the process that we could assist him with or assist him once

[39:33] he identifies you know where he thinks the bro could help we would obviously be happy to and

[39:40] finally

[39:41] Maddie and Dixon community covered smart food lockers project update enclosed

[39:47] Any questions from the committee on either of those items

[39:50] Yeah on on the smart does Maddie because it looks like there were two the

[39:56] Three or did I miss one?

[39:58] There's like a kiosk and that was like a 12

[40:04] Did they have a recommendation on which was the appropriate size the 12 the 12 and that makes sense for like the

[40:11] the amount of people that would use the space and the place that it would sit.

[40:16] Yeah, so we actually just talked to them and proposed right outside here adjacent to here

[40:23] where the garage is, taking into consideration some of the other concerns that have surfaced

[40:29] and access to the playground or having to come inside of the fencing to access or what could

[40:38] would be on the playground that may impact the locker.

[40:41] They do have these in existence on-site currently,

[40:46] but that's exclusive, again, to where they're located.

[40:49] So as they're trying to expand their region,

[40:51] expand their footprint, they want to

[40:53] additional locker space in part of town.

[40:55] So we think we have, or we know we have,

[40:58] the capability to house it here, to anchor it,

[41:00] run the electric through the wall that's requiring

[41:03] with minimal impact.

[41:05] Cool.

[41:06] Thanks.

[41:09] Exactly. And it's the curving sidewalk and everything is all ADA accessible.

[41:15] Okay, so you're talking about moving it to this side. Over here, right here.

[41:19] Yep. So we can avoid children to kind of play with the key

[41:21] ask, which is a touch screen, right? Yes.

[41:26] What? There's a key asking, right? With a touch screen?

[41:30] Kids are like attracted to touch screen. Okay, any questions from

[41:36] from the public. Step up, Mary?

[41:48] Mary Spross, 366 Forest. Just a quick question about the signage in Ambleer Barrow Park.

[41:55] There's already, I think, recently installed educational signage.

[41:59] Is this intended to replace?

[42:01] I don't know. If we were to replace it, we would have to have a more educational sign.

[42:05] I mean any sign that Council wishes to update or do anything too, but this really is just

[42:12] to identify the park that you're in, and not really mean to do anything more than that.

[42:16] So if you have additional signs for educational material, the intent here is not to replace.

[42:21] All right.

[42:22] Thank you.

[42:27] That's our report.

[42:29] Thank you.

[42:30] Lindsay.

[42:31] Next, we have public safety.

[42:33] Nancy.

[42:33] Okay, the committee will not consider any recommendations at this time.

[42:39] The following business will be discussed, the T2 kiosk delivery and new text-to-pay system

[42:46] updates.

[42:47] So I'm going to ask Chief or our parking officer for an update.

[42:54] The update is they're installed and accepting payments.

[42:57] Yay.

[42:58] Very good.

[42:59] And just a few administrative things we have to tack on the next coming days, but they're

[43:05] up and running, accepting payments, so.

[43:08] And any feedback from the public?

[43:10] We just got them in today, so I'll let you know.

[43:14] Okay, so in two weeks we'll have another tomorrow morning.

[43:18] Okay.

[43:19] All right.

[43:20] Night tonight.

[43:22] But yeah.

[43:23] All right.

[43:24] Thank you.

[43:24] Hopefully smooth sailing.

[43:26] Yes.

[43:26] Fingers crossed on this.

[43:27] A presentation of findings from items for consideration.

[43:32] A presentation of findings from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

[43:39] regarding a regional fire study that was completed will be given on Thursday, May 28th,

[43:45] 2026.

[43:47] And that is going to be at when at Mercy University Hall, Room 105.

[43:55] And why should you attend, and that would be to hear the recommendations from DCED experts

[44:02] and understand the future of fire, safety, and emergency response in our region, and then

[44:09] learn about potential operational efficiencies and shared resources.

[44:13] And then there will be a question and answer session afterwards.

[44:17] And Kyle, is there anything else the public would need to know?

[44:23] I actually did the flyer for all the municipalities so if you like it great if you hate it please keep your comments to yourself.

[44:32] So you know this has been in the works for some time. I would be remiss if I didn't give credit for the synopsis.

[44:44] The study itself is extremely lengthy.

[44:47] They did a very thorough, very detailed job and formal analysis, which is what I absolutely

[44:52] would expect coming from the D.C. day.

[44:54] But Mimi and Lowe were going to do this synopsis of the study herself.

[44:58] So I

[45:00] I take no credit for the material that follows the flyer there. You know, but I think it's a great synopsis of the data that's presented. The DCED's recommendation is to regionalize. And so they're not naive, though, to the challenges that that presents. And so they will be delivering their presentation, which we all did get a chance to share in before.

[45:27] and what, you know, the content of that's going to be.

[45:30] And the flyer does touch on all those key points,

[45:33] but, you know, I would say just because we're having

[45:41] this inter- municipal meeting,

[45:43] doesn't necessarily mean that action is imminent.

[45:46] This is guidance, just like a strategic plan.

[45:49] You know, there are formal recommendations

[45:51] that they're presenting.

[45:52] And then it's really up back to each individual member,

[45:55] entity and municipality for what next action steps everybody wants to take.

[46:01] And how do you see the fire companies proceeding after the public here?

[46:07] I can't speak on their behalf, you know, I know that I would just say to the credit for

[46:14] the DCD group though, they really did spend a lot of time with each municipality's fire

[46:19] response team and did a lot of homework, a lot of interviews, a lot of questions, a lot

[46:23] of time spent.

[46:25] So the analysis and the feedback in the report that's given is genuine,

[46:30] but the challenges to pull something like this off are very significant,

[46:37] and it would be a lot of heavy lifting for everybody involved.

[46:43] That was assuming the intent to regionalize is what the intent for everyone is to move forward.

[46:49] And it would be up to those four companies to come to a decision?

[46:53] Yes.

[46:54] Okay.

[46:55] Yep.

[46:55] There's nothing that we have to do.

[46:57] Not at this immediate time now.

[47:00] Should there be things that happen with, you know, funding and funding solutions and taxpayer

[47:07] revenue, obviously, with fire and services?

[47:10] They are 100% council decisions for council deliberation.

[47:14] But you know, the next few steps to a plan for, you know, regionalization lies with the service

[47:23] First departments, yeah.

[47:24] Okay.

[47:26] Any questions?

[47:28] Rest of council?

[47:30] Committee or council?

[47:36] Any comments or questions from the public?

[47:43] Okay.

[47:45] Thank you, Nancy.

[47:47] Next, we have public works, Lou.

[47:53] Okay.

[47:54] Committee will not consider any recommendations at this time.

[47:59] Two items to be discussed.

[48:01] Just one, there's an engagement letter, 2026, PUC matters.

[48:08] McNeese Wallace and Norton LLC enclosed.

[48:14] And then the second one is the Church Street Bridge Fence Proposal by everlasting fence.

[48:19] That is the road that goes over to the wastewater treatment plant from the church.

[48:25] Yes.

[48:26] I had a feeling people would want to know just where is that church.

[48:30] Yes, but the swingback on the engagement letter, my assumption is this is our work, the beginning steps of our work towards an authority.

[48:46] Yes and no, we are already with the PUC, McNeese, Wallace and Nurek, has been our PUC attorney for a long time.

[48:56] So, regardless of the intent of the future plans of the water, we still are a PUC entity.

[49:02] So, we still have mandatory regulatory agency requirements, legal requirements that we have to file and maintain.

[49:10] And McNeese Wallace and Nurek helps us with that.

[49:15] So, are they looking, I mean, is this something we should have did back in January to?

[49:21] No, it's just when the contract expires and when it renews.

[49:26] So it's a timing thing.

[49:27] It's not a calendar sensitive or a fiscal year end.

[49:31] This is when they've asked for their engagement letter traditionally.

[49:35] Okay.

[49:35] Yeah.

[49:39] All right.

[49:39] Any questions from the committee on that one?

[49:45] Any questions from council?

[49:48] Yeah.

[49:48] I have a question about the fence.

[49:50] Where exactly?

[49:51] is this where you go from church street over to the wastewater treatment plant that narrow

[49:58] area between Catech and in the so it's going to block off that whole section well it runs parallel

[50:05] to it it's not going to go across oh apparently got it okay so it's just keeping you from falling

[50:10] into the exactly I thought this was okay no yeah well a lot of people use that as an access way

[50:18] to the trail. That's why I was wondering. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Okay. Good. Any other questions?

[50:30] Any questions from the public on anything discussed? Oh, yes. We'll do that. You're right.

[50:37] And then items for consideration. The Burle will engage with GFT to work on obtaining grant funding

[50:43] necessary to replace lead and galvanized service lines as mandated by the PUC.

[50:49] There's actually grants out there for that.

[50:51] Yeah, and I told the APIs, and you better throw us something, I mean, if we got to replace

[50:58] 1100, I think it's important to say that we don't have lead identified.

[51:03] There's no lead in the system, right?

[51:06] But the PUC treats galvanized with the same ferocity as they would treat lead.

[51:11] they have their own reasons for doing that. So even if something were just to have galvanized

[51:17] tails as a fitting, that requires a replacement. So that's to the tune of 1100 lateral services

[51:25] that we need to take. And they're still towing around with the time frame timeline that we're

[51:30] going to have because we're waiting for their formal, you know, response to our plan. If

[51:37] if that's, if our proposal gives us enough time

[51:40] or if they want us to tighten it up.

[51:42] And so I said, well, if you're going to demand that,

[51:45] we do this in a quicker amount of time,

[51:47] you better be prepared to offer us some financial assistance

[51:50] to help us get there.

[51:53] But GFT is well versed in this.

[51:55] The lead service, lead service,

[51:56] a accelerator program has already been an EPA initiative,

[51:59] whether you are a PC entity or an authority.

[52:02] Everybody has to comply with this at federal mandates.

[52:04] So, they're very familiar with the types of grants and the things that we are and would be eligible for, so they're going to help us out.

[52:14] Okay.

[52:17] Any questions from the public?

[52:24] I skipped the committee questions. If you can't answer this, that's fine. The 1100 lateral services.

[52:33] Are they all in one particular ward or area? They're just scattered.

[52:37] Yeah, and because, you know, there could be any rhyme or reason why a lateral goes or a lateral gets replaced, you know,

[52:45] and so it's not unique or specific.

[52:50] Yeah, yeah, you got it.

[52:58] Okay, thank you, Lou.

[53:00] Next, we have open public comment period on non agenda items.

[53:05] So if anybody has any questions or comments, sorry.

[53:10] Non-agenda items, no anyone's choice.

[53:15] Okay.

[53:17] Yes.

[53:18] Hi.

[53:19] Joe Aaron, ten Hendrick Street.

[53:22] Just calling about here, again, about the fire alarm.

[53:27] I know we had a study that was done recently.

[53:30] So I just want to see where the progress is on changes,

[53:33] because we had a community come out here last year,

[53:35] And we produced a report that the level of sound of the siren is dangerous to our health.

[53:44] And we're still here.

[53:46] And the alarm is going off more times than ever.

[53:50] It's,

[53:52] you know, it goes off on all three times a day now.

[53:55] So I did read part of that study.

[53:58] And I just, I didn't see anything about the siren, anything like that.

[54:03] So is there any is there any what where are we at with the progress on?

[54:08] Having some compromise on

[54:11] Decidering things are being worked in the works right now

[54:14] We'll have enough when we have an update the committee will be it'll be on the agenda and the committee will provide the public update

[54:21] Okay, anything specific that we're looking at

[54:25] Nothing I can get into now. Oh, okay. Thank you

[54:28] So in the works means what weeks or months years? What what do you think?

[54:33] We're gathering the final pieces of information so the committee will

[54:38] Provide that when the students they have it meetings are being had that's all I can get into it

[54:43] Lifetime's are going by so if we can you know, you know, summer's are going by another summer

[54:48] Kids crying in their backyard, so if we could you know if we can create some urgency

[54:54] The residents of Walnut Lane and Hendrick Street would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you

[55:02] Any other comments?

[55:06] Okay. So before we adjourn, just a couple announcements. One, the farmers market begins this Saturday, the 9th, runs through October, just in coffee with the council.

[55:23] I'm sorry, November, but that's right, they do. I was thinking it was October.

[55:29] and your coffee with the council members is going to restart.

[55:34] So come out and have coffee with us.

[55:38] The other announcement is the car show on Sunday the 17th.

[55:44] Liz, can you give any information on that?

[55:48] If you're looking for volunteers or what's it's...

[55:50] Wow.

[56:22] And that runs through what time?

[56:29] Okay, and it starts in at,

[56:36] so 1 to 5.

[56:46] Okay, well, and thank you to the Amber Main Street for another fine event. I'm sure it will be and the last announcement is just a reminder that the Council meeting coming up in May will be on Wednesday, May 20th because the 19th is preliminary primary day.

[57:07] So we will have that on Wednesday, same time, same place.

[57:13] Is there any other comments?

[57:16] Nope.

[57:17] Okay.

[57:17] If I have a motion to adjourn,

[57:22] all in favor?

[57:24] Hi.

[57:25] Thank you for coming out.

[57:26] Have a great night.

May 05, 2026 Committee Meetings

Transcript