Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Agenda

Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 Time: 6:30 p. m.

Borough Leadership

  • Mayor: Randy Datsko
  • Council President: Doug Tusing
  • Vice-President: Cecilia Houser
  • Members: Jeffrey Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Susan Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Murphy

Agenda Highlights

1. Consent Agenda The following routine items are recommended for approval by a single motion:

  • Reports: Approval of Inframark reports for Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operations.
  • Minutes: Approval of minutes from the July 28, 2025 regular meeting and August 14, 2025 special meeting.
  • Financials: Approval of the July financial statement and payment of bills for August (totaling $283,268. 68).

2. Appointments to Address Council

  • Item 2A: Derek and Chrissy Kauffman will appeal to the council regarding a request to keep chickens on their property at 609 East Crawford Street.

3. Committee Reports & Business

  • Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Committee:

    • Reports: Acceptance of Inframark reports for Wastewater and Water Treatment plants.
    • Waterline Replacement: Guyer Brothers has completed the project and is working on punch-list items.
    • Stormwater Project: A. Liberoni Construction received substantial completion; restoration is mostly finished with an inspection scheduled.

  • Recreation Committee:

    • YPCC Moisture Issues: The YPCC is facing worsening moisture problems. Bids for a ceiling liner membrane will be opened on August 25 at noon. Staff will present a tabulation sheet and recommendation during the meeting.

  • Streets Committee:

    • Parking Enforcement: The council is reviewing options to replace antiquated coin meters. Current enforcement of 2-hour free parking via tire marking is deemed unacceptable.
      • Options Considered: Updating large terminals ($80k initial + $12k-$20k annual), license plate readers ($300k initial + $12k-$20k annual), or a cellphone app (MeterFeeder).
      • Cost Analysis: The MeterFeeder option could cost the borough over $40,000 annually in fees and employee expenses.
      • Recommendation: Staff leans toward using MeterFeeder but notes additional research is needed. Other suggestions include changing parking hours or abandoning free 2-hour parking if costs are prohibitive.
    • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB): A contract was awarded to M and B Services, LLC. Construction began recently, with hopes for functionality by the first full week of September.

  • Administration Committee:

    • Public Works Director Vacancy: The position is being advertised with a salary range of $65,000 to $85,000.
    • Acting Director Pay: Jerry Poruban, currently acting director, is recommended for a pay increase to $29. 81 per hour (approx. $62,000 annual salary).

  • General Business:

    • Transient Retailer’s Ordinance: An outdated ordinance is up for discussion.
    • Zoning Ordinance #675: A proposed ordinance to regulate the location of specific businesses (gaming parlors, hookah bars, marijuana dispensaries, CBD stores, vape shops, tobacco stores) will be discussed. A public hearing is scheduled for September 22 at 5:30 p. m.
    • Zoning Map Change #676: A proposal to change zoning from Residential Multi Household (RMH) to Mixed Village Commercial (MX/VC) for specific blocks on High Street, N. Marion, and W. Sample Street. A public hearing is scheduled for September 22 at 5:30 p. m.
    • VFW Banners: The VFW requested to replace current banners with "Hometown Hero" banners around Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
    • Borough Pool Vegetation: Staff met with engineers and the Conservation District regarding vegetation behind the pool. No major changes are recommended except for a few trees near the bank and fence. Staff has already begun removing dead limbs, brush, stones, a pipe, and a bridge blocking the stream.
    • Community Foundation Grant: Ebensburg was selected for the Small Town Challenge Fund Grant. The borough can receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $25,000 for a community endowment, provided they raise a minimum of $10,000 in donations.
    • Regional Police Study: The borough is considering participating in a regional police study with neighboring municipalities (Cambria Township, Nanty Glo Borough) to analyze combining departments. The study is free and conducted by the state.

4. Department Reports Written reports were submitted by:

  • Police Department (Chief Loughran)
  • Public Works Department (Director Josh Surkovich)
  • Community Development (Director Dana Koss)
  • Recreation Department (Director Rebecca Williamson)

5. Other Items

  • Building Permit Enforcement: Monthly report forwarded to council.
  • Municipal Authority Minutes: Included in the packet.
  • Planning Commission Minutes: From the August 7, 2025 meeting.
  • Zoning Hearing Board: No activity reported.
  • Code Enforcement Violations: 18 violations issued (8 for high grass/weeds, 4 for vegetation, 2 for nuisance junk, 2 for property maintenance, 2 for fowl).

6. Public & Media Comments

  • Opportunities provided for media and public comments on any issues, whether or not they are on the agenda.

7. Executive Session

  • Scheduled for discussion of a personnel matter.
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