Agenda
Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Agenda
Date: Monday, August 28, 2023 Time: 6:30 p. m.
Borough Leadership
- Mayor: Randy Datsko
- Council President: Doug Tusing
- Vice-President: Cecilia Houser
- Council Members: Jeffrey Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Robert Miller, Michael Owatt
Agenda Highlights
Call to Order & Public Comments The meeting will begin with the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the public are invited to comment on any agenda item during this time.
Junior Councilor Appointment The council will consider appointing two new Junior Councilors, Abraham Remillard and Isaac Bradley. The position, created in 2002, is for a borough resident completing their junior year of high school. The last appointment was in 2021. Mayor Datsko will administer the oath of office.
Consent Agenda (Items 6B, 6C, 11F) The following routine items are recommended for approval by a single motion:
- Item 6B: Approve the Inframark report for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations.
- Item 6C: Approve the Inframark report for Water Treatment Plant Operations.
- Item 11F: Approve the minutes from the July 24, 2023, regular monthly meeting.
Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Committee (Item 6A)
- Contract with Inframark: The council will consider a five-year contract (Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2028) for the operation of water and wastewater facilities. The base amount for the first year is $970,060.
Recreation Committee (Item 7A)
- Dog Park Project: Construction is complete. The grand opening, set by the Rotary, is scheduled for September 9, 2023, at 9:00 am.
Street Committee (Items 8A & 8B)
- 2023 Street Paving Project: Bids were awarded to New Enterprise Corporation for $175,572. 30. The tentative start date is August 24, 2023.
- Sidewalk and Curbing Project: Bids were awarded to CH & D Construction for $136,827. 88. The tentative start date is September 12, 2023.
Administration Committee (Items 9A & 9B)
- Police Officer Recruitment: Applications are being reviewed. Agility tests and interviews are scheduled for August 19th and 24th. The council will decide whether to hire from the eligibility list or wait for potential COPS grant funding.
- Employee Pension Plans: The council must adopt the Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) calculations for three plans:
- Non-uniformed plan: $98,536
- Uniformed plan: $5,756
- Defined contribution plan: $8,168 The council will also establish a 3% employee contribution rate for the non-uniformed and uniformed plans.
General Business (Items 11A-11H)
- Ebensburg Municipal Airport: A second opinion from a structural engineer suggests the existing hangar can be repaired. A report and cost estimate are expected by the end of the month.
- 2023 Municipal Leadership Summit: To be held in Bethlehem, PA, on October 5-8th. Doug Tusing is recommended as the Voting Delegate and Kelly Cook as the Alternate.
- Comcast Franchise Extension: The current agreement expires in September 2023. Staff recommends renewing the franchise for cable service within the borough.
- Traffic Signal Maintenance (Resolution #2023-07): The council will approve an updated agreement with the Commonwealth of PA for traffic signal maintenance, including plans for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at a crosswalk on High Street.
- Façade Grant (Resolution #2023-08): The borough will apply for a new $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Financials: The council will approve the July 2023 financial statement and bills totaling $625,025. 92 for August 2023.
Department Reports (Item 12) Written reports will be received from the Police, Public Works, Community Development, and Recreation departments. Reports on Codes Enforcement, the Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board will also be reviewed.
Executive Session & Adjournment The council will meet in executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.