January 2016 Newsletter

Council Adopts 2016 Budget

The Borough Council has adopted a $5,099,110 budget for 2016. This marks the sixth consecutive year without a tax increase. While no major capital improvement projects are planned, several smaller improvements will be undertaken:

• Downtown Streetscape: Improvements include repainting trash receptacles, streetlight bases, and sign pole bases.
• Flowers: Hanging baskets will be added to light poles in the four 100-blocks from the center of town. Volunteers are needed for planting and watering.
• Police Department: New computer hardware, software upgrades, and office flooring are planned.
• Traffic Signs: Many worn signs will be replaced.
• Vehicles: A backhoe and two public works vehicles will be replaced.
• Reservoirs: Approximately $100,000 will be spent replacing drainage systems.
• Stormwater Project: Work on North Beech Street, suspended due to permitting issues, will resume in the spring.
• Swimming Pool: Additional deck chairs will be added.
• Lake Rowena: A pavilion will be replaced.

Real Estate Tax Comparison

Ebensburg’s real estate tax is the lowest among county seats in the region and the second lowest among similar towns in Cambria County.

• Tax Breakdown: The borough tax represents only 14% of the total property tax bill. County government receives 30%, and the local school district receives 56%.

Rate Adjustments

Two fees are scheduled for adjustment in January 2016:

• Stormwater Fee: The full residential rate will increase to $96/year (up from $48/year).
• Garbage Collection: The fee will increase from $16. 85/mo to $17. 85/mo.

New Businesses

The following new businesses are welcome to Ebensburg:

• iCare Medical, LLC: 167 Zeaman Drive
• Pinnacle Chiropractic & Spine & Sports Center: 127 S. Center Street
• Fine Wine & Good Spirits: New location at 300 Walmart Drive
• Sheetz: New location at 818 W. High Street
• Dreamcatchers Photography: 3133-63 New Germany Rd.
• Dairy Queen Grill & Chill: 4390 Admiral Peary Hwy.

Recreation Director

Samantha "Sam" Kemock has joined the borough staff as the new Recreation Director. She is an Ebensburg native and holds degrees from Penn State and Saint Francis University.

Webcam Updates

The borough website now features live streaming video from four locations:

• Borough Swimming Pool
• Memorial Field
• Tennis Center outdoor courts (with a view of Lake Rowena)
• Penn Eben Park gazebo

Sidewalk Ordinance

Property owners are required to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall.

• Snow must be shoveled to the bare pavement and piled in the yard, not on the street.
• Failure to clear sidewalks can result in a citation and fine.

Police Body Cameras

The cameras are intended to increase transparency, provide evidence, and protect both officers and citizens.

State Road Resurfacing

PennDOT plans to resurface all state roads in Ebensburg Borough, including High Street, Center Street, and West Highland Avenue. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2016.

Historic Designation

The borough is seeking a National Register Historic Designation. The process involves compiling data, field surveys, and public meetings, with the goal of enhancing marketing and preserving historic properties.

YPCC Health & Wellness Facility

The Young Peoples Community Center (YPCC) has updated its fitness equipment and membership options.

• Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am - 9 pm; Sun 12 pm - 9 pm.
• Specials: Purchase 3 months and get the 4th free ($81); purchase 6 months and get 2 free ($162).
• Monthly Fees: Single/Adult $27. 00; Seniors/Students $20. 00.
• Family Rate: 2 Adults + 1 Student for $55.

Tennis Center

The Ebensburg Tennis Center offers indoor and outdoor court rentals, lessons, and memberships.

• Fall/Winter Court Rates (Indoor): $22-$24 per hour depending on the day and time.
• All You Can Play Pass: $340 for Single, $520 for Family (Sept 14 - May 23).
• Lessons: Private lessons start at $50/hour; clinics are $12-$17.
• Memberships: Single $150; Family $195; Junior (17 and under) $60.

Community Events

Key events for 2016 include:

• Wine Time in the Mainline: February 27th
• Art in Bloom Spring Art Show: April 23rd-24th
• HeartChase: April 23rd
• Wheels & Wings: June 23rd
• Movie in the Park: July 8th
• Downtown Shutdown: July 29th
• Ebensburg Homecoming: July 30th
• Concerts in the Park: August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
• Cambria County Fair: September 4th-10th
• PotatoFest: September 24th
• Dickens of a Christmas: December 2nd-4th

Borough Council

• President: Doug Tusing
• VP: Susan Barber
• Members: Cecilia Houser, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Joe Miller, John Cobaugh
• Mayor: Randy Datsko

New Council Member: John Cobaugh has been elected to the Borough Council, beginning a new term.