January 2018 Newsletter

Ebensburg Bulletin: January 2018 Summary

A Successful 2017

The Borough of Ebensburg completed numerous projects in 2017, including:

• Replaced downtown wayfinding signs.
• Installed new SCADA computer control systems at water and wastewater plants.
• Added hanging flower baskets downtown.
• Paid off the original YPCC loan early.
• Installed new playground fencing at the center and east ward playgrounds.
• Added new trail crossing markings on Locust, Center, and West streets.
• Replaced an old backhoe with a new excavator.
• Paved the courthouse parking lot and installed a new multi-space meter.
• Extended Victorian streetlights to the 200 block of South Center Street.
• Refurbished the gym floor at the YPCC.
• Completed the Beech Street stormwater project at the fairgrounds.

Council Adopts 2018 Budget

• The Borough Council adopted a $5,633,840 budget for 2018.
• This marks the 8th consecutive year without a tax increase.
• Key planned projects for 2018 include:
  • Designing the refurbishment of the municipal building front.
  • Replacing a pickup truck and a van in public works.
  • Purchasing a new lowboy trailer (old one to be converted to a stage).
  • Upgrading security systems at the water treatment plant.
  • Adding deck chairs to the swimming pool.
  • Replacing a tractor mower, flooring, and a copier at the YPCC.
  • Performing various water system repairs as time allows.

Garbage Collection Update

• The 3-year contract with Lee Disposal expired at the end of 2017.
• Waste Management handled collection for the last three months after Mr. Lee retired.
• Council awarded a new 3-year contract to Pro Disposal of Portage Township.
• The new contract includes a slight decrease in the monthly charge and adds weekly curbside recycling (previously twice a month).

Relaxed Winter Parking Regulations

• Relaxed winter parking regulations will continue for the current winter season.
• Enforcement is only active when deemed necessary by staff (e. g. , after forecasted snowfall).
• Residents can check enforcement status via the borough website (www. ebensburgpa. com), Facebook page, or by calling 472-8780.
• During business hours, staff answer calls; after hours, press "5" for a recording.
• Restrictions typically remain in effect for several days after snowfall to allow crews time to clear streets.
• Important Rule: Do not park directly opposite another car. Stagger cars to allow plows and emergency vehicles with wide mirrors to pass.
• Property owners must clear sidewalks within 12 hours of a snowfall.

Ebensburg Welcomes New Businesses

• Tractor Supply Co. : Located at 875 Hills Plaza. Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 9 PM, Sun 7 AM - 6 PM. Phone: 814-472-0824.
• ALDI: Located at 4400 Admiral Peary Highway. Opened December 21st. Hours: Mon-Thu 9 AM - 9 PM, Fri 9 AM - 9 PM, Sat 9 AM - 9 PM, Sun 9 AM - 8 PM.

Ebensburg Borough Health & Wellness Facility (YPCC)

• Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 9 pm, Sun Noon - 9 pm.
• Phone: 814-472-4277 | Website: www. ypccrec. com
• Membership Fees (Monthly):
  • Adult: $27
  • Seniors (55+): $20
  • Students: $20
  • Family (1 Adult & 1 Student): $55
• Specials: Purchase 3 months/get 1 free; 6 months/2 free; 9 months/3 free.
• Key Fob: 24-hour access available for $7 (ages 18+).
• New for Spring 2018: Hourly/daily bike rentals available through a partnership with Ebensburg Bicycle Shop.
• Tennis Center: Celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017.
• Outdoor Skate/Hockey Rink: Located at Lake Rowena, open year-round and free to the public.
• Swimming Pool: Open May 26, 2018.
  • Resident Rates: Individual Adult $120, Child/Senior $100, 2-Person Pass $160.
  • Non-Resident Rates: Individual Adult $150, Child/Senior $130, 2-Person Pass $185.
  • Daily Admission: Adult (19-64) $6, Child/Senior/Twilight $4.

Street Tree Care

• The borough replaces over a dozen trees annually due to damage from string trimmers and lawn mowers.
• Nylon trimmer line can slice through tree bark, leading to disease and death.
• Prevention Tips:
  • Use a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the tree base (4-6 feet diameter) to prevent weeds.
  • Keep mulch from touching the trunk.
  • Remove weeds by hand instead of using trimmers near trees.
  • The borough has installed protective flexible tubing on all street trees.

Chlorination Byproducts

• The Ebensburg Water System notified customers of high levels of disinfection byproducts (TTHM and HAA5).
• These form when natural organic matter combines with chlorine.
• The issue primarily affects customers along the Route 22 corridor near the airport, who receive water from the Greater Johnstown Water Authority’s Saltlick Reservoir.
• Customers served by Ebensburg’s own reservoirs and treatment facility are not affected.

Sewage Collection Project & Sewer Line Testing

• Construction begins April 2018 and runs through June 2019.
• Sewer Line Testing:
  • Notices were mailed to customers in Elderwood, Industrial Park, and other areas.
  • Deadlines for compliance were September 1st (initial notices) and July 31, 2018 (other areas).
  • Private sewer laterals must pass an air pressure test.
  • Failure to comply by the deadline results in a 35% surcharge on the sewer bill.
  • The borough does not require testing under basement slabs unless stormwater is present.

Pro Disposal, Inc. Service Details

• Service begins January 2018.
• Schedule: Residents South of High Street on Thursday; North of High Street on Friday. Trash and recycling collected same day.
• Extra Bags: Available for $2/bag at the Boro office.
• Recyclables: Glass, aluminum/steel cans, plastics (#1-7), cardboard, corrugated boxes, newspaper.
• Pickup: Containers must be at the curb by 6:00 am.
• Holidays: Pickup moves to the next day if a holiday falls during the scheduled week.
• Electronics Recycling: Accepted at the Solid Waste Authority (1288 Washington Ave, Summerhill) Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Contact: 814-472-2109.

Ebensburg Tennis Center

• Lessons: Private lessons ($55/hr) and clinics ($13-20) available.
• Membership Rates (Annual):
  • Single: $150
  • Family: $195
  • Junior (17 & under): $60
  • Out of Town Single: $65
  • Out of Town Family: $115
• Fall/Winter All You Can Play Pass: Single $360, Family $550. Valid Sept 10 - May 19 (indoor only).
• Court Rental Rates (Indoor):
  • Mon-Fri 9am-4pm: $25
  • Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm: $27
  • Sat-Sun 9am-2pm: $24
  • Sat-Sun 2pm-7pm: $22
  • Non-members pay an additional $4 fee.
• Reservations: Members can reserve courts 7 days in advance (max 2 hours at a time).

Reservoir Update

• The Ebensburg Water System uses two reservoirs north of town.
• The lower reservoir was drained in late 2016 to replace a drain valve.
• Delays in machining/delivery kept the reservoir drained through 2017.
• Installation is expected to be completed this spring once the floor is dry enough.

Ebensburg Community Events 2018

• Feb 24: Wine Time in the Mainline (Crystal Hall)
• Apr 28-29: 20th Annual ‘Art in Bloom’ Spring Art Show (Cambria County Courthouse)
• Apr 28: HeartChase (YPCC)
• June 21: 14th Annual Wheels & Wings (Downtown Ebensburg)
• July 7: Movie in the Park (Veteran’s Memorial Park)
• July 27: Downtown Shutdown (Center of Downtown Ebensburg)
• July 28: Ebensburg Homecoming (Ebensburg Area & Lake Rowena)
• July 7 - Sept 23: Farmer’s Market (Penn Eben Park)
• Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Concerts in the Park (Penn Eben Park)
• Sept 2-8: Cambria County Fair (Fairgrounds)
• Sept 29: 27th Annual PotatoFest (Downtown Ebensburg)
• Oct 7: Fall Foliage Bike Ride (Ghost Town Trail)
• Nov 22: Ebensburg Turkey Trot (Downtown Ebensburg)
• Nov 30 - Dec 2: 13th Annual Dickens of a Christmas (Downtown Ebensburg)

Borough Council Members

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

New Council Member

• Joe Miller did not seek re-election after 12 years of service.
• Scot May is the new council member.
• Doug Tusing and Theresa Jacoby were reelected.