July 2016 Newsletter

Ebensburg Citizen Survey Results

The Borough Council recently conducted a survey of citizens, mailing 1,300 surveys with a high response rate of 31%. Residents expressed overwhelming satisfaction with borough services. Key updates based on survey feedback include:

• Additional Flowers: Hanging baskets have been placed on each corner of the 100 blocks of High & Center Streets, with plans to add more annually.
• Better Crossing at the Ghost Town Trail: Funds have been approved for a matching grant to remark trail crossings and add signage directing users to downtown.
• Updates to Borough Website: A new, improved website has launched (see page 4).
• Add Silver Sneakers Program: The YPCC has been approved as a Silver Sneakers Fitness Program site (see page 7).
• Crosswalk Safety: New crosswalks will be completed in downtown late summer to improve visibility and safety.
• Why Move to Ebensburg? : A marketing document highlighting reasons to live in Ebensburg is being created based on resident comments.

Water System & Infrastructure

• Chlorination By-Products: The water system has notified customers about high levels of byproducts (TTHM and HAA5) in the Saltlick system near the airport. This is due to low water flow and longer storage times. The Johnstown Water Authority is taking steps to reduce these levels, and the Borough is installing aeration equipment. Residents near the airport are affected; others are not. No need to boil water.
• Street Paving: No street resurfacing will occur in 2015 or 2016 to avoid conflict with the upcoming sanitary sewer project. Funds are being saved for future paving after the sewer work is done.
• State Road Resurfacing: PennDOT will resurface High Street, Center Street, and West Highland Avenue in 2016. Brick-patterned crosswalks will be removed and replaced with white thermo-plastic markings. Parking space markings will be reapplied, though some spaces may be deleted to improve crosswalk visibility. Work will happen overnight to minimize traffic impact.
• Ebensburg Sewer Project: This large wastewater improvement project is currently being designed. Permit approval from the DEP is expected early in 2017, with construction potentially starting next summer if PENNVEST funding is approved.

New Website Features

The Borough has launched a new website with a fresher look and more customization. Key features include:

• Upcoming Events: A central section for all planned events by the Borough, Main Street Partnership, YPCC, and Tennis Center.
• Photo Galleries: Galleries for Ebensburg Recreation, Events, and the Tennis Center.
• Other Services: An up-to-date listing of dining, lodging, and local attractions.

New Businesses

• 1st Summit Bank: 512 W. High Street, 814-472-0888
• Eckardt’s Barbershop: 406 W. High Street, 814-569-9921
• Hometown Collision: Coming Soon! 300 Tanner Street, 814-421-8042
• Rowland Tax Service: 927 W. High Street, 814-472-0612
• The Lake Inn: 1001 Rowena Drive, 814-472-9400

Community Events & Activities

• Homecoming Schedule (Saturday, July 30th):
  • 8am: Community Yard Sale (Throughout Ebensburg)
  • 9am-12pm: Farmer’s Market (Penn Eben Park)
  • 9am: Homecoming 5K (Ghost Town Trail @ YPCC)
  • 9am: Book Sale/Flea Market & Signing (Ebensburg Public Library)
  • 9am-5pm: Free Tennis (Ebensburg Tennis Center)
  • 10am: Homecoming Duathlon (Ghost Town Trail @ YPCC)
  • 1pm: Tennis Exhibition Match (Ebensburg Tennis Center)
  • 6pm-7pm: Children’s Games (Lake Rowena)
  • 6pm-9pm: Basket Raffle & 50/50 (Lake Rowena)
  • 8pm-11pm: Live Music by Never Enough (Lake Rowena)
  • Dusk: Fireworks (Lake Rowena)
• Community Yard Sale: Held during Homecoming. Registration fee is $5 for the first 50 registrants. Maps available at Borough Office, Public Library, and online.
• Concerts in the Park:
• Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday, 9am-12pm, from July 9th to September 17th at Penn Eben Park.
• Ebensburg PotatoFest: Celebrating its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, September 24th, 9am-5pm in Downtown Ebensburg.

Ebensburg Tennis Center

• Offers individual and group lessons by USPTA certified professional Jamie Taylor.
• Junior tennis program, adult clinics, and "flex leagues" for juniors and adults.
• Court rental available for indoor and outdoor courts.
• Membership Rates:
  • Annual: Single $150, Family $195, Junior $60
  • Out of Town Annual: Single $65, Family $115
  • Summer Specials (May 23 - Sept 10): Single $50, Family $95, Junior $30
• Contact: www. ebensburgtenniscenter. com or 814-471-2980

Ebensburg Borough Health and Wellness Facility (YPCC)

• Summer Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12pm-8pm.
• Specials: Purchase 3 months, get the 4th free! Purchase 10 months, get 2 free!
• Monthly Gym Membership Fees: Single/Adult $27. 00, Seniors (55+)/Military/Student $20. 00.
• Family Rate: 2 Adults + 1 Student for $55 ($10 for each additional student).
• Silver Sneakers Fitness: Now available at YPCC. Eligible senior members can join at no cost through their insurance.

Tax Collector Corner

• School real estate tax bills and per capita bills were mailed on July 1st.
• If you did not receive your bill, contact the tax collector at 814-846-4764.
• Discounted bills must be postmarked by August 31, 2016.

Garage Sale & Other Signs

• Posting signs for garage sales, lost & found, or other purposes on telephone poles, sign posts, or light posts is PROHIBITED.
• A free permit is required before holding any yard sale. Permits explain rules regarding sign type and number.
• Signs attached to utility or street poles will be removed by borough staff.

Borough Council

• President: Doug Tusing
• V. President: Susan Barber
• Members: Cecilia Houser, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Joe Lutz, V. Joseph Miller
• Mayor: Randy Datsko