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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - January 24, 2022

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Monday, January 24, 2022
  • Time: 6:30 p. m. to 7:32 p. m.
  • Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building
  • Presiding Officer: President Doug Tusing

Attendees:

  • Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Dave Kuhar (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Robert Miller, Cecilia Houser, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball.
  • Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Jeff Evans (Public Works Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Amanda Datsko (The Mountaineer Herald).
  • Audience: 2 members.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Approval of minutes from the December 20, 2021 regular meeting and the January 3, 2022 reorganization meeting.
  • Approval of the financial statement.
  • Approval of payment of bills.

Agenda Amendments

A motion was made and passed unanimously to withdraw Ordinance #660 from the agenda. It will be replaced by Ordinance #663.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Datsko reported that Chief Wyland was unable to attend. He noted increased interest from local entities in planning for Ebensburg's upcoming 225th anniversary. He also announced the passing of Mrs. Vicki Askew, a former resident and tennis enthusiast for whom the Ebensburg Tennis Center was built.

Council President's Report

President Tusing welcomed new council member Bob Miller and announced committee assignments. He also reported on a FEMA assistance grant secured to help purchase a new fire tanker to replace the 1987 model. The department will finance the remaining $100k and continue fundraising.

Committee Reports

Water/Wastewater Committee:

  • Written reports from Inframark on wastewater and water treatment plant operations were not in the council packets but are available at the office.

Recreation Committee:

  • The proposed Ebensburg Skate Park project has been put on hold due to insufficient fundraising and difficulty finding a suitable location. Donors will be offered refunds.

Street Committee:

  • Ordinance #662: A motion was made and passed unanimously to grant tentative approval for an ordinance that amends the Tree Ordinance (#591). This change will allow the approved street planting list and prohibited tree lists to be updated by Council resolution instead of requiring a full ordinance amendment each time.

Administration Committee:

  • Memorandum of Agreement: Following an Executive Session, a motion was made and passed unanimously to approve a tentative agreement between the Borough and a union regarding a grievance filed for not utilizing two employees during PotatoFest.

Diversity Committee:

  • Ms. Houser is in talks with former Councilor Scot May, who will continue to work with the council's Diversity Committee.

General Business

Ordinance #663 - PENNVEST Loan Guaranty:

  • This ordinance adopts a guaranty agreement for a PENNVEST loan to fund the High Street Waterline replacement project.
  • Loan Details: The total loan amount is $1,505,765. It is a 20-year loan with 1% interest for the first five years and 1. 743% thereafter.
  • A motion was made and passed unanimously to grant tentative approval for this ordinance.

Ordinance #661 - Sidewalk Loan:

  • This ordinance seeks authorization for a new loan to pay off the remaining balance of a line of credit from the 2020/21 sidewalk projects.
  • Loan Details: The remaining principal is $550,000. Staff recommends a 5-year loan from First National Bank at a fixed rate of 2. 39%. Other rates received were: First Commonwealth Bank (2. 75%) and S&T Bank (3. 24%).
  • A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve the acceptance of the 5-year loan with First National Bank.
  • A second motion was made and passed unanimously to grant final approval to Ordinance #661, seeking authorization from DCED for the new debt in compliance with the Unit Debt Act.

Department Reports

  • Police Department: Chief Wyland submitted a written report but could not attend.
  • Public Works Department: Director Jeff Evans reported the department has been busy with snow plowing and maintenance.
  • Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on Main Street membership renewals, a new WinterFest event on February 5th, and progress on Art in Bloom, the 225th Anniversary, and Sister City initiatives.
  • Recreation Department: Director Dirk Johnson reported on a new cross-country ski rental program for WinterFest and exploring the purchase of a liner for the hockey rink.

Public Comments

Mr. Joe Sinclair (615 W. Crawford Street) stated he plans to build a new home and would like to connect his property to an existing waterline project at the former Anderson property. He was referred to the Municipal Authority for further discussion.

Executive Session

The council entered an Executive Session at 7:07 p. m. to discuss two personnel issues and exited at 7:27 p. m.

Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Houser and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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