Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary

Date: January 25, 2021
Time: 6:32 PM – 7:08 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Doug Tusing, President

Attendees

Council Members Present:

  • Doug Tusing (President)
  • Dave Kuhar (Vice President)
  • Theresa Jacoby
  • Scot May
  • Mike Owatt
  • Cecilia Houser
  • Jeff Ball
  • Will Westrick, Jr. (Councilor)

Others Present:

  • Randy Datsko (Mayor)
  • Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager)
  • Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor)
  • Danea Koss (Community Development Director)
  • Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director)
  • Kelly Cook (Incoming Borough Manager)
  • Kristen Baudoux (The Mountaineer Herald)
  • Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat)
  • Derek Kaufman
  • Julie Horvath

Audience: 3 members

Key Decisions & Actions

Public Comments

  • Derek Kaufman requested a $275 refund for fees paid related to a Zoning Hearing concerning his fence request.

Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)

Ms. Jacoby moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Ms. Houser. Items included:

  • Approval of minutes from December 21, 2020 regular meeting and January 18, 2021 public hearing.
  • Approval of financial statement.
  • Approval of payment of bills.

Skatepark Project Update

  • Julie Horvath presented an update on the proposed skatepark project.
    • Estimated cost: ~$225,000
    • Fundraising is ready to begin.
    • Daniel Penatzer recommended finalizing the location before fundraising starts.

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Datsko reported that Chief Wyland confirmed the warning phase for snow shoveling violations has ended.
  • Fines will now be assessed for any offenders.

Committee Reports

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Dave Kuhar reported that Inframark provided written reports for both wastewater and water treatment plant operations, which were included in Council packets.

Recreation Committee

  • Theresa Jacoby reported that heating issues at the Tennis Center have been resolved.

Street Committee

  • Cecilia Houser reported on the 2021 Sidewalk Project:
    • Involves West Sample Street, West Crawford Street, and West Horner Street.
    • Bids for construction and tree cutting are due February 15, 2021.
    • Pre-bid meeting scheduled for February 5, 2021.
    • Motion to authorize seeking bids passed unanimously (moved by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Owatt).
  • Also reported that 29 trees will need to be removed along the sidewalk route.
    • Motion to authorize seeking bids for tree removal passed unanimously (moved by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Kuhar).

Administration Committee

  • Dave Kuhar reported that the committee reviewed applications for Borough Manager and recommended hiring Kelly Cook.
  • Motion to approve employment contract with Kelly Cook passed unanimously (moved by Mr. Kuhar, seconded by Ms. Houser).

Diversity Committee

  • Scot May reported that the committee is still in talks with local universities about hosting diversity “TED Talks” in Ebensburg.

General Business

Zoning Amendment – Fences

  • Daniel Penatzer reported on Ordinance #659, which amends zoning rules regarding front yard fences.
  • There was a misinterpretation of the term “building line. ”
  • Staff recommends not taking action now and referring the issue to the Planning Commission for consideration alongside a full review of Zoning Ordinances.

Department Reports

  • Police Department: No report.
  • Public Works Department: No report.
  • Community Development Department (Danea Koss):
    • Main Street Partnership has set dates for this year’s annual events.
    • “Art in Bloom” will be virtual this year.
    • Committees are beginning to plan for each event.
    • Impulse Dance Studio opened beside the Borough Office; ribbon-cutting held Saturday, January 16.
    • Sustainability project: Preliminary application submitted; committee received feedback. Confident “Silver” status will be met, with potential to reach “Gold. ”
  • Recreation Department (Dirk Johnson): Winter basketball league is in progress.

Media Comments/Questions

  • Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat) asked about Ms. Cook’s municipal experience.

Adjournment

  • No further business was discussed.
  • Mr. Jacoby moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Houser. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Meeting Adjourned at 7:08 PM

Minutes Recorded By

Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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