Documents Jan 28, 2019

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - January 28, 2019

Meeting Details:

Attendees:

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Cecilia Houser, John Cobaugh, and Scot May.
Others Present: Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Mark Wirfel (Plant Supervisor), Andrew Smithmyer (The Mountaineer Herald), and Jocelyn Brumbaugh (The Tribune Democrat).
Audience: 26 residents.

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Barber and passed unanimously. The items included:

Approving unpaid medical leave for Scott Stoltz from January 26, 2019, through April 30, 2019.
Approving the minutes from the December 17, 2018, regular monthly meeting.
Approving the Financial Statement and quarterly transfers.
Approving payment of bills.

Council President's Report (Item 9D - Middle School Field Rezoning)

The Council discussed a rezoning request for the former middle school field.
The Planning Commission had recommended denying the request from Central Commons, which was later withdrawn.
Despite the withdrawal, the Council decided to render a decision due to public interest.
Decision: A motion was made by Ms. Houser not to approve the rezoning. The motion passed with a vote of 6-1 (Mr. Cobaugh voted no).

Water/Wastewater Committee

Wastewater Plant Operations: A report from plant supervisor Mark Wirfel noted that 43 million gallons of clean water were returned to Howells Run in December, along with 19 tons of sludge sent to landfill.
Stormwater Project: Two projects on East Ogle Street and South Julian Street were combined into a single contract.
- Cost: $85,000, to be paid from the stormwater reserve.
- Timeline: Bid opening on March 4, 2019; award on March 25, 2019; completion by June 30, 2019.
- Decision: A motion to approve advertising for bids passed unanimously.
Virginia Street Project: A wastewater project involving the replacement of approximately 534 feet of 8" main and one manhole.
- Cost: $40,000, to be paid from the wastewater reserve.
- Timeline: Bid opening on March 4, 2019; award on March 25, 2019; completion by June 30, 2019.
- Decision: A motion to approve advertising for bids passed unanimously.

Street Committee

Peoples Gas Project: Replacement of gas mains and service lines south of High Street is scheduled to begin in February.
Sidewalks & Curbs Project: A project for sidewalks and curbs south of High Street is ready for bidding.
- Scope: Includes work on South Caroline, South Marian, and West Triumph Streets.
- Cost: $375,000, to be paid from the sidewalk reserve and property owner assessments.
- Timeline: Bid opening on March 4, 2019; award on March 25, 2019; completion by August 1, 2019.
- Decision: A motion to approve advertising for bids passed unanimously.
Street Paving: A resurfacing project for primary streets south of High Street will be advertised in June.
- Timeline: Completion expected in September 2019.
Prave Street/Cherry Street Ordinances: Two ordinances (#647 and #648) were proposed to correct the legal descriptions for Prave Street and South Cherry Street.
- Decision: Tentative approval was granted for both ordinances to be advertised for public inspection. Motions passed unanimously.

Administration Committee

AFSCME Labor Agreement: A tentative 4-year agreement (2019-2022) was reached with AFSCME. Key terms include:
- Wage increases of 3%, 2. 5%, 2. 5%, and 2. 5% over the four years.
- A $1. 50/hr wage increase for Water Operators.
- Uniform allowance increased from $250 to $500.
- Dental coverage increased from $350 to $400.
- Dependent health coverage for returning employees.
- Decision: The agreement was approved unanimously.
2019 Salary Resolution: Resolution #2019-01 was adopted to establish AFSCME wages for 2019. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Works Position: A motion to create a full-time Public Works Laborer II position passed unanimously.

Police Department: Chief Wyland reminded residents of winter parking regulations and noted the department is short one officer.
Community Development Department: Ms. Koss reported on Main Street Member renewals and the upcoming review of Ebensburg's historic district nomination.
Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson reported on various activities, including swim lessons and basketball leagues.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM upon a motion by Mr. Kuhar. Minutes were recorded by Danea Koss, Community Development Director.