Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: October 22, 2018 Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance and Opening

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m. by Council President Doug Tusing.

• Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Dave Kuhar, Cecilia Houser, and John Cobaug.
• Absent: Theresa Jacoby and Jeff Evans (Public Works Director).
• Others Present: Borough Manager Daniel Penatzer, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Mayor Randy Datsko, and various department heads and media representatives.

Key Agenda Items and Decisions

Consent Agenda The council approved the following items unanimously:

• Minutes from the September 24, 2018 meeting.
• The Financial Statement.
• Payment of bills.

Zoning and Development Discussion Mr. Sinclair presented a site design for the former middle school field parcel, which includes a proposed Dollar General store. He noted that plans to build a gym have been removed to address community concerns, and the developers are now seeking to rezone only the portion of the land for the store.

• Decision: Council voted unanimously to move the matter to a public zoning hearing rather than voting on rezoning that night.

2019 Annual Budget Borough Manager Daniel Penatzer presented the tentative 2019 budget, which projects revenues of $6,036,770 and expenditures of $5,927,480. The budget is balanced without an increase in real estate taxes.

• Decision: Council voted unanimously to grant tentative approval and advertise the budget for public inspection.

Tax Ordinance

• Decision: Council voted unanimously to grant tentative approval to Ordinance #645, which establishes the real estate tax for the coming year.

Municipal Authority Appointment

• Decision: Council voted unanimously to appoint Renee Martin-Nagle to a vacant seat on the Ebensburg Municipal Authority. Her term expires in December 2018.

Street Trees Council discussed replacing street trees damaged by cars or age. This year, 11 trees need replacement, plus five in front of the Courthouse.

• Decision: Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of 16 trees from Eisler Nursery in Butler for a total cost of $3,493. 00.

Department Reports

• Water/Wastewater: Plant Supervisor Mark Wirfel reported that 46 million gallons of clean water were returned to Howells Run in September. The wastewater project is 18% complete, though 33% of the contract time has passed.
• Airport Inspection: An inspection on August 29th identified ten off-airport tree obstructions and missing runway markings. Responses have been submitted to the Bureau of Aviation.
• Police Department: Chief Wyland reported on activities including PotatoFest and the recovery of three stolen vehicles.
• Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on upcoming events like the Halloween Parade and noted that three new businesses have opened: Taco Bell, Lemme Audiology, and Heritage Hospice.
• Recreation: Director Dirk Johnson reported on the Tennis Center and noted that swimming lessons began at the CCHS pool on October 20th.

Public Comments

Residents raised several concerns during the public comment period:

• Mr. Barry Templeton (317 Tibbott St): Expressed concern over the recurring changes to the football field parcel plans and asked if a water rate increase was planned.
• Mr. Alfred Bozella (715 N. Caroline St): Asked if any land has ever been rezoned from residential to commercial.
• Mr. Wayne Templeton (902 N. Caroline St): Asked about water loss that residents are paying for.
• Mr. Pat Watt (801 N. Caroline St): Asked if borough crews pick up trees cut down by Penelec.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p. m.