Documents Oct 23, 2023

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2023

Meeting Details:

Attendance:

Present: Council members Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Mike Owatt, Bob Miller, and Isaac Bradley (Junior Councilor).
Absent: Dave Kuhar and Abraham Remillard (Junior Councilors).
Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joseph Loughran, and various department directors.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

Operating Agreement: A proposal to increase the annual compensation paid by the Municipal Authority to the Borough for administrative support was discussed. The current cost is $201,000/year, with a recommended 10% increase to $221,100. The motion to table this item until next month passed unanimously.

Playground Grant: The council unanimously approved Resolution #2023-11, authorizing a $120,000 application for the Statewide Local Share Account Grant to purchase playground equipment for Memorial Field Playground.

Sidewalk Project: Mr. Owatt reported that bids for the Sidewalk and Curbing Project were awarded to CH & D Construction for $136,827. 88. The project start date has been moved to October 30, 2023, with an expected completion of November 10, 2023.
Crosswalk Beacons (RRFB): The council approved an application and letter of commitment for the construction of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersection of West High Street and Julian Street. The estimated construction cost is $50,000.
- Vote: 5-1 (Mr. Ball voted No).
RRFB Grant: The council unanimously approved Resolution #2023-12, authorizing a $50,000 application for the Statewide Local Share Account Grant to install two RRFBs at the same intersection.

2024 Budget: The council granted tentative approval to the 2024 annual budget.
- Total Operating Fund: $6,947,390 in revenues and expenditures.
- General Fund: Increased by 9. 1% over last year due to inflation, a new garbage/recycling contract, and hiring an additional police officer.
- Water/Wastewater Funds: Showed minimal increases despite a new five-year contract with Inframark.

Ebensburg Municipal Airport: A second opinion from a structural engineer determined the existing hangar can be rehabilitated. The council will discuss temporary measures to secure the structure and potential long-term repairs in 2024.
Surplus Police Car: The 2015 Ford Explorer was sold to Forest Hills Ambulance for $5,025. 25 (the highest bid).
Babcock Property Lease: The council voted to table a discussion regarding an extension of the lease for the former Babcock Property until August 31, 2055. This item was moved to an executive session as a real estate matter.

Police: Chief Loughran noted an uptick in incidents due to new reporting measures and a rash of vehicle thefts.
Public Works: Significant leaks on Pine Street and Caroline Street have been fixed.
Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on upcoming events, including a Halloween window painting and Dickens of a Christmas. PotatoFest attendance was recorded at 37,200 people.
Recreation: The YPCC will host a Halloween Carnival on Sunday, October 29th, from 3 to 5 pm.
Planning Commission: The council unanimously approved the Springer lot joiner for the property at 618 Margaret Street.

Mr. Tom Bortel asked if the borough would spend $50,000 on flashing crosswalk beacons if the grant was not approved and inquired about the status of the old prison jail property.

The council entered an executive session at 7:01 PM to discuss real estate and personnel matters, exiting at 7:25 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 PM following a unanimous motion by Ms. Jacoby.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director