Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: October 24, 2022

Attendance and Opening

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

Present:

• Council Members: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby.
• Phone-in: Dave Kuhar.
• Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Terry Wyland, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Recreation Director Dirk Johnson, and media representatives from The Mountaineer Herald and The Tribune Democrat.

Consent Agenda

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

• Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Approval of the September 26, 2022 meeting minutes.
• The financial statement for September and payment of bills for October.
• Personnel: It was recorded that Jason Bacho was hired as a full-time public works employee at a rate of $17. 51 per hour.

Committee and Department Reports

Water/Wastewater Committee

• High Street Water Line Replacement: Mr. Miller reported that substantial completion occurred on September 29, 2022. Final paving has been delayed until the spring of next year at the contractor's recommendation, pending Pennvest approval.

Recreation Committee

• Rotary Dog Park: A meeting was held on September 28 to discuss project administration. The Rotary will transfer funds to the Borough prior to the bid award. Construction is anticipated for the spring.
• Pier at Lake Rowena: The current pier has reached the end of its functional life. The Main Street Partnership offered to contribute approximately $15,000 toward the total estimated cost of $35,000. Funds will be included in the 2023 budget.

Street Committee

• 2022 Street Paving: The project was awarded to Grannas Brothers for $269,988. 29. Work was completed on October 5, 2022.

Administration Committee

• AFSCME Contract: Negotiations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are nearing completion. A contract discussion is scheduled for an executive session.
• 2022 Budget: Preliminary numbers are being prepared by the Borough Manager. The Administration Committee met on October 18 to compile a tentative budget for Council review in November, with final adoption expected in December.

General Business: Ordinance #664 (Fireworks Law) Ms. Cook reported on the revised fireworks law, which establishes a consumer fireworks permit process. Key regulations include:

• No one under 18 may purchase, possess, or use consumer fireworks.
• Fireworks cannot be used on private or public property (streets, sidewalks, parks) without express permission.
• Fireworks cannot be used from a vehicle or building, directed at another person, or by anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
• Fireworks cannot be used within 150 feet of a building or vehicle.

Vote: The motion to grant tentative approval passed 5-2 (Houser, Tusing, Ball, Miller, Kuhar in favor; Jacoby and Owatt opposed).

Department Updates

• Police: Chief Wyland reported on PotatoFest updates, upcoming first aid/CPR training, and officer qualifications.
• Public Works: Mr. Surkovich reported on leaf pick-up, decorations, salt storage, and the water line project.
• Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on Volunteer Night, the Fall Foliage Ride, and upcoming events including Small Business Saturday, Dickens of a Christmas, the Ebensburg Turkey Trot, and Wreaths Across America.
• Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on a new Pickleball clinic.

Executive Session and Adjournment

The Council entered an executive session at 7:04 p. m. to discuss collective bargaining and personnel issues. The session ended at 8:21 p. m.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p. m. following a motion by Mr. Miller and a second by Ms. Houser.

Minutes Recorded By: Danea Koss, Community Development Director