Documents Oct 25, 2021

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: October 25, 2021

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

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Dave Kuhar (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Cecilia Houser, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, and Will Westrick (Junior Councilor).
Other Attendees: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Chief of Police Terry Wyland, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Recreation Director Dirk Johnson, and representatives from the Municipal Authority and local press.

Julian Street: Mr. Gerry McMullen voiced concerns regarding the potential deletion of Julian Street as a one-way street.

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:

Hiring: Emma Dumm and Ian McGroery were hired part-time at the YPCC and Tennis Center at a rate of $8. 50/hour.
Minutes: Approval of the September 27, 2021 meeting minutes.
Financials: Approval of the financial statement and payment of bills.

Water/Wastewater Committee

Inframark Agreement: The council approved a revised agreement allowing Inframark to use Borough equipment to locate leaks in the distribution system.
Reports: Written reports on wastewater and water treatment plant operations were provided by Inframark.

Street Committee

2021 Paving Project: New Enterprise completed milling and paving in the northwest quadrant of the borough on September 28, 2021.
Ordinance 659: The council granted final approval to Ordinance #659, which regulates small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way.
Sidewalk Project Change Order: A motion was passed to approve Change Order #1 for Ameron Construction.
- Cost: The final negotiated amount was $59,000. 00 (down from an initial estimate of $97,300).
- Scope: The change order covers additional work on Horner Street, including jack-hammering concrete under asphalt for curb installation and restoration of areas where homeowners performed their own sidewalk work.

Julian Street One-Way Ordinance

The council discussed deleting Julian Street as a one-way street. Concerns were raised regarding plowing, parking, and winter maintenance near Holy Name School and Church.
Decision: The item was tabled until the November meeting to allow residents time to provide feedback.

Administration Committee (2022 Annual Budget)

The council granted tentative approval to the 2022 budget, which will be advertised for public inspection and adopted at the November meeting.
Financial Overview:
- General Fund: Balanced with no increase in real estate taxes. This marks the 12th consecutive year without a tax increase for general purposes.
- Water Fund: Increased by 7. 7% due to debt for system repairs.
- Total Operating Fund: Projected revenue of $6,304,880 and expenditures of $6,238,245.
Tax Resolution: Resolution #2021-07 was adopted, maintaining the real estate tax rate at 30. 75 mills on land and 8. 5 mills on buildings for general purposes, plus 2. 5 mills for stormwater.

General Business

Mural Installation: The council approved a request from the Community Development Director to install a mural at the "Salt House" (a concrete block garage) at Lake Rowena.
Polar Plunge: The council approved the use of Lake Rowena for a Polar Plunge event, contingent upon approval from the DCNR and submission of an event permit with liability insurance.

Police: Chief Wyland reported the receipt of a new cruiser, though outfitting equipment is on backorder. All officer certifications are complete.
Public Works: Director Jeff Evans submitted a written report.
Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on upcoming Halloween and Dickens of a Christmas events. She noted the opening of a new business, "That Dog Guy," at 1215 N. Center Street.
Recreation: Director Dirk Johnson reported on the Skate Park project, which is now seeking alternative sites near the Ebensburg Swimming Pool.

Hickory Street: Ms. Pat Henry petitioned the council to have Hickory Street ordained and maintained by the Borough through the winter.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p. m. following a motion by Ms. Houser.