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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - October 26, 2020

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Monday, October 26, 2020
  • Time: 6:30 p. m. to 7:36 p. m.
  • Location: Young Peoples Community Center
  • Presiding Officer: Vice President Dave Kuhar

Attendance:

  • Present: Doug Tusing (President/Acting Mayor), Dave Kuhar, Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Jeff Ball, Mike Owatt
  • Absent: Cecilia Houser, Randy Datsko (Mayor)
  • Others Present: Borough Manager Daniel Penatzer, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, and various department directors.

Public Comments & Development Issues

Several residents spoke regarding the proposed development on the former middle school field:

  • Mr. Scott Estep expressed concern about voting on the field without a full council present.
  • Mr. Wayne Templeton opposed rezoning the field, arguing it should remain R-1 (single-family homes) and that Ebensburg does not need more apartments.
  • Mr. Pat Watt opposed proposed townhomes, fearing there would be more than 16-20 units and asking the council not to rezone the field.
  • Mr. Joe Sinclair (speaking for developers Central Commons) stated their plan is to build 16-20 luxury townhomes in the $220k-$300k price range. He emphasized that available property is limited and this project would add housing and tax base while following historic character overlay requirements.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Approval of minutes from the September 28, 2020 meeting.
  • Approval of the Financial Statement and quarterly transfers.
  • Approval of payment of bills.

Committee Reports & Ordinances

Street Committee

  • Sidewalk Project: Primary work and punch-list items are complete.
  • Street Resurfacing: Milling began October 12; resurfacing started October 20. Completion expected Monday or Tuesday, weather permitting.
  • Street Trees: Bids were received from Eisler’s Nursery ($13,103. 00) and Schichtel’s Nursery ($11,538. 00). The council unanimously awarded the contract to Schichtel’s Nursery for $11,538. 00.
  • Sidewalk Ordinance (#655): Final approval was granted to amend sidewalk requirements on West Sample Street between West and Marion Streets.

Administration Committee

  • Borough Manager Retirement: Applications for the upcoming vacancy are due November 9. Interviews will occur in November and December, with a start date of February 22, 2021.
  • 2021 Annual Budget: A tentative budget was presented with revenues of $6,115,030 and expenditures of $6,063,450. The budget is balanced with no increase in real estate taxes but includes an increase in water rates. Tentative approval was granted unanimously.
  • Tax Resolution (2020-13): Adopted to maintain the 2021 real estate tax rate at 30. 75 mills on land, 8. 5 mills on buildings, and 2. 5 mills for stormwater. Passed unanimously.
  • Zoning Enforcement: The council designated the Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency as the Zoning Enforcement Officer effective January 1, 2021. A fee structure was established where applicants pay $10 and the Borough receives $45 per zoning opinion. Passed unanimously.
  • Gender-Neutral Code Revisions (Ordinance #656): Final approval was granted to edit ordinances and resolutions to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral terms. Passed unanimously.

Middle School Football Field Rezoning

  • A request to rezone the field from single-household to multi-household residential was reviewed by both the Cambria County and Ebensburg Borough Planning Commissions, both of which recommended approval subject to Historic Character Overlay requirements.
  • Decision: The council voted to table the rezoning request until next month.
    • Vote: Yes (May, Owatt, Jacoby), No (Kuhar), Abstain (Ball).

LERTA Ordinance (#657)

  • Approved to establish a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) exemption for the former Cambria County Prison site.
  • Abatement Schedule:
    • Years 1 & 2: 100%
    • Years 3 & 4: 80%
    • Years 5 & 6: 60%
    • Years 7 & 8: 40%
    • Years 9 & 10: 20%
  • Passed unanimously.

Building Code Waiver Permits

  • No action was taken regarding the recommendation to implement a free waiver permit process for certain residential projects exempt from standard building permits.

Reaffirmation of September 28 Actions

  • The council unanimously reaffirmed actions taken during the interrupted Zoom meeting on September 28, 2020. These included:
    • Awarding a 3-year garbage/recycling contract to Pro Disposal starting January 1, 2021.
    • Granting final approval to Ordinance #654 banning outdoor burning (except recreational fires).
    • Adopting Resolution 2020-12 to apply for $375,240 in Covid-19 Relief Grant funds.
    • Approving the site plan for a dog park at Lake Rowena.
    • Referring a zoning amendment regarding front yard fences to the planning commission.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Wyland reported enhanced crosswalk enforcement due to recent accidents. There will be no Halloween parade this year due to Covid-19.
  • Public Works: No report.
  • Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on modifications to the Dickens of a Christmas event and the Turkey Trot. K&K Wedding Décor opened at 206 E. High Street.
  • Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on a modified "Breakfast with Santa" drive-thru event and plans for a winter basketball league.
  • Zoning Board: A lot merger at 320 East High Street, tentatively approved in August, was finally approved at this meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 PM upon a motion by Ms. Jacoby, seconded by Mr. Owatt.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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