Documents Oct 28, 2019

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: October 28, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:19 PM
Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Present:

Others Present:

Absent:

Audience: 9 attendees

Ms. Houser moved to approve the consent agenda; Mr. Cobaugh seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Items approved:

Adopt Resolution #2019-08 for traffic signal maintenance agreement at Center Street and Highland Avenue.
Approve minutes from September 23, 2019 meeting.
Approve Financial Statement.
Approve payment of bills.

Acknowledged Bobby Soyka’s Eagle Scout project: constructed a bicycle shelter at YPCC for rental bikes using obtained funding.

Wastewater Plant Operations: Todd Adams reported Mike Montgomery submitted monthly activity report.
Wastewater Project: Mr. Kuhar confirmed sewer mains/laterals work completed and tested; walk-through inspections done Oct 24. Punch list items remain, including minor street repairs.
Water Plant Operations: Inframark proposed taking over water treatment plant operations under a new 3-year contract (combining both plants). Council discussed pros/cons of independent operator vs. current setup. Mr. Cobaugh moved for tentative approval pending final documents — motion passed unanimously.

Street Resurfacing: Mr. Cobaugh reported Quaker Sales completed milling/resurfacing south of High Street.
Triumph Street Sidewalk: Ms. Houser raised concerns about unsafe handicap ramp design due to extreme grade onto Center Street. PennDOT insists ramps be built as drawn. Curbs installed pre-resurfacing. Kishmo ordered non-standard detectable warning surfaces; ramps to be completed soon.

FOP Labor Agreement: Committee met twice with police officers to negotiate renewal (expires end of 2019). Agreement expected soon.
2020 Annual Budget: Tentative budget compiled by Mr. Kuhar for Council review. Full presentation delayed until November meeting. If needed, Council will decide on water plant operations first. Tentative approval planned for November, public inspection advertised, final adoption in December.

Ogle Street House: Recently acquired via judicial sale, razed by Cambria County Redevelopment Authority using Act 152 grant funds. Lot (42’ x 132’) is steeply graded, limiting development options. Must be advertised for sale per regulations. If no bids, subdivision with adjacent owners may be considered. Mr. Kuhar moved to advertise property for sale — motion passed unanimously.
Ventrac Tractor Replacement: Current tractor is 11 years old, heavy-duty 4-wheel drive, used for reservoir mowing, sidewalk maintenance, ballfield skinned areas. New tractor with attachments to be purchased from Somerset Power Equipment on State bid list for $42,570. 00. Ms. Jacoby moved to approve purchase — motion passed unanimously.

Police Department (Chief Wyland): Reported on last month’s activities including Potatofest and weapon qualifications.
Public Works Department (Mr. Evans): No issues at water plant; crews continue searching for leaks. Dump truck delivered. Leaf pickup started, will continue through November.
Community Development Department (Mr. Penatzer): Reminded residents of upcoming Turkey Trot and Dickens of a Christmas event featuring live reindeer. Also noted painted Halloween storefronts.
Recreation Department (Ms. Jacoby, in absence of Mr. Johnson): Reported on monthly activities. Upcoming: Black Friday Bingo. Frank Burns held Senior Fair at YPCC on Sept 27 — over 200 attendees, 25 vendors. YPCC has 23 swimmers signed up for first session at CCHS Pool.
Ebensburg Zoning Board: No report.

Ms. Jacoby moved to adjourn; Mr. Cobaugh seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting Adjourned: 7:19 PM

Minutes Recorded by: Tracy Strom, Recording Secretary