Documents Oct 28, 2024

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: October 28, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:26 PM Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser, Dave Kuhar, Mike Murphy, Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Robert Miller.
Junior Councilor: Abe Remillard (sworn in for a second term).
Staff & Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Danea Koss, Rebecca Williamson, Luke Byrne, Dwayne Lowry, Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Matt Churella (The Altoona Mirror), Julie Pittman (Mainline Newspapers).

Public Comments & Street Changes

North Spruce Street: Resident Bill Link suggested converting the street to one-way. After reviewing police records, staff found no data on accidents or damage since the street was converted to two-way traffic in 2015. The Council decided to keep it as a two-way street but will investigate the history of that 2015 change.

Infrastructure and Projects

Water Lines: Mayor Datsko noted that eight new water hydrants were installed, bringing the total to 26.
Wastewater Replacement: Guyer Brothers has completed approximately 93% of the mainline and 60% of service installations.
Stormwater Project: Construction began August 12, 2024. The contractor is currently working on North Beech Street toward Highland Avenue.
Ordinance 672: The Council granted tentative approval for a new ordinance allowing the designation of loading zones on municipal streets where warranted.

2025 Annual Budget

The Council reviewed the tentative 2025 budget, which is balanced with total revenues and expenditures of $7,436,845.
Fund Breakdown:
- General Fund: $2,561,445
- Water Fund: $2,588,600 (a 5. 37% increase)
- Wastewater Fund: $2,058,000
- Stormwater Fund: $228,800
Discussion: Council members discussed the need to replenish reserves due to unbudgeted expenses. Mr. Miller suggested a 1-mill tax increase to cover nearly $500,000 in unbudgeted costs. President Tusing noted that ample reserve funds are currently in place.
Vote: The motion to approve the budget passed 4-3 (Yes: Jacoby, Tusing, Houser, Ball; No: Murphy, Kuhar, Miller).

General Business

Garbage Collection: The Council addressed noise complaints regarding early morning pickups. They reaffirmed with the hauler, Pro Disposal, that no residential pickups should occur before 6:00 AM.
Lease Agreements:
- Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies: Ratified a one-year lease ending September 30, 2025, with two extension options. The new rate is $1,285. 00 per month (a 10% increase).
- Cambria County Child Development Corporation: The tenant requested a three-year renewal at the current rate of $1,666. 94 per month. Staff will continue to negotiate a new rate.

Police: Chief Loughran submitted a written report. Part-time Officer Colby Jones was sworn in.
Public Works: Director Josh Surkovich submitted a written report regarding streetlight issues being resolved with Dodson Electric.
Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on recent events including PotatoFest, Fall Foliage Ride, and the Halloween Parade.
Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson provided updates on the swimming pool winterization, Halloween party, and basketball league. The recreation board meeting schedule was moved to the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM.