Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: November 20, 2023

Attendance and Opening

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

• Present: Council members Doug Tusing, Cecilia Houser, Dave Kuhar, Theresa Jacoby, Mike Owatt, Bob Miller, and Junior Councilor Abraham Remillard.
• Absent: Jeff Ball and Isaac Bradley (Junior Councilor).
• Others in Attendance: Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joseph Loughran, and various department directors.

Public Comments

Residents expressed concerns regarding commercial vehicles parking on residential streets, which creates difficulties for school buses and emergency response vehicles.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Reports from Inframark on Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Approval of the October 23, 2023 meeting minutes.
• The financial statement for October and payment of bills for November.

Committee Reports and Resolutions

Water/Wastewater Committee

• Administrative Support Agreement: The council approved Joint Resolution #2023-1 to increase the annual administrative support payment to the Municipal Authority from $201,000 to $221,100. This 10% increase is due to rising costs and has not been adjusted since 2017.

Recreation Committee

• Park Grant: The council rescinded a previous resolution and approved Resolution #2023-13. This authorizes the borough to apply for a $120,000 grant through the Statewide Local Share Account to upgrade various parks and playgrounds.

Street Committee

• Sidewalk Project: Bids for the sidewalk and curbing project were awarded to CH & D Construction for $136,827. 88. Work began on October 31, with completion expected before December 1.
• New Ordinances: The council authorized staff to draft new ordinances regarding:
  • Prohibiting the parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods.
  • Updating garbage collection rules, including removing the 36-gallon container limit and requiring lids on receptacles.

Administration Committee

• 2024 Budget: The council granted final approval to the 2024 annual budget.
  • General Fund: Revenues and expenditures are set at $2,573,760. This represents a 10. 9% increase over last year, primarily due to inflation and the hiring of an additional police officer.
  • Water Fund: Revenues and expenditures are set at $2,456,600. This is a 14. 9% increase to cover future debt service for a grant-funded project.
  • Wastewater Fund: Revenues and expenditures are set at $2,005,530.
  • Stormwater Fund: Revenues and expenditures are set at $230,500.
• Pension Plans: The council adopted revised Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) calculations:
  • Non-uniformed pension plan: $97,070.
  • Uniformed pension plan: $25,083.

General Business

• Municipal Airport: The council tabled a discussion regarding insurance and registration costs for the airport hangar to be addressed in an executive session.
• Tax Resolution: Resolution #2023-14 was approved, fixing the 2024 tax rates at:
  • 36. 75 mills on land valuation.
  • 11. 75 mills on building valuation.
  • 2. 5 mills for stormwater management.
• Grant Support: The council voted to provide a letter of support for the Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic’s grant application.
• Police Resignation: The resignation of part-time officer James Melnyk was accepted, effective immediately.

Department Reports

• Police: The "Trick or Treat" event was successful and incident-free.
• Public Works: Work is ongoing for Christmas decorations; staff are also looking into a backup generator for the borough building.
• Community Development: Upcoming events include Small Business Saturday, Dickens of a Christmas, and a 2024 Winterfest.
• Recreation: Free tennis will be available at the Tennis Center on Thanksgiving.

Adjournment

The council entered an executive session at 7:17 p. m. to discuss personnel and real estate matters, exiting at 7:53 p. m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p. m.