Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: November 24, 2025 Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance and Opening

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

• Present: Council members Doug Tusing, Cecilia Houser, Theresa Jacoby, Susan Kuhar, Bob Miller, Mike Murphy, Max Cafazza, and Roy Lian.
• Absent: Jeffrey Ball.
• Others in Attendance: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joe Lougthan, Recreation Director Rebecca Williamson, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Solicitor Matt Gribler, Incoming Councilor Sue Stevens, and representatives from Inframark, The Mountaineer Journal, and The Altoona Mirror.

Consent Agenda

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Houser and seconded by Mr. Murphy. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved included:

• Reports from Inframark on Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting.
• The financial statement for October.
• Payment of bills for November.

Committee Reports and Updates

Water/Wastewater Committee

• Inframark Proposal: Inframark submitted a proposal to assume operation of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems for an annual cost of $150,410. This is due to the borough lacking required licensed personnel for these tasks. The committee recommended approval, with the contract expiring in December 2028.
  • Decision: The motion to accept the proposal passed unanimously.
• Project Updates:
  • Waterline Replacement: Final inspection was completed last month, and final payment was approved.
  • Stormwater Project: Final restoration is complete for the season; the contractor will return in spring for additional work.

Street Committee

• Parking Enforcement: Staff are evaluating options for parking management, including hybrid systems using apps or kiosks.
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB): Construction was completed last month at the corner of Julian and High Streets. The beacon is operational, and police will conduct traffic control checks.

Administration Committee

• 2026 Annual Budget: A tentative budget was presented with total revenues and expenditures of $7,670,745. The General Fund budget is balanced with no increase in real estate taxes.
  • Revenue Increases: Approximately $80,000 from the Student Resource Officer contract and $60,000 from higher Earned Income Tax (EIT) collections.
  • Decision: Ms. Jacoby moved for tentative approval of the budget. The motion passed 4 to 2 (Miller and Murphy voted no).

Personnel and Resolutions

• Borough Manager Retirement: Borough Manager Kelly Cook will retire on April 6, 2026. The administration committee met in executive session to discuss the search process. Applications are due December 17, with interviews expected in January.
• Resolution #2025-06: This resolution establishes wages for 2026, including increases for AFSCME and FOP union employees.
  • Decision: The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.
• Public Works Vacancy: Scott Maul was offered a position as Laborer I at $23. 48 per hour. Mr. Murphy expressed interest in hiring additional laborers.

General Business

• Property Sale Request: Justice and Rosalie Orlu requested to purchase borough property adjoining their land.
  • Decision: The matter was referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. If the appraised value exceeds $6,000, the property must be advertised for bid.
• Winter Parking: Council discussed enforcing winter parking regulations (December 1 – March 31). Due to resident complaints, the system was previously relaxed.
  • Decision: The discussion was tabled until the December meeting to allow for public input.

Department Reports

• Police: Chief Lougthan reported on the upcoming "Shop with a Cop" event and noted that winter parking enforcement begins December 1.
• Public Works: Director Jerry Poruban provided a written report but was unable to attend.
• Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on Volunteer Appreciation Night, Small Business Saturday, and other holiday events.
• Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson reported on the upcoming winter basketball league and facility maintenance.
• Codes Enforcement: Ms. Cook reported four verbal warnings were issued for leaves raked into the road.

Adjournment

The council entered an executive session at 7:20 p. m. to discuss a personnel matter and reconvened at 7:26 p. m. A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Houser and seconded by Ms. Kuhar, passing unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:27 p. m.