Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

Documents

Minutes

View original document →

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: November 25, 2019 Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance and Opening

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

Council Members Present:

  • Doug Tusing (President)
  • Susan Barber (Vice President)
  • Theresa Jacoby
  • Scot May
  • Dave Kuhar
  • Cecilia Houser
  • John Cobaugh

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Daniel Penatzer, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Police Chief Terry Wyland, Public Works Director Jeff Evans, Inframark representative Mike Montgomery, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Recreation Director Dirk Johnson, and local press.

Administrative Updates

  • Future Meetings: The December meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 16th. The reorganization meeting will be held on Monday, January 6th.
  • Council President’s Report: President Tusing congratulated Mr. Mike Owatt, Mr. Jeff Ball, Ms. Cecilia Houser, and Mr. Dave Kuhar on their election or reelection. He also thanked Councilors Barber and Cobaugh for their service.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • A record of a $559,000 transfer from the FNB Liquid Fuels checking account to a 9-month CD.
  • Approval of the minutes from the October 28, 2019 meeting.
  • Approval of the Financial Statement and payment of bills.

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Wastewater Operations: Mike Montgomery reported that 18. 912 million gallons of water were treated in October.
  • Wastewater Project: Ms. Houser confirmed all work is complete; minor landscaping issues will be addressed in the spring.
  • Water Plant Contract: The council approved a 3-year contract with Inframark for water and wastewater treatment operations, effective February 1, 2020. The first-year cost is $895,255.
  • Employee Transfer: Luke Byrne, the current water plant operator, will be hired by Inframark. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFSCME ensures his right to return to borough employment if the Inframark contract is cancelled.

Street Committee

  • Street Resurfacing: Mr. Cobaugh reported that milling and resurfacing south of High Street is complete.
  • Liquid Fuels Status: The account balance is $559,000. With expected state and county aid in 2020, approximately $681,500 will be available for future street resurfacing.

Administration Committee & 2020 Budget

Mr. Penatzer presented the tentative 2020 budget, which balances without increasing real estate taxes. This marks the 10th consecutive year without a tax increase for general purposes.

2020 Budget Highlights:

  • General Fund: Decreased by 3. 5% due to lower County Aid Liquid Fuels.
  • Water Fund: Increased by 4. 5% to cover contracting operations.
  • Wastewater Fund: Decreased by 1. 7% from 2019 levels.
  • Stormwater Fund: Remained flat at $226,000.
  • Total Operating Fund: Represents an overall decrease of 0. 59% from 2019.

The council granted tentative approval to the budget and authorized advertising for public inspection.

General Business

  • Ogle Street House: The borough acquired this property via judicial sale. It has been razed by the Cambria County Redevelopment Authority using Act 152 grant funds. The land was advertised for sale, but no bids were received by November 15th. Council plans to discuss the property with neighbors.
  • Tax Ordinance: Ms. Barber noted that under Act 51 of 2019, an ordinance is only required if the tax rate increases. If the rate stays the same, it can be adopted by resolution to save advertising costs.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Wyland reminded residents that winter parking begins December 1st.
  • Public Works: Mr. Evans reported on minor water plant issues and ongoing homeowner lateral replacements. Leaf pickup continues through November.
  • Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on Small Business Saturday, the Turkey Trot, and upcoming Dickens of a Christmas events.
  • Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on the Pre-Black Friday Bingo, Winter Basketball League, swim lessons, Breakfast with Santa, and the Craft Fair.

Planning Commission

  • Dollar General: The council granted final approval to the subdivision and land development plans for a proposed Dollar General store. A Developer’s Agreement was also approved, assigning responsibility for design review fees and stormwater facilities to the developer.
    • Vote: Tusing (Yes), Barber (Yes), Houser (Yes), May (No), Cobaugh (Yes), Jacoby (Yes).

Public Comments

Mr. Ben Illig thanked Public Works Director Jeff Evans for notifying him of a leak at his property and asked if the borough’s software could detect leaks more frequently.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:35 PM

← Back to Documents