Documents Nov 26, 2018

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: November 26, 2018 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 8:03 p. m. Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Cecilia Houser, John Cobaugh.
Absent: Dave Kuhar.
Others Present: Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Mark Wirfel (Plant Supervisor), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Jocelyn Brumbaugh (The Tribune Democrat), Andrew Smithmyer (The Mountaineer Herald).

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Minutes from the October 22, 2018 meeting.
- The Financial Statement.
- Payment of bills.

Wastewater and Infrastructure Updates

Plant Operations: The wastewater plant returned 42 million gallons of clean water to Howells Run in October. No excursions occurred, and 13. 6 tons of sludge were sent to the landfill.
Wastewater Project: The project is 23% complete, though 40% of the contract time has passed. Restoration of private property and streets is ongoing but will be delayed until spring due to winter weather.
Gas Line Replacement: People Gas plans to replace gas mains and laterals starting in February on W. Triumph Street, South Marian Street, and South Caroline Street. Work will continue south of High Street through the summer to allow for street resurfacing in the fall.

Administrative and Labor Agreements

AFSCME Labor Agreement: A tentative agreement was reached after five sessions, but employees rejected the Borough’s last best offer on November 13. The current contract expires at the end of 2018, and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for December 11.
FOP Supplemental Agreement: A proposal was made to adjust pay for a new police officer, Huber. Instead of the standard graded pay (75%/85%/95%), he would receive 90% in his second year and 100% in his third. This does not set a precedent for future hires.
Dependent Healthcare: The council unanimously approved dependent healthcare for the public works director, effective December 1, 2018. This is an exception to the policy that excludes employees hired after August 2014, granted due to his combined 38 years of service.

Budget and Ordinances

2019 Annual Budget: The council granted final approval to the 2019 budget. It projects revenues of $6,036,770 and expenditures of $5,927,480. The budget is balanced with no increase in real estate taxes.
Tax Ordinance (#645): Final approval was granted for the ordinance establishing the 2019 real estate tax.
Sidewalk Ordinance (#646): Tentative approval was granted for an ordinance amending sidewalk requirements, specifically reflecting changes along East Sample Street between Sugar and Roberts Streets.

Police: Chief Wyland announced that winter parking regulations will begin on December 1. He requested residents follow them early to assist with plowing.
Public Works: Mr. Evans reported that the Sippel project is moving slowly, but two additional mainline crews have been added. Crews are also marking water lines to prevent damage.
Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on upcoming "Dickens of a Christmas" events, the 2019 membership renewal mailing, and wrap-up activities from Small Business Saturday.
Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on wrapping up basketball and starting the winter league, which is capped at 50 teams. The Woman’s Club will host Breakfast with Santa during Dickens weekend, and new flooring has been installed at the YPCC.

The council entered an executive session at 7:15 p. m. to discuss a personnel matter.
Special Project Pay: A motion was approved to grant special project pay of $1,500 each for Tracey Strom and Rose Myers for 2018 and 2019.
- Vote: Yes (Jacoby, Barber, Houser, Cobaugh); No (May, Tusing).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director