Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:32 p. m. Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance and Opening

The meeting was called to order by Council President Doug Tusing.

• Present: Council members Doug Tusing, Cecilia Houser, Theresa Jacoby, Susan Kuhar, Mike Murphy, Max Cafazza (Junior Councilor), and Roy Lian (Junior Councilor).
• Absent: Jeffrey Ball and Bob Miller.
• Others in Attendance: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joe Lougrhan, and various department directors.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Approval of the November 24, 2025 meeting minutes.
• The financial statement for November and payment of bills for December.

2026 Annual Budget

Council President Tusing thanked outgoing Council Member Bob Miller for his four years of service. The council then reviewed the 2026 Operating Budget, which totals $7,670,745 in revenues and expenditures.

• General Fund: The budget reflects a 6% increase over last year, driven by revenue from the Student Resource Officer (SRO) contract with Holy Name ($80k), higher EIT collections ($60k), and bulk water sales ($60k).
• Expenditures: Increases are attributed to police department costs (including the SRO program), water fund expenses, and recreation equipment.
• Vote: Ms. Jacoby moved to approve the budget. The motion passed 4-1 (Murphy voted no).

Manager Selection Process

The Borough Manager vacancy has been advertised, with applications due by December 17. The administration committee will review applications in an executive session. Interviews are scheduled for early January, with a target to hire a candidate by February 1 who would start in mid-March.

General Business and Resolutions

Property Sale (Justice and Rosalie Orlu) The council agreed to the Planning Commission’s recommendation to allow the Orlus to purchase a small portion of borough property at 300 W. High Street. The Orlus must update their survey to determine the exact property line, and the borough will proceed with an appraisal. The council also agreed to grant an easement allowing the Orlus access to their parking area across the lower portion of the borough’s driveway.

Winter Parking Regulations Council Member Murphy proposed that winter parking rules remain in effect daily from December 1 through March 31. The motion died for lack of a second, so the current enforcement schedule remains unchanged.

RACRA Lease Extension The lease between the borough and RACRA expires on December 31, 2025. The council approved a one-year extension through December 31, 2026.

Fee Resolution #2025-07 A new fee of $50 per year was established for the use of the yard waste facility on South West Street. Beginning in 2026, key fobs will be required for access and will be deactivated if payment is not made. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution #2025-08 (Tax Rates) The council established the 2026 tax rates:

• Land: 36. 75 mills per dollar of assessed valuation.
• Buildings: 11. 75 mills per dollar of assessed valuation.
• Stormwater Management: 2. 5 mills per dollar of assessed valuation. The motion passed unanimously.

2026 PELRAS Conference Ms. Cook requested to attend the PA Employee Labor Relations Advisory Service conference in 2026. The council rejected the request, stating that the new borough manager would be capable of making their own introductions. The motion to reject passed 4-1 (Tusing voted no).

Hometown Hero Banners The council approved a request from the Ebensburg VFW to hang "Hometown Hero" banners on lampposts twice a year, specifically for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. The motion passed 4-1 (Tusing voted no).

Department Reports

• Police: Chief Lougrhan provided updates on the "Shop with a Cop" event and winter parking.
• Public Works: Director Jerry Poruban reported on seasonal emergency callouts and holiday decorations.
• Community Development: Director Danea Koss updated the council on holiday events and the January 2026 newsletter.
• Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson provided a written report but was unable to attend.
• Codes Enforcement: One violation for garbage/furniture on a porch was issued; two other complaints were deemed civil matters outside borough jurisdiction.

Adjournment

The council entered an executive session at 7:15 p. m. to discuss a personnel matter and reconvened at 7:32 p. m. Mr. Murphy moved to adjourn, and the motion passed unanimously.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director