Documents Dec 20, 2021

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: December 20, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM – 6:55 PM

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

Council Members Present:

Other Attendees:

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously. This included:

Water/Wastewater Committee

Mr. Ball reported that written reports from Inframark regarding wastewater and water treatment plant operations were not in the meeting packets but are available at the office.

Recreation Committee

Dog Park Grant: The Borough applied for a $249,411 grant for a dog park at Lake Rowena. The Commonwealth offered $112,000.
Decision: Council unanimously approved the acceptance of the $112,000 grant. The Ebensburg Rotary Club will continue fundraising for the remaining costs.

Resolution #2021-12 (PENNVEST Funding)

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Borough officers to sign documents for PENNVEST funding.
This includes guaranteeing a loan secured by a lien on water revenues and a pledge of taxing authority.
Amounts: The maximum grant amount is $1,265,610. 00 and the maximum principal forgiveness loan amount is $805,765. 00.

Resolution #2021-13 (Lease Amendment)

Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Agreement of Lease.
This increases the annual lease payment from the Borough to the Ebensburg Municipal Authority to cover increased debt service for the water construction project.
The agreement now covers both the "2018 Capital Improvements Program" and the "2022 Water Construction Project. "

Ordinance #660 (PENNVEST Loan Guaranty)

Council granted tentative approval for an ordinance adopting a guaranty agreement for a PENNVEST loan.
Project: High Street Waterline replacement.
Loan Terms: $805,765 loan for 20 years. Interest is 1% for the first five years, then 1. 743%.
Status: The Solicitor will review documents for compliance, and the Authority’s Engineer will certify a Self-Liquidating Debt Report.

Ordinance #661 (Unit Debt Act Compliance)

Council granted tentative approval for an ordinance regarding a new line of credit.
Context: A $1 million line of credit was secured for 2020/2021 sidewalk projects. While $670,000 was expected to remain, only $550,000 remains.
Action: Staff obtained proposals for a 5-year loan to pay off this balance.
Loan Details: A $550,000 loan from First National Bank for 5 years at a fixed rate of 2. 39%.

Police: Chief Wyland reported that the Turkey Trot and Dickens of a Christmas events were successful. About 20% of new cruiser equipment has arrived, with the rest expected in two to three weeks.
Public Works: Director Jeff Evans had no additional comments beyond his written report.
Community Development: Director Danea Koss thanked Public Works for help with Christmas decorations and event support.
Recreation: Director Dirk Johnson submitted a written report but was not present.

Mr. Ken Cummins (221 N. Julian Street): Reported seams opening up in the asphalt on the 200 block of N. Julian Street and requested inspection.
Mr. Bill Link (725 N. Spruce Street): Reported a missing street sign at the intersection of Highland and Marion Streets and requested replacement.
Councilor Scot May: Shared reflections on his four-year term, highlighting accomplishments such as a town hall meeting, gold-level sustainability certification, and the establishment of the diversity committee. He expressed interest in remaining active with the sister city initiative.
Mr. Jerry McMullen (214 W. Lloyd Street): Commented on how nice the town decorations looked.

There being no further business, Mr. May made a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director