Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: December 18, 2023 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 6:57 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance

• Present: Doug Tusing (President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Bob Miller, Mike Owatt, Abraham Remillard (Junior Councilor), Kelly Cook (Borough Manager).
• Absent: Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Isaac Bradley (Junior Councilor).
• Others: Randy Datsko (Mayor), Joseph Loughran (Chief of Police), Danea Koss, Dirk Johnson, Josh Surkovich, Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Luke Byrne (Inframark), Mike Murphy (Incoming Council Member), Kristen Badoux (Mainline Newspapers).

Key Decisions and Resolutions

Water/Wastewater Committee (PENNVEST Loans) The Council approved several resolutions and ordinances to secure funding for water system improvements through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

• Ordinance #667: Authorized a PENNVEST loan guaranty of $4,922,366 for the Phase I Waterline Replacement project. This includes a grant of $2,983,725 and a loan of $1,938,641 (Note: Text says loan is $4,922,366 but also mentions grant of $2,983,725 and loan of $4,922,366. The motion text clarifies the guaranty amount is $4,922,366). The loan term is 20 years at a 1% interest rate.
• Ordinance #668: Authorized a PENNVEST loan guaranty of $136,664 for the Lead Service Line Replacement project. This includes a grant of $492,706 and a loan of $136,664. The loan term is 30 years at a 1% interest rate.
• Resolution #2023-15: Authorized officers to execute documents related to the above loans, securing them with a lien on water revenues subordinate only to previous PENNVEST loans (ME #'s 80113, 82201, 85208).
• Resolution #2023-16: Authorized the Guaranty Agreement for the second PENNVEST water project loan (Lead Service Line Replacement).
• Resolution #2023-17: Authorized execution of documents for the first PENNVEST loan (Phase I Waterline Replacement), with a maximum principal forgiveness loan amount of $2,983,725. 00 and a maximum loan amount of $4,922,366. 00.
• Resolution #2023-18: Authorized the Guaranty Agreement for the first PENNVEST water project loan (Phase I Waterline Replacement).
• Motion to Proceed: Council authorized the Borough to proceed with the projects and close on the funding offers totaling $7,906,091. 00 and $629,370. 00.

Other Resolutions

• Resolution #2023-19 (Lease Amendment): Amended the lease agreement with the Ebensburg Municipal Authority. This increases the annual lease payment to cover increased debt service from the new water construction loans. It also updates references in the "2018 Capital Improvements Program" to include the 2022 and 2024 Water Construction Projects.
• Resolution #2023-20 (Wages): Established wages for borough employees. AFSCME and FOP wages will increase per labor contracts. Non-union employees receive the same adjustment as negotiated with AFSCME. Police wages remain unchanged from 2023 as their contract negotiation is not yet finalized; a new resolution will be passed once finalized.
• Resolution #2023-21 (Fees): Established fees for 2024.
  • Conditional Use, Zoning Hearing, Land/Subdivision, and Stormwater Management fees increased from $325. 00 to $400. 00.
  • Pavilion rental fees and garbage fees were also increased to reflect rising costs and the new five-year garbage/recycling contract.

RACRA Lease Extension

• The lease between the Borough and RACRA (regarding the municipal airport hangar) was due to expire on December 31, 2023.
• RACRA failed to renew within the required timeframe but requested an extension.
• Decision: The lease was extended for one year, expiring on December 31, 2024, pending resolution of the hangar repair issues.

Department Reports

• Plans to use the Facebook page more for information distribution.
• Public Works Department: Repaired leaks on South Center Street and Campground Road.
• Community Development: Updates provided on "Dickens of a Christmas," a new business opening, and free metered parking downtown through the end of December to promote holiday shopping.
• Recreation Department: Free tennis will be available at the Tennis Center on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Other Business

• Ebensburg Municipal Airport: Awaiting a final structural engineering report on permanent hangar repairs. If repairs can be made quickly, temporary shoring expenses may be avoided. Staff will make a recommendation once the report is reviewed.
• Public Meeting: A public meeting regarding the upcoming waterline replacement project will be held on Wednesday, December 20th at 5:00 p. m. in the Council Chambers.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p. m. The next Reorganization Meeting is scheduled for January 2nd at 6:30 p. m. in the Council Chambers.

Minutes recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director