Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: February 23, 2026 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:08 p. m. Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance and Opening

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

  • Present: Council members Doug Tusing (President), Theresa Jacoby (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Cecilia Houser, Susan Kuhar, Mike Murphy, Sue Stevens, Max Cafazza (Junior Councilor), and Roy Lian (Junior Councilor).
  • Absent: Mayor Randy Datsko and Borough Manager Kelly Cook.
  • Others in Attendance: Police Chief Joe Loughran, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Public Works Director Jerry Poruban, Recreation Director Rebecca Williamson, Clerk Tracy Strom, Solicitor Matt Gribler, and representatives from Inframark, Wessel & Company, and The Mountaineer Journal.

Consent Agenda

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Jacoby and seconded by Mr. Ball. The motion passed unanimously. The agenda included:

  • Approval of Inframark reports for Wastewater, Water Treatment, and Collections & Distributions.
  • Approval of a Letter of Support for Pennsylvania One Call.
  • Note of correspondence from the Dauntless Fire Company.
  • Approval of minutes from the December 15, 2025, and January 5, 2026 meetings.
  • Approval of financial statements for December and January, including 4th quarter fund transfers.
  • Approval of bill payments for January and February.

Council Business and Reports

Agenda Amendment Council voted unanimously to change the March meeting date from the fourth Monday to the fifth Monday of the month.

Resignation Notice Council President Tusing reported that Councilor Cecilia Houser will submit her letter of resignation at the March meeting due to a work conflict and planned relocation. Council has 30 days from acceptance of the resignation to appoint a replacement.

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Reports: Inframark submitted written reports on Wastewater Plant Operations, Water Treatment Plant Operations, and Collections & Distribution Operations.
  • Water Line Issues: Mr. Murphy reported that the Public Works Department restored water service to eighteen properties after freezing lines caused outages during recent extreme cold. Council commended the department for their response.

Administration Committee

  • Manager Selection: The Borough received 35 applications for the Borough Manager position after a second advertisement with an increased salary range. Five candidates were sent questionnaires, and four interviews are scheduled. The goal is to select a candidate by March 1 for a late March start date. The outgoing manager has agreed to stay until April 6 to ensure a smooth transition.

Human Relations & Diversity Committee

  • Hometown Here Banners: The Community Development Director and Borough Solicitor met with the VFW to review program details. The solicitor is finalizing requirements for implementation.

General Business

  • Ordinances: General Code is conducting an editorial and legal analysis of the Borough’s ordinances.
  • Police Cruiser: Council unanimously approved a motion to purchase a 2025 Ford Interceptor and associated equipment for a total of $64,879. 50. The vehicle will be purchased from Laurel Ford for $44,000, with equipment and installation from West Penn Vehicle Specialists for $20,879. 50.

Local Shares Grant Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a $42,000 grant for the restoration of McDonald’s Field and First Energy Field. A single bid from Straw Construction ($108,300) was rejected as it exceeded available funds; the project will be rebid.

Ebensburg Airport Runway Lighting Four bids were received for the rehabilitation of runway lighting. One bid was rejected for not meeting specifications. Council unanimously approved a contract to the lowest bidder, Bruce-Merrilees Electric, LLC, for a grand total of $481,810. This includes the base bid of $412,740 plus two alternates ($51,220 and $17,850).

March Meeting Date Council unanimously approved moving the March meeting back one week to Monday, March 30, to accommodate residents unable to attend the originally planned date.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Loughran provided an update on department activities, including a meeting on regionalization with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
  • Public Works: Director Jerry Poruban reported on water main repairs, replacement of malfunctioning meters, and the setup of a leak response trailer.
  • Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on fundraising for the Ebensburg Endowment Fund, a Sled Riding event wrap-up, Art in Bloom updates, and the upcoming Borough’s Association Meeting on April 21st.
  • Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson reported on Bingo events, new gym equipment at the YPCC, and discussions regarding dredging, lighting, field leases, and the Tennis Center.
  • Building Permit Enforcement: A monthly report was forwarded to Council.
  • Ebensburg Municipal Authority: Minutes from the last meeting were included in the Council packet.
  • Planning Commission & Zoning Hearing Board: No activity reported.
  • Codes Enforcement: Two warnings were issued for garbage violations (one on a porch, one in a yard). No violations were issued in January.

Adjournment

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Murphy and seconded by Mr. Ball. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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