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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: February 24, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:14 PM Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance

  • Present: Council President Doug Tusing, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar (via phone), Mike Murphy, Roy Lian (Junior Councilor), and Abe Remillard (Junior Councilor).
  • Absent: Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeffrey Ball, Robert Miller, and Mayor Randy Datsko.
  • Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Police Chief Joe Loughran, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Solicitor Matt Gribler, and representatives from Pennsylvania One Call, Inframark, and The Mountaineer Herald.

Key Updates & Reports

Council President’s Report

  • Council President Tusing announced his appointment to the Cambria County Agricultural Land Review Board.
  • He noted that this is a municipal election year and encouraged residents to get petitions signed for those interested in serving.
  • Councilors Miller, Tusing, and Jacoby are up for reelection.

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Inframark Reports: Written reports on wastewater and water plant operations were submitted for review.
  • Waterline Replacement: The project is on schedule, with Guyer Brothers having installed 98% of the main line and 95% of service installations. Work was paused due to weather since mid-January.
    • There is approximately $600,000 in unallocated funds remaining.
    • The Authority plans to continue replacing the 12” waterline on Lovell Avenue.
  • Stormwater Project: A. Liberioni Construction has completed 85% of the installation. Substantial completion was missed; an extension was granted through March 14, with final completion by June 2.

Recreation Committee

  • Small Dock and Boat Launch: The Ebensburg Main Street Partnership requested to replace a kayak launch/dock at the Upper Reservoir.
    • The municipality must serve as the applicant for a GP-2 permit through the Cambria County Conservation District.
    • The Partnership plans to purchase an EZ Dock floating modular dock pending approvals.
    • Decision: This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Street Committee

  • Ordinance #673 (North Spruce Street): Council voted to designate North Spruce Street as one-way south-bound from West Crawford to High Street.
    • Borough Engineer TranSystems is obtaining permits from PennDOT.
    • Decision: Final approval of the ordinance was tabled until the next meeting.
  • Letter of Support: A letter supporting the Pennsylvania One Call System and designating April 2025 as “Pennsylvania Safe Digging Month” was requested.
    • Decision: This item was tabled until the next meeting.
  • Parking Enforcement: Council voted to move from metered parking to free two-hour parking.
    • Staff is working with Police to develop an implementation plan.
    • Designated County spaces will be moved from the Prave Lot to the County Lot across S. Center Street from the Courthouse.

General Business

  • Airport Fencing Rehabilitation: Four bids were received for fencing work:
    • Fye Fencing: $136,470. 00
    • Pro Max Fence Systems: $164,695. 00
    • G. B. Hastie Fence: $174,025. 00
    • Hiles Excavating: $193,725. 00
    • Decision: A supplemental agreement will reduce the base bid from Fye Fencing to $78,970. 00. The revised project will be issued to Fye Fencing. This item was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
  • Ordinance #674 (Stray/Feral Cats): The borough proposes an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray or feral cats if it causes a nuisance or health hazard. Residents who feed cats would be responsible for vaccinations and ensuring the animals are spayed/neutered.
    • Decision: This item was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
  • SRO for Holy Name School: Holy Name School has approved the School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement. The Borough is hiring a part-time officer to fill this position.
  • Gambling Devices: Council discussed permits for games of chance machines. The Borough can assess fees via a flat rate or sliding scale.
    • Decision: This item was tabled for further discussion due to potential state regulation of skill games in the Governor’s 2025 budget proposal.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Loughran reported the department is working well as a team and will continue seeking grant funding for training. He asked residents to call the department with complaints rather than posting on Facebook.
  • Public Works: Mr. Surkovich provided a written report on last month’s activities.
  • Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on planning for the Main Street Family Fun Night, Art in Bloom, and the 200th Anniversary of Ebensburg Borough’s incorporation.
  • Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson submitted a written report on last month’s activities.
  • Codes Enforcement: A monthly report was forwarded to Council.

Public Comments

Ms. Erika Dominik from Pennsylvania One Call Systems thanked the Council for recognizing April 2025 as Pennsylvania Safe Digging Month and reminded residents to call 811 before digging.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Miller made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Murphy. The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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