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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: February 25, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:25 PM
Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg
Presiding: Council President Doug Tusing

Attendees

  • Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Cecilia Houser, Scot May
  • Absent: John Cobaugh, Dave Kuhar
  • Solicitor: Blair Pawlowski
  • Others Present: Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Jeff Evans (Public Works Director), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Mark Wirfel (Plant Supervisor), Andrew Smithmyer (The Mountaineer Herald), Jocelyn Brumbaugh (The Tribune Democrat)
  • Audience: 11 residents

Opening & Pledge

  • Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM.
  • Pledge of Allegiance recited.

Public Comments

  • None received.

Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)

Ms. Jacoby moved; seconded by Ms. Barber.

  1. Approve signature authorizations for President and Secretary/Treasurer with AmeriServ under Act 457 Plan.
  2. Record reinvestment:
    • $1,500,000 from Operating Fund → AmeriServ at 2. 81% for 180 days (on 2/7/2019)
    • $525,000 from Liquid Fuels Fund → same rate and term
  3. Approve minutes of January 28, 2019 meeting.
  4. Approve Financial Statement.
  5. Approve payment of bills — Councilor Tusing abstained due to amount owed him.

Appointment to Address Council

  • Mr. Roy Johnston (representing Ms. Datsko, 320 South Marian St. ) requested reconsideration of curb depression installation.
  • Concern: Yard may flood if curb installed without drainage solution.
  • Borough’s response: Will install perforated pipe behind curb leading to storm basin; borough will provide pipe during project.

2018 Audit

  • Megan Freidhof and Stephanie Stohon (Wessel & Company) presented overview of 2018 audit.
  • Financial statements and executive summary distributed.

Mayor’s Report

  • February 18 is Leo Stanek’s birthday; he once hosted “Sunday Sounds of Polka” radio show in Ebensburg.
  • Council considered proclaiming Feb 18 as “Leo Stanek Day” next year.

Committee Reports

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Wastewater Plant Operations (Mark Wirfel):
    • 36 million gallons clean water returned to Howells Run
    • 16 tons sludge sent to landfill
    • No excursions in January
  • Stormwater Project (Scot May):
    • 40% complete, but 60% of contract time elapsed
    • Question raised about leak detection and whether borough still buying water

Recreation Committee

  • No report.

Street Committee

  • Ordinances #647 (Prave St. ) and #648 (South Cherry St. ) correcting legal descriptions — both received tentative approval, advertised for public inspection, ready for final adoption.
  • Final approvals passed unanimously on motions by Ms. Houser (seconded by Mr. May).

Administration Committee

  • Laborer II position advertised; 15 applications received. Interviews begin Feb 26.

General Business

  • Mower Purchase:
    • Replace 2007 zero-turn mower with Exmark Lazer S ($9,634. 10 off state bid list).
    • Motion passed unanimously (Ms. Barber moved, Ms. Houser seconded).
    • Disclosure: Ray’s Lawnmower (vendor) owned by a Penatzer; purchase price confirmed off state bid list.

Department Reports

Police Department (Chief Wyland)

  • Reminded residents to clear sidewalks and watch for red-light runners and school bus passers.
  • Staffing short due to medical leave; making do.
  • Mr. Tusing noted complaints about snow/shoveling delays — sewer project consuming manpower.

Public Works Department (Jeff Evans)

  • Overwhelmed with simultaneous projects + snow/ice maintenance.
  • Using leak detection software to locate/fix water system leaks.

Community Development Department (Danea Koss)

  • Main Street Partnership hosting happy hour March 7 at Gold Rush/Shear Perfection.
  • Congressman “GT” Thompson opened district office in Ebensburg Feb 19.
  • Historic District nomination approved by PA State Historic Preservation Board (Feb 5); now pending National Park Service approval.

Recreation Department (Dirk Johnson)

  • Swimming lessons resume March 9 (Session #3).
  • Youth aquatics program in development post-swim lessons.
  • Lifeguard classes offered April–June for recertification and new hires.

Media Comments/Questions

  • Jocelyn Brumbaugh (Tribune Democrat) asked if wastewater project delays are weather-related.

Public Comments

  • Ms. Barber asked if press coverage of salt levels affects local operations.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Jacoby, seconded by Ms. Barber — passed unanimously.
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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