Minutes
Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: February 26, 2024Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal BuildingTime: 6:30 p. m. – 7:52 p. m. Presiding: Doug Tusing, President
Attendees
- Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Murphy, Isaac Bradley (Junior Councilor), Kelly Cook (Borough Manager)
- Absent: Randy Datsko (Mayor), Abraham Remillard (Junior Councilor)
- Others Present: Joseph Loughran (Chief of Police), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Josh Surkovich (Public Works Director), Luke Byrne (Inframark), Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Meghan Freidhof (Wessel & Company), Matt Churella (The Altoona Mirror), Julie Pittman (Mainline Newspapers)
- Audience: 5 residents
Key Decisions & Actions
Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)
Ms. Houser moved to approve the following items; motion passed unanimously:
- Inframark reports for Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operations
- Minutes from January 22, 2024 regular meeting and January 2, 2024 reorganization meeting
- Financial statement for January 2024
- Payment of bills for February 2024
Police Labor Agreement (Approved Unanimously)
Mr. Kuhar reported that a tentative agreement was reached with the Ebensburg Borough Police Department for 2024–2027. Key terms include:
- Wage increases: 5%, then 3% annually over four years
- Life insurance increase from $25,000 to $50,000
- Health insurance contribution by police will rise 1% in 2027
- Sick time buyout increased to $20/hour until March 31, 2024 (then reverts to $7. 50)
- Clarifications added regarding sick time documentation requirements
Motion to approve the agreement (with retroactive wages from Jan 1, 2024) passed unanimously on motion by Mr. Kuhar, seconded by Ms. Jacoby.
Ordinance #669: Garbage Ordinance (Approved Unanimously)
Ms. Cook presented amendments allowing:
- Larger garbage receptacles
- Mandatory lids on all garbage containers
- Maximum 24-hour window before pickup day for placing bins at curb
- Same 24-hour removal window after pickup
Council agreed exceptions may be made case-by-case for vacations or disabilities. Motion to approve passed unanimously on motion by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Kuhar.
Resolution #2024-01: 2024 Wage Resolution (Approved Unanimously)
Ms. Houser noted the original 2024 Wage Resolution was adopted in December but needs updating now that the new Police Collective Bargaining Agreement is finalized. Motion to adopt updated resolution passed unanimously on motion by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Ball.
Office Staff Salaries (Motion Passed 4-3)
Mr. Tusing stated the Administrative Committee had requested review of office staff wages in the new year. Council entered Executive Session at 7:14 p. m. to discuss personnel and legal matters, exiting at 7:50 p. m.
Upon exit, Mr. Kuhar moved to increase office staff hourly wage to $22. 82/hour, effective March 1, 2024. Roll call vote:
- Yes: Ball, Murphy, Houser, Kuhar
- No: Jacoby, Tusing, Miller
Motion passed 4-3.
Department Reports
Police Department
Chief Loughran reported on recent thefts from unlocked vehicles — arrests were made thanks to resident tips and doorbell camera footage. Also noted donation of office furniture from Pennsylvania State Police Ebensburg Barracks.
Public Works Department
Director Josh Surkovich reported coordination with utility companies on upcoming road dig-ups. Suggested revising ordinance to require full curb-to-curb repaving after construction, not just ditch-line repairs.
Community Development
Ms. Danea Koss reported:
- Visit from Lt. Governor Davis
- Awarded $50,000 grant for façade improvement projects
- Upcoming WinterFest activities and networking event on April 4 at Ebensburg Country Club
- Borough hosting Spring 2024 Cambria County Borough’s Association dinner on April 16
Recreation Department
Mr. Dirk Johnson reported:
- Lighting upgrades at Dog Park
- Bubble event at YPCC
- Swimming pool project sent back out for bid
Public Comments
- Mr. Bill Link (N. Spruce St. ) asked about terms of the 4-year police agreement.
- Mr. Tom Bortel (E. Sample St. ) sought clarification on new garbage ordinance; noted many residents store trash/recycle bins permanently in front of homes.
- Mr. Gerry McMullen (W. Lloyd St. ) urged borough to require curb-to-curb repaving after construction work.
Adjournment
Ms. Houser moved to adjourn; motion passed unanimously. Meeting ended at 7:52 p. m.
Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director