Documents Feb 27, 2023

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary

Date: February 27, 2023

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m. by Council President Doug Tusing.

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President, via telephone), Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, Dave Kuhar, and Theresa Jacoby.
Attendees: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Chief of Police Terry Wyland, Mayor Randy Datsko, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, and various department directors.
Public Comments: None were received at the start of the meeting.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
Approval of the January 23, 2023 meeting minutes.
Approval of the January financial statement and February bill payments.

Water/Wastewater Committee

Municipal Authority Loan: The Municipal Authority secured a loan of $622,000 from Ameriserv at 4. 25% interest to fund Phase 1 of a waterline replacement project and upgrades to the Ogden tank. The Borough Council unanimously approved acting as a guarantor for this loan.
Plant Operations: Written reports from Inframark on wastewater and water treatment operations were submitted for review.

Recreation Committee

Rate Increases: The council unanimously approved the following price increases:
- Annual pool passes: +$5.
- Pavilion rentals: $50 to $75.
- Gym time (YPCC): Half court $10 to $15; Full court $20 to $30.
- Party rentals: Two hours at the gym $125 to $150; two hours at the pool $150 to $200.

Street Committee

Sidewalk and Curbing Project 2023: The project was re-bid after previous bids exceeded estimates.
- Bids Received: CH&D Enterprises ($136,827. 88) and Hawbaker Construction ($342,821. 00).
- Decision: The contract was awarded to CH&D Enterprises for $136,827. 88. Approximately $4,500 will come from sidewalk funds, with the remainder from water or stormwater funds.

General Business

Dog Park: The Rotary Club secured funding for a dog park at 962 Rowena Drive with an estimated cost of $245,000. An anonymous donor agreed to cover any costs exceeding this estimate.
- Bids Received: Kev’s (Lute) Excavating ($201,801. 00 - withdrawn), CH&D Enterprise ($312,820. 00), and Straw Construction ($264,039. 00).
- Decision: The project was awarded to Straw Construction for $264,039. 00, contingent on the receipt of funds from the Rotary.
Planning Commission Vacancy: Mr. Tom Williams stepped down due to a conflict of interest regarding his new role at PennDOT. The council invited interested residents to submit letters of interest for the vacancy.
Resolution #2023-01: The council approved the sale of various Public Works equipment (including a North Star Bed sprayer, mower deck, Dodge Ram, and asphalt roller) valued in excess of $1,000.

Police: Chief Wyland reported a positive meeting with Congressman John Joyce and noted that a recent stabbing in Cambridge Ebensburg was an isolated incident.
Public Works: The high tank is back in service, and a leak in Crestwood has been identified. Employee Jerry Poruban passed his CDL testing.
Community Development: Upcoming events include "Art in Bloom," "Wheels & Wings," and a Main Street Networking Event on March 16th at Coal Country Brewing.
Recreation: State Rep. Frank Burns will host a Kids' Fair with the Easter Bunny at the YPCC on April 3rd. The next Bingo night is scheduled for March 17th.
Planning Commission: The council unanimously approved the Land Development Plan for 1st Summit Bank, which involves demolishing a structure at 516 W. High St. and building a new parking lot.

Tom Bortel: Asked about fines for a recent excursion at the Sewer Plant.
Luke Paronish: Added that a "Lens on Litter Photo Contest" is currently running through the Pennsylvania Resources Council.
Mike Murphy: Thanked the council for resolving an ongoing issue.
Chris Corcoran: Questioned the number of bids required for the Sidewalk and Curbing project, noting the significant price difference between the two bids received.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p. m. following a motion by Ms. Jacoby. Minutes were recorded by Danae Koss, Community Development Director.