Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: March 24, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:39 PM Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance and Opening

The meeting was called to order by Council President Doug Tusing. A moment of silence was held for the late Councilman Dave Kuhar, who would have completed his 18th year on the council this year.

Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeffrey Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Robert Miller, Mike Murphy, and Roy Lian (Junior Councilor). Absent: Abe Remillard (Junior Councilor).

Public Comments and Appointments

• Bed Bug Ordinance: Ms. Judith Oravec addressed the council regarding a bed bug issue in her apartment building. She requested an ordinance requiring landlords to notify tenants of health and safety issues, along with providing education materials.
• Council Vacancy: Three candidates expressed interest in filling the vacancy left by Councilman Kuhar. Ms. Melanie Boland and Ms. Susan Kuhar spoke in favor of their appointment, while Mr. Lee Wyland withdrew from consideration.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Reports from Inframark for Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Approval of minutes from the January 27, February 24, and March 4 meetings.
• Financial statements for January and February.
• Payment of bills for February and March.

Committee Reports and Ordinances

Water/Wastewater Committee

• Waterline Replacement: The project is on schedule, with Guyer Brothers having installed 98% of the main line and 95% of service installations. Weather delays prevented completion on Ann and Cindy Streets.
• Budget Reallocation: Approximately $600,000 in unallocated funds will be used to continue replacing the 12” waterline on Lovell Avenue.
• Water Loss: The proposal regarding water loss was tabled until next month.

Recreation Committee

• Kimball Field Restoration: The Ebensburg Softball League proposed restoring the field for $9,600. The council approved a motion to grant the league a $9,600 credit toward future rent payments over the next 4 to 5 years in exchange for completing the restoration.

Street Committee

• Ordinance #673: The council unanimously approved Ordinance #673, designating North Spruce Street as a one-way street heading southbound from West Crawford to High Street.
• Parking Enforcement: Discussions are ongoing regarding the transition from metered parking to free two-hour parking. The council is coordinating with the Cambria County Courthouse regarding permit and court-business-only parking spaces.

General Business

• Ordinance #674 (Feral Cats): The council granted tentative approval for an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray or feral cats if it creates a nuisance. Residents who feed cats must ensure they are vaccinated and spayed/neutered.
• School Resource Officer (SRO): Holy Name School has approved the SRO agreement. The borough is hiring a part-time officer, with an anticipated start date in late April.
• Codification of Ordinances: The council approved a proposal from General Code to fully codify the Borough Code of Ordinances for $18,500. This will update the code, which was last fully codified in 2009.
• Skills Machines: The council referred the issue of permits for games of chance to the Planning Commission for a recommendation on zoning and fee structures.
• Bed Bug Issue: The council agreed this is a landlord-tenant issue governed by state law and referred Ms. Oravec to speak with State Representative Frank Burns and State Senator Wayne Langerholc.

Department Reports

• Police: Chief Loughran reported on a news story regarding radar speed enforcement and expressed support for its use.
• Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on upcoming events, including Main Street Family Fun Night and the 200th Anniversary of Ebensburg’s incorporation. Two new businesses, Highway Heating and Moondance Reiki, are opening.
• Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson reported on swimming pool preparations, hiring lifeguards, and setting up online reservations. A possible pickleball court at Lake Rowena is also being considered.

Adjournment

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Jacoby and seconded by Mr. Murphy. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director