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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: March 25, 2019 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:07 PM Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance

  • Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber, Theresa Jacoby, Cecilia Houser, Scot May, John Cobaugh, and Dave Kuhar.
  • Others Present: Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Jeff Evans (Public Works Director), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Andrew Smithmyer (The Mountaineer Herald), and Jocelyn Brumbaugh (The Tribune Democrat).
  • Audience: 6 members.

Key Decisions and Reports

Consent Agenda The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Approval of minutes from the February 25, 2019 meeting.
  • Approval of the Financial Statement and payment of bills.
  • Approval for advertising bids to sell a 2007 mower, a 2008 pickup truck, and a 1999 International dump truck.

Wastewater Project Update

  • Plant supervisor Mark Wirfel reported that 43 million gallons of clean water were returned to Howells Run in February, along with 16. 2 tons of sludge sent to a landfill.
  • The overall wastewater project is 46% complete, though 66% of the contract time has elapsed.

Stormwater Project Bids Bids were received for stormwater improvements on East Ogle Street and South Julian Street. The council awarded the contract to Whitehorse Excavating for $155,200. 00.

  • Project Schedule: Bid awarded March 25, 2019; Notice to Proceed March 26, 2019; Completion June 30, 2019.

Virginia Street Sewer Project Bids were received for replacing approximately 534 feet of 8-inch sewer main. The council awarded the contract to Kevin Lute for $49,900. 00.

Wastewater Rules & Regulations The council granted tentative approval to Ordinance #650, which amends the Wastewater Rules and Regulations. Key changes include:

  • Escalating Surcharge: A 35% surcharge is now assessed for missed remedial work deadlines, increasing to 50%, 75%, and up to 100% every two months.
  • Escrow Amount: The minimum escrow amount increased from $2,000 to $3,000.
  • Responsibility: Purchasers of property must now assume responsibility for required repairs and testing.
  • Pipe Standards: References to SCH 40 pipe were deleted; SDR 35 pipe is now required.

Street Committee Updates

  • Union Street Parking: Ordinance #649 was approved to ban parking on Union Street at all times and designate it as a tow-away zone. A four-way stop sign will be added at the intersection of Ogle and South Julian Streets.
  • Sidewalk & Curb Project: Bids were received for sidewalk and curb work south of High Street. The council awarded the contract to Kishmo, Inc. for $461,672.00.
    • Project Schedule: Bid awarded March 25, 2019; Notice to Proceed March 26, 2019; Completion August 1, 2019.
    • The council also approved a property owner assessment of $100/sq. yd. , resulting in an estimated net cost to the Borough of $270,700.

Summer Employment The council approved hiring for various summer positions at the following rates:

  • $8. 50/hr: Office Assistant, Summer Maintenance, Public Works, Memorial Field, Lifeguards, and Landscaping.
  • $12. 50/hr: Swimming Pool Manager (Madyson Simmers).
  • $10. 00/hr: Landscaper (Ronald Springer).

General Business

  • Truck Purchase: The council approved the purchase of a 2019 Nissan Frontier from Laurel Nissan for $28,453 to replace the 2008 Ranger pickup.
  • Ebensburg Airport: A proposal regarding the future of the airport (sale or lease) was referred to the administrative committee for further consideration.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Wyland noted complaints regarding running stop signs and urged caution due to increased youth activity (Little League, biking).
  • Public Works: New meters were installed; the crew is addressing water breaks and leaks. The street sweeper is currently being repaired.
  • Community Development: Updates were provided on "Art in Bloom," "Wheels & Wings" sponsorships, and a $50,000 grant for façade improvements.
  • Recreation: Tennis Center students will compete in California and Abu Dhabi. Frank Burns will host an Easter Bunny breakfast on April 14th.

Adjournment

The council entered an executive session at 7:30 PM to discuss the airport issue and a property purchase offer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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