Minutes
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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:09 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal BuildingPresiding: Doug Tusing, President
Attendees
- Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Murphy
- Junior Councilors: Isaac Bradley, Abraham Remillard
- Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Joseph Loughran (Chief of Police), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Luke Byrne (Inframark), Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Matt Churella (The Altoona Mirror), Julie Pittman (Mainline Newspapers)
- Audience: 4 members
Key Decisions & Actions
Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)
Ms. Houser moved to approve the following items on consent agenda; motion passed unanimously:
- Approve Inframark reports for Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operations
- Approve minutes from February 26, 2024 regular meeting
- Approve financial statement for February
- Approve payment of bills for March
Recreation Committee – Pool Repair Bid Awarded
- Avalotis Corporation submitted bid of $657,425 for pool repair project (estimated cost: $250,000–$300,000)
- Bid broken down: Kiddie pool repairs = $171,000; main pool area to be rebid later
- Staff recommended proceeding with kiddie pool section now — grant can still be fully utilized even if only that part is included
- Motion: Ms. Jacoby moved to award $171,000 bid to Avalotis Corporation for kiddie pool repairs — passed unanimously
Summer Hires Announced
- Gabe Forst hired for Summer Public Works position (3rd year) at $10. 50/hour
Human Relations & Diversity Committee – Complaint Investigation Closed
- Complaint filed regarding potential discriminatory actions at YPCC by independent contractor
- Borough Solicitor conducted investigation: reviewed security video, interviewed staff, received written statements
- Finding: Insufficient evidence to substantiate discrimination claim → investigation closed
- Mr. Miller questioned why matter wasn’t referred to Recreation Committee due to potential conflict of interest among committee members
Ordinance #670 – Unit Debt Act Compliance
- Borough needs ordinance to incur lease rental debt under Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act
- Motion by Ms. Jacoby: Grant tentative approval for Ordinance 670 to guarantee loan of $3,389,310 for Stormwater project — passed unanimously
Department Reports
- Police Dept. : Chief Loughran reported on training sessions hosted with Institute for Law Enforcement Education; officers from 40 local/state/federal departments attended; additional sessions scheduled for May
- Public Works Dept. : Prepping for waterline replacement project and locating leaks in system
- Community Development:
- New business “Laser Creations” opening at Mini Mall — grand opening/ribbon cutting April 13
- Escape Room Ebensburg and Roots Kitchen & Juicery also slated to open in April
- Upcoming events: Art in Bloom, Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, Farmer’s Market
- Recreation Dept. : Successful Bingo event and Breakfast with Easter Bunny hosted by State Rep. Frank Burns
Planning Commission Approvals
- Land Development Plan (129 Union Street): Illig Investment Group LLC applied; Planning Commission recommends approval — motion by Mr. Miller passed unanimously
- Lot Merger (807 W. High Street – Our Station House): Gary E. Sloan applied to merge two parcels — motion by Ms. Jacoby passed unanimously
Zoning Hearing Board
- Illig Investment Group, LLC received approval for variances related to minimum lot size and side/rear yard setbacks for property at 129 Union Street
Public Comments
- Mr. Tom Bortel (E. Sample Street) asked for updates on former prison project
Executive Session
- Entered: 6:56 p. m.
- Exited: 7:08 p. m.
- Upon exit: Ms. Jacoby moved to extend Borough Manager’s residency requirement by one additional year — motion passed unanimously
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Murphy — passed unanimously
- Meeting adjourned at 7:09 p. m.
Minutes Recorded By: Danea Koss, Community Development Director