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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - April 22, 2019

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Monday, April 22, 2019
  • Time: Called to order at 6:31 p. m. , adjourned at 7:10 p. m.
  • Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendance:

  • Present: Doug Tusing (President), Susan Barber (Vice President), Cecilia Houser, Scot May, John Cobaugh, Dave Kuhar
  • Absent: Theresa Jacoby
  • Others Present: Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Jeff Evans (Public Works Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Andrew Smithmyer (The Mountaineer Herald)
  • Audience: 5 people

Public Comments

  • Mr. Roy Johnson: Expressed satisfaction with the borough's work regarding a water issue in his front yard.
  • Mr. Mike Illig: Asked a question about Schedule 40 pipe under Wastewater Rules & Regulations.
  • Ms. Janalee Schilling (Cambria County Fairgrounds): Reported being involved in an accident on April 18th involving a Sippel front-end loader.

Consent Agenda

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Barber and passed unanimously. The agenda included:

  • Approval of the March 25, 2019 meeting minutes (Note: Mr. Tusing deleted approval of this item).
  • Approval of the Financial Statement and quarterly transfers.
  • Approval of payment of bills.

Wastewater & Stormwater Projects

  • Wastewater Plant Operations: Mr. Mark Wirfel (plant supervisor) reported no problems and confirmed the plant is operating under a new permit.
  • Wastewater Project: Mr. May reported the project is 55% complete, with 74% of the contact time elapsed. Yard and driveway restoration has begun in the south section, and permanent street repair started on April 16th.
  • Stormwater Project: An onsite pre-construction meeting was held with Whitehorse Excavating. Materials are ordered, and work is expected to begin in early May on East Ogle Street, West Lloyd Street, and South Julian Street.
  • Virginia Street: Ms. Houser reported that Kevin Lute is locating private laterals, and installation of the new sewer main is expected soon.

Wastewater Rules & Regulations Update

Mr. Kuhar reported on amendments to the Wastewater Rules and Regulations, which were approved via a unanimous motion for Ordinance #650. Key changes include:

  • Escalating Surcharge: A 35% surcharge is now assessed for failing to meet remedial work deadlines. This increases every two months (to 50%, 75%, and up to 100%) before service termination.
  • Escrow Amount: Increased from $2,000 to $3,000.
  • Property Responsibility: Allows the purchaser of a property to assume responsibility for required repairs/testing.
  • Pipe Standards: Deleted reference to SCH 40 pipe (not permitted); SDR 35 pipe is now required.
  • Sketch Update: Updated the sewer lateral installation detail sketch.

Traffic Ordinance

Ms. Houser reported on Ordinance #649, which was granted final approval unanimously. The ordinance:

  • Prohibits parking on Union Street at any time and designates it as a tow-away zone.
  • Makes the intersection of Julian Street and Ogle Street a 4-way stop.
  • Includes an amendment to change the intersection of Caroline Street and Sample Street to a 4-way stop (this specific amendment can be deleted or included).

Sidewalk & Curb Project

Mr. Cobaugh reported that Kishmo completed curbs and sidewalks on South Caroline Street and began work on West Triumph Street.

  • Nine of the 32 properties receiving new sidewalks elected to complete their own work (five owned by the same person).
  • The increase in cost is likely due to this year's higher price bid.

Administration Committee

  • Full-time Police Position: Ms. Barber reported a vacant full-time position has been advertised, with applications due April 22nd. The position is expected to be filled in June.
  • Police Testing: A motion was made and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #2019-02, naming Bill Gamble Municipal Police Testing of Oakdale as the administrator for the written examination. The test includes cognitive skills (reading, writing, math) and an attitude/personality exam.

General Business

  • Sale of Equipment: Mr. Penatzer reported on equipment being replaced. Bids were received and the following sales were approved unanimously:
    • 2007 Zero-Turn Mower: Sold to Doug Hanlon for $1,965. 00.
    • 2008 Ford Ranger: Sold to Emily Makin for $1,567. 00.
    • 1999 International Truck: Sold to Kev's Excavating for $5,201. 00.
  • LED Conversion of Streetlights: Mr. Penatzer reported that the final purchase of LED bulbs from Hite Company will complete the conversion of Victorian-style streetlights. North Center Street, most of West High Street, and all parks are already converted. Cost savings and energy rebates will pay for the conversion over four years.

Department Reports

  • Police Department: Chief Wyland provided a written and monthly report.
  • Public Works Department: Mr. Evans provided his monthly report.
  • Community Development Department: Mr. Penatzer reported that "Art in Bloom" is taking place this weekend, marking 21 years of the event.
  • Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson reported upcoming events:
    • Spring Tennis Classic Tournament: May 17–19.
    • Pool Opening: May 25th.
    • Golf Outing: June 7th.
    • Bike Rentals: Ready May 1st.
    • YPCC is working on starting an outdoor basketball league.

Adjournment

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Cobaugh and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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