Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: April 27, 2023 Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance and Opening

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

Council Members Present:

  • Doug Tusing (President)
  • Cecilia Houser (Vice President)
  • Mike Owatt
  • Jeff Ball
  • Dave Kuhar
  • Theresa Jacoby
  • Bob Miller

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Terry Wyland, Solicitor Matt Gribler, and various department directors.

Consent Agenda

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:

  • Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
  • Approval of the March 27, 2023 meeting minutes.
  • The financial statement for March and quarterly transfers.
  • Payment of bills for April. (Note: President Tusing abstained from a mileage reimbursement vote, and Ms. Jacoby abstained from a payment to the First Christian Church).

Public Comments

Ms. Laura Wolf of Wolf’s Performing Arts addressed concerns regarding a crosswalk on the 200 block of West High Street following a recent accident. She requested improvements such as better lighting, repainted lines, and flashing lights. Additionally, she asked for temporary access to the Borough’s back parking lot until these safety improvements are made.

Committee Reports and Decisions

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Ordinance #666: Final approval was granted for an ordinance allowing the Borough to incur lease rental debt under the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act. This involves a loan guarantee of $622,000.
  • Inframark Reports: Reports on Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations were accepted as part of the consent agenda.

Recreation Committee

  • Dog Park Project: A motion to approve a payment request of $69,276. 82 from Straw Construction was passed unanimously, pending engineer approval.
  • Swimming Pool Renovation: The Borough received a state grant of $134,600. Total renovation costs are estimated between $280,000 and $350,000. The council approved putting the project out for bid to ensure work is completed this fall.
  • Board Appointment: Diane Hoffman was appointed to the Recreation Board for a five-year term expiring in December 2027.

Street Committee

  • High Street Waterline: Final paving repairs were delayed due to cold weather; the contractor is scheduled to begin work on May 1st.
  • 2023 Street Paving: A list of streets to be resurfaced was provided with a cost estimate of approximately $185,580. Bids will be opened on May 18, 2023.
  • Crosswalk and Parking Lot: The council discussed safety improvements for the High & Julian Street intersection. Ms. Houser made a motion to reopen the Borough parking lot to the public for six months (excluding employee spaces and overnight parking). The motion passed 6-1 (Mr. Ball voted no).

Administration Committee

  • Summer Hires: The following individuals were hired for summer employment:
    • Public Works: Tobey Becquet, Brock Martin, Bob Koscho, Gabe Forst, Jason Bacho (all 2nd year); Landen Connor (1st year).
    • Swimming Pool Manager: Nolan Johnson (8th year).
    • Lifeguards: Abbey O’Brien and Karson Johnson (Co-Head Lifeguards, 5th year); Jaylee Sikora, Elizabeth Bopp, Tina Hildebrand (6th year); Tessa Novotny, Loralyn Simmers (5th year); Jewel Sikora, Taylor Ream, Maggie McCullough, Kayden Magulick, Maya Sirsikar, Gwendalyn Fodor, Naveen Sirsikar (2nd year); Jemma Sikora, Ryan Broderick, Ian Estep, Deklan Estep, Victoria Griffith (1st year).
    • Pay Rates: Public works and lifeguards are paid $10. 50/hour; Head Lifeguard is $11. 50/hour; Pool Manager is $14. 50/hour.

General Business

  • Police Chief Retirement: Chief Terry Wyland announced his retirement effective July 1, 2023. The council approved advertising the position to fill the vacancy.
  • Civil Service Notification: A motion was passed to notify the Civil Service Commission of the need to develop an eligibility list for a new Police Officer.
  • Public Works Vacancy: Randy Lauer announced his retirement in July. Jordan McEvoy has been hired for the Laborer I position, starting May 1, 2023.
  • Solicitor Retirement: Blair Pawlowski announced his retirement at the end of June. The council approved continuing the retainer agreement with the law office of Pawlowski, Long & Gribler for the remainder of the year.
  • EPA Lead and Copper Rule: The Borough must inventory all service lines by October 2024. Staff is exploring options for manpower and equipment, including the purchase of a hydrovac truck to assist with inspections.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Wyland reported on a response to hoax calls at Bishop Carroll High School, noting a response time of under two minutes.
  • Public Works: Mr. Surkovich reported that the gas company project is complete and two employees, Jerry Poruban and Logan Prokop, passed their CDL written exams.
  • Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on four new business openings (Bono’s Customer Leather, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, Bootleggers Home Brew Shop, Back Room Saloon) and updates on Art in Bloom and Earth Day.
  • Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament hosted by Bella Mesoras (18 teams) and noted that the Tennis Center roof requires repairs to prevent condensation.

Adjournment

Following public comments regarding parking signage and water piping, Ms. Houser made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p. m.

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