Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: April 25, 2022

Attendance and Opening

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

Council Members Present:

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

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Recreation Director Dirk Johnson, Mayor Randy Datsko, Public Works Director Jeff Evans, Community Development Director Danea Koss, and representatives from local media and the Rotary Club.

Administrative Actions

  • Consent Agenda: The council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included:
    • Hiring Pat Pileski as part-time help for the YPCC at $8. 50/hour.
    • Approving minutes from the February and March meetings.
    • Approving financial statements for February and March, including quarterly transfers.
    • Approving bill payments from February and March.

Committee Reports and Projects

Recreation Committee

  • Dog Park Project: The Rotary Club of Ebensburg is fundraising for a new dog park. Due to market volatility, construction estimates are higher than originally projected. The Recreation Committee and Rotary will meet to plan for additional costs.
  • Trash Receptacles: The council unanimously approved the purchase of 15 trash receptacles with lids from a state contract list. The cost is nearly $25,000. These durable, recycled-material bins are designed to protect against rain and animals.

Street Committee

  • Sidewalk and Curb Replacement: The council unanimously approved a project to advertise for bids on sidewalk and curb repairs.
    • Locations: E. Ogle, S. Poplar (to prevent stormwater drainage into East Ward Playground), N. Beech Street, and S. Julian Street.
    • Cost: The total estimated cost is $40,000, to be paid primarily from stormwater funds.

Administration Committee

  • Summer Hires: The council noted the hiring of several summer employees for Public Works, Swimming Pool management, and lifeguarding.
    • Staffing Challenges: Council noted a significant shortage of applicants for summer positions due to the broader labor market. They held an executive session to discuss adjusting wage structures to attract workers.
  • Backhoe Purchase: The council unanimously approved the purchase of a 2022 Case backhoe from Groff Tractor & Equipment for $110,800. This replaces a 2008 model and is included in the 2022 capital budget.
  • Municipal Authority Appointment: Randy Seymour was unanimously appointed to the Municipal Authority for a 5-year term (April 2022 – December 31, 2026).

General Business and Resolutions

  • Resolution #2022-04 (PENNVEST Funding): The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing officers to sign documents for PENNVEST funding.
    • Loan Amounts: The maximum loan amount is $1,505,765. 00, with a maximum principal forgiveness loan amount of $1,265,610. 00.
  • Resolution #2022-05 (Guaranty Agreement): The council unanimously approved the Guaranty Agreement related to the PENNVEST funding.
  • Resolution #2022-06 (Lease Amendment): The council unanimously approved an amendment to the Agreement of Lease with the Ebensburg Municipal Authority. This increases the annual lease payment to cover increased debt service resulting from the new water construction loan.
  • Resolution #2022-07 (County Aid): The council unanimously approved an application for $10,000 in aid from the County Liquid Fuels tax fund.

Department Reports

  • Police: Chief Wyland reported on a bike safety push and increased patrols for crosswalk safety.
  • Public Works: Director Jeff Evans reported on cleaning storage tanks and streets.
  • Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on "Art in Bloom," the upcoming Memorial Day Parade, and new business openings. She noted the Dog Park Project received a $4k grant from the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies and reminded residents of Spring Clean Up Days on May 12th & 13th.
  • Recreation: Director Dirk Johnson reported on getting bikes out of storage, hiring lifeguards, organizing a softball league, and scheduling the next Bingo night for May 13th.

Planning Commission Updates

  • Log Merger (505 Belmont Avenue): The council unanimously approved the merger of two parcels at 505 Belmont Avenue and 726 West Milton Street. The structure on the Milton lot has been razed.
  • Dog Park (932 Rowena Drive): The council unanimously approved the Development Plan for the Dog Park. A variance was previously approved by the Zoning Hearing Board for a fence encroaching on neighboring property.

Executive Session and Adjournment

  • Executive Session: The council entered an executive session at 7:10 p. m. to discuss wage structures for part-time and full-time employees, reconvening at 7:41 p. m.
  • Part-time Wages: Upon returning, the council unanimously approved a motion to increase wages for part-time summer workers and supervisors by $2. 00 per hour. An updated Wage Resolution will be presented at the May meeting.
  • Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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