Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: April 26, 2021

Attendance and Opening

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p. m. via Zoom by Council President Doug Tusing.

• Present: Doug Tusing (President), Dave Kuhar (Vice President), Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Mike Owatt, Cecilia Houser, and Jeff Ball.
• Absent: Will Westrick (Junior Councilor).
• Others in Attendance: Mayor Randy Datsko, Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, and various department directors.

Key Reports and Updates

Mayor’s Report

• Mayor Datsko and Chief Wyland are reviewing the winter parking ordinance.
• A public safety reminder was issued regarding motorists watching for children on bikes as the weather improves.

Council President’s Report

• The May meeting will be held on Monday, May 24th (the fourth Monday of the month).

Water/Wastewater Committee

• Mr. Kuhar reported that Inframark provided written operational reports for both the wastewater and water treatment plants, which were included in the council packets.

Street Committee

• Sidewalk Project: Ameron Construction began work on March 5, 2021. Curbing on the north side of West Horner Street is expected to be completed that week, with the full project scheduled for completion by July 31, 2021.
• Tree Removal: Tree Expert Tree Service completed work on the 2021 tree removal project at the end of March.
• Handicap Parking: A motion was made and passed unanimously to designate a handicap parking spot on the NE corner of North West Street near Ms. Patricia Mulvehill’s house.

Administration Committee

• Pension Payment Error: A clerical error resulted in an underpayment of the 2020 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) to the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan.
  • Total Due: $135,396. 00
  • Amount Paid by 12/21/20: $80,775. 99
  • Deficiency with Interest: A total of $59,599. 43 is now due by April 30, 2021.
  • Decision: A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve the payment of this amount.

Summer Hires The council approved summer employment for numerous residents at the following rates:

• Standard Rate ($8. 50/hr): Office Assistant, Summer Maintenance, Landscaping Assistant, Summer Public Works, Memorial Field/YPCC, and Lifeguards.
• Head Lifeguard ($9. 50/hr): Serena Koss.
• Pool Manager ($12. 50/hr): Nolan Johnson.

General Business

• Lake Rowena Dredging: The council discussed a potential joint venture with Robindale Energy to dredge Lake Rowena. This partnership would utilize the company's equipment and land for drying sediment, potentially reducing project costs.
  • Decision: A motion was made and passed unanimously to move forward with exploring options to dredge the lake.

Department Reports

• Public Works: Repairs are underway at the pool, including fixing a leak and replacing ceramic tile.
• Community Development: A new business, "Halos, Wings & Things," has opened at the Ebensburg Mini Mall with a grand opening on April 30th. The Main Street Partnership has been approved for a COVID relief grant through the DCED.
• Recreation: The Borough Pool is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 29th.

Adjournment

There were no public comments or executive sessions. A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Jacoby and passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 7:07 p. m.