Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Ebensburg Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Ebensburg Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m. by Council President Doug Tusing.

Key Attendees:

• Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Theresa Jacoby (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Susan Kuhar (via phone), Mike Murphy, Sue Stevens, Max Cafazza (Junior Councilor), Roy Lian (Junior Councilor).
• Officials Present: Randy Datsko (Mayor), Terry Carcella (Borough Manager).
• Others: Joe Loughran (Chief of Police), Danea Koss, Jerry Poruban, Rebecca Williamson, Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Luke Byrne (Inframark), Matt Koenigsberg (GFT), and several residents interested in council vacancies.

Consent Agenda

The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:

• Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater, Water Treatment, and Collections & Distributions.
• Approval of the minutes from the March 30, 2026 meeting.
• Approval of financial statements for March and quarterly transfers.
• Approval of April bill payments.

Committee Reports & Updates

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Datsko reminded residents that property owners are responsible for removing dead trees or branches from their lawns.

Council President’s Report

• May Meeting Date: The May meeting will be held one week early on Monday, May 18, due to the Memorial Day holiday.
• Spring Clean-up: The borough’s Spring Clean-up day is scheduled for Friday, May 1.

Water/Wastewater Committee

Written reports were submitted by Inframark regarding operations, projects, and activities for the wastewater plant, water treatment plant, and collections/distribution systems.

Street Committee

• Parking Enforcement: Staff recommended a study and quotes for new parking meters. There is also a need to address the non-functional kiosk in the shared lot across from the Courthouse. The current lighting/power source is a structure for sale by the County; a new electric service meter will be required once that structure is sold.

Administration Committee

• Ordinance #266: The Council discussed amending the tax for mechanical amusement devices and skill games operated by for-profit businesses. Staff will research ordinances from other municipalities to compare fee structures.

Hometown Hero Banners

The VFW withdrew their request to use borough lampposts for the Hometown Hero Banners program.

General Business & Decisions

Lake Rowena Dredging Project Bid

• Decision: The Council approved the bid from Coastal Engineering LLC for $2. 7 million.
• Context: This was the only bid received and is higher than the initial estimate of $2. 3 million, but accepted due to the limited number of vendors capable of handling the project.

Meter Attendant Position

• Decision: The Council approved advertising for a part-time parking meter attendant position.
• Details: The role involves enforcement and maintenance of the parking meter system, consisting of no more than 6 hours per day (30 hours/week).

Public Works Street Sweeper

• Decision: The Council approved a trade-in offer from Stephenson Equipment, Inc. for the old street sweeper.
• Financials: The trade-in allowance is $8,000. The Council authorized the payment of 50% ($4,000) to Cambria Township, which is entitled to half the value of the unit by contract.

Electric Energy Generation Contract

• Action: Due to volatile energy markets, the Council discussed locking in a long-term price before the current contract expires in November 2026. Staff is working with consultants "Energy Made Human by Five" to secure a multi-year quote.

Public Comment

• Ms. Janice Williamson: Asked if the yard waste dumpster could be accessible earlier than May 1 and inquired about increased costs for key fobs.
• Mr. Dirk Johnson: Asked if the Council had considered solar energy options.
• Mr. Rod Reidhauer: Stated he has been maintaining trails around the former Nathan’s Divide (Upper Reservoir) site since operations ceased in 2023.

Adjournment

The Council entered an Executive Session at 7:50 p. m. to discuss real estate and collective bargaining issues. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p. m.