Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary

Date: Monday, May 20, 2019Time: 6:01 p. m. Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Attendees

  • 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), Danea Koss (Community Development Director), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director), Kristin Baudoux (The Mountaineer Herald), Jocelyn Brumbaugh (The Tribune Democrat)
  • Audience: 5 members

Key Agenda Items & Decisions

A. Pledge of Allegiance

Recited at the start of the meeting.

B. Public Comments

None received.

C. Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously on motion by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Cobaugh:

  • Record that the April 18, 2019 Sippel traffic accident report was forwarded to municipal authority.
  • Approve minutes from March 25 and April 22, 2019 meetings.
  • Approve Financial Statement.
  • Approve payment of bills — Councilor Barber abstained due to amount owed to Barber Oil Company.

D. Appointment to Address Council

Mr. Pat Tsikalias voiced concerns about:

  • Pro Disposal’s trash collection service.
  • Missing apron replacement as part of sidewalk project on West High Street (300 block).
  • Damage to a cement structure covering his garbage cans by a borough plow truck.

E. Mayor’s Report

Mayor Datsko announced:

  • Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony will be held Monday, May 27 at 10 a. m.
  • Living WWII veterans will be recognized; families should contact the borough with names.

F. Council President’s Remarks

Council President Tusing encouraged residents to vote in the primary election on Tuesday, May 21.

G. Water/Wastewater Committee Reports

1. Wastewater Plant Operations (Mr. Mark Wirfel, Plant Supervisor)
  • No problems reported.
  • Returned 29 million gallons of clean water to Howells Run.
  • Sent 19. 8 tons of sludge to landfill.
  • No excursions for the month.
2. Wastewater Project (Mr. Kuhar)
  • 66% complete; 81% of contract time elapsed.
  • Street, sidewalk, and driveway restoration progressing well.
  • Vehicle accident involving Sippel’s loader referred to Municipal Authority.
3. Inframark Contract (Mr. Kuhar)
  • Year-to-year contract with 2% annual increase.
  • Upcoming fee increase: from $46,866 to $47,803/month (effective June 1).
  • Increase aligns with budgeted operations.
4. Filter Plant Performance Evaluation (Mr. Kuhar)
  • DEP conducted evaluation March 26–27.
  • Ebensburg plant received “Commendable” rating — highest possible.
  • Staff under Luke Byrne commended for professionalism and safety.

H. Recreation Committee Report (Mr. Scot May)

  • Assistant Tennis Professional Brandon Statler left for another facility.
  • Search underway for part-time replacement; Kourtney Cavalier assisting temporarily.

I. Street Committee Report (Ms. Houser)

  • Kishmo completed curbs/sidewalks on South Caroline Street.
  • Work on West Triumph Street delayed due to gas line construction.
  • Good progress on South Marian Street.

J. Administration Committee – Full-time Police Position (Ms. Barber)

  • Five applications received; one withdrew → four candidates advanced.
  • Written test administered May 8; oral exam scheduled for May 23 before three evaluators.
  • Combined scores will determine top three finalists.
  • Civil Service Board certifies list on May 28.
  • Chief, Mayor, Manager + Council members will interview top candidate.
  • Special meeting scheduled for Monday, June 10 at 6:30 p. m. to approve hiring (subject to medical/psychological exams and background check).
  • Motion passed unanimously.

K. General Business

None.

L. Department Reports

1. Police Department (Chief Wyland)
  • Busy month; some progress made on drug activity.
2. Public Works Department (Mr. Evans)
  • Water leaks slowed substantially.
  • Street sweeper parts ordered.
  • Commended Luke Byrne for work at water plant.
3. Community Development Department (Ms. Koss)
  • Updates on Art in Bloom, Wheels & Wings, summer events schedule.
  • Main Street Partnership re-accredited for 2019 via National Main Street Center.
  • High Street Body Shop grand opening: Saturday, May 18.
4. Recreation Department (Mr. Johnson)
  • Tennis Center activities ongoing.
  • Pooch Pool Party successful.
  • Reminder: YPCC golf outing on June 7.

M. Media Comments/Questions

  • Jocelyn Brumbaugh (Tribune Democrat): Asked for timeline on sewer/gas project completion.
  • Kristin Baudoux (Mountaineer Herald): Asked how timeline extension for sewer project was determined.

N. Public Comments

None.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p. m. Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Cobaugh, seconded by Ms. Barber — passed unanimously.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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