Documents May 22, 2023

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary

Date: May 22, 2023

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

Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, and Bob Miller.
Absent: Mike Owatt and Dave Kuhar.
Others in Attendance: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Terry Wyland, Solicitor Matt Gribler, and various department directors.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

Ordinance #666 (Unit Debt Act)

The council rescinded a previous version of this ordinance due to lack of required advertising.
A new motion was passed unanimously to grant final approval for Ordinance #666, allowing the borough to incur lease rental debt of $622,000 for a loan guaranty.

Water Project – Lead and Copper Rule

The Municipal Authority has started the design phase for a water line replacement project to comply with Lead and Copper Rule requirements.
Residents in the project area have been asked to provide information and photos of their incoming service lines.
If residents cannot take photos, they are asked to contact the borough so an employee can be sent out.

High Street Waterline Project Paving Repairs

Final paving repairs for last year's project were delayed by cold weather and did not begin until May 17.
The contractor is scheduled to start work by May 24, weather permitting.

2023 Street Paving Project

Bids were opened on May 18, 2023. The estimated project cost is $185,580.
Bids Received:
- Quaker Sales Corporation: $183,968. 00
- New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. : $175,572. 30
Decision: The council unanimously awarded the contract to the lowest bidder, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. , for $175,572. 30.

Police Chief Retirement

Police Chief Terry Wyland has formally announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2023. The position is now open for advertisement.

Police Memorandum of Understanding (MOA)

The council unanimously approved an MOA to amend the police contract.
Key Change: The requirement for the Police Chief and Assistant Chief to live within the borough is being removed.
New Rule: All officers hired after November 2009 must reside within 15 air miles of the borough.

West Chester Amicus Brief Participation

West Chester, PA is appealing a lower court ruling regarding their stormwater fee.
Staff requested the council sign an amicus brief in support of West Chester to argue that the fee is a tax, not a utility charge.
Decision: The council unanimously agreed to join the brief in support of West Chester regarding the establishment and collection of stormwater fees.

Sale of Borough Equipment

The council approved the sale of various equipment to the highest bidders for a total of $40,224. 00.
Sales Details:
- LeeBoy Roller: $3,010. 00 (Justin DoRego)
- Case Backhoe: $25,900. 00 (Luke Byrne)
- Mower Deck: $429. 00 (William Colbath)
- 2011 Dodge Ram: $8,600. 00 (Tanner Walter)
- Northstar Skid Sprayer: $2,285. 00 (Anthony Vega)

Police: Chief Wyland reminded residents to watch for children on bikes now that school is out and noted increased enforcement of stop signs and crosswalks.
Public Works: Mr. Surkovich provided a written report but was not present.
Community Development: Ms. Koss reported that the Main Street Partnership received national accreditation. Summer event planning is underway, and a volunteer group completed a clean-up in Kimball Park.
Recreation: Mr. Johnson reported on a TV commercial for the Tennis Center and noted that bathrooms at the fields are being painted and cleaned.

The council entered executive session at 7:00 PM to discuss personnel and other matters, exiting at 7:13 PM.

Decisions made during/after Executive Session:

A formal policy of no outside employment for the Chief of Police was unanimously approved.
The motion to join the West Chester Amicus brief was reaffirmed and passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM following a motion by Ms. Jacoby.