Minutes
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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - May 24, 2021
Meeting Details:
- Date: Monday, May 24, 2021
- Time: 6:30 p. m. to 6:58 p. m.
- Location: Community Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building
- Presiding Officer: President Doug Tusing (serving as acting Mayor)
Attendance:
- Present: Doug Tusing, Dave Kuhar, Theresa Jacoby, Scot May, Cecilia Houser, Jeff Ball, Will Westrick (Junior Councilor)
- Absent: Mike Owatt, Randy Datsko (Mayor)
- Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Matt Gribbler (Solicitor), Danea Koss, Dirk Johnson, Jeff Evans, Kristen Baudoux
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Approval of minutes from the April 26, 2021 meeting.
- Approval of the financial statement.
- Approval of bill payments.
Recreation Committee Updates
Dog Park Development
- Easement Approval: Council unanimously approved a $1. 00 easement between T 5 Properties (Ebensburg Animal Hospital) and the Borough for a dog park. The easement allows land use for dogs, owners, and guests, with fencing along boundaries. T 5 Properties can revoke the easement with two years' written notice.
- Grant Commitment: Council unanimously approved a letter of commitment to DCNR supporting a grant application for the dog park. The Borough commits to providing 15% local match through land value and water line installation.
- Resolution: Council unanimously approved Resolution 2021-01, authorizing Borough Manager Kelly Cook to execute documents for the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant.
Recreation Board Appointment
- New Member: Council unanimously appointed Rory Coleman to the Ebensburg Recreation Board to complete Chuck Marcinko's unexpired term until December 2023.
Street Committee Projects
Sidewalk Project
- Ameron Construction began work on March 5, 2021.
- Curbing and sidewalk on West Horner Street are nearing completion.
- Excavation has started on West Crawford.
- Completion Date: July 31, 2021
Paving Project
- Cost Estimate: $546,514
- Timeline: Bids to be advertised May 27th and June 3rd, opened June 22nd, with award scheduled for the June 28th Council Meeting.
Center and High Street Signal
- Project: Installation of audible signals at the crosswalk for a visually impaired resident.
- Cost: $7,875. 50 (quote from Tel-Power)
- Status: Council unanimously approved the purchase and installation.
Liquid Fuels Funds
- Council unanimously approved an application to Cambria County for allocation of the County Liquid Fuels Tax Fund, with funds designated for paving projects.
Administration Committee
Pension Plan Updates
- Chief Administrative Officer: Council unanimously appointed the Borough Manager as Chief Administrative Officer for all Borough Pension Plans.
- New Plan: Council unanimously approved an agreement with Empower Retirement for a Defined Contribution Plan effective January 1, 2021.
- Cost: $3,800 annually (billed quarterly) plus 1. 4% asset-based fee on participant accounts.
Part-time Employee Hires
- New Hires: Skylar Bloom, Olivia Griffith, and Ben Young (office assistants at YPPC front desk); Jewel Sikora (lifeguard).
- Pay Rate: $8. 50/hour
General Business
Airport Project
- Project: Rehabilitation of Taxiways (A, B, C, D) and Apron at Ebensburg Airport.
- Scope: Pavement crack repair, overlay, and shoulder backup material placement.
- Funding: 100% FAA funds through CARES Act (no local match required).
- Timeline: Pre-bid meeting scheduled for May 26, 2021; bids due June 15, 2021.
Department Reports
Police Department
- Received aggressive driving grant for enhanced crosswalk, jaywalking, and stop sign enforcement.
- Participated in Drug Take Back Day in April.
Community Development Department
- New Businesses: Keystone Woodworx and Ax'd Up Axe Throwing Lounge opening.
- Events Planned: Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, Ebensburg Night at the Curve, Fishing Meet Up Program (June 21st at Lake Rowena).
- Publication: Ebensburg Magazine recently released.
Recreation Department
- YPCC Golf Outing scheduled for June 11th.
- 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament planned.
- Pool opening day: Saturday, May 29th.
Public Comments
- Kristen Baudoux (Mainline Newspapers) asked about pool access and grant details for the dog park project.
- Mr. Link inquired about ongoing street sweeping throughout the Borough.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:58 PM Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director