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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes — June 22, 2020

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Monday, June 22, 2020
  • Time: 6:30 p. m. to 7:31 p. m.
  • Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg
  • Presiding: President Doug Tusing
  • Audience: 22 attendees

Attendees

Council Members Present:

  • Doug Tusing (President)
  • Dave Kuhar (Vice President)
  • Theresa Jacoby
  • Scot May
  • Cecilia Houser
  • Mike Owatt
  • Jeff Ball

Others Present:

  • Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager)
  • Randy Datsko (Mayor)
  • Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor)
  • Terry Wyland (Police Chief)
  • Danea Koss (Community Development Director)
  • Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director)
  • Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat)
  • Kristin Baudoux (The Mountaineer Herald)
  • Patricia Keith (The Altoona Mirror)
  • Amanda Lee (WTAJ)
  • WJAC Staff Member

A. Pledge of Allegiance

Recited at the start of the meeting.

B. Public Comments

  • Ms. Annalisa McCann (600 W. Crawford Street), member of “Inclusive Ebensburg,” spoke about community inclusivity and diversity, stating that Ebensburg must do better to be welcoming and celebrate differences.

C. Consent Agenda

Motion by Ms. Jacoby, seconded by Mr. Houser — passed unanimously:

  • Approve minutes from May 18, 2020 regular monthly meeting.
  • Approve Financial Statement.
  • Approve payment of bills.

D. Appointment to Address Council

  • Mr. Mark Alex (10 Tanner Street) expressed concern over the condition of a neighboring property owned by Jeff & Jack Moschgat LLC.

E. Mayor’s Report

None.

F. Council President’s Report

None.

G. Water/Wastewater Committee Reports (via Mr. Kuhar)

  • Inframark provided written reports for both wastewater and water treatment plant operations — included in Council packets.

H. Recreation Committee Reports

1. Nathan’s Divide

  • Access road to reservoir off Center Street improved; float dock installed.
  • Residents already using reservoir for non-fuel boating.
  • Lease arrangement between municipal authority and Nathan’s Divide still being finalized.
  • Recreational use approved; more info in upcoming newsletter.

2. Memorial Field Improvements

  • Two grass infields skinned, leveled, and new infield mix installed by borough crews.
  • Softball field to be next — will also be leveled and covered with new mix.

I. Street Committee Reports

1. 2020 Sidewalk Project

  • Work progressing on East Crawford Street (reported by Ms. Houser).

2. Fairview Street

  • Non-ordained street extending from Caroline Street to Center.
  • 50-foot-wide right-of-way.
  • Property owners have encroached over years — violations noted in Council minutes since 1966, most recently 2018.
  • Staff recommends notifying three affected property owners to confine improvements to their own properties and vacate the street.
  • Private improvements exceed setback regulations — some may be pre-existing non-conforming uses, but recent ones should be removed.
  • Right-of-way must be preserved; property owners to be instructed on regulations.

J. Administration Committee

No report.

K. General Business

1. Sale of Vehicle

  • 2008 Ford dump truck replaced and available for sale.
  • Lone bid received from Timothy George of Mineral Point: $17,000. 00.
  • Motion by Mr. May, seconded by Ms. Jacoby — passed unanimously to approve sale.

2. Confederate Flag Issue

  • Objections received after display during Memorial Day parade.
  • Town hall held June 17 to discuss issue.
  • Solicitor issued legal opinion: Council cannot regulate flag display under 1st Amendment protections.
  • Staff proposal: Borough cease direct involvement in events; let Main Street Partnership (independent 501(c)3 corporation formed Jan 2013 under Resolution 2013-01) manage events and enforce its own rules.
  • Council currently appoints Partnership Board members — proper method is for Partnership to self-appoint.

L. Additional Public Comment (Page 6)

  • Ms. Raquel Lemelle (418 E. Horner Street) thanked Council for denouncing the Confederate flag.

O. Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Owatt, seconded by Ms. Jacoby — passed unanimously.
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p. m.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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