Documents Jun 23, 2025

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: June 23, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:46 PM Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street

Present: Council President Doug Tusing, Vice President Cecilia Houser, and Councilors Jeffrey Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Susan Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Murphy, and Junior Councilor Roy Lian.
Absent: Junior Councilor Abe Remillard.
Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joe Loughran, Public Works Director Josh Surkovich, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Recreation Director Rebecca Williamson, Solicitor Heath Long, Inframark representative Luke Byrne, and media representatives from The Altoona Mirror and The Mountaineer Journal.

Consent Agenda The council approved the consent agenda, which included:

Committee Reports

Water/Wastewater: Inframark submitted written reports on plant operations. The Waterline Replacement Project is on schedule, with Guyer Brothers having installed 100% of the main line and service installations. The Stormwater Project on Highland Avenue is nearing completion, with substantial completion issued to A. Liberoni Construction.
Recreation: The YPCC is experiencing moisture issues similar to those at the Tennis Center. A repair involving a ceiling membrane is estimated to cost $61,750. The council approved putting this repair out for bid.
Street: A contract was awarded to M and B Services, LLC for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). The project is expected to begin this summer and finish within 30 days.

General Business

RACRA Lease: The lease between the Borough and RACRA is set to expire on December 31, 2025. The council unanimously approved a one-year extension.
Airport Renovations: A proposal from TranSystems for $68,200 in engineering services for T-Hangar renovations was approved. The costs will be covered by grants.
Skills Machines and Zoning: Council discussed a draft ordinance to regulate amusement and gaming devices.
- Fees: An annual fee of $250 will be charged for devices that pay out, and $100 for those that do not.
- Zoning: Businesses such as gaming parlors, hookah bars, and vape shops will be limited to the MX/CV zone, with further restrictions in the Historic District Overlay. The Solicitor will update the draft for presentation at the July meeting.
Parking in Front Yards: Council decided not to enact an ordinance prohibiting parking on front lawns, opting instead to handle issues on a case-by-case basis.
Planning Commission Appointment: Mr. Dave Petrosky was unanimously appointed to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission, serving through December 2028.

Department Reports

Police: Chief Loughran reported on a new software upgrade for reporting and plans for the upcoming Wheels & Wings event.
Public Works: The street sweeper is back in operation. The department is hiring for a vacant staff position and needs to replace two 2012 vehicles and an old skid steer.
Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on the upcoming time capsule opening in Veteran’s Park, plans for Wheels & Wings and Potatofest, and new lighting installation in Penn Eben Park.
Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson reported on the recent pool closure due to flooding and a community survey regarding the potential conversion of the Ebensburg Skate Park into Pickleball courts.

Planning Commission & Zoning Board

Subdivisions: The council unanimously approved the Cambria County Minor Subdivision and Merger, as well as the Wess Final Minor Subdivision.
Code Enforcement: Nine violations were issued, including issues with shrubs/vegetation, a nuisance vehicle, a broken window, garage conditions, and junk on property.

Public Comments

Mr. Pat Lauer asked why he was required to pay People’s Gas to replace a line when others were not. Council President Tusing explained that the borough has no jurisdiction over People’s Gas and would need to work with them for clarification.