Minutes
Ebensburg Borough Council Special Meeting Summary
Date: Monday, July 10, 2023Time: 6:30 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal BuildingPresiding Officer: Doug Tusing, President
Attendees
Council Members Present:
- Doug Tusing (President)
- Cecilia Houser (Vice President)
- Robert Miller
- Mike Owatt
- Jeff Ball
- Dave Kuhar
- Theresa Jacoby
Others Present:
- Kelly Cook, Borough Manager
- Randy Datsko, Mayor
- Matt Gribler, Solicitor
- Katie Smolen, The Tribune Democrat
Audience: 2 members
Meeting Proceedings
Executive Session
- Held prior to the main meeting from 6:02 p. m. to 6:28 p. m.
Pledge of Allegiance
- Recited at the start of the session.
Public Comments
- None received.
Police Chief Vacancy — Key Discussion & Decision
Ms. Theresa Jacoby reported that the Borough received 12 applications for the vacant Chief of Police position.
- Initial interviews were conducted with 7 applicants, attended by the Borough Manager and various Council members.
- The list was narrowed to the top 3 candidates.
- Second interviews were held on July 5th with the Borough Manager and full Council.
- Interview process is now complete.
Motion: Ms. Jacoby moved to appoint Joe Loughran as the new Chief of Police and approve a conditional offer of employment. Seconded by: Jeff Ball
Roll Call Vote:
- Yes: Jacoby, Houser, Ball, Tusing, Owatt → 5 votes
- No: Miller, Kuhar → 2 votes
✅ Motion passed 5 to 2
Next steps: Pre-employment checks and verifications will be completed in the coming weeks.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Owatt.
- Passed unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:34 p. m. Minutes Recorded by: Mayor Randy Datsko
This meeting focused on finalizing the appointment of Joe Loughran as Ebensburg’s next Police Chief after a competitive selection process involving 12 applicants and multiple interview rounds.