Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

Documents

Minutes

View original document →

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2020

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Monday, July 27, 2020
  • Time: 6:30 p. m. to 7:16 p. m.
  • Location: Ebensburg Municipal Building, 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg
  • Presiding: President Doug Tusing

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), Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director)
  • Media: Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat), Kristen Baudoux (The Mountaineer Herald), Patt Keith (The Altoona Mirror)

Consent Agenda

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Jacoby and passed unanimously. The items included:

  • Approval of minutes from the June 17, 2020 town hall and the June 22, 2020 regular meeting.
  • Approval of the Financial Statement and quarterly transfers.
  • Approval of payment of bills.
  • Confirmation that the natural gas contract with Dominion Energy has been extended through January 2024 at a rate of $3. 65/MCF.

Committee Reports

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • Wastewater Plant: Mr. Kuhar reported that Inframark provided written reports for the wastewater plant, which were included in the Council packets.
  • Water Treatment Plant: Mr. Kuhar reported that Inframark provided written reports for the water plant, which were included in the Council packets.

Recreation Committee

  • Nathan’s Divide: Ms. Jacoby reported that residents have been using the reservoir for non-motorized boating. Staff met with a Fish Commission enforcement officer regarding new signage and enforcement coordination. New message boards displaying facility rules will be installed at both reservoirs and Lake Rowena. Nathan’s Divide was advised not to make further changes or improvements until the Option to Lease between them and the Authority is fully executed.
  • Memorial Field Improvements: Mr. May reported that two grass infields have been skinned, leveled, and had new infield mix installed by borough crews. The softball field is also complete, with baselines reestablished. Stabilization pads were installed under pitcher mounds, batter’s boxes, and catcher areas in all three fields. Mr. May suggested better signage prohibiting dogs should be considered.

Street Committee

  • 2020 Sidewalk Project: Ms. Houser reported that the East Crawford Street project is complete. Work continues on East Horner Street and North Caroline Street, and the project appears to be on schedule.
  • 2020 Street Resurfacing: Mr. Penatzer reported that assuming the sidewalk project is completed by the September 15th deadline, a Notice to Proceed for milling and resurfacing streets in the northeast quadrant can be issued. Council was provided with a list of streets to be resurfaced and a cost estimate of $455,300. Staff is preparing bid documents and will advertise for bids.

Administration Committee

  • No reports were given.

General Business

Diversity / Main Street Partnership

Mr. Penatzer reported on discussions regarding the roles of the Borough and the Main Street Partnership. The consensus was to separate the Main Street Partnership from the Borough.

  • Background: The Main Street Partnership was formed in January 2013 under Resolution 2013-01. Since acquiring its 501(c)3 status, members have continued to be appointed by Council. However, as a separate corporate body, the proper method is for the Partnership to appoint its own Board members. The Partnership has amended its by-laws to reflect this change.
  • Future Relationship: The Borough will continue to provide contracted services like staff support, office space, street sweeping, and increased police staffing for events. A proposed Operating Agreement similar to the one with the Ebensburg Municipal Authority will formalize this relationship.
  • Ordinance #653 is proposed to create a process for applying for permits for special events and parades.
  • Decisions:
    • Mr. May made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-06, stating that Resolution 2013-01 establishing the Main Street Partnership is no longer in effect. (Passed unanimously)
    • Mr. May made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-07, signifying the Borough’s desire to no longer provide oversight or control of future events. (Passed unanimously)
    • Ms. Jacoby made a motion to grant tentative approval to Ordinance #653 for permitting special events and parades and to advertise it for public inspection. (Passed unanimously)
    • Mr. Owatt made a motion to grant approval to the Operating Agreement between the Main Street Partnership and the Borough of Ebensburg. (Passed unanimously)

Inclusive Ebensburg

Mr. Penatzer reported that Inclusive Ebensburg, a citizen group promoting diversity in the Central Cambria region, met with staff and Council. The group concluded it would be more effective as an organization separate from the borough government, able to consult with and make recommendations to the Main Street Partnership and the Borough.

  • Decision: Council agreed to create a standing diversity committee to be included in the agenda to provide updates on diversity-related activities and serve as the primary liaison between the Borough and groups like Inclusive Ebensburg.
  • Committee Formation: It was decided that the committee members would be appointed by the President. Mr. Tusing asked for volunteers, and Mr. May volunteered.

Garbage/Recycling Bids

The current garbage and recycling contract expires at the end of 2020. Bids will be advertised for Council’s consideration next month. Mr. May expressed concerns about recycling and garbage being mixed together.

Department Reports

  • Police Department: Chief Wyland provided an update on recent activities and a written report for the Council packets.
  • Public Works Department: Mr. Evans provided a written report but was not in attendance.
  • Community Development Department: Ms. Koss provided a written report but was not in attendance.
  • Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson gave a report on activities at the YPCC, pool, and tennis center.
  • Ebensburg Zoning Board: The Zoning Board approved a variance for a fence setback at 616 Rowena Drive.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Pat Lauer (313 E. Horner Street): Asked who is allowed to do sidewalk work.
  • Ms. Raquel Lemelle (217 E. Horner Street): Reported that Inclusive Ebensburg has planned a kick-off event and is hosting a Multicultural Book Drive to benefit local libraries.
  • Mr. Shaun Boland (403 E. Sample Street): Expressed concerns over run-off water in streets after storms, noting he had eight inches of water in his garage after the last storm and that this has happened multiple times in the past two years.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Ms. Houser made a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:16 PM

Minutes Recorded by: Dana Koss, Community Development Director

← Back to Documents