Documents Aug 22, 2022

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes - August 22, 2022

Meeting Details:

Attendance:

Present: Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Dave Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby
Absent: Doug Tusing (President)
Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, Mayor Randy Datsko, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Public Works Director Josh Surkovich, and representatives from Inframark, The Mountaineer Herald, The Tribune Democrat, TransSystems, and Flaherty & O’Hara (representing Sheetz).

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

Inframark Report: A written report on operations, projects, and activities at the wastewater plant was submitted for council review.
High Street Water Line Replacement Project: Work began on June 20, 2022. Substantial completion is expected by September 29, 2022, with final completion estimated for November 28, 2022. W. A. Petrakis Contracting is currently testing and flushing the new pipeline. All lead service lines will be replaced in their entirety.

Rotary Dog Park: The borough applied for a $30,000 Mini-Grant through the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission. The project has been recommended for the grant, with a final decision expected by the end of September. Staff requested a meeting between the Rotary and Recreation Committee to discuss project administration.

2022 Street Paving Project: The paving project was awarded to Grannas Brothers for $269,988. 29. Work is expected to begin in September after the County Fair.
Sidewalk and Curbing Project 2022: Bids were opened on August 22, 2022. The estimated cost is $50,000, which is covered by the 2022 budget. The council made a motion to award the bid to the lowest bidder, pending review by the borough manager and solicitor. The motion passed unanimously.

AFSCME Contract: Negotiations have commenced with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for the current contract expiring on December 31, 2022. The committee has met four times so far.

Resolution #2022-20 (Sheetz Liquor License): The council approved the inter-municipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license to the Sheetz store at 818 West High Street. A public hearing was held prior to the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Lake Rowena Dredging: The council approved an agreement with TranSystems, Inc. for an underwater survey and soil testing to determine the amount and quality of sediment in Lake Rowena. The agreement is for an amount not to exceed $10,000. This step is necessary to develop project costs and determine the best dredging method. The motion passed unanimously.

Police Department: Chief Wyland submitted a written report on last month's activities.
Public Works Department: Mr. Surkovich reported on the water line replacement project, locating water leaks, receiving bids for N. Marion Street, and noted that a backhoe is now available.
Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on recent community events (Downtown Shutdown, Homecoming, Concerts in the Park), updates on PotatoFest and Volunteer Night, and information about the "Turn the Town Teal" campaign and an upcoming Ebensburg Magazine.
Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson submitted a written report on last month's recreation activities.

Public Comment: Mr. Bill Link of N. Spruce Street asked when the curbing and sidewalk project would begin.
Executive Session: The council entered an executive session at 6:09 p. m. to discuss a personnel matter and exited at 6:28 p. m.
Adjournment: There being no further business, Ms. Kuhar made a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.