Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:48 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance and Opening

The meeting was called to order by President Doug Tusing. Council members present included Vice President Cecilia Houser, Dave Kuhar, Mike Murphy, Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, and Abe Remillard. Robert Miller and Isaac Bradley were absent.

Key attendees included Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joseph Loughran, and representatives from Inframark, the Dauntless Fire Company, and local media.

Committee Reports and Updates

Water/Wastewater Committee

• Inframark Operations: Written reports for both wastewater and water treatment plant operations were submitted for review.
• Waterline Replacement: The project is on schedule. Guyer Brothers has installed 64% of the mainline and 30% of service installations.
• Stormwater Project: Construction began August 12, 2024, with the razing of a house on North Julian Street. The project involves installing approximately 5,515 feet of storm sewer piping and will take seven months to complete.

Recreation Committee

• Tennis Center: Moisture control work was completed on August 14, 2024.

Administration Committee

• Budget: Department heads have begun preparing the 2025 budget.
• Employee Pension Plans: The Council adopted Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) calculations for three plans:
  • Non-uniformed pension plan: $96,325
  • Uniformed pension plan: $40,430
  • Defined contribution plan: $10,244
• Resolutions: The Council adopted resolutions establishing a 5% employee contribution rate for both the non-uniformed and uniformed pension plans for 2025.

Department Reports

• Police: Chief Loughran reported no issues at recent community events.
• Public Works: The street sweeper is confirmed to be in working order.
• Community Development: Director Danea Koss announced upcoming events, including a ribbon-cutting for "Artistry from Scratch" on September 15th and WorkLink Staffing’s 25-year celebration on September 19th.
• Recreation: Director Rebecca Williamson announced upcoming activities, including Bingo (Sept 13), a Pooch Pool Party (Sept 7), and a Blood Drive (Sept 20).
• Planning Commission: The Council unanimously approved the Final Land Development Plan for 1st Summit Bank, which involves razing a structure at 516 W. High and adding parking.

General Business and Ordinances

Ordinance #670 (Garbage Ordinance)

• The current ordinance will be amended to prohibit placing garbage and/or recycle receptacles in public roadways.
• Decision: Tentative approval was granted unanimously.

Ordinance #671 (Knox Box)

• A proposed ordinance requires Knox Boxes (secure access boxes for firefighters) in new commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings.
• Decision: The item was tabled until the next meeting to allow staff and Council more time for research.

PA Municipal League Appointment

• Decision: President Doug Tusing was appointed as Ebensburg’s Voting Delegate for 2024.

Public Comments

• Trash Collection: Residents Kevin Rosensteel and Donna Ragley raised concerns regarding noise and timing of commercial trash collection at Laurel Medical Solutions on South West Street.
• Property Conditions: Mr. Bob Horvath (709 E. Sample Street) reported concerns about a vacant neighboring property at 704 E. Sample Street, citing structural damage, mold, and rats. He also asked for clarification on yard waste disposal and the waterline project.

Executive Session

The Council entered an executive session at 7:32 p. m. to discuss a personnel issue and litigation, exiting at 7:47 p. m.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p. m. following a motion by Ms. Jacoby.

Minutes Recorded By: Danea Koss, Community Development Director