Documents Sep 25, 2023

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: September 25, 2023

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p. m. by President Doug Tusing.

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Mike Owatt, and Bob Miller.
Junior Councilors: Abraham Remillard and Isaac Bradley.
Other Attendees: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joseph Loughran, and various department directors.
Audience: 15 residents attended.

Executive Session & Police Hiring

An executive session was held prior to the meeting to interview candidates for a new police officer position.
Decision: The Council unanimously approved the hiring of Jim Bogus as a full-time police officer, effective October 16, 2023. This is subject to passing medical and psychological exams.

Consent Agenda The following items were approved unanimously:

Historical Society Grant Request

The agenda was amended to include a request from the Cambria County Historical Society.
Decision: The Council unanimously approved serving as the applicant for a grant to replace windows at the A. W. Buck House.

2024 Budget Planning

Preparations for the 2024 budget began on September 6.
The goal is to present a preliminary budget in October and finalize it in November.
Council members are asked to suggest cost savings or revenue enhancements to avoid tax increases.

Employee Pension Plans

Decision: The Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-09, increasing the employee contribution rate for the non-uniformed pension plan from 3% to 5% for 2024.

Street and Sidewalk Projects

Street Paving: Bids were awarded to New Enterprise Corporation for $175,572. 30. Work was completed August 24–30.
Sidewalk and Curbing: Bids were awarded to CH & D Construction for $136,827. 88. The project is tentatively scheduled to start September 28 and complete by October 10, 2023.

Garbage and Recycling Contract

The current contract expires at the end of 2023. Bids were opened on September 19.
Decision: The Council unanimously awarded the contract to Pro Disposal for a 5-year period beginning January 1, 2024.
New Rates: Resident rates will increase to approximately $27. 62–$28. 14 per month depending on the inclusion of spring cleanup services.
Recycling: Pro Disposal operates the only functional recycling site in Cambria County. The market is volatile, and recyclables may occasionally end up in the landfill if storage is full.

Municipal Airport Hangar

A structural engineer determined the existing hangar could not be rehabilitated. However, a second opinion suggests repairs are possible. A report on repair specifications and costs is expected within a month.

Residents raised the following concerns:

Lake Street: Ms. Barb Cordero and Ms. Jeanne McIntosh expressed concern over the poor condition of Lake Street, noting it lacks curbing and poses a danger. The Borough noted that Lake Street is not an "ordained street" and may not be their responsibility.
Garbage Cans: Mr. Bill Link asked if the new large cans provided by Pro Disposal are mandatory. It was confirmed they are required for all residents, though a smaller option is available for those with less waste.
Pricing: Mr. Tom Bortel asked if further pricing research had been conducted for the garbage contract.