Ebensburg

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Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: September 26, 2022 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:01 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance

  • Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Dave Kuhar, Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball.
  • Absent: Theresa Jacoby.
  • Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Danea Koss, Dirk Johnson, Luke Byrne, Lauren Hagens.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
  • Approval of minutes from the August 22, 2022 meeting.
  • The financial statement for August.
  • Payment of bills for September.

Committee Reports & Updates

Water/Wastewater Committee

  • High Street Water Line Replacement: Work began June 20, 2022. Substantial completion is targeted for September 29, 2022, with final completion estimated by November 28, 2022. W. A. Petrakis Contracting is currently connecting water service lateral lines and replacing lead service lines.

Recreation Committee

  • Rotary Dog Park: The Borough was awarded a $30,000 Mini-Grant through the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission. A meeting between the Rotary and Recreation Committee will be scheduled to discuss project administration.

Street Committee

  • 2022 Street Paving: The project was awarded to Grannas Brothers for $269,988. 29. Due to weather and waterline delays, paving is scheduled to start September 26, 2022, with completion expected by October 4.
  • Sidewalk and Curbing Project: Two bids were received: BCS Construction ($163,900) and Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. ($345,010. 10). BCS Construction withdrew their bid due to an error. The council unanimously voted to reject all bids and rebid the project for spring construction.

Administration Committee

  • AFSCME Contract: Negotiations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are proceeding. The current contract expires December 31, 2022.
  • 2022 Budget: Preliminary budget numbers are being prepared by the manager. The committee will meet in October to compile a tentative budget for council review, with final adoption expected in November.

Employee Pension Plans The council unanimously adopted the following motions:

  • MMO Calculations: Adopted Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) calculations for:
    • Non-uniformed pension plan: $91,820.
    • Uniformed pension plan: $16,401.
    • Defined contribution plan: $5,991.
  • Resolutions: Adopted Resolutions #2022-11 and #2022-12 establishing an employee contribution rate of 3% (unchanged) for both the non-uniformed and uniformed pension plans. Resolution #2022-13 authorized the distribution of State aid checks to the respective plans.

General Business

Fireworks Law

  • Pennsylvania passed an amended Fireworks Law (Act 74 of 2022). The Mayor, Police Chief, and staff recommend the Borough utilize the portion of the law that allows municipalities to prohibit consumer fireworks.
  • The Manager was directed to draft an ordinance for council review at the October meeting, which will include specific exceptions (e. g. , no one under 18 can possess fireworks; restrictions on use near vehicles, buildings, and private property).

Hazard Mitigation Plan

  • The council unanimously adopted Resolution #2202-14, adopting the updated Cambria County Hazard Mitigation Plan as the plan for the Borough. This is required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

Façade Grant

  • The Borough successfully utilized a previous $50,000 Façade Grant.
  • The council unanimously approved Resolution #2202-15 to apply for a new grant in the same amount ($50,000. 00) from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Department Reports

  • Police Department: Chief Wyland reported on last month’s activities and updates regarding the annual PotatoFest.
  • Public Works Department: No report.
  • Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on the success of PotatoFest and upcoming events, including Volunteer & Main Street Member Appreciation Night, the Fall Foliage Ride, and downtown Halloween window painting.
  • Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson reported on fall basketball registration and an upcoming Craft Fair on October 8th.

Public Comments

  • Ms. June Fether asked about time limits for temporary rented dumpsters parked on streets.
  • Mr. Bill Link asked if a sub-contractor would perform the street resurfacing.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p. m. upon a motion by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Miller.

Minutes Recorded by: Danea Koss, Community Development Director

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