January 2009 Newsletter

Community Improvements and Budgeting

The newsletter highlights that 2008 was a busy year for Ebensburg Borough, with significant progress made despite economic challenges. Key projects completed in 2008 include:

• Infrastructure: New sidewalks and curbs on North Marian Street and South Julian Street; new stormwater lines and catch basins on Lovell Avenue.
• Parks & Recreation: Acquisition of Penn Eben Park; new restrooms, boat launch, and paving at Lake Rowena; installation of bike route signs.
• Utilities: Upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Planning: Development of a regional comprehensive plan with Cambria Township and Jackson Township; approval of natural gas leases for borough-owned properties.

Looking ahead to 2009, the Borough has budgeted for several improvements:

• Police Department: New police cruiser, body armor, updated computer software, and painting of the police office.
• Public Works: New backhoe and tractor mower, street paving, sign replacement, and repairs to the Tanner Street bridge.
• Utilities: Elimination of infiltration in the sewage collection system; interconnection of dead-end water lines and installation of new filter valves at the treatment plant.
• Recreation: Upgrade of the bathhouse and installation of new playground equipment at the swimming pool; new bleachers and sidewalks at Memorial Field; leveling and reseeding of the soccer field.

Sidewalk Projects

New sidewalk improvements are scheduled for completion in 2009. The primary project involves installing new sidewalks and curbs along both sides of the entire length of West Ogle Street, as well as the 700 and 800 blocks of West Triumph Street (between Memorial Field and High Street). This project also includes a new stormwater line and catch basins near the Falchini properties. The work is expected to begin as soon as weather permits and finish by the end of summer, followed by street resurfacing.

Three other projects are currently under consideration:

1. East High Street: Between Caroline Street and Lake Rowena.
2. West High Street: Between Beech Street and Mylo Park.
   • Note: Both of the above depend on receiving state grant funds as they are on State highways.
3. North Center Street and East Highland Avenue: This project depends on reaching a consensus among residents regarding trees and could begin as early as 2010.

Rowena Drive Bridge Replacement

PennDOT will replace the bridge on Rowena Drive crossing the headwaters at Lake Rowena. The entire existing bridge will be removed and replaced at the same site. No temporary road will be provided; detour signs will direct traffic along Lakeview Road between Route #22 and Rowena Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin after school ends for the summer, with completion expected before the new school year starts.

Kimball Park Renaming

The gazebo park in the center of Ebensburg has been renamed "Kimball Park" in honor of Mr. L. Robert Kimball, founder of the engineering firm L. Robert Kimball & Associates. Mr. Kimball spearheaded the fundraising for the park in the 1990s and has been a benefactor to many community projects, including the YPCC, Ebensburg Tennis Center, Memorial Field, and the Ebensburg Hockey Rink.

Recycling Program Update

Following resident requests, the Borough Council has increased recycling collection to twice a month. Residents can now also recycle newspapers.

• Containers: Blue recycling containers are available free of charge at the municipal building.
• Schedule: Recyclables are picked up on the 1st and 3rd normal garbage collection days of each month.

Borough Website Enhancements

The borough website (www. ebensburgpa. com) has been updated with several new features:

• Online Bill Pay: Credit card payments are now accepted for utility bills and application fees.
• Auto-Draft: Residents can set up automatic drafting of bi-monthly utility bills from checking accounts.
• Online Applications: Many borough applications can now be submitted electronically with fees paid online.
• Multimedia: The site features four promotional videos, a live video feed from remote cameras, and a complete inventory of business properties.
• Transparency: Council meeting agendas are posted by the 20th of each month, along with project specifications and proposed Ordinances.

2009 Calendar of Events

• 11th Annual Art in Bloom Spring Art Show: April 25 (noon–6pm) & 26 (11am–4pm)
• 5th Annual Wheels & Wings: Thursday, June 25th (5pm–10pm)
• Ebensburg Homecoming: Saturday, July 25th (all day)
• Ebensburg Farmers Market: Saturdays from 9am–Noon (July 25 – Sept. 19) at Penn Eben Park
• 2nd Annual "Shots & Stogies" Golf Tournament: Friday, September 4th at Ebensburg Country Club
• 18th Annual Ebensburg PotatoFest: Saturday, September 26th (9am–5pm)
• 4th Annual Dickens of a Christmas: December 4th–6th

Borough Council

• President: Deborah Nesbella
• Vice President: Doug Tusing
• Members: Susan Barber, Terry Illig, Dave Kuhar, Joe Lutz, V. Joseph Miller, Chris Vella (Junior Councilor)
• Mayor: Charles Moyer