January 2010 Newsletter

Sewage Bills to Decrease

Ebensburg sewage customers will see a significant drop in their overall bills later in 2010. This is due to an old PENNVEST loan maturing, which allows the last rate increase adopted in 2005 to be rolled back completely.

• Bi-monthly base rate: Will drop from $68. 50 to $54. 50.
• Usage rate: Will drop from $6. 07 to $4. 65/1,000 gal.
• Total effect: An 18% decrease in sewage rates.

Conversely, water system rates will slightly increase as a loan payment on an old project increases by $24,000 annually.

• Bi-monthly base rate: Will increase from $33. 50 to $35. 60.
• Usage rate: Will increase from $4. 33 to $4. 65/1,000 gal.
• Total effect: A 5% increase in water rates.

Overall, the total effect of these two rate adjustments is a 9% decrease in utility rates.

• Minimum user savings: $11. 90 each billing.
• Average customer savings: Just over $17 each billing.

Marketing Campaign Aims to Bring People to Town

In late 2009, the Borough Council launched a marketing campaign showcasing Ebensburg Borough to potential businesses and new homeowners. The campaign includes:

• Billboard ads
• Increased advertising of events
• Attendance at area conferences and expos
• Exposure on local television, radio, and newspapers

The campaign features a display board created by L. Robert Kimball & Associates highlighting the town's assets. Residents are encouraged to help promote Ebensburg by keeping properties well-maintained and spreading the word about local events.

New Mayor Spotlight: Randy Datsko

Randy Datsko is the new mayor of Ebensburg, succeeding Charlie Moyer.

• Background: Datsko grew up in Mylo and has lived in the borough for 31 years. He is married to Cindy and has 3 boys.
• Experience: He served 12 years on the borough council and is a Regional Representative for Church Mutual Insurance Company.
• Quote: "I look forward to continuing the positive and progressive image that Ebensburg has. I will put my best foot forward as the mayors have done in the past. "

Property Purchase

In 2009, the Borough Council agreed to purchase the former Babcock Lumber property on South West Street for $95,000.

• Site details: 1½ acres containing two large storage buildings.
• Usage: Storage for seasonal equipment (snow plows, salt spreaders, etc. ) and materials (topsoil, stone, gravel).
• Future plans: A grant has been acquired to raze the front office building and kiln. The site will be improved to complement the Ghost Town Trail and Memorial Field.

2009 vs. 2010 Improvements

2009 Accomplishments:

• Purchased new equipment: 4-wheel drive police vehicle, tractor mower, two pickup trucks, backhoe, and front-end loader.
• Completed projects: West Ogle Street sidewalks (improved stormwater system, drainage), new bleachers at Memorial Field, interconnection of water systems with Croyle Township.

2010 Budgeted Improvements:

• Police: Added one additional full-time officer.
• Public Works: Street paving project, larger street name signs, repairs to the Tanner Street bridge.
• Water: Interconnect dead-end water lines, install new filters/valves at treatment plant, replace one truck.
• Recreation: Upgrade pool bathhouse, install new playground equipment at Lake Rowena.
• Wastewater: Continue efforts to eliminate infiltration from the sewage collection system.

Concerts in the Park

A series of free concerts in Penn Eben Park will continue in August.

• Schedule: Every Friday evening from 6pm until 9pm (an hour longer than in 2009).
• Entertainment: Line-up to be announced; check the borough's website or local newspapers.

Borough Council

• President: Deborah Nesbella
• Vice President: Doug Tusing
• Members: Susan Barber, Terry Illig, Dave Kuhar, Joe Lutz, V. Joseph Miller, Annie Takas (Junior Councilor)
• Mayor: Randy Datsko

Calendar of Events

• Art in Bloom Spring Art Show: April 24 (noon – 6pm) & 25 (11am – 4pm)
• Wheels & Wings: Thursday, June 24th (5pm-10pm)
• Ebensburg Homecoming: Saturday, July 31st (all day)
• Ebensburg Farmers Market: Saturdays from 9am – Noon (July 31st – Sept. 18th) at Penn Eben Park
• Concerts in the Park: Every Friday in August from 6pm-9pm at Penn Eben Park
• "Shots & Stogies" Golf Tournament: Friday, September 3rd at Ebensburg Country Club
• Ebensburg PotatoFest: Saturday, September 25th (9am-5pm)
• Dickens of a Christmas: December 3rd - 5th

For more information on events, visit www. ebensburgmainstreet. com.