January 2011 Newsletter

Winter Sidewalk Maintenance

The Ebensburg Borough has issued a reminder regarding the ordinance requiring property owners to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall. This is both a legal requirement and a safety measure for pedestrians, including those using strollers or wheelchairs.

• Enforcement: Property owners who fail to clear their sidewalks may receive a citation and fine.
• Responsibilities: Owners must clear the full width of the sidewalk down to the bare pavement. Ice removal is prioritized as it can be more dangerous than snow.
• Tips: Sprinkling sand on cleared sidewalks helps prevent slipping. Snow should be piled in the yard, not into streets or alleys.
• Corner Properties: Curb cuts at corners and crosswalks must be cleared to the street gutter.
• Vacations: Residents should arrange for someone else to shovel while they are away.
• Community Help: Neighbors are encouraged to assist elderly or disabled residents who may have difficulty shoveling.

Parking Enforcement

The Ebensburg Police Department is reminding residents to check posted winter parking hours at the beginning of each block.

• Purpose: The ordinance ensures two lanes remain open for plow trucks and one lane for parking.
• Instructions: Residents must move their vehicles by the change-over time. Do not park directly across from a neighbor who has not yet moved their vehicle, as this blocks the street.

Smoke Testing

The Borough is continuing DEP-required smoke testing of residential and commercial sewage systems to detect illegal connections that allow stormwater infiltration.

• Process: Smoke is pumped into the sanitary sewer system under pressure to identify leaks in downspouts, driveway drains, footer drains, and service laterals.
• Impact: Smoke may enter buildings if sewage traps are empty or lacking. The smoke is non-toxic and leaves no residue.
• Timeline: Testing will occur in specific sections of town each year over the next five years. Property owners with illegal infiltration sources are required to pay for corrections.

New Borough Pool Project

Ebensburg Borough has secured a $300,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $1. 1 million pool renovation project.

• Funding: The Borough will spend $500,000 from its coffers, with the remaining balance raised through a local fund drive.
• Necessity: A minimum of $600,000 was required just to bring the pool into compliance with current regulations. The grant allows for a state-of-the-art facility rather than a basic upgrade.
• Timeline: Bids are expected in early spring, with construction starting as soon as weather permits. The pool will remain closed until at least the end of July 2011.

Garbage Collection Reminder

Hugill Sanitation has listed items that are not permitted for regular collection:

• Building rubbish (construction/reconstruction)
• Industrial refuse
• Tree trimmings, hedge clippings, or grass
• Stones, bricks, earth, plaster, concrete, paint, and general building materials
• Automobile parts, batteries, or tires

Questions should be directed to Hugill Sanitation at 814-277-6050.

Water Saving Tips

The newsletter provides 11 tips to help residents save water:

1. Repair dripping faucets (a rate of one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons/year).
2. Check for toilet tank leaks and adjust handles.
3. Avoid unnecessary flushing; dispose of tissues and insects in the trash.
4. Take shorter showers and use ultra-low-flow showerheads.
5. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when fully loaded.
6. Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
7. Thaw food overnight in the fridge or using the microwave defrost setting.
8. Insulate water pipes to get hot water faster.
9. Wash produce in a pan of water instead of under running water; reuse the water for plants.
10. Turn off water while shaving to save over 100 gallons a week.
11. Turn off water while brushing teeth to save 4 gallons a minute.

Calendar of Events

• Art in Bloom Spring Art Show: April 23rd (noon–6pm) & 24th (11am–4pm)
• Wheels & Wings: Thursday, June 23rd (5pm–10pm)
• Ebensburg Homecoming: Saturday, July 30th (all day)
• Ebensburg Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9am–Noon (July 30th – Sept. 17th) at Penn Eben Park
• Concerts in the Park: Every Friday in August and Sept. 2nd, 6pm–9pm at Penn Eben Park
• "Shots & Stogies" Golf Tournament: Friday, September 2nd at Ebensburg Country Club
• Ebensburg PotatoFest: Saturday, September 24th (9am–5pm)
• Dickens of a Christmas: Friday–Sunday, December 3rd–5th

For more information, visit www. ebensburgmainstreet. com.

Borough Council

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