# Minutes

- Summary: Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary Date: January 25, 2021 Time: 6:32 PM – 7:08 PM Location: Virtual (via Zoom) Presiding Officer: Doug Tusing, President Attendees Council Members Present: Doug…
- Source: Ebensburg Borough
- Published: 2021-01-25
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:42:10.366Z
- Source URL: http://ebensburgpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Council-Minutes-January-2021.pdf
- Content URL: https://ebensburg.site/document/minutes-1-25-2021/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Summary Date: January 25, 2021 Time: 6:32 PM – 7:08 PM Location: Virtual (via Zoom) Presiding Officer: Doug Tusing, President Attendees Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President) Dave Kuhar (Vice President) Theresa Jacoby Scot May Mike Owatt Cecilia Houser Jeff Ball Will Westrick, Jr. (Councilor) Others Present: Randy Datsko (Mayor) Daniel Penatzer (Borough Manager) Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor) Danea Koss (Community Development Director) Dirk Johnson (Recreation Director) Kelly Cook (Incoming Borough Manager) Kristen Baudoux (The Mountaineer Herald) Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat) Derek Kaufman Julie Horvath Audience: 3 members Key Decisions & Actions Public Comments Derek Kaufman requested a $275 refund for fees paid related to a Zoning Hearing concerning his fence request. Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously) Ms. Jacoby moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Ms. Houser. Items included: Approval of minutes from December 21, 2020 regular meeting and January 18, 2021 public hearing. Approval of financial statement. Approval of payment of bills. Skatepark Project Update Julie Horvath presented an update on the proposed skatepark project. Estimated cost: ~$225,000 Fundraising is ready to begin. Daniel Penatzer recommended finalizing the location before fundraising starts. Mayor’s Report Mayor Datsko reported that Chief Wyland confirmed the warning phase for snow shoveling violations has ended. Fines will now be assessed for any offenders. Committee Reports Water/Wastewater Committee Dave Kuhar reported that Inframark provided written reports for both wastewater and water treatment plant operations, which were included in Council packets. Recreation Committee Theresa Jacoby reported that heating issues at the Tennis Center have been resolved. Street Committee Cecilia Houser reported on the 2021 Sidewalk Project: Involves West Sample Street, West Crawford Street, and West Horner Street. Bids for construction and tree cutting are due February 15, 2021. Pre-bid meeting scheduled for February 5, 2021. Motion to authorize seeking bids passed unanimously (moved by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Owatt). Also reported that 29 trees will need to be removed along the sidewalk route. Motion to authorize seeking bids for tree removal passed unanimously (moved by Ms. Houser, seconded by Mr. Kuhar). Administration Committee Dave Kuhar reported that the committee reviewed applications for Borough Manager and recommended hiring Kelly Cook . Motion to approve employment contract with Kelly Cook passed unanimously (moved by Mr. Kuhar, seconded by Ms. Houser). Diversity Committee Scot May reported that the committee is still in talks with local universities about hosting diversity “TED Talks” in Ebensburg. General Business Zoning Amendment – Fences Daniel Penatzer reported on Ordinance #659, which amends zoning rules regarding front yard fences. There was a misinterpretation of the term “building line. ” Staff recommends not taking action now and referring the issue to the Planning Commission for consideration alongside a full review of Zoning Ordinances. Department Reports Police Department: No report. Public Works Department: No report. Community Development Department (Danea Koss): Main Street Partnership has set dates for this year’s annual events. “Art in Bloom” will be virtual this year. Committees are beginning to plan for each event. Impulse Dance Studio opened beside the Borough Office; ribbon-cutting held Saturday, January 16. Sustainability project: Preliminary application submitted; committee received feedback. Confident “Silver” status will be met, with potential to reach “Gold. ” Recreation Department (Dirk Johnson): Winter basketball league is in progress. Media Comments/Questions Mark Pesto (The Tribune Democrat) asked about Ms. Cook’s municipal experience. Adjournment No further business was discussed. Mr. Jacoby moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Houser. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting Adjourned at 7:08 PM Minutes Recorded By Danea Koss, Community Development Director