Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: November 21, 2022 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:30 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Attendance

• Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser, Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar.
• Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Matt Gribler (Solicitor), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Terry Wyland (Chief of Police), Danea Koss, Josh Surkovich, Jody Eberhart, Luke Byrne, Breanna Berkebile, Katie Smolen.
• Audience: 19 attendees.

Key Decisions and Reports

Consent Agenda The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Reports from Inframark regarding Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant operations.
• Approval of the October 24, 2022 meeting minutes.
• Financial statements for October and quarterly transfers.
• Payment of bills for November.

2023 Annual Budget The council granted tentative approval to the 2023 annual budget with a total operating fund of $6,673,705. The budget is balanced through a proposed increase in real estate taxes equivalent to 3. 75 mills.

• General Fund: Increased by 16. 5% due to higher personnel costs and inflation. This includes funding for an additional full-time police officer to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Water Fund: Increased by 13. 85% due to personnel and operational costs.
• Wastewater Fund: Increased by 4. 4%.
• Voting Result: The motion passed 6-1 (Councilman Miller voted no).

Ordinance #665: 2023 Taxes The council approved an ordinance establishing the tax rate for general purposes at 36. 75 mills (11. 75 mills for land improvements and 25 mills for stormwater management). This results in an overall average tax rate of 16. 75 mills.

• Voting Result: The motion passed 6-1 (Councilman Miller voted no).

AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement The council unanimously approved the tentative agreement with AFSCME for 2023–2026. Key terms include:

• Wage Increases: 4%, 2. 5%, 3%, and 2. 5% over four years (Laborer 1 position set at $22. 24/hour for 2023).
• Benefits: Uniform allowance increased to $600; dental coverage increased to $500.
• Health Insurance: Dependent health coverage reinstated for employees.
• Retirement: Employees hired after January 1, 2023, will join a Defined Contribution Plan.
• Sick Leave: Accumulation capped at 120 days; payout for unused sick days upon retirement/disability capped at 90 days.

Salary Resolution The council unanimously adopted Resolution #2022-16 to establish wages for 2023.

• Office staff salaries will increase to $18. 00 per hour.
• The Community Development Director’s salary will be raised to $55,000, with the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership reimbursing 50% ($27,500).

Ordinance #664: Revised Fireworks Law The council granted final approval to the revised fireworks law, which includes a consumer permit process. Notable regulations include:

• No one under 18 may purchase or use fireworks.
• Fireworks cannot be used on private or public property (streets, sidewalks, parks) without owner permission.
• Fireworks cannot be used from a vehicle or building, directed at another person, or by someone under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
• Fireworks cannot be used within 150 feet of a building or vehicle.
• Amendment: The $50. 00 application fee was removed.
• Voting Result: The motion passed 6-1 (Councilwoman Jacoby voted no).

Resolution #2022-17: Act 57 of 2022 The council unanimously approved a resolution requiring the Tax Collector to waive additional fees for taxpayers who purchased a home within the last twelve months and did not receive a tax bill.

Resolution #2022-18: Surplus Equipment The council unanimously authorized the sale of a 2006 Case 580 Backhoe valued at $35,000. The Borough will first offer it to the County; if declined, it will be advertised for public bids.

Department Reports

• Police: Chief Wyland reported on winter parking enforcement and ticketing for vehicles parked against traffic.
• Public Works: Mr. Surkovich reported on tree planting, Christmas decorations, water tank inspection, and leaf pick-up.
• Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on the Shop Small Contest, new business openings at the Mini Mall (Stoneycreek Photography and Great Vintage Picks), and updates on the Turkey Trot and Dickens of a Christmas.
• Planning Commission: The council unanimously approved a side lot addition and side yard setback exemption for the property at 701 West High Street to 706 Ben Franklin Highway.