Documents Nov 22, 2021

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes

Date: November 22, 2021 Time: 6:30 p. m. – 7:22 p. m. Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building

Present: Doug Tusing (President), Dave Kuhar (Vice President), Theres, Scot May, Cecilia Houser, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball.
Absent: Theresa Jacoby, Will Westrick (Junior Councilor).
Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Solicitor Blair Pawlowski, and various department directors.

Public Comments

North Julian Street: Mr. Ken Cummins voiced concerns regarding a suggestion to delete North Julian Street as a one-way street.

Consent Agenda

Hiring: Marley Ratchford and Ian McGrorey were hired part-time at the Tennis Center at a rate of $8. 50/hour.
Approvals: The minutes from the October 25, 2021 meeting, the financial statement, and payment of bills were approved.

Street Committee: Julian Street One-Way Proposal

Council discussed a previous suggestion to make North Julian Street two-way.
Staff received three resident responses: two opposed the change, and one stated it did not matter.
Chief Wyland changed his position and now prefers to keep the street as is.
Decision: Council reached a consensus to keep Julian Street as it is with no changes.

2022 Annual Budget

The 2022 Operating Budget calls for revenues of $6,354,380 and expenditures of $6,287,745.
This marks the 12th consecutive year without a tax increase for general purposes.
Fund Breakdown:
- General Fund: $2,186,580 (Revenue/Expenditures). Increased by 2. 2% due to healthcare and pension costs.
- Water Fund: $1,999,300 (Revenue/Expenditures). Increased by 10. 4% due to debt for system repairs.
- Wastewater Fund: $1,940,000 Revenue / $1,873,365 Expenditures.
- Stormwater Fund: $228,500 (Revenue/Expenditures).
Pension Plans: Council adopted revised Minimum Municipal Obligations (MMO) for 2021:
- Non-uniformed plan: $99,638.
- Uniformed plan: $14,696.

Swimming Pool Rehabilitation

Council approved a proposal from Aquatic Facility Design for comprehensive design services and plans to rehabilitate the Ebensburg Pool.
Cost: $19,000.

Ebensburg Municipal Authority (EMA)

Resolution #2021-09: Approved an amendment to the EMA’s Articles of Incorporation, extending its term of existence until November 15, 2071.
Resolution #2021-10: Approved an amendment to the lease between the Borough and EMA to coincide with the Authority's term of existence.
Agreement Amendment: Approved an amendment to extend the lease agreement until November 15, 2071.
High Street Waterline: The EMA received approval for a grant and low-interest loan for the High Street Waterline replacement project. Loan closing is scheduled for March 2022.

Borough Fees for Fiscal Year 2022

Tax Collection Duplication: Fee increased from $3 to $5. 00.
Tax Collection Certification: Fee increased from $10 to $15. 00.
Pavilion Rentals: Fee remains $50. 00, but a new refundable deposit of $25. 00 is required (total due at rental: $75. 00). This deposit will be refunded if rules are followed.

Grants

Dog Park: The Borough, on behalf of the Rotary Club, was awarded a $112,000 grant from DCED (out of a requested $219,000) for a dog park.
Cross-Country Skis: The YPCC received a $5,500 grant from the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies to purchase skis for rental.

Department Reports

Public Works: Director Jeff Evans reported the department was busy with Christmas decorations.
Community Development: Director Danea Koss reported on upcoming Turkey Trot and Dickens of a Christmas events. John Kimball accepted the role of Grand Marshal. The mural committee selected the salt garage at Lake Rowena for a new mural project starting in Spring.
Recreation: Director Dirk Johnson reported on the grant approval for cross-country skis and equipment for rental at the YPCC.

Public Comments (Adjournment)

Mr. Ken Cummins suggested using the front-end loader for snow removal on the 200 block of Julian Street.
Next Meeting: Monday, December 20th.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p. m.