Documents May 20, 2024

Minutes

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: May 20, 2024

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m. by Council President Doug Tusing.

Council Members Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Jeff Ball, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar (via phone), Robert Miller, Mike Murphy, Isaac Bradley (Junior Councilor), and Abraham Remillard (Junior Councilor).
Others Present: Borough Manager Kelly Cook, Mayor Randy Datsko, Police Chief Joseph Loughran, Recreation Director Dirk Johnson, Community Development Director Danea Koss, Public Works Director Josh Surkovich, Inframark representative Luke Byrne, Solicitor Matt Gribler, Recreation Board member Phil Woo, and media representatives from The Altoona Mirror and Mainline Newspapers.

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Houser and passed unanimously. The approved items included:

The committee reviewed reports from Inframark regarding operations at the wastewater and water treatment plants.

Resolutions Passed:

Resolution #2024-03: Authorized the execution of documents for a PENNVEST funding application related to the 2024 Storm Sewer Project. This includes a maximum loan amount of $3,389,310. 00.
Resolution #2024-04: Approved a Guaranty Agreement and related documents for the PENNVEST Closing, also involving the $3,389,310. 00 loan amount.
Resolution #2024-05: Amended the Lease Agreement with the Ebensburg Municipal Authority. The amendment increases the annual lease payment to cover debt service for nine outstanding PENNVEST loans, including the new Storm Sewer project.

Tennis Center Repairs: The center is experiencing worsening moisture problems. Repairs to the ceiling are estimated between $110,000 and $120,000, with wall repairs estimated at $85,000. The committee recommended putting the ceiling work out for bid immediately.
Youth League Agreements: New agreements were approved for the Ebensburg Youth League Baseball and Softball Association to use portions of Memorial Field.
- Baseball Fee: $660. 00 per year.
- Softball Fee: $2,200. 00 per year.

Resolution 2024-06: Approved a grant for purchasing and installing two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the intersection of West High Street and Julian Street. The funding amount was updated from $50,000 to $52,747.
- Vote: Passed 5-2 (Councilors Miller and Murphy voted No).

Public Work’s Director Stipend: A stipend is recommended for the Public Works Director for preapproved non-emergency repairs: $300 for a full day or $150 for a half day.
Police Collective Bargaining Agreement: A new 4-year agreement was signed with the Ebensburg Police Department on April 25, 2024. Wage adjustments are effective retroactively to January 1, 2024.

Ebensburg Municipal Airport: The Borough will engage Diviney & Associates to inspect work at the airport hangar. RACRA is currently determining if remedial welding is sufficient to open the facility.
Municipal Parking Lot: The current lease expires in August. A potential buyer has proposed a new long-term lease, which Council directed staff to appraise before further discussion.

Police Department: Chief Loughran reported on recent training and noted that Assistant Chief Robert Sapp has retired while Anthony Cavazza was hired as a full-time officer.
Public Works Department: The crew completed the waterline project, new lamp post banners, and hanging baskets. They are also power-washing downtown sidewalks.
Community Development: A mural installation is scheduled for May 23-24 on S. Cherry Street. New business Sweet Mama Bee’s will have a grand opening on May 24th. The Main Street Partnership was named an accredited program by the National Main Street Center.
Recreation Department: Director Dirk Johnson reported on a recent Bingo event and thanked Council for approving the Tennis Center bidding.

The Council entered an Executive Session at 7:13 p. m. and exited at 7:35 p. m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p. m.