Altoona

Pennsylvania

Documents

Borough Meeting Minutes - April 13

View original document →

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM – 7:40 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough

Call to Order & Attendance

  • Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Joseph A. Pompa.
  • Quorum present: Council members Joseph A. Pompa, Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Walter Kalista III, Brady Leahey, Sean Burke.
  • Also attending: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Building Code Official Gerald Harbison, Solicitor Nathan W. Karn Sr. , Chief Christopher Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey.
  • Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett was absent.

Pledge & Minutes Approval

  • President Pompa led Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
  • Minutes from March 9, 2023 meeting approved unanimously (7–0) on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.

Reports & Updates

Manager’s/Financial Report

  • Mr. Gehret noted reports are in agenda binder.
  • Water line project update: expected completion by July.

Planning/Zoning

  • Mr. Harbison’s report included in agenda.
  • Zoning hearing board meeting scheduled for week of April 16, 2023.

Fire Marshal Report

  • No report due to absence of Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.

Director of Community Relations & Events

  • Ms. Ramsey reported May sponsorships being received.
  • Allegheny Street Cruise In: May 26, 2023 at 6 PM.

Chief of Police Report

  • Presented monthly activity report (details not summarized).

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Dodson raising funds for mulch at Patriot Park and Hometown Heroes program.

Public Comment

  • Stan Neal (142 Beaver Street): Discussed flooding in Gaysport.
  • Shaun Leydig (211 Newry Street): Supported hiring more police officers; questioned street sweeper schedule in March; suggested local tree purchases for Arbor Day.
  • Elda Jean Boose (121 Bedford Street): Commended Jerry Harbison; discussed MS4.
  • Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Presented PVFD Monthly Report; discussed red flag warning.
  • Jim Fitch (109 Bel Aire Road): Discussed electronic speed signs and sidewalks on Bel Aire Road.

Open Agenda Items

  • Ms. Baker: Flooding in Gaysport.
  • Mayor: Hiring a police officer.
  • Mr. Leahey: Bel Aire Road improvements.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

Resolution No. 2023-10: Consent Agenda

  • Approved bill list #4 totaling $135,422. 72 for accounts payable.
  • Approved two Certificates of Appropriateness:
    • 309 Allegheny Street – Business Signage (Danielle Newman):
      • 12” gold vinyl lettering on 8’ sign board above display window.
      • 35” x 10” decal on display windows.
      • Non-contributing structure in Historic District.
    • 513 Mulberry Street – Remodeling (4 L’s Management, LLC):
      • Retroactive approval for replacing windows with double-hung vinyl and aluminum wrap.
      • Replace compromised exterior doors with steel doors wrapped in aluminum.
      • Zoning permit required.
      • Contributing structure in Historic District.
  • Motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by Mr. Leahey — passed 7–0.

Resolution No. 2023-12: Disposition of Public Records

  • Adopted per Municipal Records Manual (approved Dec 16, 2008; amended July 23, 2009 and March 28, 2019).
  • Authorizes disposition of public records attached as Exhibits A and B.
  • Duly adopted April 13, 2023.

Hire Parking Enforcement Officer

  • Motion by Mr. Leahey to hire Thomas Gray as part-time parking enforcement officer.
  • Seconded by Mr. Ketner — passed 7–0.

Approve Fireworks Permit

  • Motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Ketner — passed 6–1 (one vote against).

9/11 Memorial Trail Signage

  • Motion by Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Leahey — passed 7–0.

Additional Updates from Mr. Harbison

  • Comprehensive Plan: Consultant Gannett Fleming will have draft ready for public comment soon.
  • Water Discharge into Streets: Status of complaints updated.
  • Stormwater/Bedford Street Update: Revised stormwater ordinance to be presented at May meeting.
  • Borough Sidewalks: Continuing to approve sidewalk grant applications.
  • Street Sweeper: Borough evaluating various types of sweepers.
  • Dangerous Structures:
    • 1100 Fern Avenue: Property to be sold; seller will rebuild. Hearing foregone by consensus.
    • 117 Franklin Street: Hearing to be scheduled.

Adjournment

  • Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM by President Pompa.

Attested by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary
Joseph A. Pompa, President

Note: Page numbering in original document skips from Page 3 to Page 6 — likely a typo or formatting error.

← Back to Documents