Hollidaysburg

Pennsylvania

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Borough Meeting Minutes - Aug 10 2023

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Borough Council Meeting Summary (August 10, 2023)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council met on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Pompa called the meeting to order.

Attendees

  • Council Members Present: Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Sean Burke, Walter Kalista III, and Brady Leahey.
  • Other Participants: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Attorney Jeff Murceak, Chief Chris Storm, Planning/Zoning Administrator Andrew Holodnik, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, and Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
  • Absent/Remote: Mayor Joseph Dodson participated by telephone.

Key Reports & Updates

  • Minutes: The July 13, 2023 minutes were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Manager’s Report: Borough Manager Gehret had no additional financial reports.
  • Planning/Zoning: Administrator Holodnik will provide a report next month as he recently started.
  • Fire Marshal: Amy Hazlett presented her monthly report.
  • Community Relations: Melanie Ramsey discussed upcoming events, including Downtown LIVE! Concerts, Tuesday Farmers Market, Night Markets, movie nights at Canal Basin Park, and kiosk usage.
  • Police Report: Chief Storm presented the July department report.
  • Auditor’s Report: Chris Shirock reported on the completed 2022 audit.
  • Mayor’s Report: Mayor Dodson (via phone) discussed a salary increase for police personnel.

Public Comment

Residents raised several issues:

  • Shaun Leydig (211 Newry Street): Requested pothole repair and discussed stormwater mitigation funding.
  • Eric Schmidt (PVFD): Presented the fire company’s monthly report and requested support for a grant application.
  • Gerard Nale (109 Bedford Street): Discussed stormwater management in Gaysport.
  • Jim Fitch (109 BelAire Road): Addressed speeding and zoning issues on BelAire Road.

Open Agenda & Resolutions

  • PVFD Grant Application: Multiple council members (Baker, Ketner, Burke, Leahey, Pompa, Kalista, Mielnik) and Mayor Dodson discussed the PVFD grant application and flooding concerns in Gaysport.
  • Resolution No. 2023-21 (Consent Agenda): Approved unanimously (7-0). This resolution:
    • Authorized payment of $215,988.52 for Bill List No. 8 (dated August 10, 2023), covering accounts payable and owed amounts.
    • Approved three Certificates of Appropriateness for the following projects:

Certificate Approvals

  • A. 209 North Montgomery Street (Adam Mathias):
    • Replace windows, soffit, fascia gutters, repoint/repair brick, replace attic window, screen door, roof line.
    • Includes replacing 10 second-story windows with single-hung composite windows.
    • Requires a zoning permit; structure is in the Historic District.
  • B. 516 Allegheny Street (Tiffany Ebersole):
    • Install front window cling advertising “Jeg Journey Bracelet Bar” (16” x 20”).
    • Complies with C-2 Zoning Regulations; structure is in the Historic District.
  • C. 809 Walnut Street (Jason Freedman):
    • Replace front door and sidelights.
    • Complies with C-2 Zoning Regulations; structure is in the Historic District.

Other Business

  • Sidewalks: Borough continues to approve sidewalk grant applications.
  • Street Sweeper: A demonstration sweeper was offered for purchase at a discounted price.
  • Civil Service Commission Amendments:
    • Motion to amend Police Association Agreement residency requirement from 15 to 30 air miles passed (7-0).
    • Motion to accept proposed draft of CSC rules and regulations passed (7-0).
  • Salary Adjustment: Mayor requested salary adjustment for police administrative officer. Council decided longevity increases and salary modifications should be addressed during next year’s budget discussions (unanimous).
  • Appointments:
    • Andrew Holodnik appointed to HARB/HPC (7-0).
    • Andrew Holodnik appointed to Intergovernmental Stormwater Committee (ISC) (7-0).
    • Andrew Holodnik appointed to Blair Region Code Administration Committee (7-0).

Executive Session

At 7:55 PM, the Council went into executive session to discuss real estate and did not return.

Additional Notes

  • Comprehensive Plan: Draft is complete; Council may submit questions for next month’s meeting.
  • Stormwater/Bedford Street Update: Borough Manager Gehret reported nothing new.

Meeting concluded with attestation by Secretary Patricia J. Duron and President Joseph A. Pompa.

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