Borough Meeting Minutes - August 14

Borough Council Meeting Summary (August 14, 2025)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council met on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Sean Burke called the meeting to order. A quorum was present, including Council members Sean M. Burke, Brady Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista III, and William Kitt. Also in attendance were Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff, Attorney Jeffrey Murceak, Finance Director Stacy Wert, Police Chief Christopher Storm, Community Relations Director Melanie Ramsey, Mayor Joseph Dodson, and Borough Secretary Patricia J. Duron. Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett was absent.

Key Updates & Reports

• Manager’s Report:

  • Peoples Gas Contractor is patching and will work on curb ramps next.
  • Public Works Department updating rules for street openings.
  • 2026 budget schedule to be distributed soon.

• Finance Director Report:

  • Ms. Wert’s report included in meeting packet; no additional comments.

• Community Development Report:

  • Mr. Holodnik presented July monthly report.
  • 2025–26 tree planting plan scheduled; volunteers needed.

• Community Relations & Events Report:

  • Ms. Ramsey thanked supporters of the Farmers Market.
  • Announced events:
    • Night Market — August 15th
    • Downtown LIVE! Concert — August 21st
    • Community Band performance at Canal Basin Park — August 24th

• Chief of Police Report:

  • Chief Storm presented July monthly report.
  • Thanked Mayor Dodson for his support during his tenure as Mayor.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

• Resolution No. 2025-23 (Disposition of Public Records):

  • Approved unanimously with seven votes. Motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by Mr. Kalista.

• Resolution No. 2025-24 (Certifying Discover Blair County as Tourist Promotion Agency):

  • Approved. Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kitt.

Major Discussion Items

• Tax Allocation for HALAS (Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service):

  • Mayor Dodson requested Council discuss adopting a tax allocation for HALAS.
  • Representatives from HALAS were present and promised to provide more info on who they serve.

• Mini Ditch:

  • Group discussed various items related to the mini ditch project.

• Storm Sewer Grate Covers:

  • Discussed contractor’s use of silk screen covers under grates during work.

Mayor Resignation & New Appointment

• Mayor Joseph Dodson resigned, citing he is moving out of the Borough.
• Chad Repko nominated as Acting Mayor effective September 1, 2025, through end of year.
• Motion made by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Leahey. Passed unanimously with seven votes.

Other Business

• Borough Sidewalks Grant Program:

  • Grants still available. Five applications approved this month for sidewalks and curbs.

• Gaysport Stormwater Mitigation:

  • Borough to meet with DEP later this month.

• East Side Stormwater Update:

  • Applied for grant funding; two easements being prepared for execution.

• Blight Committee Update:

  • Mr. Kitt reported structures at Chimney Rocks Park painted using grant funds and paint donations from Leydig Hardware.

• Comprehensive Plan Committee Update:

  • Mr. Holodnik reported comprehensive plan update is 97% complete.

• Minutes Approval:

  • Minutes from July 10, 2025, approved unanimously with seven votes. Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista.

• Bill List Number 8 & Certificates of Appropriateness:

  • Approved with seven votes to zero.

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This meeting covered routine operations, community events, infrastructure updates, and significant personnel changes — notably the resignation of Mayor Dodson and appointment of Acting Mayor Chad Repko. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, particularly for tree planting.