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Borough Meeting Minutes - August 8

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Borough Council Meeting Summary (August 8, 2024)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council met on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Sean M. Burke called the meeting to order.

Attendance

  • Present: Council members Sean M. Burke, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, William Kitt, Clay Gingrich, and Walter Kalista (on phone).
  • Also Present: Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Director of Community Development Andrew Holodnik, Director of Community Relations and Events Melanie Ramsey, and Chief Christopher Storm.
  • Absent: Councilman Brady Leahey and Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.

Key Actions & Reports

Minutes Approval

  • The minutes from the July 11, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0) on a motion by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Gingrich.

Oath of Office

  • Mayor Dodson administered the Oath of Office to Patrol Officer Cassandra Vaughn.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Dodson presented a proclamation to Borough Resident Daniel Klingbeil honoring his recent retirement from the U. S. Army.

Manager’s Report (Ethan Imhoff)

  • Finance Director: Stacy Wert will become Finance Director effective August 12, 2024.
  • Meetings Attended: IRC meeting; Red Sand Ceremony (July 30); Stowell Farm Stormwater Project Meeting (August 6, attended by ~50–75 people).
  • Staff Updates: Summer helper in Community Development left to return to college; Public Works Employee Steve Bice retired.

Community Development Report (Andrew Holodnik)

  • Presented July report.
  • Reminded community about temporary signage rules.
  • Confirmed funds still available for sidewalk grants.

Director of Community Relations & Events Report (Melanie Ramsey)

  • Announced upcoming Downtown LIVE! Concert on August 15 featuring band Bone Jacked.
  • Mentioned August 16 Friday Night Market in conjunction with Hollidaysburg Community Partnership’s Third in the Burg Event.

Fire Marshal Report

  • Ms. Hazlett was absent; no report given.

Chief of Police Report

  • Chief Storm presented the department’s July report (details not specified).

Public Comment

  • Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver Street): Discussed rain forecast, Borough vehicle decals, sidewalks, wing plows for plow trucks, and need for job trailer at Public Works garage.
  • Elda Boose (141 Bedford Street): Discussed Stowell Farm Stormwater Mitigation Project Meeting and thanked Council.

Open Agenda Items

  • Mr. Kitt: Commended Manager Imhoff (not for future agenda).
  • Mr. Gingrich: Basin Street parking — at Manager’s discretion.

Resolution No. 2024-21: Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously (6-0) on motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by Mr. Kitt:

  • Bill List No. 8 totaling $274,802. 20 (accounts payable and owing to Borough).
  • One Certificate of Appropriateness for 1011 Allegheny Street.
Details for 1011 Allegheny Street (Carmen Bilek)

Work includes:

  • Replace handrail on rear steps.
  • Repair loose stone/mortar and add support to left stone corner.
  • Repair front porch upper façade.
  • Scrape/paint woodwork and trim (windows, soffit, fascia).
  • Replace porch floor/ceiling boards and stain.
  • Replace front porch railing.
  • Requires zoning permit.
  • Structure is contributing within Historic District.

Update on Comprehensive Plan

  • Manager Imhoff and Mr. Holodnik discussed updating the comprehensive plan with free assistance from Blair County Planning Commission.

Stormwater Mitigation in Gaysport

  • Meeting with Borough Engineers scheduled for next week.

Borough Sidewalks Grant Program

  • Borough continuing to accept grant applications.

East Side Stormwater Mitigation

  • Borough continuing work with Borough Engineers on this project.

Ordinance No. 910: Amending Traffic Code

Adopted unanimously (6-0) on motion by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Ketner. Roll call vote:

  • Jacobs – yes
  • Kalista – yes
  • Burke – yes
  • Gingrich – yes
  • Kitt – yes
  • Ketner – yes

Dangerous Structure Investigation (401 Garber Street)

  • Report presented following investigation on July 23, 2024.
  • Motion by Mr. Gingrich to schedule Show Cause Hearing for September 11 Borough Council Meeting; seconded by Mr. Kitt. Passed unanimously (6-0).

Blight Committee

  • Council agreed by consensus to prepare resolution for September meeting to organize a Blight Committee.

Benches in the Borough

  • Mr. Imhoff discussed origin of benches in Holiday Hills.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Document signed by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.

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