# Borough Meeting Minutes - December 14

- Summary: Borough Council Meeting Minutes - December 14, 2023 Attendance & Call to Order Date/Time: Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Location: Council Chambers. Presiding: Vice President Leahey called…
- Source: HollidaysburgPA.org
- Published: 2023-12-14
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://hollidaysburgpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dec-14-2023.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/borough-meeting-minutes-december-14/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Borough Council Meeting Minutes - December 14, 2023 Attendance & Call to Order Date/Time: Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Location: Council Chambers. Presiding: Vice President Leahey called the meeting to order. Council Members Present: Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Sean Burke, Jeffrey Ketner, and Walter Kalista, III. Others Present: Mayor Dodson, Borough Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Attorney Nathan Karn, Police Chief Chris Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, and Planning/Zoning Administrator Andrew Holodnik. Absent: Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett. Public Comment Residents expressed strong support for stormwater mitigation efforts in Gaysport and requested the purchase of land for a retention pond. Elda Boose (141 Bedford St): Thanked the Council for stormwater efforts and requested land purchase for a retention pond. Jean Cassidy (208 Beaver St): Requested the Council vote to purchase land for a retention pond. Gerard Nale (109 Bedford St): Requested support for the land purchase. Stan Neal (142 Beaver St): Thanked the Council for stormwater support and requested land purchase. Shaun Leydig (407 Beaver St): Requested support for the land purchase. Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Discussed flooding in Gaysport and the need for a retention pond. Jim Fitch (Bel Aire Rd): Suggested that the Borough Manager and Finance Director positions should be separate. Regis Nale (202 Spruce St): Spoke about sewer issues in the Borough. Reports Minutes: The minutes from the November 9, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0). Manager/Financial: No report. Planning/Zoning: Mr. Holodnik presented the monthly report and announced a public hearing for a zoning amendment on January 11, 2024. Community Relations: Ms. Ramsey thanked the Council for their support of recent events. Fire Marshal: No report (Ms. Hazlett was absent). Police Chief: Presented the November report; noted that the Civil Service Commission completed testing for police candidates. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Dodson complimented the Police Department and Melanie Ramsey for their work. Resolutions & Motions Resolution No. 2023-31 (Consent Agenda): Approved the bill list for December 14, 2023, totaling $146,526. 40. Also approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 400 Allegheny Street (Joseph Keller) to construct window wells, basement/first-floor stairs, and an ADA ramp. Final Budget Adoption: Motion No. 2024-1 to adopt the 2024 Budget was passed unanimously (6-0). Resolution No. 2023-32 (Real Estate Tax Rate): Motion to approve the real estate tax rate for Fiscal Year 2024 was passed unanimously (6-0). Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD): Motion to release funds to the PVFD was passed unanimously (6-0). Personnel Changes James Gehret Resignation: Accepted the resignation of James Gehret from the positions of Borough Manager and Director of Finance. Interim Appointments: James Gehret was hired as the Interim Finance Director . James Gehret was appointed as the Interim Borough Manager (with a motion to advertise for a permanent Borough Manager). Alternate Solicitor: Attorney Calvin J. Webb was appointed as Alternate Solicitor for the Borough. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM by Vice President Leahey.