Hollidaysburg

Pennsylvania

Documents

Borough Meeting Minutes - Feb 10 2022

View original document →

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:02 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 Jeffrey Ketner, Brady Leahey, Sean Burke, James Mielnik; Mayor Dodson and Councilman Walter Kalista, III joined via phone.
  • Also present: Borough Manager James Gehret, Sgt. Richard Oldham, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Borough Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Building Code Official Gerald Harbison, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey.
  • Absent: Councilwoman Michele Baker, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.

Pledge & Minutes Approval

  • President Pompa led Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
  • Previous meeting minutes (Jan 3, reconvened Jan 18, and Jan 11 Conditional Use Hearing) approved unanimously (6–0).

Election of President Pro Tempore

  • Sean Burke elected as President Pro Tempore on motion by Ketner, seconded by Leahey. Unanimous approval.

Reports

Manager’s Report & Financials

  • Manager’s report included in agenda binder.
  • No financial reports until after March audit.
  • SCCBA Meeting scheduled for March 2, 2022, at American Legion Social Hall (5:30 PM). Council invited.

Planning & Zoning

  • PennMont Academy will submit land development plan to Planning Commission in March.

Community Relations & Events

  • Sponsorship requests sent out; Hometown Heroes Applications available for 2022 banners.
  • Sons of the American Legion are 2022 Hometown Hero Program sponsors.

Fire Marshal Report

  • Amy Hazlett absent — no report given.

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Dodson praised police department for outstanding performance.

Public Comment Highlights

Several residents spoke about proposed Traffic Code amendments:

  • George Foster (709 Allegheny St.): Opposes parking changes on Allegheny Street.
  • Regis Nale & Hollidaysburg Watchdog: Oppose Allegheny parking changes and one-way Wall Street proposal; support Wayne Street parking changes.
  • David Krentzman (Krentzman & Sons): Opposes one-way Wall Street.
  • Sean McLanahan (200 Wall St., McLanahan Corp.): Opposes one-way Wall Street.
  • Richard Latker (703 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg Watchdog): Opposes Wall Street amendment; criticized Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department for “criminal activity.”
  • Steve Albright (421 Bedford St.): Discussed Wall Street traffic code, stop sign enforcement, and street light for BCO side.

Open Agenda Items

  • Mayor Dodson requested discussion on renewing Borough Manager’s employment contract.
  • President Pompa raised concern about water from private properties being directed into borough streets via sump pumps.

Resolutions & Ordinances Passed

Resolution No. 2022-9: Consent Agenda

  • Approved bill list #2 totaling $1,227,834.60, two Certificates of Appropriateness, and maintenance agreement with Cleveland Brothers.
  • Motion by Burke, seconded by Leahey. Passed 6–0.

Ordinance No. 903: Traffic Code Amendments

  • Council recommended editing ordinance to remove:
    • One-way Wall Street from Newry St. to Good Lane.
    • Parking prohibition on south side of Allegheny St. between Union and Jones St.
    • Adjust parking prohibited on Betts Street.
  • Edited version to be advertised for March 10, 2022, Council Meeting.

Resolution No. 2022-8: Conditional Use Approval

  • Approved conditional use for 211 Penn Street.
  • Only council members who attended Jan 11 hearing voted: Pompa, Leahey, Baker (absent), Mielnik.
  • Motion by Leahey, seconded by Mielnik. Passed 3–0 (Baker absent).

Discussion Items

Borough Sidewalks

  • Mr. Leahey requested postponement until March.

Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department Update

  • CPA will provide quarterly financial statements to Borough going forward.

Dangerous Structure Investigation – 408 Penn Street

  • Mr. Harbison reported dangerous condition; motion to proceed with investigation by Borough Engineer.
  • Motion by Ketner, seconded by Leahey. Passed 6–0.

Proposed Amendment to Police Policy Manual

  • Sgt. Oldham presented amendment; motion by Burke, seconded by Ketner. Passed 6–0.

Light It Up Green Campaign

  • Lori Craine (Blair HealthChoices) requested permission to place green bows on parking meters on Allegheny Street during May (Mental Health Awareness Month).
  • Motion by Burke, seconded by Leahey. Passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2022-10: New Bank Signers

  • Adopted resolution certifying new signers for Borough bank accounts.
  • Motion by Ketner, seconded by Mielnik. Passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2022-11: Police Pension Actuarial Changes

  • Adopted resolution accepting actuarial assumption changes to Hollidaysburg Police Pension.
  • Motion by Burke, seconded by Leahey. Passed 5–0 (Ketner abstained).

Sanctuary Referendum Intergovernmental Agreement

  • Council recommended holding public meeting in Council Chambers on March 10, 2022, at 6:00 PM (before regular 7:00 PM meeting) to discuss proposed agreement.

Accept Resignation of Ethan Imhoff

  • Accepted resignation from Hollidaysburg Planning Commission.
  • Motion by Burke, seconded by Ketner. Passed 6–0.

Appoint John P. Stultz, Jr.

  • Appointed to Hollidaysburg Planning Commission.
  • Motion by Leahey, seconded by Ketner. Passed 6–0.

Adjournment

  • Meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.

Recorded by: Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary

← Back to Documents