Borough Meeting Minutes - February 8
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Time: 7:10 PM – 8:50 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough
Call to Order & Attendance
- Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM by President Burke.
- Quorum present: Jeffrey Ketner, Brady Leahey, Walter Kalista III, David Jacobs, William Kitt, Clay Gingrich.
- Also attending: Patricia J. Duron (Borough Secretary), Nathan Karn (Solicitor), Sgt. Richard Oldham, Melanie Ramsey (Community Relations & Events), Andrew Holodnik (Community Development), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal).
- Absent: Andrew Holodnik (Chief Storm and Mayor Dodson — note: appears twice in absent list; likely error).
Executive Session
- Held at 6:50 PM regarding real estate. To be discussed later in agenda.
Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence
- Led by President Burke.
Approval of Previous Minutes
- Minutes from January 2–11, 2024 meeting approved unanimously. Motion by Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Jacobs.
Reports
- Manager’s Report: None given.
- Financial Report: No report until after annual audit.
- Community Development Report: Mr. Holodnik absent.
- Director of Community Relations & Events Report (Ms. Ramsey):
- Thanked supporters for recent events.
- Noted Black History Month celebration via kiosk on Allegheny Street.
- Fire Marshal Report (Ms. Hazlett):
- Participating in dangerous fire escape investigation.
- Advised residents to keep hydrants clear of snow and check smoke detector batteries.
- Chief of Police Report (Sgt. Oldham): Presented January department report.
- Mayor’s Report: Mayor Dodson absent.
Public Comment Highlights
- Richard Latker (703 Allegheny St, Community Watchdog): Criticized Comprehensive Plan Update process and rezoning petition.
- Kerry Leydig (315 Bedford St): Concerned about rising homeowner insurance fees; asked how Borough will address it.
- Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Gave year-to-date fire company report.
- Elda Boose (141 Bedford St): Thanked Council for stormwater mitigation support in Gaysport and comprehensive plan work.
- Eric Schmidt (PVFD): Requested $60,000 grant for fire engine purchase.
- Joel Seeley (104 Quince Ct): Residents oppose changing parking status at Jackson Farm Drive.
- Don Delozier (401 S. Juniata St): Supported comprehensive plan update; thanked Borough for business and Hollidaysburg Community Partnership support.
- Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Vehicle hit his home; thanked police and Council. Discussed parking, transparency, vehicle signage. Requested two meetings per month.
- Regis Nale (202 Spruce St, Community Watchdog Group): Spoke about Jackson Farm Drive.
- Seth Smith (304 Quince CT): No parking issue on Jackson Farm Drive.
- Morgan Williams (309 Quince CT): Changing parking would waste money; no issue exists.
- Gerard Nale (109 Bedford St): Thanked Council for stormwater management efforts in Gaysport.
Open Agenda Items
- Mr. Kalista: Thanked Jimmy Carson for upcoming retirement.
- Mr. Leahey: Reflectors on Bedford Street; PVFD fire engine grant.
- Mr. Gingrich: Flooding in Gaysport, ISO changes, vehicle signage/transparency.
- Mr. Ketner: PVFD’s $60,000 grant request for fire engine.
- Mr. Burke: Expressed sympathy to family of John Little, former Borough Manager.
Resolutions & Motions
Resolution No. 2024-7: Consent Agenda
- Approved bill list #2 totaling $433,298. 96 for accounts payable and owed expenses.
- Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista. Passed 7–0.
Appointment of Interim Borough Manager
- Mr. Leahey moved to appoint Patricia J. Duron as interim Borough Manager effective Friday, February 9, 2024, until new hire begins.
- Rate: $550. 00 weekly.
- Seconded by Mr. Ketner. Passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM by President Burke.
Attested by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary
Sean Burke, Council President
Note: Document pages are labeled Page 1 and Page 6 — possible pagination error or missing middle pages.