Borough Meeting Minutes - February 9

Borough Council Meeting Summary (February 9, 2023)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council met on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Joseph A. Pompa called the meeting to order.

Attendees

• Council Members Present: Joseph A. Pompa, Brady Leahey, Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Walter Kalista III, Sean Burke.
• Other Officials Present: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Building Code Official Gerald Harbison, Solicitor Nathan W. Karn Sr. , Chief Christopher Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey.
• Absent: Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
• Participated by Phone: Mayor Dodson.

Key Decisions & Actions

Agenda Amendment

• The agenda was amended to add Resolution No. 2023-7 regarding a COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program Grant Application.
• This resolution rescinds a previous December resolution and authorizes a grant solely for the Gaysport portion of a stormwater project, with Blair Township handling the Penn Farms portion.
• Motion carried unanimously.

Financial Approval (Resolution No. 2023-5)

• Council approved Bill List No. 2, dated February 9, 2023.
• Total amount authorized: $368,119. 42.
• Covers accounts payable and owing to the Borough from appropriated funds.
• Motion carried 7–0.

Traffic Signal Agreement (Resolution No. 2023-6)

• Approved a Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT.
• Authorizes the Council President to submit modifications and applications for traffic signal approval to PennDOT.
• Motion carried 7–0.

Grant Request (Resolution No. 2023-7)

• Approved resolution requesting a COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program Grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
• Funds designated for Gaysport Stormwater Improvements.
• Motion carried 7–0.

Personnel & Campaigns

• School Crossing Guard: Approved hiring Joseph Herr based on recommendation from the Hollidaysburg Education Agency. Motion carried 7–0.
• “Light It Up Green” Campaign: Approved allowing Blair Health Choices to place green ribbons on parking meters in May to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Motion carried 7–0.

Reports & Updates

• Manager’s/Financial Report: No financial reports until after audit.
• Planning & Zoning (Mr. Harbison): Conditional use hearing scheduled for February 28, 2023, at 6:00 PM.
• Community Relations (Ms. Ramsey):
  • Annual Cruise-In set for May 26, 2023.
  • Hometown Hero Banner Campaign applications accepted until April 7, 2023.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Steering Committee met Feb 7; contract with Gannett-Fleming needs extension.
• Water Discharge Issue: Hickory Street issue resolved; Allegheny Street violation being addressed.
• Sidewalk Grants: Two grant applications received this year.
• Street Sweeper: Taken apart for winter maintenance.

Public Comment Highlights

• Stan Neal (142 Beaver St. ): Spoke about Minnie Ditch.
• Elda Jean Boose (121 Bedford St. ): Thanked council for stormwater management efforts.
• Regis Nale (202 Spruce St. ): Discussed Comprehensive Plan procedures.
• Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Presented monthly report.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM by President Pompa.

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Minutes certified by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.