Borough Meeting Minutes - Febuary 13th 2025

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers

Attendees

• Council Members Present: President Sean Burke, Vice President Brady Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista III, William Kitt
• Other Participants: Ethan Imhoff (Borough Manager), Patricia J. Duron (Secretary), Nathan Karn (Solicitor), Joseph Dodson (Mayor via phone), Melanie Ramsey (Director of Community Relations and Events), Stacy Wert (Finance Director), Christopher Storm (Chief), Andrew Holodnik (Director of Community Development), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal)

Key Updates & Reports

• Manager’s Report: Commissioner Kessling contacted Mr. Imhoff about Explore Altoona losing its certification as Blair County’s tourist promotion agency. A resolution will be considered at the March 13 meeting.
• Parking Garage Repairs: Blair County plans to repair its parking garage on Mulberry Street soon. Employees will not be able to park there during repairs; suggestions for overflow parking are welcome.
• Finance Director Report: Ms. Wert’s report was included in the meeting packet with no additional comments.
• Community Development Report: Mr. Holodnik shared January updates, including the opening of Arya Yoga Studio on Allegheny Street and several new building plans under review.
• Community Relations & Events: Ms. Ramsey is working on the Hometown Heroes banner program and preparing for the Allegheny Street Cruise In. The nonprofit Families United for Change requested to place black ribbons on Borough parking meters from February 28 – March 9, 2025.

HARB & Historic District

• Andy Haines, Chairman of the HARB, explained how proposals for exterior work in the Historic District are reviewed.

Borough Sidewalks Grant Program

• Mr. Leahey confirmed that application reviews were completed.

Stormwater Updates

• Gaysport: Historic artifacts found during Phase 1 review; progress is slow due to weather.
• East Side: Borough seeking funding sources and considering combining sidewalk and storm sewer components for multimodal funding eligibility.

Blight Committee Update

• Mission statement approved unanimously by seven votes.

Parking Lot Discussion – Mulberry and Wayne Streets

• Mr. Gingrich proposed razing two deteriorating PVFD-owned structures to create a parking lot. Motion passed unanimously after discussion.

Maintenance Agreement – Municipal Building Generator

• Approved by motion made by Mr. Kalista and seconded by Mr. Leahey.

Resolution No. 2025-7 – Lot Line Relocation at 512 Pine Street

• Approved unanimously by seven votes.

Executive Session

• Held at 6:00 PM to discuss pending litigation.

Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM by President Burke.