Borough Meeting Minutes - Jul 11 2024

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary (July 11, 2024)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Sean M. Burke called the meeting to order.

Attendance

• Present: Council members Sean M. Burke, Jeffrey Ketner, Brady Leahey, David Jacobs, William Kitt, Clay Gingrich, and Walter Kalista, III.
• Also Present: Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Mayor Joseph Dodson, and Chief Christopher Storm.
• Absent: Director of Community Development Andrew Holodnik and Director of Community Relations and Events Melanie Ramsey.

Key Decisions & Reports

Minutes Approval

• The minutes from the June 13, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista.

Manager’s Report (Ethan Imhoff)

• Discussed Penn Street Peoples Natural Gas and PennDOT projects.
• All curbs and sidewalks will be replaced; trees will be replaced by PennDOT in 2025.

Financial Report

• Distributed prior to the meeting.

Public Comment Highlights

• Kirk Durbin (616 Mulberry St): Expressed concern over sewer easements related to the Sewer Authority’s line replacement project.
• Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver St): Raised issues about the Gaysport retention pond, fire hydrant painting, traffic improvements on Basin/Bedford Streets, and yellow no-parking paint on Jackson Street.
• Ashley Vocco (Family Services): Requested permission to install red sand in sidewalk cracks for World Day Against Human Trafficking awareness on July 31, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Council approved consensus.
• Elda Boose & Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Discussed benches and thanked the Council.
• Councilman Ketner (representing David Zeek Family): Addressed negative remarks about past explanations regarding fire siren use.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

Resolution No. 2024-19: Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously (7-0) on motion by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Gingrich:

• Bill List No. 7 totaling $255,934.80 for accounts payable.
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 404 Allegheny Street (Change of Occupancy – Cristina Stuby):
  • Install temporary business signage and permanent 26’x2’ “Bookshop” sign.
  • Install ADA ramp.
  • Requires zoning and building permits.
  • Located in Historic District.

Funding Request from AMTRAN for 2025

• Approved $16,434.00 funding request on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista (7-0).

Appointments & Resignations

• Appointed Ethan Imhoff to IRC: Motion by Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Leahey (7-0).
• Accepted Ethan Imhoff’s resignation from Shade Tree Commission: Motion by Mr. Gingrich, seconded by Mr. Kalista (7-0).
• Appointed Chad Repko to Shade Tree Commission: Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Ketner (unanimous).

Dangerous Structure Investigation

• Initiated investigation at 401 Garber Street on motion by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Leahey (7-0).

Other Updates

• Comprehensive Plan: Mr. Holodnik absent; no update provided.
• Stormwater Mitigation in Gaysport: Final design meeting scheduled for July 12, 2024. Public meeting to follow in July/August. Borough expects access by end of next week.
• Sidewalks Grant Program: Applications still being accepted.
• East Side Stormwater Mitigation: Waiting for PennVest funding announcement.
• Meeting Agenda Transparency: New business items will include narrative descriptions on posted agendas.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Minutes certified by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.