Borough Meeting Minutes - July 10

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary (July 10, 2025)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Vice President Brady Leahey called the meeting to order.

Attendance

• Present: Vice President Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista III, William Kitt.
• Also Present: Solicitor Nathan Karn, Finance Director Stacy Wert, Police Chief Christopher Storm, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett, Director of Community Relations and Events Melanie Ramsey, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Borough Secretary Patricia J. Duron.
• Absent: President Sean M. Burke and Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff.

Key Decisions & Actions

Minutes Approval

• The minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (6 votes in favor).

Oath of Office

• Mayor Dodson administered the oath to Patrolman Kaleb Sollenberger.

Show Cause Hearing – 316 Allegheny Street

• Solicitor Karn conducted a hearing under the Dangerous Structure ordinance.
• Motion by Mr. Kitt (seconded by Mr. Gingrich) to have the Borough Solicitor prepare findings of fact and order to remedy for 316 Allegheny Street.
• Passed unanimously (6 votes in favor).

818 North Montgomery Street

• Motion to table the agenda item made by Mr. Kalista (seconded by Mr. Gingrich).
• Passed with 6 votes in favor.

Resolution No. 2025-20: Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously (6–0):

• Bill List Number 7 totaling $115,756. 73.
• Change Order to Hranec Electric for $837. 52.
• Certificates of Appropriateness for:
  • 317 Front Street: Handicapped accessible entrance.
  • 413 Walnut Street: Install a shingle roof.
  • 405 Walnut Street: Front porch repairs.

Resolution No. 2025-21: Conditional Use for 208 Union Street

• Approved conditional use for “Citrine Holistic Canine Parlor. ”
• Motion by Mr. Ketner (seconded by Mr. Kitt).
• Five members voted in favor; Mr. Gingrich abstained due to conflict of interest.

Reports & Updates

Manager’s Report

• Mr. Imhoff was not in attendance.

Finance Director Report

• Ms. Wert’s report included in the packet; no additional comments.

Community Development Report

• Mr. Holodnik presented June monthly report.

Community Relations and Events Report

• Ms. Ramsey announced a red sand event on Tuesday, July 29 at noon in the downtown area to recognize World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Chief of Police Report

• Chief Storm presented June monthly report.

Fire Marshal Report

• Ms. Hazlett was not in attendance.

Mayor’s Report

• Mayor Dodson was not in attendance during this portion of the meeting.

Public Comment Highlights

Several residents spoke, primarily about flooding issues from the June 17 rain event:

• Barb Hinish (814 Marie St. ): Unopened alleys and landscaping concerns.
• Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver St. ): Serious flooding problems linked to June 17 rain.
• Stan Neal (142 Beaver St. ): Mini ditch and related flooding issues.
• Heather Bert (113 Bedford St. ): Negative comments about Borough handling of flooding in Gaysport.
• Elda Boose (141 Bedford St. ): Thanked Borough for stormwater project but expressed dismay over permit process stall by PHMC.
• Steve Albright (421 Bedford St. ): Called for clearing mini ditch; praised police security at Canal Basin Park rally; suggested charging extra costs to permit holders.
• Gerard Nale (409 Bedford St. ): Described devastating Gaysport flooding on June 17; thanked Council for stormwater mitigation efforts; urged continued push for project approval.
• Eric Schmitt (PVFD Assistant Chief): Presented May 1–July 9 report on callouts, events, and upcoming activities.
• Ted Biddle (135 Bedford St. ): Spoke about mini ditch and requested inspection of bank on his property.

Open Agenda Items Discussed

Storm Sewer Grates & Mini Ditch (Mr. Kitt)

• Mentioned ongoing issues with storm sewer grates in Gaysport and mini ditch.

Mini Ditch (Mr. Gingrich)

• Brief mention only.

Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service (Mayor Dodson)

• Discussed providing assistance via levying a tax.

Borough Sidewalks Grant Program

• Grants still available; reimbursements approved this month.

East Side Stormwater Update

• Borough has applied for grant funding.

Blight Committee Update (Mr. Kitt)

• Recent meeting discussed.

Comprehensive Plan Committee Update (Mr. Holodnik)

• Plan is 90% complete; 45-day public comment period may begin August 1.

The Town Crier Newsletter

• Borough considering mailing newsletter to residents; will include dog issues, committee updates, stormwater management.

HARB (Historical Architectural Review Board)

• Council wants closer collaboration with HARB.
• HARB planning informational flyer for historic district property owners, available through realtors.

Dog Enforcement

• Concerns about dogs at large; Mr. Kitt noted increased fines and serious enforcement of dangerous dogs at state level.

Free Parking at Meters During Farmers Market

• After discussion, Council decided free meter parking will NOT be offered during farmers market.

Mini Ditch (Vice President Leahey)

• Senator Ward’s office contacted Blair County Conservation District regarding what Borough can do within mini ditch.

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Kalista (seconded by Mr. Kitt).
• Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

—
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary