# Borough Meeting Minutes - July 13

- Summary: Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary (July 13, 2023) Meeting Details: Date & Time: Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM Location: Council Chambers Presiding Officer: Vice President Brady Leahey…
- Source: HollidaysburgPA.org
- Published: 2023-07-13
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://hollidaysburgpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jul-13-2023.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/borough-meeting-minutes-july-13/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary (July 13, 2023) Meeting Details: Date & Time: Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM Location: Council Chambers Presiding Officer: Vice President Brady Leahey Attendance: Present (Council): Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Sean Burke, Brady Leahey Absent (Council): Joseph A. Pompa (President), Walter Kalista, III Other Attendees: James Gehret (Borough Manager), Patricia J. Duron (Secretary), Joseph Dodson (Mayor), Nathan W. Karn, Sr. (Solicitor), Chris Storm (Chief of Police), Melanie Ramsey (Director of Community Relations & Events), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal) Key Agenda Items and Decisions Call to Order & Pledge Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Vice President Leahey. Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence led by VP Leahey. Approval of Previous Minutes Minutes from June 8, 2023, were approved unanimously (5-0) on motion by Ms. Baker, seconded by Mr. Mielnik. Reports from Borough Officials Manager’s/Financial Report (James Gehret): Financial reports available in agenda binder. No outstanding issues with Finance Report. Planning/Zoning (Patricia Duron): No additions to report; materials in agenda binder. Fire Marshal Report (Amy Hazlett): Reminded residents: fire pits are not for burning trash. Emphasized importance of visible house numbers from the street. Director of Community Relations & Events (Melanie Ramsey): Upcoming events: Downtown LIVE! Concerts, Tuesday Farmers Market, Night Markets, movie nights at Canal Basin Park. Chief of Police Report (Chris Storm): Presented June department report. Discussed updating surveillance cameras for borough buildings. Added officer hiring practices to August meeting agenda. Mayor’s Report (Joseph Dodson): Commended Chief of Police. Inquired about CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding status. Public Comment Highlights Several residents spoke, primarily opposing the TEFFRA Bond for Presbyterian Senior Living: Richard Latker (703 & 511 Allegheny St, Community Watchdog): Opposed bond. Andre Holsey (Community Watchdog): Opposed bond; criticized council for “spot zoning. ” Regis Nale (202 Spruce St, Community Watchdog): Opposed bond; raised parking concerns on Jackson Street related to Presbyterian Home. Shaun Leydig (211 Newry St): Opposed bond; supported new street sweeper for borough. Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Presented monthly fire company report. Elda Jean Boose (121 Bedford St): Supported purchase of Stowell Farm for stormwater retention pond. Byron Lasser (Blairmont Terrace): Supported council; criticized Community Watchdog for attacking solicitor and manager. Gerard Nale (109 Bedford St): Encouraged purchase of Stowell Farm property. Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Criticized Borough Manager and interim zoning administrator. Open Agenda Items Ms. Baker: Flooding in Gaysport. Mr. Ketner: Discussion on police officer hiring. Mayor: Raises (unspecified). Resolution No. 2023-18: Consent Agenda Approval Approved unanimously (5-0) on motion by Ms. Baker, seconded by Mr. Ketner. Includes: Bill List No. 7 dated July 13, 2023 — authorizes payment of $185,477. 34 for accounts payable from appropriated funds. Two Certificates of Appropriateness/Zoning Permits approved: A. 408 Blair Street – Amy Heverly Replace existing siding with vinyl siding and replace gutters. Requires zoning permit. Structure is contributing within Historic District. B. 215 Allegheny Street – Pam Jones (Doodle and Brush Paint Bar) Place white vinyl on window identification signage. Place vinyl signage on door. Requires zoning permit. Structure is non-contributing within Historic District. Other Updates Comprehensive Plan: No update provided. Stormwater/Bedford Street Update: Mr. Gehret advised borough has voted in favor (context unclear — likely refers to prior vote or project approval). Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM on motion by Mr. Ketner, seconded by VP Leahey. Attested by: Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary Brady Leahey, Vice President Note: Page numbering in document appears inconsistent — some pages labeled “Page 9,” others show page numbers 2 and 3. Content flows continuously across all provided pages.