Altoona

Pennsylvania

Documents

Borough Meeting Minutes - July 13

View 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.

← Back to Documents