Borough Meeting Minutes - June 13
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough
Attendees
- Present: Sean M. Burke (President), Jeffrey Ketner, Brady Leahey, David Jacobs, William Kitt, Walter Kalista, III (via telephone)
- Also Present: Patricia J. Duron (Interim Borough Manager/Secretary), Andrew Holodnik (Director of Community Development), Melanie Ramsey (Director of Community Relations & Events)
- Absent: Clay Gingrich, Nathan Karn, Mayor Dodson
Call to Order & Pledge
- Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Burke.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by President Burke, followed by a moment of silence.
Approval of Previous Minutes
- Minutes from May 9, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously (6 votes in favor).
Reports Summary
Manager’s Report
- New flags installed in chambers from Senator Judy Ward’s office.
- New Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff begins work Monday, June 17th.
Financial Report
- Distributed prior to meeting; no action taken during session.
Community Development Report (Mr. Holodnik)
- Reported on permit complaints and sidewalk grant status.
Director of Community Relations & Events Report (Ms. Ramsey)
Fire Marshal (Ms. Hazlett)
- Congratulated PVFD on 153 years of service.
- Reminded residents to keep addresses visible for emergency access.
Chief of Police Report
- Not attended — no report given.
Mayor’s Report
- Not attended — no report given.
Public Comment Highlights
Several residents spoke on key issues:
- Carol Dannenberg & Pamela Blackmon: Criticized PVFD fire siren frequency and volume.
- Kerry Leydig & Shawn Leydig: Opposed making Basin Street one-way.
- Mark Slonaker (PVFD President): Refuted negative claims about PVFD made by Community Watchdog.
- Stan Neal: Requested update on Gaysport property sale related to stormwater management.
- Kevin Sommers: Proposed Basin Street become one-way, widen intersection, add speed hump.
- Steve Albright: Supported fire siren; opposed one-way Basin Street; thanked individuals for painting curb yellow near his home.
- Regis Nale: Discussed Community Watchdog’s view that siren serves no purpose.
Open Agenda Items
- Mr. Leahey: Basin Street parking issue / sight distance concerns.
- Mr. Kitt: East end stormwater management project.
Resolutions Passed
Resolution No. 2024-17: Consent Agenda
Approved unanimously (6–0):
a) Bill List No. 6 dated June 13, 2024 — authorizes payment of $130,422. 31 for accounts payable and owed amounts from appropriated funds.
b) Certificate of Appropriateness for 601 Walnut Street — partial roof replacement with shingles. Project requires zoning permit; located in Historic District; work already completed.
Additional Discussions & Actions
Update on Comprehensive Plan
- Mr. Holodnik reported productive meeting held last month.
Stormwater Mitigation in Gaysport
- Solicitor Karn awaiting updated appraisal of Stowell Farm property to complete sale.
Borough Sidewalks
- Applications still available (per Mr. Leahey).
Approve Updated Commitment Letter for Canal Basin Park
- Motion passed to approve commitment letter under Intergovernmental Cooperation Act 53 Pa. C. S. A. § 2301 et seq.
Release Funds to Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD)
- Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista — all voted in favor to release allocated 2024 budget funds to PVFD.
Junior Council Program
- Consensus reached to move forward with preparing resolution to restart program via PSAB.
Basin Street Sight Distance Situation
- Motion by Mr. Ketner to table discussion — seconded by Mr. Kitt, passed unanimously.
Economic Impact Analysis for Connector Bridge
- Motion by Mr. Leahey to fund $12,000 toward economic impact study for Canal Basin Park Connector Bridge Project — seconded by Mr. Kalista, passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Attested by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary
Sean M. Burke, President
Note: This summary captures all substantive decisions, discussions, and actions recorded in the official minutes.