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Borough Meeting Minutes - March 14

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Borough Council Meeting Summary (March 14, 2024)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council met on Thursday, March 14, 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, Walter Kalista, David Jacobs, William Kitt, and Clay Gingrich.
  • Also Present: Interim Borough Manager Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Director of Community Development Andrew Holodnik, Chief Chris Storm, and Mayor Dodson.
  • Absent: Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett (arrived later) and Director of Community Relations and Events Melanie Ramsey.

Key Decisions & Actions

Consent Agenda (Resolution No. 2024-11)

  • Approved Bill List #3 totaling $210,337. 65 for accounts payable and owing to the Borough.
  • Motion carried unanimously (7–0).

Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan Adoption

  • Solicitor Karn opened the hearing; public comment was received.
  • After discussion, Mr. Ketner moved to table the comprehensive plan. Motion passed unanimously.

Manager’s Report (Patricia Duron)

  • Shaun Dick accepted an offer as WWTP Operator, starting March 25, 2024.
  • Borough won first place in the PA State Association of Boroughs’ Communication contest.

Community Development Report (Andrew Holodnik)

  • Construction is currently down.
  • A permit workshop for the public will be held in April.

Fire Marshal & Police Reports

  • Fire Marshal Hazlett arrived late; no formal report given.
  • Chief Storm presented the January police department report.

Mayor’s Report (Mayor Dodson)

  • Thanked police and fire departments.
  • Read national observances from a Borough calendar.

Public Comment Highlights

Several residents spoke on various issues:

  • Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver St. ): Raised concerns about street sweeper, Borough spending, and manager interviews.
  • Richard Latker (703 Allegheny St. , Community Watchdog): Presented a petition regarding the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD).
  • Stan Neal (142 Beaver St. ): Defended PVFD against criticism.
  • Elda Boose (141 Bedford St. ): Thanked Council, Solicitor Karn, Planning Commission, and Councilman Gingrich for support on stormwater mitigation in Gaysport and comprehensive plan work.
  • Gerard Nale (109 Bedford St. ): Echoed Elda Boose’s comments.
  • Jim Fitch (109 BelAire Rd. ): Requested a traffic study around Hollidaysburg School.
  • Eric Schmitt (PVFD): Requested $60,000 grant for fire engine purchase.
  • Steve Albright (421 Bedford St. ): Suggested identification logos on Borough vehicles; thanked Public Works for pipe cleaning during heavy rain; advised against criticizing PVFD.
  • Devin Kurty (PVFD): Stated he paid dues and was there to defend his character.

Open Agenda Items Discussed

  • Mr. Gingrich: Vehicle signage, transparency, meeting with fire department and Watchdog group.
  • Mr. Burke: Stormwater mitigation in Gaysport.
  • Mayor Dodson: Permit parking on Wayne Street.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

Sidewalks

  • New grant application and inquiry received.

Parking Space on Jackson Street (Tabled)

  • Item remained tabled indefinitely.

Reflective Safeguards (Steve Albright’s Request)

  • Motion by Mr. Leahey to purchase four long reflectors; seconded by Mr. Gingrich. Passed unanimously.

PVFD Grant Request ($60,000)

  • Council requested specifications on desired fire engine.
  • Mr. Gingrich to research possible grant opportunities.
  • Motion by Mr. Leahey to table discussion until meeting between fire department reps and Community Watchdog Group occurs before voting on grant.

Ordinance No. 907

  • Passed with five yes votes and two abstentions.

Employee Assistance Program Agreement (Lytle Group)

  • Approved by motion of Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Ketner. Passed with seven votes in favor.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) — AFSCME Local 3157 & Jimmy Carson

  • Approved by motion of Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Jacobs. All voted in favor.

Resolution No. 2024-12 — Subdivision/Lot Merge Plan (Beech St. -Stump-Gildea)

  • Approved by motion of Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Gingrich. Passed unanimously.

ISO Rating Discussion

  • Fire Marshal Hazlett explained how ISO rating is determined.
  • Mr. Holodnik noted code enforcement affects the rating.

Comcast Service at Municipal Building

  • Motion by Mr. Gingrich to approve agreement with Comcast; seconded by Mr. Leahey. Passed with all seven members voting in favor.

Transparency Issues

  • Mr. Gingrich discussed timeliness of public agenda availability, content provided to Council and public, and how public comments are addressed.

Adjournment

President Burke adjourned the meeting at 9:26 PM.

Minutes certified by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.

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