Documents Mar 9, 2023

Borough Meeting Minutes - March 9

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg, PA
Presiding: President Joseph A. Pompa

Present: Council members Joseph A. Pompa, Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Jeffrey Ketner, Walter Kalista III, and Sean Burke.
Staff/Officials Present: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Building Code Official Gerald Harbison, Solicitor Nathan W. Karn Sr. , Sgt. Richard Oldham, and Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
Absent: Chief Christopher Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, and Councilman Brady Leahey.
Participating by Phone: Mayor Dodson.

Financial Report: Borough Manager Gehret reported that the field portion of the annual audit is complete. A formal report will be presented to Council in June or July.
Planning & Zoning: Building Code Official Harbison had no additional report beyond what was on the agenda.
Fire Marshal: Fire Marshal Hazlett presented her monthly report.
Comprehensive Plan: Consultant Gannett Fleming requires an extension to complete the work. A draft plan is expected next month.
Street Sweeper: The street sweeper is scheduled to return to operation toward the end of March.
Sidewalks: The Borough has received three grant applications for sidewalk improvements this year.

Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Discussed the red light at Newry and Bedford Streets and thanked Council for stormwater mitigation efforts in Gaysport.
Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Presented the monthly fire department report and thanked Council for their support.
Regis Nale (202 Spruce St): Expressed Community Watchdog support for outdoor dining in the Historic District. Also discussed yield signs at the high school, electronic speed signs on Bel Aire Road, and stormwater regulations.
Shaun Leydig (211 Newry St): Discussed Christmas decorations, Hometown Hero banners, the Allegheny Street Cruise In event, and weeds on Allegheny Street.
Elda Jean Boose (121 Bedford St): Thanked Council and staff for the stormwater management project in Gaysport.

Resolution No. 2023-8: Consent Agenda Approval

Bill List No. 3: Approved payment of expenses totaling $128,397. 93 for accounts payable and owing to the Borough.
Certificates of Appropriateness: Two certificates were approved for the Zoning Administrator to issue:
1. 306 Allegheny Street (Paolo D’Ottavio): Approval to construct an outdoor dining deck. The project involves a raised deck (36’ x 27’) at the rear of the property to seat approximately 40 patrons. This is a contributing structure in the Historic District and requires a conditional use approval, Zoning/Building UCC permit, and land development plan review.
2. 400 Allegheny Street (JJ Keller Family Limited Partnership): Approval to replace boarded-up windows on all three floors with new Sierra Pacific Aluminum Clad Windows. This is a contributing structure in the Historic District and requires a Zoning Permit.
PSAB Voting Delegate: James Gehret was nominated and appointed as the Borough’s Voting Delegate for the Annual Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Conference.

Seasonal Hires

Motion to approve seasonal hires for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Borough Garage passed unanimously.

Dangerous Structures

Motion to initiate investigations for dangerous structures at 1100 Fern Avenue and 117 Franklin Street passed unanimously.

Agreement for Purchase of Real Estate

Motion to enter an agreement to purchase property in the Borough passed with four votes in favor.
- Note: Councilman Kalista left the meeting prior to this vote. Councilman Burke abstained from voting.

Speeding on Bel Aire Road: Mayor Dodson advised that the electronic speeding sign should be returned to Bel Aire Road and more signs of this type should be purchased.
Yield Sign at Hollidaysburg Senior High School: Borough Manager Gehret reported that a letter regarding safety issues at the yield sign location was sent to Dr. Gildea and copied to Mr. Nihart (Maintenance). No response had been received at the time of the meeting.
Water Discharge: President Pompa requested that the discussion item regarding water discharge into the streets remain on the agenda.
Stormwater/Bedford Street: No new updates were provided.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM by President Pompa.