Borough Meeting Minutes - May 9

Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary (May 9, 2024)

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Burke called the meeting to order.

Attendance

• Present: Sean M. Burke (President), Jeffrey Ketner, Brady Leahey, David Jacobs, William Kitt, Clay Gingrich.
• Also Participating: Patricia J. Duron (Interim Borough Manager/Secretary), Jeffrey Muriceak (Attorney), Andrew Holodnik (Community Development Director), Melanie Ramsey (Community Relations & Events Director), Chris Storm (Police Chief), Mayor Dodson.
• Absent: Walter Kalista, III (Council Member), Nathan Karn (Solicitor), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal).

Key Reports & Announcements

• Executive Session: An executive session was held on April 11, 2024, to discuss personnel issues.
• Minutes: Minutes from the April 11 meeting were approved unanimously (6–0).
• Manager’s Report: Tiffany Lowery resigned as Canal Basin Park Greeter; Millard Patterson will replace her.
• Financial Report: Included in agenda binders (no specific figures discussed).
• Community Development Report:
  • Resolution regarding Blair Regional Code Appeals Committee will be on May agenda.
  • April activities reported; workshop on Proper Permitting Procedures held with thanks to Duron, Carnell, and Hazlett.
  • Comprehensive Plan Update ongoing with Blair County Planning Commission; meeting to be scheduled soon.
• Director of Community Relations & Events Report:
  • Hometown Hero Program, Light It Up Green Campaign, and Allegheny Street Cruise In reported.
• Chief of Police Report: April report presented by Chief Storm.
• Mayor’s Report:
  • Wished mothers Happy Mother’s Day; thanked police.
  • Announced May 27 Memorial Day Parade organized by American Legion Post 516.

Public Comment Highlights

Residents raised several concerns:

• Dennis Murray (201 Jackson St): Parking issues on Jackson Street.
• Pamela Blackmon (809 Walnut St): Fire siren frequency/volume too high; requested reduction.
• Zach Stroehmyer (513 Wayne St): Parking on Wayne Street; asked if Blair County Courthouse employees can use their garage.
• Kevin Sommers (104 Basin St): Parked cars block left-hand view near Bedford Street.
• Seth Tanner (523 Wayne St): Parking issues related to school opening and jury duty parking.
• Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver St): Positive comments; offered to donate history of star at Chimney Rocks.
• Joel Seelye (McLanahan Corp): Requested rezoning of two lots at Newry and Wall Streets.
• Elda Boose (141 Bedford St): Thanked Borough for stormwater mitigation progress in Gaysport.
• Regis Nale (202 Spruce St): Discussed denial of zoning permit appeal, PVFD fire truck grant request, and fire engine rating.
• Steve Albright (421 Bedford St): Thanked for podium; requested moment of silence for fallen officers; mentioned stop sign/speeding issues; opposed closing alley if McLanahan gets rezoning.

Open Agenda Items

Council members discussed:

• Mr. Jacobs: Parking permits on Wayne Street.
• Mr. Gingrich: Stormwater mitigation in Gaysport and detention pond.
• Mr. Burke: Fire siren and petition to rezone for McLanahan Corp.
• Mayor Dodson: Businesses operated from homes.
• Mr. Leahey (for Mr. Kalista): Junior Council Program.
• Mr. Leahey: Basin Street parking issue/site distance.
• Mr. Kitt: East end stormwater management project.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

Resolution No. 2024-16: Consent Agenda Approved unanimously (6–0) after motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Jacobs. Includes:

• Approval of Bill List No. 5 totaling $155,802. 79 for accounts payable.
• Two Certificates of Appropriateness:
  • 200 Allegheny Street – Window Replacement (Marie Buffy)
  • 217 Allegheny Street – [Details not fully visible]
• Appointment of Patricia J. Duron as Voting Delegate to Annual PSAB Conference.

Additional Contracts & Hires Approved

• 2024 Paving Contract: Awarded to Grannas Bros. for $203,878. 76 (motion by Ketner, seconded by Kitt; passed unanimously).
• 2024 Materials Contracts:
  • Stone contract to Grannas Bros. for $15,825. 00 (motion by Ketner, seconded by Gingrich; passed unanimously).
  • Blacktop contract to New Enterprise for $24,989. 25 (motion by Ketner, seconded by Gingrich; passed unanimously).
• WWTP Operator Hire: Motion to approve hire of WWTP Operator/Operator in Training passed (6–0); motion by Leahey, seconded by Jacobs.
• Part-Time Public Safety Clerk: Megan Miller hired at $18. 11/hour (Police Dept report).
• Public Works Employee: Philip Weichel hired as Parks Maintenance/Class C Operator at AFSCME starting rate of $21. 10/hour (Public Works Dept report).

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned. Minutes recorded by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.