Borough Meeting Minutes - Nov 10 2022
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough
Presiding: President Joseph A. Pompa
Attendance
- Present: Council members Joseph A. Pompa, Brady Leahey, Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Walter Kalista, III, Jeffrey Ketner, and Sean Burke.
- Also Present: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Building Code Official Gerald Harbison, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, Attorney Jeff Murceak, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
- Absent: Mayor Dodson.
Key Decisions & Resolutions
Resolution No. 2022-36: Consent Agenda Approval
- Approved bill list #11 totaling $470,938.60 for accounts payable.
- Approved one Certificate of Appropriateness for roof replacement at 1011 Allegheny Street (Jon Bilek).
- Work includes removing slate shingles and replacing with charcoal grey GAF Timberlines HDZ asphalt shingles.
- Property is a contributing structure in the Historic District.
- Vote: 7–0 in favor.
Resolution No. 2022-35: CDBG Application for Gaysport Flooding
- Motion to approve submission and execution of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to abate flooding in Gaysport.
- Vote: 7–0 in favor.
Resolution No. 2022-37: Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Request
- Requesting grant funding for Gateway/Connector Bridge Project.
- Vote: 6–1 in favor (Mr. Leahey opposed).
Public Comments Highlights
- Matthew Davis (909 Allegheny St): Discussed denial of HARB application for vinyl windows.
- Richard Latker (703 Allegheny St): Raised concerns about PVFD fire siren, sidewalk grants, Penn Street work, and lack of transparency.
- Gerald Nale (109 Bedford St): Addressed flooding in Gaysport, CDBG funding, and MS4 issues.
- Mark Slonaker (Phoenix VFD President): Reported on department activity.
- Stan Neal (142 Beaver St): Discussed Gaysport flooding, Minnie Ditch, Blair Township.
- Regis Nale (204 BelAire Rd): Discussed 100-year floodplain.
- Andy Haines (HARB Chairman): Spoke about permit issues at 909 Allegheny St.
- Ted Biddle (135 Bedford St): Discussed Gaysport flooding.
- Mike Selvenis (HARB Member): Advised on historic preservation needs for Borough.
- Elda Boose (141 Bedford St): Discussed Stowell Farm zoning designation.
- Emily & Mike Davis (1310 Spruce St): Both spoke about HARB application denial.
Reports & Discussions
Manager’s Report
- Rain forecasted; crews cleaning leaves all week.
- Advised keeping inlets open as much as possible.
Planning & Zoning Report (Mr. Harbison)
- Rough draft of comprehensive plan update presented.
- Comments due later this month.
Community Relations & Events (Ms. Ramsey)
- Discussed Winterfest 2022 events.
Fire Marshal Report (Ms. Hazlett)
- Presented monthly report.
Mayor’s Report
- Mayor Dodson absent; President Pompa passed on thanks to veterans.
Stormwater Runoff Discussion
- Mr. Gehret, Greg Geishauser (P.E.), Stiffler McGraw, Todd Banks, and Trina Illig (Blair County CDBG Coordinator) discussed stormwater issues and grant opportunities.
- Motion made by Mr. Leahey to apply for COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Projects Grant.
- Vote: 7–0 in favor.
Sidewalk Grants
- Mr. Leahey reported sidewalk grant checks awarded to nine applicants.
- Program still open for 25% reimbursement on sidewalks and curbs.
Borough Street Sweeper
- Mr. Gehret advised street sweeper is in 2023 budget.
- Council may revisit purchase to consider vac truck instead.
Police Chief Hire
- Motion to hire Christopher Storm as Police Chief, made by Mr. Kalista, seconded by Mr. Ketner.
- Vote: 7–0 in favor.
Final 2023 Budget
- Reviewed by Mr. Gehret with Council.
AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement (2023–2025)
- Motion made by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
- Vote: 7–0 in favor.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM by President Pompa.
Minutes prepared by Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary.