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Borough Meeting Minutes - November 14

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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:35 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough

Call to Order & Attendance

  • Meeting called to order at 7:00 p. m. by Vice President Brady Leahey.
  • Quorum present: Council members Leahey, Ketner, Jacobs, Gingrich, Kalista, and Kitt.
  • Also attending: Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Attorney Calvin Webb, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Director Andrew Holodnik, Events Director Melanie Ramsey, Chief Christopher Storm.
  • Absent: Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.

Pledge of Allegiance & Executive Session

  • Led by VP Leahey, followed by a moment of silence.
  • Executive session held previously on Oct 10, 2024 — purpose: real estate discussion.

Minutes Approval

  • October 10, 2024 minutes approved unanimously (6–0) on motion by Kalista, seconded by Gingrich.

Public Hearings

Great Commission School Conditional Use Hearing

  • Attorney Webb conducted hearing for school’s request to establish on Bedford Street (zoned Conservation/Recreation).
  • Testimony from:
    • Andrew Holodnik (Community Development)
    • Laura Wray (Great Commission School rep)
    • Elda Boose (resident, 141 Bedford St — supported use)
  • No other public testimony.
  • Decision: Council directed Attorney Webb to draft resolution granting conditional use; to be presented Dec 12 meeting.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Dodson presented proclamation to Donna Malone, Hollidaysburg Women’s Club / PA State President of General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Reports

Manager’s Report (Ethan Imhoff)

  • Introduced Eric Schmitt (PVFD):
    • Applied for Local Share Account Grant for PVFD Station improvements.
    • Loan for fire engine recently paid off with Borough grant help.
    • Motion passed (6–0) to submit grant application on behalf of PVFD.
  • Stowell Farm Stormwater Project:
    • Easements signed with property owners.
    • Final meeting: Nov 21, 5–7 PM at Knights of Columbus Hall.
    • Bids open: Dec 3, 2024.
  • Rick Pope (Director of Public Works) retiring end of December.
  • Remedial work underway at 401 Garber Street.

Finance Director Report (Ms. Wert)

  • Monthly reports in new format, included in Council packet.

Community Development Report (Andrew Holodnik)

  • Presented October report.

Director of Community Relations & Events Report (Melanie Ramsey)

  • Highlighted upcoming events:
    • Winterfest Parade: Nov 24
    • Light Up Night: Nov 29

Chief of Police Report (Christopher Storm)

  • Trick or Treat Night was successful.
  • Officer Michael Faussette resigned from Hollidaysburg Police Department.

Mayor’s Report (Joseph Dodson)

  • Donated $1,000 to Winterfest on behalf of American Legion Post 516.
  • Received $1,700 donation toward electric bike for police.

Public Comment

  • Shawn Leydig (407 Beaver St):
    • Acknowledged Winterfest Tree is up on the Diamond.
    • Requested Borough consider purchasing a job trailer.

Open Agenda Items

  • Mr. Kitt: East side stormwater mitigation project.
  • Mr. Gingrich: Update on Stowell Farm Stormwater meeting (Nov 21).
  • Mr. Kalista: Thanked staff for comp plan update work.

Resolutions & Motions Passed

Resolution No. 2024-32 (Consent Agenda)

  • Approved bill list #11 and contract with Servpro for remedial work at 401 Garber Street.
  • Motion by Kalista, seconded by Gingrich — passed 6–0.

Borough Sidewalks Grant Program

  • Applications still accepted; funds available through 2025.

Blight Committee

  • Resolution to name members will be presented at December meeting.

2025 Budget

  • Discussed by Ms. Wert with Council.

Street Light on Bedford Street

  • Working with Penelec to adjust bulb; updates will continue.

Holiday Meter Program

  • Motion by Gingrich, seconded by Kitt — passed 6–0.
  • Begins Dec 2, runs through Jan 1, 2025.

Resolution No. 2024-37: Denying COA for 601 Allegheny Street

  • Motion by Gingrich, seconded by Ketner — passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2024-38: Denying COA for 408 Penn Street

  • Motion by Gingrich, seconded by Ketner — passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2024-25: Naming a Street in Ward Six

  • Originally named “Hunt Club Drive. ”
  • Amended per Mayor Dodson’s request to “General Soyster Drive. ”
  • Motion by Kalista, seconded by Gingrich — passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2024-34: Approving Purchase of 521 White Street

  • Motion by Kitt, seconded by Kalista — passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2024-35: Rescinding & Appointing New Delegates to Blair County Tax Committee

  • James Gehret rescinded; Stacy Wert appointed delegate, Ethan Imhoff alternate.
  • Motion by Kalista, seconded by Kitt — passed 6–0.

Resolution No. 2024-36: Main Street Matters Grant Application

  • Motion by Kalista, seconded by Gingrich — passed 6–0.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Kalista (note: typo in text — likely meant “Kalista”), seconded by Gingrich.
  • All voted in favor.
  • Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p. m.

Prepared by: Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary

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