Borough Meeting Minutes - November 9
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:10 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough
Call to Order & Attendance
- Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Joseph A. Pompa.
- Quorum present: Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Sean Burke, Brady Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, Walter Kalista, III.
- Also attending: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Attorney Jeffrey Murceak, Police Chief Chris Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, Planning/Zoning Administrator Andrew Holodnik.
- Absent: Mayor Dodson, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
Pledge & Minutes Approval
- President Pompa led Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
- October 12, 2023 minutes approved unanimously (7–0) on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
Reports
- Manager’s/Financial Report: Borough in sound financial shape; no additions to agenda binder report.
- Planning/Zoning: Monthly activity report presented by Mr. Holodnik.
- Community Relations & Events: Ms. Ramsey reported on upcoming Winterfest events and thanked supporters.
- Fire Marshal: No report — Ms. Hazlett absent.
- Police Report: Chief Storm noted successful trick-or-treat night and Civil Service Commission interviews for police candidates.
- Mayor’s Report: Mayor Dodson absent.
Public Comment
- Aaron Andrews (HALAS): Discussed grant application for ambulance purchase.
- Stan Neal (142 Beaver St. ): Opposed rezoning of Stowell Farm property.
- Elda Boose (141 Bedford St. ): Spoke about CDBG funds for retention pond in Gaysport.
- Regis Nale (202 Spruce St. , Sewer Authority Chair): Addressed sewer issues in Borough.
- Andre Holsey (Blair County NAACP): Discussed Comprehensive Plan Update and Planning Commission.
Open Agenda Items
- Ms. Baker: Flooding in Gaysport and property purchase for detention pond.
- Mr. Burke: Zoning issue regarding merchandise sales on Scotch Valley Road.
- Mr. Leahey: NAACP’s concerns with Borough Council.
Resolution No. 2023-29: Consent Agenda Approval
Approved unanimously (7–0) on motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
Includes:
- Bill List No. 11 totaling $116,899. 39 for accounts payable.
- Three Certificates of Appropriateness approved:
A. 314 Clark Street – Saint Mary Church
- Replace three broken windows in social hall.
- New windows same size, with muntins; no structural changes; zoning permit required.
- Structure is Contributing within Historic District.
B. 215–217 Blair Street – Scot McAfee
- Foundation repair on left side (215).
- Replace block wall supports on front porch with footers (217).
- Structure is Contributing within Historic District.
C. 424 Allegheny Street, Suite 103 – Katie Fiore
- Install 11. 75” x 24” double-sided carved sign on shingle.
- Sign reads: “Katie Fiore/LMFT Licensed Therapist”
- Colors: white, navy, gold.
- Structure is Contributing within Historic District.
Also includes revised MMO for Uniformed Pension Plan.
Other Updates
- Comprehensive Plan: Moved to public comment period; will go to Council for adoption after 45 days.
- Stormwater/Bedford Street: Mr. Gehret consulting Senator Ward’s office re: grant status; checking steps to purchase ground outright; Solicitor Karn reviewing agreement.
- Sidewalks: Grant applications slowed this fall.
- Street Sweeper: New unit ordered.
- Spring Street Stormwater Project: Design Plan #3 (Condon Street) selected from three proposals by Stiffler McGraw Engineers. Motion passed 7–0 on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.
Final Action
- Welcome Video Agreement: Motion to approve agreement with CGI Digital for Borough website welcome video passed unanimously. Mr. Kalista made motion, Mr. Ketner seconded.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM by President Pompa.
Certified by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary
Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA
November 9, 2023