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Borough Meeting Minutes - Oct 12 2023

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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Hollidaysburg Borough

Call to Order & Attendance

  • Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Pompa.
  • Quorum present: Michele Baker, James Mielnik, Sean Burke, Brady Leahey, Walter Kalista, III.
  • Also attending: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Police Chief Chris Storm, Director of Community Relations and Events Melanie Ramsey, Planning/Zoning Administrator Andrew Holodnik, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
  • Absent: Councilman Jeffrey Ketner.

Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

Led by President Pompa.

Approval of Previous Minutes (September 14, 2023)

  • Motion to approve made by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.
  • Approved unanimously (6–0).

Manager’s/Financial Report

  • New seasonal decorations being purchased; sample Christmas decoration hung at Blair County Courthouse.
  • Finance Report through September included in agenda.
  • Borough achieved improved bond rating this year.

Planning/Zoning Update

  • Mr. Holodnik warned about unpermitted building/zoning projects.
  • Emphasized need for permits before starting any work in the Borough.

Director of Community Relations & Events Report

  • Ms. Ramsey reported success of Tuesday Farmers Markets and concerts.
  • Invited residents to Pumpkinfest on October 14th.

Fire Marshal Report

  • October is Fire Prevention Month.
  • Reminder to display house numbers clearly.

Chief of Police Report

  • September police report presented.
  • 14 candidates scheduled for police officer testing on October 21st.

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Dodson thanked police department and Ms. Ramsey.
  • Presented check to Ms. Ramsey for American Legion sponsorship.

Public Comment Highlights

  • Jim Fitch (Bel Aire Road): Speeding concerns, municipal distress status.
  • Richard Latker (Allegheny St., Community Watchdog): Opposed Phoenix Fire Dept. grant application and connector bridge project involving Diamond Supply purchase.
  • Shaun Leydig (Newry St.): Discussed police budget, suggested stipends for officers, mentioned ISO rating.
  • Andre Holsey (Blair County NAACP): Raised concerns about lack of transparency in Borough Council.
  • Greg Werstil (Scotch Valley Rd.): Requested zoning change to allow surplus sales.
  • Mark Slonaker (PVFD): Presented monthly fire department report.
  • Elda Boose (Bedford St.): Spoke about Gaysport flooding, CDBG funds, urged against rezone of Stowell Farm.
  • Regis Nale (Spruce St.): Criticized comprehensive plan update process.
  • Bill Kitt (Hawthorne Dr.): Noted blighted properties in Borough.

Open Agenda Items

  • Ms. Baker: Flooding in Gaysport.
  • Mr. Kalista: Blighted properties.
  • Mr. Burke: Zoning issue regarding merchandise sales on Scotch Valley Road.
  • Mr. Leahey: NAACP’s concerns with Borough Council.
  • Mayor Dodson: Purchase of speed monitoring devices (speed humps, signs).

Resolution No. 2023-24: Consent Agenda Approval

  • Approved Bill List No. 10 totaling $674,257.78 for accounts payable and appropriated expenses.
  • Approved Certificates of Appropriateness/Zoning Permits for:

A. 309 Allegheny Street – Business Signage (Becki Hollen)

  • Hang 12"x18" shingle sign from bracket.
  • Structure is contributing within Historic District.

B. 208 N. Montgomery Street – Deck Top & Railings (Kenneth & Ellen Estep)

  • Replace deck top and railings with composite material.
  • Structure is contributing within Historic District.

C. 616 Mulberry Street – Railing (Kirk & Kayla Durbin)

  • Replace rusted cast iron railing with wood.
  • Structure is significant within Historic District.

D. 807 Walnut Street – Garage (David Foreman)

  • Construct new garage (25' x 21').
  • Remove stone wall, install driveway where wall was.
  • Structure is contributing within Historic District.

E. 912 Walnut Street – Window Replacement (David Montrella)

  • Replace six existing windows with vinyl.
  • Structure is contributing within Historic District.

F. 407 Walnut Street – Window Replacement (Matthew Mathias)

  • Remove two vinyl windows on first floor west end (kitchen).
  • Brick openings to match existing bricks/mortar.
  • Replace north-side kitchen window with smaller vinyl to match existing.

Motion carried 6–0.

Resolution No. 2023-28: ISC Agreement Extension

  • Motion to extend ISC Agreement for two more years.
  • Made by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.
  • Approved unanimously.

Discussion: Public Agenda for Borough Council Meetings

  • Item tabled per motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Burke. All in favor.

Discussion: Street Parking Near Presbyterian Home

  • Motion to eliminate first on-street parking space closest to garage entrance/exit.
  • Made by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Kalista.
  • Carried unanimously.

Preliminary Budget for 2024

  • Presented at October 4, 2023 Work Session.
  • Recommended for final consideration.
  • Final numbers ready for November Council Meeting.

Adjournment

  • Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM by President Pompa.

Prepared by:
Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary

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