Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Borough Meeting Minutes - October 10

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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers

Attendance

  • Present: Sean Burke (President), Brady Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista III, William Kitt.
  • Also Present: Ethan Imhoff (Borough Manager), Patricia J. Duron (Borough Secretary), Calvin Webb (Attorney), Joseph Dodson (Mayor), Andrew Holodnik (Director of Community Development), Melanie Ramsey (Director of Community Relations and Events), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal), Richard Oldham (Sgt. ).
  • Absent: Christopher Storm (Chief), Nathan Karn (Solicitor).

Key Agenda Items & Decisions

Call to Order

  • Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Burke.

Pledge of Allegiance

  • Led by President Burke, followed by a moment of silence.

Approval of Previous Minutes

  • September 9, 2024 minutes approved unanimously with seven votes in favor.

Public Hearings

  • Great Commission School Petition to Rezone (Ordinance No. 913):
    • Attorney Calvin Webb conducted a hearing regarding rezoning property from Traditional Neighborhood District to Conservation Recreation.
    • Motion made by Mr. Kitt, seconded by Mr. Ketner; adopted unanimously with seven votes in favor.

Reports

  • Manager’s Report:

    • Stowell Farm stormwater mitigation project nearing finalization; November meeting with residents planned.
    • County of Blair reassessed retention pond property now owned by Borough as tax exempt.

  • Finance Director Report:

    • Monthly reports included in Council’s packet.

  • Community Development Report:

    • October is National Code Enforcement Month.
    • Two new businesses opening soon: Bookshop and Neon Touch Tattoo.
    • Volunteer needed for Blight Committee.

  • Director of Community Relations & Events Report:

    • Upcoming Pumpkinfest highlighted; volunteer help needed.

  • Fire Marshal Report:

    • School visits conducted with fire prevention materials.
    • Reminder about Fire Prevention Month and checking smoke detector batteries.

  • Chief of Police Report:

    • August report presented by Sgt. Oldham.

  • Mayor’s Report:

    • American Legion Post 516 donated $1000. 00 to Winterfest.
    • Invitation to Citizen of the Year Ceremony on Wednesday, October 16th at 4:00 PM.

Public Comment

  • Gerald Corbin: Advocated for continued open burning on Saturday mornings.
  • Mark Ickes (Explore Altoona): Discussed hospitality tax and decertification efforts.
  • Dustin Delozier (U. S. Hotel): Requested support for Explore Altoona.
  • Patrick Schurr (Explore Altoona): Requested support for Explore Altoona.
  • Shawn Leydig: Thanked Council for work on comp plan and public meetings.

Open Agenda

  • Mr. Kitt: East side stormwater mitigation project.
  • Mr. Gingrich: Stormwater retention pond in Gaysport.

Resolutions & Ordinances

  • Resolution No. 2024-30 (Consent Agenda):

    • Approved bill list number 10 totaling $403,559. 63.
    • Three Certificates of Appropriateness approved.

  • Resolution No. 2024-31 (CDBG 2024-1 Application):

    • Approved unanimously with seven votes in favor.

  • Resolution No. 2024-33 (Fair Housing):

    • Approved unanimously with seven votes in favor.

  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFSCME for Part-Time Finance Clerk:

    • Accepted unanimously with seven votes.

  • Workers Compensation Settlement with James Zimmerman ($50,000):

    • Approved unanimously with seven votes in favor.

  • Ordinance No. 910:

    • Adopted unanimously with seven votes in favor.

Other Matters

  • Comprehensive Plan Update:

    • Three public workshops held in October; work continues with Blair County Planning Commission.

  • Borough Sidewalks Grant Program:

    • Applications accepted; grant monies available in 2025.

  • East Side Stormwater Mitigation:

    • Design phase completed; no new updates.

  • Blight Committee:

    • Full slate of volunteers to be named at November meeting.

  • Speeding Remedies:

    • Digital speed monitoring devices deployed on Bel Aire Road and Bedford Street; effective in deterring speeding.

  • Stop Except Right Turn Sign at Newry and Bedford Street:

    • Discussed; stop sign deemed sufficient.

  • Street Light Moved on Bedford Street:

    • Kept on agenda for further discussion in November.

  • CDBG Cooperative Agreement with County of Blair:

    • Approved unanimously with seven votes in favor.

Executive Session

  • Short executive session held at 8:30 PM to discuss real estate; Council did not return to regular meeting.

Prepared by: Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary

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