Borough Meeting Minutes - Sep 14 2023
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Borough Council Meeting Minutes Summary
Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:45 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, Jeffrey Ketner, Sean Burke, Brady Leahey, Walter Kalista (via phone).
- Also attending: Borough Manager James Gehret, Secretary Patricia J. Duron, Solicitor Nathan Karn, Mayor Joseph Dodson, Police Chief Chris Storm, Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey, Planning/Zoning Administrator Andrew Holodnik, Fire Marshal Amy Hazlett.
Pledge & Minutes Approval
- President Pompa led Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
- Minutes from August 10, 2023 meeting approved unanimously (7–0) on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker.
Reports Summary
- Manager’s/Financial Report: No new items; Finance Report up to date.
- Planning/Zoning: Report included in packet.
- Community Relations & Events: Upcoming events: Downtown LIVE! Concerts, Tuesday Farmers Market (through October), Pumpkinfest.
- Fire Marshal Report: Monthly report presented; reminded residents to display house numbers.
- Police Report: August departmental report shared.
- Mayor’s Report: Thanked police for good work.
Public Comment Highlights
Residents raised concerns on:
- Speeding on Bel Aire Road (Jim Fitch)
- Trees on Penn Street & Shade Tree Commission (Richard Latker, Rusty Klinger)
- Minnie Ditch issues (Jean Cassidy)
- Stowell Farm development/rezoning (John Sepp, Jeff Long, Elda Jean Boose)
- Weeds on Allegheny Street (Shaun Leydig)
- Parking garage safety at Presbyterian Home (Dennis Murray)
- Comprehensive plan update process criticism (Regis Nale)
- Stormwater runoff on Front Street (Brian Smith)
- PVFD grant application support & fire equipment costs (Eric Schmidt)
- Police department feedback (Steve Albright)
Open Agenda Topics Discussed
- Flooding in Gaysport (Ms. Baker, Mayor Dodson)
- Speeding on Bel Aire Road (Mr. Ketner)
- Penn Street trees & Shade Tree Commission (Mr. Burke, Mr. Leahey, Mayor Dodson)
- Minnie Ditch & Penn Street/trees (Mr. Leahey, Mayor Dodson)
Resolution No. 2023-22: Consent Agenda Approval
Approved unanimously (7–0) on motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Mr. Ketner.
Includes:
- Bill List No. 9 (Sept 14, 2023): $167,918.06 approved for accounts payable and owed expenses.
- Four Certificates of Appropriateness / Zoning Permits:
A. 214 Allegheny Street – Window Signage (Sophia Rodezno)
- Business logo in front window (12x18 in), pink crystal in clam design.
- Shingle sign (12x18 in) hung from bracket.
- Contributing structure in Historic District.
B. 224 Mulberry Street – Replacement Windows (Jennifer Cherry)
- Replace 10 double-hung white vinyl windows.
- Contributing structure in Historic District.
C. 423 Allegheny Street – Roof Replacement (Blair County)
- Replace slate roof on original section + newer 1999 towers section.
- Use Tremco replacement roofs.
- May require UCC Building Permit.
- Significant structure in Historic District.
D. 312 Allegheny Street – Outdoor Patio (Brian Buffone)
- Construct 45ft x 21ft patio with concrete, brick, cast stone caps.
- Wrought iron fence with gate for access.
- Purpose: outdoor dining.
- May require UCC Building Permit.
- Contributing structure in Historic District.
Other Motions & Actions
Approval to Hire Part-Time Public Safety Clerk
- Motion to table discussion until next month’s meeting passed (7–0). Status quo maintained.
Appointment to Hollidaysburg Planning Commission
- Chad Repko appointed on motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Kalista (7–0).
Accept MOA with Hollidaysburg Police Association
- Change residency requirement for new/existing officers from 15 miles to 30 air miles.
- Motion by Mr. Leahey, seconded by Ms. Baker (7–0).
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM by President Pompa.
Recorded by: Patricia J. Duron, Borough Secretary