Meeting Minutes - April 14, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council met on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers of the City of Altoona Training Facility (1320 Washington Avenue). The meeting was televised on Public Access Channel 14.

Attendees:

• Present: Mayor Pacifico, Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich (via phone), Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley.
• Absent: None reported.
• Staff: City Clerk Linda Rickens Schellhammer.

Executive Sessions

Mayor Pacifico announced that the Council held closed Executive Sessions on March 10, March 24, and April 1 to discuss real estate, personnel matters, and potential litigation.

Public Comment

• Mike Sinisi (Hollidaysburg): Suggested a city property for the Blair County prison.
• Chuck LaMark: Requested more dialogue and time during meetings.

Resolutions and Approvals

The Council reviewed several resolutions, primarily regarding contracts, bids, and easements.

Administrative & Personnel:

• Minutes: Approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting.
• Union Contract: Approved a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2027) with AFSCME, AFL-CIO, District Council #83, Local 2188 Union.

Infrastructure & Design:

• Aquatic Facility: Authorized a $19,000 contract (plus a $6,900 optional alternate) with Aquatic Facility Design, Inc. for concept and feasibility design services for a new aquatics complex at Prospect Pool.
• Underpass Inspection: Approved an agreement with the PA Department of Transportation to use city staff for inspecting closed pedestrian underpasses under the 10th Avenue Expressway.
• Stormwater Grant: Authorized a grant application for the East Blair Avenue Stormwater Improvements Project ($270,278 state grant + $47,697 local match).

Utilities & Easements:

• Natural Gas: Authorized an easement with Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC for a mainline replacement project at 4th Avenue Alley & 29th Street.
• Stormwater Maintenance: Authorized a temporary construction easement with Randy S. & Bonnie L. Kelley for stormwater facilities behind 2915 Wehnwood Road.

Road Materials Bids (2025-2026):

• Package A & C: Awarded to New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. , Inc. for $31,588. 00.
• Package B: Awarded to Grannas Bros. Stone & Asphalt Company for $118,050. 00.
• Package D: Awarded to Woodland Equipment & Supply Co. for $15,960. 00.

Street Signs:

• Item No. 1: Awarded to Chemung Supply Corp. for $8,800. 00.
• Items No. 2-7: Awarded to National Highway Products for $36,186. 42.

Other Projects:

• Fire Station No. 1: Awarded the Basement Ceiling Project to Clark Contractors, Inc. for $30,379. 91 (payable from 2025 Capital Budget).
• Tax Collection: Authorized an agreement with E-Collect PA, LLC for collecting delinquent Mercantile and Business Privilege Taxes.
• Repository Bids: Approved bids for property tax repository services:
  • Terry Fornari (1931 15th Ave) - $100. 00
  • Kiera Myrick (3318 6th Ave) - $100. 00
  • Clinton Manhorall (806 6th Ave) - $250. 00

Voting Results:

• Items a through p passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item q (Clinton Manhorall bid) was pulled for a separate vote and failed (0-7).

Council Discussion & Announcements

• Vice-Mayor Ellis: Thanked staff for work on the AFSCME contract. Addressed the recent violence at the PA Governor’s mansion, stating, "as a society we have to do better. "
• Councilman Kelley: Condemned the violence at the Governor’s mansion and expressed relief that no one was hurt.
• Councilman Ickes: Thanked attendees and the Scouts for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Councilman Beatty: Noted that the Redevelopment Authority (RA) acquired another property for development.
• Councilwoman Clinich: Echoed sentiments regarding the Governor’s mansion incident and wished everyone a Happy Easter.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pacifico at 6:32 P. M.