Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Meeting Minutes - February 10, 2025

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Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council met on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers (1320 Washington Avenue). Vice-Mayor Ellis presided as Mayor Pacifico was absent. The meeting was televised on Public Access Channel 14.

Attendance:

  • Present: Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley.
  • Absent: Mayor Pacifico.

Public Comment

Residents addressed the council regarding housing development and park preservation:

  • Charles LeMarc (310 Lexington Avenue): Praised first responders and spoke against selling Orchard Park for housing.
  • Glenn Bistline (130 Beech Avenue): Suggested using Cricket Knoll instead of Orchard Park for housing.
  • Timothy Smith (524 Rosehill Drive): Asked the council to reverse their previous vote to sell the park.

Resolutions Passed

The council passed several resolutions by a 6-0 vote:

  • Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting.
  • Garfield Park Easement: Authorized an agreement with Penelec to install new electric service at Garfield Park.
  • Pedestrian Bridge Easement: Authorized an agreement with Graystone Grande Palazzo, LLC. , to install a pedestrian bridge over 8th Avenue.
  • Fire Station Access Project: Awarded a contract to Empire (1215 16th Street) for $82,972. 00 to fund the Fire Station Access Project, payable from the 2024 PA Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant.
  • Demolition Contracts (Group 1): Awarded a contract to G&R Excavating & Demolition, Inc. for $37,100.00 to demolish four properties:
    • 1508 1st Avenue ($8,400. 00)
    • 101 E. Willow Avenue ($8,700. 00)
    • 1304 22nd Avenue ($10,500. 00)
    • 515 3rd Street ($9,500. 00)
  • Demolition Contracts (Group 2): Awarded a contract to G&R Excavating & Demolition, Inc. for $28,295.00 to demolish two properties:
    • 902 3rd Avenue ($16,055. 00)
    • 2019 3rd Avenue ($12,240. 00)

Ordinances

The council adopted an ordinance authorizing the vacation and abandonment of a portion of a 15-foot alley located between 18th and 19th Avenues (leading from 8th to 10th Street). This action allows the city to execute a quit claim deed to Brittany N. Podelco, relinquishing any city interest in the unopened alley.

City Manager Updates

  • Technical Advisory Committee: A meeting is scheduled for February 11th regarding Zoning and SALDO re-writes.
  • Public Works: Thanks were extended to the department for clearing streets during winter storms.
  • YMCA: A meeting was held regarding the Prospect Pool and YMCA involvement.
  • Software Review: Staff traveled to Pittston to review software options.

Council Discussion & Announcements

  • Salt Supply: Councilman Kelley inquired about the city's salt supply. Interim City Manager Nate Kissell confirmed the city is in a good position to purchase supplies, noting that while usage has been lower than usual, the city did not reduce its purchased quantity.
  • Rehabilitation: Councilman Beatty noted that the Redevelopment Authority (RA) acquired a home for rehabilitation.
  • Blighted Property Review Committee: Vice-Mayor Ellis announced that the city will begin appointing members to this committee. The committee consists of one council member, one RA member, one Planning Commission member, and two city residents. Residents interested in serving can apply via the Talent Bank Application on the city website.
  • Winter Storm Feedback: Vice-Mayor Ellis reported receiving positive phone calls regarding the Highway Department's work during recent winter storms.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 P. M. by Vice-Mayor Ellis.

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