Meeting Minutes - February 24, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council held a Sole Purpose Special Meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:00 P. M. in the Common Room of Altoona City Hall (1301 12th Street). The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pacifico and included a roll call of council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley (via phone).

Public Comment

Several residents and community leaders addressed the council regarding tourism, decertification issues, and property concerns:

• Mark Ickes (Executive Director, Explore Altoona): Stated there is no legal mandate for the Council to vote on decertification.
• Patrick Schurr (Director, Explore Altoona): Urged the Council to vote "no" on decertification, noting that the tourism and arts communities support Explore Altoona. He highlighted their financial support for "rails to trails" initiatives.
• Sam McCloskey (Days Inn): Argued this is a County issue and that County Commissioners should listen to Explore Altoona.
• Dustin Smith (Blair County Historical Society): Described decertification as short-sighted and a "slap in the face" to tourism partners. He encouraged the City to support Explore Altoona with resources.
• Laura Hoffman: Stated that current agenda items are contrary to the City's best interests, noting many blighted properties could be redeveloped.
• Devin Saylor: Criticized the process for lacking public inclusion and transparency ("behind closed doors").
• Damian Spallone: Expressed anxiety regarding neighborhood impacts (trees, privacy) and criticized the lack of communication between the Council and residents.
• Autum Temple: Questioned why the County is focused on decertification over other important issues. She urged the Council to listen to residents and take time to do their homework before voting.

Resolutions Passed

Resolution 0023-25: Property Purchase

The Council approved an Agreement of Sale for the purchase of property located at 212-218 Beech Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601 (Tax Map Number 01. 07-03. -016. 00-000).

• Parties: The City of Altoona is purchasing from the Estate of Charles H. Bisignano III and Beverly Hmel.
• Authorization: Mayor Matthew Pacifico and the City Manager are authorized to execute documents related to the sale.
• Vote: Passed 6 to 1 (Councilman Ickes voted no).

Resolution 0024-25: Tourism Agency Decertification

The Council concurred with Blair County’s decision to decertify the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Blair County (d/b/a Explore Altoona) as the recognized Tourism and Promotion Agency. The Council also approved the certification of a new affiliate, the Blair Alliance for Business & Economic Growth.

• Context: This action aligns with the County's new direction in promoting tourism and business development.
• Vote: Passed 5 to 2 (Councilman Kelley and Mayor Pacifico voted no).

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pacifico at 6:46 P. M. Media coverage was provided by the Altoona Mirror, WTAJ TV-10, and WPSU Radio.