Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Meeting Minutes - February 9, 2026

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Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council met on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers of the City of Altoona Training Facility. The meeting was televised on Public Access Channel 14.

Attendees:

  • Present: Mayor Pacifico, and Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley (via phone).
  • Absent: None.

Public Comment

Residents provided feedback regarding local ordinances:

  • Mary Ann Sinisi: Commented on the recovery house and parking ordinances, citing issues with targeting and discrimination.
  • Dan Casey: Suggested adding a "grandfather clause" to the halfway house ordinance.
  • Carol Taylor: Warned that limiting recovery houses could increase homelessness, as they provide a lower level of care.

Resolutions Passed

The Council approved the following resolutions by a 7-0 vote (with all present):

  • Minutes: Approved the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting.
  • Demolition Bids: Awarded bids to G&R Excavating & Demolition for the following properties:
    • 205 6th Avenue: $13,900. 00
    • 512 7th Avenue: $14,900. 00
    • 427 4th Avenue: $5,450. 00
    • 325 23rd Avenue: $7,425. 00
    • Note: All bids are payable from the City of Altoona All Together Altoona Fund.
  • Historic Preservation Grant: Approved a $25,000 grant application to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) for a facility preservation plan for the Jaffa Shrine Center. The Jaffa Shrine will match this amount with $25,000.
  • Vacation Pay: Authorized payment for 140 hours of unused vacation time to City Manager Christopher McGuire.
  • Repository Bid: Approved a $1,000. 00 bid from Virtual Flips, LLC for property at 1508-1510 13th Aly.

Ordinances Adopted

The following ordinances were read into the record and adopted by a 7-0 vote:

  1. Ordinance No. 5845: Eliminates Chapter 700. 20-22. 1 of the City Code regarding Off-Street Parking.
  2. Ordinance No. 5846: Amends Chapter 700 (Vehicles and Traffic) to create new regulations for on-street parking enforcement and provides enforcement power to the Altoona Parking Authority.
  3. Ordinance No. 5847: Amends Chapter 570 (Residential Rental Inspection) to add family exemptions and general definitions.
  4. Ordinance No. 5848: Amends Chapter 295 (Disposition of Surplus Real and Personal Property) to eliminate unopened/paper streets and amend disposal rights.

City Manager Updates & Discussion

City Manager McGuire commended the Public Works Department for keeping streets open during recent heavy snowfall. He also recognized the Fire Department for a rescue operation on Saturday involving a fire victim who is now off the ventilator.

Council members echoed these sentiments, praising:

  • Public Works: For dealing with significant snow amounts.
  • Altoona Fire Department (AFD): For handling multiple fires in adverse weather.
  • Altoona Police Department (APD): For managing cold weather issues.
  • Altoona Water Authority: For working in extreme weather conditions.

Councilman Beatty noted the difficulty of plowing narrow streets with limited space for snow placement. Councilwoman Clinich thanked staff for their daily efforts and handling of the snow.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pacifico at 6:22 P. M.

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