Meeting Minutes - July 14, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council met on Monday, July 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 live on Public Access Channel 14.

Attendees:

• Present: Mayor Pacifico and Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley.
• City Clerk: Linda Rickens Schellhammer (took the roll call).

Presentations

• City Wide Service Line Renewals: Doug Minnigh, Restoration Manager for Peoples Natural Gas Company, presented on their long-term infrastructure program.
  • Scope: 176 projects totaling a $21 million investment for replacement and restoration.
  • Coordination: The company is syncing efforts with other utility providers.
  • Resources: A construction page is available at peoples-gas. com/construction.

Public Comment

Residents addressed the council regarding neighborhood needs, code enforcement, and police transparency:

• Chuck LaMark (310 Lexington Avenue): Discussed needs in the Logan town neighborhood.
• Larry Carter (105 Broadway): Supported changing electrical and plumbing ordinances to increase competition, lower prices, and improve services.
• Bridgette Jackson (313 Grant Avenue): Spoke about a police incident on July 4th.
• Tim Baker (306 S 8th Street): Requested the release of body camera footage from a July 4th incident.
• Sarah Edmiston (2209 4th Avenue): A licensed psychologist who requested a transparent, proactive approach to the July 4th incident.
• Ahmil Johnson (517 E Caroline Avenue): A local activist asking about expenditures for police training and overtime.

Resolutions and Votes

The City Clerk read resolutions into the record. Councilman Butterbaugh requested that items m, n, o, and p be pulled for separate votes. These four items failed with a vote of 0-7. The remaining consent vote passed.

Approved Resolutions:

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting.
• Ash Tree Treatment: Awarded to Bennetti Tree Service for $13,410. 00 (General Fund).
• Traffic Calming Grant: Authorized application to DCED for Baker Boulevard improvements. Total project cost is $1,766,973. 60 ($1,590,276. 24 from grant, $176,697. 36 local match).
• Right-of-Way Acquisition: PennDOT acquisition of land on Old Mill Run Road for $500. 00.
• Professional Services Agreement: With Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance, Inc. for code enforcement services.
• OpenGov Software: Approved Phase 1 software agreement for Code Enforcement, Community Development, and Public Works for $272,449. 68.
• Demolition Bids (All Together Altoona Fund):
  • 903 2nd Avenue: Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $17,100. 00.
  • 1010 3rd Avenue: Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $12,200. 00.
  • 509 21st Street: Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $9,940. 00.
  • 227 3rd Avenue: Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $13,800. 00.
  • 1000 3rd Avenue: Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $850. 00.
• Repository Bid: Approved bid from J & R Pennsylvania Properties for property at 819 6th Avenue for $525. 00.

Failed Resolutions (Vote Did Not Pass):

• Repository Bid: Amarillis Rodriuez bid for 203 6th Avenue ($200. 00).
• Repository Bid: Amarillis Rodriuez bid for 810 6th Avenue ($200. 00).
• Repository Bid: Amarillis Rodriuez bid for 601 3rd Avenue ($300. 00).
• Repository Bid: Amarillis Rodriuez bid for 607 3rd Avenue ($300. 00).

Other Business

• Ordinance Adoption: An ordinance was read, moved by Councilman Butterbaugh, and seconded by Councilman Beatty. It passed 7-0.
• City Manager Updates: City Manager McGuire thanked the council for approving the Personnel Policies ordinance and the OpenGov vote, noting these will streamline operational efficiencies.
• Announcements: Mayor Pacifico thanked the Blair Regional YMCA for the July 4th Race.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 P. M. by Mayor Pacifico.