Meeting Minutes - May 12, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council met on Monday, May 12, 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 and Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley.
• Absent: None reported.

Public Comment & Presentations

• Gary Eichelberger (2111 11th Street): Requested a ban on recreational fires due to irritation and lack of attractiveness.
• Larry Carter (Broadway): Requested the reestablishment of the Shade Tree Commission.
• Tony Luther (Luthersitework Solutions LLC): Presented regarding Electrical/Plumbing Licensing. He noted that a vacant apartment project on 4th Avenue and 7th Street (damaged by fire in 2021) would cost an additional $75,000 due to current regulations. He proposed investing $750,000 into the project if the council removed the requirement for plumbing and electrician licensing.

Resolutions & Decisions

The following resolutions were approved via a consent vote (7-0) with all present, except for items specifically pulled for separate votes.

• a) Minutes: Approved the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting.
• b) Union Agreement: Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME AFL-CIO (Local 2188) for a "Meet & Discuss Group" covering first-line supervisors from Jan 1, 2025, through Dec 31, 2027.
• c) Parking Authority: Appointed City Manager Chris McGuire to the Altoona Parking Authority for a five-year term expiring in January 2030.
• d) Envisio Solutions: PULLED from agenda.
• e) Street Reconstruction: Awarded the 2025 CDBG Street Reconstruction Project to Grannas Bros. Stone & Asphalt Co. , Inc. for $182,705. 50.
• f) Playground Design Grant: Authorized application for a $30,000 grant from the People, Parks & Community Foundation for design costs at Beech Avenue Playground.
• g) Playground Equipment Grant: Authorized application for a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (with a local match of $94,467. 20) for playground equipment at Beech Avenue Playground.
• h) Fire Equipment: Awarded Fire Department Rope Rescue Equipment Replacement to SAFEWARE for $58,469. 15.
• i) Demolition (516 N 10th St): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $8,525. 00.
• j) Demolition (712 3rd Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $13,250. 00.
• k) Demolition (901 4th Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $1,950. 00.
• l) Demolition (1339 N 9th Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $8,665. 00.
• m) Demolition (2308 3rd Ave Garage): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $6,550. 00.
• n) Demolition (223 3rd Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $14,150. 00.
• o) Demolition (1408 18th St): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $10,970. 00.
• p) Demolition (720 1st Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $10,940. 00.
• q) Demolition (1009 4th Ave): Awarded to G&R Excavating & Demolition for $9,850. 00.

Failed Votes (Repository Bids)

The following items were pulled for separate votes and did not pass (0-7 vote):

• aa) Repository Bid for property at 1313 17th Ave (submitted by Arif Gungorur).
• bb) Repository Bids for multiple properties on Crawford, Walton, and Washington Avenues (submitted by Moti Tolessa).
• cc) Repository Bids for multiple properties on 17th Avenue (submitted by Moti Tolessa).

Other Business

• City Manager Updates: None.
• Council Announcements: Councilman Ickes thanked staff for working with AFSCME. Council members Ellis, Beatty, and Clinich thanked Tony Luther for his presentation.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 P. M.