Meeting Minutes - October 14, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Altoona City Council convened on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:00 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:

• Presiding: Mayor Pacifico
• Present: Council members Beatty, Butterbaugh, Clinich, Ellis, Ickes, and Kelley (via phone).
• City Clerk: Linda Rickens Schellhammer

Public Comment

During the public comment section, Steve Ellfelt (126 Spruce Avenue) requested that the Council improve dog licensing rules. Specifically, he asked for the collection of breeder names—rather than just owner names—to help identify and shut down illegal kennels operating in districts where they are prohibited.

Resolutions Passed

The City Clerk read the following resolutions into the record, which were approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote:

• Minutes Approval (0142-25): Approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on September 8, 2025.
• Housing Finance Application (0143-25): Authorized the submission of a $1,000,000. 00 application to the PA Housing Finance Agency Community Revitalization Fund Program. This funding is for a project on Redevelopment Authority-owned property along the 100 and 200 blocks of 6th Avenue.
• Hazardous Material Agreement (0144-25): Authorized the renewal of a Hazardous Material Response Team Agreement between the City of Altoona, Blair County, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. The agreement runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
• Lease Agreement (0145-25): Authorized a renewed lease between the City of Altoona and the George B. Kelley Amateur Baseball Federation for Tom Stout Field at Geesey Park.

Ordinances Adopted

• Fire Code Adoption (Ord. No. 5841): The Council adopted certain portions of the 2021 International Fire Code, amending Chapter 358 of the Altoona City Code regarding "Fire Prevention. " The motion was introduced by Vice-Mayor Ellis and seconded by Mayor Pacifico. It passed 7-0.

City Manager Updates

Chris McGuire provided a status report on various city projects, noting that the total cost of completed projects amounts to $6. 8 million. Key updates included:

• Public Works: Completed stormwater modifications at 13 locations.
• Infrastructure: Completed the 25th Street & 7th Avenue Signal Project and the 10th Avenue Retaining Wall.
• Parks & Sidewalks: Work on Garfield Park and sidewalks on Union Avenue, 24th Street, and Broad Avenue.
• Stormwater & Pipelines: Completed 12th Street Stormwater work and Logan Boulevard & North 3rd Street Storm Pipelining.
• Roads: Eleven miles of streets paved to date.

Council Discussion & Announcements

• Councilman Beatty: Commended President Trump for awarding Charlie Kirk the Congressional Medal of Freedom, emphasizing the importance of living a life with worthy convictions.
• Mayor Pacifico: Commended Chief Adam Free for his presentation at the PA Municipal League Summit regarding homelessness initiatives in Altoona.

Adjournment

Questions were taken from the media, specifically Bill Kibler of the Altoona Mirror. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pacifico at 5:12 P. M.