TTC FEB 23
Hollidaysburg Borough Newsletter Summary (February 2023)
This newsletter provides updates on local programs, winter procedures, and community events for residents of Hollidaysburg Borough.
Sidewalk Grants
The Borough Council has authorized a grant program to help residents and property owners with sidewalk costs.
- Benefit: Reimburses 25% of the cost for replacing or installing a pedestrian sidewalk along a public street.
- Process: Applications are reviewed in the order received and remain open until funds are exhausted or the Council closes the program.
- How to Apply: Applications are available at the Borough Building (401 Blair Street) during regular office hours.
Winter Weather Procedures
The Mayor will declare a snow emergency in the event of heavy snowfall, starting at either 8:00 am or 8:00 pm.
- Parking Restrictions: The Borough institutes odd/even parking during emergencies.
- Evening (8:00 pm start): Park on the EVEN numbered side.
- Morning (8:00 am start): Park on the ODD numbered side.
- Goal: To achieve bare pavement on all streets within 36 hours after the snowfall ends.
- Enforcement: Vehicles violating these regulations will be towed at the owner's expense.
- Sidewalk Clearance: Property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snow event.
- Announcements: Emergencies are announced via local media, the website (www.hollidaysburgpa.org), and the Borough Facebook page.
Crossing Guards Needed
The Borough is recruiting crossing guards. Interested individuals should contact:
- Bobbi Carnell at 814-695-3711
- Patti Duron at 814-695-7543
Gateway Garden Planting
Volunteers are needed to plant flowers at the Gateway Garden (beside The Dream Restaurant) and the garden at N. Juniata Street and Allegheny Street.
- Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023
- Time: 9:00 am (work to be completed by noon)
- Details: Tools and gloves are provided. Bring a friend!
- Contact: Rick Pope at 934-4032 or rpope@hollidaysburgpa.org.
Building & Zoning Permits
Property owners are responsible for applying for construction permits. Contractors may apply if authorized by the owner as an "Authorized Agent." Work cannot commence without a permit.
Hometown Heroes Banners
Applications for banner sponsorship are due by April 7, 2023.
- Submit to: Borough of Hollidaysburg, 401 Blair Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
- Contact: Melanie Ramsey at mramsey@hollidaysburgpa.org or 814-696-0544.
Frozen Water Pipes
Residents are advised to wrap water lines in unheated spaces with insulation or heat tape during cold spells. Ensure windows are closed and openings sealed.
Sledding Reminders
- Spruce Street: Closed between Bella and Bell Streets during significant snowfall.
- "Double Dips": Closed for sledding between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm only during heavy snowfall.
- Note: Streets are not closed every day in winter; only during heavy snow events.
Arts Council News
- Meeting: February 13th at 1:00 pm. Meetings are generally held on the 3rd Monday of each month.
- Events: "Music in the Burg" concerts are planned for the upcoming season.
- Stay Informed: Like the Hollidaysburg Arts Council's Facebook page.
Snow & Sidewalks Ordinance
- Clearance: Residents must shovel the full width of the sidewalk (or 30 inches, whichever is less) within 24 hours after snow/ice stops.
- Downtown: Snow/ice must be cleared from the building face to the curb. It may be deposited in the street (except in the C2 Community Business District) to maintain parking meter access.
- Safety: Sand or abrasive may be used if ice is too hard to remove safely.
- Prohibitions: Do not deposit snow/ice on fire hydrants, roadways, or public transportation areas.
RAVE Alert System
The Borough uses RAVE to alert residents of water outages or disruptions.
- How it Works: Residents provide a phone number to the water billing office. Alerts are sent at 5:00 pm the day before an outage.
- Updates: If you get a new phone number, update your info with the Borough.
- Contact: Water billing office at (814) 696-0623.
Infiltration and Inflow (I/I)
The newsletter explains the problem of I/I in the wastewater system.
- Infiltration: Groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks or leaks.
- Inflow: Surface water (rain, snowmelt) entering via illegal connections like sump pumps or downspouts.
- Impact: I/I increases treatment costs, requires larger facilities, and can cause sewer backups or overflows into waterways. It is estimated that I/I makes up 85% of peak flows during winter/rain events.
Daylight Saving Time
Residents are reminded to turn clocks ahead one hour on Saturday, March 11th.
Borough Government & Offices (2023)
- Borough Manager: James Gehret
- Mayor: Joseph R. Dodson
- Borough Council: Includes members from Wards 1-7 (e.g., Joseph A. Pompa, Brady Leahey, Michele Baker, Sean M. Burke, James Mielnik, Walter Kalista III, Jeffrey J. Ketner).
- Key Staff: Patricia J. Duron (Secretary), Evey Black (Solicitor), Christopher Storm (Police Chief), Amy Hazlett (Fire Marshal).
- Contact Info: Phone 695-7543, Fax 696-0636. Website: hollidaysburgpa.org.