Hollidaysburg Borough Council Discusses Multiple Road Issues

The June monthly meeting of the Hollidaysburg Borough Council resolved several issues that have been under discussion for several months.

Borough Manager Jim Gehret suggested taking $50,000 from Capital Reserve funds to repair curbing and sidewalks in needed areas of the borough. A motion to do so was approved unanimously. Gehret said the sidewalk grant application does not specify the type of sidewalk residents could lay down.

Dangerous and unsafe water discharge from residences onto the street where it would freeze and create a hazard was discussed. Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Gerald Harbison said he will be handing citations to the police department the following day for improper water discharge at certain locations.

Outside seating with music at the Old Canal Inn was a topic of discussion, but Councilmember Brady Leahey pointed out that Senate Bill 1212, which allows outside seating with music, was passed in the Senate and is now awaiting vote at the State House level. If approved there, the law would be in place in regard to the music and outdoor seating, overriding any ruling the borough would make. However, Leahey felt this should be kept on the upcoming agenda in case the bill failed in the House.

Leahey spoke about the borough’s aging street sweeper truck, which would currently cost $280,000 to replace. He stated that using a vacuum truck for street sweeping was not as effective. A street sweeper vehicle can be rented for a month or two for $10,000 a month. This would meet the borough’s needs. Gehret will meet with Leahey on this issue.

The council unanimously agreed to approve transferring phone service at the Municipal Building to Breezeline from Windstream. There will be a three-year agreement with Breezeline. The service with Windstream would have terminated Aug. 2, as the company is filing for bankruptcy and ending landline phone service.

The purchase of a used utility truck for $58,000 and a used pavement roller for $29,500 was unanimously approved by borough council.

Gehret also reported a rough draft of duties for the fire marshall was created.

Harbison reported there would be a conditional use hearing on Tuesday, June 28.

Community Relations and Events Manager Melanie Ramsey thanked the law firm of Evey Black for sponsoring the Downtown Farmers Market. The Market features locally grown produce, treats, wines, crafts, specialty items, fresh flowers and more. It is held rain or shine from June through September, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She announced that Thursday, June 16, was the first of four Downtown Live Summer Concert Series on the Diamond.

Mayor Joe Dodson reported that the Hollidaysburg Borough Police Dept. was now down to six officers with the recent retirement of one. One will need to be hired, although there is no permanent police chief in place currently. No report on status or progress of hiring a chief was given, although the position has remained open for nearly a year.

During the public comment period, Brian King of the Hollidaysburg Watchdog reported that the borough was in violation of the Sunshine Act and destroying public documents.

Mark Slonaker of the Phoenix Fire Department reported the fire company has had 136 dispatched calls so far this year. In the past month, 30 dispatched calls consisted of five possible structure fires; four motor vehicle accidents; three medical assists; seven fire alarms; and 11 other calls or standby for mutual aid departments. Phoenix is aware of the excessive fuel costs and are curtailing all non-essential operation of vehicles like parades outside the borough.

An executive session of council was held following adjournment.