Sidewalk Repairs to Begin in Borough

During the mayor’s report at the July monthly Hollidaysburg Borough Council meeting, Mayor Joseph Dodson said with the retirement of another police officer, the force is down to six officers and needs to hire two officers as soon as possible. There should be nine officers if the department is fully staffed. There are currently only four candidates for the three open positions.

Council President Joseph Pompa said there used to be hundreds of candidates for police openings, but that is no longer the case. Getting qualified candidates is difficult.

Councilman Jeff Kettner, former Hollidaysburg and Duncansville Chief of Police, asked for an update on filling the open position of chief of police, which has been open for nearly a year. Sgt. Richard Oldham has been serving as acting chief of police. Councilman Brady Leahey wanted to discuss the candidates, but Pompa said it was not on agenda and could not be discussed. Pompa stated that there were 12 or 14 candidates for the position of police chief, but they were not satisfied with the original field of candidates and they had to re-advertise in their search. Pompa said they are close to getting one at this point. Ann Andrews, Civil Service Commission secretary, said the commission will meet on Monday, July 18, to interview candidates and give oral scores. They will go to the Civil Service Commission.

It was reported during the fire marshal’s report that the Phoenix Fire Company responded to six structure fires for the past month. Two were assists. Mark Slonaker reported also that the fire company responded to a total of 48 calls. There was also one vehicle fire, seven vehicle accidents, seven medical assists, five water pumping calls, and there was participation in training with the mutual aid departments.

Borough Manager Jim Gehret said they would begin distributing applications for the reimbursement program for sidewalk repairs in the borough on Friday, July 15. A grant has been allocated for $50,000 for sidewalk improvement. Leahey was named by the council to oversee the sidewalk project.

During public comment, Barb Zeak, who is confined to a wheelchair, spoke on the sidewalk issue and the danger and difficulty of getting onto sidewalks. She said she had to take her wheelchair on the road, where she was nearly hit. According to Zeak, sidewalks are not usable or don’t exist at all. There are also very few curb openings for wheelchairs.

Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Gerald Harbison wanted the issue of water discharge onto the streets from spouting and sump pumps causing freezing in winter months on sidewalks and streets tabled until next month. The council voted to do so.

In regard to the Old Canal Inn noise level of outdoor entertainment, it was reported that the state just passed new levels of noise for the entertainment in Act 67 of 2022. The council also unanimously passed the hiring of a part time public safety clerk. Harbison said there is limited development of 20 percent of the site and this may impact the YMCA, which needs more space for improvements. The council unanimously approved the space for improvement by the YMCA. Executive Director of the YMCA Sharon Jones was there to represent the organization.

The Empowering Lives Foundation was approved by the council to expand their partnership with the borough to staff the Riser House weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. except holidays, starting as soon as July 18 through the end of October. Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey thanked everyone who participated in the cruise in. There were 160 vehicles involved this year.

The downtown farmers market is reportedly doing well with the vendors involved. The market is currently in week six.

There are also farmers night markets from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 15, Aug. 19, and Sept. 16.