Borough Ready for Another Officer

The May Hollidaysburg Borough Council meeting focused on several key issues including the hiring of a ninth police officer, adopting stricter stormwater management policies, and the resignation of the planning/zoning/code enforcement officer.

Police position

The position of a ninth borough police officer has been vacant since October 2021. Chief of Police Christopher Storm said there were 371 calls for service in April 2023 versus 278 calls in April 2022. Storm wants to see two borough police officers on every shift. Outside police agencies are having to be contacted for assistance.

“It is very clear to me that we need our staff back to nine officers,” Storm said. “Assistance from other police departments is greatly appreciated, but it takes additional time for them to respond.”

There were numerous times when borough officers were called to support surrounding police forces. On these occasions, the borough was left short an officer to cover its own territory. Storm said this was extremely dangerous as a tragedy could occur in minutes. The borough council unanimously voted to add the ninth police officer. If there are no certified eligible candidates on the civil service list, the Civil Service Commission will need to start the process of gathering police candidates. This process may take several months.

Storm also noted that the radar speed devices were received and are currently in operation. They are downloading data to set up enforcement.

Ordinance 906

Ordinance 906 was passed unanimously. This would create stricter stormwater regulations that reduce the amount of land that can be developed before needing to meet stormwater regulations.

A public hearing on the Ordinance 906 was held at the meeting before voting. Residents Elda Boose, Steve Albrught, Gerald Nal and Sean Leighty spoke in support of the ordinance. Lifelong Gaysport resident Boose said adoption was imperative. Albright hoped the council would pass the ordinance to help flood victims.

Planning/zoning/code enforcement officer

The resignation of Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Gerald Harbison was accepted by the council. Harbison said it was a pleasure to work with all the boards.

“We are sorry to see you leave,” Council President Joe Pompa said.

Councilmen Brady Leahey said losing Harbison was a big loss and Walter Kalista thanked Harbison for all he had done.

Borough Secretary Patti Duron, who has experience in this area, was appointed by the council to serve as interim Planning and Zoning officer at an additional $500/week.

Other business

The borough’s paving contract was awarded to Grannas Brothers Stone & Asphalt in the amount of $283,407. The award for stone and blacktop work in the borough also went to Grannas Bros. when all bids were opened.

A decision on the purchase of a borough street sweeper will be made by the end of summer.

The draft of the Comprehensive Plan was completed by Gannet Fleming. The next step is public comment and input.

The grant applications concerning stormwater management and efforts to mitigate the flooding situations on Bedford Street have been submitted, but there has been no update.

Community Relations and Events Coordinator Melanie Ramsey thanked Evey Black Attorneys for sponsoring this summer’s 2023 Farmers Market in downtown Hollidaysburg. The Farmers Market will run on Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during June through September on Allegheny Street. Last year, the Hollidaysburg Farmers Market was ranked as third best in the state