Tyrone

Pennsylvania

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Tyrone Borough Council Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

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Meeting Overview

The Tyrone Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Latchford, with Pastor Tim Young providing the invocation.

Attendance:

  • Present: Council members Robert Dollar, Sarah Hunter, Ken Patterson, Rob Poust, David Snyder, Tammy Wills, and Mayor Latchford.
  • Absent: Council member William Wiser.
  • Staff Present: Borough Manager Ardean Latchford, Executive Assistant Kimberly Gurekovich, Solicitor Dan Stants, Chief of Police Jes Walk, and various department superintendents.

Public Comment & Presentations

  • Irish Heritage Proclamation: Mayor Latchford presented a proclamation to Diane Irwin of the Irish Heritage Committee, commemorating the annual celebration scheduled for March 10–16, 2025.
  • Shannon Rice (The Brew): Representing the Tyrone Improvement Group, Ms. Rice requested a donation for downtown flower baskets (similar to last year's arrangement with Leidig’s) and asked the Council to consider a 15-minute loading/unloading zone in front of The Brew.
  • Explore Altoona (Mark Ickes & Carl Crider): Representatives from Explore Altoona urged the Council to support their organization against potential decertification by Blair County Commissioners. They argued that Explore Altoona drives tourism to local hotels and eateries, whereas trail development is expensive. They noted that 9 of the 13 municipalities in the region have tabled or rejected similar decertification efforts.

Borough Manager’s Report & Financials

  • Financial Reports: The Council unanimously approved the monthly accounting reports for the period ending January 31, 2025, including the Account Balance Report, Statement of Revenues and Expenses, and Cash Disbursement Journal.
  • Election Polling Place: The Council unanimously approved the Election Polling Place Agreement with the County for the use of the second floor of the Municipal Building.
  • Vehicle Sale: The Borough received two bids for a 2018 Ford Explorer. Ringwood Motors was the high bidder at $2,680 (Harold Miller bid $1,010). The Council unanimously awarded the vehicle to Ringwood Motors.
  • Water Plant Road Improvements: Three bids were received for road improvements:
    • Grannas Bros. : $224,005. 85 (Low Bidder)
    • Glenn O. Hawbaker: $265,917. 75
    • Excavating Associates: $272,362. 00 The Council unanimously awarded the contract to Grannas Bros. for $224,005. 85.

Use of Hockey Rink for Pickleball

The Council discussed the schedule for public pickleball play at the hockey rink.

  • Current Rules: Open play after 3 PM daily, no age limit, and no required training.
  • Schedule: The club proposed a schedule where courts are available Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–6 PM. This allows for three evenings of public play plus additional hours around the club.
  • Complaints: Borough staff will log any complaints regarding noise or usage.
  • Park Avenue Playground: Council member Patterson asked if this location could be used for additional play. However, due to heavy use of the basketball court and changing weather conditions, the Council voted to table this discussion until the June meeting.
  • Liaison: Sarah Hunter volunteered to serve as the Borough Liaison for the Pickleball Club.

Decertification of Explore Altoona

Blair County Commissioners requested that municipalities move forward with the decertification of Explore Altoona.

  • Discussion: Council members Snyder and Poust noted the value Explore Altoona brings to Blair County.
  • Decision: Following Borough Manager Latchford’s recommendation, the Council agreed to table any action until the County Commissioners provide definitive instructions. This aligns with the stance of many surrounding municipalities.

Solicitor’s Report

  • Ordinance No. 1483: The Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Vehicles and Traffic regulations. This gives the Council the discretion to suspend parking enforcement at Parking Lot No. 1 by a majority vote at a public meeting.

Departmental Reports

  • Police Department: Chief Walk requested permission to hire Christopher Moser as a part-time police officer. The Council unanimously approved the appointment after receiving no public comment.
  • Highway Department: Council member Hunter inquired about the street paving list. Mr. Desch is meeting with PennDOT on April 22, and a list will be available at the May meeting.
  • Other Reports: Monthly reports were received from the Consulting Engineer, Code Enforcement, Sewer Department, Water Department, and Highway Department.

Miscellaneous

  • Spring Cleanup: Scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18.
  • Community Shredding: Scheduled for April 23 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Community Pool Parking Lot.
  • Historical Museum: Council member Dollar announced the museum will be open for St. Patrick’s Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday).

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

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