Council Minutes – June 9th, 2025

Borough of Duncansville Council Meeting Summary

Date: June 9, 2025 Location: Municipal Complex

Attendance & Administration

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p. m. The following council members were present: Annette Lewis, Dave Shaw, Eric Fritz, Rodney Estep, Cindy Blontz, Jerrica Grance, Nicole Estep, and Michael Emerick.

Prior Minutes:

• The minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting were approved (Moved by Nicole Estep, Seconded by Cindy Blontz).
• The Municipal Authority minutes from May 1, 2025 were approved (Moved by Cindy Blontz, Seconded by Nicole Estep).

Public Comments & Visitors

Several residents raised concerns regarding local infrastructure and safety:

• Delorise Stroup highlighted issues at Sunbrook Manor, including a stop sign, drainage causing winter ice on Sunbrook Drive, McCadum Street conditions, and heavy traffic with a malfunctioning traffic light.
  • Response: Rodney Estep noted that hot patch will be used for potholes until funding is available for repaving and drainage.
• James Eicher reported safety issues at the pickleball and basketball courts, specifically pole placement near hoops, damaged benches, improperly placed fences, and unemptied garbage.
• Sue Koronowski noted that Google incorrectly lists her address (601 Park Ave) as the park's location.

Administrative Reports

• Financials: Financial reports and budgets were presented. Dave Shaw inquired about a $50,000 increase in the Community Center Loan. Mr. Estep clarified that an unpaid invoice from Season Aire was recently settled, which adjusted the loan balance.
• Bank Accounts: A motion to close bank account #8689 (book printing) was passed.
• Pavilion Request: Donna Cruse requested use of the pavilion on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from June through August. Council President Annette Lewis approved this on a first-come, first-served basis (excluding Community Days week).
• Police Report: The police report was approved. The LPR (License Plate Reader) system is functioning effectively and was used to identify an individual with a suspended license.

Manager’s Report

• Phase II Bids: The lowest bid for Phase II renovations was $171,000 from Mid-state. The council agreed to proceed with Option 5 (siding removal).
• Dump Truck Financing: The council voted to proceed with financing through First National Bank at 5. 05% for 5 years, with the first payment due in October 2026.
• 4th Ave Paving: Grannas Brothers will submit a bid for the 4th Avenue paving project.
• Conservation District: Preliminary approval was received for additions to 4th Ave, 5th Ave, and the I-99 underpass.
• Zoning Officer Safety: Mr. Estep suggested that Zoning Officer Bryan Rhodes should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon while driving the police car for code enforcement. Mr. Estep will consult with the solicitor and insurance provider.
• 14th Street Ally: The solicitor will advertise the ordinance for the closure of the 14th Street Ally in the newspaper.

Committee Updates

• Building & Grounds: Mr. Estep will discuss basketball hoop options with James Batzel.
• Fire Company: Mr. Lloyd reported no recent burning complaints.
• Parks & Recreation: Mr. Estep has a contract for the DCED mini-grant for the park pavilion; Mike will review it. A motion to make Rodney Estep a signer on the contract was passed.
• Street & Equipment: Street sweeping continues, though Mrs. Blontz noted she hasn't seen the sweeper recently.
• Water & Sewer: The Water & Sewer report was approved.
• Community Days: The event is approaching, and there is a need for non-profits and volunteers. The recent dog Run/Walk organized by Nicole Flanders raised nearly $7,000 for the dog park.

New Business & Adjournment

• Park Cleanup: Annette Lewis suggested a park cleanup day on June 25th.
• May Bills: A motion to approve and pay the May bills was passed.
• Next Meeting: July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p. m.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p. m.