Documents Mar 10, 2025

Council Minutes – March 10th, 2025

Borough of Duncansville Council Meeting Summary

Date: March 10, 2025 Location: Borough of Duncansville

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p. m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Council Members Present:

The council approved the minutes from two previous meetings:

November 12th Meeting: Moved by Cindy Blontz, seconded by Nicole Estep.
Water & Sewer Authority Meeting (Nov 7, 2024): Moved by Jeff Lynn, seconded by Cindy Blontz.

Dave Kessling & Patrick Schurr (Explore Altoona / ABCD Corp)

Dave Kessling expressed concern regarding the operations of Explore Altoona and suggested it should be decertified. He stated his intention to use hotel tax funds to invest in other Blair County attractions, such as trail systems.
Patrick Schurr responded that Explore Altoona has presented options to ABCD Corp to collaborate rather than proceed with decertification. He also expressed a desire to invest in the community.
President Lewis and Mayor Fritz asked questions regarding decertification.

Motion: Approve resolution #3-25-6 to Decertify Explore Altoona.

Richard Beard (13th Street Bridge)

Mr. Beard requested the council dedicate the naming of the 13th Street bridge to his family member, Albert Beard.
Action: The council requested a written request from Mr. Beard and will research the history of the bridge and Albert Beard to ensure the dedication is appropriate.

Jermey Chaplin (Ball Field Project)

Mr. Chaplin plans to refinish the ball field soon, working with an excavating company to donate labor.
Action: Mr. Estep offered Borough Public Works support if needed. Mr. Chaplin was asked to submit a project proposal detailing the refinishing process.

Resolution #3-25-4 (Tax Fees): Approved. Moved by Dave Shaw, seconded by Nicole Estep.
Codification Quote: General Code provided two financing options:
- Option 1: $8,000 (2025), $5,000 (2026), $5,000 (2027).
- Option 2: $5,000 (2025), $10,000 (2026), $3,000 (2027).
Motion: Approve Option #1 for Codification.
- Moved by: Nicole Estep | Seconded by: Jeff Lynn
Rental Ordinance: Ms. Grance discussed a new ordinance to increase awareness of rental properties, tenants, notices, fees, and processes.
Motion: Advertise Ordinance #3-25-5.
- Moved by: Nicole Estep | Seconded by: Cindy Blontz

A new part-time police officer has started.
Mayor Fritz and Chief Estep met with Scott Barger to review Municipal Complex renovations.
Motion: Approve the current Police report.
- Moved by: Nicole Estep | Seconded by: Cindy Blontz

Municipal Complex Renovations: A priority list has been created, and bids will start immediately.
Motion: Authorize Mr. Estep to proceed with bids and the renovation project.
- Moved by: Nicole Estep | Seconded by: Jeff Lynn
Refrigerator Replacement: The rental space refrigerator requires a new compressor ($1,672. 47). Mr. Estep recommended purchasing a new unit instead.
Motion: Approve the purchase of a new refrigerator at $2,881.26.
- Moved by: Cindy Blontz | Seconded by: Nicole Estep

Solicitor (Michael Emerick): Has not yet received a response from Tye Dively regarding the land development agreement. He will follow up.
Engineer (Brian Smith): Discussed a proposed 125-foot AT&T tower on Stone Way.
Motion: Advertise a meeting about the AT&T Tower for March 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to gather public comments.
- Moved by: Cindy Blontz | Seconded by: Nicole Estep

The council entered executive session at 9:14 p. m. and completed it at 9:31 p. m.

Motion: Authorize Mr. Estep to execute the sales contract for 1146 3rd Ave. for a total of $170,000.
- Moved by: Nicole Estep | Seconded by: Jeff Lynn

Meeting Adjourned: 9:32 p. m.