Council Minutes – May 13th, 2024

Meeting Overview

The Duncansville Borough Council met on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:00 P. M. in the Borough Building. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call by Secretary Paula J Fox.

Attendance:

• Council Members: Eric Fritz (Mayor), Annette Lewis (President), Jeffrey Lynn (Vice President), Cindy Blontz, Dave Shaw, Nicole Estep.
• Staff: Rodney Estep (Police Chief/Borough Manager).

Public Comments & Visitors

• Sue Koronowski: Raised concerns regarding 4-way stop signs at 5th Ave and 11th St. Borough Manager Rod Estep noted the street department is conducting a sign study and suggested adding smaller "two way" or "four way" signs under existing stop signs.
• Rodney Noel: Reported that Jerome from the Water/Sewer Dept replaced marking flags with paint marks, allowing him to mow his grass without obstruction.
• Alexis Thompson: Voiced concerns about parking in the alley behind "Coffee on 3rd" during events, which blocked her tenants.
  • Action: Council advised calling the non-emergency police line for parking issues and suggested speaking with the coffee shop owner to install "No Parking" signs.
  • Property Issue: Thompson inquired about obtaining the alley as part of her property. She was advised to petition the council in writing regarding the abandonment of the alley.

Secretary’s Report

• "Welcome to Duncansville" Signs: The old signs are in poor condition. Rod Estep will contact Explore Altoona to ensure clearance for new signs, as they donated the original ones.
• Baseball Field: Christina Detrick’s son, Caleb, wishes to repair the small baseball field at the park for youth practice. Council approved this as an excellent idea and suggested consulting Jim Batzel regarding usage.

Chief Estep’s Report

• 2024 Street Improvement Bids:
  • Grannas Brothers: $276,829. 95 (Awarded)
  • Glenn O Hawbaker: $454,358. 00
  • New Enterprise Stone & Lime: $283,346. 61
  • Motion to award to Grannas Brothers carried.
• Antique Depot Project: Phases 1 and 2 are complete. A new building was constructed without a permit; the Engineer will review for zoning compliance.
• Community Center Phase 1: Paperwork submitted to DCED with tentative approval expected by May 16.
  • Motion to approve contractors upon DCED approval carried.
  • Motion to move forward with public bid process for the sale of the existing Borough Building carried.
• Engineer Appointment: Following an executive session on April 18, Council voted to hire Keller Engineering as the Borough Engineer.

Solicitor’s Report

• Werstil Fence Violation: A complaint was filed with the Magisterial Judge. Annette Lewis was authorized to execute and send the complaint.
• Enforcement Officer Ordinance: A proposed ordinance was presented. Council voted to have Mike advertise the ordinance for adoption at the next meeting.

Committees & Departments

• Buildings & Grounds: Report included in Rod’s report.
• Finance: No report.
• Fire Company: Bill reported that fire trucks can now access Vineyard Lane.
• Parks & Recreation: Annette Lewis and Sherry Socie are working on grants. Fundraising ideas are being developed with Bill Lloyd.
• Pickleball Court: Due to the street project coming in under budget, funds are available for blacktopping.
  • Bids Received: Grannas Brothers ($27,500), J. W. Fleming ($22,875), Curb Appeal ($21,800).
  • Decision: Council voted to hire Curb Appeal as the lowest bidder. (Annette Lewis abstained).

Borough Council Business

• Water & Sewer: Report for April 2024 approved.
• Duncansville Community Days:
  • Jimmy Mowery will perform on Friday night.
  • Fireworks are canceled due to location issues.
  • Bounce House: Council approved purchasing a bounce house contingent on buying Event Insurance that covers it.
• New Business: Council decided to email council reports instead of delivering packets, with exceptions for Cindy Blontz and Dave Shaw.
• Executive Session: Held from 8:44 PM to 9:25 PM for personnel reasons.
• Bills: Motion to pay May 2024 monthly bills carried.

Next Meeting: Monday, June 10, 2024 Adjournment: 9:30 PM