Documents Oct 14, 2024

Council Minutes – October 14th, 2024

Borough of Duncansville Meeting Summary

Date: October 14, 2024 Location: Borough Office, 1146 3rd Ave Duncansville, PA 16635 Time: 7:06 p. m. – 8:52 p. m.

Council Members Present: Annette Lewis, Nicole Estep, Eric Fritz, Cindy Blontz, Dave Shaw.
Visitors: Hedi Rexford, Sue Koronawski, Bill Lloyd, Rodney Noel, Patrick Schore, Jeffery Cipriani, and Dave Claybaugh.

The council approved the minutes for the following dates:

Patrick Schore & Jeffery Cipriani (Explore Altoona): The group expressed concern regarding a potential resolution by the commissioners to revoke the hotel tax. This tax funds Explore Altoona, which markets local events and landmarks. Jeffery Cipriani (GM of the Hampton in Altoona) noted that this marketing brings business to local hotels. The council was asked to support the hotel tax against the commissioners' resolution.
Dave Claybaugh (Streetlights): Dave presented a proposal for the yearly maintenance of streetlights along 3rd Avenue. The plan includes an annual inspection (visual check, lens cleaning, part replacement) and a thickness test on poles due to winter salt usage.

Secretary Report: No report.
Mayor’s Report: The police report was reviewed and approved.
Manager’s Report:
- Accounting: Transitioning QuickBooks accounts to a single system; three new funds (Community Days, Children’s Christmas Fund, Police Fund) were added.
- Community Meetings: Held on September 23rd and 26th. Sunbrook Manor residents requested transportation to events; the council is researching volunteer options.
Solicitor Report: The sealed bid opening for the purchase of the Borough Office at 1146 3rd Ave resulted in no bids. The building will now be listed with a realtor.
- Motion: List the Borough Building with L&H Realty contingent on a broker agreement review and a 4. 5% commission for 90 days. (Moved by Nicole Estep, Seconded by Dave Shaw).

Building & Grounds: Community Center renovations are progressing well. Paint and drop ceilings are being completed this week, with flooring finishing by October 22nd. The building will be ready for the November 5th election.
Finance: The council decided to renew the current UPMC Health Care plan for 2025 as other options were not competitive.
- Motion: Renew current Health Care plan for 2025. (Moved by Nicole Estep, Seconded by Dave Shaw).
- Motion: Reimburse employees 30% of the Group classification cost if they do not opt for Borough Health Care, provided they are covered by a spouse's plan. (Moved by Dave Shaw, Seconded by Nicole Estep).
- Motion: Keep the Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) as is. (Moved by Dave Shaw, Seconded by Cindy Blontz).
Fire Company: Bill Lloyd reported on preparations for electric vehicles, including a plug that texts to indicate if a vehicle is running.
Parks & Recreation: Eric Fritz reported that Community Days is funding the addition of 3 LED lights at the park.
Street & Equipment: Leaf collection began October 14th and will run through the first two weeks of December. The department will also collect Christmas trees into January 2025.
Water & Sewer: The report was approved. (Moved by Dave Shaw, Seconded by Nicole Estep).

New Hire: Jerrica Grance has been hired as Borough Secretary/Treasurer.
- Motion: Add Jerrica Grance to bank accounts as a signer. (Moved by Nicole Estep, Seconded by Dave Shaw).
Line of Credit: Rodney Estep reported on a $125,000 line of credit based on 2025 tax anticipation.
- Motion: Allow Rodney Estep to proceed with the Line of Credit. (Moved by Dave Shaw, Seconded by Nicole Estep).
Community Outreach: Dana Milton is starting a mental health outreach program for kids. The council agreed to let her use the Community Center on November 20th and December 18th, 2024.

Trick or Treat Night: Scheduled for October 31st, 6–8 p. m. The Community Days Committee will fund and create the candy bags.

Next Meeting: November 12, 2024, at the Community Center.
Monthly Bills: The bill report and checks were provided; payment was approved. (Moved by Cindy Blontz, Seconded by Nicole Estep).
Meeting Adjourned: 8:52 p. m.