City of Altoona

The meeting covered several key agenda items requiring approval. The consent agenda included ratification of payroll for November 14, 2025, budget transfers, approval for using red and green exterior lights on the courthouse in December, and approvals for ECMS submissions related to Bridge 33 project invoices for final design and PE phase engineering, with expenses mostly reimbursed from the Marcela Shale Legacy Fund. Reappointments were approved for David Clary, Steven Ghart, and Terry Thomasi to the Board of Assessment of Appeals, and appointments/reappointments were approved for the Blair County Conservation District Board. A significant discussion involved approving an umbrella contract for interpreter services to comply with APOC certification requirements. Public Safety received approval to accept a $15,000 Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant for the Miller Emergency Management drone program. The board approved a renewal agreement for electronic monitoring services for the Juvenile Probation Department with Track Group. Public Works secured approval for six agreements, sale deeds, and temporary easements for the Bridge 33 project, and later approved advertising an ordinance to take fee simple interest by eminent domain for a required parcel in Logan Township where owners are deceased. Finance items included approving the transition to TNF Exploration to manage the county's natural gas program and FMPP Holdings for the electric program, reducing general fund committed funds related to Valley View Home post-employment benefits to zero, and formally introducing the 2026 General Fund and Reserve Account Budgets. Social Services obtained approval for the 2026 Department of Human Services annual opt-out notification for assisted outpatient treatment, approval to sign environmental review records for owner-occupied housing rehab projects, and approval to sign environmental review records and exempt status determination forms for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 CDBG projects. Finally, approval was granted for a software update quote from HHS Systems.

The Commissioners' meeting involved several actions taken through the consent agenda, including the ratification of warrants, approval of budget transfers, and the 2026 holiday schedule for non-union employees. Approvals were also granted for a letter of support to Frankstown Township for the Memorial Park Improvement Project Phase 2, and for a for-credit student internship from Juniata College. Discussions also covered the approval of an actuarial services agreement with Foster and Foster Actuaries and Consultants for annual valuation and disclosure information preparation, noted as being cost-saving compared to previous arrangements. Additionally, the board approved a fiscal year 2526 Purchase of Service Agreement with Justice Works Youth Care Incorporated and another with City Missions Livingstones Incorporated. In public works matters, approval was granted for HVAC system maintenance at county communication towers and the submission of funding applications for the Pennsylvania Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Funds, totaling $50,000 for housing assistance and $150,000 for housing rehabilitation. The board ratified a lease extension for Garden Gate Florist and approved a deferred payment agreement with Doing Better Business, Inc. A change order was also approved for the salt shed building project with John Claire Excavating, increasing the cost to strengthen the roof material.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, a moment of silent prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. The proceedings included the approval of a consent agenda which covered the ratification of warrants, payroll, several budget transfers related to county vehicle maintenance and sheriff transport van expenses, an extension for a Penn State University student intern, and employment actions. Key discussions under special business included the approval of annual maintenance for Environmental Systems Research Institute GIS software, approval of a 2026 contract with Computer Aid, Inc. for Children, Youth, and Families services, renewal of the PMP workers comp trust fund policy, approval of a grant agreement for 911 statewide interconnectivity funding, acceptance of the hazardous materials response fund grant agreement, and approval of the annual human services block grant income and expenditures report. Matters tabled for further discussion included the demolition fund item under social services. Other business involved approving purchase of service agreements for mental health legal representation and subrecipient agreements for housing assistance. Approvals were also granted for supplemental construction services for the rehabilitation of County Road 105 and a work change directive for soil remediation on the salt shed project. The Assessment Office obtained approval for legal counseling services regarding 2026 assessment issues. The Board of Elections secured approval for coding agreements for the 2026 special general primary and general election ballots, as well as lease agreements for polling places spanning 2026 through 2029, and specific lease agreements for the May 19th primary and November 3rd general elections, and a separate lease agreement for a special election on March 17, 2026. Approval was also given for professional services related to managing data printing and mailing for the 2026 elections. A motion to approve the no-cost renewal of the PA SAVIN maintenance and service agreement for the victim witness office was passed. Finally, approval was granted for an estimate for the capture and removal of skunks at the high county highway yard.

The City Council meeting addressed several resolutions, including the approval of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program and amendments to the Fee Resolution concerning various Fire Department and Codes & Inspections fees. The council awarded contracts for Independent Auditing Services and demolition bids for six properties. Additionally, appointments were made for the positions of Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief, and a donation of a vehicle to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Act 120 Municipal Police Academy was approved. Professional Design Services were approved for the new aquatics complex at Prospect Pool. Ordinances introduced and adopted included establishing a licensing program for halfway/recovery houses and other housing facilities, authorizing membership in the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative (PMHIC), and adopting the 2026 Budget Ordinance. City Manager updates covered financial performance, system transformations, and labor agreement settlements. Council members also noted Police Chief Merrill's final meeting and discussed community events.

The meeting commenced with public comment where a local hauler raised concerns regarding alleged discriminatory denial of access to a transfer station and requested investigation into the denial criteria. Key resolutions included approving the 2026 to 2030 Capital Improvement Program, amending the fee resolution to incorporate fire department fees and create/adjust various licensing fees, and awarding the proposal for independent auditing services for 2025 through 2027, including federal housing funds. The Council also approved scheduling the next meeting, which includes swearing in and organizational sessions, and confirmed appointments for the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief, effective January 2nd, 2026. Additionally, the Council approved the donation of a municipal vehicle for police academy training, contracted for design services for a new aquatics complex, and awarded several demolition bids for various properties. The 2026 budget ordinance was adopted, maintaining a freeze on taxes.