Andrew V. Holodnik

The Borough Council meeting covered various topics, including the retirement of the Public Works Director, updates on ARPA funds and stormwater management, police and fire marshal reports, and public comments regarding borough services and infrastructure. Key actions included the approval of a consent agenda encompassing bill payments and certificates of appropriateness, the approval of a conditional use for a school, and the adoption of the 2025 budget and real estate tax rate. Discussions also involved the borough sidewalks grant program, stormwater projects, blight committee appointments, a dangerous structure remediation, a comprehensive plan update, roadway naming, and the approval of various resolutions related to the budget, fee schedule, and grant applications. Finally, the council awarded a bid for a stormwater project, approved a fireworks permit, adopted an ordinance for amusement devices, and made appointments to boards and commissions.

The Borough Council meeting included an oath of office for a new patrol officer and a proclamation for a retiring U.S. Army resident. Reports were given by the Borough Manager, Community Development Director, Director of Community Relations & Events, and Chief of Police. Public comments addressed various concerns including rain forecasts, Borough vehicle decals, sidewalks, and the need for a job trailer. The consent agenda included bill list approval and a Certificate of Appropriateness. Ordinance No. 910, amending the traffic code regarding parking regulations, was adopted. A Show Cause Hearing was scheduled for a dangerous structure investigation, and the formation of a Blight Committee was agreed upon.

The Borough Council meeting involved public hearings and discussions on rezoning a property from Residential Business to Limited Industrial, and vacating a portion of Bow Alley. A show cause hearing was held regarding a dangerous structure at 401 Garber Street, resulting in a decision to clean up the property. Other topics included budget discussions, department reports, public comments on various issues (speeding, weeds, stormwater, streetlights), and approvals of several resolutions. These resolutions covered the consent agenda (bill payments, certificates of appropriateness, MMOs), the establishment of a Blighted and Vacant Property Review Committee, allocation of CDBG funds, lot merge plans, and grant applications for the Canal Basin Overpass project.

The Borough Council meeting addressed several key items. A conditional use hearing was conducted for the Great Commission School to establish a school on Bedford Street, with a resolution to be presented for adoption at the next meeting. A grant application was supported for building improvements at the PVFD Station. The Stowell Farm Stormwater Project was discussed, with a final meeting scheduled and bids to be opened later. The council reviewed the monthly reports, including those from the Finance Director, Community Development, Community Relations & Events, and Police Chief. A donation was reported for Winterfest, and a donation for a police electric bike was received. The council approved several resolutions, including those related to a consent agenda, remedial work at 401 Garber Street, denial of COAs for 601 Allegheny Street and 408 Penn Street, naming a street in Ward Six (later amended to General Soyster Drive), the purchase of 521 White Street, appointing new delegates to the Blair County Tax Committee, and submitting a grant application to the Main Street Matters Grant program. The Holiday Meter Program was initiated. Discussion also included the Borough Sidewalks Grant Program, the Blight Committee, the 2025 Budget, a street light on Bedford Street, and an East side stormwater mitigation project.

The Borough Council meeting addressed several key issues. A public hearing was held and Ordinance No. 913 was adopted regarding a rezoning petition from the Great Commission School. Reports were given by the Borough Manager, Finance Director, Community Development Director, Director of Community Relations & Events, Fire Marshal, and Chief of Police. Public comments were received regarding open burning, the hospitality tax, Explore Altoona, the comprehensive plan, and stormwater mitigation. The council approved Resolution No. 2024-30 (bill list and certificates of appropriateness), Resolution No. 2024-31 (CDBG application), and discussed the comprehensive plan, Borough sidewalks grant program, East Side stormwater mitigation, blight committee, speeding remedies, a stop sign at Newry and Bedford Street, street light relocation on Bedford Street, a CDBG cooperative agreement with Blair County, Resolution No. 2024-33 (Fair Housing), a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME, a workers' compensation settlement, and Ordinance No. 910. A budget workshop was held, and an executive session was conducted to discuss real estate.