City Council - Regular Meeting

Call this Altuna City Council meeting to order. Monday, August 11th at 6 p.m. Now have a moment of silent prayer. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Linda, would you take the roll call, please? Councilman Batty, here. Councilman Butterb here. Councilwoman Clinich here. Vice Mayor Ellis, here. Councilman Kis

here. Councilman Kelly here. Mayor Pacificico here.

I'd like to announce that uh we had an executive session prior to the meeting tonight to discuss personnel and real estate. And with that, I will open the floor for public comment. Uh if anybody would like to address council, please come to the podium, state your name and address for the record. Good evening, councilmen and council women. Thank you for having me. My name is Bonita Shrief. I live at 1413 Ivyide Drive, Altuna, Pennsylvania. I came tonight to uh call to your attention um about a pride parade and festival that's going to take place the 10th of October, 2025. I came here to let you know that I strongly oppose of this. I was a courtappointed special advocacy down in Texas and I've seen sexually abused children. I've seen them sexually groomed. I've I've witnessed so many things that I I it's a horror to recount. I think in a conservative area as Blair County that this should not be in nation in the nationwide it is like 1% a 1% we vote conservative here in Altuna Pennsylvania. Not only that there is a current case right now about someone reporting pedophilia and sexual grooming and do you know what happened? They are being accused of falsely reporting a false report. That's what they're being accused of here in Blair County of all places. I strongly oppose of this. It goes against every fiber of my being. Not that I'm against anyone that who is different than

myself. I myself am a minority. But here's the problem. Here's the issue. When they wanted to have equal rights, they became more than equal rights. They became a protected class. I myself as a minority, I don't even get those special privileges. I think it's up to us to stand up and protect the children. These are minors. Pennsylvania even have laws against lwdness, obscenities. What are we doing? So, I ask you to really rethink about this. Thank you for your time. Good evening, council and officers. And I want to say my name's Bob Kutz. I'm from Altuna, PA, Dutch Hill all my life. Want to take time and thank the manager for having worked with us about this change that you folks are going to adopt sometime soon concerning the city licensing. It's been happening here in our city for well over 70, maybe even 80 years that we've had a master and journeyman and wireman and residential just as of recently. And it has worked quite well for a very long time. It's made a lot of money for this city, the inspections, the licenses, and all the permits. And I'm hoping that we don't get away from that. One of the things that I'm hopeful that this council will continue will be the examining board, which you have now. You have licensed master electricians and plumbers on that board. And what with this three strike system that you're recommending, you should have somebody in place that is knowledgeable about what those violations might be. And I

would ask that that be something that carries over. Uh, I would certainly like to see things remain the way they are, but obviously that's not going to happen. I have a dear old friend that used to tell me when he voted in the state legislature, his name was Clarence Bell, he used to say, "Can you count?" And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I can count. And I know which way you folks are voting. But that still doesn't take away from the fact that we do want to have a responsible contracting licenses in the city and want to continue with knowledge and expertise in both fields, plumbing and electrical. Thank you. There is no more public comment. We will close the floor and move into the resolutions.

Item A is approving the minutes of the Altuna City Council meeting meeting held Monday, July 14th, 2025. Item B is awarding the 2025 asphalt crack and joint ceiling project to Kryon of Somerset in the amount of $85,46849 payable from the highway aid fund and further authorizing the city manager to execute all documents in the city clerk to attest to same. Item C is awarding the 2025 tree project to Henry Enterprises of Holidaysburg in the amount of $6,417.50 50 cents payable from the general fund tree maintenance and further authorizing the city manager to execute all documents in the city clerk to attest to same. Item D is amending the 2024 CDBG program, creating an eighth street curb and sidewalk project and transferring 18,89650 from the blighted property program and 18643538 to the newly created 8th Street curb and sidewalk project for a total amount of $25,331.88. Further authorizing the city manager to execute all documents and the city clerk to attest to same. Item E is awarding a demo bid for 1907 111th Street to GNR excavating of Tyrone in the amount of 15,64550 payable from the city's all together Altuna fund and further authorizing the city manager to execute all documents and the city clerk to attest to same. Item F is adopting the 2025 to 29 CDBG home consolidated plan and the 2025 CDBG home annual plan and authorizing the mayor to execute all documents and the city clerk to file the appropriate statement certifications and meeting minutes with HUD. Item G is appointing Corey Tubbo to the Aljuna Parking Authority to fill the unexpired term of Barry Dandrea. Said term shall expire

the first Monday of January 2028. Item H is being tabled. Item I is concurring with the Blair County Commissioner certification of Discover Blair County, an affiliate member organization of the Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth as the designated and recognized tourist promotion agency for the county of Blair. Item J is approving a repository bid in the amount of $1,500 submitted by Daniel Albbright for property located at 18006th Avenue and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Item K is approving a repository bid in the amount of $250 submitted by Amber Paresi for property located at 12294th Avenue and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Item H is approving a repository bid in the amount of $20 submitted by Michael Henninger for property located at 121219th Avenue and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Item M is approving a repository bid submitted by GDI Enterprises of Philadelphia in the amount of $500 each located at 2609 Maple, 2011 1513th A, 112417th Avenue, 11251 18th Avenue, 6131 18th Street, and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Item N is approving a repository bid submitted by Rio Solutions Corporation of Boon Beach, Florida in the amount of $50 each located at 8196th Avenue, 2609 Maple A Avenue, 2015 13th Avenue, 1926 12th Avenue, 719 North 5th Avenue, and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form.

Is there anything that needs to be pulled for separate vote? Yes. I'd like to uh pull items M and N, the last two, for separate vote, please. Also I please. [Applause] Okay, I'm gonna call for the consent vote first, excluding item I M andN. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clintich, yes. Vice Mayor Ellis,

yes. Councilman Ikis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Pacificico, yes. And the consent vote passes seven to zero. And then on item I, it's concurring with the Blair County Commissioner certification of Discover Blair County and affiliate member organization of Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth as a designated and recognized tourist promotion agency for the county of Blair. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clinich, yes. Vice Mayor Ellis, yes. Councilman Ikis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Pacificico, no.

The vote passes six to one. And then on item M, we have approving a repository bid submitted by GDR Enterprises of Philadelphia in the amount of $500 each located at 2609 Maple, 201513th Avenue, 112417th Avenue, 11251 18th Avenue, 6131 18th Street. Lost my police. and further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Councilman Batty, no. Councilman Butterb, no. Councilwoman Clint, no. Vice Mayor Ellis, no. Councilman Kis, no. Councilman Kelly, no. Mayor Pacificico, no.

And the vote does not pass 0 to 7. On item N, we have approving a repository bid submitted by Rio Solutions of Boon Beach, Florida in the amount of $50 each for 8/19 6th Avenue, 2609 Maple Avenue, 2015 13th Avenue, 1926 12th Avenue, 719 North Fifth Avenue, further authorizing the city manager to execute the taxing district form. Councilman Batty, no. Councilman Butterb, no. Councilwoman Clint, no. Vice Mayor Ellis, no. Councilman Ikis, no. Councilman Kelly, no. Mayor Pacificico, no.

And the vote does not pass 0 to 7. Moving on to ordinances. The first ordinance is an introd is an ordinance of the city of Altuna amending chapter 640 of the code of the city of Altuna entitled subdivision of land and land development to repeal the current text and replace it in its entirety. provides for severability of of provisions, repi repeal inconsistent ordinances, reaffirming the code of the city of Altuna as amended, and providing an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance? So moved.

This ordinance is introduced by Councilman Butterb. The second ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna amending chapter 800 of the code of the city of Altuna entitled zoning to repeal the current text and replace it it in its entirety provide for severability of provisions repeal inconsistent ordinances reaffirming the code of the city of Altuna as amended and providing an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance? So moved.

This ordinance is introduced by Vice Mayor Ellis. The third ordinance is an ordinance of the city of Altuna amending the code of the city of Altuna as follows. One amending chapter 270 entitled construction standards by adding article 4 thereof entitled contractor licensing to require the licensing of contractors working in the city. amending chapter 314 entitled electricians to require the licensing of electricians working in the city and set requirements thereof. Three, amending chapter 542 entitled plumbers to require the licensing of plumbers working in the city of Altuna and set requirements thereof provide for severability and repealer and establish an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

So moved.

This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Butterb. The fourth introd fourth ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna, Blair County, Pennsylvania, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of the alley situate be behind 615 North 2nd Street between North 6th Avenue and North 7th Avenue pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code and further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Lorie Sterling and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right title and or interest the city has or may have in said portion provide severability of provisions repeal or and provide an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

So move. This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Ikis. The fifth ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna, Blair County, Pennsylvania, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of two separate lots of Fairview Park as depicted in the vacation plan by the Eids group attached here 2 is exhibit A pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code and further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute any and all documentation to relinquish any right title and/or interest the city has or may have in said lots. provide severability provisions, repealer and provide an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

So move. This ordinance was introduced by councilwoman Clintich. Sixth ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna Blair County, Pennsylvania, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of six separate lots of Garfield Park as depicted in the vacation plan by the Eids group attached here to exhibit A. Pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna city code, further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute any and all documentation to relinquish any right, title, and or interest the city has or may have in said lots, provide severability of provisions, repealer, and provide an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance? I'll take that one, Linda.

This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Batty. The seventh ordinance is an ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna Blair County which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of a 25- foot lot portion of unopened Tyler Avenue between South 12th Street and South 13th Street pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code and further authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Robert B deal and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right title and or The city of Altuna has or may have in set on opened avenue provide severability of provisions repealer and provide an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

This ordinance was introduced by councilwoman Clintich. The eighth ordinance for introduction is an ordinance of the city of Altuna Blair County, Pennsylvania, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of a seven and 1/2 foot portion of an unopened alley between South 12th Street and South 13th Street pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna city code, further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Robert B deal and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right, title, and or interest the city has or may have in said unopened alley. provide severability of provisions, repealer and provide an effective date. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Ikis. The next ordinance is for introduction is an ordinance which I believe um Yens was going to speak on real quickly before we

Well, thank you. Pleasure to be here. Uh, I'd like to introduce my colleague Brian Mener, who'll be working on uh, some future projects here with the city and with the Altuna Water Authority. And that's why I'm here while we're here this evening. Uh, this particular ordinance is something you've seen before. U the water authority seeks low interest funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and it's almost universally successful and as it has in this case. I was here about two months ago to talk about a sewer project that they were successful in obtaining uh funding and now here we are to talk about water. The project here is called the uh horseshoe curve and kettle water ozone treatment uh improvements project. This is actually an extension and furtherance of a project uh to provide these ozone treatment uh so this is a continuation of that uh provide further facilities for their other uh treatment locations. This loan uh has an initial interest rate of 1.743 for the construction period plus five years and then 2.179% for the remaining 15 years uh fixed in both cases. So there's an there's an amortization schedule in the back door as provided by Penvest. I do want to make a correction again. We can do it when we do the final reading. The uh principal amount is 9,750. So u and that's a maximum number. You might recall when I came for first reading on the sewer project we had a large number then went to bid and it was reduced significantly. So we're hopeful for that same case here assuming we have

bids before the final reading and and we will go with the lower number. Otherwise we'll just go with the maximum here uh and then reduce it on the state records later when we do have the final bids and penvest. Uh, okay. Is what the final costs are,

but otherwise it'll work the same. As you will recall, it's the city is the owner of the water system as it is the sewer system that's operated by the Altuna water authority. So, these uh facilities being constructed are of a direct benefit to the city as well as to the authority and of course the customers. So, uh, Penvest has asked for is requiring a guarantee and a pledge of of the revenues from the system and it ties in the existing lease between the water authority and the city. So, with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions. So, if something occurs to you between now and the final reading, be happy to to deal. And likewise, if you're interested in any details on the project, the folks at the water authority will certainly oblige. Thank you.

Okay. So, this ordinance for introduction is an ordinance in the city of Altuna incurring lease rental debt as defined in the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit debt act in a in a principal amount not to exceed 9,750,000 evidenced by its guarantee of 100% of the payments due under a debt obligation of the Altuna Water Authority issued to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority in connection with the water system operated by the authority and pay related expenses authorizing a guarantee agreement ment by and among the city of Altuna as guarantor, the Altuna water authority and Penvest as lender, securing the debt obligation, pledging one certain water system lease revenues of the city and to the full faith credit and taxing power of the city in support of its guarantee, appointing a syncing fund depository in connection with such guarantee and authorized related actions and documents. Is there a council member willing to introduce this ordinance?

So moved. This ordinance was introduced by Councilman Batty. The next ordinance is for adoption and it was introduced by Councilman Nicks. It's an ordinance in the city of Altuna, Blair County, Pennsylvania, which eliminates chapter 646-15 to 646-23 of the Altuna City Code as it pertains to amusement tax assessments. Is there a motion for adoption? So moved. Second. Second. This ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilman Ikis and seconded by Vice Mayor Ellis. I'll call the role for a vote. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clint,

yes. Vice Mayor Ellis, yes. Councilman Ikis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Pacificico, yes.

The vote passes seven to zero. We have the next ordinance for adoption, which is introduced by Councilwoman Clintich. It's an ordinance of the city of Altuna, Blair County, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of a portion of East Altuna Avenue as depicted in the survey of color engineers to pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code and further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to the Altuna Property LLC, Aubry Alexander, and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right, title, and or interest the city has or may have in said portion of East Altuna Avenue, provide severability of provisions, repealer, and provide an effective date. Is there a motion for adoption?

I'll make that motion. A second. Second. This ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilman Batty, seconded by Vice Mayor Ellis. I'll call the role for a vote. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clinich, yes. Vice Mayor Ellis, yes. Councilman Ikis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Pacificico. Yes.

The vote passed seven to zero. Next, we have an ordinance for adoption which is introduced by Councilman Batty and it is an ordinance of the city of Altuna Blair County which authorized the vacation and abandonment of a portion of East Blair Avenue as depicted in the survey of Keller engineers pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code. Further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Altuna Property LLC, Aubrey Alexander, and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right title and/or interest the city may have in said portion of East Blair Avenue. Provide severability of provisions, repealer, and provide an effective date. Is there a motion for adoption?

I'll make a motion. A second. Second. Mayor, this ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilwoman Clint and seconded by Mayor Pacificico. I'll call for the vote. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clinich, yes. Vice Mayor Ellis, yes. Councilman Kis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Pacifica, yes.

And the vote passes seven to zero. We have the next ordinance, which which was introduced by Vice Mayor Ellis. It's an ordinance of the city of Altuna Blair County which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of one half of an unopened portion of Lloyd Street between East Logan and East Grant Avenue pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code and further authorizing the mayor and the city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Michael Coho and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right title and or interest the city may have has or may have in said portion. provide severability of provisions, repeal or and provide an effective date. Is there a motion for adoption? So moved. A second.

Second. This ordinance was moved for adoption by Vice Mayor Ellis, seconded by Councilman Ikis. I'll call for the vote. Councilman Batty, yes. Councilman Butterb, yes. Councilwoman Clinich, yes. Vice Mayor Ellis, yes. Councilman Kis, yes. Councilman Kelly, yes. Mayor Bacco, yes.

The vote passes seven to zero. We have one left. It's was introduced by Councilman Butterb. It's an ordinance of the city of Altuna, Blair County, which authorizes the vacation and abandonment of the the north n North 7th Avenue alley between North 19th Street and North 20th Street pursuant to chapter 295-8 of the Altuna City Code. Further authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a quick claim deed to Holly and Michael B and Con and any accompanying documentation to relinquish any right title and or interest the city has or may have in said portion provide severability of provisions repealer and provide an effective date. Is there a motion for adoption? I'll make that motion.

A second. Second. This ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilman Batty and seconded by Councilwoman Clinich. And I'll call for the vote. Councilman Batty. Yes. Councilman Butterb. Yes. Councilwoman Clintich. Yes. Vice Mayor Ellis. Yes. Councilman Icis. Yes. Councilman Kelly. Yes. And Mayor Pacificico. Yes. Vote passes seven to zero. All right. Moving along to city manager updates. Nothing significant to report. Thank you. Uh council updates. Councilman Kelly. I have nothing. Thank you. Councilman Hickas, I have nothing also. Thank you, Mayor. Councilman Butterball, nothing at this time. Thank you,

Councilman Ellis. I just want to thank the staff uh working with CZB and the input from the citizens that led to uh the proposed zoning changes that we uh put forth tonight. Thank you, Councilman Batty. Councilwoman Clinch, I just want to thank the um Altuna Police Department for the night out on Tuesday uh last Tuesday. It was very nice. So, thank you.

Thank you. Questions from the media. Bill Thank you. Um would anybody care to comment on the passage of the SAOZoning um ordinances? Oh yeah. I mean the introduction of sorry we'll just have a vote on them next month. Yeah. I know to adopt them. But we've been working on this for

what two years. you know, and I think we've we've spent a tremendous amount of time trying to get it right. And I think that, you know, it'll benefit all all the citizens. [Music] It'll let us build um find new creative ways to add housing and different types of housing in neighborhoods um which is something that we really need right now. Anyone [Music] else? Okay. Um would anybody um care to comment on what Larry Carter said about the um questions he asked, I guess, about the salow zoning stuff?

I I think it's good to have public comment. I mean that's the purpose and you know Larry has some background at this so I think those are things that need to be looked at but overall I think the team that we had work on this did a did an excellent job. [Music] Okay. Um, a question about the uh the the new or the proposed new rules for um TRA workers for for tradesmen licensing. Um, and I guess this is for Chris. Uh, I was looking at the at the ordinance itself that you had sent and it says under workman's comp minimum for contractors $100,000 $500,000 $100,000. I I just didn't understand what that's supposed to mean. Hold on one second so I can pull the ordinance up. Do you know what paragraph it was?

Yeah, I I left it over there on my

Okay. Not to speak out of term, but my guess is that has to do with the liability requirement liability limit requirements when it comes to providing um evidence of uh insurance to the city. Yeah, that's just general business act, you know, for businesses. That's business standard for insurance.

Okay. Well, it's it's on page three. It it just it just seems confusing, I guess. It says if the company employs one or more employees, a policy of workers comp insurance is required at a minimum of 100,000 comma 500,000 comma 100,000 or equal to the minimum requirements of the state. This is to be in compliance with the uh the Commonwealth's requirements for workman's comp.

But I mean what what does it mean? I I'm it's just confusing that there were three separate numbers. Well, two separate numbers and three in in a row there. I will have to pull the requirements from the Commonwealth and I'll send them to you. Okay. Yeah. Not a big deal. That just was it's very similar like when you go obtain automobile insurance. Yeah. Insurance levels of liability. Okay.

Okay. So it just depends on what your size of your company that sort of thing. Okay. And remember that's minimum. That's minimum. So, you know, companies may have much more than that in their typical business ventures. Okay.

Um, next question. It's it's a sort of a similar question, I guess. Um, the the three strike provision is that three strikes on one part on one job or three strikes overall for a contractor? It's three strikes in a calendar year. So you you could potentially have them all on one project or on three separate projects.

Okay. Okay. Got it. Um, would anybody care to comment on what Bob Kutz said about the about accepting this as inevitable but not really hap being really happy about it? Well, I mean, it's it's sometimes typical a local government, like if you side completely with one side, you're going to irritate half the people. And if you side completely with the other, you irritate the other half. But if you get it right, generally everybody's a little miffed [Music]

in in a in a good negotiation of settlement, both parties walk away unhappy. So that's that's basically I think what we have here. You say a little unhappy. [Music]

But I would like to commend everybody for their work together on this. [Music] Okay. Anybody else? Uh would anybody care to comment on the um on the co on the comment about the pride the upcoming pride parade? [Music]

Okay. I I Bill, you know, I we we live in a very conservative area and I think to some people this is more in your face and you know I I find it to be objectionable but under America we do have certain rights and property of the city can be used for certain things. Well, I don't personally agree with it. You know, the city's bound to do certain things and, you know, I just personally don't approve of it whatsoever. [Music] Okay. Um, Matt, would you want to say why you voted no on the uh resolution? I

Yeah. Uh I still disagree with the descertification. I mean with the whole thing in principle basically. [Music] Um, and the Chris, I know you you sent me some information about the um the vacation slashabandonment of slivers of the parks and and I know I've known about the Garfield project. Is there is there a project going on proposed for Fairview Park? That's uh major

the uh the vacation request was so that we can take those uh parcels combine them to one so that uh as we move forward in potential planning for a project at Fairview Park, we're meeting all the requirements. Um the Garfield Park uh uh the information I sent you this afternoon shows that uh the state required that those parcels be together. So this is just uh preparing potentially for a Fairview Park project. Okay. [Music]

Are of all the v I know there's been lots and lots of these vacation abandonments for several months. Is there a particular reason there's so many of them lately or Yeah, because because we're doing a good job of making Altuna more business friendly, more land development friendly, and more people are adding to their property so that they could improve their property and take advantage of the opportunities of of making things better here. Well, and the other thing is a lot of times we were responsible for these properties. If we can pass them off to the neighboring homeowner or in in the case of East Blair Avenue, pass them to the dealership and let them expand and have a better a safer environment for their customer. That's really what we're trying to do is get properties that are not in good use or ones that we have to maintain into the hands of the private sector. [Music] Okay, that's all I have. Thanks.

Meeting is adjourned.