Hollidaysburg Borough Going Forward With Pedestrian Bridge Project

Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) requested that the Hollidaysburg Borough submit a grant application for a Local Share Account Grant on behalf of the fire department. This grant would allow the department to purchase a new fire engine at $936,841.

A purchase agreement in the amount of $170,000 for the property known as Diamond Supply at 320 N. Juniata St. was unanimously approved. The property was purchased to construct a pedestrian bridge from Canal Basin Park over the highway to the current Diamond Supply location. This will become the landing point of the connector bridge. The bridge will be a key in letting pedestrians cross over into the Canal Basin Park for the numerous events held there without having to negotiate traffic on the highway.

The heated discussion on hiring a part-time public safety clerk at last month’s meeting was again tabled by the board. An advertisement has been featured in newspapers and on social media for a part-time public safety clerk. The ad indicates that the part -time employee will be needed to work a 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift on various days, Monday through Friday.

The borough’s purchase of a new street sweeper is on hold. The sweeper has been ordered, but they are waiting for a part before sending it.

Police Chief Christopher Storm reported 430 calls for service in September 2023 versus only 325 calls for service in September 2022. Storm also stated the police ran two speeding enforcement details on BelAire Road with a total of 12 vehicles stopped for speeding. After the difficulty encountered in finding candidates for the open eighth police position, the changes made in hiring stipulations paid off. Storm announced they now have 14 applicants for the position.

Mark Slonaker of the Phoenix Fire Department reported they had 31 incident reports for September and 308 calls responded to year to date.

The new Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Andy Holodnik reported that there was a spike in work being done without permits, or last-minute applications being submitted for permits for work projects. Holodnik reminded everyone to submit permits in a timely manner.

When council was asked what they would like to see on next month’s agenda, responses were as follows:

• Walter Kalista wants to look at blighted properties in the Borough

• Sean Burke wants to examine zoning issues

• Michele Baker would like to keep Gaysport flooding on the agenda

Flood control and property owners’ responsibilities of the Minnie Ditch to prevent flooding was discussed by council. The borough does not own the stream, so property owners must remove trees, stumps, weeds in the stream that runs through their property in an effort to prevent flooding.

Director of Community Relations Melanie Ramsey reminded all of the WinterFest Parade on Nov. 19 and the Light Up Night & Soup Sampling on Nov. 24 starting at 5 p.m. Trick or Treat night in the borough will be today, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. The annual Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, beginning at 6 p.m.