Borough Approves Agreement, Hires Safety Clerk, Purchases Ambulance

The November monthly meeting of the Hollidaysburg Borough Council was highlighted by the vote on approving the Hollidaysburg Police Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, the hiring of a part-time safety clerk for the police department, and a new ambulance for the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service.

Borough Manager James Gehret said the police salary increase for the years 2024, ‘25, and ‘26 would be 4 percent across the board. Gehret said there would be no more shift differentials paid. The current contract with the Hollidaysburg Police Association expires at the end of December 2023. Gehret also said there would be one additional increase in 2024. They will get the 4-percent increase with an additional 25 cents. There is also no increase in healthcare rate charges. The council unanimously approved the bargaining agreement.

Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Association Director Rob Craig and Aaron Andrews of the Ambulance Association spoke to the Borough Council concerning the Local Share Grant application which would allow the ambulance service to purchase a new ambulance. Council was asked to consider Resolution No. 2023-30, an authorization of the borough to submit a grant application on behalf of the American Legion Ambulance Service. Andrews told the board and public in attendance that the average age of their vehicles is 10 years old with only one vehicle in the fleet with under 100,000 miles. Andrews said they have numerous long distance transfers. The quote on the ambulance was $117,000 and the Ambulance Association was asking for $111,801 from the borough grant with the ambulance service matching 5 percent. The resolution was passed unanimously by the council.

The hiring of a part-time safety clerk was brought back to the council for a vote. The borough had ran an ad for the position and Gehret spoke to the union on a memorandum of understanding for a flex shift. The union was not in favor of flexing shift. There was need for an evening part -time safety clerk who would also cover vacations. The motion to hire the clerk was made by Councilman Brady Leahey and was unanimously approved.

The borough’s 2024 budget will not require a tax increase according to Gehret. There will be a 4 percent increase for all staff with a 5 percent health care rate increase.

“That 4 percent would be only the staff that’s not getting salary adjustments that we talked about at the budget work session,” Gehret said.

The final budget was approved by council but will be made available for public viewing at the municipal building for 10 days.

The new borough street sweeper has been ordered and they are awaiting its arrival. An update was given for the stormwater retention pond in the Gaysport area. Gehret stated he has not been updated on the status of the stormwater grant.

Police Chief Chris Storm reported 339 calls for service in October 2023 versus 352 service calls for October 2022. Of note, Chief Storm reported 31 criminal arrests, four drug arrests, and four DUI arrests. Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Andy Holonik gave the council a report on code violations stating there were 12 no-permit violations and 13 safety violations issued.

The council chose a stormwater design plan for the Spring Street stormwater management application following lengthy discussion. This was after several individuals spoke up during public comment about their concern over getting the grant to control stormwater. There was fear of Spring flooding and letting the CDBG grant expire. There was some public concern over the proposed development of seven condos and 75 homes by Jeff Long Construction causing massive water run off and flooding at the Stowell Farms Development for residents of Gaysport.