Altoona City Council adopts package of zoning, licensing and park-vacation ordinances; repository bid fails

Altoona City Council on Monday adopted a package of ordinances updating the city's subdivision and zoning codes, creating a new contractor-licensing framework, approved multiple property vacations in city parks and alleys, and authorized a guarantee of up to $9.75 million for a water-system loan. Council also approved a slate of consent items including a five-year firefighters' collective bargaining agreement; one repository bid was rejected.

The changes include an amended Subdivision of Land and Land Development chapter, an updated zoning code, licensing requirements for contractors, electricians and plumbers, and the vacations of specified lots in Fairview Park and Garfield Park and portions of several alleys and streets. Council voted 6-1 to adopt the contractor-licensing ordinance; all other ordinances and the consent agenda (excluding one pulled repository bid) passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the measures alter how development and trades are licensed in the city, revise zoning and subdivision rules intended to clarify where types of development are permitted, and relinquish certain city interests in small parcels and easements that were described in engineering vacation plans. The debt guarantee links the city to an Altoona Water Authority loan through Penvest that could expose the city's full faith-and-credit for up to $9.75 million.

Council's votes and key actions - Consent agenda (items…