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 a'i): approved 7-0. Included approval of the collective bargaining agreement between the city and Local 299 firefighters for Jan. 1, 2026'Dec. 31, 2030, replacement of a steam boiler and rooftop cooling units ($180,978.06), a payroll and human capital services agreement with Paycom ($57,551.06), and two demolition contracts ($16,500 and $12,210.40). - Repository bid (item j): rejected 0-7. The council voted down a repository bid of $808 submitted by Yamel (or Yamal) Quintana for property described as 1508 Thirteenth Alley. - Ordinance adoptions (selected): - Subdivision code amendment: adopted 7-0 (mover: Councilman Butterbaugh; second: Mayor Pacifico). - Zoning code amendment: adopted 7-0 (mover: Vice Mayor Ellis; second: Mayor Pacifico). - Contractor licensing (contractors, electricians, plumbers): adopted 6-1 (mover: Councilman Butterbaugh; second: Councilman Ickes). Councilman Kelly cast the lone no vote. - Vacations/abandonments: Fairview Park (two lots), Garfield Park (six lots), multiple alley/road portions and quitclaim deeds to private parties: each adopted 7-0. - Lease rental debt guarantee for Altoona Water Authority (Penvest loan): adopted 7-0. The ordinance authorizes a guarantee not to exceed $9,750,000 and related documents.

Council discussion and public comment Before the votes, a resident, Bonita Sharif of 1413 Iveside Drive, urged the city not to use taxpayer resources to secure an LGBTQ bridal and parade festival, saying it was "immoral and unconscionable" and that such events could confuse children. Sharif spoke during the public-comment period and identified her address for the record.

Council members and staff offered limited public response. Mayor and council members acknowledged the comment: "I can understand why she feels the way she feels," said one councilmember during the post-meeting exchange. (Public comments do not represent council policy unless the council acts on an item.)

The contractor-licensing ordinance drew the most debate at council. Councilman Kelly said he voted against the measure because he was concerned about inspections capacity, safety and the potential negative impact on in-city licensed businesses. "I have three ... concerns that give me pause and make me want to vote no. I worry about the safety and the quality of the work and whether that might be compromised," Kelly said.

Supporters said licensing changes aim to streamline permitting and reduce costs for rehabilitation and construction. Council members said the measure keeps inspection requirements and the uniform building code in place while broadening who may obtain contractor licenses. Councilman Butterbaugh said staff and contractors had worked through a long process and praised those involved: "You guys did a really good job," he said after visiting Garfield Park work sites.

Pension certification presentation A staff member identified as Jim presented the city's required certification of the minimum municipal obligation (MMO) for 2026 and reported estimated MMO figures shown to council: $2,845,346 for the police pension plan, $1,014,408 for the nonuniform plan and $3,200,075 for the fire plan. Jim said those totals reflect actuarial assumptions and that state aid will reduce the city's net payment once the state aid amounts are announced in September.

Other details and next steps - The city manager and staff said a five-year firefighters' contract is being finalized and will be signed the following day. Council thanked negotiators and Local 299 for the agreement. - Several small capital and grant-funded projects were approved as part of the consent agenda, including grant-funded energy-efficiency HVAC work and sidewalk easement agreements tied to a Dollar General development at 404 East 20th/25th Avenue. - The lease guarantee ordinance requires related guarantee documents among the City of Altoona, the Altoona Water Authority and Penvest; the measure authorizes pledge of certain water-system lease revenues and the city's full faith-and-credit as security.

Council adjourned after routine updates and brief staff reports. Several items (including the exact state aid amounts for pensions and full signed copies of the firefighter contract) were noted by staff as "to be provided" after the meeting.