Authorities, Boards, and Commissions
Authorities, Boards, and Commissions
Talent Bank Applications are accepted by the City of Altoona for positions on the Authorities, Boards & Commission throughout the year. Appointments are generally made in December or January. Applications will remain on file for one year from remittance date. Contact the City Clerk’s Office with questions at 814-949-2486 or by using this PDF Form
Board Members
- The Governing Body
Information
The board serves in an advisory capacity to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health related to the preservation of public health.
Staff
- Dr. Zane Gates, M.D.
- Interim Fire Chief Adam Free, Emergency Management Coordinator
Meetings
Scheduled as needed.
Board Members
- Dave Albright, Architect
- Term Expires January 2028
- Brian Durbin, Contractor, Alternate
- Larry Field, Master Electrician
- Term Expires January 2026
- Dave Hess, Master Plumber
- Term Expires January 2025
- Randy Diviney, Structural Engineer
- Term Expires January 2028
- James Potopa, Engineer
- Term Expires January 2029
- Carroll White, Structural Engineer, Alternate
Information
This Board was created by Ordinance #5421, adopted March 12, 1997, replacing the Building Code Board of Appeals previously created by Ordinance #3952, adopted May 18, 1967. It shall consist of five (5) individuals. The original terms staggered and thereafter shall be for a period of five (5) years or until his successor has been appointed. The appointments shall be made by recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council.
The board shall consist of five (5) members, one from each of the disciplines outlined in the Uniform Construction Code.
This board is responsible for hearing appeals from a decision of the Code Official refusing to grant modifications to the Uniform Construction Code.
Staff
- Rebecca Brown, Codes & Inspections Director
- Vacant, Building Inspector
- Solicitor: Tom Finn, Esq.
Meetings
Meet as needed.
Board Members
- Mitchell Cooper
- Term Expires January 2029
- Howard Ermin
- Term Expires January 2028
- Bruce Kelley
- Term Expires January 2027
- Christopher Kirwin
- Term Expires January 2026
- Norman Young
- Term Expires January 2025
Information
Website: http://www.altoonahousing.org
The Altoona Housing Authority, a five (5) member Board, was created to provide housing for individuals and families who cannot afford safe, sanitary housing in the private market. Members are appointed for a five (5) year term by recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council. *Residency requirement.
Staff
- Cheryl Johns, Executive Director
- Solicitor: David Andrews, Esq.
Meetings
Held the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM in the Board Room of the Housing Authority Administrative Office Building located at 2700 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602.
Board Members
- Ted Beam
- Term Expires January 2025
- Barry D'Andrea
- Term Expires January 2028
- David Betar
- Term Expires January 2029
- Sherri McGregor
- Term Expires January 2027
- Mayor Matt Pacifico
- Term Expires January 2025
Information
Five (5) member Board, appointed by recommendation of the Mayor, with the approval of Council, for a term of five (5) years. *Residency requirement.
Staff
- Vicky Chilcote, Administrative Assistant
- Joe Merrill, Chief of Police
- Solicitor: Katherine Richards, Esq.
Meetings
Held the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 A.M. in the Parking Authority Board Room, 1225 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona PA 16601. Phone - 814-943-8133
Altoona City Planning Commission
- Dave Albright
- Term Expires January 2025
- Larry Bilotto
- Term Expires January 2027
- Drew Brennan
- Term Expires January 2029
- Richard Haines
- Term Expires January 2027
- Michael Haire
- Term Expires January 2028
- Jesse Ickes
- Term Expires January 2027
- Devin Saylor
- Term Expires January 2025
Information
The Altoona City Planning Commission has a seven (7) member Board appointed by recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council. Terms last four (4) years. *Residency requirement.
The PA Municipalities Planning Code establishes the basic authority for the exercise of municipal land use controls in Pennsylvania. It enables municipalities to plan for community development through preparation of a comprehensive development plan and to govern such development through zoning (with or without planned residential development provisions), subdivision and land development, and official map ordinances. The Code provides for the establishment of planning commissions, planning departments, planning committees and zoning hearing boards and authorizes those bodies to charge fees, make inspections and hold public hearings. The Code provides for appropriations, appeals and penalties for violations, and for the posting of performance guarantees to ensure compliance.
Staff
- Rebecca Brown, Codes & Inspections Director
- Diana White, Community Development Director
- Sabrina McMillen, GIS & Land Use Coordinator
Meetings
Held the first Tuesday of each month at 3:00 PM, Altoona City Hall, Common Room, 4th Floor, 1301 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16601.
Board Members
- Nate Kissell, Altoona Interim City Manager
- Phil Riccio, Altoona Area School District Athletic Director
- Matt Pacifico, Altoona City Mayor
- Joe Metzgar, Logan Township Supervisor
- Kelly Irwin-Adams, Altoona Area School Board Member
- Dave Francis, Altoona Area School Board Member
- Ed Frontino, Logan Township Supervisor
- Dave Ellis, Altoona City Councilman
- Tim Brown, Logan Township Manager
Information
Website: www.cbrcparks.org
Central Blair Recreation Commission (CBRC) was founded in 1993 by the City of Altoona, Logan Township and the Altoona Area School District. An Inter-Municipal Agreement coordinates the City, the Township and the School District to administer parks and recreation programs and activities, facilities and policies.
Staff
- Mike Hofer - Executive Director
- Solicitor: Dan Stants, Esq.
Meetings
Held as follows:
Logan Township Municipal Building, 100 Chief Logan Circle, Altoona, PA 16602 at 3:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays in 2024:
January 18
March 21
May 16
July 18
September 19
November 21
To view the board minutes go to www.cbrcparks.org
Board Members
- Shelley Clinich, Altoona City Councilwoman
- Nate Kissell, Interim City Manager
- Jim Patterson. Logan Township Supervisor
- Joe Metzger. Logan Township Supervisor
- Tim Brown, Logan Township Manager
- Brady Leahey, Hollidaysburg Borough
- , Hollidaysburg Borough
Information
The Intermunicipal Relations Committee (IRC) was established in 1990 as a recycling committee in order to address recycling, which is a mandate by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Act 101. In 1997 the IRC from the Intermunicipal Recycling Committee to the Intermunicipal Relations Committee and functions as a Council of Governments (COG). The COG is made up of the City of Altoona, the Township of Logan and the Borough of Hollidaysburg.
Staff
- Brock Bryan, Executive Director
- John Keith, Facility Manager
- Julie Dilling, Education & Enforcement Coordinator
Meetings
Held the fourth* Tuesday of every other month at 4:30 PM, Altoona City Hall, 4th Floor Conference Room, 1301 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16601.
* The November meeting is held on the third Tuesday of the month.
Board Members
- Ron Beatty
- Term Expires January 2029
- Richard Fiore Jr.
- Term Expires January 2026
- Allen Thompson
- Term Expires January 2027
- Mayor Matt Pacifico
- Term Expires January 2027
- Jessica Sprouse
- Term Expires January 2027
Information
The Redevelopment Authority derives its powers and duties from the Pennsylvania State Urban Redevelopment Law and it executes urban renewal projects. The Redevelopment Authority has been designated to act as the Land Bank for the City. The purpose of the Land Bank is to effectively facilitate the return of blighted, abandoned and functionally obsolete properties to productive reuse. In its capacity as Land Bank, the Redevelopment Authority acquires vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties, clears them of liabilities, and transfers them to new owners for rehabilitation and redevelopment.
Five (5) member Board, appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council, for a term of five (5) years. *Residency requirement.
Staff
- Diana White, Community Development Director
- Solicitor: Pat Fanelli, Esq.
Meetings
Held the 3rd Friday of each month at 9:00 AM in the Altoona City Hall Common Room, 4th Floor 1301 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16601.
Links
Land Bank Ordinance, Policies, Cooperation Agreement & Resources
By-Laws of the Redevelopment Authority of Altoona
Board Members
- Cory Gehret
- Term Expires January 2029
- Barbara Kooman
- Term Expires January 2026
- William Neugebauer
- Term Expires January 2025
- Jack Speece
- Term Expires January 2028
- Jesse Ickes
- Term Expires January 2027
Information
Website: https://www.altoonawater.com/
This five (5) member board is appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council, for a term of five (5) years. *Residency requirement.
Staff
- Mark Perry, General Manager
- Solicitor: , Esq.
- Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, Inc., Consulting Engineer
Meetings
Held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM - Altoona Water Authority, Board Room, 900 Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601
Board Members
- Monica Klatt
- Term Expires January 2026
- Tom Farrell
- Term expires January 2028
- Mark Ritchey
- Term Expires January 2029
- Councilman Dave Ellis
- Term Expires January 2027
- Jordan Settle
- Term Expires January 2027
Information
Website: http://www.amedems.org/
Five (5) Altoona Board members, appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council, for five (5) year terms, and two (2) Logan Township Board members. *Residency Requirement
Staff
- Gary Watters, Director
- Solicitor: Dan Stants, Esq.
Meetings
Held the third Monday of each month at 12:00 Noon at the AMED Business Office located at 106 Reimer Street, Altoona, PA 16602.
Board Members
- Bob Baranik
- Term Expires January 2028
- Larry Bilotto
- Term Expires January 2027
- Scott Cessna
- Term Expires January 2026
- Mike Kessling
- Term Expires January 2029
- Bruce Kelley
- Term Expires January 2027
Information
Website: https://www.amtran.org/
AMTRAN is a joint Municipal Authority of the City of Altoona and Logan Township. It was founded in 1958 to provide public transportation service as a successor to the defunct Altoona & Logan Valley Electric Railway, the trolley company.
AMTRAN is a Seven (7) member Board of Directors with staggered five-year terms. Five are appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council. Two are appointed by Logan Township. *Residency requirement.
Staff
- Josh Baker, General Manager
- Solicitor: Elizabeth Benjamin, Esq.
Meetings
Held the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 AM at The Trollyworks Conference Room, 3316 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Board Members
- Ted Beam (Alternate Member)
- Term Expires January 2025
- Donald Belsey
- Term Expires January 2025
- Mitch Cooper (Alternate Member)
- Term Expires January 2028
- Janice Ellis (Alternate Member)
- Term Expires January 2026
- John Garritano
- Term Expires January 2028
- Richard Wagner
- Term Expires January 2026
Information
The Board shall consist of three (3) citizens who are qualified electors of the City who shall be appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council, for terms of four (4) years. There may be (3) three alternate members appointed by Council. No City officer, official or employee shall be eligible for appointment to said Civil Service Board, per 53 P.S. Section 39861.1, as amended.
The board shall provide for and oversee the examination of applicants for appointment to and promotion to positions in the police or fire department.
The board shall hear matters of non-uniformed employees of the City employed prior to May 19, 2014 as explained in Ord. 5718 adopted 6/13/18.
Staff
- Joseph Merrill, Police Chief
- Adam Free, Fire Chief
- Holly Buchanan, Acting Human Resources Director
Meetings
This Board meets as needed for entrance and promotional eligibility list development and certification of lists of same. Tests to develop both lists are normally given every two years.
This Board also meets for hearings for eligible civil service employees of the Electrical/Engineering Departments of the City as explained above.
Board Members
- Joseph Eckels
- Term Expires January 2025
- Charles Kimmen III
- Term Expires January 2028
- Christopher Marana
- Term Expires January 2028
- Thomas Schultz
- Term Expires January 2026
- Michael Seidel
- Term Expires January 2026
- Stu Sellers
- Term Expires January 2025
- Lou Ventura
- Term Expires January 2026
Information
Eight (8) member board, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council, for five (5) year terms.
Ordinance No. 5771 and Ordinance No. 5772, adopted 10/14/2020 amended Chapter 314 "Electricians" and Chapter 542, "Plumbers" of the Code of the City of Altoona establishing the Electrical & Plumbing Examiners Board; amending the qualifications for Master Electrician and Journeyman Certificates; amending the application for certificates; increasing the amount of property damage and personal liability insurance; changing the location for payment of certificates; amending the qualifications for Master Plumber and Journeyman Certificates.
The Board consists of three (3) Licensed Electricians, three (3) Licensed Plumbers, one (1) General Contractor and one (1) Layperson from the general public.
Staff
- Rebecca Brown, Codes & Inspections Director
Meetings
Meet as needed.
Board Members
- Ron Beatty
- Dave Butterbaugh
- Shelley Clinich
- Dave Ellis
- Jesse Ickes
- Bruce Kelley
- Matt Pacifico
Information
The Goodman Trust Recreation Grant was established by Martin and Mabel Goodman. The mission is to award interest proceeds from the Goodman Trust Fund for the development, maintenance and operation of public recreational facilities in Altoona. Grant applications are available annually in the City Clerk's Office in the month of March or April.
Staff
- Linda Rickens Schellhammer, City Clerk
Meetings
Council will approve expenditures annually at their Council Meeting in April, May or June.
Zoning Hearing Board
- Ted Beam
- Term Expires January 2026
- Mariska Eash
- Term Expires January 2028
- Cory Gehret
- Term Expires January 2027
- Matthew Gindlesperger
- Term Expires January 2029
- Horace McAnuff
- Term Expires January 2026
- Allen Thompson - Alternate Member
- Term Expires January 2027
Information
This five (5) member board is appointed by the recommendation of the Mayor with the approval of Council, for a term of five (5) years. *Residency requirement. The Zoning Hearing Board is created by the Municipalities Planning Code and Title I Article III Sections 301 through 3091 including the appointment of up to three alternate members.
The Zoning Hearing Board is responsible for hearing and deciding requests for variances and/or special exceptions where it is alleged that the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance inflict unnecessary hardship unique to the applicant. In granting any variance or special exception, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of the Zoning Ordinance.
Staff
- Rebecca Brown, Codes & Inspections Director
- Solicitor: William Stokan, Esq.
Meetings
Held the second Wednesday of each month at 1:15 PM, City Hall 4th Floor Conference Room, 1301 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16601.