Public Meetings - Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

The Bethel Park Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed start time based on agenda). The meeting covered routine approvals, acceptance of resignations from the Zoning Hearing Board, presentation of holiday card contest winner and safety reminders from the police chief, a fire chief’s report with annual election results and incident statistics, a manager’s report on a historical society event and winter weather reminders, the mayor’s holiday lighting awards, and approval of new tax and sewer collection contracts. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the regular council meeting on December 8, 2025 (Item A of the consent agenda). Vote: 8-0. - Bill List: Approved bill list 2025-0112 in the amount of $1,766,420.67. Vote: 8-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No residents signed up for public comments on non-agenda items, consent agenda, general policy and finance, health safety and welfare, or public works and maintenance. Reports of Officials - Library Director: Not available this evening. - Police Chief Chief Arnold: - Holiday Card Contest: Officer Amber Karuba presented a framed winning artwork, an art kit, and exclusive VPPD swag to Raya Spinda, a fourth-grade student who won the department’s holiday card design competition. The department plans to make the contest an annual event. - Safety Reminder: Two recent incidents of cars stolen from parking lots while left running. Chief Arnold urged residents not to leave cars running unattended and to lock doors. - Crime Watch Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the community center. - Fire Chief’s Report (Deputy Chief Rob Uselman): - Annual Elections: The volunteer fire company elected new line officers: Chief Russ Bees (two-year term), Deputy Chief Rob Uselman, Assistant Chief Tom Kelton, Captains John Mark and Mike Ascini, Lieutenants Steve McGuff and Adam Betzler. Past Chief Dave Gerber (14 years) was not re-elected but remains with the company. New President Jeff Pritchard replaced Jim Thomas. - December Incident Statistics: Total 63 calls: 9 fire incidents (none major), 7 accidents and 1 rescue, 8 hazardous conditions, 7 carbon monoxide calls, 3 electrical issues, 15 good intent calls, 2 smoke scares, 12 fire alarms. - Membership: Six new members joined last year; the company is 100% volunteer. Recruitment is ongoing; no cost to join, free gym available. - Fire Safety Reminder: For space heaters, plug directly into wall outlet and maintain a three-foot clearance from combustible materials. - Manager’s Report (Ms. Denny): - Historical Society Event: On February 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Historic Society, the historical society and community foundation will release four original artworks celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, with a ceremony at 11:00 AM. All artwork has a Bethel Park theme. - Winter Weather Reminder: Residents are asked to remove cars from streets during wet winter weather to allow plow trucks to treat roads effectively. - Mayor’s Report (Mayor Allen): - Holiday Lighting Awards: Presented the Mayor’s Award for Excellence to winners in each ward for outstanding 2025 holiday decorations. Winners included: Karen Gordon (Ward 1, 5424 California Ave.); Irene and Thomas Samanski (Ward 2); Leslie and Wayne Grant (Ward 3); Carolyn David Lucy (Ward 4); Crystal Gorman and Ronald Porello (Ward 5); Deborah and Michael Fate (Ward 6); Lisa and Joseph Keene (Ward 7); Richon and Nathan Bujikowski (Ward 8); and Ramona and Brian Harkins (Ward 9). Special thanks to judges and residents who nominated. A certificate of recognition was awarded to Bethel Park Shop ‘n Save for food donations during the government shutdown and for the Thanksgiving/Christmas collection events. General Policy & Finance Items - Tax and Sewer Utility Collection Contracts: - Approved awarding Keystone Collection Group the contracts for current real estate tax, current sewer utility, current and delinquent local services tax, amusement tax, and mechanical tax collection. Council member Garris reminded residents that sewer bills and real estate tax bills will now display the Keystone Collections logo instead of Jordan Tax. Vote: 8-0. - Approved awarding Portnoff Law Associates the contracts for delinquent real estate tax collection and delinquent sewer utility collection. Vote: 8-0. Public Works & Maintenance - Council member Oaks thanked the public works department, plow drivers, and all who assisted during the holiday and New Year period, noting they worked long shifts. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after a motion and second, with the president adding a playful remark referencing the Steelers game. All in favor: Aye. Key Outcomes - Accepted resignations of Charles Koch and Carol Stewart from the Zoning Hearing Board effective January 12, 2026 (vote 8-0). - Approved minutes from December 8, 2025 (vote 8-0). - Approved bill list $1,766,420.67 (vote 8-0). - Awarded Keystone Collection Group and Portnoff Law Associates tax and sewer collection contracts (both votes 8-0). - No other business was discussed; all routine items passed unanimously.

On January 5, 2026, Bethel Park Council held its annual reorganization meeting, including the swearing-in of council members and election of leadership. All nine council members were present, with three new members joining the council. Mayor Allen administered the oath of office, and the council elected a president and vice president before approving committee chair and liaison appointments. Swearing-In Ceremony - Diane Ford, John Oakes, Joe Janisek, Alison Piccolino, and Jillian Caltsman took the oath of office. Ford, Piccolino, and Caltsman are the new members. - President Janisek noted that, for the first time in Bethel Park history, women hold a majority on council. Diane Ford stated that she is the first African American to serve on Bethel Park Council and that her family has lived in Bethel Park since 1927. - Several new members expressed commitment to public service, listening to residents, and working collaboratively. Election of Council President - Councilman Joe Janisek was nominated and elected council president by a roll call vote of 9-0. Election of Vice President - Councilwoman Kim Kamenicki was nominated by John Oakes and elected vice president by a roll call vote of 9-0. Committee Chair and Liaison Appointments - Kim Kamenicki: vice president; liaison to long-range planning and economic development and grievance committee. - John Oakes: chair of public works and maintenance; liaison to municipal authority, fire company, boroughs association, and chamber of commerce. - Todd Sensi: chair of health, safety, and welfare; liaison to police merit board, fire company, and grievance committee. - Viola Garris: chair of general policy and finance; liaison to legislative committee. - Alison Piccolino: chair of planning and zoning; liaison to community organizations, legislative committee, parks and recreation, and school district. - Diane Ford: liaison to chamber of commerce, library board, parks and recreation, and shade tree commission. - Jillian Caltsman: liaison to library board, parks and recreation, and shade tree commission. - Jim Jenkins: returning councilman; no new assignment stated in the transcript. - President Janisek said the leadership and committee chairs are balanced among three Republicans and three Democrats and three men and three women. He noted late changes to the liaison list would be finalized and circulated before next Monday's meeting. Key Outcomes - Joe Janisek elected council president (9-0). - Kim Kamenicki elected vice president (9-0). - Committee chair and liaison appointments accepted; final liaison list to be circulated. - Council adjourned after a motion and second, with all in favor, and will hold its first regular meeting the following Monday.