Public Meetings - Dormont, Pennsylvania

The SuperCommittee met on May 19, 2025 to discuss a range of topics including utility infrastructure, board appointments, energy pricing, recreation updates, and public transit funding. Key discussions centered on the prolonged Columbia Gas sidewalk restoration, which drew sharp criticism from council, and the potential severe impacts of PRT funding cuts on Dormont's bus and light rail services. Public Comments & Testimony - Sandra Smith of 3044 Windermere submitted an online comment stating that not everyone in the Park Plain area is a Columbia Gas customer and not all residents receive updates through Nextdoor. Discussion Items - Columbia Gas Infrastructure Update (with Public Input): Carla Parks (Public Affairs) and John Gilmore (Engineer) from Columbia Gas explained the multi-phase process (main line, service lines, then restoration) that can stretch over a year due to winter weather constraints. Council members expressed strong dissatisfaction with the 13-month delay on sidewalk restoration in the Park Plain area, citing safety hazards and lack of communication. Council demanded more proactive resident notification (e.g., mailed letters) and faster temporary fixes. Columbia Gas agreed to monthly coordination calls and committed to restoring sidewalks on New Haven and Crosby Avenue by approximately June 9, weather permitting. They also acknowledged the need to improve subcontractor oversight. - Board and Commission Recommendations (Finance & Legal): The committee reviewed applicants for Planning Commission (6 applicants for 3 vacancies), Historic Review Commission (4 applicants, but one cross-filed), Civil Service, and Recreation Board. Planning Commission chair Nate Tvornik recommended Bill Gordon, Corey Briegel, and Lisa Spasiana. Several council members expressed a desire for more detailed justification from recommending bodies and wanted to see all applicants. It was agreed to delay decisions until the next meeting to gather additional information from the Planning Commission and HRC. - Electric and Natural Gas Rate Update (Finance & Legal): Melinda reported that the borough has been on variable rates and will lock in fixed rates through a broker to avoid an expected 32% summer rate hike. A presentation from the broker, Marla, will be scheduled for the next meeting. - Sanitary Sewer Contract (Property, Supplies, & Public Works): Chris moved to accept a proposal from Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company for the 2025 O&M contract totaling $72,830. The item had been delayed from May and will be formally voted on in June. - Dell McFarland Green Light Go Grant (Property, Supplies, & Public Works): Jared noted a $304,000 payment must be made by May to secure reimbursement from PennDOT, but an easement issue remains. The action will be ratified at the June meeting. - Dormont Library Proclamation (Recreation & Community Affairs): Melinda proposed a proclamation to support the library, facing potential federal funding cuts through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Council supported the idea and may also send letters to legislators. - Beggs Snyder Landscaping Concept (Recreation & Community Affairs): A landscape concept (squirrel with camera, wildflower garden, ornamental tree) was presented at an estimated cost of $3,500–$5,000. Parks department can plant in fall. Council decided to delay the decision until the Next Generation Playground committee finalizes a unified design aesthetic for amenities like benches and signage across all parks. - Dormont Day Discussion (Recreation & Community Affairs): Mayor Walsh raised the possibility of a larger 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. Council discussed the decline of Dormont Day, which ended in 2020 due to lack of volunteers and logistical challenges. Brandon offered to investigate interest and possible RFP approaches. - Next Generation Playground Update (Recreation & Community Affairs): The committee has settled on a castle theme. The next meeting is May 28. A website update and blog-style monthly updates are planned. A fundraising working group was formed: Chris, Kate, and Amy will coordinate outreach to donors. - Pool and Day Camp Update (Recreation & Community Affairs): Beth reported day camp is nearly full, and the pool has a full staff (40 certified, including 32 lifeguards). Opening weekend may be delayed due to forecasted low temps (high 64°F Saturday, 68°F Sunday); the pool does not open if ambient temp is below 69°F for safety. Council discussed activating the park without a playground, with several events already scheduled (yoga, movies, library story time, therapy dogs). Council members will also contribute ideas. - PRT Funding (Discussion Item): Jared outlined dire consequences of the $117 million PRT shortfall for 2026: Dormont would lose all bus service, the Red Line would see a 20% reduction, and 10 park-and-ride lots, 12 light rail stops, and 3 bridges would close. Council agreed to draft a letter or resolution of support for PRT funding, to be sent to legislators and potentially presented at the June 12 public hearing. Key Outcomes - Columbia Gas will enhance communication and prioritize timely restoration; council will revisit the issue if progress falters. - Board and commission appointment decisions were postponed to the next meeting pending additional input from recommending bodies. - The broker for electric/gas rate locking will present at the next meeting, with a vote expected thereafter. - The sanitary sewer contract will be voted on in June. - The Green Light Go grant payment will be ratified in June. - The Beggs Snyder landscaping will wait for a unified parks design standard. - A library proclamation will be prepared for the next voting meeting. - Dormont Day exploration will continue; Brandon will lead effort. - Next Generation Playground: castle theme confirmed; fundraising group formed; website updates to begin in June. - Pool opening may be delayed if weather remains cold; safety protocols will be communicated. - Council will draft a resolution/letter supporting PRT funding and may submit formal testimony on June 12. - An executive session was held (no votes taken).

The Dormont Borough Council held its voting session on May 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Jason Walsh presided, and all council members were present. The agenda included the consent calendar, committee reports, the mayor's and manager's reports, and 15 action items; all votes before the executive session passed by voice vote with no announced opposition. Consent Calendar - Council approved the consent agenda, including the April 2025 meeting minutes; February and March 2025 expense reports; Assistant Manager Reports for January–April 2025; the Fire Department Report for April 2025; the March 2025 Animal Control Report; the April 2025 Engineer's Report; the Sewer Engineer's Report for April 2025; the appointment of Kevin Bratkowski as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator; the resignations of Planning Commissioners Kristen Brahier (effective April 17, 2025) and David Goodnight (effective April 25, 2025); and the Community Manager's recommendation to approve summer employees and rates of pay. - Council members thanked Brahier and Goodnight for their service on the Planning Commission. Beth Bachman noted the borough is still hiring summer staff; later in the meeting she reported 25 certified lifeguards, 14 more in the next scheduled class, and a completed summer camp staff of 11. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no registered public comments at the start of the meeting. - Nicole Molinero, President/CEO of the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke in support of the proclamation designating May 2025 as Women's Center and Shelter Month. She said one out of every four women and one out of every seven men have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and only four percent of the 7,500 people served annually need shelter; the rest rely on free, confidential legal advocacy, medical advocacy, support groups, and counseling. - No public comments were offered at the end of the meeting. Committee Reports - Councilmember Downs described the Women's Center and Shelter history and recognized ongoing conversations between the business community and borough staff. - Councilmember Fabus reported that the comprehensive plan is nearly complete; a public meeting was held, county comments were received, school district comments were still pending, and a public hearing will be held before the June 2 voting meeting. - Councilmember Kipp reported that the Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee discussed Potomac road surface options and reviewed the Toshiba, Patton Building Services, and CINTAS contracts on the agenda. - Councilmember Ventresca reported on a park signage presentation by PCI, a proposed flower art installation by Dormont Arts and artist Josh Ruffing at Hillsdale Park, and planning for the May 17 playground ribbon-cutting event. - Councilmember Ledford reported that the Public Safety, Building, and Code Enforcement Committee discussed the Keystone Oaks MOU, the borough parking lot ordinance, and potential code changes based on business and community feedback. - Councilmember Rieger reported that Finance and Legal worked on a formalized vacancy-filling policy for boards and commissions, amendments to the Public Goods Expenditure Policy, a Brentwood Bank presentation, and new CINTAS contract terms. Mayor and Council President Reports - Mayor Walsh thanked first responders, public works, parks staff, and residents for their response to the previous week's storm. He suggested the borough might continue to provide dumpsters at the park because recent garbage policy changes make it harder for residents to dispose of large items. - Council President Mazzocco also thanked staff and volunteers, promoted the Dormont Free Pantry's Wednesday evening hours, praised the Dormont Green and spring cleanup events, and announced that four streets applied for the shared streets program, with official approval and signs coming soon. Borough Manager's Report - Borough Manager Stinner reported that Jordan Tax Service was selected as the borough's earned income tax collector for the next three years. - The Bake Snyder playground is finished; a ribbon-cutting will be held May 17 at 10:00 AM, and a camera network is being installed to monitor the playground after hours. - PRT released an RFQ for transit-oriented development; construction is slated to follow the 2026 NFL Draft. - The purchase of new parking meters signals the start of Dormont Village paving. The lot will be reconfigured as a loop with one entrance on each side instead of two runways, and traditional meters will be replaced with digital meters; an engineering report and street opening permit are still required, and final plans are not complete. - Pennsylvania American Water closed out 52 road opening permits, and an Allegheny County utility coordination meeting is scheduled for June. - Staff are developing a five-year road program using pavement analytics, traffic calming recommendations, sidewalk improvements, stormwater needs, and potential grant applications, including the Safe Streets for All grant. Action Items - Ordinance 1652 – Truck restrictions: Adopted. The ordinance amends Ordinance 1633 by revising Sections 195.17 and 195.51 to change truck restrictions to length limits, including a 28.5-foot length limit on Potomac Avenue. Councilmember Rieger said it addresses trucks making the sharp turn between West Liberty Avenue and Potomac; local delivery exceptions remain. - Resolution 8 – Tax collector exoneration: Approved. The resolution exonerates Tax Collector Vickie McGurk for 2024 in accordance with her January 20, 2025 report. Council noted the $198,000 figure is lower than the prior year's resolution, indicating fewer delinquencies. - Resolution 9 – Public Goods Expenditure Policy amendment: Approved. Changes include clean-up language, handling of excess funds at year-end, succession when an elected official vacancy occurs, and a 30-day limit on retroactive funding requests. - Proclamation 3 – Women's Center and Shelter Month: Adopted. The Borough designated May 2025 as Women's Center and Shelter Month and committed to keeping Dormont a safe and supportive space. - Police vehicle purchase: Approved purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility, including auxiliary equipment, from Jim Shorkey Ford under COSTARS Contract 013-E22-239, IBIS Emergency Vehicles, and Motorola Solutions for a total of $61,323.28. - Toshiba Business Solutions contract: Approved authorization for the Borough Manager to contract with Toshiba for scanning police and administrative records and DocuWare data storage at an annual cost of $15,731.22 for 2025 and 2026. - Patton Building Services contract: Approved authorization for a Borough Building cleaning services contract at $2,885 per month; council noted the cost is lower than the current cleaning contract. - Verner's Lawn Care & Landscaping contract: Approved a $14,250 contract for remediation of borough property after illegal excavating and dumping by the owner of 1666 McFarland Road. Councilmember Ledford said a complaint was filed with the magistrate and damages are being pursued. - CINTAS rug services contract: Approved authorization to contract with CINTAS for rug services in borough buildings, with savings of more than $5,000. - Brentwood Bank contract: Approved authorization to switch borough banking and financial services to Brentwood Bank. Manager Stinner said PNC currently charges about $34,000 per year in fees, while Brentwood will provide services with no fees and a 4.05% rate on all deposit accounts. - Keystone Oaks MOU: Approved the updated two-year memorandum of understanding with Keystone Oaks School District for Dormont Police public safety cooperation. - Public Good Funds – Wills for Heroes: Approved $210 for VFW parking lot rental for the July 19 Wills for Heroes event, funded by Mayor Walsh. The event will provide about 33 free will-writing slots to veterans and first responders with roughly 30 attorneys participating. - Public Good Funds – Memorial Day Parade: Approved $500 for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, funded by Mayor Walsh and Councilperson Fabus, to support parade expansion including a band and art-car float. - Public Good Funds – PRIDE 2025: Approved $422.50 for Dormont Park rental fees for PRIDE 2025, hosted by DCDC and funded by Councilperson Rieger. The event is scheduled for June 29 from 1 to 8 PM with bands, food trucks, vendors, and wedding-themed activities. - Parking meters: Approved purchase of six Flowbird parking meters for $57,549 for the Dormont Village parking areas. Discussion Items - Councilmember Downs asked whether the borough could create a Dormont Council banner for the Memorial Day Parade and future events; council agreed to follow up on timing and sponsorship rules. - Beth Bachman updated council on summer staffing: 25 lifeguards are certified and ready, 14 more are in the next class, and summer camp hiring is complete with 11 staff members, most with certifications or college degrees. She also confirmed the dumpster requested after the storm had arrived at the park. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and all 15 action items on the May 5, 2025 agenda were approved by voice vote without opposition. - A public hearing on the comprehensive plan will be held before the June 2, 2025 voting meeting. - The Dormont Village parking lot will be restriped as a loop with digital meters, and paving will begin once final plans, engineering review, and permits are complete. - Banking services will move from PNC to Brentwood Bank, eliminating roughly $34,000 in annual fees and earning 4.05% on deposits. - The flower art proposal for Hillsdale Park was referred to the June meeting. - The meeting then moved into executive session with no decisions expected afterward.

This was a SuperCommittee and agenda review meeting held on April 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including presentations, committee reports, ordinance discussions, and planning for future votes. Key updates included progress on document scanning, banking services, a revised CINTAS contract, engineering studies for Potomac Avenue, a proclamation for Women's Center & Shelter Month, comprehensive plan updates, Keystone Oaks MOU renewal, and parking ordinance revisions. Several public funding requests were discussed and added to the upcoming voting agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Joanna Bolden (Dormont Human Relations Commission) provided an update on the Commission's activities: planning a landlord training on fair housing in partnership with Fair Housing Partnership, with invitations to over 600 landlords and potentially neighboring municipalities. Also planning a table at Pride. The Commission is reviewing three new applicants. She also flagged a lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society challenging Pennsylvania Human Relations Act regulations regarding gender identity protections, which could have implications for Dormont's non-discrimination ordinance. Presentations - Melanie Boyes (Toshiba Business Solutions) presented a proposal for digital document processing, backfile scanning, and cloud storage (DocuWare). The plan covers 40 boxes of admin and police files this year, with a similar volume next year. Setup and user licenses are included in this year's budget; next year only scanning costs remain. Council noted this addresses backlogged files, not planning documents. - Joe Verduci (Brentwood Bank) presented in response to the banking RFP. Highlights: 102-year history, local decision-making, experience with 25+ municipalities, online banking, positive pay, armored car service, and a fixed 4.05% interest rate through end of year on all accounts. Offered smooth onboarding with a checklist. No decision made; presentation was informational. Discussion Items - CINTAS Contract Update (Manager's report): The borough identified onerous fees in the existing five-year CINTAS contract (signed in 2022). The medical kit service (no contract) was discontinued and turned over to the fire chief. After negotiations, the rug service cost was reduced by half; cleaning supplies and dispensers are dropped. Estimated $5,000 initial savings. New five-year contract reviewed by solicitor. - Potomac Avenue Engineering Memo (presented by Engineer Jared): A draft memo reviewed options for repair/replacement of pervious paving, stormwater, and traffic calming. Costs still pending. Council requested a comparison chart including maintenance costs, stormwater implications, and alignment with the comprehensive plan. A subcommittee may be formed. Residents noted prior flooding issues with impervious surfaces. - Proclamation: May 2025 as Women's Center & Shelter Month: Council discussed designating May 2025 in honor of the Women's Center & Shelter, which began in a Dormont storefront. Revised proclamation to be formally presented at the next meeting with executive director and founders' daughters. - Comprehensive Plan Update (Kate Abel Fabus): Public meeting held on April 22 with good attendance. Comments received via website and from Allegheny County Economic Development (positive feedback). Public hearing set for June 2, with vote that evening if no substantive changes needed. Solicitor will attend. Discussion of a future council workshop and facilities tour. - Public Goods Funding Request – Memorial Day Parade: Kate and Jason requested $500 total ($250 each) for a joint float/interactive art project. Added to voting agenda. - Keystone Oaks MOU with Dormont Police: Renewal of existing MOU for police procedures with the school. Chief confirmed standard agreement. Added to consent agenda. - Parking Lot Ordinance Update (Brandon Ledford): Discussion of updated ordinance banning overnight parking in borough lots. Businesses raised concerns about delivery vehicles, parking permit usability, and lack of guest parking solutions. Options discussed: creating a permit system for overnight parking in park lots, extending residential permit zones, and reviewing business parking permit fees. No final decision; further discussion planned. - Consent Agenda Items Highlighted by Chief: Approval of $14,250 expenditure for remediation work at 1666 McFarland (with civil complaint filed to recover costs). Appointment of Kevin Bradkowski as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator (replacing John Stinner). - Public Goods Funding – Wills for Heroes: Jason Walsh requested $210 for VFW parking lot rental on July 19 for a free wills event for veterans and first responders. Added to voting agenda. - Ribbon Cutting Update (Danielle Ventresca): Ribbon cutting for Beg Snyder Park on May 3 at 10:30 AM. Elected officials attending, face painter, story time, giveaways, Millie's Ice Cream. Parking restrictions posted. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items (to be voted on next meeting): - Approval of $14,250 for remediation work at 1666 McFarland. - Appointment of Kevin Bradkowski as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. - Keystone Oaks MOU renewal. - Added to Voting Agenda: - Proclamation for Women's Center & Shelter Month. - Public goods funding for Memorial Day Parade ($500). - Public goods funding for Wills for Heroes ($210). - (No vote taken at this meeting; items added for May 5 voting meeting.) - Next Steps: - Engineer to finalize Potomac Avenue memo with cost estimates and comparison chart by next SuperCommittee meeting. - Subcommittee to be formed for Potomac Avenue planning. - Comprehensive plan public hearing on June 2. - Parking ordinance further discussed and potentially combined with other zoning changes for a public hearing. - Business parking fee review to be conducted by staff. - Executive Session: Scheduled for the voting meeting on May 5.