Public Meetings - Dormont, Pennsylvania

The Dormont Human Relations Commission held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026. Key topics included legislative updates, commission communications, filling a vacant seat, finalizing plans for the Pride in the Park event, and launching a new community porch program ("Porchmont"). Legislative/Policy Updates - Commissioners discussed SB9, a state bill regarding transgender youth in sports, noting it passed the Senate but its impact on Dormont is limited because the commission does not have purview over education. The bill will be monitored. - The borough’s email communications policy for boards and commissions is under development and expected by end of summer. In the interim, commissioners must use borough staff channels for official communications; personal emails to individuals are acceptable. Complaints should be submitted via Access Dormont or to the borough manager/chair. Commission Communications and Email - Concerns were raised about handling incoming communications during Pride and Porchmont events. Commissioners agreed to collect email addresses at events but must coordinate with staff to send follow-ups. A formal process is being developed. Vacant Commission Seat - A commissioner resigned, and the resignation will be considered by council in July. The commission discussed recommending a replacement from previous applicants. After some confusion over names, it was agreed to recommend Lisa C. (last name uncertain) to council. The recommendation must be submitted by Friday before the next council meeting. Pride in the Park Plan - The commission finalized its activities for the Pride in the Park event. Activities will include a post-it note prompt board (using questions from a resilience workbook) and a temporary tattoo station. They will provide decorations such as flags, tablecloth, and flowers. - A motion was made and passed to allocate $200 from the commission's budget for pride-related supplies (e.g., tattoos, bubbles, candy). Purchases should be submitted to borough staff as soon as possible. - Members will staff the table; coordination will occur outside the meeting. Summer Porch Social Event (Porchmont) - The commission discussed a proposed month-long community-building campaign centered on porches, called "Porchmont," aiming to foster neighborly connections, counter polarization, and increase awareness of the commission. - Goals: build resilience, improve well-being, celebrate Dormont’s walkable community and porch architecture, and promote connection across differences. - Proposed structure: social media campaign throughout the month (likely August or September) with engaging posts and contests (e.g., "pooches on porches," scavenger hunts), culminating in a coordinated community porch crawl on a final Saturday. - Commissioners emphasized inclusivity, suggesting options for apartment dwellers (block parties, use of parks, library involvement). They aim for low-to-no cost participation. - After debate on timing, the commission leaned toward holding the culminating event on September 13, 2026, to allow more preparation and avoid heat and Labor Day travel. The month of Porchmont activities would then start in late August. - A motion was passed to proceed with Porchmont: the commission will plan a month of porch-related activities, culminating in a porch crawl, and will present the outline to borough council for approval. - Budget details were not finalized; commissioners noted potential costs for yard signs, host kits, and accessibility support. They will revisit in July. Fair Housing Training - The Fair Housing Training for landlords is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the borough building. Congressman Deluzio will provide opening remarks. There are 21 registrants. A council member and a commission member will attend. Key Outcomes - Motion passed (unanimous): Allocate $200 for Pride in the Park supplies. - Motion passed: Recommend Lisa C. for the vacant commission seat (submission to council by Friday). - Motion passed: Proceed with "Porchmont," a month-long community porch program culminating in a September 13 porch crawl, subject to council approval. - Next steps: The commission will schedule a goal-setting meeting after a fifth member is appointed. The next council meeting is June 30, where Porchmont will be presented. Note: The meeting date has been set to August 19, 2026 per instruction, despite the transcript indicating June 17, 2025. This summary follows the instruction.

The Dormont Human Relations Commission met on August 19, 2026, to schedule a goal-setting retreat, discuss the Reserved Accessible Parking policy presentation, review a budget request for the PorchSmart event, debrief the event, and plan survey distribution and incentive programs. The meeting included committee updates and finalization of thank-you notes and gift cards. Goal-Setting Meeting for 2026 - The commission selected Sunday, November 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the borough building conference room for a visioning and strategic planning session. Reserved Accessible Parking Policy - Megan Hammond from Housing Pittsburgh will present on the Reserved Accessible Parking (RAP) policy at the next full meeting. A preliminary Zoom conversation with Melinda, Megan, and interested members will be scheduled first. Budget Presentation and Request for PorchSmart - A budget request of $2,500 was submitted for the PorchSmart event, up from the current year’s $1,200 allocation. The request was considered reasonable given the event’s low cost and high community engagement. Discussion included adding a survey question to assess whether financial support would help future hosts. PorchSmart Event Debrief - Members reported strong community turnout, with one host receiving 40 visitors and several people visiting 7–10 porches. Positive highlights included intergenerational participation, good food, music, pet interactions, and effective guerrilla marketing through yard signs. - Challenges noted: difficulty visiting porches across both sides of Liberty Avenue, confusion on one street where a block party coincided, and data‑tracking headaches caused by unstandardized spreadsheet entries (e.g., street name and house number not separated). - Suggestions for next year: consider splitting the event by neighborhood, holding a spring and a fall edition, and recruiting volunteers for tasks like sign delivery to reduce organizer stress. Survey Distribution and Incentives - The post‑PorchSmart survey will be distributed via the borough website, Facebook event page, weekly e‑newsletter, host email list, and the Pride list. The survey will include an open‑ended question on event improvements and an optional entry for gift‑card raffles. - Incentives: 5 gift cards for photo submissions and 5 gift cards for survey completion (reduced from a earlier proposal of 20). Raffle winners will choose from a list of Dormont businesses. - One commission member will coordinate with Jen to finalize and release the survey promptly. Thank‑You Notes and Gift Cards - Personalized thank‑you notes will be written for all hosts, using notes from the planning spreadsheet. Deadline: within two weeks (by end of August 2026). Notes will be hand‑delivered. - Gift cards for hosts and for the survey/photo raffle will be purchased from Dormont businesses. Options include Giovanni’s Doorstop, Fredo’s, Potomac Station Coffee, Mike & Tony’s Moonlit Burgers, Giant Eagle, and potentially Bedtime Books and Forage. A member will handle purchasing and communication with winners. Key Outcomes - Goal‑setting retreat scheduled for November 2, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. - Budget request of $2,500 for PorchSmart forwarded to council. - RAP presentation by Megan Hammond confirmed; preliminary Zoom call to be arranged. - Post‑event survey to be launched immediately with gift‑card incentives. - Thank‑you notes to be completed within two weeks; gift cards will be distributed by a designated member. - For future PorchSmart events, the commission will improve data management (separate street/lot columns), communication with block parties, and task delegation to reduce organizer burden.

The Dormont Recreation Board held a hybrid meeting on August 19, 2026, to debrief recent events, plan upcoming activities, and discuss board administration. No members of the public provided testimony. Event Debriefs - Trunk or Treat: The board reviewed the recent Trunk or Treat event, noting strong attendance (estimated 200–300 people) and positive community feedback. Costume contest prizes ($20 Moonlit, $10 Dandelion) were awarded. Issues included a shortage of candy (fire department ran out early), power supply limitations (needed longer cords), and a need for earlier food truck outreach. A DJ was hired for $80. One online comment about feeling unwelcome was acknowledged; the board discussed strategies to improve inclusiveness, such as more active board member mingling. - Street Fair Kids Zone: The pumpkin painting and face painting activities ran smoothly with steady participation. The board identified a need for a banner to brand the area and clearly indicate activities were free. Timing was discussed; some children were still engaged when the zone closed at 5 pm, and the board considered extending hours in future years. Upcoming Event Planning - Cookies with Santa (December 2026): The board plans to continue the partnership with North Way church. Discussion focused on maintaining the board’s identity (e.g., providing cookies and crafts) versus integrating with the church’s Jingle Jam. A potential collaboration with the elementary school FCS club to bake cookies was noted. The board agreed to clarify roles with North Way. - Holiday Window Painting: An idea to partner with local artists and businesses was raised but tabled due to zoning restrictions on window coverage (currently 15%, pending a possible increase to 25%). The board will revisit after zoning changes. - Holiday House Decorating Contest: Due to low participation in the Snowman Contest in recent years, the board voted to replace it with a Holiday House Decorating Contest to be held in December 2026. Registration would open in November, decorations must be up by early December, and winners would be determined by online voting (via Google form and map). The board will use a QR code and social media for promotion. New Business - 2026 Event Planning: The board outlined a tentative calendar for early 2027 (Egg Hunt, Movies in the Parking Lot, Yoga, Story Stroll, Dormont Dash, Trunk or Treat & Movie, Street and Music Festival Kids Zone, Cookies with Santa). Opportunities for additional events were left open. - Board Openings: One seat is vacant. The board discussed recruitment approaches, including promoting volunteer opportunities at events and on social media. Terms were noted to be five years; members expressed willingness to continue. - Social Media Strategy: The board agreed to post at least twice per week on the board’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, sharing community recreations and event recaps. Access to Instagram credentials is pending. Use of Meta Business Suite for scheduling was suggested. Other Items - Playground Meeting: The board was invited to a community engagement session with Leathers Playground on November 18, 2026, to review design concepts. - Equipment Purchase: The board discussed purchasing longer extension cords and speaker cables for the movie setup, using remaining 2026 budget (purchase deadline December 3 or 12, 2026). Key Outcomes - Decisions Made: - Replace Snowman Contest with Holiday House Decorating Contest for December 2026 (consensus). - Proceed with Cookies with Santa partnership, maintaining board’s role in providing cookies and crafts. - Improve social media presence with twice-weekly posts. - Obtain a banner for the banner for the Street Fair Kids Zone. - Purchase longer cables and cords for movie events. - Actively recruit for board opening. - Next Steps: - Contact North Way church to coordinate Cookies with Santa details. - Set up social media accounts and begin posting. - Develop promotion and voting system for Holiday House Decorating Contest. - Reach out to high school for volunteers earlier. - Follow up on cookie donation possibility with FCS club. The meeting adjourned without formal votes. Note: The original agenda listed the meeting date as October 13, 2025, but the instructions specify using August 19, 2026. Events are described in relative terms consistent with that date.

The Dormont Borough Council Recreation Board met on August 19, 2026 to review the recent Easter Egg Hunt, adjust the 2026 Movies in the Parking Lot schedule, begin planning a new adult-oriented outdoor film event, and receive updates on the Dormont Dash and the borough's Recreation Plan Steering Committee. John was absent; Jesse Cook took minutes. Note: The agenda packet is dated April 13, 2026, which conflicts with the supplied meeting date of August 19, 2026; this summary uses the supplied meeting date. Opening and Administrative Items - The meeting was called to order, and attendance was taken. In-person participants included Patrick, Jesse Cook, Sarah Fox, and Amber LaShore, with additional members participating remotely. - Approval of minutes was postponed. Minutes were placed in a shared file, but not all members could access it. Amber LaShore agreed to give access after the meeting, and the group discussed moving future minutes into Granicus with training for members. Easter Egg Hunt Recap - A board member who attended reported strong engagement: the borough's Facebook and Instagram profiles received about 3,000 additional interactions, and turnout was good despite the cold weather. - A board member recounted that a family from Mount Lebanon said they attend Dormont's event because Mount Lebanon's event is chaos, with a shotgun start where everything is gone quickly and children are upset. The family's comment was described as validation for Dormont's staggered, calmer format. - The board estimated there were 100 to 150 extra eggs, which was called the butter zone because better weather could have brought more families. There was positive feedback on egg and candy quality, supporting a higher-quality, lower-quantity approach. - The raffle basket timing was not clearly communicated, causing families to wait in the cold. Members recommended announcing a firm raffle time, such as 11:30 a.m., in event promotions. - Volunteers arrived too early. The board suggested moving the general volunteer start time back 20 to 30 minutes, while event leads should still arrive earlier to handle missing supplies or setup issues. - The bunny arriving on the fire truck was a hit. The event's bullhorn or megaphone was missing, and a member offered to donate a spare bullhorn for the event supply kit. - Roughly 10 boxes of leftover plastic eggs remain. The planned donation to a pantry was missed this year. A board member contacted Reimagined Recycling about recycling the number-five plastic eggs; if that organization cannot take them, another group may accept them for a one-time egg hunt. - Ideas for next year included golden eggs with prizes such as 10 free pool passes or admission tickets, and seeking small donations from local businesses such as movie tickets or gift cards. - The board agreed to create a thank-you card process for volunteers and community partners, including the fire department and football coach. Jesse offered to write thank-you cards. Movies in the Parking Lot - The first parking-lot movie, originally set for May 8, was moved to May 15 because Gold Mountain Music Fest needs the parking lot; the board agreed to update online promotion. - Movies discussed included Zootopia 2 at 108 minutes and Hoppers at 105 minutes; John had flagged titles over 100 minutes. - Concessions will be run by fifth graders. The board discussed adding food options and considered inviting Bottle Rocket, a local hot dog cart, to sell before the movie without competing with student concessions. A board member offered to contact Bottle Rocket about the May 15 screening. - The start time was discussed as historically advertised around 8:20 p.m. or dusk. - The board also discussed inviting an official animal education partner, such as the Pittsburgh Zoo or National Aviary, before a movie. Any such partner would need appropriate liability insurance and possibly waivers. - Members agreed to create a shared volunteer spreadsheet so board members can sign up for events by date, needed staffing, and role. Adult Outdoor Movie Event: Park After Dark - Sarah proposed a grown-up outdoor movie at Hillsdale Park. Back Alley Brewing may sell beer from a cooler-style setup, and the library may offer concessions or prepurchased snack packs. - The board preferred the name Park After Dark over adult movie night. They favored a Thursday date to avoid summer weekend travel conflicts and discussed late July dates, with July 23 considered as a primary date and July 30 as a possible rain date, pending logistics and partner availability. - Movie candidates were 10 Things I Hate About You, Bring It On, Dirty Dancing, and Grease. The board leaned toward 10 Things I Hate About You and agreed to post a social media poll so the community could choose. - The event would start near sunset; members noted sunset around 8:43 p.m. on the proposed dates and discussed an approximate 8:30 p.m. start time. - The board discussed screen placement, power access, and space in Hillsdale Park, and agreed that parks staff should assess feasibility before finalizing setup. - The borough's noise ordinance allows noise from public recreational uses between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., so the movie should comply, but members still wanted to notify neighbors in advance. Yoga, Story Stroll, and Other Agenda Items - Yoga in the Park's start date remained unresolved; a board member was to check with Kirsten and the instructors. Story Stroll was not discussed in detail. - Trunk or Treat, the Street and Music Festival Kids Zone, Cookies with Santa, and Holiday Lights appeared on the agenda but were not discussed in detail before adjournment. Dormont Dash Update - Organizers reported that Dormont Dash planning is moving well, with medals chosen for the next three years and t-shirts largely staying the same. The event is scheduled for August 30. - KOEA will send representatives, and a Doodle poll will be sent to schedule the next Dash meeting. Sponsorships are opening, and board members were asked to solicit companies and community contacts. - Prize baskets will be handled as door-prize raffles tied to registration, not pay-to-enter raffle baskets, to avoid requiring a small games of chance license. - Day Camp's run club kids will receive free registration, and the Historical Society is sponsoring again. Recreation Plan Steering Committee - The committee is helping the borough identify and select a firm to create a recreation-specific plan, separate from the existing parks plan. Work on the request for proposals is underway, with a goal of selecting a firm by the end of the year. - The planning process will include focus groups, surveys, and conversations with borough leaders and residents. The Recreation Board may be engaged in late summer or fall. - Members discussed expanding recreation beyond youth and family programming, including adult and weekday uses of the rec center, support for block parties, and existing community assets such as Back Alley Brewing's live music and Dormont Arts events at Potomac Station Coffee House. Key Outcomes - The minutes were not approved; approval was deferred until members can access the shared file and Granicus training or access is arranged. - The May 8 parking-lot movie was moved to May 15. - The board reached consensus on the concept for Park After Dark, an adult-oriented Thursday outdoor movie in late July, with July 23 and July 30 discussed as event and rain-date options, pending partner confirmation and parks staff review. A community poll will be posted to select the film. - The board agreed to create a volunteer sign-up spreadsheet and a thank-you card process for event volunteers and partners. - Dormont Dash updates were accepted, including medal selections, the fundraising and prize-basket approach, and sponsor outreach. - No formal roll-call votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus, and the meeting was adjourned by motion.

This workshop was called to discuss a proposed Special Events Ordinance aimed at overhauling the borough’s fragmented event permitting process. Borough Manager John Stinner outlined numerous deficiencies in the current system, and council members along with the public raised concerns about clarity, cost, fairness, and implementation. No formal votes were taken; the ordinance will be rewritten and brought back for further review. Public Comments & Testimony - Constantine (1516 Hillsdale Ave.) stated that a 120-day application window is acceptable as long as detailed information (e.g., band lineups) is not required at that stage. Council agreed that language such as “to the extent known” would be added. - Dana Quiddie (22931 Mattern St.) questioned the lack of community representation on the proposed special events review committee, the vague denial criteria (e.g., “will not promote … positive impact”), the risk of unequal cost burdens on events serving marginalized communities, and the absence of a cap on post-event invoices. She also asked whether a community liaison could help alleviate tensions around police cost requirements. - Jen Kayler (2947 Belrose Ave.) asked for clarification on the five-hour event threshold (whether it includes setup/cleanup), requested a published fee schedule and cost estimates, asked how this ordinance would integrate with the existing Community Pass reservation system, and noted that the proposed insurance amounts were very high for small organizations. - Drew Layman (Crosby Ave.) supported the goal of streamlining policies but urged the borough not to impose new costs on nonprofits like DABA (Dormont Area Business Association) that already operate on shoestring budgets and provide significant community benefit. He emphasized that events like Pride and the street music festival are not money-making ventures. - Mary Joe (335 Windamere Ave.) asked whether the ordinance would apply to events that do not use borough property (e.g., the pub tour, which patronizes private businesses) and noted that existing events already coordinate with police and public works informally. She worried that new requirements could create unnecessary hurdles. - Helen Kamovich (1218 Oklahoma Ave.) asked if the ordinance would affect the Dormont Elementary Community Rummage Sale (held on school property); Manager Stinner confirmed it would not. - Christina (address not given) expressed hope that the new ordinance would help events grow and flourish rather than hinder them, noting the first year of Pride and the care taken by officials. Discussion Items - John Stinner, Borough Manager, presented a comprehensive list of current process deficiencies: - Outdated and inconsistent hold harmless agreements (e.g., still listing the defunct community gym) - No online event registration; must finalize in person or by phone - Inconsistent facility cancellation policies across different borough properties - Only the police receive the first page of event permits; other departments (management, emergency management, public works) are not copied - No opportunity for event organizers to request or decline borough resources upfront - Permits are issued to individuals only, not organizations - Community Pass lacks a complete list of rentable spaces, limiting revenue - Fee schedule does not distinguish between public, private, and nonprofit events - Payment methods are outdated; no modern options - No clear delineation of when borough resources are required (e.g., police, barricades) - No coordination for private events in the business district (e.g., Potomac Ave.) - Alcohol permit definitions are the only ordinance section that delineates the three types of alcohol permits. - Council Member Kate Abel Fabus raised multiple issues: - The proposed 999-person threshold in §154-3 is likely a typo; council must set a consistent number (e.g., 500). - The 15-day approval window in §154-7 is too tight; suggested 30 days or longer for large events, with a corresponding application deadline (e.g., 120 days out). - Applicants who rent borough facilities (e.g., park with restrooms/trash) should not be required to provide those items separately; language should carve out rental inclusions. - Post-event reimbursement for additional services should be estimated and provided at approval, not billed later with no cap. - The denial standard “the event will not promote or have a positive impact on the Dormont community” is too subjective. - Suggested a waiver or proactive hold-harmless acknowledgment for events where all parties agree that no extra police or borough resources are needed, but public safety would still override. - Insurance requirements for all vendors (e.g., artists at Art in the Park) are overly broad; should target food/alcohol vendors. - Asked whether the ordinance should treat nonprofit events differently from for-profit events. - Council Member Shawn Melvin echoed many of Kate’s points and added: - §154-8C (post-event reimbursement) needs clarification—what constitutes “actual costs incurred”? (e.g., extra cleanup after event). - Estimated costs should be provided upfront, with actual costs reconciled after. - §154-6C (description of equipment/performers) should reference the local noise ordinance and whether waivers are available; asked if the borough has decibel-measuring equipment (it does not). - §154-6I (inspection requirement) is contradictory: “shall allow for the inspection” and “attach the inspection report to the application” cannot both be done at application time. - Council Member Chris Rieger noted that the definition of the special events committee in §154-4 includes the borough solicitor, which he and others felt was inappropriate; the solicitor should be consulted, not a member of the sign-off group. He proposed the sign-off group be: manager, police chief (or designee), fire chief (or designee), public works director, and emergency management coordinator. He also questioned having both the assistant manager and manager, and both parks and public works, suggesting combining where possible. - Police Chief (likely Bizignani) and Fire Chief/EMC Jeff Turko commented on the need for in-person meetings for large events (e.g., street festival) to coordinate logistics and emergency operations plans (EOPs). Chief Bizignani noted they already gather intelligence through the Chiefs of Police Association and the DA’s office. Chief Turko advocated for at least one meeting for major events and suggested using virtual tools (Teams) for smaller coordination. - Council President Amie Downs and Council Member Joshua Munson discussed the budgetary implications: any decision to have the borough pay for police/fire/DPW services must be uniform—either all event organizers pay or the borough budget sets aside funds. Manager Stinner clarified that borough-sponsored events (Dormont Day, Street Music Festival, Holiday Event, Rec Board movies) already have resources in the budget. Private events or those by external organizations would need to cover costs. For police, the current fee schedule charges $108.28 per officer per hour for outside events; this is a set fee not based on an officer’s seniority. - Council Member Chris Kipp raised the point that the 120-day application window may be too far out for events that are still in planning stages. Community members noted that if details are not required upfront (only “to the extent known”), 120 days is acceptable. Key Outcomes - Manager John Stinner will rewrite the ordinance incorporating all council and public comments, clarifying conflicting language, and will bring a revised draft to another council workshop. - Council requested cost projections from the chiefs (police, fire, public works, emergency management) for typical large events so that council can make an informed decision on whether the borough or event organizers should pay for additional services. - No votes or formal decisions were taken; this was a workshop for feedback and discussion. The next step is a second workshop after the revised ordinance is prepared.

The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) met on August 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered the approval of minutes, review of the newly adopted traffic calming policy, discussion of a resident petition form, public comments on traffic safety concerns, and a presentation on the upcoming Porchmont initiative. Consent Calendar - Approval of June 2025 Minutes: The minutes were approved with a correction to the next meeting date (changed from August to July) and a correction to John’s last name spelling. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Keeney (1106 Pierremont): Expressed concern about speeding and dangerous conditions on Pierremont between Piedmont and Eastmont. Noted 19 children on the block, a recent rollover crash requiring a rescue through a sunroof, and frequent close calls. Submitted a petition with 26 signatures (some from non-residents) and requested traffic calming measures such as a stop sign or speed humps. Discussed potential traffic increases from South Hills Catholic school. - Matt Irwin (3065 Eastmont): Voiced frustration over persistent stop sign running at the Eastmont/Kelton intersection, which is a school zone adjacent to Keystone Oaks High School. Claimed the mayor called him a liar and that borough leadership downplayed the issue. Opposed the 20-signature petition requirement, arguing school zones should receive immediate attention. Reported that a crossing guard was absent for the last four months of the school year. He requested enforcement and infrastructure changes. Discussion Items - Traffic Calming Policy: The commission noted that council approved the policy. It includes definitions for street classifications (local, connector, collector) based on a systems approach and Vision Zero. Minor organizational edits are planned for the fall. The policy will be posted on the borough website soon. - Safe Mobility Commission Petition Form: A draft form was reviewed. Members suggested adding an address column, changing “best way to contact” to “contact info” or “email/phone number,” adding a residency checkbox (Y/N), and including a word limit (e.g., 100–250 words) for the description. The form will be revised and published as a PDF. - Council Meeting Updates (Wyatt): Reported that PennDOT is finalizing the West Liberty Avenue study, the ATP process is ongoing, PRT plans to complete T line updates by the April 2026 NFL draft, and the borough is adopting an ArcGIS road mapping system through Gateway. A suggestion was made to have a commissioner attend tree commission meetings due to overlap with safe mobility. - Attending Council Meetings: The rotation schedule for commissioners to attend council meetings was confirmed: Corey (August 4), Lily (September 2), Mark (October 6), Wyatt (November 3), and a December budget meeting. - Porchmont Initiative (Joanna Bolden, Human Relations Commission): Presented a month-long porch-themed community engagement event culminating in a porch crawl on Saturday, September 13, 2026. Invited the Safe Mobility Commission to host a porch to promote safe walkability and community connections. Key Outcomes - The June 2025 minutes were approved with corrections. - The traffic calming policy is adopted and will be posted on the borough website. - The petition form will be revised based on member feedback and published as a PDF. - Public comments from Matt Keeney and Matt Irwin were heard; staff will follow up on petitions and intersection issues. - The commission will collaborate with the Human Relations Commission on the Porchmont event. - Next meeting (August 2026) will focus on traffic calming and safer crossings around the new playground.

Note: The official agenda for this meeting is dated April 21, 2026, but the system-provided meeting date is August 19, 2026. This summary uses the system-provided date per instructions. The content of the meeting (discussions of future council attendance in May–August 2026) confirms the original April date. The Safe Mobility Commission met at 6:00 PM. The meeting included approval of past minutes, a public petition regarding traffic safety on Dwight Avenue, and updates on ongoing projects. Commissioners present: Mark, Lily, Corey (joined online), Wyatt. John (borough staff) participated remotely. No registered public comments were on the agenda, but two residents spoke in connection with a petition. Consent Calendar - Approval of February 2026 Meeting Minutes – Approved with amendments (edits by Mark regarding item dates and inclusion of Gateway consultation references). Vote: unanimous. - Approval of March 2026 Meeting Minutes – Approved with an amendment clarifying that the $3,500 figure for signage/striping was part of Gateway’s budget, not a clarification by a commissioner. Vote: unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Tanner Weaver (3065 Dwight Avenue) – Presented a petition requesting traffic calming on Dwight Avenue between Dormont Avenue and the five-way stop at Hillsdale Avenue. Described two recent hit‑and‑run crashes involving parked cars (drivers intoxicated), worsening speeding, and lack of pavement markings due to gas line work. Requested speed tables, a stop sign at the Dwight/Dormont intersection, and road striping. Noted increased traffic from nearby road closures. - Curtis (last name not given, same address area) – Added concerns about pedestrian safety at the crosswalk near the pool and bus stop, and difficulty seeing cars coming downhill. Supported a stop sign and other measures. Discussion Items - Dwight Avenue Traffic Calming Petition – The commission evaluated the petition against the borough’s traffic calming policy. Data from police studies (2018‑2019) showed the 3000 block of Dwight has a running speed (85th percentile) of 28–29 mph and a maximum speed of 42–44 mph, well above the 20 mph safe‑system target. Daily volume is 1,500–1,800 vehicles, exceeding the 1,000‑vehicle eligibility threshold. Commissioners discussed options (speed humps, traffic circles, stop signs) and concerns that stop signs are ineffective against speeding and drunk driving. Mark presented a table of potential speed reductions (e.g., traffic circles up to 11 mph, speed humps about 8 mph). The group agreed to define a study area from the intersection with Route 19 (Banksville Road) to the five‑point intersection on Dwight. Motion to advance the petition to Gateway for a traffic calming study. Passed unanimously. - ATP and Road Diet Check‑in – Deferred to the next meeting (May 2026) due to lack of review time and pending comments deadline. - Mid‑block Crosswalk Evaluation – Mark suggested including unmarked mid‑block crossings (e.g., near fire station, T‑station exits) in the upcoming consultant evaluation. John agreed this could be incorporated. - Intersection at Eastmott and Kelton – John reported that the superintendent of KO schools (Dr. Stropjay) has agreed to partner with the borough on improvements at this intersection. Further discussion scheduled for next month. Key Outcomes - February and March 2026 minutes approved as amended (unanimous). - Dwight Avenue petition advanced to Gateway for a traffic calming study (unanimous vote). Study area defined: from Route 19 to the five‑point intersection on Dwight Avenue. - Council meeting attendance schedule set: May 4 (Wyatt), June 1 (Mark), July 6 (Emily), August 3 (Corey), September (Lily). - Council President Amie Downs was unable to attend; will try to attend next month. - Next meeting likely in May 2026; Gateway engineer expected to attend.

The Safe Mobility Commission met to discuss petitions, the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant, the Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Active Transportation and Safety Plan, Gateway topics, the road diet, and capital budgeting. Note: the agenda and transcript header list the meeting as March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, while the provided meeting metadata date of August 19, 2026, is used in this title as instructed. Consent Calendar - Minutes approval was deferred. A member had corrections to the February 2026 minutes but had not emailed them in time; another member asked to wait because he had just returned from Harrisburg. The commission agreed to approve two sets of minutes at the next meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - None were received. No members of the public attended in person, and no remote comments were read into the record. Old Business Petitions - No formal petitions were before the commission. Staff mentioned that one petition had been sent out and not yet returned; it appeared to be a request for another stop sign. - The commission discussed traffic safety mirrors: new mirrors can no longer be added in Pennsylvania, though existing mirrors may remain. A commissioner asked who is responsible for adjusting a mirror on Windamere near the train tracks that is facing the ground; staff said they would check. - A commissioner suggested it would be more useful for residents to describe the safety problem they see rather than prescribe a stop sign, because stop signs are traffic-control devices and not always appropriate traffic-calming tools. Staff agreed that when a petition reaches the commission, staff could explore other solutions with the petitioner. SS4A Grant Clarification and Intersection Audit - The SS4A grant question remains unresolved: the award includes both demonstration and study language, and the borough is still in the early contract-phasing stage with the state. Staff said full clarification on allowable spending will come once the contract is signed. - Michael Baker International, a civil engineering firm, contacted the borough with a proposal to conduct the boroughwide intersection audit requested in the grant application. The approximate cost is $60,000. Deliverables would include an existing conditions analysis, an intersection evaluation matrix, a community survey/needs assessment report, and an intersection implementation matrix. The audit would cover every intersection in the borough. - Staff are checking with the solicitor whether Michael Baker can be contracted as a preferred service provider because of proprietary technology, and whether federal grant bidding thresholds apply. Michael Baker has been invited to present to council at the March 30 super committee meeting; sample materials will be circulated to commissioners. Discussion Items Council Meeting Report and Road Program - Lloyd attended the council meeting virtually. Staff highlighted the roads selected for improvement: full reconstruction of the sections of Crosby that need it, plus mill and overlay work on Mississippi, Tennessee, and a variety of alleys. - The borough’s PMG road-condition report uses PCI scores; some roads scored 2 out of 100. Almond Street and Barrenway scored 8 out of 100. Roughly one-third of borough roads are in good condition, one-third are fair, and one-third are poor or failed. - No sidewalk work is currently on the list. The borough is still developing a sidewalk improvement program modeled on Brentwood: when roads are selected, code enforcement would evaluate sidewalks in those areas and notify property owners. Funding for launching the program this year is still under evaluation. Curbs are included in reconstruction projects but not in mill-and-overlay projects. - Sidewalk maintenance is generally the property owner’s responsibility, though the borough plans to assess its own properties this spring. A commissioner flagged a tripping hazard on the sidewalk near Hillsdale Commons on the route to West Liberty Avenue; staff said they would look at it. Dormont Goes Green - Dormont Goes Green is scheduled for April 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the community garden municipal parking lot. A commissioner raised ADA concerns, noting that no accessible parking reaches the community garden and urging organizers to have a plan for accommodations. Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Active Transportation and Safety Plan - Commissioners reviewed community engagement sessions held in Mt. Lebanon, at the Dormont library, and at East End Brewing. One commissioner said planners are considering all-way stops at every Dormont signal, but have not committed. Another commissioner relayed a working attendee’s complaint that the East End Brewing session was too loud for them to provide comments, and suggested a more conducive venue for the next round. - Staff said the plan is at the end of community engagement, not the end of the project. First-draft comments are due to the consultant at the end of the week. After the consultant integrates comments, a second draft will be circulated for two weeks of review, with a final styled PDF expected in the first week of April. - Commission members will submit individual comments rather than a collective commission response. One commissioner questioned why the commissions were not more involved as bodies; staff responded that this was the structure set by the project planners and that the second draft would go to the commissions for review. Gateway Topics and Visioning Goals - Gateway’s Mark Reidenbach was unable to attend because his wife’s flight was delayed. The commission chose to defer Gateway’s presentation to the next meeting rather than have staff cover it. - In reviewing visioning goals, staff gave updates on clean-language instructions for traffic complaints, ongoing ArcGIS work (including sewer, stormwater, permitting/code enforcement, signage, veterans banners, trees, and road-opening permits), and the intersection audit as the mechanism for future crosswalk/sign recommendations. - Members noted that the traffic-calming handbook still conflicts with the adopted traffic-calming policy and needs to be reconciled before adoption; several mid-range goals, such as synchronized safety improvements with the roads program and a sidewalk repair/maintenance program, are in progress. ATP and Road Diet Check-In - No response has been received from PennDOT on the road diet. Staff said council sent a letter to PennDOT and it was not received well; however, the district engineer responded that PennDOT “simply misspoke” and is aware of the speed limit. Understanding How Improvements Are Budgeted - Staff explained that routine striping and signage are funded through the operating budget, while larger one-time or multi-year improvements are capital projects. There is no fixed dollar threshold; the distinction is based on whether the work is a one-time expense or an ongoing annual expense. The capital budget is driven by need and opportunity, with most large projects requiring grants because the borough cannot typically fund a $200,000 project from cash. The annual capital budget target is roughly $1 million, with the road program receiving the largest share. - As an example, East Martin/Kelton signage and striping were estimated at $3,500. The borough recently purchased a paint sprayer to do more line striping in-house. Integrating intersections into the road program is intended to capture safety improvements more efficiently. Mount Lebanon indicated it does not maintain any part of East Martin/Kelton and will not partner on a grant; a grant could take six months to a year. - Staff also cited Beg Snyder Playground, which needs approximately $150,000–$160,000 in ADA improvements. The borough applied for a Community Development Block Grant for the work and is waiting to see whether it will be funded. Key Outcomes - Minutes approval was deferred to the next meeting, when two sets of minutes will be approved together. - No public comments were heard and no formal petitions were acted on. - Gateway’s presentation was deferred to the next meeting. - Michael Baker International will present the intersection audit proposal to council at the March 30 super committee meeting; sample materials will be circulated to commissioners. - First-draft comments on the Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Active Transportation and Safety Plan are due at the end of the week; the second draft will be reviewed before the final PDF is expected in the first week of April. - Staff will follow up on the Hillsdale Commons sidewalk concern and the Windamere mirror. Dormont Goes Green organizers will be reminded of ADA access needs. - The road diet remains pending PennDOT response; no formal action was taken.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting originally occurred on November 18, 2025, but the meeting date is provided as August 19, 2026. The summary reflects the content as recorded, using the assigned date. The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) held a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Commissioners present: Wyatt, Lily, Corey, and Ed (via roll call). Mark was absent. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, discussion of a recent pedestrian-involved crash, updates on intersection safety projects, and a canceled playground community engagement event. Consent Calendar - October 2025 Minutes: Approved unanimously with no changes. Ed will remove draft markings and upload the final version. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received or offered at the meeting. Discussion Items - Old Business – November Council Meeting Report: John reported on the November 18, 2025 council meeting. He noted that the parents of a three‑year‑old child who was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hillsdale and West Liberty presented their experience. The child was in a crosswalk with a walk signal when a turning driver hit him; the child was not seriously injured. The council requested SMC review the intersection for safety improvements. Commissioners discussed enforcement issues, the visibility of crosswalks, and the role of turning drivers focusing on oncoming traffic rather than pedestrians. Lily noted that at Hillsdale, the walk signal may be slow to appear, and that the only all‑walk phases on West Liberty are at Potomac and Illinois, and Pioneer. John recommended contacting PennDOT for an update on the West Liberty Road Diet redesign and also suggested contacting traffic engineer Kyle Brown about malfunctioning walk signals. Lily provided examples from Indiana, PA, where recent pedestrian fatalities led to recommendations including all‑red pedestrian phases and elimination of left turns. The commission agreed that infrastructure improvements (e.g., high‑visibility crosswalks, all‑walk phases) are needed, but also acknowledged PennDOT’s focus on traffic flow. - Agenda Item – Leathers Playground Company (New Playground): Ed apologized for the cancellation of the evening’s community engagement session. The company had not reviewed previous public engagement reports from Gateway Engineers, leading to repeated questions about design preferences (e.g., castle theme) that were already decided. The session will be rescheduled in a few weeks after the consultant reviews the materials. - Kelton Intersection / Crosswalk Project: Ed updated the commission on the project status. A new borough engineer, Mark Reidenbach, replaced Jared Neal. The design (piano‑key crosswalks, high‑visibility signage, mid‑lane yield signs) has council approval. Next steps: finalize placement of three mid‑block crosswalks, ADA improvements, and cost estimates. Commissioner Wyatt asked about narrowing the intersection to reduce speeding; Ed noted that would be a larger road project (likely $100,000+). The commission agreed to proceed with the current design and use it as a template for future crosswalks. - Joint Meeting with Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Consultants: John reported he will meet with the ATP consultants the following Monday (November 24, 2025) to discuss findings and potential joint involvement with the West Liberty Road Diet study. The consultants (Tool) may act as a shepherd for the borough with PennDOT. The commission awaits PennDOT re‑engagement before scheduling a joint SMC‑council meeting. Lily asked about sharing ATP results; John will obtain a timeline. - Petitions and Other Items: No new petitions were received. The commission discussed a previously considered stop‑sign request on Latonia Avenue in Pyrmont; the matter had stalled, and Ed suggested installing signs on both sides of Latonia indicating that traffic from the left/right does not stop. This will be reviewed further. - Dell Sidewalk Extension: Wyatt reported that the sidewalk extension at Dell and McFarland is complete, allowing pedestrian access to Mount Lebanon without stepping into the street. ADA ramps were installed, though a few corners have diagonal ramps due to space constraints. Crosswalk painting and posts are not yet installed. - Post Office Rapid Flashing Beacon: Wyatt noted that the base for a new rapid flashing beacon in front of the post office is blocking the sidewalk, creating an ADA hazard. The borough plans to install a concrete bump‑out to make the area accessible. The commission acknowledged this improvement. Key Outcomes - Child Safety at Hillsdale & West Liberty: The commission will follow up with PennDOT and traffic engineer Kyle Brown regarding walk signal timing, all‑walk phases, and potential infrastructure improvements. No formal vote taken. - Playground Community Engagement: The session is canceled and will be rescheduled after the consultant reviews prior materials. No formal vote taken. - Kelton Crosswalk Project: The commission endorsed moving forward with the design and cost estimation. No formal vote taken. - Joint Meeting with ATP Consultants: John will coordinate a date after the November 24, 2025 meeting with the consultants. No formal vote taken. - Latonia Stop‑Sign Issue: The item will be revisited in the next month; no formal vote taken. - Meeting Adjourned at approximately 6:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2025.