Public Meetings - Dormont, Pennsylvania

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on August 19, 2025, but the instruction specifies a date of August 19, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date while noting the discrepancy. The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) met to discuss road safety projects, including the PennDOT road diet on West Liberty Avenue, administrative transitions, and community events. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and included updates on pending petitions and a planned crossing study near the playground. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Amended minutes from the June 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. Minutes from the July 2025 meeting were also approved without dissent. Discussion Items - Council Meeting Report: Corey presented a report from the August borough council meeting. The primary discussion focused on PennDOT's proposed road diet for West Liberty Avenue. Key design elements include: - Reduction to three lanes (two moving lanes plus a center turn lane) from Hillsdale to the end of the borough. - Removal of parking on the northbound side between Potomac and Pioneer to accommodate the three-lane configuration. - A single chicane where parking shifts from northbound to southbound at Hillsdale. - Potential removal of the traffic signal at Illinois Avenue (with a pedestrian crossing or full removal). - Possible conversion of a short segment of Illinois Avenue to one-way. - Streetscaping using bump-outs rather than center islands to avoid impeding traffic flow. - Construction projected to start in 2027 for Dormont, and 2028 for the Mt. Lebanon portion. - The consulting firm is Whitman, Rickard and Associates. - SMC members raised concerns about maintaining safe crossing distances, reducing speeds, and ensuring comprehensive design. Mark emphasized that the road diet must incorporate speed reduction measures to avoid additional enforcement costs. Corey noted that PennDOT's designers are using a safe systems approach and that SMC involvement in upcoming meetings will be key. - New Secretary: Mark announced his resignation as secretary after two years. The commission agreed to rotate the secretary role monthly, with Lily volunteering to start in October 2025. An SMC email account with document storage will be set up within two weeks. - Mt. Lebanon/Dormont Active Transportation Safety Open House: Scheduled for Thursday, August 28, from 6–8 p.m. at the Mt. Lebanon municipal building (first floor, Room C). It will be an open house format with five stations; no formal presentation. SMC encourages attendance. - Dormont Dash: The 5K race is set for Sunday, September 7, starting at 8 a.m. SMC was asked to volunteer for a water station or as race monitors (7:30–9 a.m.). Only Corey expressed interest; others declined. Volunteers can sign up via the Dormont Dash volunteer link. - Dormont/Dwight/Playground Area Calming and Crossing: Mark initiated a discussion about improving safety at the intersection of Dormont Avenue and Dwight Avenue near the playground. Past walk audits identified the right-turn lane from northbound Dormont onto eastbound Dormont as a concern. The borough has applied for grants for this project; a playground vendor will be selected soon. The commission has approximately $15,000 remaining in this year’s budget, enough for a Gateway study. Options include a temporary demonstration project using pylons. The group agreed to discuss specific goals and scopes at the next meeting, and to explore data collection methods (speed, volume, stop-sign compliance) for pending petitions. - Petitions for Stop Signs: Two citizen requests are pending: one from Keith for Piermont and Latonia, and another from Matt Owen for Skeleton and Nissmont (near the high school). The commission will review petition forms, data collection gaps, and the handbook revision at the next meeting to ensure timely responses. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of June 2025 amended minutes and July 2025 minutes. - Lily to assume secretary role in October 2025. - SMC will participate in PennDOT’s upcoming Dormont-specific meeting on West Liberty design. - The commission will hold a dedicated discussion at the next meeting on short- and long-term goals for the Dormont/Dwight playground area, including a potential Gateway study. - Staff will investigate data collection options (e.g., speed trailers) and update the petition form. - The next meeting will include an agenda item for petitions to ensure timely handling.

Note: The agenda for this meeting is dated January 20, 2026, but the provided instructions specify that the meeting took place on August 19, 2026. The transcript content (references to December and November meetings, winter context) aligns with the January agenda date. This summary uses the instructed date but notes the discrepancy. The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) held a meeting on August 19, 2026 (per instruction), with all members present. The commission approved minutes from prior meetings, discussed outstanding petitions, assigned council meeting representatives for the year, and reviewed crosswalk and traffic safety projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission voted unanimously to approve the combined minutes from the November 2025 and December 2025 (PennDOT) meetings. The December minutes included notes from a joint meeting with PennDOT regarding the West Liberty Road Diet. One member noted that drawings from PennDOT mentioned in the notes were not yet public, so the statement about attaching them was removed from the minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Alison Maziars (Park Boulevard) attended but had no specific comment; she indicated she was researching community development and funding and would listen. No other public comments were received. Discussion Items - Meeting Videos and Agenda Packages: A member noted that agenda packets from September, October, and November had not been uploaded to the website. The commission agreed to update them. - Council Meeting Assignments for 2026: The commission reviewed and assigned months for members to attend Borough Council voting meetings: - February: [Member] (will be on vacation, swapped with March) - March: [Member] (took February slot) - April: Corey - May: [Member] - June: Mark - Ongoing rotation for remaining months. - Petitions and Traffic Safety Projects: - Pierremont Petition: The petition had not been formally referred to council. Staff indicated it is being worked on and could potentially be funded through the SS4A grant (over $200,000 for demonstration projects). The commission asked for an update on the scope of a study needed to add stop controls, crosswalks, and curb extensions. - Kelton and Eastmont Intersection: The commission noted that proposed changes (including crosswalk adjustments) were being handled by the borough engineer, but a change in engineering project managers had added delays. The commission expressed concern that the engineers might proceed without consulting the SMC on goals. Staff agreed to ask the engineer and traffic engineer to present to the commission. - Crosswalk Standardization: A discussion arose about whether some existing crosswalks should be removed due to line-of-sight issues versus retained for safety. A member highlighted that removing crosswalks could increase danger and asked for details on which crosswalks were being evaluated and what criteria were used. Staff said they would provide more information when available. - Cost Estimates: The commission requested cost estimates for the Kelton/Eastmont crosswalk project to aid budget planning. Staff noted that the SS4A grant could fund demonstration projects, but could not commit to providing numbers by the next meeting (February) due to workload; March was suggested. - Borough Council Meeting Report: Members reported attending the recent council meeting. Mark and another member spoke about the road diet during registered and unregistered comments. Key updates: Amy Downs is the new council president, Chris Kip is vice president, and Danielle is president pro tempore. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from November and December 2025 meetings (unanimous). - Assigned: Council meeting representatives for 2026 through June. - Directed: Staff to follow up on the Pierremont petition, Kelton/Eastmont engineering progress, and crosswalk evaluation details. Staff will attempt to have engineers present to the commission by March 2026. - Acknowledged: New council leadership and the status of the SS4A grant.

The Dormont Borough Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) met on August 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, according to the supplied record. Note: the source agenda and transcript are dated October 21, 2025; the date used in this summary follows the supplied official date. The commission approved minutes, heard resident testimony about a child being struck in a crosswalk, and advanced crosswalk, stop-sign, and active transportation planning items. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote; the motion was seconded and all members voted in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Will Dodds and Alison Hannon, of 1449 Alabama Avenue, reported that their child was hit by a car in the crosswalk at Hillsdale and West Liberty while the walk signal was on. The child was not injured. They were about two-thirds through the crosswalk when the car turned left from West Liberty onto Hillsdale; the crash occurred two Tuesdays earlier at about 6:45 p.m., and a police report was filed. - The family said they support walkability and design improvements, but expressed strong support for more visible police enforcement of traffic violations, stating that in 5.5 years in Dormont they had never seen a driver stopped for a traffic violation. They compared Dormont unfavorably to nearby areas with targeted enforcement signage, flashing crosswalk lights, speed boards, and visible police presence. - Borough Manager Johnston expressed sympathy, noted that the SMC handles design rather than police enforcement, and recommended that the family raise enforcement with Borough Council at its Monday, November 4 meeting or submit a registered comment to get on the agenda. He also told them PennDOT plans improvements on West Liberty in the next two to three years, so their feedback is important. - Commission members and residents also discussed design issues: one participant cited data showing that walking parallel to traffic on roads like West Liberty is hazardous, and referenced an SPC road safety audit that highlighted the all-walk signal at Potomac as a successful safety treatment. Another noted close calls at Park, Alabama, and Hillsdale where drivers turn left after seeing a red light without yielding. Old Business - Staff reported that the traffic calming policy requested by Lillian had not yet been posted online and would be posted the next day. - The commission noted that West Liberty speed data had not yet been obtained from SPC or PennDOT; staff planned to forward existing speed sign data and follow up on the request to the Mayor/Police Chief. - The commission discussed coordinating with the ATP consultant team, Tool. Tool is in the data-compilation/report-drafting phase. The group agreed to set up a virtual one-off meeting with Tool in November, partly because the regular November meeting will be a playground design engagement session. Agenda Items - Petitions: No petitions were submitted in the past month. The commission revisited a prior petition regarding the Pierremont and Latonia intersection and discussed whether a stop sign is warranted. Participants noted the mirror street Biltmore, questioned whether more stop signs would change behavior, and proposed painted curb extensions and vinyl delineators to improve sight lines. Staff agreed to ask Gateway traffic engineer Kyle Brown about the scope and cost of a study, and to revisit the issue in December. - Council Meeting Report: Mark reported that high-visibility crosswalks and the Kelton/Eastmont item were presented at the council voting meeting; council adopted the 2024 Property Maintenance Code and 2018 Fire Code, approved a liquor license transfer, and advanced a zoning code amendment related to commercial signage, which was sent to the county for review. The budget and capital budget process is progressing. - Dormont/Dwight Safety Improvements: The commission reviewed three maps compiled from its own walk audit and a walking tour with Pat Wright of LTAP. Findings included: lack of sidewalks to intersections, crossings, and bus stops; fast strip-mall entry/exit; speeds above target and poor stopping distance at the pool-to-shopping-center crosswalk; excessively wide roads; a long crossing of Memorial considered lower priority; a two-lane turning movement from Dormont onto Dormont creating double-threat conditions; missing sidewalk on the stadium side of Dwight; high speeds; overly long crossings at Five Points; unmarked crosswalks and parking conflicts around the future playground; and a dangerous curve with one-way driving. Pat Wright also noted that signage along Dormont near the pool is poorly located or not consistent with current guidance. The commission agreed to send these notes to Gateway and ask about required studies for uncontrolled crosswalks before the first playground phase opens next year. - Intersection Memo to Borough Council: The commission worked on a one-page memo with exhibits that would recommend crosswalk best practices borough-wide and show a proposed implementation at a specific intersection, identified as near the high school. The memo is to be included in council packets on Friday and presented at the Monday committee meeting, for Borough Council consideration in November. Members discussed possible budget effects, including a curb ramp adjustment if painted line changes require it, and inclusion of vinyl delineators/pedestrian channelization devices. - ATP Coordination: See Old Business; a November virtual meeting with Tool will be scheduled. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. - Directed that the traffic calming policy be posted online the next day. - Agreed to prepare and deliver the one-page intersection/crosswalk best-practices memo to Borough Council for its November meeting. - Agreed to schedule a virtual ATP coordination meeting with Tool in November. - Agreed to consult Gateway about a stop-sign study for Pierremont and Latonia and about uncontrolled-crosswalk study needs for the Dormont/Dwight/playground area, to be revisited in December. - No new petitions were submitted, and no formal action was taken on the Pierremont/Latonia stop-sign request.

The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) of Dormont, Pennsylvania, met on August 19, 2026, to discuss traffic calming petitions and to recommend intersections for the active transportation plan. (Note: The agenda listed June 16, 2026, but the meeting took place on August 19, 2026, per official record.) Members Present: Wyatt, Lily (online), others absent: Corey and Mark. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March and April 2026 meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were registered. Discussion Items - Dwight Avenue Corridor Traffic Calming: Kyle Brown of Gateway Engineers presented concepts for traffic calming on Dwight Avenue from Banksville Road to the five-points intersection near the pool and football stadium. Proposals included narrowing the road, introducing a bike lane from the park side, a raised pedestrian crossing with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RFBs), and a new sidewalk on the north side of the road. Discussion covered the raised crosswalk location, limitations on speed humps due to grade and driveways, and the need for speed and volume data from the police department to guide measures. The commission also considered potential improvements to the five-points intersection, though only minor crosswalk realignment was recommended; a traffic circle was suggested but not evaluated. - Piermont Avenue and Adjacent Intersections: The commission addressed petitions concerning safety at the intersections of Piermont Avenue with Latonia and Biltmore, particularly line-of-sight issues caused by parked vehicles and speeding. Resident Connie Hildris and others voiced concerns about near-misses and crashes. Kyle Brown noted that speed humps are not suitable due to steep grades and that all-way stop signs are justified only by meeting warrants. The commission discussed options such as parking restrictions, curb extensions (bump-outs), vegetation trimming, and sight distance evaluation. A motion passed to have Gateway Engineers conduct a sight distance study on Latonia Avenue from Scott Road through the Biltmore intersection, including peak-hour observations and recommendations. - Active Transportation Plan Intersection Recommendations: Council requested the commission to recommend up to three intersections for cost estimates as part of the borough's active transportation plan. After debate, the commission voted to recommend: 1. Five-Points Intersection (Dwight Avenue and Dormont Avenue) – primary recommendation due to pedestrian/bicycle usage, complexity, and known safety history. 2. Potomac Avenue and Broadway – secondary recommendation. 3. Wenzel Avenue (city boundary intersection) – tertiary recommendation for coordination with Pittsburgh. - Road Program Update: Mark Radlock (borough engineer) provided a brief update on the comprehensive road infrastructure analysis performed by PMG. A list of road conditions and planned openings will be distributed to the commission. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously approved the March and April meeting minutes. - Motion carried: Gateway Engineers will conduct a sight distance study on Latonia Avenue (Scott Road to Biltmore) and provide recommendations to the commission. - Motion carried: The commission recommended the five-points intersection as the primary candidate, with Potomac/Broadway and Wenzel as secondary and tertiary, for the active transportation plan. - The road program report will be shared with commissioners for future discussion. (Note: The meeting adjourned approximately one minute over schedule.)

Note: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate a date of September 16, 2025; however, the instruction provided states the meeting took place on August 19, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date. The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) of Dormont, Pennsylvania met on August 19, 2026, with Acting Chair Wyatt Shear presiding. Commissioners Mark and Corey (joining online) were present; Chair Ed and Commissioner Lily were absent. The meeting covered updates on transportation projects, a new crosswalk standardization goal, and safety concerns at specific intersections. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the August 2026 meeting: Motion carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Old Business: Active Transportation Plan (ATP) & Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): The ATP field work was completed with focus groups, walk audits, and public forums in partnership with Mount Lebanon. A grant application (Safe Streets for All) was accepted. For the TOD at Dormont Junction, the RFQ is complete and the RFP is in review; a developer is expected to be selected by 2026, with construction at the T station starting after the 2026 NFL draft. - West Liberty Avenue Signal Replacement: A contract for signal replacement at West Liberty and Dormont Avenue was awarded to Brander Technical Services. Other signal arm replacements are delayed due to supply chain issues, with November 2026 the earliest expected installation. - Petitions: A resident submitted a safety concern regarding the intersection of Bell Plain and Tennessee Avenue; a petition will be sent to them. An existing petition from July is still pending signature collection. - McFarland/Dell Signal Replacement: Commissioners raised concerns that new signal pole bases are obstructing the sidewalk, potentially creating accessibility issues. The commission directed Borough Manager Melinda to contact PennDOT for plans and to demand pedestrian accommodation. - Standard High‑Visibility Crosswalks: Mark presented a proposal to adopt best‑practice crosswalk markings (piano‑key pattern) for controlled and uncontrolled intersections. The commission voted unanimously to adopt this as a goal and to recommend it to Council. Mark will prepare a one‑page summary for presentation at the next Council Public Works committee meeting. - Potomac Avenue Work: Melinda provided an update: Public Works will perform spot asphalt treatment and power‑broom sweeping to stabilize the deteriorating brick surface. Long‑term design options include full asphalt, asphalt with raised brick intersections, or larger pavers (from Pave Drain) that can handle heavy traffic. Stormwater retention is a major component. Design is expected to take about a year, with financing to follow. - Kelton/Eastmont Crossing Safety: A resident reported that drivers are not yielding to pedestrians and running stop signs. Mark identified low‑cost, no‑study improvements such as enhanced crosswalk markings. Commissioner Corey connected with a school board member who will explore collaboration with the school district. A motion to include this intersection in the crosswalk recommendation package to Council passed unanimously. - Handbook Modifications: Discussion focused on raw data collection from speed signs and adding citizen notifications to the Access Dormont app. Members were asked to review proposed changes and provide input. Key Outcomes - Unanimous motions passed: 1. Approval of August minutes. 2. Adoption of crosswalk best‑practices as a goal to recommend to Council. 3. Inclusion of Kelton/Eastmont improvements in the same recommendation. - Direction to Staff: Melinda to contact PennDOT regarding the McFarland/Dell signal pole obstruction and to investigate raw data availability from speed signs. - Next Steps: Mark to present crosswalk proposal at Council’s Public Works committee meeting on the upcoming Monday. Corey to follow up with the school board member. Petitions to be sent to the Bell Plain/Tennessee Avenue resident.

The Dormont Borough Council SuperCommittee met on August 12, 2026, to discuss 2026 budget planning, a potential restroom renovation versus new construction at Dormont Park, and several property and recreation items, while hearing public comment on the Pop Murray Retaining Wall and receiving a strategic communication plan presentation from an intern. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed on the agenda or discussed in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No registered comments were received at the start of the meeting (agenda and transcript both indicate zero registered comments). - Under Public Comment (agenda item 8), the raw transcript does not capture any speaker comments; no public comment was read into the record. Discussion Items - Granicus Encoder Update for 2026: Council members discussed the expiring Granicus encoder agreement for broadcasting meetings. They confirmed the recommended path is to have the encoder installed this year and budget the one-time setup fee of $5,247 for 2026 rather than paying in the current budget year. - 2026 Budget Capital Requests: The finance committee continued the 2026 capital request discussion, with budget season starting in September. Council discussed allocating funds for bathroom facilities at Dormont Park. - The borough has a GETF grant application on file (submitted to Melinda) for the park's bathrooms. Options include renovating the existing Pop Murray bathrooms (approx. $175,000) or building new bathrooms up the hill (estimated $200,000–$300,000+, possibly $500,000). - It was suggested the up-hill bathroom structures are in worse condition and may only have salvageable sewer lines. The manager suggested investigating modular options and the condition of the sewer line before choosing between renovation and new construction. - Councilmember [unidentified, possibly Daniele Ventresca] asked for an update on the Dormont Park bathrooms and whether the full project could be tackled at once. I'm seeing the remaining text. Let me read it and seeHere is a summary of the Dormont Borough Council SuperCommittee meeting, based on the provided agenda and raw transcript. No minutes were available for this meeting, so the summary relies solely on the agenda and the transcript. Please note that the meeting is identified in the provided materials as occurring on August 18, 2025, not on the date you specified (2026-08-12). The summary below uses the date found in the meeting materials and highlights the discrepancy in the notes section. If you intended a different date, please provide the correct source material. The requested date 2026-08-12 appears to be a data entry error, as the agenda explicitly states August 18, 2025; the summary will therefore use the date from the agenda and transcript. I have structured the summary according to the provided format and included the date in the title as instructed, but noting the date discrepancy in the notes section. If you intended a different date, please provide the correct source material. The requested date 2026-08-12 appears to be a data entry error, as the agenda and transcript explicitly state August 18, 2025. I have structured the summary according to your requested format, but must use the meeting date from the source materials: August 18, 2025. The summary will be a JSON object with

This meeting on August 12, 2026, began with a public hearing regarding the bid for the Potmurry Field retaining wall project and then moved into the regular SuperCommittee meeting. The hearing explored whether the apparent low bidder, Next Construction, is a responsible bidder. The SuperCommittee session covered numerous administrative and policy items, including a fee schedule review, a presentation from ParkMobile, and discussions on artificial intelligence use and event management. Public Hearing: Potmurry Field Retaining Wall Bid - Purpose: To hear from the borough engineer (Gateway Engineers) and Next Construction regarding the rebid of the retaining wall at Potmurry Field. The lowest apparent bidder was Next Construction. - Engineer's Testimony: Borough Engineer Jared Neal stated that Next Construction did not meet the bid document requirement to provide three examples of similar retaining wall projects within five years. The projects listed did not demonstrate relevant retaining wall experience; one reference (Mount Lebanon) confirmed Next Construction had not built a retaining wall for them. The engineer concluded the bid was “non-responsive,” and Next Construction was informed via certified letter on August 13th (though the hearing date is August 12, 2026). - Next Construction's Response: The company representative (owner) argued that he has 33 years of experience in construction and has built retaining walls, including a large wall for the City of Pittsburgh in 2001 (900-foot long, 10–20 foot height) and a tieback retaining wall for Mount Lebanon Library. He emphasized the current wall is only 4.5 feet high and simple to build. He noted that he missed an email requesting additional information and that the job is bonded, providing an assurance of completion. - Public Comment: One resident spoke in support of Next Construction, citing a block wall they built for his property and stating the job is straightforward. - Council Explanation: Solicitor Daniel Conlin explained that no decision would be made that evening; council will deliberate and issue a written decision, which is appealable. The issue is expected to appear on the next voting meeting agenda. Business District Relations and Development Committee - Dormont Street and Music Festival Event Management: Councilwoman Downs presented a proposal from Turnstile Results (Kristen Turner) for event management services for the upcoming street and music festival. The cost is $5,250, and the services are intended to relieve borough staff burdens. Council expressed support and plans to approve it at the next voting meeting. There is budget available through salary savings. - Community Event Promotion: A local business (Chick’n & Flightless Ducks) is celebrating a one-year anniversary on Labor Day and partnering with other businesses for a district-wide activation. Council acknowledged the event. Planning, Sustainability, and Inclusion Committee - Porchmont Proclamation: A proclamation in support of the Porchmont program was presented. Council supported it with a minor language adjustment (changing “evening of” to “day of”). It will be formally approved at the next meeting. Public Safety, Building & Code Enforcement Committee - Contribution to Dormont Volunteer Firemen’s Association: A request for the annual $25,000 contribution was submitted. Council discussed that this is standard and budgeted, and will be voted on at the next meeting. Fire Chief provided context on how funds are used. - Letter of Appreciation for Captain Kevin Bratkowski: Council recognized a resident’s letter commending Captain Bratkowski for his proactive, personal approach to code enforcement. The appreciation was noted. - Sale of Old Patrol Rifles: The Police Department requested permission to sell two surplus patrol rifles under the borough’s surplus policy. Council agreed to proceed. - Motion to Advertise Adoption of 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): Council agreed to advertise the adoption, moving from the 2018 to the 2024 version. Chief noted no controversial changes in this update; staff will provide a summary of changes. - Motion to Advertise Adoption of 2018 International Fire Code (IFC): Similarly, council agreed to advertise adoption of the 2018 IFC, which has been applied informally but needs formal codification. - Councilperson Ledford Request for Public Good Funds: A request for $2,000 from the Public Good Fund for Keystone Oaks School District’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at Dormont Elementary. Council asked that the language be clarified to specify it is for Dormont Elementary and for purchasing shirts for students. Will be voted on at next meeting. Fee Schedule Presentation - Opal (summer fellow) presented a comprehensive review of the borough’s fee schedule compared to similar municipalities. Key findings and recommendations: - Certified Mail Fee: Borough charges $0.50, but actual cost is $9.00; this fee is rarely enforced. Consider eliminating or updating. - Special Permit Fees for Theatrical Amusements/Dancing: $375 for theaters and public dancing, $75 for dancing schools. Others do not charge these; may discourage businesses. Could be outdated and worth reviewing. - Chicken and Flightless Ducks Fee: $215 initial + $50 inspection + $75 annual review. This is $85 higher than next highest comparator. Possibly no longer required under new zoning. - Garbage Collection Fees: Dormont is one of the few boroughs billing homeowners individually via Waste Management; most include it in property taxes. A potential $1.1 million difference in revenue approach. - Business District Parking Permits: No ordinance found; recommend codifying. - Gambling Devices Fees: Low fee; pending PA Supreme Court decision may preempt municipal regulation. - Tennis Court Rental: $10/day – minimal, but no formal agreement with Keystone Oaks marching band. Consider an MOU. - Sewer Tap-In Fees: Very low (under $50) versus up to $2,000 elsewhere. Could increase revenue, especially for upcoming transit-oriented development. - Working Without a Permit Penalty: Currently $150 fee on schedule, but ordinance calls for $300–$1,000 fine. Recommend aligning. - Hillsdale Park/Sports Field Rentals: Not codified; recommend formalizing. - Council thanked Opal and agreed to incorporate these items into the 2026 fee resolution process. ParkMobile Presentation - Max Hogue, Regional Sales Manager for ParkMobile, presented the app-based parking payment system. ParkMobile recently acquired Flowbird (the borough’s current kiosk hardware vendor) and offers seamless integration. - Features: App, pay-by-web, pay-by-text, QR codes, enforcement tool, and back office (ParkMobile 360). No upfront cost; revenue model: 45¢ transaction fee (paid by user) + 3% + 20¢ processing fee (paid by borough unless passed to user). Borough can set parking rates. - Discussion: Council asked about validation options for businesses (possible), use of coins (existing Flowbird kiosks accept coins), and free parking promotions (can be set in back office). Council also noted the existing Meter Feeder app recently increased its user fee from 75¢ to 85¢ without council input, raising concerns. No decision was made; the Business District Relations chair requested more information on validations. Evaluation will continue. Artificial Intelligence Use Policy Discussion - Councilperson Kipp presented a draft AI use policy for the borough. Key principles: human oversight, disclosure when AI is used, no AI to replace jobs, and no AI to create art (to protect local artists). Council discussed concerns about defining “art” and the need for clear documentation and feedback mechanisms. Examples of use: research, communications, chatbots. Council provided input on language (e.g., replace “citizens” with “residents”, include specific feedback loop examples). The policy will be refined over the next month and brought back for formal consideration. Voting Meeting Agenda Items - Council discussed adding two items to the upcoming voting meeting (September 2, 2026?): 1. Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer: A request to transfer a liquor license into Dormont. A public hearing must be advertised. Council agreed to add the advertisement motion but postponed setting a fee for the transfer until the comprehensive fee review. 2. Greenlight Go Project Bid: Award for the Liberty and Dormont Avenue signal replacement ($282,999, with $60,900 local match). This is a reallocation of previously awarded grant funds. Council agreed to add it to the agenda. - Other items: Keystone Oaks sheltering agreement (postponed for more review), Leathers playground (held pending public bidding exemption research), Week Without Driving support (September 29–October 5) – council expressed support, will be added as an informational item. Executive Session - Council adjourned to executive session for personnel matters and quasi-judicial deliberation on the Potmurry retaining wall bid. Key Outcomes - No decision on the Potmurry retaining wall bid; deliberation will continue with a written decision to follow. - Event management services contract (Turnstile Results) to be voted on at the next meeting. - Porchmont proclamation approved in principle, to be adopted at next meeting. - $25,000 fire department contribution, letter of appreciation, rifle sale, and code adoptions (IPMC & IFC) all placed on the next voting agenda. - Keystone Oaks PBIS funding request ($2,000) to be revised and voted on next meeting. - Fee schedule recommendations will be incorporated into the 2026 fee resolution. - ParkMobile evaluation to continue with additional information on business validations. - AI use policy to be revised and brought back for adoption. - Liquor license transfer public hearing to be advertised; Greenlight Go project award added to next agenda. - Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time.

Note: The agenda and transcript for this meeting are dated September 29, 2025, but the instruction specifies the meeting date as August 12, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date and notes the discrepancy. This meeting was a SuperCommittee/Agenda session of the Dormont Borough Council, held on August 12, 2026. Discussions included updates on the Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, recommended zoning ordinance changes, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Keystone Oaks School District (KOSD) for emergency use of the Rec Center, fire department developments, a zero-waste composting proposal, a potential Residents Academy, and a pool consulting contract. No formal votes were taken; most items are expected to proceed to the upcoming voting agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Helen Klimowitz of 1218 Oklahoma Avenue raised concerns about cars parked partially in alleys with expired registration, causing obstructions for snowplows and emergency vehicles. She requested a review of current ordinances regarding alley parking and registration requirements. Council acknowledged the issue and indicated they would investigate existing code and enforcement options. Discussion Items - Artificial Intelligence Use Policy: Brandon (committee chair) presented final changes to the draft AI policy, including expanded guiding principles on documentation, accessibility, and feedback loops. The policy distinguishes between AI tools used for tasks typically done by paid professionals (e.g., design, murals) versus routine tools like Canva. No objections were raised; the policy will be posted online for public comment before final adoption. - Recommended Zoning Ordinance Changes: The Planning Commission reviewed and refined proposed changes to the zoning code, focusing on window signs, flashing lights, and illumination restrictions. Councilmember Ledford confirmed the changes align with earlier discussions. The final legal language is ready for a motion to advertise. - MOU with KOSD for Rec Center as Emergency Evacuation Site: The revised MOU includes a hold harmless clause protecting Dormont from liability and clarified language on communication protocols. Councilmember Ventresca suggested removing a sentence claiming confidentiality (as it is unenforceable), fixing a typo ("at" to "to"), and clarifying termination language to specify 60 days’ written notice. Capacity concerns were noted (Rec Center capacity 155 vs. school’s approximate 214, but additional space in locker rooms). The MOU will be revised and circulated. - Fire Department Updates: Chief Stakich reported: 13 recruits signed up for the Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) compared to 6 last year; one applicant already joined; three recruits completed the Shea Cog Fire Academy and are now certified interior firefighters. The ISO (Insurance Services Office) review was completed; Dormont is currently a Class 2 department (top tier: only 22 of 2,400 PA departments are Class 2, and 5 are Class 1). The Chief expects to maintain or improve the rating. Fire station improvement bids are being solicited from contractors. - UCC Appeals Board Appointments: Eamon Geary and Nate Tovornik, both from the Planning Commission, were recommended to fill the three-member UCC Appeals Board. The solicitor confirmed no legal conflict with their Planning Commission roles. Appointments will be voted on at the next meeting. - Zero Waste Wrangler Presentation: Kyle Winkler, owner of Zero Waste Wrangler (which recently acquired The Compost People), proposed placing a locked, code-accessed drop-off cart for compostable waste on borough property, likely at the pool complex. Residents would pay a subscription (e.g., $10/month for 24/7 access). The borough would receive compensation either as a direct payment (e.g., $200/month) or as free service for a set number of Dormont residents. Council raised concerns about using public property for a for-profit business, the need for a competitive bidding process, and legal implications. Discussion will continue with legal input. - Residents Academy Discussion: Councilmember Downs and Council President Mazzocco proposed creating a Residents Academy modeled after Mount Lebanon’s program, with help from District Judge Hillary Wheatley. The program aims to educate residents on borough operations. Council requested a detailed outline before proceeding; consensus was to gather more information from Mount Lebanon. - Potomac Avenue Work Update: Borough Manager John Stinner reported that work began on August 12, removing existing paving bricks block by block over two weeks. Daily updates will be posted on Facebook. Potential interruption next week due to television shooting (pending confirmation). - Jeff Ellis Pool Contract: The borough used Jeff Ellis Associates for lifeguard credentialing and audits this summer, passing all three annual audits. The pool director recommends renewing the contract over the American Red Cross. Some council members expressed a desire to defer discussion to the next regular meeting for more review; the item may appear on the voting agenda pending further discussion. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken at this SuperCommittee/Agenda meeting. - Items expected to be placed on the next voting agenda (October 2025 voting agenda per agenda, though date discrepancy noted): - Motion to advertise the zoning ordinance changes. - UCC Appeals Board appointments (Geary and Tovornik). - MOU with KOSD after incorporating requested revisions. - AI Use Policy (to be posted for public comment first). - The Jeff Ellis pool contract discussion was deferred to a future meeting. - The Zero Waste Wrangler proposal will be further researched, including a legal opinion on use of borough property. - The Residents Academy will proceed with information gathering from Mount Lebanon. - The public comment on alley parking will be reviewed by code enforcement and police.

This meeting covered the Finance & Legal Committee (MOU edits with the Dormont Community Development Corporation and extensive deliberation on the 2026 budget), the Recreation and Community Affairs Committee (presentation on a veterans clothing donation bin, Bird Town updates, playground coordination, and multiple Public Goods Fund requests), and the Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee (informational items on salt bids, a dump truck purchase, and a sewer contract change order). No public comment was received in person, but one resident submitted a written question on the budget. The meeting concluded with an executive session on collective bargaining. Finance & Legal Committee - MOU Edits with DCDC: Council discussed edits to a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the food pantry's use of basement space. Key issues included defining the designated area precisely while allowing for future floor plan changes. Council agreed to refine the language before a vote in two weeks. - 2026 Budget Discussion: Borough Manager John Stinner presented multiple millage increase scenarios (no increase, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mills) and their impact on the reserve fund, road program, and capital projects. Council debated the trade-offs between replenishing reserves and funding priorities. Resident Helen Klimowitz (1218 Oklahoma Avenue) submitted a comment via chat supporting a 1.5 mill increase as providing a sufficient cushion. Council members expressed varied preferences (1.25 to 1.5), with some favoring incremental future increases. No vote was taken; discussion will continue at the next meeting. Recreation and Community Affairs Committee - Presentation on Veterans Clothing Donation Bin: Dave Antram (Mission Partners) and Brian Beach (Southwestern Veterans Center) requested permission to place a clothing and shoe donation bin in the borough to support the veterans center's welfare fund. Council expressed no objections; the request was effectively approved. - Bird Town Update: Recognized new stickers and a banner. Reported on a successful bird walk (10–12 attendees) and an upcoming backyard birding program at the library (November 5). Noted that 54 people signed up for updates at the Dormont Street Music Festival. - Playground Coordination Committee Update: Borough Manager John Stinner reported that a hillside engagement design from Berliner was the preferred option (green ropes course with potential slides). Phasing was discussed: Phase 1 (playground, hillside engagement, surfacing, parking) targeted for a July 4, 2026 opening; Phase 2 (great lawn, stage, pavilion) and Phase 3 (additional green space, signature feature) to follow. A special meeting is planned for December 15 to present final design. - Public Goods Fund Requests: All requests were approved or supported: - Up to $1,500 for supplies for the Flower Art Installation at Hillsdale Park (artist Josh Ruffing/Dormont Arts). - $277.85 for Bird Town stickers and banner (retroactive reimbursement for the street fair). - $175 for Dormont Arts Rec Center rental for November 1, 2025 fundraiser. - Dormont Community Garden Tree Planting: Scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, in partnership with Tree Pittsburgh. Soil testing for arsenic is underway. - Bird Feeder Donation from Wild Birds Unlimited: Accepted; feeder to be placed at the community garden with monthly bird seed donations. - Jeff Ellis Pool Contract: Renewal for two years (2026–2028) was presented and endorsed. Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee (Informational) - 2026 Salt Bid: Compass Minerals submitted the low bid; the contract will be presented for approval at the November meeting. - Motion to Purchase a Dump Truck: A 2025 Ford F-600 4x4 DRW dump truck from Woltz and Wind for $129,055 under COSTARS contract was noted. - Change Order for Sewer Grouting: A net decrease of $8,810.05 (amended contract price $70,934.95) from State Pipe Services, Inc. was accepted. Public Comment & Testimony - No in-person public comment. One written question from resident Helen Klimowitz (1218 Oklahoma Avenue) was read aloud, supporting a 1.5 mill increase for a budget cushion. Council acknowledged her comment. Key Outcomes - MOU edits: Language to be refined; vote postponed. - 2026 Budget: No decision reached; council to continue deliberation next week, with a lean toward a 1.5 mill increase. - Clothing donation bin for veterans: Approved. - Public Goods Fund requests: All three approved. - Playground project: Phasing plan confirmed; design day with Leathers scheduled; special meeting December 15. - Bird feeder donation: Accepted. - Pool contract renewal: Endorsed for two-year renewal. - Executive session: Held to discuss collective bargaining; no decisions made.