Public Meetings - Dormont, Pennsylvania

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting occurred on March 16, 2026; however, the required date for this summary is August 12, 2026. The summary below reflects the content of the meeting as documented. The Borough Council Supercommittee convened to address financial obligations, infrastructure projects, fee schedules, and other administrative matters. Council President Amie Downs provided a detailed explanation of a missed $750,000 pension payment and steps to prevent recurrence. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions: None explicitly listed as consent, but several items were approved without recorded dissent. Public Comments & Testimony - Brandon Ledford (1545 Grand Ave): Expressed opposition to potential fees on golf simulators, stating he would take his business elsewhere. Also inquired about the total missed pension payment and interest accrued, and whether the billing agency bore any responsibility for the missed payment. Council President Downs responded with specific penalty amounts: $6,944 for the non-police pension and $47,860 for the police pension. Discussion Items - Executive Committee: Council President Downs reported that the borough's 2025 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for pensions was not paid due to software failures, external service gaps, and personnel oversight. A $750,000 tax anticipation note (TAN) from Brentwood Bank will cover the payment plus interest, to be repaid from real estate tax receipts expected in April/May 2026. Measures to prevent recurrence include new accounting software (AccuFund), continued partnership with Mt. Lebanon financial cooperative, appointment of a new pension board, and a budget workshop for officials. - Business District Relations & Development Committee: Approved a facade grant reimbursement for Row House Hollywood (maximum amount discussed as $7,000, though initially stated as $50,000). Also approved borough membership with the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce for approximately $300 annually. - Recreation and Community Affairs Committee: Approved a proclamation recognizing Local Government Week (April 20-24, 2026) with plans to honor boards and commissions. Approved Pay Application Request No. 2 for the Pop Murray Field retaining wall ($25,871.95) to Cronin Enterprises, with final restoration expected by April 3, 2026. Approved restoration of the Dormont Pool clock by Roger Gordon for $13,130, funded by Friends of Dormont Pool. - Finance & Legal Committee: Approved Resolution 2-2026 (7-0 vote) authorizing a $750,000 TAN. Approved Resolution 3-2026 exonerating Tax Collector Vickie McGurk for 2025. Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Laborers 1058 allowing clerks to use sick leave in hourly increments. - Planning, Sustainability & Inclusion Committee: Two Public Good Fund requests (DCDC PRIDE 2026 and Party in the Park) were withdrawn by their sponsors due to budget constraints. A third request for Keystone Oaks Lady Golden Eagle Soccer Bags ($760) was discussed but held pending policy review on whether it benefits the Dormont community. - Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee: Directed to advertise Ordinance 1658 updating street opening regulations (curb-to-curb restoration, updated bond/insurance, engineer specifications). Approved Resolution 4-2026 to participate in Allegheny County CDBG and HOME programs for 2027-2029. Approved Change Order 1 and Pay Certificate 4 for the GROW 8 CIPP lining project, reflecting a net decrease of $51,041.26 (amended contract $255,808.74). Authorized Aurora Electrical to install OSHA-compliant safety measures on T-Mobile rooftop equipment. Declared a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus and sold it to a police officer for $500 (estimated repairs $4,500-$5,000). - Public Safety and Building & Code Enforcement Committee: Discussed amendments to the 2026 fee schedule, focusing on amusement fees for skill games, pool tables, and arcade games. Debate centered on whether to differentiate between existing and new skill game permits, and whether membership-based organizations (e.g., VFW) could be treated differently. The solicitor noted legal concerns with creating classifications but suggested grandfathering might be permissible. No vote was taken; the committee will bring a proposal to the next meeting. Also considered removing outdated fees for circuses, dancing schools, and the Hollywood Theatre. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2-2026 (TAN): Approved 7-0 to borrow $750,000 to pay the missed 2025 MMO. - Resolution 3-2026: Approved exonerating the tax collector. - MOU with Laborers 1058: Approved. - Public Good Fund Requests: Two withdrawn; third held. - Ordinance 1658: Advertisement authorized. - Resolution 4-2026: Approved. - Change Order 1 (GROW 8): Approved. - Safety measures on rooftop: Authorized. - Vehicle surplus: Sold for $500. - Fee schedule amendments: Deferred to next meeting; committee to draft proposal. - Next meeting: Scheduled for March 30, 2026 (noted in transcript).

This is a summary of the Dormont Borough Council SuperCommittee meeting. The meeting was called to order on 2026-08-12 11:00:00+00:00, but the transcript indicates the meeting was held on September 22, 2025. This discrepancy is noted for the record. The meeting covered finance and legal matters, property and public works, and recreation and community affairs. No minutes were available for this meeting. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No registered comments were made at the start of the meeting (agenda item 3, Registered Comments). - No public comment period occurred before the agenda items; the Public Comment item was listed later on the agenda. Finance & Legal Committee - Budget Discussion: Capital Requests: Borough Manager Stinner opened discussion, noting this was the last Finance & Legal meeting before the capital budget discussion on October 14. Councilmember Downs requested a dedicated effort to increase the road program due to rising costs, stating the borough is

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting agenda and raw transcript reference October 27, 2025, but the instruction for this summary specified the date as August 12, 2026. Both dates are reflected here to maintain accuracy. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting. The main focus was on finalizing the 2026 budget, including a proposed millage increase, and receiving updates from borough committees. No registered public comments were received, and no remote participants spoke during public comment. 2026 Budget Discussion - Council reached consensus on a 1.5 mill increase for 2026, which would fund a projected revenue gap, contribute to the rainy day fund, support the road program, and provide approximately $50,000 for an extra project (e.g., planning for the Belmore retaining wall). - Sidewalk program: Councilmember Amie Downs reversed her earlier position, now supporting the inclusion of the sidewalk program in the budget, citing positive feedback from residents and alignment with walkability goals. Councilmember Brandon Ledford also advocated for keeping the program. Councilmember Chris Kipp agreed, noting that visible investments like sidewalks help justify a tax increase to the public. - Facade improvement grant: Council decided not to remove the line item from the budget, but acknowledged it may not be fully used and could be marketed more or less aggressively based on demand. Councilmember Downs noted no strong public feedback for or against the program. - Councilmember Brandon Ledford emphasized the need to monitor long-term expense growth beyond 2026 and start discussions on revenue diversification soon. - Next steps: The ordinance for the 1.5 mill rate will be drafted by Council President Mazzocco and the solicitor, and an updated budget will be circulated by the borough manager. Business District Relations and Development Committee - Small Business Saturday Proclamation: Councilmember Amie Downs presented a draft proclamation recognizing the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. The proclamation will be added to the November 3 voting agenda. - Public Good Funds for Business District Maps: Motion to authorize expenditure of up to $1,971.36 from Councilmember Downs’ public good funds for Dormont business district maps, to be printed in time for Small Business Saturday. The maps are being led by Forge and will feature a cartoonish style. Discussion clarified that if the maps are not printed by year-end, the expenditure can carry over under the $2,000 threshold. Councilmember Jennifer Mazzocco questioned the reimbursement process; it was determined that if businesses pay taxes, the borough cannot reimburse tax portions. The motion will be voted on at the next voting meeting. - Flags: Councilmember Downs offered to use remaining public good funds to replace flags on West Liberty Avenue. Discussion also covered flags on Potomac Avenue, with suggestion to fund those from the civic celebrations line item rather than public good funds. Council will obtain cost estimates and consider a rotating replacement schedule. Planning, Sustainability, and Inclusion Committee - Councilmember Kate Fabus introduced a discussion on long-term revenue strategies, prompted by borough manager John Stinner’s projections that expenses will outpace revenues annually after 2027. - Options discussed: - Home rule charter: Would allow the borough to create taxes beyond property tax, but requires a referendum and is a heavy lift. Councilmember Amy Downs noted it should not be pursued solely for financial reasons. Council will gather more information, including DCED guides and case studies from other municipalities (e.g., Wilkinsburg recently passed home rule). Councilmember Fabus will place the topic on her committee’s agenda for next month. - Shared public services: Studies by the Commonwealth for police and fire are free; the police study takes about three months. Borough Manager Stinner noted similar studies in previous roles. Council expressed interest in starting these studies soon. - Trash collection: The current contract costs the borough $250,000–$500,000 per year. Council is exploring options through the COG and shared services. Manager Stinner noted that the COG will examine shared services broadly in coming years. - Councilmember Chris Rieger asked about obtaining a consultant for the home rule process; the solicitor, Tucker Arensberg, has home rule clients but hasn’t taken a borough through the transition from borough code. Public Safety, Building & Code Enforcement Committee - Chief Stakich reported that the Citizens Fire Academy is nearing completion with 11 participants. They will undergo EMS/CPR training on October 28. Graduation is scheduled for the November 3 voting meeting, and a burn event will follow on November 8 in conjunction with Mt. Lebanon’s CFA. Parking and Park Mobile Discussion - Mayor Jason Walsh raised an email from Park Mobile seeking a decision on their parking payment service. Council had received a presentation the previous month. - Councilmember Mazzocco requested a comparison between Park Mobile and the current provider, Meter Feeder, including fee structures. Administration will provide details at the December supercommittee meeting. - Mayor Walsh noted that the new solar kiosks in the Dormont Village parking lot are positioned along the road, not near the sidewalk, causing accessibility issues for patrons of businesses in the lot. Signage is being ordered; public works will install temporary signs. Council also discussed whether to charge for handicap spaces (borough currently does not). The location of the kiosks is part of the original design; long-term relocation is under discussion. - Councilmember Amie Downs asked that public works hang Christmas decorations by Small Business Saturday; Manager Stinner confirmed this can be done. Key Outcomes - Budget decision: Council agreed on a 1.5 mill increase for 2026, retaining the sidewalk program and keeping the facade grant line item. The borough manager will prepare the ordinance and an updated budget. - Proclamation and public good funds: The Small Business Saturday proclamation will be voted on November 3. The motion to authorize up to $1,971.36 for business district maps will also be on the voting agenda. - Home rule and shared services: Council will begin information gathering; free commonwealth studies for police and fire will be pursued. A more detailed discussion on home rule is set for the next committee meeting. - Citizens Fire Academy: Graduation at the November 3 voting meeting; burn event November 8. - Park Mobile: Administration to provide a cost comparison with Meter Feeder by December. Council will also review the Meter Feeder contract regarding a price increase. - Parking lot signage: Public works to install signs indicating paid parking and app options. Handicap accessibility concerns will be addressed. - Executive session: Council adjourned to executive session to discuss a legal matter and a personnel issue.

Note: Per the provided instruction, this summary uses the date August 11, 2026, though the meeting agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on September 2, 2025. The Dormont Borough Council held a voting session covering routine approvals, multiple ordinances, grants, and contract awards. All action items passed with unanimous consent except one that was tabled. Public comments included an update on the first Porchmont event and an objection to a contract award. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes for June 2024 and August 2025. - Accepted July 2025 Police Reports, Animal Control Report, August 2025 Sewer Engineer’s Report, August 2025 Engineer’s Report, and May 2025 Building and Code Enforcement Report. - Accepted resignation of Valerie Singleton-DiGioia from the Recreation Board effective August 15, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Joanna Bowden (1123 Pierremont Ave, Human Relations Commission) reported that Porchmont, scheduled for September 13, 2025, had 51 hosts signed up as of the meeting. She thanked council and staff for support and encouraged turnout. She also introduced new commission member Lisa Kolovecchia. - Brian Mendelssohn (764 1st Street, Pittsburgh) – owner of Breaking Enterprises (Roll House Cinema) – spoke in favor of the liquor license transfer for his movie theater on Potomac Avenue, stating that beer and bar sales are essential to sustain the business. - James Earley (Next Construction) objected to awarding the Pop Murray Retaining Wall project to anyone other than the low bidder, calling the decision a mistake. He submitted a written objection. - Daniel Uri (2904 SB Avenue) requested resolution of appealed parking tickets, saying he had not received responses from Mayor Walsh after multiple attempts. Discussion Items - Council discussed the upcoming budget meetings: September 15 (civic organization presentations), September 23 (revenue and expenditure), October 14 (capital improvement plan review). - Public Safety Committee reported on a positive community letter about Captain Bradkowski’s code enforcement work, and initial discussions on an artificial intelligence use policy. - Environment Committee gave updates on Bird Town, tree planting at the community garden, and dugout colors. - Public Works discussed options for Potomac Avenue road updates. - Council President Mazzocco reported on the Active Transportation Plan open house, the Dormont Dash 5K (Sunday, September 3), and Art in the Park (September 2, 2-7 pm). - The Board Solicitor outlined ordinances to adopt the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), noting the borough had been enforcing the 2018 IPMC without formal adoption. A liquor license hearing for Breakin Enterprises, LLC was advertised for October 6, 2025. - Borough Manager Stinner reported on a first filming of Apple TV’s “Parallax” in Dormont, a $685,000 National Park Service grant for the Next Generation Playground (covering full playground cost), and the submission of a $251,800 GEDTF grant request for a pavilion. The 2025 road program is underway. Stinner also remembered former borough manager Lou Gorsky. - Bird Town logo designs were presented for approval. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 1653 (temporary dumpster and portable storage regulations) adopted. - Proclamation 6 (designating September 13, 2025 as “Porchmont Day”) approved. - Resolution 18 (requesting $251,800 GEDTF grant for playground pavilion) approved, with council noting political support from Representative Miller and Senator Fontana. - Building and Code Department Clerk job description adopted. - Rachel Kunerth appointed as Building and Code Department Clerk effective September 3, 2025. - Administrative Clerk position advertised. - Partnership for “Week Without Driving” (September 29 – October 5, 2025) approved. - Granicus Encoder Hardware replacement ($5,247) approved for 2026 budget. - $25,000 annual contribution to Dormont Volunteer Firemen’s Association approved. - Sale of two surplus Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport 5.56 rifles to the officers who used them approved after clarification. - Ordinance 1654 (2024 IPMC) advertised for adoption. - Ordinance 1655 (2018 IFC) advertised for adoption. - Public hearing for liquor license transfer (Breakin Enterprises LLC) advertised for October 6, 2025. - Street and Music Festival event management proposal by Turnstyle Results approved. - W. Liberty Avenue and Dormont Avenue Signal Replacement project awarded to Bronder Technical Services, Inc. for $282,999.75. - Borough Manager authorized to establish a 501(c)(3) for the Park Sustainability Fund. - Leathers & Associates, Inc. approved as playground designer for the Next Generation Playground. - Item R (consider Next Construction as responsive bidder for Pop Murray Retaining Wall) tabled. - Pop Murray Retaining Wall contract awarded to Cronin Enterprises LLC as the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, over objection from Next Construction. - Executive session held on a personnel matter; no further action taken after reconvening.

The Supercommittee/Agenda Review Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered personnel actions, a playground RFP, parking agreement updates, sidewalk concerns, and a transportation plan recommendation. All items were moved to the July 6, 2026 Voting Meeting agenda unless noted. Consent Calendar - Resignation of Assistant Manager Melinda Szabo effective August 24, 2026: moved to voting agenda without objection. - Resignation of Day Camp Director Kie McCrae effective June 21, 2026: retroactive acceptance moved to voting agenda. - Retirement of Deputy Chief James Kolesky: The agenda lists the effective date as July 5, 2029, but the transcript cited a DROP program that sets an effective date of July 5, 2021 (or July 5, 2023 in the initial statement), creating a discrepancy. The motion to accept his retirement and thank him for 26 years of service was moved to the voting agenda. - Motion to advertise open positions: approved to move to voting agenda, pending details from executive session. - Planning, Sustainability & Inclusion Committee: Motion to approve the Safe Mobility Commission recommendation for the Active Transportation Plan cost projection estimate (selecting the five‑way intersection at Dwight near the park) was moved to the voting agenda without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Anthony Fleury (Kelton Avenue) submitted a written comment regarding wear and tear on newly replaced concrete sidewalks; the comment was included in meeting packets. - Nicole Bovac (1651 Kelton Avenue) spoke in support of Mr. Fleury, describing similar spalling and slipperiness on her sidewalk replaced in 2023. She questioned the contractor’s attribution to de‑icing salts and expressed concern that future costs may fall on residents if the issue is not corrected. Discussion Items - Playground RFP (Recreation & Community Affairs) : Sean Dolly (Gateway) presented bid amendments, including an alternate bid for community involvement and language about the castle theme. Council members pressed for a "custom piece" to be a unique centerpiece, not a catalog item. Dolly agreed to add clarifying language by the next day. The RFP is scheduled to be advertised July 8. (Discussion also covered the discontinuation of the Access Dormont mobile app, replaced by a web form as of July 1.) - Business District Relations & Development: Discussion of the 20‑year‑old Dormont Village parking lot agreement. Council noted the lack of non‑cash revenue tracking and considered exploring ParkMobile alongside the existing MeterFeeder contract. No action was taken; staff will gather more vendor information before updating the agreement. - Sidewalk Restoration (Property, Supplies & Public Works) : Concerns about spalling on new concrete sidewalks on Kelton and Edge Hill were discussed. A Gateway representative previously inspected the properties and acknowledged the issue; follow‑up is pending. A resident’s comment had placed the item on the agenda. - Active Transportation Plan (Planning, Sustainability, & Inclusion) : Safe Mobility Commission Chair Ed described the evaluation of three intersections, recommending the five‑way at Dwight due to pedestrian/vehicle traffic and proximity to the park. Council members expressed support, noting the intersection’s safety issues and compatibility with future playground improvements. The recommendation was moved to the voting agenda. - DABA Foot Races: The Dormont Avenue Business Association (DABA) will take the lead on planning the foot races scheduled for July 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the baseball diamond. Key Outcomes - The four Executive Committee personnel motions plus the Safe Mobility Commission recommendation were approved for inclusion on the July 6 Voting Meeting agenda. - The Playground RFP will be advertised after language clarifications (community involvement, custom piece) are incorporated, with a target advertisement date of July 8. - The Dormont Village parking lot agreement will be revisited after staff obtains updated proposals from MeterFeeder and ParkMobile. - The Access Dormont mobile app will be discontinued as of July 1, 2026, replaced by a web‑based submission form. - Council moved into executive session to discuss personnel matters; no further action was taken in open session. Note: The retirement effective date for Deputy Chief Kolesky is recorded as July 5, 2029 in the agenda, but the transcript referenced July 5, 2021 (or 2023) in the context of the DROP program; this discrepancy remains unresolved.

The Dormont Borough Supercommittee convened on August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered several major agenda items including recreation projects, public works contracts, financial approvals, and community partnerships. Recreation & Community Affairs - Phase 1 Playground RFP: Gateway Engineers reported the RFP document is 90% complete. Council requested the complete documents by the upcoming Friday for review before a planned vote at the July 7 meeting. The motion to advertise was deferred. - Phase 2 Playground Pavilion: A motion was approved to purchase a 30x30-foot "super pavilion" from Jeffrey Recreation Inc. for $168,553 using COSTARS. The project is funded by a Pennsylvania GEDTF grant. - Pop Murray Field Retaining Wall: Pay Application Request No. 3 for $66,525 to Cronin Enterprises was discussed as the final payment. The committee deferred the formal vote to the July 7 meeting, pending completion of punch list items. Planning, Sustainability & Inclusion - Active Transportation Plan: The Safe Mobility Commission recommended three intersections for cost projection estimates: Dewitt/Hillsdale/Kelton (highest priority), Potomac/Broadway, and Wenzel/Candace/Broadway. Council deferred the decision on which intersection to prioritize to the July 7 meeting and requested visual mock-ups of all three options. Property, Supplies & Public Works - Sanitary Sewer Contracts: Gateway Engineers presented four sanitary sewer contract bids. All four contracts were recommended for acceptance and approved without objection: - Manhole Rehabilitation Contract: Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company, $49,800. - Sanitary Sewer Lining Contract: Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company, $50,010. - Sanitary Sewer Excavation Repair Contract: Jet Jack, Inc., $121,000. - Sanitary Sewer Televising and Cleaning Contract: Roto-Rooter Services Company, $77,265. - The Borough Manager confirmed these projects are funded within the existing borough budget. Finance & Legal - Fire Truck Financing: A motion was approved to finance the Sutphen Heavy Duty Monarch G-2 Rescue Pumper with Leasing2 at a total cost of $673,756.10. The Fire Chief negotiated a competitive interest rate, resulting in an annual payment of just over $55,000 on a 15-year note, well under the $65,000 budgeted. $100,000 of proceeds from the sale of the old engine is being applied as a down payment. - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site: Council voted to authorize the Borough Manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the nonprofit Just Harvest to host a free tax preparation site at the municipal building for the 2027 tax season (January 1 to April 15, 2027). The site would focus on serving Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. Council expressed strong support for the program as a regional resource. Staff noted scheduling conflicts with existing community groups (DCDC pantry on Thursdays, Democratic Committee on Saturdays) which must be resolved in the MOU. Discussion Items - Fourth of July Events: Council member Kipp was absent due to a family emergency. Council discussed that the DABA organization did not have enough volunteers to run the foot races and water balloon toss. The Council and the Rec Committee have stepped in to ensure the traditional events occur at 10:00 AM on July 4th. They are actively seeking volunteers. Key Outcomes - The public comment period had no speakers. - The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personnel and contract matters. - Approvals: Phase 2 Pavilion purchase, Fire Truck financing, VITA negotiations authorization, and the four sanitary sewer contracts. - Deferrals: Final votes on the Phase 1 Playground RFP and the Active Transportation Plan intersection selection were deferred to the July 7 meeting.

The Dormont Borough Council held a Supercommittee/Agenda Review meeting on August 11, 2026. Key updates included a storm response report from the Borough Manager, a motion to approve the GCXC Race Timing Contract for the 2026 Dormont Dash, and a proposed investment discussion regarding the Park Sustainability Fund. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the February 2, 2026 Voting Meeting Agenda.

Date Context: The meeting agenda and raw transcript data are dated May 25-26, 2026. Per the specific direction of this review task, the meeting is summarized under the date August 11, 2026. The Dormont Borough Council Supercommittee convened to discuss a proposed Exclusive Negotiating Agreement for a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), considered a $1.5 million capital improvement note, discussed the 2026 road and alley resurfacing program, and addressed fire department personnel and equipment items. Public Comments & Testimony - An email from a resident concerning trash and park upkeep was entered into the record. The Borough Manager was asked to follow up. - Joan addressed the committee during public comment. - Daniel, a resident of Greenmont Avenue, stated that communication between the council and the community has improved and requested email alert sign-ups at an upcoming October event to keep residents informed. Discussion Items - Executive Committee / Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Agreement: - Proposal: A resolution to authorize an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and Pennrose, Inc. - Positions: Council President Amie Downs emphasized the ENA is solely a step to begin detailed public engagement and negotiations, not an approval of the TOD. There are no costs to the Borough, and the Borough can decline to proceed without penalty at the conclusion of the 6-to-24-month term. Future project approvals would require separate council and PRT board votes. - Council Questions: Josh Munson asked about next steps; Kate Fabus asked about costs and exit strategies. - Finance & Legal Committee / Pension Investment Advisor RFP: - An updated Request for Proposals (RFP), including a new glossary based on staff feedback, was reviewed and deemed ready for action at the next voting meeting. The timeline calls for a 60-day response period, interviews by a pension task force, and a potential appointment by September. - Recreation & Community Affairs Committee / General Obligation Note: - Ordinance 1659 authorizes a $1.5 million non-electoral General Obligation Note for the borough's Capital Improvement Program, with a 12-month draw period. Council clarified the note covers the broader program, not solely the playground project. - Property, Supplies & Public Works Committee / Engineer Report & Road Program: - 2026 Road Resurfacing: Mark from Gateway Engineers reported bids came in over budget due to increased petroleum costs. The apparent low bidder is A. Felino Construction Inc. (base bid: $583,411.28 for 3,400 square yards of full-depth Crosby Street reconstruction). The budget was approximately $550,000, leaving a roughly $33,000 gap. - Budget Discussion: The Borough Manager discussed covering the gap through salary savings or other funds. Council noted that road work cannot be financed with the debt note and must be paid from tax or enterprise funds. - Playground Updates: Significant movement was reported on three active grants (LWCF, GEDTF, LSA). Updated pricing for the pavilion came in under budget. - Public Safety & Building and Code Enforcement Committee / Fire Department: - Conditional Offer: An offer was made to Lucas Dewit for Desk Officer/Fire Apparatus Operator. The Fire Chief confirmed he is the top candidate, pending final clearances. - MOU on Schedule Change: An MOU with IAFF Local 3584 for a 24-hour on / 72-hour off schedule was tabled for one month at the Fire Chief's request for thorough review and fiscal analysis. - Fire Engine Lease: Finalizing a lease for a new engine. Budgeted at $65,000 annually, current rates project a payment of $66,000–$67,000 over a 15-year term. The contract price ($673,900) is significantly below the current market value ($1.05M). Proceeds from selling the existing engine will help align payments with the budget. - Council President's Statement on Decorum: - Downs issued a statement regarding the TOD discourse, urging neighbors to treat each other with dignity and respect and lamenting the disheartening and disparaging nature of some online interactions. Key Outcomes - TOD ENA: The resolution will proceed to the next voting meeting for approval. - Pension RFP: Advanced to the voting meeting agenda. - Ordinance 1659: Scheduled for a vote at the next meeting. - Road Program: The engineer's recommendation to award the base bid was discussed. Council requested clarity on the timeline for deciding on add-alternates before the formal vote. - Fire MOU: Tabled to the following month for further review. - Library Proclamation: A proclamation for the Dormont Public Library's 90th anniversary will be ratified at the next voting meeting. - Pool Pass Agreement: An agreement was reached with Mount Lebanon to honor Dormont pool passes until their pool opens. - Construction Trailer: A trailer at Dormont Junction was identified as belonging to the Mount Lebanon Tunnel project and will be requested to relocate.

(Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred in July 2026; however, the provided date is August 11, 2026, per instruction. This discrepancy is noted per accuracy rules.) The meeting covered committee reports and public comments on various borough matters, including vape shop zoning, Dormont Pool filtration system repairs, financial approvals, emergency planning, and a proposed development. Public Comments & Testimony - Several residents spoke against the proposed 180-unit luxury apartment development at West Liberty Avenue, citing concerns about traffic, overcrowding, property taxes, school district impact, and sewer infrastructure. They demanded transparency, a public hearing, and opposed any tax abatement. - One resident noted the need for affordable housing and cautioned against misinformation, urging the council to wait for complete information. - A non-resident was allowed to speak after a motion to amend procedural rules. Discussion Items Business District Relations & Development Committee - Vape Shop Zoning Ordinance: Solicitor Margaret presented the timeline: if no substantive changes are made, a motion to advertise at the August 3 voting meeting, with statutory notices published August 9 and August 16, leading to a public hearing and special voting meeting on August 24. Making changes would require a 45-day review by ACED and planning commission. Council expressed support for moving forward with the ordinance as-is to expedite regulation, with the ability to amend later. Recreation and Community Affairs Committee - Dormont Pool Filtration System: Borough Manager Stinner reported that the filtration room flooded, and six actuator valves are failing. Short-term replacement of valves will cost $50,000–$75,000. Long-term, the entire filtration system (original to the pool) must be replaced to handle 1.4 million gallons daily. A consultant will assess, and financing options (possibly bonding with Potomac reconstruction) are being explored. Council emphasized there are no plans to close or redevelop the pool. - Public Good Funds: Approved $95 payment for a previously approved flower art installation at Hillsdale Park. Also approved up to $300 for Friends of Dormont Pool’s fundraising event (pool rental and admissions). - Recreation Plan RFP: Approved motion to advertise an RFP for recreation plan services. A council member asked if the plan could include recreational opportunities beyond physical facilities; staff noted the grant language may limit scope but welcomed input. A committee meeting is scheduled. Finance & Legal Committee - Tax Anticipation Note (TAN): Approved payment of $750,000 TAN, used to cover the MMO earlier in 2026. A council member requested more specific language in the motion; staff agreed to add institution details for the voting meeting. - Fire Department Insurance: Approved renewal of the State Workers' Insurance Fund premium of $17,749 for Dormont Volunteer Fire Department. Payment is monthly; the amount is budgeted. - Resignation of Captain Don Tang: Accepted effective July 7, 2026. - Discrepancy in Note Ordinance: Solicitor discovered a conflict between the ordinance and the actual note regarding prepayment. The ordinance prohibited prepayment, but the note allowed it. The bank acknowledged the error; the borough may amend the ordinance to conform. Public Safety and Building & Code Enforcement Committee - Emergency Operations Plan: Adopted Resolution 14, 2026, adopting the EOP. The chief explained it is required every two years for FEMA eligibility, includes severe weather annexes, and is updated as needed. Council directed that funding be budgeted for storm response. - MOU with Keystone Oaks School District: Approved updated Memorandum of Understanding (including Appendix A) that complies with the state model. A council member expressed concern that certain incidents (harassment, terroristic threats) are listed as discretionary notification to police. The MOU is effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. Council noted that changes could be negotiated with the district. Key Outcomes - Vape shop zoning ordinance to proceed to advertisement and public hearing without substantive changes. - Pool filtration system short-term repairs approved; long-term replacement plan to be developed with consultant and financing search. - Public Good Funds approved. - Recreation plan RFP to be advertised; committee to refine scope. - Tax anticipation note payment approved. - Fire insurance renewal approved. - Captain Tang's resignation accepted. - Emergency Operations Plan adopted. - School MOU approved; council to consider raising concerns about discretionary notification. - No action taken on the proposed development; council president stated no vote will occur in August and information is being shared transparently on the borough website. - Council committed to continued transparency and encouraged residents to contact them directly.