Bethel Park Council Reorganization and Swearing-In - January 5, 2026
Bethel Park Council Reorganization Meeting and Swearing-In - January 5, 2026
On January 5, 2026, Bethel Park Council held its annual reorganization meeting, including the swearing-in of council members and election of leadership. All nine council members were present, with three new members joining the council. Mayor Allen administered the oath of office, and the council elected a president and vice president before approving committee chair and liaison appointments.
Swearing-In Ceremony
- Diane Ford, John Oakes, Joe Janisek, Alison Piccolino, and Jillian Caltsman took the oath of office. Ford, Piccolino, and Caltsman are the new members.
- President Janisek noted that, for the first time in Bethel Park history, women hold a majority on council. Diane Ford stated that she is the first African American to serve on Bethel Park Council and that her family has lived in Bethel Park since 1927.
- Several new members expressed commitment to public service, listening to residents, and working collaboratively.
Election of Council President
- Councilman Joe Janisek was nominated and elected council president by a roll call vote of 9-0.
Election of Vice President
- Councilwoman Kim Kamenicki was nominated by John Oakes and elected vice president by a roll call vote of 9-0.
Committee Chair and Liaison Appointments
- Kim Kamenicki: vice president; liaison to long-range planning and economic development and grievance committee.
- John Oakes: chair of public works and maintenance; liaison to municipal authority, fire company, boroughs association, and chamber of commerce.
- Todd Sensi: chair of health, safety, and welfare; liaison to police merit board, fire company, and grievance committee.
- Viola Garris: chair of general policy and finance; liaison to legislative committee.
- Alison Piccolino: chair of planning and zoning; liaison to community organizations, legislative committee, parks and recreation, and school district.
- Diane Ford: liaison to chamber of commerce, library board, parks and recreation, and shade tree commission.
- Jillian Caltsman: liaison to library board, parks and recreation, and shade tree commission.
- Jim Jenkins: returning councilman; no new assignment stated in the transcript.
- President Janisek said the leadership and committee chairs are balanced among three Republicans and three Democrats and three men and three women. He noted late changes to the liaison list would be finalized and circulated before next Monday's meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Joe Janisek elected council president (9-0).
- Kim Kamenicki elected vice president (9-0).
- Committee chair and liaison appointments accepted; final liaison list to be circulated.
- Council adjourned after a motion and second, with all in favor, and will hold its first regular meeting the following Monday.
Meeting Transcript
I would Diane if you go up front and put your left hand on the Bible and I did it backwards. You raise your right hand and just repeat after me. I state your name. I Diane Ford. You solemnly swear. You solemnly swear. That I will support. That I will support. Obey. Obey. And defend the Constitution. And defend the Constitution. Of the United States. Of the United States. And the Constitution of this Commonwealth. And the Constitution of this Commonwealth. Further I will obey. Further I will obey. All the rules of the Home Rule Charter. All the rules of the Home Rule Charter. Of the municipality of Bethel Park. Of the municipality of Bethel Park. And I will discharge. And that I will discharge. The duties of my office. The duties of my office. With fidelity. With fidelity. So help me God. So help me God. Okay, fam. I have you up here. Who's going to take the picture? Take another picture. Yeah, we also have Jab coming coming from the back. So three, John Oates. No, I just left it. Yeah. Oh, I don't know. This is the real man here. I don't know. This is getting a little heavy here, Johnny. With the lightning heavy. It hasn't happened in St. Miles yet. So that's good. Was it the left hand on the Bible? Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I state your name.
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