Bethel Park Council Meeting - January 12, 2026

The Bethel Park Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed start time based on agenda). The meeting covered routine approvals, acceptance of resignations from the Zoning Hearing Board, presentation of holiday card contest winner and safety reminders from the police chief, a fire chief’s report with annual election results and incident statistics, a manager’s report on a historical society event and winter weather reminders, the mayor’s holiday lighting awards, and approval of new tax and sewer collection contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the regular council meeting on December 8, 2025 (Item A of the consent agenda). Vote: 8-0.
• Bill List: Approved bill list 2025-0112 in the amount of $1,766,420.67. Vote: 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No residents signed up for public comments on non-agenda items, consent agenda, general policy and finance, health safety and welfare, or public works and maintenance.

Reports of Officials

• Library Director: Not available this evening.
• Police Chief Chief Arnold:
  • Holiday Card Contest: Officer Amber Karuba presented a framed winning artwork, an art kit, and exclusive VPPD swag to Raya Spinda, a fourth-grade student who won the department’s holiday card design competition. The department plans to make the contest an annual event.
  • Safety Reminder: Two recent incidents of cars stolen from parking lots while left running. Chief Arnold urged residents not to leave cars running unattended and to lock doors.
  • Crime Watch Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the community center.
• Fire Chief’s Report (Deputy Chief Rob Uselman):
  • Annual Elections: The volunteer fire company elected new line officers: Chief Russ Bees (two-year term), Deputy Chief Rob Uselman, Assistant Chief Tom Kelton, Captains John Mark and Mike Ascini, Lieutenants Steve McGuff and Adam Betzler. Past Chief Dave Gerber (14 years) was not re-elected but remains with the company. New President Jeff Pritchard replaced Jim Thomas.
  • December Incident Statistics: Total 63 calls: 9 fire incidents (none major), 7 accidents and 1 rescue, 8 hazardous conditions, 7 carbon monoxide calls, 3 electrical issues, 15 good intent calls, 2 smoke scares, 12 fire alarms.
  • Membership: Six new members joined last year; the company is 100% volunteer. Recruitment is ongoing; no cost to join, free gym available.
  • Fire Safety Reminder: For space heaters, plug directly into wall outlet and maintain a three-foot clearance from combustible materials.
• Manager’s Report (Ms. Denny):
  • Historical Society Event: On February 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Historic Society, the historical society and community foundation will release four original artworks celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, with a ceremony at 11:00 AM. All artwork has a Bethel Park theme.
  • Winter Weather Reminder: Residents are asked to remove cars from streets during wet winter weather to allow plow trucks to treat roads effectively.
• Mayor’s Report (Mayor Allen):
  • Holiday Lighting Awards: Presented the Mayor’s Award for Excellence to winners in each ward for outstanding 2025 holiday decorations. Winners included: Karen Gordon (Ward 1, 5424 California Ave.); Irene and Thomas Samanski (Ward 2); Leslie and Wayne Grant (Ward 3); Carolyn David Lucy (Ward 4); Crystal Gorman and Ronald Porello (Ward 5); Deborah and Michael Fate (Ward 6); Lisa and Joseph Keene (Ward 7); Richon and Nathan Bujikowski (Ward 8); and Ramona and Brian Harkins (Ward 9). Special thanks to judges and residents who nominated. A certificate of recognition was awarded to Bethel Park Shop ‘n Save for food donations during the government shutdown and for the Thanksgiving/Christmas collection events.

General Policy & Finance Items

• Tax and Sewer Utility Collection Contracts:
  • Approved awarding Keystone Collection Group the contracts for current real estate tax, current sewer utility, current and delinquent local services tax, amusement tax, and mechanical tax collection. Council member Garris reminded residents that sewer bills and real estate tax bills will now display the Keystone Collections logo instead of Jordan Tax. Vote: 8-0.
  • Approved awarding Portnoff Law Associates the contracts for delinquent real estate tax collection and delinquent sewer utility collection. Vote: 8-0.

Public Works & Maintenance

• Council member Oaks thanked the public works department, plow drivers, and all who assisted during the holiday and New Year period, noting they worked long shifts.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned after a motion and second, with the president adding a playful remark referencing the Steelers game. All in favor: Aye.

Key Outcomes

• Accepted resignations of Charles Koch and Carol Stewart from the Zoning Hearing Board effective January 12, 2026 (vote 8-0).
• Approved minutes from December 8, 2025 (vote 8-0).
• Approved bill list $1,766,420.67 (vote 8-0).
• Awarded Keystone Collection Group and Portnoff Law Associates tax and sewer collection contracts (both votes 8-0).
• No other business was discussed; all routine items passed unanimously.