Bethel Park Council Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Bethel Park Council held its regular meeting on April 13, 2026, with eight members present and one excused absence. Key actions included appointing a new planning and zoning commissioner, approving a consent agenda covering road and storm sewer contracts, adopting an active transportation plan, updating the chicken and duck ordinance, and renewing the Comcast cable franchise agreement. Residents raised concerns about proposed changes to nonprofit use of the municipal building, the active transportation plan survey and costs, and facility access for community groups.

Consent Calendar

• Appointment of Zach Patterson to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a term expiring December 31, 2029. Passed 8–0.
• Consent Agenda (Items A–F) approved 8–0:
  • A: Approval of March 9, 2026 regular council meeting minutes.
  • B: Interview room detention cell cameras change order.
  • C: Route 88 and Milford Signal Upgrades Project pay application.
  • D: Shade Tree Commission – $7,228.25 for 25–30 trees in Molly Hill Park.
  • E: 2025 Storm Sewer Repair Contract.
  • F: 2025 Road Program.
• Bills and Payroll – Approved Bill List 2026-0413 in the amount of $2,060,000.52. Passed 8–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sue Means (3485 South Park Road, representing the Edwards family/Bethel Park Republican Committee) – Expressed concern over a potential policy change that would restrict nonprofits from using the municipal building. She noted 32 years of use, praised the building’s safety and convenience, and asked who was pushing the change and whether a written policy exists.
• Kevin Sheehan (37 Seneca Road) – Criticized the active transportation plan survey as biased toward walking and biking, suggesting it does not represent Bethel Park as a whole. He called for a new survey, asked for cost details, and opposed narrowing roads or converting traffic lanes for bike lanes, citing traffic congestion and the town’s hilly topography.
• Peter Conkey (former Bethel Park resident, President of Friends of the Montour Trail) – Expressed support for continued use of municipal facilities by community groups, noting that the Friends had been moved from the caucus room to room 202, which was too small for 18 people.

Discussion Items

• Library Director Report (Christine) – March statistics: 8,500 visitors (~274/day), 21,000 physical items and 8,100 electronic items borrowed, saving patrons an estimated $751,816. Upcoming programs include Mother Goose on the Loose, Tales for Tots, Preschool Power, and a Roberto Clemente Museum presentation on April 30.
• Police Chief Arnold – Reported increased complaints about e-bikes and motorbikes ridden erratically on roadways and the Montour Trail. Police will use a two-pronged approach: education followed by enforcement. He outlined state legal criteria for e-bikes (pedals, motor ≤750W, speed ≤20 mph, lighting required at night, operators must be 16+). Upcoming events: Healthy Kids Day (April 18), First Responder Bike Rodeo (May 3), and regular Crime Watch meeting (May 4). Also shared accolades for Detective Giles Wright (assistance with stolen harp case) and Officer Elliott (positive family interaction).
• Fire Deputy Chief Rob Unselman – March incident report: 95 calls (6 police/EMS assists, 9 vehicle accidents, 32 fire/CO alarms, 31 electrical hazards from storms, 4 gas leaks, 2 odor investigations, 9 structure fires (many mutual aid), 1 brush fire, 1 weather response). Average 7.7 personnel per call, 3 calls/day. Year-to-date 238 calls, 15% higher than same period last year. 490 man-hours for incidents plus 237 hours for training and 32 hours community service, totaling 759 hours. New member Ryan Bader joined, top responder Brad Flume made 66 calls. New Engine 2 arrived and will be in service soon, featured in Memorial Day Parade.
• Manager Miss Denny – Highlighted partnerships: Rep. Summer Lee’s office in municipal offices 2nd and 4th Tuesdays; Allegheny County Treasurer’s Office will sell licenses and assist with Act 77 reimbursement starting June; County Human Services and St. Clair Hospital Health at farmers market. Encouraged participation in Allegheny Forward comprehensive plan. Municipal tax bills moving to early May to improve cash flow and separate from school tax.
• Mayor Allen – Spring cleanup April 25 (registration still open), yard waste drop-off April 18, farmers market begins first Tuesday in May (20th year), TV/electronic recycling May 9 at South Park Wave Pool, community yard sale May 2–3 ($20/household, Bethel Park residents only). Reminded residents of waste collection schedule: only six delayed days per year, bulk pickup first full week of each month.
• Council President – Announced Bethel Park received a Banner Community Award at the ALM conference, marking several consecutive years.
• Chicken and Duck Ordinance – Ordinance 4-13-26A approved 8–0, repealing and replacing Section 69.35.4.7 to regulate domestic chickens and ducks.
• Active Transportation Plan – Resolution R4-13-26A adopted 8–0 to officially adopt the 2025 Active Transportation Plan.
• Cable Franchise Agreement – Resolution R4-13-26B approved 8–0 to authorize a franchise agreement with Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, LLC.
• CDBG Program Opt-In – Resolution R4-13-26C approved 8–0 to opt in for Community Development Block Grant funding for 2027–2029.
• Memorandum of Understanding – Approved 8–0 an updated MOU between Bethel Park Police Department and Bethel Park School District, adding subsections D and E to Section 1 on timely coordination.
• Data Software Purchase – Approved 8–0 the purchase of data software from Viper AI LLC for intersection camera systems at an annual cost of $10,432.50.

Key Outcomes

• All items were approved unanimously (8–0) with no opposition.
• The council adopted the Active Transportation Plan despite resident concerns about survey bias and costs.
• The chicken/duck ordinance was updated to clarify regulations.
• The nonprofit use of municipal building remains under discussion; residents will be informed if a written policy is developed.
• The meeting adjourned without further business.