Bethel Park Council Regular Meeting – May 12, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on May 11, 2026, but the user-provided timestamp is May 12, 2026 04:00:00+00:00. This summary uses the user-provided date for the title but notes the discrepancy in the text.

This was a regular council meeting with full attendance (9 members present). The meeting covered a range of administrative, public safety, community, and planning items, including a key vote to deny a rezoning request for a proposed daycare.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items A through G) unanimously (9–0).
• Approved bill list 2026-0511 in the amount of $2,550,991.66 unanimously (9–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valerie Gaston (non‑agenda): Criticized the process for changing nonprofit use of the municipal building, stating the discussion was unclear and a vote was taken without a written agenda item. She asserted the building is safe and that parking is sufficient, and objected to charging nonprofits for use.
• Sandy Dimas (non‑agenda): Representing the Bethel Park Alliance Club, she reported their rental cost for the community center would increase from $546 in 2026 to $1,485 in 2027 for the same space, a $939 increase. She requested a more reasonable rate (e.g., 10% increase) to keep the fundraiser in Bethel Park. Council President responded that the manager was asked to revise the proposal.
• Valerie Gaston (planning & zoning): Expressed frustration that her requests for information about a neighboring subdivision (4951 Highland Ave) were not answered by borough staff. Council clarified that the vote that evening was only to create a new property line, not to approve a building.
• Joseph Heldrich (planning & zoning): Asked about the last update to the zoning code and whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or pre‑approved plans could be introduced. Council indicated the code is under review, but pre‑approved plans are unlikely due to stormwater requirements.
• Sue Means (planning & zoning): Opposed the proposed Primrose School rezoning at 391 McMurray Road, citing traffic congestion at the already busy intersection and questioning the traffic study. She urged council to vote no on the public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Chair Announcements:
  • Junior council program: applications due June 17, appointments in August, start in September.
  • Veterans ceremony recap: 13 veterans and 12 businesses recognized.
  • Pickleball pavilion completed at Millennium Park, donated by Bethel Park Upper St. Clair Breakfast Rotary, with concrete work by public works.
  • E‑bike safety reminder: riders must be 16, follow rules of the road; parents liable for underage riders; ordinance in the works.
  • Accolades for Councilwoman Kamanicki for her social media meeting summaries.
• Library Director Report (Christine McIntosh):
  • April statistics: 7,569 visitors (~252/day), 18,661 physical items and 7,780 electronic items borrowed, representing $687,000 in value. 85 on‑site and 27 outreach programs with 2,109 attendees.
  • Upcoming events: America 250 programs (May 16 and May 20), Baby Jam, summer reading starts June, book sale May 31, closed Memorial Day weekend and Sundays through summer.
• Police Chief Report (Chief Arnold):
  • National Police Week: 111 officers died in the line of duty in 2025. Recognized Bethel Park officers: Patrolman Joseph Chemlinski (end of watch 1948), Detective Lynn Sutter (1987), and newly added Chief George Kircher (died 1954 from complications of a 1948 gunshot wound). Thanks to retired Sergeant Skip Horneck for persistence.
  • Paul Miller law (distracted driving) takes effect June 6: officers can issue citations for handheld cell phone use while driving, including at red lights. Hands‑free and emergency calls are exempt.
• Fire Chief Report (Captain John Mark):
  • April 2026: 57 calls (23 fire alarms, 8 structure fires, 6 MVAs, 1 MVA with entrapment, 6 gas leaks, 3 brush fires, etc.). 2026 total through April: 295 calls (up from prior years).
  • 317 hours responding, 237 training, 44 community service = 598 total hours. Top responder: Bradlins Jr. (35 of 57 calls).
  • Three members completed Firefighter 1; three completed EMT; two traffic incident management; Captain Mark completed Fire Instructor 1.
  • 100th anniversary of 100% volunteer fire company celebration forthcoming; fund drive underway.
• Manager Report (Ms. Denny):
  • Farmers market (20th year) started; commemorative items available. Yard waste drop‑off Saturday (May 16) for residents. Touch‑a‑truck event Sunday (May 17) with Pittsburgh Ghostbusters, 40‑ft sand pit, and many vehicles.
• Mayor Report (Mayor Allen):
  • Splash park opens May 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; rental packages available (three options: 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 3–6 p.m., or 6:30–9 p.m. private).
  • Memorial Day celebration: ceremony at Veterans Plaza at 8:50 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., program at Bethel Cemetery at 11 a.m. with Senator Devlin Robinson.
  • Summer bash at Simmons Park on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda and Bills: Unanimously approved (9–0).
• Outreach Teen and Family Services Agreement: Approved $20,000 from the general fund for 2026 counseling services (9–0).
• Repeal of Cat Registration Ordinance: Ordinance 5‑11‑26A approved, removing municipal licensing and registration of cats (9–0).
• Myers Plan of Lots Major Subdivision (4959 Highland Ave): Approved 8–0 with one abstention, conditioned on addressing outstanding review comments and recording the plan.
• Primrose School Rezoning Request (391 McMurray Road): Motion to advertise for a public hearing to rezone from R1 to C3 was denied (9–0). Councilmember Oaks clarified that C3 zoning would allow a wide range of uses beyond the proposed daycare, and the vote was to reject moving forward with the rezoning process.
• Health, Safety, and Welfare: No items.
• Public Works: No items.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after good of the order.

Date Discrepancy: The meeting transcript begins with the call to order on May 11, 2026. The user‑provided timestamp indicates May 12, 2026 04:00:00+00:00, which may reflect the meeting’s end time or a system time zone conversion. The summary above uses the user‑provided date for the title.