Dormont Borough SuperCommittee Meeting - June 25, 2025

Note: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate the meeting originally took place on June 23, 2025, but the user has instructed that the date be recorded as June 25, 2025. The following summary reflects the content as presented on June 23, 2025.

The June 23, 2025 SuperCommittee meeting covered a wide range of topics, including a playground concept presentation, Safe Streets for All grant application, fee schedule updates, armored car services, a tree donation, traffic calming policy, road condition management vendors, and a major discussion on the future of Potomac Avenue. The meeting also included a successful motion to appoint a Building Code Official.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No registered public comments were received at the start of the meeting.
• At the end of the meeting, no public comment was offered.
• Kate Fabus raised a discussion item about the HRC's "Porchmont" project, requesting council's comfort with them discussing it at Pride before presenting to council; no objections were raised.

Discussion Items

Recreation and Community Affairs Committee

• Playground Concept Presentation by Gateway Design: Jason Livingston (landscape architect) presented two boards: a project timeline and a consensus concept plan developed with the committee from three initial options. The plan features climbing-focused equipment from two vendors (Berliner – rope structures; Earthscape – wooden statement pieces). Key discussion points included:
  • Need for additional public engagement beyond the Pride event (June 29). Council members requested a separate child-centric input session, possibly at the park or tied to existing events, and suggested using borough interns to assist.
  • Concern over the absence of swings in the concept; Gateway indicated swings can be added as a custom piece.
  • The concept plan was described as intentionally simple to focus feedback on playground equipment; site work cost estimates will follow after equipment selection.
  • Council member Jennifer Mazzocco emphasized the importance of hearing from children directly, not just adults.

Finance & Legal Committee

• Board and Commission Updates: Chris Kipp reported a recent resignation from the Human Relations Commission (HRC). Ian Eliverso (resident of District 7) introduced himself as an applicant for the Civil Service Commission, detailing his background in grievance hearings and labor relations. His appointment is expected to be voted on in July.
• SS4A Application: John Stinner explained that the Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) approved applying for a Safe Streets for All grant (due June 26) to fund an intersection audit and demonstration projects. Toole Design Group will prepare the application for a maximum of $5,400, funded from the SMC's $2,000 budget line item plus additional funds. The grant request is for $100,000–$200,000. Council supported moving forward.
• Fee Schedule Updates: Chief Stakic proposed updated fire department fees (attached in packet). John Stinner noted the borough currently charges an excessive number of fees for permits and inspections (permitting fee, inspection fee, admin fee) compared to other municipalities (e.g., Pleasant Hills charges MDIA fee plus 30% admin). An intern will conduct a comprehensive fee schedule review to align with ordinances. Fire fee updates will be presented to committee next week.
• Armored Car Services: A proposed contract with Loomis for weekly ($238.15/month) or bi-weekly ($119.08/month) armored car cash pickup was discussed to improve safety and efficiency for cash collection at the tax office, front desk, and pool.
• Fire-Proof Commercial Safe Purchase: Estimated cost $4,000–$10,000 for a ~5-foot tall commercial safe to store deeds, cash, and valuables. This would work in tandem with the armored car service. Models will be presented for council approval next week.

Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee

• Tree Donation Presentation by Ken Krugh: A resident offered to donate a giant sequoia tree (~3-4 feet tall, disease-resistant, suitable for climate) to be planted in the park, possibly near the big pavilion. The donation was well-received. Discussion included choosing a location that allows room for growth and does not interfere with event setups. Ken also offered to supply additional shrubs for bird-friendly landscaping.
• Purchase from Foundations Gallery: The borough typically buys a piece of art from each show. Council expressed interest in the trolley picture and a balloon dog piece but requested budget information before deciding. A vote will be postponed to next week.
• Granicus Encoder Replacement: The current encoder (used to record meetings) is reaching end-of-life and will go out of warranty in December 2025. A replacement from Granicus costs $5,247 (including setup and shipping). Since the borough uses Zoom as a backup, council decided to defer the purchase to the 2026 budget rather than using contingency funds.
• Traffic Calming Policy: John Stinner presented the policy, which establishes a process: resident identification → petition (20 signatures) → evaluation by SMC and engineer → recommendation to council → implementation. Feedback from council included:
  • Remove social media as an official complaint channel.
  • Add clear definitions of "immediate area" for petition signatures.
  • Ensure public reporting of SMC activities (e.g., annual summary of requests).
  • Consider requiring council authorization before the SMC undertakes a full study. The policy will be revised and brought back.
• Road Condition Management Vendors: Jared Neill (Gateway) compared two vendors:
  • vialytics: Uses AI from iPhone data, unlimited assessments, $6,146/year, but PCI rating is estimated (not ASTM standard), cannot assess brick streets, and data training may be European.
  • Pavement Management Group (PMG): $15,000 for two years, uses HD video and ASTM PCI, works with ArcGIS, can assess brick streets, provides a turn-key service with one assessment per year. Council leaned toward PMG due to compatibility with borough systems and reliability. Funding from liquid fuel funds was discussed.
• Crosby Avenue Restoration: Columbia Gas replaced a main line and left cold patch repairs; PA American Water may also upgrade its line in 2025. The borough is coordinating with both utilities to potentially reconstruct the road in asphalt rather than restoring brick. An interim asphalt repair from Columbia is expected soon.
• Potomac Avenue Discussion: Jared Neill presented a detailed analysis of the failing pervious brick pavers installed in 2016. Five options were reviewed:
  1. Repair existing pavers (~$800,000 + ongoing $80k/2-3 years + $10-30k spot repairs).
  2. Replace with new pervious pavers (~$1,000,000 + $25-50k annual maintenance).
  3. Replace with paving bricks on concrete base (~$1,500,000).
  4. Replace with concrete pavement (~$750,000).
  5. Replace with bituminous asphalt (~$525,000 + $75k mill & overlay every 5-10 years). Options 3-5 require additional stormwater management (estimated $900,000 for side street inlets). Gateway recommended Option 5 (asphalt) if stormwater can be addressed. Council requested:
  • Engaging the Stormwater Authority before making a decision.
  • Holding a public informational meeting (tentatively July 21 or 22) to present options and gather input from residents and businesses, especially those affected by flooding.
  • Jared will share findings with the Stormwater Authority.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed (unanimous): Appointed Jeffrey Stakich as the Building Code Official for the Borough of Dormont, including all duties under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code and Construction Code Act.
• Consensus: Proceed with the SS4A grant application (fee up to $5,400 from SMC budget).
• Consensus: Pursue a fire-proof commercial safe (specific model to be approved next week) and finalize an armored car service contract with Loomis.
• Decision: Delay Granicus encoder replacement to 2026 budget; use Zoom as backup.
• Direction: Revise the Traffic Calming Policy per council feedback (definitions, public reporting, study authorization step).
• Direction: Move forward with Pavement Management Group for road condition assessment, pending identification of funding source.
• Next Steps for Potomac Avenue: Provide the full memo to the Stormwater Authority; schedule a public information meeting in late July to present options and gather community feedback before making a final decision.