Dormont Borough SuperCommittee Meeting – July 21, 2025

The Dormont Borough SuperCommittee met on July 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was reordered to begin with recreation items, including a presentation from the Giving Grove program, followed by finance and legal topics. Key discussions covered park improvements, budget trends, and payroll software proposals.

Recreation and Community Affairs Committee

• Menorah Lighting Event: Council approved hosting the event on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with no borough conflicts. Borough staff are coordinating with the rabbi.
• Boy Scout Troop 23 Proclamation: A proclamation celebrating the troop’s 100th anniversary will be presented at the August 4, 2025 council meeting. The troop will attend with scouts and alumni. A flag retirement ceremony is planned for September in South Park.
• Giving Grove Presentation – Kim Bracken (Tree Pittsburgh): Bracken described the Giving Grove orchard program, which has planted over 700 fruit trees in Allegheny County. The program requires full sun, water access, and two volunteer stewards. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium may partner to add native pollinator gardens on the hillside. Council expressed interest and asked Bracken to develop a design for council vote.
• Dugout Design at Pop Murray: Council discussed color options for dugout roofs and frames. Options included navy blue or Keystone Oaks colors. Council directed staff to ask the vendor (Beacon Athletics) if a blue roof is available; if not, preferred a black frame with galvanized metal roof (or navy frame with galvanized). A decision on final colors is pending vendor feedback, expected by the next meeting.
• Bird Town Update: Councilmember Ventresca reported meeting with residents, including former councilman Willard McCartney (a bird expert). The group discussed potential invasive plant and lighting ordinances, newsletter articles, and a Bird Town web page. Next steps include sharing a list of ideas.
• Public Goods Funding Request – Playground Piggy Banks: Council members Downs and Rieger requested $984.39 from public goods funds for cardboard piggy banks with playground logos to encourage children’s contributions to the new playground fundraiser. Council approved the request.

Finance & Legal Committee

• Human Relations Commission Vacancy: The recommendation to fill the vacancy is Lisa Kalovecchia. Council is awaiting her response to appear before council as per informal procedure. The item is on hold.
• Payroll Proposals: Administration recommended moving from Tyler Technologies to PayCor for payroll software, based on cost ($10,284 annually vs. $13,364 for ADP) and customer service. Assistant Manager Melinda confirmed PayCor offers promotional credits covering implementation costs. Council directed Melinda to confirm that the credits are not charged back in years 2 and 3, and if confirmed, proceed with PayCor.
• Budget Discussion and Timeline: Assistant Manager Melinda presented revenue and expense trends through June. Notable items:
  • Building permit revenue will change due to new fee structure (MDIA fees plus 20% administrative).
  • Special police services revenue is significantly higher than the budgeted $1,500 (three-year average ~$87,000); the line will be adjusted.
  • Legal costs are on track to double from $55,000 to $110,000 next year due to increased meeting attendance and materials.
  • Natural gas and electric costs are expected to stabilize with new contracts.
  • Overtime across departments is increasing due to snow removal, summer help gaps, and contract negotiations.
  • The liquid fuels account holds $386,000, which could be used for Potomac Avenue work to reduce borrowing.
  • Major projects (retaining wall, road program, rec plan, playground, generator) remain unbudgeted or awaiting grants.

Key Outcomes

• Menorah lighting event approved for December 14, 2025.
• Boy Scout Troop 23 proclamation to be presented August 4, 2025.
• Giving Grove orchard proposal to be developed for council vote.
• Dugout design direction set: explore blue roof, otherwise black frame with galvanized roof; final decision pending vendor response.
• Bird Town initiatives to proceed with resident working group.
• $984.39 in public goods funds approved for playground piggy banks.
• Human Relations Commission appointment on hold awaiting candidate response.
• PayCor payroll software to proceed pending confirmation of year 2/3 pricing.
• Budget discussion to continue with detailed line-item review; council will receive updated revenue projections and expense analysis for 2026 budget formulation.