Dormont Human Relations Commission Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Dormont Human Relations Commission held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026. Key topics included legislative updates, commission communications, filling a vacant seat, finalizing plans for the Pride in the Park event, and launching a new community porch program ("Porchmont").

Legislative/Policy Updates

• Commissioners discussed SB9, a state bill regarding transgender youth in sports, noting it passed the Senate but its impact on Dormont is limited because the commission does not have purview over education. The bill will be monitored.
• The borough’s email communications policy for boards and commissions is under development and expected by end of summer. In the interim, commissioners must use borough staff channels for official communications; personal emails to individuals are acceptable. Complaints should be submitted via Access Dormont or to the borough manager/chair.

Commission Communications and Email

• Concerns were raised about handling incoming communications during Pride and Porchmont events. Commissioners agreed to collect email addresses at events but must coordinate with staff to send follow-ups. A formal process is being developed.

Vacant Commission Seat

• A commissioner resigned, and the resignation will be considered by council in July. The commission discussed recommending a replacement from previous applicants. After some confusion over names, it was agreed to recommend Lisa C. (last name uncertain) to council. The recommendation must be submitted by Friday before the next council meeting.

Pride in the Park Plan

• The commission finalized its activities for the Pride in the Park event. Activities will include a post-it note prompt board (using questions from a resilience workbook) and a temporary tattoo station. They will provide decorations such as flags, tablecloth, and flowers.
• A motion was made and passed to allocate $200 from the commission's budget for pride-related supplies (e.g., tattoos, bubbles, candy). Purchases should be submitted to borough staff as soon as possible.
• Members will staff the table; coordination will occur outside the meeting.

Summer Porch Social Event (Porchmont)

• The commission discussed a proposed month-long community-building campaign centered on porches, called "Porchmont," aiming to foster neighborly connections, counter polarization, and increase awareness of the commission.
• Goals: build resilience, improve well-being, celebrate Dormont’s walkable community and porch architecture, and promote connection across differences.
• Proposed structure: social media campaign throughout the month (likely August or September) with engaging posts and contests (e.g., "pooches on porches," scavenger hunts), culminating in a coordinated community porch crawl on a final Saturday.
• Commissioners emphasized inclusivity, suggesting options for apartment dwellers (block parties, use of parks, library involvement). They aim for low-to-no cost participation.
• After debate on timing, the commission leaned toward holding the culminating event on September 13, 2026, to allow more preparation and avoid heat and Labor Day travel. The month of Porchmont activities would then start in late August.
• A motion was passed to proceed with Porchmont: the commission will plan a month of porch-related activities, culminating in a porch crawl, and will present the outline to borough council for approval.
• Budget details were not finalized; commissioners noted potential costs for yard signs, host kits, and accessibility support. They will revisit in July.

Fair Housing Training

• The Fair Housing Training for landlords is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the borough building. Congressman Deluzio will provide opening remarks. There are 21 registrants. A council member and a commission member will attend.

Key Outcomes

• Motion passed (unanimous): Allocate $200 for Pride in the Park supplies.
• Motion passed: Recommend Lisa C. for the vacant commission seat (submission to council by Friday).
• Motion passed: Proceed with "Porchmont," a month-long community porch program culminating in a September 13 porch crawl, subject to council approval.
• Next steps: The commission will schedule a goal-setting meeting after a fifth member is appointed. The next council meeting is June 30, where Porchmont will be presented.

Note: The meeting date has been set to August 19, 2026 per instruction, despite the transcript indicating June 17, 2025. This summary follows the instruction.