Dormont Human Relations Commission Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Dormont Human Relations Commission (HRC) met on July 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM (adjourned at 8:04 PM) to primarily discuss planning for the Porchmont 2026 event, including outreach, logistics, and volunteer coordination. Key topics included a proposed mini-blitz for yard signs and posters, t-shirt production, host registration limits, accessible parking policy, and the future of the commission following the resignation of member Melinda Zabo.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval Deferred: The minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting were not available for review; Opal Dickman shared them after the meeting. Approval was postponed to the next meeting.

Discussion Items

• Porchmont 2026 Planning: Chair Joanna Bolden outlined a short-term plan to generate excitement and recruit hosts. A mini-blitz was proposed: yard signs (40 ordered) to be distributed by the weekend (arriving possibly Thursday, July 23), posters (legal-size flyers) to be placed in local businesses, and a social media post on Monday, July 27. Commissioners volunteered for distribution: Lisa Kolovecchia on Sunday afternoon, others on Friday/Saturday. Yard signs to be placed at municipal locations, parks, council members' yards, and host yards. Posters will feature artist Josh’s painting with a QR code for host sign-up.
• Social Media Campaign: Rosa will create posts; Melinda suggested a tie-in with the library’s art reception on July 30 to promote the artist. Ideas included host tips, “pets on porches,” and block party encouragement. Host recruitment will also target previous hosts and the Pride list.
• T-shirts: Joanna is meeting with Katman Do on July 24 to discuss t-shirt production. Proposed model: Katman Do sells shirts to the public, with a small number donated or sold at cost to the commission for volunteers.
• Ice Cream Truck: Lisa proposed a roaming ice cream truck (e.g., Kona Ice) rather than a stationary one to avoid detracting from porches. The commission agreed to pursue a commitment from one or two trucks for specific hours to advertise.
• Senior Housing Outreach: Lisa deferred action until she is more settled in her new role with older adult protective services, but will provide an update by the next meeting.
• Apartment and Block Party Outreach: Joanna plans to distribute posters at vocal apartments and encourage block parties. The commission noted that block party permits are rarely denied, and if too many applications come in, it can be addressed later.
• Library Involvement: Melinda confirmed the library will host a stop in their parking lot, selling books and promoting their September events. It will be a special stop on the map.
• Map and Host Registration Limit: Discussion on capping official hosts at 50 to manage supplies and map workload. Decision: first 50 registrants receive a yard sign, swag bag, and placement on the printed map; additional hosts can sign up for the Google map. The commission also decided to remove the “sign up for updates” option from the website to avoid added workload.
• Accessible Parking Policy: Ongoing issue; Joanna reminded the commission to stay engaged as it may come before council. The policy is now part of a larger parking discussion led by councilman Josh.
• HRC Future and Melinda’s Resignation: Melinda Zabo announced her resignation from the borough effective August 24, 2026, but will remain involved with the library. The commission discussed the need for clearer scope and direction for the HRC, with plans for borough administration and council to discuss the commission’s future after Porchmont. Commissioners expressed concern about losing focus and agreed to meet separately (within sunshine rules) to discuss next steps.

Key Outcomes

• Yard Sign Blitz Approved: Commissioners will pick up signs from Joanna’s porch and distribute over the weekend of July 24-26. Posters will be printed on legal paper and distributed to businesses.
• Social Media Posts Scheduled: Monday July 27 for Porchmont launch; Wednesday July 29 for artist reception tie-in.
• Host Registration Cap Set: First 50 registrants receive priority benefits; after that, hosts can join the Google map. Official host registration limit will be 50, with a small buffer for dropouts.
• T-shirt Meeting: Joanna will meet with Katman Do on July 24 and report back with options.
• Ice Cream Truck Outreach: Lisa will contact potential trucks to request a commitment for Porchmont evening.
• Accessible Parking: The commission will remain alert to council agenda and be prepared to submit a letter of support when the policy is discussed.
• HRC Future Discussion: The commission will await council’s direction post-Porchmont, with Joanna to speak with council member Kate. Commissioners may meet informally to share thoughts.