Human Relations Commission Meeting (Date Note: Agenda and Transcript Indicate April 21, 2026; Summary Uses Instructed Date of August 19, 2026)

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) of Dormont Borough held a meeting on the date specified as April 21, 2026 in the agenda and transcript, but per instruction the title and summary reflect August 19, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Present were commissioners Rosa Ellenberger and Lisa Kolovecchia; commissioner Opal D. was absent. Guests included Megan Hammond, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, and Raymond Moore. The meeting featured a presentation by Megan Hammond on revisions to the Reserved Accessible Parking Policy, updates on the Porchmont event, and discussion of the vacant HRC Secretary position.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Lisa Kolovecchia, second by Rosa Ellenberger; all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

Reserved Accessible Parking Policy

• Megan Hammond, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, presented recommended revisions to Dormont’s reserved accessible parking policy to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. Key recommendations included:
  • Accepting a PennDOT disability placard or plate as sufficient proof of disability-related need; requiring a doctor’s letter only when a resident has off-street parking that is inaccessible.
  • Eliminating the requirement for annual renewal; instead basing the validity period on the placard expiration date, with residents required to maintain an unexpired placard or plate on file.
  • Implementing a “soft cap” of two disability parking spaces on streets with parking on one side and four on streets with parking on both sides, adjustable based on the number of households relying solely on street parking.
  • Removing the position of Reserved Accessible Parking Coordinator, as it is unfilled and unnecessary.
  • Clarifying that the borough manager (or designee) assesses the request, and the chief of police (or designee) evaluates traffic safety.
• Commissioners discussed the administrative burden of annual renewals, concerns about residents perceiving the spaces as private, and the role of the HRC in civil rights enforcement. Megan noted that annual renewals are permissible but not required, and that an FAQ and public education could address resident misunderstandings.
• Staff member Melinda provided context on council’s parallel work on the ordinance and the recommendation to bring the matter to the borough’s Safe Mobility Commission. The HRC is to continue advocating for a civil rights focus.
• Next steps: Megan will receive and redline council’s proposed ordinance, then present to the Sustainability and Inclusion Committee and the subsequent super committee meeting tentatively scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Porchmont Event Planning

• Joanna B reported on progress for the Porchmont community event. Updates included:
  • Dormont Arts has agreed to participate, though their specific involvement is still being defined.
  • Artist Josh Hoffman has granted permission to use one of his paintings for the promotional poster. A professional digital scan may be needed at a cost of up to $150; the commission voted to authorize up to $150 for that purpose (motion approved unanimously).
  • Jen Mazako has volunteered to manage the Porchmont map.
  • The group discussed timeline: aim for a “save the date” announcement by May 1, 2026, with a full launch in June or July. The existing website will be updated with the save-the-date graphic.
  • Commissioners debated the frequency of planning meetings and agreed to proceed via email and regular monthly meetings, with the possibility of additional creative sessions later.

Pride and Newsletter/Social Media

• The Pride update was postponed due to the absence of Commissioner Opal D.
• Rosa Ellenberger provided an oral update on newsletter and social media planning, noting that a save-the-date post for Porchmont would be a priority.

Key Outcomes

• Motion passed: Authorization of up to $150 for a professional scan of the Porchmont poster image (all in favor).
• Directive: Megan Hammond will review and redline Dormont’s proposed accessible parking ordinance, with a presentation to the super committee in May 2026.
• Referral: The HRC Secretary position is to be filled; commissioners will discuss among themselves and resolve at the next meeting.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned around 8:00 PM (based on transcript timing).

Note: All votes were unanimous.