Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in public safety
Firefighter working schedules MOU
The union agreement would move firefighters to 24-hours-on/72-hours-off shifts — but it's on hold a month while Chief Stakich reviews it and its budget impact.
Kelton/Eastmont/KO High School intersection safety
The roughly $124,000 Kelton/Eastmont intersection redesign is in a holding pattern pending cost estimates and possible cost-sharing with the school district.
Playground security cameras
$20,000 to wire the new playground with camera feeds down to the police station — seen as cheap insurance while the ground is already open.
Illegal gambling machines enforcement
Council President Downs flagged that some vape shops stay afloat on skill games, and the borough plans to tackle that separately later this month. The borough manager said a rewritten fee schedule may raise fees on gaming machines in establishments.
Commission Vacancies and Recruitment
The commission is losing a member, and the borough has openings on several boards. A new application process is in place, and PA child abuse clearances are now required for all volunteers.
Crossing guard staffing
Two new crossing guards — Marcus Springmann and Steve Christy — are being hired, keeping the program fully staffed as it trains and evaluates school-year crossing locations.
Dormont Volunteer Fire Department recruitment
Three new volunteers are ready to join, and the annual $25,000 contribution to the firemen's association continues — money that goes straight back to the volunteers as stipends and reimbursements.
Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Renewal
Council renewed the volunteer fire department's workers' compensation coverage at $17,749.
Emergency Operations Plan adoption (Resolution 14 of 2026)
The borough adopted its updated Emergency Operations Plan, which must be refreshed every two years and would have expired August 31.
Keystone Oaks School District / Dormont Police MOU
The updated memorandum of understanding between Dormont police and Keystone Oaks School District sets reporting requirements and adds new Appendix A reflecting recent school code changes.
Handicap parking ordinance
Work with an outside contact on parking accessibility policies is paused because she's overwhelmed with housing-access issues. The commission agreed to keep the door open rather than drop it.
New Sutphen pumper truck lease
The previously approved Sutphen fire engine will be financed over 15 years at about $55,000 a year — roughly $10,000 under what was budgeted, saving taxpayers about $150,000. The old engine will be sold to help cover the $100,000 down payment.
Special Events Permitting Ordinance
Dormont is drafting its first real ordinance for large events like PRIDE and the Street Music Festival. The big questions: how far in advance organizers must apply, how quickly they get an answer, what the permit costs, and who pays when police, public works, or EMS are needed.
Fire Department Hiring — Lucas Dewit
Dormont filled its fire desk officer/apparatus operator position with a hometown firefighter who started as a junior member at 16; he was sworn in at the meeting.
Special events permit ordinance
Draft Ordinance 1660 would require permits and fees for events drawing 500+ people, covering police, fire, and EMS costs for out-of-borough groups. Council sent it to a workshop instead of advertising it, wanting input from affected organizations first.