Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues in taxes budget
Sale of 2008 Sutphen fire pumper
The borough's old fire engine is being sold to Powhatan County, Virginia for $120,000, and the buyer wants it fast — so council converted the sale approval into a ratifying resolution.
Municipal building aging HVAC
The roof AC units are 22 years old and replacement costs doubled to about $29,000 per unit. Council leaned toward setting aside $30,000 from the loan rather than hoping they hold.
Health insurance and cost increases
Highmark rates rose 19% and UPMC 7%, and most employees (including the manager) are on AHN/Highmark. Fuel lines were bumped $5,000 per department and rock salt prices doubled.
Free tax assistance site proposal
Just Harvest could run a free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site — including bilingual service — in the borough building's community room from January to April 2027, the first of its kind in the South Hills. Council is sorting out conflicts with groups that already use the space.
Borough Pension Advisory Committee
A new committee will oversee employee pension and retirement plans, with nine members including two seats each concept tied to Parks and Public Works. Edits are still being made before it goes to council.
Act 129 energy-efficiency purchase
Borough is buying about $10,560 in LED fixtures for Pop Murray Field and the tennis courts through a state rebate program, adding to lights already approved for three buildings. Big savings on electricity and equipment.
2027 Pension Funding Obligations Set
Council approved the minimum municipal obligations for both police and non-police pensions for 2027 — part of the borough's required retirement funding.
New finance director hired
Cynthia Stevens starts as finance director October 12, filling a key post just as the borough begins putting together next year's budget.
Food insecurity and Hunger Action Month
Council proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month, citing 16% local food insecurity and SNAP cuts affecting 218,000 Pennsylvanians. The Dormont Free Pantry served a record 95 households in one week and needs volunteers.
Bond financing groundwork for capital projects
Council cleaned up the Brentwood Bank loan language and hired bond counsel and an investment banker — the pieces being put in place to borrow for upcoming big-ticket capital projects.
Bond financing for capital projects
Council is laying groundwork to possibly borrow for pool, playground, streetscape and stormwater projects. President Downs wanted to hold off until council actually debates a bond; the attorney's explanation bought enough comfort to move it to September.
Gateway Engineering contract performance
Commissioners openly questioned whether the borough should keep Gateway as its sole engineering firm, citing repeated delays and staff turnover. Staff noted other firms could be competitively bid, and the manager will take up concerns with Gateway.
SS4A grant funds frozen pending contract
Federal Safe Streets for All money has been awarded but is frozen until the borough signs the contract — a key reason the Dormont/Dwight calming work can't start.
Ordinance 1659 Prepayment Correction
The $1.5 million borrowing ordinance contained a prepayment ban inconsistent with the actual Brentwood Bank note — the bank's paperwork caused the error. Council is advertising a fix.
$750,000 Tax Anticipation Note Repayment
Council paid off the $750,000 note taken earlier this year to cover pension obligations, costing $765,445.61 with interest and fees.
Personnel transitions in borough administration and fire department
Assistant Manager Melinda Szabo is leaving August 24, Day Camp Director Kie McCrae has resigned, and Deputy Chief James Kolesky is retiring through the DROP program after 26 years. Council is handling succession in executive session.
Revival of the Dormont Car Show
A community car show that drew up to 97 cars before a one-year break is coming back September 27, with local businesses covering most costs and donations benefiting the food pantry. The rec board will help promote it and staff the Rec Center that day.
Pension Investment Advisor Search
The updated RFP for a pension investment advisor is ready for a June 1 vote. If approved, it runs 60 days, then interviews and a recommendation, with an appointment by September.
Borough Parking Lot Maintenance
A local business owner and Trash Free Dormont volunteer called out the borough for letting its own paid parking lots fill with trash, with overflowing cans and debris. He wants weekly cleanups and answers on why paying parkers should tolerate it.
$1.5 Million Borrowing for Playground and Capital Projects
The borough plans to borrow up to $1.5 million from Brentwood Bank at 5.49% to fund the Next Generation Playground and other capital needs. It's a 10-year note with a 12-month draw period.
Councilperson Mazzocco's resignation
Councilperson Jennifer Mazzocco's resignation takes effect March 31 and will be on the April 6 agenda for acceptance — meaning a council seat will need to be filled.
New borough council leadership
The borough council has new leadership for 2026: Amie Downs as president, Chris Kipp as vice president, and Daniele Ventresca as president pro tempore.