Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
40 issues with high priority
Rec board staffing transition
The board still has two open seats. Outreach posts haven't generated applicants, so members are asked to personally refer anyone who might be interested — applications are on the borough website.
2027 Recreation Calendar
The borough's big kids event is March 28 at 11 a.m., with a sensory-friendly hunt at 10:30. Football players and firefighters are volunteering, and this year prizes will be raffled at 11:30 so winners are announced on site instead of matched later from sign-in sheets.
2027 Borough Budget
The 2027 budget is heading to its required 30-day public display after capital review meetings wrapped up. The final vote comes at the November meeting.
Next Generation Playground Phase 1 construction
The big playground rebuild at Dormont Park is moving on two fronts: a construction RFP for Phase 1 that isn't finished yet, and a $168,553 pavilion purchase for Phase 2 through a state grant that requires work within a year. Council wants the full RFP in hand before advertising it.
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.
Proposed PRT/developer 180-unit apartment development
Residents flooded public comment with concerns about a proposed 180-unit apartment building where a parking lot sits on West Liberty Avenue — parking, sewer capacity, traffic studies, and school enrollment were all raised. Council President Downs stressed no plan is formally before council yet; the borough is still drafting its list of developer requirements.
2026 Road Program and sidewalk complications
The borough is switching to a five-year road program based on a full pavement survey by Pavement Management Group, instead of planning roads year by year in the fall. The goal is to coordinate paving with utility work so fresh pavement isn't cut up right away. Pavement Management Group will answer questions about road grades on January 26.
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.
Active Transportation Plan intersection picks
The Safe Mobility Commission flagged three dangerous intersections — Dwight-Hillsdale-Kelton as top priority — for safety improvements that will be costed with Mt. Lebanon's partner project. Designs and estimates come before council before the July vote.
2027 Road Program and Salt Costs
Rock salt for 2026-27 will cost $160 per ton through the SHACOG bid — roughly twice last year — and the manager warned of more price shocks to come in the budget.
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.
Road program underfunding
The borough is paving Crosby Avenue, two sections of Tennessee Avenue, several alleys, and one added street alternate for about $596,000.
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.
Borough Voting Meeting Agenda
Dormont's voting meeting is tonight at 7 PM, and borough officials are making one thing clear: there is no vote or discussion on a TOD project. If you saw rumors online, ignore them—the agenda doesn't include it.
TriCOG Land Bank participation
Council heard a presentation on joining the TriCOG Land Bank to tackle blighted and abandoned properties, with discussions planned with the school district and other parties.
Reallocating road program funds after the Crosby Avenue hold
About $150,000 freed by holding work on the 2800 block of Crosby could fund alternate streets plus half-paving on Dwight, Dormont, and Annapolis avenues — but not all of it. The engineer suggested dropping 6th and 9th Alleys to stay in budget. Council flagged concerns about paving near the Annapolis Avenue school during school hours.
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.
Council Voting Meeting
Dormont Council meets tonight at 7 to vote through its agenda, and you can show up or watch online. The source doesn’t list the items, so the real impact depends on what’s on the table—but council votes can shape local services, spending, and rules. If you care about any of that, this is the moment to tune in.
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.
PA American Water lead line replacement
PA American Water will replace lead service lines at 575 Dormont homes for free — but only for owners who sign the agreement. If the company can't reach you after three attempts, it can suspend your service until it returns. Three of four census tracts (4721, 4722, 4723) are affected, mostly the western/northwestern side of the borough, and the work will reshape next year's road program.
Vape shop regulation ordinance
A draft ordinance would make new vape shops conditional uses needing Planning Commission approval, keep them out of the transit-oriented district, and require 1,000 feet of separation from existing shops. Residents and commissioners worry about vape shop density on the commercial strip and want loopholes closed before council acts.
Council Meeting
Dormont Council’s supercommittee meets Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 PM, right after a public hearing and special voting meeting. If you care what’s on the table, the borough says to check the full agenda online. It’s a procedural meeting notice, so the real impact depends on what the agenda actually contains.
Public Hearing and Special Voting Meeting
Dormont Borough Council is holding a public hearing and special voting meeting Monday, August 24 at 5:30 PM to amend a bill — and they're voting the same night. If you've got opinions, this is the window to say them out loud before the vote happens.
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.
Vape shop zoning regulations
Council moved forward with a new ordinance regulating vape shops and updating conditional-use standards in the development code. A public hearing and special voting meeting are set for August 24 after county and planning commission review.
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.
Dormont/Dwight and Peermont/Latonia traffic calming delays
A resident petition for traffic calming at Latonia and Peermont Avenues appears stalled since September. Adding stop controls on the main street could unlock crosswalks and curb extensions, and the SS4A grant could pay for a demonstration project.
Stormwater Authority Meeting
Dormont’s Stormwater Authority meets tonight at 6 PM to vote on stormwater issues, including flooding and drainage fees. If you own property or deal with soggy streets, this is where those decisions get made.
Pride Event Participation and Porchmont Launch
The borough's porch-crawl event is five weeks out, with 26 porches signed up and more expected. Decisions on t-shirts, host bags, signage, and the map deadline will shape how visible and successful the event is.
Dormont Pool filtration system failure
Manager Stinner reported the pool passed its county health inspection despite the flooded filter room, with valve replacements still needed and long-term filtration replacement being studied.
Short-term rental regulation
After complaints about loud parties and LLCs exploiting a loophole with 31-day rentals, council is weighing turning short-term rentals into a conditional use requiring council approval. Current operators would be grandfathered in.
Pool filtration system future
The pool's filtration system runs on an eight-hour cycle when modern codes require four to six hours. New valves could buy five to ten years, but pumps are obsolete — a feasibility study and financing plan come next year.
Sidewalk restoration disputes with utilities
Residents on Kelton Avenue and Edgehill Avenue say newly replaced concrete sidewalks are spalling and deteriorating, and the contractor blames salt use. Council heard testimony and Gateway Engineers is investigating the affected properties.
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.
Sanitary sewer O&M 2026 bid
Starting March 31, 2026, Dormont takes over sanitary sewer work from long-time engineer Wayne McVicar. Council reviewed transition work authorizations and the last invoices under his contract.
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.
Latonia/Piermont and Biltmore intersection safety
Residents report crashes, near-misses, and driver aggression at Latonia at Piermont and Biltmore at Latonia, where parked vehicles and downhill speeding block sight lines. The commission directed Gateway Engineers to study sight distance and bring back recommendations.
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.
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.
$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.