Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with low priority
Borough email and communications access for rec board
The board lacks access to the Gmail listed on its Facebook page and asked the borough to set up an official rec board email so communications are streamlined and archived.
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.
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.
Comprehensive Recreation and Park Plan extension
The borough's state-funded recreation plan ran out of time and is getting an extension request; it will stay on the agenda through year's end.
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.
Condolence Resolution for Dr. Richard D. Grubb
Council will formally honor former council member Dr. Richard Grubb, who served 15 years and spent 30 years as a school psychologist helping kids with special needs.
Recreation Plan RFP
Council moved to advertise the RFP for a borough recreation plan, pending DCNR approval of grant-required terms.
Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Renewal
Council renewed the volunteer fire department's workers' compensation coverage at $17,749.
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.
Front-yard parking pad variance, 1666 McFarland Road
A homeowner wants to pave a 10x14-foot parking pad in the front yard, which isn't allowed without a variance in Dormont's residential street-loaded district. With no applicant at the hearing, the board couldn't weigh the hardship and the borough's denial stands for now.
Regional pool sharing agreements
Formalized rec-share with Castle Shannon, plus a new temporary deal letting Mt. Lebanon residents use Dormont Pool at $10 per entry while their pool's opening is delayed — a $2-per-visit gain for Dormont.
Tree City USA and Arbor Day recognition
Dormont has been approved as a Tree City USA, and the April 26 Arbor Day celebration proclamation was fast-tracked to the April 6 vote.
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.
Recreation Board Vacancies
Recreation Board President Johanna Dickman resigned effective January 13, 2026, leaving two open seats. Council plans to post the application process soon and invites applicants to attend a meeting before committing.