No takers to develop green space
The green space on the corner of West Liberty and Hillsdale avenues in Dormont appears to be staying that way.
Council President Bill McCartney said Monday that no offers have been made on the municipally owned property since council voted in August to seek request-for-development proposals.
As a result, the site will be targeted for a park “of meaningful dimension,” he said. He suggested that the borough planning commission and other interested parties develop a plan for improving the property, including financial considerations.
Members of a local beautification group, DIG Dormont, and borough personnel have maintained the area since council designated it as a “passive park” in 2008. The borough purchased the property in 2003 and subsequently demolished two buildings on the site.
Following council’s decision to advertise for RFP proposals, more than 200 residents signed a petition to maintain the site as green space.
The property’s assessed value is $146,900.
In other business at Monday’s council meeting:
• Mr. McCartney said Councilman Jeff Fabus is heading a search committee for a new borough manager, following the resignation of Jeff Naftal in March.
The first meeting of the committee, which includes council members and municipal employees, was scheduled for last night.
Mr. Fabus said the borough had received five applications for the position as of last week and that a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will serve as facilitator for the selection process.
Rebecca Bradley is serving as interim borough manager in addition to the similar position she holds in Wilkins. She is working Fridays in Dormont.
• Two contracts were awarded in conjunction with the operation of Dormont Pool.
Jeff Ellis Management was brought back for a second year of providing pool management services, at a cost of $107,647. The amount represents an increase from 2014, but the pool will be open for a longer period this year because of an earlier date for Memorial Day and later date for Labor Day.
Councilman John Maggio, Friends of Dormont Pool president, voted against the measure.
The other contract went to Judy’s Concessions, which has been operating the concession stand at the pool since 2011. According to the terms, Judy’s will pay the borough $600 per month and provide proof of insurance. The vote was unanimous. • Borough resident Benjamin Morton received recognition for his Boy Scout Eagle Award, including certificate of appreciation from the Dormont Volunteer Fire Department.
For his Eagle project, he arranged for the financing and labor to place markers on fire hydrants throughout Dormont to help emergency personnel locate them in the event of severe weather and other adverse conditions.