Borough of Oakmont

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to a new member of the Communications Committee. Key discussions included an update on the construction progress at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, covering topics such as power service upgrade, clarifier construction, and budget status, alongside discussion of the SCADA contract. The Oakmont Carnegie Library (OCL) presented its End of Year Report, detailing collection size, visitor numbers, borrowing statistics, fundraising successes, and future staffing/hour goals. Discussions under Council oversight involved approving payment for the Chateau Beach Dog Park Project and tabling decisions regarding new playground equipment and turf surface for Riverside Park due to inclusivity concerns. Administrative actions included authorizing a Permanent Utility Easement Agreement and appointing a member to the Municipal Authority Board of Governors. The finance section involved approving the October 2025 Warrant List and authorizing the advertisement of the Proposed 2026 Budget, which maintains the 2026 Millage Rate at 4.95. Public Safety reports covered police, EMS, and OVFD activities, concluding with a divided vote to authorize an annual agreement with Hoffman's Boarding Kennels. Public Works approved payments for Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Management and confirmed the resolution for a sanitary sewer repair grant application. Discussions continued regarding future maintenance and surfacing options for Allegheny River Boulevard.

Key discussions during the meeting included the appointment of two students to serve as youth representatives, necessitating the administration of the Oath of Office. The Council proceeded to adopt Proposed Ordinance O1-2026, which amends the Borough Code regarding violations and penalties for cats. The Treasurer's Report for the 4th Quarter of 2025 was presented, noting that general fund expenditures were elevated due to asbestos abatement and wind storm cleanup costs, and providing updates on various other funds. A feasibility study presentation was given by GBBN regarding the Oakmont Carnegie Library, outlining potential space reconfiguration, preservation of the original section, and infrastructure improvements. Several appointments and reappointments were made to various Boards and Commissions, including the Boulevard Project Board, Oakmont Carnegie Library Board, Kerr Museum Board, Oakmont Planning Commission, Recreation Board, Shade Tree Commission, and Dark Hollow Woods Committee. The Recreation Board accepted a proposal for a Geotechnical Investigation for the Riverside Park Lighting Project. Administrative actions included ratifying the acquisition/disposition of a vacant property, authorizing future documents with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, appointing a Vacancy Board Chair, approving a Memorandum of Understanding regarding holidays, ratifying the Library's PTO policy for part-time staff, approving the use of Riverside Park for the Father's Day Classic Car Show, and approving several road closure requests for Porsche Club of America events. Discussions were held regarding edits to an Emergency Shelter Agreement with Riverview School District, and Council Liaisons to various divisions were established. Finance actions included approving the Warrant List for December 2025. Public Safety discussions involved a request for a stop sign placement and highlights from the monthly Police Report and Parkview EMS 2025 Report.

The Regular Meeting addressed several key agenda items. The primary focus was the consideration and subsequent adoption of Proposed Ordinance O5-2025, which amends Borough Code Chapter A208 by eliminating the 1.5-mile run portion of the Civil Service physical agility exam and allowing current police academy students to apply. Public comments included concerns regarding a tax increase and suggestions for debt payoff. The Council also handled numerous administrative and financial actions, including adopting several resolutions for 2026 millage rates, pension contributions, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund requests. Furthermore, final payments were approved for the Oakmont Boulevard Project, payments were approved for the Chateau Beach Dog Park Project, and contracts were awarded for winter tree pruning and stump removal services. Public Works also saw approvals for multiple substantial payments related to construction management and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A proposed ordinance amending the Borough Code regarding sewerage service charges was approved. The Third Quarter 2025 Treasury Report was reviewed, covering fund balances, revenues, expenditures, and budget comparisons. The Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department provided their monthly report. Concerns were raised about illegal dumping. Updates were given on the Washington Avenue paving, the Sewer Project, Chateau Beach Dog Park, and the Oakmont Community Foundation Parking Lot. Various board appointments and reports were addressed, including the Library Director Report, Dark Hollow Woods Committee, Recreation Board, and Communications Committee. A resolution was approved for a Winter Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT. A lease agreement for a Mini Leaf Truck was approved, and a grant application was authorized. The Warrant List for September 2025 was approved. Public safety matters were discussed, including the Mayor's Report and police and Parkview EMS reports. Payments were approved for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project and the Oakmont Treatment Plant Upgrades Project. The council adjourned to Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel matters.

The proposed budget includes details on revenues and expenditures for various funds. Revenues include real estate taxes, local tax enabling act taxes, business licenses and permits, fines and forfeits, interest earnings, rents and royalties, intergovernmental revenue, grant awards, state shared revenue, local shared revenue, charges for services, public safety, highways and streets, culture and recreation, miscellaneous revenue, contributions and donations, proceeds from fixed asset disposition and interfund operating transfers. Expenditures include administration, finance, tax collection, legal, technology/data processing, engineering, general government building, police, fire, ambulance rescue service, UCC and code enforcement, planning and zoning, emergency management and communications, public works, traffic control devices, sidewalks and crosswalks, parks and playgrounds, shade trees, culture recreation, senior citizen's centers and debt principal.