Borough of Rankin

The council meeting agenda included the review of reports from various departments, including the Planning Commission, Solicitor, Engineer, Code Enforcement, and police and fire departments. Business items included approving the payment of bills, accepting a staff resignation, and authorizing the recruitment of a public works employee. The council discussed transitioning IT services to a new provider and approved the purchase of network storage equipment and laptops, partially funded by a state grant. Additionally, the council addressed property recovery applications and approved event permits for community street closures, while also announcing upcoming holiday building closures.

The council agenda included reports from various departments and commissions, including planning, code enforcement, police, and public works. Key business items involved the ratification of an emergency demolition and associated payment, the approval of the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments 2026 by-laws, and the establishment of a new bank account for streetlight bill payments. The council reviewed a proposal to designate a new official newspaper for advertising, the passage of Ordinance 600 regarding street openings, the adoption of the 2026 Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the approval of an MOU for a community garden. Additionally, the agenda covered personnel actions, specifically the hiring of a public works laborer, and event requests for musical festivals involving street closures.

Key discussions included addressing a request from the Mon Valley Initiative regarding the processing of a building permit application for 3 Miller, where it was noted the Township's engineering firm would temporarily act as the Building Code Official. The Council voted to reopen and advertise the amended 2026 budget and authorized payment of bills for the General Fund and Sewer Fund. Actions were taken to exonerate the Borough Tax Collector for uncollected 2025 real estate taxes and turn the amount over to the delinquent tax collector. The Council approved a proposal for internet and technology support services and authorized the termination of a part-time laborer in the public works department. Appointments were made to the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department Commission, and authorization was given for elected officials to attend upcoming COG and ALOM events. Engineer reports covered the ongoing Division Street settlement issue requiring coordination with Braddock and the anticipated installation of a new HVAC system in the borough building, funded by an LSA grant. Public comment focused significantly on traffic and safety concerns on Chartiers Street resulting from the opening of Carrie Furnace Street, which residents contended was done without proper process or planning considerations from the Borough, and concerns about a washed-out section of a local bike trail.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The council approved the 2025 Borough Council and Planning Commission meeting schedules. They also approved exonerating the Tax Collector from collecting the 2024 Delinquent Taxes and authorized advertising for two open part-time DPW positions. Additionally, the council approved and paid the bills as presented and authorized an emergency contract for the demolition of a collapsing structure on Miller Street. Updates were provided on police regionalization, DPW work, and reports from the Mayor, EMS, Fire, and Code departments. The council discussed their position on the police regionalization charter amendment, expressing concerns about the removal of Braddock's police department. Announcements were made regarding the Municipal Building closure for President's Day and the demolition of the structure on Miller Ave.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key issues. The council considered parking regulations for borough street cleaning and sweeping, as well as adverse possession proceedings for the Dempster property. They ratified the hiring of a new part-time public works employee and adopted the Open Street Ordinance. Additionally, the council discussed and voted on condemning a parcel of property owned by Triton Holdings, LLC, for public purposes. The meeting also involved paying the bills as presented and committee reports covering various topics such as the DPW update, police regionalization, mayor's report, EMS, fire, code, and borough manager's updates. Public comments addressed concerns about potholes, the Rankin Blvd project, a public hearing request regarding Carrie Furnace, communication between council and residents, and the availability of meeting minutes.