Pauline Calabrese

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to newly elected council members, Kimberly Rafosco and ENT Cartwright. The council approved the 2026 calendar of meetings, noting a potential future amendment regarding voting machine scheduling. A significant discussion involved item seven regarding the appointment of an acting manager; the Mayor sought to defer the vote based on a judge's order maintaining the status quo pending resolution of a legal disagreement over appointment authority. Councilwoman Rafosco was appointed as Deputy Mayor, following remarks detailing her accomplishments. Council members welcomed the new members and expressed commitment to collaboration.

The meeting began with ceremonial acknowledgments, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence honoring patrol officer Ryan Karski, whose positive disposition and dedication to service were remembered. Key municipal business included the approval of minutes from December 15, 2025, and January 5, 2026, and the approval of January expenditures totaling $2,563,765.10. A significant discussion involved Resolution 2026-1, approving the acquisition of vacant property on Verona Road under the Allegheny County vacant property recovery program. Council also voted to approve Resolution 2026-2, permanently adopting a 12-hour shift schedule for the uniform patrol division of the Penn Hills Police Department, following positive reports on morale, recruitment, and work-life balance metrics. Council members also discussed initiating the search for a new municipal manager, with a preference for utilizing third-party expertise (HR firms, ICMA, or PMMA) to ensure a professional and transparent process. Additionally, one council member proposed investigating the enforcement of existing permit requirements for 'skill game' slot machines, with collected funds potentially benefiting the library fund, and suggested exploring professional deer population control methods.

The meeting was convened to address the tabling of a personnel board matter that occurred the previous day. The purpose of the personnel board hearing was to review and modify the hiring rules for the position of chief, which were deemed too strict and restrictive, disqualifying many candidates based on tenure requirements. The personnel board was unable to provide a recommendation because their attorney was unavailable to confer with them. Consequently, the council decided to postpone this special meeting until they receive the recommendation from the personnel board after they have consulted with counsel. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.

The meeting covered several critical agenda items, including the approval of minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting and the February expenditures and reports totaling $2,938,342.70. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on grant funding secured through cooperation between state representatives, awarding $3 million for infrastructure improvements, primarily roads and sidewalks. Additionally, the council addressed the approval of resolutions concerning the minimum municipal obligation for police and non-police pension funds, designating signers for a local share account grant document for Crescent Hills Park improvements, and awarding a contract for electrical upgrades at the Penn Hills Multi-Purpose Center. There was also extensive discussion regarding the ratification of the contract for the Police Chief, Jason Bones, and the Personnel Committee's need for time to consult an attorney to revise the qualifications for Police Chief as per municipal documents.

This document presents the Municipality of Penn Hills' Five-Year Consolidated Plan for fiscal years 2025-2029 (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030), developed in compliance with HUD regulations for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. The plan outlines six strategic priorities: housing, homelessness, community development, economic development, and administration, planning, and management. It aims to improve living conditions, create a suitable and sustainable living environment, and expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents through comprehensive strategies, collaboration, and resource leverage.