Township of Mount Lebanon

The agenda for the regular meeting included Commission/Manager announcements covering discussion topics and community highlights, as well as comments from the Junior Commissioner and citizens. Key considerations involved the approval of minutes from the February 24, 2026, adjourned meeting (though the approval itself should be excluded from the summary, the item's presence is noted). Major action items included the authorization to execute an equipment lease/purchase agreement with WesBanco for a Dodge 5500 with an Aerial Lift, totaling a finance cost of $201,183.30 over a seven-year term. Another significant item was the consideration and adoption of a resolution affirming principles for municipal law enforcement cooperation, specifically confirming existing Police Department policies regarding immigration enforcement and officer identification, and stating the Municipality will not enter formal cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for civil enforcement without Commission approval. Furthermore, the Commission considered the purchase of a new Fire Department staff vehicle, a 2026 Ford F-150 Police Responder, for a total cost of $70,501, to replace a 2008 Ford Expedition.

Key discussions included thanking contributors to the MLK Day of Service, addressing resident inquiries regarding municipal ICE policy, and preparing for the Annual Report due in April. The Commission Report noted revisions to building code enforcement for commercial properties and suggested a future presentation by the Social Services Coordinator. Staff provided reminders regarding sidewalk clearing ordinances, noting that citations would begin immediately, and highlighted needs for the Snow Angels program. Sub-committee updates covered initiating contact for a 'Coffee with a Cop' event, progress on one ongoing mediation case, and planning for the Residents Academy sessions, including sending reminder and thank you communications. The Community Service Award nominations were closed for review, and the MLK Day event was reported as successful, with a suggestion made for integrating sign-up tables for other municipal programs in future events.

The planned session includes an Executive Session commencing at 6:30 P.M. to address Legal Advice and Appointments to Municipal Boards. The Open Discussion Session begins at 7:30 P.M. Key agenda items include a review of the Regular/Adjourned Meeting Agenda, a presentation by Gateway Engineers on the 2026 Street Reconstruction and Maintenance program, and reviews of Commission liaison activities with various boards and authorities. Future discussion topics slated for later dates include Street Design Policy, Street Tree Maintenance Study, Review of Bond projects, and updates on the Consent Order, Fire Department Engine, CONNECT Power Purchase Agreement, and CBRE Development Advisory Services.

Key discussions included approving the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting with an amendment to a citizen comment regarding pedestrian infrastructure. Citizen comments featured requests for relocating a streetlight on Poplar Drive and concerns over uncleared snow from sidewalks and crosswalks impacting pedestrian access. The Chairperson commended municipal employees for snow removal efforts and expressed concern about sidewalk/crosswalk access for mobility-limited individuals within the Active Transportation Plan. The Commissioner Liaison noted staff performance during the snow emergency and questioned incentives for residents regarding sidewalk maintenance. Sub-committee reports covered topics such as funding for Salem/Greenhurst sidewalks, recommending a new traffic study for Beverly Road, parking pass quantities for the Overlook lot, pedestrian alternatives on Ella, Gilkeson Road, and speed/traffic controls on Austin Avenue. Electric vehicles and charging stations were discussed by the Policy & Street Design committee. Old Business included following up on a road safety audit request for Gilkeson Road sent to PennDOT in October 2025. New Business resulted in a motion to recommend viability testing for moving a streetlight on Poplar Drive. A motion to adopt suggested changes to the municipal code regarding snow removal was tabled for further review.

The discussion focused on the Junior Board Member Program, an initiative designed to connect Mount Lebanon High School students (and other eligible Mount Lebanon residents) with municipal advisory boards to foster civic engagement and mentorship. Key topics included the structure of the program, which is broader than the existing Junior Commissioner Program, and its role in creating a pipeline for future civic involvement. Junior board members discussed their roles, which involve observing meetings, researching community improvements, and presenting ideas related to sustainability, business support, and historic preservation. Specific projects mentioned included improving the ecological friendliness of a local hollow near a golf course and addressing bus ridership through the addition of bus benches. The discussion also covered community engagement efforts like the MLK Day of Service and the Residents Academy, emphasizing the importance of youth voice, clear communication, and support received from board members and staff liaisons.