Swissvale public meetings in 2024

Borough Council

The Borough Council will vote on the 2025 budget with a 3.66% raise for administrative employees and adopt a 9.0-mill property tax rate. Other actions include passing through a 7% ALCOSAN rate increase with a $4.50/1,000-gallon monthly fee, setting the 2025 trash fee at $225 per residential unit, and approving a $600,000 tax anticipation note. Council also will consider purchasing 2028 Noble Street for $130,000 and updating the fee schedule for building permits, occupancy permits, lien letters, and dye tests.

• Adopt 2025 budget with 3.66% raises for admin employees
• Set 2025 property tax millage at 9.0 mills
• Pass ALCOSAN 7% increase to users plus $4.50/1,000 gal monthly fee
• Set 2025 trash and recycling fee at $225 per residential unit
• Approve purchase of 2028 Noble Street for $130,000

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council will hold an agenda meeting following a 6:00 p.m. annual budget presentation. The council is scheduled to discuss the 2025 budget and tax resolution, a 2025 TAN loan, changes to the borough fee schedule, and 2025 garbage and recycling fees. Departmental reports will also be given.

• Discuss 2025 Budget and Tax Resolution
• Discuss 2025 TAN Loan
• Discuss changes to borough fee schedule
• Discuss 2025 garbage and recycling fees
• Discuss openings on boards and commissions

Shade Tree Committee

The committee recapped a tree trimming event on Braddock Avenue and prepared for the upcoming TreeVitalize planting on November 23rd. They also discussed the Tree City USA application due by February 2025 and noted that a $10,000 grant for Monongahela Avenue trees was not approved.

• Tree trimming on Braddock Avenue completed in advance of Christmas light installation on Nov 30
• TreeVitalize planting on Nov 23 with WPC; volunteers, tools, and food provided
• Tree City USA application for 2024 due by Feb 2025; need volunteer hours and expenditures
• ACHD grant of $10,000 for streetscape trees on Monongahela Avenue was not approved
• Future tree care projects discussed for busway, Edgewood Avenue, and cherry trees

Borough Council

Borough Council is deciding on the approval of over $2.2 million in paid bills and a one-year refuse collection agreement extension with Pitcairn Borough. The body is also considering several grant applications for infrastructure, community centers, and a new trail network.

• Approval of paid bills totaling $2,229,714.65
• Refuse collection agreement extension with Pitcairn Borough for $276,165.76
• Council Discretionary Fund request of $12,500.00 for business district holiday decorations
• Grant applications for Schley Avenue Sanitary Sewer replacement and handicap ramps on Palmer Street, Irvine Street, and Monongahela Avenue
• Collective Bargaining Agreement for Department of Public Works employees (2025-2029)

Borough Council

The Borough Council will discuss the hiring of a Public Services Specialist and a Substitute Crossing Guard. The meeting includes discussions on several grant applications and the renewal of a trash collection agreement with Pitcairn.

• Ratification of the hiring of the Public Services Specialist
• Hiring of a Substitute Crossing Guard
• Approval of the DPW Contract
• Grant application resolutions for LSA Grants, Main Street Matters Grant, and Active Allegheny Grant
• Renewal of trash collection agreement with Pitcairn

Shade Tree Committee

The Shade Tree Committee discussed a Clean Air Fund grant application that was submitted for $10,000, prepared by Barb Grabowski and edited by Gib Miller. Preparations for the November 23 TreeVitalize planting were reviewed, including tree sites and resident requests; one late request at 7101 Harrison Avenue may be deferred to Spring 2025. A joint tree care event with the Edgewood Tree Committee was proposed to prune Regent Square business district trees before holiday lighting, and a small cleanup of tree pits along Edgewood Avenue was discussed.

• Clean Air Fund grant application submitted for $10,000 after being increased from $5,000 by Greg Bachy
• TreeVitalize planting scheduled for November 23, 2024, with volunteer sign-up link due by October 11
• Late tree request at 7101 Harrison Avenue may be deferred to Spring 2025
• Proposed joint tree care event with Edgewood Tree Committee on November 26 before holiday lighting installation
• Tree pit cleanup along Edgewood Avenue and at bottom of Delaware Avenue discussed

Borough Council

The council will vote to approve Resolution #24-11 declaring 12 properties as blighted, hire a part-time Public Service Specialist at $20/hour, and contract TPD Inc. for the Active Transportation Plan at $30,000. Also will approve prior meeting minutes and paid bills.

• Vote to approve minutes of August 28 and September 4, 2024 meetings
• Approve paid bills (amount not specified)
• Hire part-time Public Service Specialist at $20/hour
• Contract with TPD, Inc. for Active Transportation Plan at $30,000
• Approve Resolution #24-11 declaring 12 properties blighted

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold an agenda meeting to discuss several items, including a consulting contract for the Swissvale Active Transportation Plan, a Slums and Blight Resolution for an Act 152 Grant application, the purchase of an electric garbage truck, and the hiring of a part-time Enforcement Officer and a substitute crossing guard. No final votes are expected at this meeting.

• Discuss awarding a consulting contract for the Swissvale Active Transportation Plan
• Discuss a Slums and Blight Resolution for Act 152 Grant Application
• Discuss purchase of an electric garbage truck
• Discuss hiring of a part-time Enforcement Officer
• Discuss hiring of a substitute crossing guard

Shade Tree Committee

The Shade Tree Committee meeting was not held due to a Zoom connection issue. Updates were shared: a Clean Air Fund grant application for $5,000 for ten street trees on Monongahela Ave was submitted, and a TreeVitalize application for 23 trees is pending approval with a fall planting expected. The committee plans to discuss a fall planting and tree care event at the October meeting and seeks a backup video-conferencing option.

• Clean Air Fund grant application submitted for $5,000 for ten street trees for Monongahela Ave Streetscape project
• TreeVitalize application pending approval for 23 trees; 7 trees for Washington Ave deferred to Spring 2025
• Plans for October planting and November tree care event, to be discussed at October meeting
• Need for contingency video-conferencing platform discussed

Borough Council

The Borough Council will vote on several actions including approving a $500,000 grant application for street and alley improvements, purchasing a new street sweeper for $228,390, and appointing a part-time police officer. They will also consider appointments to the Human Relations Commission and a steering committee, and authorizing participation in a climate resiliency plan. The meeting includes approval of paid bills totaling $671,770.43.

• Motion to approve Resolution #24-09 authorizing a $500,000 grant application to the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund for the Swissvale Low-Volume Street and Alley Improvement project
• Motion to approve purchase of a 2024 Isuzu NQR Chassis with Tymco 435 Sweeper Body from Golden Equipment Company for $228,390.00
• Motion to approve financing proposal from Community Leasing Partners for lease/purchase of sweeper at 5.121% interest, seven annual payments of $38,694.40
• Motion to appoint a part-time Police Officer at $22.66 per hour per collective bargaining agreement
• Motion to approve Resolution #24-10 authorizing participation in Allegheny County Health Department Climate Resiliency Plan

The Swissvale Borough Council approved the purchase of a 2024 Isuzu NQR chassis with a Tymco 435 sweeper body for $228,390 and a lease/purchase financing proposal with seven annual payments of $38,694.40. They also approved a $500,000 grant application for street improvements, appointed a part-time police officer and commission members, and approved the paid bills of $671,770.43.

• Approved purchase of 2024 Isuzu NQR with Tymco 435 sweeper for $228,390 (all ayes)
• Approved lease/purchase financing at 5.121% interest, 7 annual payments of $38,694.40 (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution #24-09 to apply for $500,000 GEDTF grant for street improvements (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution #24-10 to participate in Allegheny County Climate Resiliency Plan (all ayes)
• Appointed Glenn Kopp as part-time police officer at $22.66/hour (all ayes)
• Appointed Amanda Munroe to Human Relations Commission (all ayes)
• Appointed 13 members to Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee (all ayes)
• Approved paid bills of $671,770.43 (all ayes)

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council will discuss several items including police regionalization, a street sweeper purchase, and appointments to the Human Relations Commission and Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee. The council will also consider resolutions to participate in the ACHD Climate Resiliency Plan and submit a GEDTF Grant application. Public comment and departmental reports are also scheduled.

• Discuss appointment of a member to the Human Relations Commission
• Discuss street sweeper purchase
• Discuss police regionalization
• Discuss hiring of part-time police officers
• Discuss resolution to participate in ACHD Climate Resiliency Plan and resolution to submit GEDTF Grant

Shade Tree Committee

The committee is coordinating grant applications for new trees and updating the local tree inventory. Members discussed using the Clean Air Fund Grant for the Monongahela Streetscape project and the TreeVitalize application for Braddock Avenue.

• Application for Allegheny County Health Department Clean Air Fund Grant for Monongahela Streetscape
• TreeVitalize application for two trees on Braddock Avenue in the Regent Square business district
• Distribution of tree tags on Harrison Street
• Maintenance of tree pit at Church & Braddock lot
• Planning for a tree planting in October and a tree care event in November

Borough Council

The Borough Council is voting on the purchase and financing of three new Ford trucks. The meeting also includes a decision on declaring two properties on Noble Street as dangerous and nuisance structures.

• Purchase of 2024 Ford F-600 Dump Truck for $105,239.44
• Purchase of 2024 Ford F-350 Pickup for $54,770.00
• Purchase of 2024 Ford F-150 EV Pickup for $58,065.00
• Declaration of 2115 and 2117 Noble Street as dangerous and nuisance structures
• Payment of Borough bills totaling $1,010,356.40

Borough Council

Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. concerning the condition of structures at 2115 and 2117 Noble Street. Following the hearing, the regular agenda meeting will discuss appointments to the Human Relations Commission, DPW vehicle purchases, a directive for the Noble Street properties, and an allocation of Council Discretionary Funds. Departmental reports from police, code/fire, public works, and the borough manager will also be presented.

• Public hearing on the condition of structures at 2115 and 2117 Noble Street
• Interviews for Human Relations Commission members
• Discussion of appointment to the Human Relations Commission
• Discussion of DPW vehicle purchases
• Discussion of allocation of Council Discretionary Funds

Shade Tree Committee

The committee reviewed a TreeVitalize application involving 26 trees, including replacements on Washington Avenue and new pits near the DPW building on McCague Street. Members also discussed tree tag installations on Edgewood and Stanton Avenue. No tree care events will be held in July due to heat.

• TreeVitalize application includes 26 trees, including 7 replacements on Washington Avenue
• New tree pits being created near the DPW building on McCague Street
• Installation of new tree tags on Edgewood and Stanton Avenue
• Coordination for tree requests on Braddock Avenue in Regent Square

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council will consider several contracts and funding allocations. This includes a proposal to fund improvements at Les Getz Memorial Park and a contract for police accreditation. The council will also review site plan requests for the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale.

• $120,830 contract with Sports and Recreation Associates for Field #1 at Les Getz Memorial Park
• $20,000 allocation from Council Discretionary Funds for Les Getz Memorial Park improvements
• $43,480.50 contract with Lexipol for the Police Accreditation process
• Road salt purchase contract with Cargill, Inc. at $85.85 per ton
• Site plan request from Woodland Hills School District for Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council will discuss baseball field improvements at Les Getz Memorial Park and a site plan request from Woodland Hills School District. The agenda also includes discussions regarding ARPA fund allocations and the Police Accreditation process.

• Contract for baseball field improvements at Les Getz Memorial Park
• Site plan request from Woodland Hills School District
• Contract award to Lexipol for Police Accreditation process
• Ratification of salt contract with Cargill
• Grant application for Multimodal Transportation Fund

Shade Tree Committee

The committee is reviewing a TreeVitalize application that includes several tree requests for Washington Avenue and near the DPW building. Members also discussed cleaning and mulching Park Ave Square on June 29th. Plans were mentioned to add ornamental grass to Edgewood Avenue tree pits.

• TreeVitalize application submitted May 27th for Washington Avenue and DPW area trees
• Cleaning and mulching scheduled for Park Ave Square on June 29th
• Proposed addition of ornamental grass to Edgewood Avenue tree pits
• Potential new plantings for Braddock Avenue in Regent Square

Borough Council

The Borough Council will vote on several motions, including grant applications for park and building amenities. The meeting also includes a presentation by Allegheny County Council Member Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis.

• $250,000.00 grant applications for Memorial Park and Municipal Building improvements
• Sewer improvement agreement costing approximately $24,000.00
• $4,000.00 allocation for the Juneteenth celebration
• $10,000.00 donation to SEDCO from Council Discretionary Funds
• Approval of borough paid bills totaling $355,262.14

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council's May 29, 2024 agenda meeting covers several discussion items, including discretionary fund allocations, a Human Relations Commission member removal, a property donation request, grant applications, and a sewer improvement MOU. Departmental reports from police, code/fire, public works, and the borough manager are also scheduled. No final votes are listed; items are for discussion only.

• Discuss allocations of Council Discretionary Funds (2 separate allocations)
• Discuss removal of a member from the Human Relations Commission
• Discuss Tri-COG Land Bank request for donation of property at 2107 South Braddock Avenue
• Discuss resolutions to apply for grant funding through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program
• Discuss MOU with Braddock Hills and Edgewood boroughs on sewer improvement in M-47 – Nine Mile Run Sewershed

Shade Tree Committee

The committee discussed potential tree ownership discussions between the Regent Square Civic Association and Swissvale Borough. Members also reviewed recent cleanup efforts and planned for upcoming tree removals and grant applications.

• Discussion of tree ownership between RSCA and Swissvale Borough
• Removal of dead trees on Washington Street
• Fall 2024 tree grant application via WPC
• Installation of tree tags

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council will hold its regular meeting on May 1, 2024, with actions including approving minutes, paying bills, hiring a police administrative assistant, and joining the Bird Town Pennsylvania program. Reports from borough officers and department heads will also be presented.

• Approve minutes of March 27 and April 3, 2024 meetings
• Approve paid bills (amount not specified)
• Hire Administrative Assistant for Police Department at $20.00/hour, effective May 13, 2024
• Approve Resolution #24-05 to join Bird Town Pennsylvania, appoint Sarah Ansell as committee agent

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council is holding an agenda meeting to discuss two main items: hiring a Police Administrative Assistant and the Bird Town Pennsylvania program. The meeting also includes departmental reports from police, code/fire, public works, the borough manager, council president, and solicitor, followed by other new business.

• Discuss hiring of a Police Administrative Assistant
• Discuss Bird Town Pennsylvania
• Departmental reports from Police Chief Watson, Code/Fire Chief Wilhelm, Public Works D'Ambrosio, Borough Manager Bachy, Council President Ansell, Solicitor McTiernan

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Committee is meeting to discuss routine tree-related business, including the approved 2023 Tree City USA application, a recap of recent mulching, and plans for an April 20th Arbor Day/Earth Day event. The committee will also discuss future tree work, including removing dead cherry trees and adding mulch at Park Ave Square, and decide on string for new tree tags.

• 2023 Tree City USA application approved; new sign stickers to be obtained from Sarah Ansell
• Recap of April 6th mulching at Church & Braddock parklet; additional plantings to be discussed with Deneen Swartzwelder
• Options for WSCC hillside discussed with UpstreamPGH; recap to be emailed
• Potential Arbor Day/Earth Day event on April 20th at Swissvale or WSCC cleanup
• Dead/dying cherry trees (3 or 4) need to be cut down; Park Ave Square trees need landscape tarp and mulch

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council will vote on routine actions including approving paid bills, hiring part-time police and fire personnel, and ratifying a property sale. The meeting includes public comment and reports from borough officials.

• Approve paid bills totaling $859,047.81
• Ratify hiring of a part-time Police Officer
• Hire a full-time Fire Marshal and three part-time firefighters
• Approve sale of 2028 Noble Street to Mufti and Khan, Inc. for $130,000
• Approve Verizon Cable TV Franchise Renewal agreement with cost cap of $8,500

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council is holding its March 27, 2024 agenda meeting to discuss several personnel and contract items. Topics include hiring part-time police officers, a police administrative assistant, and part-time firefighters, as well as a sales agreement for the Swissvale Food Pantry Building and a traffic signal maintenance resolution. The council will also consider retaining Cohen Law Group to negotiate the Verizon Cable TV franchise renewal.

• Discuss hiring part-time Police Officer
• Discuss hiring Police Administrative Assistant
• Discuss hiring part-time Firefighters
• Discuss Sales Agreement for Swissvale Food Pantry Building
• Discuss retaining Cohen Law Group for Verizon Cable TV franchise renewal

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Committee discussed upcoming April 6 cleanups at WSCC Hillside and Church & Braddock, plus April 20 Earth Day/Arbor Day events. Members also reviewed tree tag updates, the Tree City USA application status, and potential grant applications for fall 2024.

• WSCC Hillside Cleanup on 4/6/2024, debris piled on tarp along Braddock Ave
• Church & Braddock Tree Event on 4/6/2024, mulching around Eastern Red Cedars and Weeping Cherry trees
• Earth Day/Arbor Day events on 4/20/2024 at WSCC and DPW garage on McCague St
• Tree City USA application awaiting final Arbor Day Foundation approval
• Gib Miller re-appointed to SSTAC; Barb Grabowski appointed to fill expiring term

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council is meeting to vote on several actions, including declaring five properties as dangerous and ordering their demolition, awarding a $325,000 contract for the Carrie Furnace Access Trail, and approving grant applications for the municipal building replacement and an active transportation plan. They will also consider a police officer discipline resolution, appointments to the Recreation Advisory Committee, and participation in a regional sewer plan.

• Declare structures at 2206 and 2258 Hawthorne Ave, 2014 Columbia Ave, 2520 South Braddock Ave, and 7710 Francis St as dangerous and order demolition
• Award $325,000 contract to Quigley Construction for Carrie Furnace Access Trail (Alignments 1-4)
• Approve Resolution #24-02 for grant application to PA DCED for Swissvale Municipal Building Replacement project
• Approve Resolution #24-03 for grant application to PA Dept of Health for Active Transportation Plan
• Donate $17,000 of Council Discretionary Funds to Wilkins School Community Center for Makerspace and playground

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council agenda meeting on February 28, 2024, begins with five demolition clearance hearings for specific properties, then moves to regular business. Council will discuss a sales agreement for the Swissvale Food Pantry building, resolutions to apply for grants for an Active Transportation Plan and additional Borough Building construction funding, bids for the Carrie Furnace Access Trail, and participation in a joint Sanitary Sewer Overflow Elimination Plan. Departmental reports from police, code/fire, public works, and the borough manager will follow, along with public comment and other new business.

• Demolition clearance hearings for 7710 Francis Street, 2206 Hawthorne Avenue, 2258 Hawthorne Avenue, 2520 South Braddock Avenue, and 2014 Columbia Avenue
• Discussion of sales agreement for Swissvale Food Pantry building
• Resolution to submit grant application for Active Transportation Plan
• Resolution to submit grant for additional Borough Building construction funding
• Discussion of bids for Carrie Furnace Access Trail

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council will vote on several financial and land-use items, including a conditional use request for a 21-bed inpatient treatment facility, approval of paid bills totaling $413,311.43, and a budget amendment for an intergovernmental agreement with Pitcairn Borough. The council will also consider contracts for public improvements, a property purchase, and appointments to various boards and commissions.

• Conditional use request from POWER for a 21-bed inpatient treatment facility at 7436 McClure Avenue
• Approval of paid bills in the amount of $413,311.43
• Budget amendment for Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Pitcairn Borough and use of ARPA funds
• Contract with El Grande Industries for $397,632.10 (2024 Public Improvements Part 1) and $245,853.20 (Part 2)
• Sales agreement for 2028 Noble Street for $130,000, contingent on grant funding

Borough Council

The Swissvale Borough Council is holding a public hearing and discussion on a conditional use request from POWER, along with several other agenda items. The meeting includes discussion of the Borough Manager's employment agreement, a sales agreement for the Swissvale Food Pantry building, paving bids, and proposed budget amendments. Other items include a school district request to use Memorial Park baseball fields, a stop sign at Westmoreland Avenue and Lacrosse Street, and bids for the Borough Building project.

• Public hearing for POWER conditional use request
• Discussion of Borough Manager's employment agreement
• Discussion of sales agreement for Swissvale Food Pantry building
• Discussion of paving bids and proposed budget amendments
• Discussion of stop sign at Westmoreland Avenue and Lacrosse Street

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Committee reviewed the submitted Tree City USA application, discussed an opening on the SSTAC, and planned tree tagging and winter pruning work. The meeting was routine, covering administrative updates and upcoming tree maintenance tasks.

• Tree City USA 2023 application submitted December 20, 2023, now with Arbor Day Foundation
• SSTAC opening due to Cynthia's resignation; Gib to re-apply
• Tree tags needed for Church and Braddock parklet and Fall 2023 plantings
• Deer damage noted on St Lawrence and Hampton; some tree guards installed by WPC
• Winter pruning planned for hillside near Wilkins School Community Center

Borough Council

This is the annual reorganization meeting, focused on procedural business: swearing in recently elected council members, electing a council president and vice-president, and appointing members to committees. Public comment is scheduled, but no substantive legislation, contracts, or policy decisions are on the agenda.

• Swearing in of recently elected council members
• Nomination and election of council president
• Nomination and election of vice-president
• Appointment of council members to committees
• Public comment period