# Dormont Borough Supercommittee Meeting Summary - August 11, 2026

(Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred in July 2026; however, the provided date is August 11, 2026, per instruction. This discrepancy is noted per accuracy rules.)

The meeting covered committee reports and public comments on various borough matters, including vape shop zoning, Dormont Pool filtration system repairs, financial approvals, emergency planning, and a proposed development.

### Public Comments & Testimony
- Several residents spoke against the proposed 180-unit luxury apartment development at West Liberty Avenue, citing concerns about traffic, overcrowding, property taxes, school district impact, and sewer infrastructure. They demanded transparency, a public hearing, and opposed any tax abatement.
- One resident noted the need for affordable housing and cautioned against misinformation, urging the council to wait for complete information.
- A non-resident was allowed to speak after a motion to amend procedural rules.

### Discussion Items
#### Business District Relations & Development Committee
- **Vape Shop Zoning Ordinance:** Solicitor Margaret presented the timeline: if no substantive changes are made, a motion to advertise at the August 3 voting meeting, with statutory notices published August 9 and August 16, leading to a public hearing and special voting meeting on August 24. Making changes would require a 45-day review by ACED and planning commission. Council expressed support for moving forward with the ordinance as-is to expedite regulation, with the ability to amend later.

#### Recreation and Community Affairs Committee
- **Dormont Pool Filtration System:** Borough Manager Stinner reported that the filtration room flooded, and six actuator valves are failing. Short-term replacement of valves will cost $50,000–$75,000. Long-term, the entire filtration system (original to the pool) must be replaced to handle 1.4 million gallons daily. A consultant will assess, and financing options (possibly bonding with Potomac reconstruction) are being explored. Council emphasized there are no plans to close or redevelop the pool.
- **Public Good Funds:** Approved $95 payment for a previously approved flower art installation at Hillsdale Park. Also approved up to $300 for Friends of Dormont Pool’s fundraising event (pool rental and admissions).
- **Recreation Plan RFP:** Approved motion to advertise an RFP for recreation plan services. A council member asked if the plan could include recreational opportunities beyond physical facilities; staff noted the grant language may limit scope but welcomed input. A committee meeting is scheduled.

#### Finance & Legal Committee
- **Tax Anticipation Note (TAN):** Approved payment of $750,000 TAN, used to cover the MMO earlier in 2026. A council member requested more specific language in the motion; staff agreed to add institution details for the voting meeting.
- **Fire Department Insurance:** Approved renewal of the State Workers' Insurance Fund premium of $17,749 for Dormont Volunteer Fire Department. Payment is monthly; the amount is budgeted.
- **Resignation of Captain Don Tang:** Accepted effective July 7, 2026.
- **Discrepancy in Note Ordinance:** Solicitor discovered a conflict between the ordinance and the actual note regarding prepayment. The ordinance prohibited prepayment, but the note allowed it. The bank acknowledged the error; the borough may amend the ordinance to conform.

#### Public Safety and Building & Code Enforcement Committee
- **Emergency Operations Plan:** Adopted Resolution 14, 2026, adopting the EOP. The chief explained it is required every two years for FEMA eligibility, includes severe weather annexes, and is updated as needed. Council directed that funding be budgeted for storm response.
- **MOU with Keystone Oaks School District:** Approved updated Memorandum of Understanding (including Appendix A) that complies with the state model. A council member expressed concern that certain incidents (harassment, terroristic threats) are listed as discretionary notification to police. The MOU is effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. Council noted that changes could be negotiated with the district.

### Key Outcomes
- Vape shop zoning ordinance to proceed to advertisement and public hearing without substantive changes.
- Pool filtration system short-term repairs approved; long-term replacement plan to be developed with consultant and financing search.
- Public Good Funds approved.
- Recreation plan RFP to be advertised; committee to refine scope.
- Tax anticipation note payment approved.
- Fire insurance renewal approved.
- Captain Tang's resignation accepted.
- Emergency Operations Plan adopted.
- School MOU approved; council to consider raising concerns about discretionary notification.
- No action taken on the proposed development; council president stated no vote will occur in August and information is being shared transparently on the borough website.
- Council committed to continued transparency and encouraged residents to contact them directly.