Oakmont Borough Council Notebook: March Work Session

Here's a roundup of items discussed at the March 5 Oakmont Council meeting:

More Work from the Oakmont Garden Club Coming to the Boulevard

The Garden Club was represented at Monday’s meeting by Jennifer McGrath who proposed several beautification plans the Garden Club would like to tackle in the near future at locations on Allegheny River Boulevard.

These plans include:

• Three more new trash receptacles like the in the business district.
• Expansion of existing tree wells, including additional plants and flowers and the placement of small, decorative fences to protect those areas, which would coincide with new trees being planted by the tree commission.
• The placement of planters that match the new trash receptacles in certain areas between Hulton Road and Virginia Avenue.
• A resolution to fixing the guard rail in front of .
• The continued partnership with the borough that includes the borough assisting in maintenance.

McGrath said all the projects proposed would be funded by the Garden Club.
Council will vote next Monday on whether the Garden Club can move forward.

Council President Proposes Borough Hiring Policies

Council President Tim Milberger asked council to consider implementing policies and requirements when hiring borough employees. He asked council members to think about any policies they would like in place when hiring new employees, like the submission of a formal application, a background check and a credit check. Currently, the borough has a formal application and performs background checks.

Milberger also introduced the idea of a Nepotism Policy, which would lay ground rules for what members, if any, of current borough employees’ and councilmembers’ families could be hired for borough positions.

Councilmam Tim Favo said different tiers should be defined for what jobs these requirements apply.

Council agreed to do research on Milberger’s proposal and discuss this again at April’s meeting.

Placement of Final Surface on Track and Tennis Court Waiting for ‘Perfect’ Weather

According to Borough Manager Bruce Jamison, laying the synthetic surface on the track and tennis courts at can't take place until the contractor performing the installation is comfortable with the weather.

Jamison said the contractor needs the “perfect weather” to lay the surface. Originally, it was expected the surface would be installed in April, but council asked for an earlier date. Jamison said it would probably happen right after the track and tennis seasons. Currently, the teams can use the areas as is with only the asphalt laid.

Future Allegheny River Boulevard Work in Talks

Favo currently is working with an engineer on redoing the brick work on Allegheny River Boulevard, which, according to Jamison, is expected to begin early this year when the weather improves. Decisions need to be made on how much brick work needs to be done and the scope of the repair they are looking to complete in 2012.

Jamison said to redo the boulevard from Hulton Road to Verona will cost more than $4 million, so it will be broken into manageable amounts over several years. Council is waiting for an estimate on the proposed work for this year before it can vote on the work.

Favo Recommended as Council’s President Pro Tempore

Councilwoman Elena Colianni requested council vote next Monday on appointing a President Pro Tempore. The person in this position would oversee the council meeting if both the president and vice president are not present. Colianni recommended council appoint Favo, former council president, to this position because of his experience.

5K Race Tentatively Set

Recreation board member Tom Bland said the board would like to hold a 5K race the morning of Saturday, June 9, with proceeds this year benefiting charity. Milberger said council will discuss possible police assistance with Chief David DiSanti and vote Monday on this date.

There will be no bike race this year. 

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