Oakmont Council Notebook: June Voting Session

Here’s a roundup of issues discussed at the Oakmont Borough Council’s June 13 voting session:

Mayor Fescemyer Requests New Police Vehicle Again

Oakmont Mayor Robert Fescemyer said the police department should add a vehicle to its fleet.

Fescemyer questioned council’s focus on the purchase of a police vehicle he previously requested. According to Fescemyer, a new police vehicle should have been leased to the police department to replace a vehicle that currently has over 100,000 miles.

Council President Tim Favo said the situation was complicated because a new vehicle was purchased in 2010 and the borough used insurance money to replace one that was totaled in an accident.

Both agreed the police fleet was not down a vehicle, but Fescemyer said it's still not enough.

“We don’t have enough vehicles to serve this community,” he said. “I just want that to be known and taken seriously by council.”

Favo said that council and Fescemyer would discuss the police department’s needs and try to come to a resolution.

Council Accepting Bids on Park Project July 5

An informational preconstruction meeting will be held June 20 for all contractors interested in bidding on the project to renovate Riverside Park. Bids will be accepted July 5 and the contract will be awarded on July 11.

According to Borough Manager Bruce Jamison, the infrastructure of the renovations—such as lighting and preparation work—must be in place before construction can begin.

The renovations include two new pavilions and a revamp of the track, tennis courts, basketball courts and playground. According to Jamison, work on the track, tennis courts and basketball courts is set to be completed by the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year so Riverview School District can continue to use the facilities. If it’s not complete, the district has a backup plan in place to meet at other schools.

Oakmont Fire Department Commended for Fighting Large Fire

Council, Fescemyer and Oakmont Chief of Police David DiSanti commended the Oakmont Fire Department for its response to the .

“Your department and gentlemen faced a dangerous situation,” Favo said. “Good job. We’re glad no one was hurt.”

According to Oakmont Fire Chief William Peoples, the environment was volatile, and the fire department and owner of the building were fortunate no one was hurt.

Peoples said he is waiting on the Allegheny County fire marshal’s report that will hopefully reveal what caused the fire.

Council Discusses Changes to Business District Parking

Council discussed—but did not vote on—possible changes to parking along Allegheny River Boulevard and surrounding streets in Oakmont’s business district.

Possible changes include an increased parking limit to three hours, defined parking spaces, designated merchant parking along the 400 block of Isabella Street and a three-tiered penalty clause for chronic parking limit offenders.

Favo said there were a lot of changes to make, and it was going to move slowly.

“We have to really think about these changes,” he said.

Council agreed to speak more about the matter at its next work session and go into more detail about the changes and timeline.

Council Approves Changes in Street Paving Plan

According to Council Member Tim Milberger, changes needed to be made to the original street paving plan to better coordinate with the work the Oakmont Water Authority is doing on community roads.

The borough no longer will pay to pave Potomac Street from Allegheny Avenue to the end of Potomac because the water authority is working there and will pave the road. The additional paving of Cedar Way from Archie Street to Pennsylvania Avenue; Beech Street from California to Washington Avenue; and Elm Way from Maryland Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue was approved. The cost remains the same for the borough.

Recent Arrest Highlights Continuing Marijuana Use Problem in Community

Oakmont police arrested a man recently who is considered to be a mid-level marijuana dealer, according to DiSanti. He was charged with possession with intent to deliver.

“We’re confident about this arrest,” he said. “Marijuana is a highly abused drug among teens in this community.”

DiSanti said the police department continues to be vigilant about prevention and frequently discusses with members of the community and teens about how serious the drug is.

Chief of Police Alerts Landlords to Possible Problem Tenants

The police department has been working to alert landlords about problem tenants, DiSanti said.

“When there’s a lot of trouble at a rental unit, I tell the landlord,” he said. “We’re trying to make our community better, and we’re working on something that will punish landlords who don’t care about the types of people they’re bringing into our community.”

Events in Oakmont

Council approved the Oakmont Yacht Club’s 109th Annual Regatta set for June 23 through 24.

The Riverview Grand Prix, , was tentatively approved for August 21 at 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.; however, DiSanti requested he be allowed to investigate other events in the area before council fully approves the event for that date.

“This came up quick,” he said. “This is an inconvenience to a lot of people, and we have to warn businesses and residents, check with churches about any weddings that day, and see if anything else is happening.”

According to DiSanti, the bike race was supposed to be canceled completely for 2011.

Council gave DiSanti the authority to investigate the situation and approve whether the bike race could go on as planned.