Dormont Council Meeting Notebook

Here's a roundup of some items from this week's Council meeting:

Skatepark Discussion

, spoke about his municipality's skatepark and answered questions from residents on several issues.

He came to the meeting at the request of Mary Pitcher, who plans to build a skatepark to donate to the borough. Among the points he made are:

• Although Penn Hills used a dilapidated tennis court area for its skatepark, he would not put a skatepark in a viable, used area.
• From a utilization standpoint, as a municipal planner, he would choose a skatepark over a tennis court. He said the skatepark has hundreds using it while only four people can play tennis at a time.
• No one ever opposed Penn Hills' plans for a skatepark.
• Traffic that results from a skatepark is minimal.
• It's not an insurance liability for municipalities, which carry general liability insurance.
• The type of people who use skateparks are generally "great kids."

Matt Hamilton, who moved to Dormont from Los Angeles, is a business owner who initially made his living through the skatepark industry. He said he is the kind of new resident Dormont wants to attract—and said that a skatepark is one of the things that might bring residents under age 35 to the area.

Councilman Eugene Barilla, who opposes the skatepark, said, " belongs to the people of Dormont," in reference to a comment that the skatepark might attract outsiders.

Pitt Students Thanked

Councilman Drew Lehman thanked University of Pittsburgh students who helped clean up Dormont during "Pitt Makes A Difference Day" last month. Manager Gino Rizza also sent a letter of thanks to them for their efforts.

Battery Recycling

Rather than deposit used batteries in the trash, Lehman suggested residents take advantage of the recycling program at BatteriesPlus at 3912 Library Road, Castle Shannon. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

TVs, monitors and printers are also accepted. Lehman said these items contain lead, which can be removed before the items are permanently disposed of.

And also:

• Council appointed Cara Pattinato to serve on the recreation board.
• Council approved a resolution dealing with awning encroachment for a new eatery, Katana Restaurant Inc., at 3229 West Liberty Ave. The restaurant will be in the former Lachina Drapery building.
• Council awarded a $471,989 contract for the 2012 road reconstruction project to Niando Construction Inc. of Penn Hills.