Two Dormont Recreation Board Members Resign

approved the resignation of two borough recreation board members at its regular meeting Monday.

James "Jamie" Keaney, when contacted after the meeting, cited time constraints as the reason for his resignation. He served as vice president of the recreation board.

"I know I can't give the rec board the time it deserves, but do still plan to volunteer when and where I can," he said. 

Melissa Funk, who also resigned, had served on the board since 2009.

Council will be seeking volunteers to fill their vacant positions.

Zawischa settlement
Council approved a settlement with Patrolman Ralf Zawischa by a 4-1 vote. Council President Kim Lusardi, Vice President Laurie Malka and councilmen Drew Lehman and Eugene Barilla voted in favor and Councilwoman Joan Hodson voted against it.

Zawischa had been suspended after theft allegations were made against him. Details of the settlement were not made available.

Public Safety Day
It looks like the annual Public Safety Day will have to wait until next year. Dormont Volunteer Fire Department on Oct. 1 due to rain.

"I can't control the weather," George Nelson, fire department president, told council on Monday. He said there are no plans to reschedule n 2011.

Banner approved
Council gave permission for to hang a banner at the tennis courts on Banksville Road from Oct. 4-31 to advertise its

However, Councilman Eugene Barilla, who was asked to make the motion in the absence of Councilwoman Heather Schmidt, refused to do that. The proposed skateboard park is opposed by some people because it will replace tennis courts currently in use and, some fear, will bring problems to the borough.

"I won't read it because I'm against it," he said.

The motion was made instead by Lehman. Council approved the sign by a 4-1 vote with Barilla voting "no."

Mary Pitcher, a who lives in Scott Township, is attempting to raise the funds needed to establish the skateboard park to honor her sons, Vince and Stephen Pitcher, who died on July 15, 2008 when they drowned while on a camping trip. Both grew up in Dormont and were avid skateboarders and BMX bikers.