[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6191120,"mediaKeyId","5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348","parentId",5024175,"title","Public works updates: storm response, fallen trees and requests for thermoplastic pavement markings and park planning","audioSeconds",142,"startMs",2061000,"endMs",2203000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348&start=2061&end=2203","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348/thumbnail_2061000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6191120/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Public-works-updates-storm-response-fallen-trees-and-requests-for-thermoplastic-pavement-markings-and-park-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191120-9d0920f338413bbd78631981edfd8160/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194271&Signature=NRW2L4y4jagjPbuxvOreokOwY5kVKWOrCrxD0UfwXwSEg2t~y4pC0huhVizBabwk~my37WeS2fcLz0IOaBzO9wBhSd2s3e63~MC0IM9m2jPhEYnBAEqs7ziLGtAqHrI9d5fblK5s8PrCpmndw8AKgKrWarSSeUR5Qu9Ony5lTpaLi~RWZS5E0CIL~NIA2--rkZGPnsuqJa31BnLuMk0r8uJggSU-jKABcZEA00DZvVEbnyI7OJRl~~03XENbxjKCuCOeOuDdmLQe0TJilFsy1v-NN0hYB6ebHcpmilEDvRZLwfArVVPgxWcbhHWWnYfM4ggvJcOhr8KS~eoJ1e-zBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Franklin Park Borough, PA","date","2025-06-21T04:08:03.107Z","article","Public works staff and council members reported storm-related roadway damage, several fallen trees — one of which struck a recently purchased van — and ongoing concerns about trees near rights-of-way. Participants also discussed using thermoplastic pavement markings on neighborhood streets and waiting for a parks comprehensive plan before adding new pickleball courts.

Why it matters: Roadway washouts, bank slumps and hazardous trees pose safety and access concerns; pavement markings and park facilities planning affect public safety, recreation access and maintenance budgets.

Council members and staff described a recent heavy-rain event that caused a bank to give way on a local road and that required immediate public-works response with cones and rock placement. Staff reported crews responded within hours. Several speakers said they had received calls from residents describing basement flooding and plugged basins. Participants also said a large tree fell onto a vehicle; the owner was reported as not seriously injured but the vehicle sustained damage. Council members urged an inspection of other trees in high-risk locations identified along major approaches where several trees appear “hung” and could fall.

On pavement markings, a resident praised a thermoplastic treatment used on a street that produced a tangible bump or raised feel and said the treatment improved driver behavior. Staff said thermoplastic markings cost materially more than paint but last longer and suggested the borough could pilot the material on additional streets.

On parks, staff said the borough intends to wait for an updated comprehensive plan before siting additional pickleball courts; they do not want to install a court and later remove it because the comp plan recommends a different location. Staff estimated the comprehensive-plan update could be completed within about a year.

Ending: Staff said crews will follow up on tree inspections in rights-of-way, continue stormwater-cleanup work and provide a cost estimate for additional thermoplastic markings and for tree-trimming resources; the parks-comprehensive-plan timeline will guide any decisions on new courts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 18 2025 Borough Council Premeeting","oneSentenceSummary","Staff and council discussed recent storm damage, several fallen trees that struck a vehicle, ongoing right-of-way tree risks, requests for thermoplastic pavement markings, and timing of a parks comprehensive plan that will guide placement of new pickleball courts.","taxTitle","Franklin Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71360,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191129,"Staff updates MS4 work, denies Growing Greener reallocation and readies Fish Run and trails grant efforts",0,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348&start=1799&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348/thumbnail_1799000.jpg","/articles/6191129/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Staff-updates-MS4-work-denies-Growing-Greener-reallocation-and-readies-Fish-Run-and-trails-grant-efforts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191129-d2d97f1040d2a6666811cd13710dbf58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194271&Signature=WPlc4zkrMeIi0g1d-ubg7Kgfm9b5IYJ13UyTMhX2-HTcA31y6T-~aWQkfdb1CDeLURYmnfv1fI7oJ84b2pKmjqPJI75tK5bvL58xgz32A4tblQfP0sDdhv-e3J262VEsU7aeDtmPpP2NLJcLPFUm7wKUKtqwiQx7jOdGPckBSVdIJAiBPS5vln3whftgJ3G44s-UUh1Zh6fe3FZQGNQzt6wP3XiyR6H~0zopkH9XTSXZyK7IcMrVBYxKMNEY3sEXFywNjtbofmcXXjZBAEJHgGoTjeFAt9vQrEeoUcO8uC0jNvNX5yynnRO8sg4FE04fZxJdNyOl9EdMyMOOBweO7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff reported that the borough’s MS4 stormwater program work is advancing, that one previously funded project (Matterhorn) is nearly complete, and that an attempted reallocation of a $190,000 Growing Greener grant to the Fish Run project was denied.

Why it matters: The MS4 program and related stream-restoration projects affect flood control, water quality and grant-funded capital investments. Permit approvals and landowner easements are prerequisites to beginning construction.

Staff said Matterhorn is close to completion but the borough will not be able to reallocate an earlier $190,000 Growing Greener grant to Fish Run; the grant program does not generally allow reallocation from one project to another. For Fish Run, staff said land-ownership documentation and two remaining easements must be secured before the borough may apply to DEP for the necessary permits. Once the borough assembles land control and permit materials, staff said they planned to reapply for the permit and that the pollution-reduction-plan (PRP) process will need to account for the changed scope. Staff noted the borough submitted a PRP in February 2022 that the department approved for prior projects and that a new PRP reflecting the revised Fish Run and other projects will be resubmitted; staff estimated the PRP and permitting process could take roughly six months and that construction could start early next year if permits and easements are secured.

On trails and greenway grants, staff clarified that the current resolution for Greenway Trails differs from a 2023 DCNR grant application for bridges and trails (the borough did not receive the 2023 grant). Staff said the borough holds a DEP permit from earlier work that is still valid for parts of the project and that the current grant application is a new attempt to secure funding for the bridges and trail elements.

Staff also reported that LSSE (a consultant) reviewed the stormwater ordinance and concluded it meets the 2022 DEP requirements, and that the annual MS4 report will be filed on schedule. Staff said a prior plan prepared in 2017 required update when project scopes changed, which is why the PRP resubmission is necessary for the new Fish Run approach.

Ending: Staff identified land-control steps and permit applications as the next actions and said they would return with updated permit materials and grant applications once the easements and ownership issues are resolved.","Staff said the Matterhorn project is nearing closeout, reported the borough cannot reallocate a $190,000 Growing Greener grant, and described steps to get the Fish Run stream restoration and Greenway Trails applications ready for DEP and other grant programs.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191133,"Preview meeting introduces home-rule charter study and raises questions about taxes, fees and bidding rules",1082,612000,1694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348&start=612&end=1694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348/thumbnail_612000.jpg","/articles/6191133/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Preview-meeting-introduces-home-rule-charter-study-and-raises-questions-about-taxes-fees-and-bidding-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191133-5df6f6d58ee31debd24b1fa64d372878/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194271&Signature=e0oeYg6zK5OfePc15YTkLyCYD07f-O-oPvlvCClPlP8p351kMO3E7CiLvc8Bj6b-Jbm2m6XHuxIErUsCz6DFge9IZAa9VRFdDMXibnx5B~yqH1WogoLQtHZOy-ca9w97RRQAaYZXNI1uAX1t~xT5xTCFnfp-tvi81US6Y811qWNsAOm1b8umjPsXrRKZOMrKtkWpG0l5l6Xunn8K2ltIHAaNMFtwq4rjpxoDmTplIVxmjBbMgDz33u1vOiFL5tWgN49TZUeQB00aOE8TVR4g3pLmmODOn0Y9FvCnB~3B1qxCVd0s1GcUp1HxGTjWnDI6h~09~RkMI2Xs6b0-TnRm0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a June 18 preview meeting staff introduced a proposal to establish a government study commission and a home-rule charter ordinance and led a discussion about how a home rule charter could affect local taxes, fees and procurement rules.

Why it matters: Adopting a home rule charter can change which local tax and fee options are available, alter procurement and bidding rules, and affect how the borough advertises procurements and applies for grants. Those changes affect municipal revenues, administrative processes and legal exposure.

Staff and council members discussed a number of issues that would be affected by home-rule authority or that require clarification before any charter changes. On taxes, staff said the earned-income tax (EIT) has a 1% statutory limit and that the municipality currently receives half of that 1% (staff phrased it as “it’s a 1%, but we only get half of it”), noting that the borough is at its current authorized level for that tax. Participants also asked whether there is a cap on the real estate transfer tax; staff said they could not confirm a cap from memory and that the state typically constrains some local tax powers.

On procurement and bidding, staff described how a home-rule community can codify modern procurement practices—such as using requests for proposals and adjusting bid bonds and performance securities—where borough code currently prescribes separate prime contracts and manual advertising steps. Advertising requirements were highlighted as a local cost driver; staff noted that some communities advertise once rather than multiple times to lower costs. Council members and staff discussed that administrative fees must be justifiable: excessive administrative fees can be treated as an unauthorized tax and subject to refund claims if challenged. Staff said there is a statutory process that allows petitioners to seek refunds (including interest and penalties) if a fee is found to be an unauthorized tax.

The meeting packet also listed a number of proposed code changes and fee adjustments, including updates to residency-resolution waivers and revisions affecting mandatory dedication of land or fees in lieu, but participants requested additional financial analysis before adopting fee changes. Staff said some fee figures in the packet reflect rates set many years ago (one example cited was a $200 residential zoning application fee set about 20 years prior) and recommended further analysis on administrative cost recovery and whether proposed increases reflect administrative costs rather than revenue generation.

Participants noted potential grant-eligibility concerns and asked whether becoming a home-rule community would limit access to grants; staff answered they are not aware of a blanket restriction but recommended verifying grant program rules case-by-case. The packet included references to borough code, the Municipalities Planning Code, PennDOT policy interpretations on drainage, and other statutory frameworks discussed during the meeting.

Ending: The council took no formal vote on a charter or code changes; the introduction of a government study commission and the home-rule charter ordinance was informational and the discussion identified areas for follow-up and further legal and financial review.","Council preview included an introduction to a proposed government study commission and home-rule charter ordinance and a wide-ranging discussion on earned-income tax caps, real estate transfer tax, bidding limits, advertising requirements and proposed increases to zoning application fees.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191138,"Preview meeting ranks six applicants and selects two junior councilors",484,6000,490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348&start=6&end=490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024175-115c08585e72a399dbf5887dac586348/thumbnail_6000.jpg","/articles/6191138/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Preview-meeting-ranks-six-applicants-and-selects-two-junior-councilors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191138-bf890baa82d9d3275a5fd56af73df83b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194271&Signature=U6EGL-Uplp8wOTIqYlL8b~SnDjr6tUT-fWPMn8MdBLPHwSB72DxKFO6zrkFmrL~DaCELm3qVozrhc2WpCWqu4GqNnBqCM7eeITOgrQXY9Zkos2Vzcs14k1Ptfq8xeSC3v6MwC2AbInnri7D6FjV2fSxPpAed1W6MGvEbPwIFccXLlZFdxo6Iyg7KdeMsJP74zsgIfSpvcPCoizXmkHtoGxBB9Yh2Nlo5XSo9n6Lw~s5taB8gzv36954BKLXqrUgIiqxEqwsA64xmiK-GC~fFPKhmxMIEm68izww-Ub5IN3mwEyX-91ax-rRnxLHjsLnc1S6vvl2jA~uRWz8qI1aM9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A preview meeting on June 18 ended with participants ranking six applicants and selecting two junior councilors for the coming year.

Why it matters: The junior-counselor program is intended to give younger residents a chance to observe and contribute to local government; who is chosen shapes which voices will participate in council-related activities and outreach over the next year.

Participants spent time describing selection methods used in prior years and then went around the room putting forward ranked choices. Candidates discussed in detail included Ava, James and Deshaun (first-name only in the meeting record). After the ranking exercise participants reported that the group had selected two junior counselors. The meeting record identifies one of the selected applicants as the fifth applicant (Ava) and shows other participants favoring James and Deshaun in various rankings. The discussion repeatedly emphasized that all six applicants were “well qualified” and that some members prefer to avoid choosing rising juniors who can reapply next year.

Discussion items included whether to let members decide immediately after interviews or wait until a later meeting; several participants said they reviewed interview recordings and notes before choosing. The group did not record a formal motion or roll-call vote in the transcript; the appointment resulted from the informal ranking and group confirmation during the meeting.

Next steps: Staff said it would notify the applicants of the outcome and complete any paperwork necessary to formalize the junior-counselor appointments.

Ending: The meeting moved on to review the next agenda items after confirming the selections.","At a June 18 preview meeting participants ranked six applicants and selected two junior councilors after discussion of selection method and candidates' strengths.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public works updates: storm response, fallen trees and requests for thermoplastic pavement markings and park planning

Staff updates MS4 work, denies Growing Greener reallocation and readies Fish Run and trails grant efforts

Preview meeting introduces home-rule charter study and raises questions about taxes, fees and bidding rules

Preview meeting ranks six applicants and selects two junior councilors