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Franklin Park council adopts grant application, fee changes and multiple contracts; ambulance funding letter approved
Summary
At its Aug. 20 meeting the Franklin Park Borough Council approved a $374,784.13 grant application for Blueberry Hill playground improvements, revised the borough fee schedule, approved several contracts and awards, and authorized a funding letter for the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority while tabling a separate easement request.
Franklin Park Borough Council on Aug. 20 voted to file a $374,784.13 application with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County for improvements to the Blueberry Hill Accessible Playground and approved a package of routine contracts, appointments and fee-schedule changes.
The council adopted Resolution No. 1389-2025 to pursue the grant for the playground and approved a series of other measures including amendments to the borough's fee schedule, an appointment to the zoning hearing board, and civil service rule updates. Members also authorized a letter committing planned funding levels to the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority for 2026 and 2027 and approved the second of three 2025 donations.
The votes came amid limited discussion. Council members said the fee increases were overdue after two to three decades without adjustment; one councilmember opposed the size of the increase but the motion carried. The council approved an award for a shingle-roof replacement project at Blueberry Hill and authorized return of a rejected bid for a metal roof alternate. The borough also authorized a purchase under state contract for a zero-turn mower for public works and ratified a professional cleaning services agreement for borough facilities.
Votes at a glance: - Adopted Resolution No. 1389-2025: authorize filing of a grant application with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County for $374,784.13 for Blueberry Hill Accessible Playground. Outcome: adopted. - Adopted Resolution No. 1390-2025: appoint Zachary LaPlante as an alternate member of the Zoning Hearing Board through Dec. 31, 2025. Outcome: adopted. - Adopted Resolution No. 1391-2025: amend and revise borough schedule of fees (applications and conditional use fees). Outcome: adopted (one councilmember recorded opposition during discussion). - Adopted Resolution No. 1392-2025 (joint): approve Civil Service Commission amendments to its rules and regulations. Outcome: adopted. - Rescind prior agreement with McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and authorize borough manager to send a letter committing to provide $59,000 for calendar year 2026 and $63,000 for calendar year 2027. Outcome: adopted. - Authorized second of three 2025 payments: $14,000 to McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority (annual donation). Outcome: adopted. - Authorized return/rejection of bid for contract No. 25PK1 (Blueberry Park roof replacement, standing seam/metal roof). Outcome: authorized. - Awarded contract No. 25-PK2 (Blueberry Hill shingle roof) to Ward Beaver Home Improvement LLC, base bid $72,851 plus three alternates. Outcome: awarded. - Authorized borough manager to enter memorandum of understanding with North Allegheny School District designating the municipal building as a reunification shelter site for Ingomar Middle School evacuations (capacity notes discussed). Outcome: adopted. - Ratified borough manager's execution of a service agreement with Bridge City Group LLC (doing business as Stratus Building Solutions of Western PA) for professional cleaning services at municipal facilities; contract cost recorded as $2,300. Outcome: ratified. - Authorized purchase under state contract of one Vertex X-series zero-turn mower from Jefferson Hills Lawn Equipment at $12,819.80. Outcome: authorized. - Accepted minutes and routine financial and departmental reports. Outcome: adopted or filed as presented.
Council members noted the fee schedule had not been updated in 20 to 30 years and said neighboring municipalities informed the proposed levels. The ambulance funding letter drew more discussion; one councilmember urged a longer-term commitment to improve the authority's capital planning, while others said the proposed letter provides sufficient near-term guidance and keeps the borough aligned with McCandless.
The council did not vote on a separate easement-encroachment request related to a property on Brimfield Drive; that item was tabled for further review and is expected back on the agenda in September.
Actions recorded in the meeting reflect motions introduced and carried as shown in the official minutes.
