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Harrison Township commissioners approve multiple contracts, grant requests and two parking appeals; residents press for traffic fixes
Summary
At the Aug. 26 meeting, Harrison Township commissioners approved payments and contracts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, adopted grant-request resolutions for sewer and storm projects, ratified a PennDOT winter maintenance agreement and granted two special-purpose parking zones. Residents urged traffic calming and improved sidewalks during public comment.
The Harrison Township Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 approved a series of payments, contracts and grant requests affecting local sewer and road projects, adopted an agreement with PennDOT for winter maintenance and granted two special-purpose parking zones, while residents called for stronger traffic controls on North Canal Street.
In the meeting’s most significant actions, commissioners approved July bills payable of $370,486.43 and ratified a $69,500 contract with State Pipe Services, Inc. for repairs to the sanitary sewer main along Mack Street. The board also adopted concurrent resolutions formally requesting Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County grants for three infrastructure projects: Olive Avenue storm sewers (Resolution No. 1975), N. Meadow Street sanitary sewers (Resolution No. 1976) and the Maple Avenue pump station replacement (Resolution No. 1977).
The board authorized several contractor payments: final payment to A. Liberoni, Inc. for Randolph Drive for $33,042.78; Payment Application No. 2A to A. Liberoni, Inc. for Harbison Street construction for $223,812.79 (using grant funding); and Payment No. 6 to Pride Masonry, Inc. for Little Bull Creek sanitary sewer upgrades for $37,267.84, also using grant funding. Commissioners also authorized the solicitor to draft an amendment to the Township Codified Ordinances Chapter 15 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), Part 4 (General Parking Regulations).
Staff reported a personnel action: Officer Ryan Signorella completed his probationary period and, on the recommendation of Chief Brian Turack, will be retained as a full-time Harrison Township police officer.
The board voted to acknowledge the Minimum Municipal Obligations to the township’s uniform and non-uniform pension plans for 2025 (Resolution No. 1978) and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Teamsters Local 249. Both measures passed with Commissioners Erb, Dizard and Nee voting yes and Commissioner Eric Bengel voting no.
An addendum to the agenda added and adopted Resolution No. 1980 authorizing a Winter Maintenance Services Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); that motion passed unanimously.
During public comment, several residents pressed the board for more aggressive traffic-calming measures on North Canal Street and nearby roads. Jack Howard of 40 N. Canal Street said he has “seen cars speeding, jumping the curb and even driving through the grass” during his time living there and said he “commits to slowing traffic down even if it ends up with citations or going to jail.” David Fine and Tom Leyland concurred and urged speed humps, additional stop signage and child-warning signs. Commissioner Eric Bengel said police should continue to monitor the area; Vice-Chairman Jamie Nee thanked residents for speaking up and said it is appreciated that they are heard. Commissioner Charles Dizard noted municipal limits on using radar enforcement.
Manager Amy Rockwell addressed a resident’s question about SavyCitizen event postings and the township’s Comprehensive Plan, saying event submissions are posted now and that an updated township website will improve SavyCitizen integration. Solicitor Emily Mueller explained that the Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document referenced for land-use decisions but is not itself a law.
The meeting also included a brief operational update: Commissioner Bengel asked about installing a dry hydrant at the World War II memorial; Nick College of HTWA said HTWA has been waiting on parts but expected installation to begin within two to three weeks and that HTWA plans to discuss donating water or funds toward monument upkeep with its board.
With no further business, the board adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
Votes at a glance: all motions recorded in the meeting carried. Notable divided votes: Resolution No. 1978 (pension obligations) — Erb, Dizard, Nee yes; Bengel no. Memorandum of Understanding with Teamsters Local 249 — Erb, Dizard, Nee yes; Bengel no. Other listed motions (payments, contract ratifications, grant-request resolutions, special-purpose parking approvals and Resolution No. 1980 with PennDOT) passed by recorded “all in favor” votes where the transcript shows unanimous consent.
