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Swissvale, Pennsylvania

Swissvale public meetings in 2025

29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 22, 2025

Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Department

Board will vote on the 2026 police budget and union contracts

The Swissvale‑Braddock Hills Regional Police Department Board meeting will consider several motions, including hiring an administrative assistant, accepting a bid for financial services, approving the 2026 budget, and ratifying police officers’ union contracts. Each motion will be voted on by the board members. The meeting also includes routine reports and a motion to adjourn.

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✓ Decided: Board approved the 2026 police budget and honored existing union contracts

The board hired Lindsay Bagwell as the police department's administrative assistant at $21.54 per hour. It approved the proposed 2026 budget and voted to honor both the SPOA and Teamsters union contracts. The commission also adopted Swissvale's ICE‑policy resolution for the regional department.

Thu Dec 18, 2025

Borough Council

Council adopts 2026 budget, 10‑mill tax, and ALCOSAN fee changes

The Swissvale Borough Council will vote on several finance actions, including adopting the 202 6 Budget, setting a 10.0‑mill tax rate for 2026, and approving fee adjustments for ALCOSAN services and commercial trash collection. A discussion item will consider the purchase of a recycling truck.

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✓ Decided: Council approves 2026 budget, tax millage, and fee changes

The council adopted the 2026 municipal budget and set the tax millage at 10.0 mills for 2026. It approved a 7% increase to be passed on to ALCOSAN users and set the borough fee at 45% of the ALCOSAN rate. The borough fee schedule was re‑adopted with higher commercial trash collection costs. All motions passed unanimously.

Mon Dec 8, 2025

Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Department

✓ Decided: Board hired IT administrator David Nickel at $32.68 hourly

The board approved several items, including hiring an IT administrator, adopting a copier contract, and setting future meeting dates. All motions passed unanimously. The board also scheduled a virtual special meeting to approve the budget on December 22, 2025.

Wed Dec 3, 2025

Borough Council

Council to approve $2.5 million debt issuance via Ordinance #25-15

The Swissvale Borough Council will approve the minutes from the October 29 and November 5 meetings, authorize a $2,500,000 general‑obligation note, and take several administrative actions. These actions include appointing Mickey McGlasson to the Transportation Advisory Committee, scheduling a special virtual meeting on December 17 to adopt the 2026 budget, and approving the 2026 meeting schedule. Reports from the mayor, council president, borough manager, and other officials will also be presented.

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✓ Decided: Council approved $2.5 million non-electoral debt issuance

The council approved the minutes of the October 29 and November 5, 2025 meetings. It approved payment of $699,255.38 in borough bills. It authorized Ordinance #25-15 to issue a General Obligation Note for up to $2,500,000.00 with a 24‑month interest‑only period. It appointed Mickey McGlasson to the Transportation Advisory Committee, scheduled a special virtual meeting for December 17, 2025 to adopt the 2026 budget, and adopted the 2026 meeting schedule.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned the meeting unanimously

The council voted to adjourn the November 19, 2025 meeting. The motion was moved by S. Alfonso Wells, seconded by A. Stribling, and carried with all Ayes.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

Committee prepares for November 22 TreeVitalize planting and water buffalo delivery

The Shade Tree Advisory Commission will discuss preparations for the TreeVitalize tree‑planting event on November 22, including volunteer coordination and refreshments. They will receive an update on the county‑funded water buffalo that will be delivered to aid watering of new trees. Additional items include a report on recent tree work at the Pollinator Garden and information on an Audubon Society habitat program. The commission also recapped a meeting about future plans for the Carrie Furnace site.

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Mon Nov 10, 2025

Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Department

Police board to negotiate union contract and apply for vehicle funding

The Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Board will negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the police officers' union and vote on applying for Local Share Account funds for vehicles and equipment. The board will also discuss solicitor proposals and vehicle design updates.

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✓ Decided: Board approved collective bargaining negotiations for regional police officers

The board approved minutes from the October 20 meeting with adjustments, including appointing interim solicitors and a two‑signature policy. It voted to enter negotiations with the Swissvale Police Officers Association and Teamster Local 205 for a collective bargaining agreement. The board adopted Resolution 1 of 2025 to apply for a Local Share Account for vehicles and equipment, and approved seeking proposals for a new solicitor starting January 2026. It also accepted designs for vehicles, patches and related items.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

Borough Council

Swissvale Council considers $1 million loan and several infrastructure contracts

Borough Council will vote on a $1 million Tax Anticipation Loan and the approval of $939,027.88 in paid bills. The body is also deciding on several construction contracts, building code updates, and grant applications for community facilities.

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✓ Decided: Council approved a $1,000,000 Tax Anticipation Loan at 6.05% interest

The council approved the September 29 and October 6 meeting minutes and paid bills totaling $939,027.88. It authorized a $1,000,000 Tax Anticipation Loan, appointed seven members to the Transportation Advisory Committee, and approved multiple contracts, ordinances, grant applications, and parcel acquisitions. A motion also froze spending from the Council Discretionary Fund until federal program impacts are resolved.

Wed Oct 29, 2025

Borough Council

Public hearing on conditional use request for a day‑care center at 7436 McClure Ave

The Swissvale Borough Council will hold a 6:30 p.m. public hearing on a conditional use request from Power to operate a day‑care center at 7436 McClure Avenue. Council members will also consider three resolutions to submit grant applications: one for the Act 152 demolition program for ten structures, one declaring ten properties blighted, and one for a Community Development Block Grant to replace 16 ADA ramps on Monongahela Avenue. Additional agenda items include discussions of contracts for a food‑pantry roof replacement and sidewalk work at the Wilkins School Community Center, as well as code adoptions and other reports.

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✓ Decided: Council approved grant applications for demolition, blight and ADA ramp projects

The borough council unanimously approved three resolutions: one to submit an Act 152 grant application to demolish ten structures, one to declare those ten properties blighted, and one to submit a Community Development Block Grant application to replace 16 ADA ramps on Monongahela Avenue. All motions passed with all Ayes. Other agenda items were discussed but no further actions were taken.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Department

Board appoints Police Chief Charles Watson and adopts key department officials

The Swissvale‑Braddock Hills Regional Police Board will vote on board officer nominations and committee appointments. It will also appoint Charles Watson as Police Chief at his current contract rate and benefits. Additional appointments include a department administrator, solicitor, financial institution, insurance provider, health‑care benefits provider, pension advisor, payroll service, and civil service commission members.

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✓ Decided: Board appointed Charles Watson as Police Chief of Swissvale‑Braddock Hills Regional Police

The board elected Kevin Hanes as President, Cassandra Schaffer as Vice‑President, Angela Stribling as Secretary, and Christopher Ansell as Treasurer. The board also appointed Charles Watson as Police Chief and approved the department’s official name, a part‑time administrator, and several service providers. All motions passed unanimously.

Wed Oct 8, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

Swissvale to receive county-funded water buffalo for tree maintenance

The Shade Tree Committee discussed soil sampling results for the Church & Braddock parklet and preparations for a TreeVitalize planting on November 22. The body also coordinated the delivery of a water buffalo for the borough through the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

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Mon Oct 6, 2025

Borough Council

Swissvale Council considers $2.5 million General Obligation Note

The Borough Council will vote on authorizing a General Obligation Note for debt and approving over $1.1 million in paid bills. The meeting includes decisions on police contract amendments and several infrastructure and community funding contracts.

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✓ Decided: Council approved $2.5 million debt ordinance and multiple fund allocations

The council approved the minutes from the August 27 and September 3 meetings and authorized payment of $1,113,497.31 in bills. It adopted Ordinance #25-11, allowing the borough to issue a General Obligation Note up to $2,500,000. Several discretionary fund grants were approved and two contract proposals were tabled.

Mon Sep 29, 2025

Borough Council

Council to discuss $2.5 million bridge loan for Borough Building project

The Swissvale Borough Council will discuss several infrastructure contracts and a significant loan for the Borough Building project. The meeting includes a presentation on a Vacant Lot Study and interviews for the Transportation Advisory Committee.

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✓ Decided: Council adjourned unanimously; no substantive actions approved

The council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m. with all members in favor. No other agenda items were approved, denied, or formally adopted during this session.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

Committee discusses acquiring a water buffalo for tree watering

The Shade Tree Advisory Commission will review recaps of recent tree‑related meetings and discuss soil sampling results for a Chinese Elm at Church & Braddock parklet. It is considering a proposal to obtain a water buffalo, sized 4 ft × 8 ft or 4 ft × 6 ft, to be mounted on a borough Ford F550 truck for tree watering. No decisions are recorded; the committee will await soil test results and explore possible federal funding. Members also plan to attend a county‑wide Tree Committee meeting on September 20, 2025.

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Wed Sep 3, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adopts Climate Action Plan and approves multiple ordinances and contracts

The council adopted a Climate Action Plan and a parking restriction ordinance, and approved resolutions for a property purchase and employee interactions with ICE. It also approved two contracts for rock salt and loan counsel services, and approved payment of $586,222.50 in bills. An allocation of $5,000 from discretionary funds was tabled.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Borough Council

Swissvale Council to discuss climate plan, police hiring, and ICE policy

The Swissvale Borough Council will meet to discuss the Climate Action Plan, the hiring of loan counsel for the Borough Building Bridge Financing, and a proposed ordinance regarding interactions with ICE. The agenda also includes a presentation on a Vacant Lot Study and items related to police, animal control, and salt bids.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $2.5 million loan borrowing

The council approved borrowing $2.5 million from First Commonwealth Bank to fund the borough building bridge project. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously. The council also set new meeting dates for September 29 and October 6.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

Commission discusses tree removals and plantings for Wilkins School Community Center

The commission reviewed plans for sidewalk construction and tree management at the Wilkins School Community Center. Members also discussed the status of a TreeVitalize application for 26 new trees. The body coordinated attendance for upcoming regional tree management events.

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✓ Decided: Commission discussed WSCC sidewalk, tree work and TreeVitalize update

The committee recapped the July 26 tree‑care event at Wilkins School Community Center and noted the need for better coordination with the center and its volunteers. It reviewed borough plans for new sidewalks, EV‑charging stations, and the removal and planting of trees on the WSCC property, but no formal actions were approved. The Fall 2025 TreeVitalize application now lists 26 trees after a site visit and added tree locations. Members also listed upcoming attendance at regional tree‑management meetings and events.

Wed Aug 6, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council approved a joint Regional Police Department with Braddock Hills

The council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for $59,155.47 and its financing at a 5.80% interest rate. It adopted intermunicipal cooperation agreements with Rankin Borough for trash collection and with Braddock Hills Borough to create a regional police department effective Jan. 1 2026. It also adopted resolutions to seek grant funding for Raymond Street reconstruction, demolition of ten dilapidated structures, and a study of the Swissvale Business District.

Wed Jul 30, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned meeting after discussion; no substantive actions taken

The council discussed several agenda items, including a legislative liaison, site safety, grant applications, and various ordinances, but no votes were recorded on those proposals. The only formal action was the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. The meeting concluded at 9:04 p.m.

Wed Jul 9, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

✓ Decided: Mike Takacs resigned from the Shade Tree Advisory Commission

The commission noted and thanked Mike Takacs for his resignation from the Shade Tree Advisory Commission. No formal votes or approvals were recorded. The meeting focused on a recap of recent tree care events, the status of the Fall 2025 TreeVitalize application, and preparations for the upcoming Braddock Avenue and WSCC hillside cleanup.

Wed Jul 2, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council approved a $1.5 M revolving line of credit for grant financing

The Swissvale Borough Council approved a revolving demand line of credit with First Commonwealth Bank for up to $1,500,000 at 5.9% interest, limited to 36 months for interim grant financing. The council also approved the June 4 and May 28 meeting minutes, paid bills totaling $1,065,961.22, a new lease with Woodland Hills School District, adoption of the 2021 International Property Maintenance and Fire Codes, a $4,500 discretionary fund for sheriff sales, and a resolution to destroy certain municipal records.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned the meeting unanimously

The council voted to adjourn the June 25, 2025 meeting at 7:58 P.M. The motion was made by Shawn Alfonso Wells, seconded by Fred L. Quinn, and passed with all ayes. No other formal decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Wed Jun 4, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council approved regional police department and adopted active transportation plan

The council adopted Ordinance #25-04, establishing the Active Transportation Plan, and approved a resolution to form a Regional Police Department with Braddock Hills Borough effective Jan. 1, 2026. It also extended the emergency declaration from the April 29, 2025 storms for an additional 60 days, approved a grant application for the Multimodal Transportation Fund, and declared two Woodstock Avenue structures dangerous and blighted. Additional actions included approving the meeting minutes, $445,494.52 in paid bills, and promoting Anthony Lewis to Shift Commander in the fire department.

Wed May 28, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned after discussing items but made no formal approvals

The council discussed several agenda items, including demolition clearances, fire department hiring, and a potential dog ordinance, but no votes or approvals were recorded. The only formal action was the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

Wed May 14, 2025

Shade Tree Committee

✓ Decided: Committee set tasks for storm recovery and upcoming tree events

The Shade Tree Advisory Commission reviewed damage from the April 29 storm and assigned members to compile a tree service list and update the TreeKeeper database. The meeting with CONNECT x Canopy Alliance was rescheduled for May 29, 2025. Plans were made to install a Tree City USA sign on Braddock Avenue and to hold a tree‑pit cleaning and mulching event on June 14, 2025. No formal approvals or votes were recorded.

Wed May 7, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $873,400.09 in paid bills and extended the disaster declaration.

The council unanimously approved the minutes of the March 26 and April 2 meetings. It also approved $873,400.09 in paid bills, an interim financing proposal for the municipal building at a 6.08% interest rate, and waived a $71.55 real‑estate tax penalty. Discretionary fund expenditures of $13,000 for Juneteenth, $23,800 for Memorial Park cleanup, and $4,000 for the food pantry were approved, and a $23,800 contract was awarded for Phase 2 of the park cleanup. Resolutions to apply for state grant funding for park improvements, the municipal building, the Carrie Furnace Connector trail study, and the Wilkins School community center were adopted, and the disaster declaration was extended for 30 days.

Wed Apr 30, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned after discussions; no formal actions taken

The council discussed setting a public hearing for demolition of 2453 and 2462 Woodstock Avenue and noted a $30,000 grant for removal. They reviewed grant applications, a composting unit proposal, a loan for interim financing, and discretionary fund requests, but no motions were recorded to approve or deny them. The only vote was to adjourn the meeting, which passed unanimously.

Tue Apr 1, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council hired Alex Noll as a full-time entry-level police officer

The council approved the February 26 and March 5 meeting minutes and authorized payment of $404,816.28 in bills. It appointed Perry Recker to the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, hired Alex Noll as a full‑time police officer, and ratified a Black History Month award. Several discretionary‑fund projects were approved, including a mural, park‑dump cleanup, and fire‑bell restoration, and the council waived bridge demolition requirements.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Borough Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned the meeting after discussing agenda items

The council reviewed appointments, blight declarations, bridge work requests, discretionary fund proposals, and several other topics, but no motions were adopted on those items. The only recorded vote was to adjourn the meeting, which passed unanimously. No other decisions were formally approved, denied, or tabled.