Penn Hills Bulletin Board
Trash Pickup and Recycling Delayed
Trash Collection and Recycling services will be delayed by a day for the rest of the week due to inclement weather.
Penn Hills Fire Study – January 2021
Penn Hills has conducted a Fire Study and compiled a report to help elected officials and the public understand what is necessary for the fire departments and help make informed decisions in regards to public fire protection for the Municipality.
Fire Study: https://pennhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Penn-Hills-Fire-Study.pdf
Library Restructuring Proposal
Dear Penn Hills Residents:
The Penn Hills Library currently operates as a department of Penn Hills Municipal government. A plan is under consideration that would make the library an independent, non-profit. Since March 2020, Library and Municipal leaders have been exploring the benefits of becoming an independent community library. We are now ready to share what we have learned, and hear what you have to say about this idea.
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been developed so that you can learn about what a possible change means and how it can improve library services in Penn Hills. Both the Library Advisory Board and Library Foundation have endorsed the non-profit library model, because of the benefits it will bring to our community.
As residents and lifelong advocates of Penn Hills Library, we believe that this is an opportunity to improve current service models and pursue grants that are not available to a government agency. Our goal is to increase library funding and improve what is already a great library service that Penn Hills residents know and expect.
If you love the library as much as we do, then we hope you take the time to learn more about what is being considered. We want you to be informed and know what a possible change might mean for Penn Hills.
Sincerely,
Kim Dawson – President, Library Advisory Board
Meryl Thomas – President, Library Foundation
Why is a change to non-profit status under consideration?
Because a non-profit status would make a great Penn Hills Library even better. The biggest reason is that a non-profit library can pursue foundation grants that are not available to government agencies. Second, an independent status would give the library more flexibility in managing its staff, decision making, and providing community-oriented programs.
What other libraries operate as a non-profit?
Most libraries in Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania operate as independent non-profit organizations successfully with favorable community response. Most libraries are not government-run like the Penn Hills Library. For example, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a non-profit, and the New York Public Library as well. If the non-profit model is a bad idea less libraries would use it.
Who will oversee the library if this change takes place?
The library would be operated by a five to seven-member Library Board appointed by the Mayor and Council of Penn Hills with consent from library leadership. The board would be made up of residents of the Penn Hills community that know and love our library. The Library Board has existed for many years and has meetings every month. A change to non-profit status would allow the people who know the library the best to make decisions about the library and the services it offers.
How would this change benefit the community?
This change will enable the library to be more responsive to community needs at our two locations: Stotler Road and Lincoln Park. As a nonprofit, the library will also be able to pursue foundation grants for services and programs that a government entity cannot access. The Library Board will be empowered to make decisions about the library that reflect the needs and wants of the community.
What are the drawbacks to having a non-profit?
There really are none that we know of.
Is this just a backdoor plan designed to cut or close the Library?
No. We believe the Library is a true asset to Penn Hills and the eastern suburbs. Changing to a non-profit model could lead to foundation grants which, in turn, could help the Municipality’s budget. Ultimately, the Municipality of Penn Hills allots funding to the library annually, whether it’s a non-profit or a department of government.
How would this non-profit entity be funded?
The lion’s share of the library’s funding would continue to come from the Municipality of Penn Hills, through your tax dollars. The other key funding components for the Library come from the State of Pennsylvania and the Allegheny County Regional Asset District (RAD). The core funding sources for the Library will not change if a non-profit is formed.
If this is such a great idea, why hasn’t it already happened?
Because it represents change and change sometimes happens slowly. It is easier to keep status quo than it is to try a new way forward that could better serve the community.
Why is this being considered right now?
Because times are changing and our service model needs to change with it. With all that happened in 2020, it gave library leaders the time to think this through and put a plan together.
What due diligence has the Library Board done to know this is a good idea?
A steering committee was created to explore the concept. The committee met regularly with leadership of Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and obtained valuable advice and knowledge about operating as an independent non-profit. ACLA, the regional library consultants, is highly supportive of the transition.
What would changing to non-profit status mean for library service?
Library patrons would not see any difference in services. Library patrons will experience a seamless transition from government management to community leadership. The Penn Hills Library will be in a position to model exceptional public service with a focus on community building and engagement.
What would happen to the people who currently work at the Library?
All current library employees will be invited to apply for open positions.
What can I do to get involved?
You can continue to support the Penn Hills Library by utilizing the wide array of resources the library has to offer. You can also attend Library Board meetings, which have been and will continue to be open to the public.
When would this possible change take place?
This change is currently under consideration by Penn Hills Mayor and Council. In order for it to happen, an agreement between the Library Board and Municipality would need to be approved at a future council meeting. It is up to the Mayor and Council of Penn Hills to decide if this change is right for Penn Hills.
Would this change be reversible?
Yes. If for some reason it made sense for the library to be government managed, then the change is easily reversed. The Municipality of Penn Hills will always own the land, building and maintain the library facility.
What happens if this change to non-profit doesn’t happen?
The Library will still continue to provide great services to residents, whether it’s government-run or whether it’s led by a community board of directors.
How can I give my feedback to this plan?
The best way to tell us what you think is to email libraryfeedback@pennhills.org and give your feedback. If you like the idea, tell us. If you don’t, we still want to hear from you and hope you tell us what your concerns are. We value all input and have developed this page to give you as much information as possible.
Penn Hills Mayor Addresses Recent Gun Violence
Penn Hills, PA, January 18, 2021 – Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese gives reassurance to the community in the wake of incidents of gun violence that have occurred since the start of the year.
There have been incidents involving firearms, which have occurred within Penn Hills since the start of 2021, including a fatal one this past weekend. Mayor Calabrese explains that, “Gun violence is a national problem that we are, unfortunately, not immune to. Every city in America, including the City of Pittsburgh and Penn Hills, which is the largest municipality outside of Pittsburgh, is falling victim to this senseless violence. We are doing everything we can, as municipal leaders, to keep Penn Hills safe.”
Mayor Calabrese said she has spoken with the Chief of Police and community leaders, all of whom are working together to keep Penn Hills safe. She noted that, “Penn Hills has close to thirty neighborhoods. These unrelated and sporadic incidents do not define who we are as a community, nor are they a reflection of our neighborhoods, community values and the quality of life here. In fact, statistics show that many of the actors involved are not even Penn Hills residents.”
All of the incidents are under active investigation by Allegheny County. Penn Hills officials are also working with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to determine if other courses of action can be taken, as well. Penn Hills encourages residents with information about any of the incidents to contact 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
January 27th 2021 Zoning Hearing Board Meeting
January Zoning Hearing Board
Wed, Jan 27, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (EST)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/110736101
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 568 4106
United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
Access Code: 110-736-101
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/110736101
Agenda: https://pennhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/January-27th-2021-ZHB-Agenda.pdf
January 11th 2021 Council Meeting
January Council Meeting
Mon, Jan 11, 2021 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/366700493
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073
United States: +1 (571) 317-3129
Access Code: 366-700-493
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/366700493
Agenda: https://pennhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/January-11th-2021-Council-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
Calendar of Meetings
FY 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
In accordance with Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, the Municipality of Penn Hills has prepared its Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
CAPER: https://pennhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Draft-FY-2019-CAPER.pdf
Winter Parking Advisory for Residents
During snow events, please utilize available off street parking for all vehicles. This allows Public Works plow trucks to safely and efficiently make their way through residential streets.
Parked vehicles SHOULD NEVER block the roadways from Plow Trucks, Ambulances, Fire Trucks or other emergency vehicles.
Leaf and Yard Waste Resumes
The Penn Hills Public Works Department resumes Leaf and Yard Waste Composting Pickups December 3rd and December 7th
Flyer: https://pennhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-Penn-Hills-Fall-Leaf-Ad.pdf
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING