Two businesses are taking steps to develop Shaler sites, according to information presented during a Feb. 11 commissioners meeting.
First, David Piekarski, township planning commission chairman, said that the group granted preliminary site approval to Mastic Trail Brewing, a Caribbean-themed restaurant and brewery. Township engineer Matt Sebastian said the development is planned for the former Shaler Moose Lodge on Glenshaw’s Saxonburg Boulevard.
Board Vice President William Cross expressed concern regarding the establishment’s planned outdoor seating abutting nearby residences.
Piekarski replied that the planning commission has asked the owners to address that issue, along with some others, prior to seeking final site approval.
Shaler Manager Tim Rogers requested that the owners install a trash corral and landscaping.
Second, the planning commission also granted preliminary approval for Glenshaw-based EAS Roofing’s application to build a Route 8 warehouse.
The company’s initial plans lack electricity, which could pose an issue during a “public safety response,” Rogers said.
“It’s not an unusually onerous request to have them include lighting in the design not even if it’s just area lighting in the warehouse,” he said.
The manager remarked that, while the plan’s stormwater proposals comply with Shaler’s policies, the township would appreciate additional accommodations and landscaping.
Also at the meeting:
• The board approved the $1.43 million 2020 road paving program.
“One of the reasons we had a tax increase this year was for this very purpose. Last year, the township paid approximately $750,000, so we’re doubling that amount to try to pave more roads,” Rogers said. Within three weeks, Sebastian will seek bids for the project.
• Township officials and consultants have prepared conceptual designs for Fawcett Field and Eagle Canyon Trail improvements. Sebastian said the involved parties are awaiting project permits and approval of their final designs in order to move forward.
• Crawford Pool’s new spray park is a work in progress, Rogers said. Shaler’s public works department has completed most of its work, so a contractor is focusing on housing the park’s plumbing inside a small building.
“We’re optimistic that we’ll have it ready for the pool opening,” Rogers said of the new pool area.
• The board passed a resolution for the annual Shaler Hampton EMS subscription drive, which protects subscribers from incurring expenses, deductibles and co-payments for medically necessary ambulance services, regardless of the number of times subscribers require the services. Subscription plans range from $40 to $75. For more information, visit shalerhamptonems.org/subscription.html.
• Eric Schmidt, Shaler Hampton EMS executive director, reported that the emergency service’s call volume had decreased 4.5% in January. Schmidt said that he learned from speaking with the Ross/West View EMS executive director that their EMS also is experiencing a decrease in calls.
• Sharon McRae, Shaler North Hills Library director, said that in 2019 the library saw increases in traditional and digital circulation, and materials shared with partnering libraries.
“We’re still third among county libraries for circulation if you take out Carnegie Library (of Pittsburgh): It goes Northland (Public Library), Mt. Lebanon (Public Library), Shaler. … As far as programming, we’re number one.”
A new offering is the library’s Lunch & Learn Series for adults. Although McRae said that youth services coordinator Ingrid Kalchthaler started it as part of a community-wide effort to promote inclusive programming for senior citizens, the sessions have gained popularity among people with disabilities and their caregivers.
The sessions are open to everyone three Wednesdays a month from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Guests should bring their own lunches. For more information, visit shalerlibrary.org.
• The library will participate in a U.S. Census 2020 recruitment drive for the Allegheny County Library Association, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. Shaler North Hills Library staff will interview census takers and assist patrons in completing their census counts.
• The board appointed John Bottegal to the Hampton Shaler Water Authority board of directors, with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2024.
• The board hired public works employee Brian Hillwig on a conditional basis with a Feb. 17 start date.
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• Rogers closed the meeting by mentioning the pending retirements of his administrative assistant, Sherry Martin, and Police Chief Bryan Kelly.
“Everybody knows that Sherry really runs the township, I’m just window candy in this place. Sherry has an outstanding work ethic and is probably one of the most organized people I’ve run into in my life. She has been an outstanding fellow worker. … It’s been a very good working relationship and we’re definitely going to miss her,” he said of his employee of nearly 16 years.
The police chief position is the township’s most vital role, according to Rogers.
“They protect the township and they serve the township and they have a very difficult job. And there’s a lot of personalities in that police department to deal with,” he said.
… Bryan has done one hell of a fine job for the township and it has been a pleasure to work with you, Bryan. And the board I know echoes that.
Chief, on behalf of everyone in the township of Shaler, we thank you for your outstanding public service.”