GENERAL/GOVERNMENT

2022 Year in Review

The Borough continued to take positive steps forward in 2022 across all Departments. The Borough’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) issued eighteen Certificates of Appropriateness for projects ranging from roof replacement to new accessory structure construction – all reviewed to ensure the preservation of the character of Sewickley Heights. Additionally, the HARB was awarded Certified Local Government status through the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, which enhances the Borough’s opportunities to receive grant funding for historic preservation projects across the Borough.

After an extended search, the Borough has hired Emily Moldovan to serve as the Zoning Officer and Building Code Official. She will provide administrative support to the HARB and serve as a liaison to residents and their professional consultants undertaking building renovation or land development. Emily has many years of experience in municipal government and works hard to guide applicants through the HARB and building permit process. Dawn Turner continues to serve the Borough in the Administration Department handling resident requests, managing records, and providing a variety of support functions.

The Parks and Public Works Department has returned to full staffing in preparation for the winter maintenance season. Don Stout joined the Parks and Public Works Department and will serve the Borough in all aspects of Public Works, from trail maintenance and improvement in the Borough Park to winter maintenance activities across the Borough. Don has experience in arboriculture, construction, and the utility industry, making him a valuable asset to Borough Public Works operations. He joins the Borough’s two long-time staff members, Jeff Marek and John Trapp, who remain committed to the Borough and its residents. All three work daily to maintain the character and high quality of life in the Borough. In late 2022, the Department took receipt of a 2022 Ford F600 dump truck upfitted for winter maintenance activity – a piece of equipment that will be a valuable tool for the Public Works Department for many years to come.

The Borough Department of Public Works concluded the Glass Recycling Program in June 2022, with a grand total of 33,120 pounds collected from Borough residents. The program ended as the Quaker Valley Council of Governments unveiled two collection sites in the Quaker Valley – one in Sewickley, and one in Avalon - open 24/7/365 to all Quaker Valley communities. Borough Council and Mayor Oliver offer sincere thanks all residents who participated in the program since 2020. Borough infrastructure improvement included the installation of a 70-foot steel arch culvert on Hunt Road through an Allegheny County Conservation District grant, and the continuation of the Borough Road Program. In 2022 the Road Program consisted of a Microsurfacing application applied to the entirety of Barberry Road, and the utility-funded restoration of Backbone, Quaker Hollow, and Pink House Roads, totaling just over 2.5 miles of road resurfacing. Work will continue in coming years to continue improvements to Borough infrastructure. Additionally, the Borough helped coordinate milling and paving on Allegheny County-owned roads, Country Club Road and Fern Hollow Road, by the Allegheny County Public Works paving crew.

The Borough Police Department made great strides in officer training and Department enhancement in 2022. Officer Pavicic completed her K9 handler training in December 2021, and entered back into active service with K9 Officer Artus in February 2022. Since returning to service Officers Pavicic and Artus have served the Borough and neighboring communities proudly. Two Part-time Officers, Officers Buzzatto and Lough, joined Chief Harrison, Corporal Arena, and Officers Kochefski and Pavicic, as valuable members of the Police Force in Sewickley Heights. Borough Council and Staff remain fully committed to providing quality service and supporting continued effort to preserve and enhance the historic, rural character of Sewickley Heights for the benefit of its residents

Nathan A. Briggs

Borough Manager