County councilman visits Port Vue

Aaron Adams discussed a few pertinent issues in Allegheny County.

Port Vue Borough Council welcomed Allegheny County Councilman Aaron Adams to its meeting Wednesday for the first time since he took over duties in District 9.

The former Duquesne city councilman talked about some recent hot topics in Allegheny County, most notably the proposed 18-week paid leave for new parents. The Democrat, who took office five months ago, explained the proposal is going through proper procedures, including a three-hour public comment session before the County’s Board of Health earlier this week.

Adams, who replaced longtime council member Bob Macey in the post, suspects there are some amendments that may be needed for it to pass Allegheny County Council and then to its sponsor, county Chief Executive Officer Sara Innamorato’s, desk.

Adams also discussed real estate assessment talk that continues to gain traction. Adams doubts there will be “door-to-door” reassessments when that time comes because that could cost as much as $50 million to process. “There’s still a lot to do,” he said.

He believes officials will use drones and artificial intelligence to complete the reassessment.

Port Vue Councilman Robert Betters hopes that when property reassessment comes, it will be more consistent than last time. Betters said he had property with a pavilion that was originally assessed at $3,500 and it was reassessed at $53,000. After an appeal, it was dropped to $20,000.

With recent County Council department chair assignments, Adams was tapped to head the public safety committee. He said it was an honor to receive the assignment considering the law enforcement legacy of his family. His grandfather was former long-time Duquesne police Chief Richard “Lefty” Adams. His father, R. Scott Adams, was a Duquesne police chief who currently serves as mayor of Duquesne.

Port Vue Council President Mark Tortorice asked Adams to look into money that previously came to the borough through the Council of Governments as part of an air pollution settlement with U.S. Steel. He said that over four years, the steelmaker had given five Mon Valley municipalities, including Port Vue, money for infrastructure projects.

Tortorice called U.S. Steel and the COG “great partners,” and said the borough had received $600,000, which was used to invest in public safety initiatives like new police cars as well as improvements to a playground. He was unsure why the funds, which were supposed to be delivered over five years, stopped coming. Adams promised to investigate the issue.

Tortorice also inquired about the county revisiting environmental restraints that prohibit the borough from demolishing dangerous and blighted structures. He said the price to raze troublesome buildings is increasing to as much as $50,000. Private property owners are allowed to take buildings down without the same constraints, permits and costs, as boroughs like Port Vue that have earmarked five properties.

The officials noted that only Allegheny and Philadelphia counties are not allowed to use water to tamper down homes and other buildings that are being demolished.

Adams also took a few minutes to go over the differences in duties between his office and that of state Rep. John Inglis as well as state Sen. Nick Pisciottano.

In other developments, Police Chief David Petruski emphasized Paul Miller’s Law “finally goes into effect this weekend.” The traffic citation is designed to eliminate the use of hand-held telephones and other devices while driving. “And that means at stop lights,” he said. With court costs, the $50 fine will cost motorists approximately $200.

“We have been encouraged by the state police to patrol aggressively,” Petruski continued. “We will be vigilant.”

Mayor Brien Hranics said the borough will be cracking down on teens and others who illegally ride quads and dirt bikes on borough streets. “That goes for e-bikes as well,” he said.

The mayor is asking for residents who identify those who ride throughout the town to call the police.

“Leave a message and we will keep identities confidential,” Hranics said, stressing that everyone must “obey the rules of the road.”

Petruski has a chart of “dos and don’ts” for e-bikes and other vehicles at the police station and will make copies of the rules for anyone who needs it. “They are not supposed to be on the sidewalks,” he added.

Councilman Brandon Hale noted that the fire department’s upcoming smoke detector giveaway is still in the works. He reinforced that landlords are not among those who will get free smoke detectors. Hale said they are for retirees or others who need the financial assistance.

Betters reminded the public that the 30th annual Fun to Be a Kid Day is scheduled for July 26 and there’s still time to donate and perhaps get their name on the back of a T-shirt as a sponsor.

Council approved to pay Randy’s Dive Shop $199.96 for dive gear and $588 to Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. for Hydro Testing for SCBA Cylinder. In addition, a motion was approved to pay Flashover Fire Apparatus and Equipment $7,674.76 for two sets of turnout gear. All that is paid out of the borough’s fire fund. Hale said the fire department has 78 members, including 55 active members. He likes to supply the fire department with two new sets of turnout gear each year to keep the equipment as fresh as possible.

Council authorized payment to Nagy Construction and Asphalt Paving $54,095.50 with the certified payroll requirement as recommended by Glenn Engineering for the fire company parking lot and to be reimbursed $50,000 from the 2024 GEDTF-191 grant.

Officials reminded residents of the first of the borough’s discount dates for real estate taxes has passed. There are two others, as well as late fees, noted Tortorice.

Council approved to ratify the hiring of Jonathan Vactor at $15.97 per hour, a maximum of 32 hours a week, contingent upon background and drug testing.

Council approved the 2026 audit as presented by Mark Turnley and Associates.

Following the meeting, Adams met with each member of council and handed out business cards.