Bethel Park council puts police chief referendum to voters
Bethel Park council voted 6-0 at the April 13 meeting to place on the November election ballot a referendum to have the police chief report to the municipal manager instead of council members.
The proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter came after months of meetings and feedback from residents, council members said, and that they favor the change and hope residents vote to overturn it.
“It was a mistake to have the chief report to council. Having nine bosses is tough,” said councilman Donald Harrison.
Councilman Jim McClean said this aspect of Home Rule Charter was investigated at a time when the municipality was in between police chiefs, so “there was no separating any issues of personality.”
In other business, Police Chief Timothy O’Connor said in his report that the department now has a Facebook page he and officers will use to update the community on public safety emergencies and special events. The website is www.facebook.com/bethelparkpolice. The site shows a creation date of March 20. Chief O’Connor also advised motorists to be vigilant as warmer weather brings more foot traffic around the South Hills.
Council also voted to approve a feasibility study contract to EPM Architecture to analyze the public works facility at a cost of $45,000. And council also approved a $9,840 evaluation study of disabled access to Miners Park to Satira Construction.
“If we move forward with Satira, that amount will be credited to the work they do on actually building the access points,” said councilman Timothy Moury.
In closing, councilman Mark O’Brien lamented the closure of the Foodland grocery store at 5821 Library Road.
“It’s very sad to see it go. Would like to thank all those who worked to keep it open all these years, and we’ll keep a close eye on it and let everyone know what’s going on with any potential development there.”