Bethel Park municipal managers get raises
Bethel Park Council granted raises to 24 managers and supervisors during its meeting Dec. 11.
The employees, which include the municipal manager, police chief and other workers not covered by a union contract, will see average salary increases of about 2.6 percent, starting in January.
Council approved the raises by a 7-0 vote. Councilmen Mark O’Brien and James McLean were absent.
The change brings police Chief Tim O’Connor’s base salary to $119,617; municipal manager Shawn Arbaugh’s base salary will be $118,450; police lieutenants will be paid $112,005 and the assistant municipal manager will get $104,472. Engineers, code officials, planners, department heads and secretaries will also see raises.
In another matter, council adopted an ordinance concerning construction work that will impact traffic flow on municipal streets. Council passed the law in response to Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania’s natural gas line replacement project, which closed Bethel Church Road and other streets for several months.
Companies will now have to obtain a permit through council before disturbing the road. Council President Tim Moury said the ordinance will give the municipality more control over the duration of any road closures and limit the impact on residents.
Council passed a resolution that voices Bethel Park’s opposition to House Bill 1620, which is proposed legislation in Harrisburg that will allow telecom companies to build antenna systems without seeking approval from local municipal boards.
Opponents of the bill claim it would take away municipalities’ power to regulate cell towers and instead place that power in the hands of cell phone companies. Those who support the bill argue that the law will make it easier for telecom companies to improve their networks and provide high-speed data for everyone who uses a smart phone.
Also during the meeting, Bethel Park police Officer David DiToppa, who is planning to retire at the end of the year, was honored for his 30 years of service. Bethel Park police Chief Tim O’Conner praised DiToppa’s work ethic and presented him with a commendation from Allegheny County as well as a plaque from Bethel Park. DiToppa thanked municipal leaders “for giving a 24-year-old kid an opportunity a few years ago.”