Penn Hills relies heavily on volunteer board members to make crucial decisions that shape the municipality’s future. However, amidst this reliance on volunteerism, certain challenges have emerged, raising questions about board composition and compliance with regulations.
One issue pertains to the Zoning Hearing Board, where a long-time member, Joseph Tamburrino, is under scrutiny for residing outside of Penn Hills. Public records indicate that Tamburrino purchased a home in Verona in 2021, violating both the municipality’s home rule charter and state law. Despite Tamburrino’s claims to the contrary, no law exists that allows non-residents to serve on zoning boards.
This revelation has sparked calls for Tamburrino’s removal from the board, with Councilman Shawn Kerestus advocating for his resignation. The mayor, with council consent, has the authority to appoint and remove board members. However, Solicitor Craig Alexander notes that only the district attorney or state attorney general can initiate legal action to remove Tamburrino, and decisions made by the board remain valid.
Another area of concern lies with the Library Board. In February, council voted to overhaul the board, ending the 22-year tenures of Kim Dawson and Judy Donohue, who had been serving on expired terms. Despite public opposition, the move resulted in the resignation of three library board members.
The challenges faced by these boards underscore the difficulty in filling volunteer positions within Penn Hills. John Brenner, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, acknowledges this trend across municipalities. The Penn Hills Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, for instance, currently lacks three members, and the Zoning Hearing Board has been operating with one vacancy since July.
To address these issues, Brenner recommends adopting a formal application process and engaging in transparent communication with potential board members. The mayor, while highlighting the importance of volunteerism, emphasizes the need for careful scrutiny to ensure compliance with regulations and proper representation of the community.
