Bridgeville's new borough manager very familiar with town interests

Bridgeville resident Joe Kauer wants to make a difference in his community.

He’s excited to do so as its new borough manager.

“I’ve always like the area,” Kauer said. “It’s a great location. It’s more humbling and rewarding to work for your hometown.”

The Chartiers Valley High School graduate was unanimously hired by council a couple months ago and was formally introduced as the borough’s top administrator at the community’s 119th anniversary in late July.

He took over for longtime manager Lori Collins, who retired after a 28-year career with the borough, including 16 as its manager.

“Lori’s very nice and did a lot for the community,” Kauer said. “I’m very grateful to be following in her footsteps.”

Council President Bill Henderson said Kauer was selected out of 10 candidates in a nationwide search.

“We started the hiring process back in the spring when our former manager announced she would be retiring,” Henderson said. “Our search generated interest from other local managers as well as candidates from as far away as Las Vegas. Our administration committee vetted every resume we received and eventually interviewed three candidates.”

Kauer was picked based on his knowledge of operations and dedication to the community.

“Joe’s experience in leading other local communities stood out to us,” Henderson said. “His track record for acquiring grants was really important to the committee. More than anything, Joe’s ties to our community meant that he has a stake in the future of Bridgeville. He genuinely cares about what our town looks like and what the future could possibly bring for our businesses, our residents and our neighbors.”

Kauer, 37, grew up in Scott Township and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in public administration. He became Heidelberg’s first borough manager that same year.

Some of the highlights during that time include securing more than $2.3 million in grant assistance for community redevelopment initiatives, equipment for emergency responders and multiple park construction projects.

Kauer was also instrumental in a Route 50 beautification project, which was awarded the 2015 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence.

Kauer worked as a grant writer for Collier from 2005 to 2014. He obtained more than $1 million in grants for park construction projects including the redevelopment of Charles E. Kelley Army Base into Collier Park.

He served as Ambridge’s borough manager from 2016 to this year when he left for the Bridgeville job.

His program to improve operations and efficiency of the Ambridge fire department by integrating code enforcement received the 2018 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence in the fiscal accountability and best management practices category.

Kauer said he wanted to become an administrator in order to make an impact on people’s everyday lives, and wants residents to know he will always have their best interests at heart.

“I’m more than just a public official that works at the town hall,” Kauer said. “I’m your neighbor and fellow citizen. I’m invested in the community and I want to proactively improve all aspects of local government whenever I can. My door’s always open.”

Kauer’s salary is $95,000 a year including $2,600 for handing zoning officer responsibilities.

What’s next

Several borough projects are in the design phase including upgrades to Chartiers Park and McLaughlin Run Park.

The borough’s comprehensive plan also needs updating, and there are some traffic issues along Washington Avenue that will be addressed, Kauer said.

Henderson said flood mitigation is another priority for council and Kauer.

“We have been fortunate enough to receive some grants for a few projects related to our efforts to curb flooding, and Joe has stepped right in to manage a few of them to fruition,” Henderson said. “We will continue to look at flood mitigation as a priority.

“Parking is also a challenge for us here in Bridgeville. We will lean on Joe for some creative ideas to help us address the need for more parking. Joe has served on our planning commission in the past and he is well aware of our desires to improve traffic flow.

“We have no shortage of projects and ideas that will keep Joe busy for many years to come.”

Kauer served on the Bridgeville planning commission for eight years. He resigned when he became manager. Kauer still volunteers for the Presto Fire Department.

Bridgeville officials have begun budget talks and likely will have workshop meetings about the spending plan within a few weeks. Council held the line on taxes with this year’s budget maintaining millage rates at 6.5 mills on buildings and 10 mills on land.