Fox Chapel council to welcome 2 new junior members

Fox Chapel Council continues its junior council program with appointment of Shady Side Academy juniors Avery Litwin and Ethan Kole as junior council members on Aug. 21.

They are expected to be sworn in Sept. 18.

Junior council members do not vote on issues brought before council. They cannot participate in executive sessions and closed-door discussions. The program is designed to develop leadership skills and help youths have a voice in their municipality.

Councilman Bradley Harrison said the two students were selected from four candidates, and his colleagues are eager to hear from “the perspective of younger demographics.”

“All candidates are extremely qualified, and we were particularly impressed by Avery’s and Ethan’s dedication to serving others as well as their drive and organizing and leadership skills,” he said.

Avery is a member of the academy’s student council, vice president of the Model UN Club, co-founder of the International Club, a standout on the varsity cross country, swim and track and field teams. She volunteers to teach/tutor elementary students in French, math and English weekly.

Ethan is also a member of the International Club and the varsity cross country and track and field teams. He is a student liaison for the performing arts department, vice president of a student-run performing arts club and student associate of the admissions committee.

The two other candidates, who were not named, were referred to Fox Chapel Police Sgt. Craig Sorg to help with community projects and events, such as Fox Chapel Day.

“All four (candidates) will be involved (in the borough) in some way,” Harrison said.

Families interested in the junior council member program should contact their school administrators.

In other business

Council approved the purchase of several public works trucks, including a 2024 Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 for $56,820, and a 2024 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 for $49,605.

Both purchases were with Laurel Auto Group and through CoStars, a state program that guarantees the best prices for municipal governments.

The new vehicles will replace two older vehicles.

Council approved an application to remove and replace 15 aging trees at 21 Fairview Manor. The borough’s environmental advisory council recommended the trees be replaced with hardwoods like oak.

Council also approved an application to remove four spruce trees from 109 Hillcrest Road. EAC said the aging and diseased trees needed to be uprooted.

In a Cooper-Siegel Community Library update, Executive Director Jill McConnell said 60% of all Fox Chapel residents have library cards, and the library will be partnering with the school district to ensure all students have library cards.

McConnell said she anticipates issuing 400 new cards to students this school year.