Aspinwall adds a new full-time police officer, raises fees for certain permits, applications

The Aspinwall Police Department recently added some manpower.

Council approved the hiring of a new full-time officer, Marcus Brommell of Shaler.

Brommell was sworn in by Mayor Joe Noro on March 13.

His start date was scheduled for March 16.

Brommell, 35, said he moved from Connecticut to Shaler about two years ago to attend the Allegheny County Police Academy and become an officer.

He worked for the Duquesne Police Department for five months before being hired by Aspinwall.

“I heard some good things about it,” Brommell said shortly after being sworn in. “I asked about Chief (Dave Nemec). He has a whole bunch of good reviews on him, and it’s 10 minutes away from home.

“I’ve been here before. It’s a great community. I like the community-based policing. I think it’s really nice. It’s a small borough, so it’s really like family. I like that style of it and think it will be really good for me to come here and bring a little diversity to it. It’s good to shake stuff up a little bit.”

Brommell went on to talk about his interactions with Nemec and how he feels about working for him.

“I think it’s going to be amazing working for him,” Brommell said. “He’s a patient man. I think he’ll be able to work with me if I have any issues, and he’ll be like a good role model for me. Coming here is a great choice.”

Brommell said he has family members in the military and a few friends in law enforcement, and decided to become a police officer to help people.

“I always thought that law enforcement was (about) being a people’s person,” he said. “I like community. I like to help people with their problems. It’s definitely a good choice for me. It makes my day to help somebody.”

Brommell’s hiring brings the department to seven full-time officers, including the chief, and one part-timer.

“A lot of people have a lot of good things to say about him, and that’s what we like,” Nemec said. “We’re picky about who we hire. I think we have a bunch of good officers here. He’ll just fit right in with everybody else.

“I think it will be a very smooth transition into him getting to know the streets, getting to know the people. That’s what he really likes about this town. He did a lot of background checking on our town and spoke to other officers. He’s looking forward to (working here).”

There were two candidates for the position. Brommell’s starting salary is a little more than $65,100.

In other police matters

Nemec reminded residents to call 911 if they need an immediate police response.

He said officers may be out on patrol and not at the station, and they do not check social media posts.

Council announced street sweeping in the borough will begin April 1.

Nemec said residents should move their vehicles to the appropriate side of the roads when it is their scheduled day for cleaning or they will be cited for a parking violation.

In other business

Council approved a new fee resolution increasing the charges of certain permits and applications.

Borough Manager Melissa Lang O’Malley said the fees were updated to align with neighboring communities and adjust for advertising and administrative costs.

Amusement device license fees are now $350 per device and $200 for jukeboxes. Adult oriented business licenses are now $500 for the application and investigation and $250 annual license fee.

Demolition permits cost $125 for residential and $175 for non-residential.

Intermunicipal liquor license transfer application deposits are now $650 including a $150 application fee.

Dumpster permits are $50 for two weeks and $100 for four weeks.

Water connection charges are $100 per building plus the cost of a meter.

A full list of fees is available at the borough office, 217 Commercial Ave.