Sharpsburg officials have appointed a familiar face to high seat on borough council.

Karen Pastor was named vice president at the Aug. 22 council meeting.

“I’m truly grateful for the trust the council members place in me to hold that position,” she said via email after the meeting.

Pastor has been on council for the past 15 years, including as president from 2014-18 and vice president from 2018-23.

Former Councilwoman Kayla Portis was named vice president at the start of this year. She vacated her council seat when she was appointed mayor in July.

David Breingan was appointed to Portis’ seat later that month.

Stormwater planning

Council approved seeking requests for proposals to create a comprehensive stormwater management plan.

The proposal request was crafted in partnership with the WaterNow Alliance.

The nonprofit works nationally to support communities in advancing their local, environmentally sustainable and innovative water priorities.

Program manager Emerson O’Donnell said his group looked at eight communities that created their own stormwater management plans when evaluating what may work for Sharpsburg.

“We tried to focus on communities that have similar size and economic conditions to Sharpsburg,” O’Donnell said. “We looked for best practices, best in class plans, especially in the areas of ‘green’ stormwater infrastructure, community involvement, local water quality monitoring and collaboration between multiple governments and multiple agencies.”

The WaterNow Alliance also hosted a forum to get input from local leaders as part of the request-for-proposal process.

Borough officials believe the plan will help to bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the residents.

“It really is going to be so impactful for us,” borough Manager Christine DeRunk said while commending the alliance for its expedient efforts.

Sharpsburg Scream coming

Council also showed support for resident Lucille DeLuca’s proposal for a new Halloween-themed event called Sharpsburg Scream. The tentative date is 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

DeLuca said she did not want to interfere with trick-or-treat later that month.

Tentative activities include a parade with “creatures” coming out of the river at James Sharp Landing and onto Main Street.

There also would be family activities along North Canal Street.

North Canal Street would be closed between Main Street and Bonaventura Way from 6 to 9 p.m. for the event.

More information is expected to be released closer to October.

People who want to get involved with Sharpsburg Scream can call 412-781-0546.

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