Public Meetings - Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

The Allegheny County Council met on March 7, 2023 at 10:15 AM with 14 members present. The meeting included multiple proclamations celebrating Irish heritage and Women in Construction Week, public comments on juvenile detention and social services, approval of minutes and appointments, introduction of campaign finance reform ordinances, and a motion to study the Schumann Juvenile Detention Center. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from January 24, 2023 regular meeting (12605-23) and February 7, 2023 regular meeting (12606-23). Both motions carried. - Notification of contracts (12611-23) summarizing February 2023 executive actions. Received and filed. Public Comments & Testimony - Alan Gunther (Pittsburgh Peace is Possible Coalition): Expressed support for the motion to form a juvenile justice study group regarding the Schumann Center. Noted that reopening Schumann would take 6-9 months and cost $20 million. Urged council not to hand over operations to a private entity. - Tim Stevens (Black Political Empowerment Project): Also supported the study group. Emphasized need for a publicly-run facility with comprehensive services. Referenced problems at Luzerne County and a University of Pittsburgh social work report on jail conditions. - Yvonne Brown: Discussed fundraising for radio station 90.5 FM and alleged issues at the county jail (half-cooked mouse). Criticized council member for calling her a liar. - Lolita Moman (Committee woman, Vice Chair of District 2610): Criticized the Allegheny Link system as a barrier rather than a tool for success. Called for a holistic approach to support marginalized populations. - Roy Blankenship (Community Organizer with BPEP): Called for unity and action on systemic issues affecting African Americans and Latinos. Urged council to make decisions based on faith and community. - Jacob (name given in transcript; last name not provided): Spoke about being a victim of human trafficking and exploitation. Described being bought and sold as a child, earning PhDs, having children taken away, and experiencing homelessness. Asked for council assistance. Discussion Items - Proclamations and Certificates (Multiple): Council recognized the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, the Irish Society for Education and Charity, Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen and court maidens, Grand Marshal Way Werner, Hibernian of the Year Tim Regan, Women in Construction Week, John and Kathy Wagler’s 60th anniversary, Sergeant Patrick Vroman, and John Giamarco. Speakers highlighted parade history, volunteer efforts, and community impact. - Committee on Appointment Review (Second Reading): - Bavini Patel appointed to Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee (term ending 2024). - Tanya Vokes and Leslie Paul Jamerson appointed to Human Relations Commission (terms ending 2024). - All appointments approved unanimously. - New Business – Campaign Finance Reform Ordinances (12607-23, 12608-23): Sponsored by Councilmembers Dewar and Macy. Ordinance to repeal and replace campaign finance regulations (Chapter 220) and another to establish filing schedule and public searchable database. Referred to Government Reform committee. - Motion on Schumann Juvenile Detention Center (sponsored by Katina, Palmasina, Nakarati Chapkis, Bennett): Requests a historical overview of the former Schumann Center, formation of a juvenile justice study group, and a transparent review of county juvenile detention needs before any decision on reuse. Referred to Public Safety committee. Key Outcomes - All proclamations and certificates were presented and accepted. - Minutes for Jan 24 and Feb 7, 2023 meetings were approved. - Three appointments were approved (Patel, Vokes, Jamerson). - Two campaign finance ordinances were introduced and referred to Government Reform. - The motion to form a juvenile justice study group was introduced and referred to Public Safety. - The notification of contracts for February 2023 was received and filed. - Public comments were heard; no immediate action taken.

The Allegheny County Council met on February 21, 2023, with 14 members present. The meeting began with several proclamation readings, followed by confirmation of the county manager appointment, passage of a sustainable procurement ordinance, approval of a staff cost-of-living adjustment, and public comment regarding the Shuman juvenile detention center and Allegheny County Jail conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes approval: Minutes from January 10, 2023, were approved by voice vote (motion carried). - Contract notification: Communication 12591-23 summarizing approved executive actions for January 2023 was received and filed (motion carried). Public Comments & Testimony - Wanda Guthrie (Friends Meeting of Pittsburgh) submitted a signed letter opposing the reopening of the Shuman juvenile detention center and any privatization. She urged council to study supportive services for youth, hold public hearings, and create a task force on jail conditions. - Tim Stevens supported Guthrie’s comments, citing 24 community groups opposed to sending youth outside Allegheny County and calling for a resolution supporting public hearings on Shuman and a council task force on the jail, referencing a University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work report. - Alan Gunther distributed documents including “19 Ways to Fix the Jail” and requested that the Shuman decision be made publicly, not in secret. He urged formation of a jail oversight subcommittee. - Elizabeth Schonger (Pittsburgh Friends Meeting) argued against building a replacement Shuman facility, stating it would be difficult to provide appropriate care in a large-scale detention setting. - Roy Blankenship (BPAP community organizer) described constitutional violations at the county jail, including cruel and unusual punishment, and called on council to act. - Kenan James (Alliance for Police Accountability coalition organizer) detailed conditions at the jail: 17 deaths since 2020, inadequate food and medical care, lack of mental health services, and strip-searching of youth without attorneys or adults present. Discussion Items - Appointment of County Manager (12580-23): Jennifer Liptack was nominated as Allegheny County Manager. Councilmember Walton moved to reconsider referral to the Appointments Review Committee, seeking a direct vote. After debate – with Councilmember Hallam opposing bypassing the standard interview process and others noting Liptack’s current role and qualifications – the motion to reconsider passed 12-2. A subsequent motion to approve the appointment passed 13-0-1 (Hallam abstaining). The position’s term was tied to the current administration. - Sustainable and Socially Responsible Procurement Ordinance (12184-22): The ordinance, recommended unanimously by the Sustainability and Green Initiatives Committee, aimed to codify a unified sustainable procurement policy with a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2028. Councilmember DeMarco opposed, citing concerns about feasibility and burden on procurement staff, stating he would not “virtue signal with somebody else’s money.” Councilmember Filiagi abstained, citing insufficient review. The ordinance passed 12-1-1. - Vendor Responsibility Ordinance (12592-23): A new bill requiring vendors in the formal procurement process to be current on county real estate taxes before bid acceptance was introduced and referred to the Government Reform Committee. - Staff Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Councilmember Palmasina moved to approve a 3% COLA for council staff retroactive to January 1, 2023, as recommended by the Executive Committee. Councilmember Walton opposed, noting the lack of diversity on council staff and stating he would continue opposing such measures until diversity was addressed. Other members acknowledged the issue and pledged to improve outreach and hiring. The motion passed 13-1. Key Outcomes - Jennifer Liptack confirmed as County Manager (effective immediately, term tied to current administration). - Sustainable procurement ordinance (Bill 12184-22) passed (12-1-1). - Staff COLA approved (3% retroactive to January 1, 2023) (13-1). - New vendor responsibility bill (12592-23) referred to Government Reform Committee. - Proclamations were read and presented for Black History Month (Stowe Rock School District), Mike Nichols Day (February 21, 2023), Chance William Case Halloran (memorial), McKeesport Police Officer Sean Solansky (memorial), Officer Charles Thomas, and three Eagle Scouts. - Public comments regarding Shuman Center and jail conditions were received; multiple speakers called for council action on public hearings, resolutions, and a task force.

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on the evening of February 7, 2023. The meeting began with a moment of silence for officers Sean Gansky and Charles Thomas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call (14 members present, later joined by Councilman Klein via teleconference). The agenda included multiple proclamations, appointments, unfinished business, liaison reports, new business, and a public comment. Proclamations - Michael J. Suley (12572-23): Honored for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, recognizing his 40+ years in real estate and advocacy for property tax assessment reform. Council President Katina and RAMP Executive Vice President John Petrack spoke in his honor. - Allison Forge and Amber Furman (12570-23): Recognized for saving the life of a choking first-grade student at Turtle Creek Elementary Steam Academy on January 18, 2023. Sponsored by Councilmember Nakaretti Chatkis. - Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy football team (12573-23): Recognized for their 2022 season. Sponsored by Councilmember Walton. - Carnegie Library of Homestead (12574-23): Recognized on its 125th anniversary. Sponsored by Councilmembers Klein and Macy. - National School Counseling Week (12575-23): Recognized the week of February 6–10, 2023. Sponsored by Councilmember Palmasina. - Joseph Armbrewster (12576-23): Recognized as a life member of Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company. Sponsored by Councilmember Palmery. - Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department (12577-23): Recognized on 60 years of service. Sponsored by Councilmember Nakaretti Chatkis. Appointments - The following appointments were introduced and referred to the Appointment Review Committee: Bavani Patel to the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee; Tanya Vokes and Leslie Paul Jamerson to the Human Relations Commission (sponsored by the Chief Executive). Unfinished Business - 12543-23: Reappointment of Thomas W. Weaver to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board was recommended by the Appointment Review Committee and approved by voice vote (unanimous). - 12562-23: A resolution amending the grants and special accounts budget for 2023 (submission 01-23) was recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee and passed by roll call vote of 15–0. Liaison Reports - Councilman DeMarco acknowledged the special election day in Pennsylvania House Districts 32, 34, and 35, thanking county workers and voters. - Councilman Dewar announced that candidate petition applications are now available online, improving accessibility. New Business - 12578-23: An ordinance authorizing acceptance of 43 parcels of land from the Allegheny Land Trust adjacent to North Park was introduced and referred to the Committee on Parks. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian Engler, president of the county jail union and resident of West Mifflin, spoke in support of a resolution to address staffing shortages at the county jail. He stated the jail is short 50 officers and that from January to June 2022, there were nearly 90,000 hours of overtime, taking a toll on officer mental and physical health. He urged council to pass the resolution to allow qualified corrections professionals from other counties to work in Allegheny County. Key Outcomes - Approval of Thomas W. Weaver's reappointment to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board (unanimous voice vote). - Passage of budget resolution 12562-23 (15–0 roll call). - Introduction of ordinance 12578-23 (land donation) and referral to Parks Committee. - Public comment was heard from Brian Engler regarding jail staffing. - Council recognized election workers and improvements to petition application availability.