Public Meetings - Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on April 8, 2025, with 12 members present and one member participating by telephone. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent prayer or reflection, and a roll call. It included multiple proclamations, approval of minutes, appointments to county boards, referral of a health department ordinance, passage of a resolution related to emergency dispatchers, and public comment focused heavily on air quality permit fees and jail safety interventions. Proclamations & Presentations - 13462-25 - Allegheny County Emergency Services (ACES): Council recognized ACES for assistance to the U.S. Secret Service during the 2024 election cycle, which included coordinating 22 presidential, vice presidential, and former presidential visits. Chief Brown accepted the proclamation and thanked ACES staff, volunteer hazardous materials teams, and regional partners. - 13483-25 - Child Abuse Prevention Month: Council proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Joanne Witkowski Smith, a survivor of child sexual abuse and a 30-year advocate, spoke strongly in favor of prevention, child welfare funding, and community-based services. - 13484-25 - 412 Thrive Day: Council declared Saturday, April 12, 2025 as 412 Thrive Day. Mary Claire Reynolds accepted on behalf of the organization, which supports breast cancer survivors and people with genetic cancer mutations. The proclamation noted the group grew from 11 thrivers to more than 800, with nearly 550 of over 860 thrivers living in Allegheny County. - 13482-25 - National Public Health Week: Council proclaimed April 7-13, 2025 as National Public Health Week. Councilmember Klein noted public health gains since 1994, including smoking rates dropping from 25.5% to 11.4% and childhood mortality falling from 13.8 to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. Dr. Julia Vann, Public Health Director, accepted the proclamation. - Remaining proclamations read into the record: 13485-25 recognizing the 2024-2025 Chartiers Valley Boys Basketball team; 13486-25 recognizing Community Life on its 25th anniversary; 13487-25 celebrating Gloria Jones's 80th birthday; 13488-25 declaring April 5, 2025 as Happy Days in Allegheny County; 13489-25 recognizing Henry Joseph Ruskin's Eagle Scout Award; 13490-25 recognizing Judge Mary Jane Bowes; and 13491-25 recognizing Judge Robert J. Colville. Consent Calendar & Routine Approvals - 13492-25 - Minutes: The council approved the minutes of the March 11, 2025 regular meeting by voice vote. - Appointments: A group of appointments was referred to the Committee on Appointment Review and then approved by voice vote after the committee reported an affirmative recommendation on April 3, 2025. The first group included 13477-25 Jay Costa Jr., 13478-25 Elizabeth Fishbeck, 13479-25 Guillermo Vasquez, and 13480-25 Doralee E. Brooks, all with terms effective through April 22, 2031. The second group, appointments to the Mental Health/Intellectual Disability Advisory Board, included 13419-25 Dr. Yulia Vann, 13420-25 Vanessa Dodds, 13421-25 Deborah Glover Josweak, 13423-25 Dr. Denisha Slider, 13424-25 Imperatrice Dice, 13425-25 David Forsyth, 13426-25 Kirsten Parham, 13427-25 Aisha Carter, 13428-25 Kennetta Fawkes, 13429-25 Rachel Flinner, and 13430-25 Gineverra Jones. - 13493-25 - Executive Actions: The council received and filed the communication summarizing approved executive actions for March 2025. Discussion Items - Councilmember Macy's Mon Valley Report: Councilmember Macy described a report he prepared based on his 19 years of service in the Mon Valley, covering mental health, housing security, food insecurity, air quality, police and emergency services, and care for aging loved ones. He asked that a copy of the report be placed on the record and stressed the continuing need for volunteer firefighters across Allegheny County. - 13494-25 - Health Department Fee Ordinance: An ordinance ratifying revisions to the Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article 19, related to medical service fees, was introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee. - 13495-25 - House Bill 453 Resolution: A motion urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass House Bill 453, which would add emergency call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors to the definition of emergency responders, was approved by voice vote. Every council member was added as a co-sponsor. Public Comments & Testimony - Air Quality Permit Fee Increase: Multiple speakers asked the council to act on the Allegheny County Health Department's proposed air quality permit fee increase. - Edward Wren, a physician, spoke in favor of the fee increase and asked Councilmember Ambrazia for a meeting. He also alleged that two Democratic council members have conflicts of interest due to ties to U.S. Steel and the United Steel Workers. - Patrick Campbell, executive director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, demanded action, saying the proposal has been before the council since June 2024. He stated that 23 facilities in Allegheny County require Title V permits and that inaction diverts nearly half a million dollars from the Clean Air Fund. - Karen Sloan spoke in favor of fully funding the county air quality program, emphasizing that clean air is essential for children and families. - A young speaker identified as Girl Carlton asked the council to approve air quality program funds to protect air for children and animals. - Kat Marquez, Allegheny County Civic Engagement Mobilizer with PennFuture, supported the fee increase as required by state and federal law and the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment. She described developing asthma and said the next council meeting falls on Earth Day, April 22, 2025. - Jay Ting Walker, a community organizer with Clean Air Council, said the fee increases follow EPA audit recommendations and urged the council to vote yes so polluters are held accountable and the Clean Air Fund can be used appropriately. - Matt Nameth asked the Human and Health Services Committee, chaired by Councilmember Paul Klein, to vote on the air permit fees so the full council can consider them. - Jail Interventions: John Kentowitz provided an update on the initiative to reinstate certain safety interventions at the county jail. He introduced OC spray, or pepper spray, as a proposed third intervention alongside the restraint chair and leg shackles for hospital runs. He said the warden wants employees to carry pepper spray, that three separate petitions will be circulated, and that position papers will be provided. He disputed claims that the warden and jail oversight board oppose the restraint chair, saying the deputy warden and warden are neutral. The council reported no public comment on agenda items, but took the general public comments listed above. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. - Approved the recommended appointments by voice vote. - Passed motion 13495-25 urging passage of House Bill 453 to recognize emergency call takers and dispatchers as emergency responders. - Referred ordinance 13494-25, ratifying Health Department medical service fee revisions, to the Health and Human Services Committee. - Received and filed the March 2025 executive actions communication. - Took no immediate vote on the air quality permit fee increase; however, multiple public speakers urged the council and the Human and Health Services Committee to move it forward.

Allegheny County Council met on March 25, 2025, for a regular meeting. No agenda or minutes were included in the source material; this summary is drawn from the transcript. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and initial roll call showing 14 members present, followed by County Executive Sara Innamorato's first quarterly address of 2025, proclamations, routine referrals, unfinished-business votes, new business referrals, and extensive public comment. Quarterly Address of the Chief Executive - County Executive Innamorato began with a remembrance of parks Deputy Director Andy Grobe, who died at age 39 after 20 years with the county, and welcomed Mike Gable as interim parks director and Warden Trevor Wingard at the Allegheny County Jail. - Workforce updates included a deal with CCAC to offer free tuition to county employees, a new federal-worker jobs portal that had received 80 resumes within its first few weeks, and plans for Take Your Children to Work Day on April 24. - Parks updates: Boyce Park winter attendance in skiing, tubing, and lessons more than doubled year over year; lifeguard hiring is underway; South Park pickleball court construction includes lighting and pedestrian improvements; the Settlers Cabin paved ADA trail will begin construction in April or May; and new public flush restrooms are planned at Boyce Park and South Park. - Public Works reported 53 drivers worked 29,224 hours, used 13,311 tons of salt and 900 gallons of calcium to clear 34 inches of snow from 356 miles of roadway, and received only 9 snow and ice complaints. The $13.4 million Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project has reopened the inbound tunnel and plans to reopen the outbound tunnel this summer. - Emergency services and elections: the county hazard mitigation plan update aims for participation from all 130 municipalities; a new I Voted sticker was designed by a Mount Lebanon 10th grader after 13,000 public votes; the primary is May 20; and the county has hired 4,000 poll workers but needs 3,000 more. - Health Department updates included nearly $2 million invested in opioid prevention, treatment, and harm reduction; H5N1 bird flu education; no current measles cases in Allegheny County; and a new health laboratory ribbon cutting scheduled for April 7. - DHS-related updates: veteran services were moved under the Department of Human Services; winter shelter capacity was expanded beyond the previous code blue model; the 500 in 500 plan has created more than 233 units and housed more than 369 people; DHS provided $224,000 in emergency family support to refugee resettlement groups; and year-to-date medication treatment for opioid use disorder at the jail increased 28% over last year. - Jail updates: National Commission on Correctional Health Care accreditation was renewed in January; the new warden implemented a new command structure, made operational changes in the children's pod, and is working with Animal Friends on a dog program. A volunteer banquet is set for April 23, and Bishop Zubick will lead a holy week service. - Economic development updates included distribution of the first round of the Mon Valley Air Quality U.S. Steel Settlement, with the next round open; $10.48 million in GEDTF funds for 72 community projects; comprehensive plan public engagement beginning this summer; and introduction of the Manchester Chateau TRID legislation, expected to bring thousands of jobs and over $1 billion in economic output. - The County Executive reported the county is on track for revenue and expenditures, announced quarterly budget briefings for council, and discussed lobbying the state for senior care, jail health care, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit funding. She criticized federal funding freezes and cuts, noting the loss of earmarks including $3 million for the 500 in 500 initiative, a Rankin workforce training center, PA Route 837 transit and pedestrian safety enhancements, and Turtle Creek flood mitigation. Council Q&A - Councilman Fatulas raised the Pittsburgh Regional Transit deficit. The County Executive said the county maximizes its state match, noting a return of $17 for every $1 the county contributes, and is working with PRT and advocates on a Harrisburg narrative. Fatulas said 14 to 17 communities could lose service completely and urged all council members and the public to lobby state officials. - Councilman Grisbeck said 13 council members had signed a letter supporting PRT funding and asked how shelter capacity was expanded beyond code blue. The County Executive credited DHS leadership, about $13 million per year in shelter infrastructure funding, and community host sites that operated with minimal disruption. - Councilwoman Hallam asked about free or subsidized bus passes and parking for county employees. The County Executive said employee benefits are under review, including wages, child care, transit, and education. Hallam strongly advocated for bus passes and parking. - Councilman Palmery raised widespread litter after the winter and proposed a countywide cleanup initiative. The County Executive promoted the Adopt a Street program and Earth Day volunteer opportunities. - A council member asked about the Schuman Center expansion to 60 beds. The County Executive said design and footprint planning are ongoing and a capacity answer would be provided later. Proclamations - National Library Week, April 6 through 12, 2025, sponsored by Councilmembers Filiagi, Embrazia, and Grisbeck. A speaker noted the Allegheny County Library Association has 46 independent libraries and about 70 locations, and a library association representative accepted the proclamation. - National Public Defender Day, March 18, 2025, sponsored by Councilmembers Hallam and Grisbeck. Councilwoman Hallam praised public defenders and staff; Chief Public Defender Lena Henderson noted the 60th anniversary of the Allegheny County Public Defender's Office and honored long-serving staff. - Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025, sponsored by Councilmembers Hallam and Grisbeck. - A proclamation recognizing Indiana Township Mayor Darren Crawley, sponsored by Councilmember Prizio. - A proclamation congratulating Matthew Thomas Ricciardy on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, sponsored by Councilmember Grisbeck. Routine Approvals and Referrals - Council approved the minutes of the February 25, 2025 regular meeting by voice vote. - Council received and filed notification of contracts 13469-25, summarizing approved executive actions for February 2025. - Appointments were referred to the Committee on Appointment Review without objection: reappointments to Friends of North Park for Lauren McAndrews, Barbara Gartner, Nancy Furby, Heidi Fornozick, Lawrence Steckle, Gerard Offman, and Kenneth Also, and Roberta Haas to Friends of South Park. All listed appointments have terms effective through March 25, 2028. Unfinished Business - Due to the Schuman Center litigation, council was required to submit three recommendations to the Chief Executive, who will appoint one as the citizen member of the juvenile detention board of advisors. The votes were recommendations, not confirmations. - 13318-25, recommending Dr. Terry Collin Dillmore, passed by roll-call vote with 14 in favor and 1 opposed. - 13406-25, recommending Rabbi Moisha Meyer Vogel, passed by voice vote. - 13408-25, recommending Lee Davis, passed by voice vote. - 13344-24, ratifying revisions to Allegheny County Health Department Article 3 food safety rules, passed by roll-call vote with 15 in favor and 0 opposed. New Business - 13470-25: referendum question on term limits for a single elected county official for the November 4, 2025 ballot, referred to the Committee on Government Reform. - 13471-25: referendum question prohibiting county funding for personal staff of County Council members, referred to the Committee on Government Reform. - 13472-25: authorization for Community Specialist Corporation to continue using South Park property as a respite and wellness center for health care workers and first responders, referred to the Committee on Parks. - 13473-25: authorization for 100 Acres Manor Incorporated to continue using South Park property for its annual haunted house attractions, referred to the Committee on Parks after an initial misstatement that it would go to Government Reform. - 13474-25: resolution agreeing to participate in a transit revitalization investment district plan for phase one of the Manchester Chateau Project, referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Job Creation. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Graves Marcucci cited a 2018 EPA Title V audit raising concerns about staffing and permit fees at the Allegheny County Health Department, and asked which positions would go unfilled under a plan to balance the budget by not filling ten vacant positions. - John Kenstewitz spoke about correctional officer stress, PTSD, suicide rates, and low life expectancy, and urged a yes vote on the agenda initiative related to the restraint chair and leg shackles. - Zachary Barber supported the revised air permitting fees, saying ten facilities produce about two-thirds of industrial toxic emissions in the county and that Clean Air Act fees are legally required. - Cindy Meckle and her husband announced they are leaving Allegheny County, citing pollution from U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works after the 2018 Christmas Eve fire, test results including benzene at 17 parts per million, high lead and arsenic in soil, the deaths of three dogs from cancer, and unaddressed complaints to ACHD. Her husband, a Valley Clean Air Now member, said VCAN has placed hundreds of air purifiers in Mon Valley homes and described his wife's declining health. - Kellyanne Fricket asked council to bring the Title V permit fee ordinance up for a vote, citing a 2024 air quality program deficit of over $540,000 and the Board of Health's use of the maximum 5% of Clean Air Fund balances to cover operations. - Gail Newstatt urged full funding and staffing of the air quality program, citing Pennsylvania's Environmental Rights Amendment, Article 1, Section 27, and the county's poor air quality rankings. - Karen Sloan, a Presbyterian pastor and parent, spoke in support of pollution permit fee increases as a moral and faith-based issue. - Belle Carlton, a child, asked council to vote for cleaner air and better health for kids. - Jonathan Blanton of Brighton Heights supported air quality funding, arguing strong, well-funded regulation also protects businesses from bankruptcy and negligence costs. - Paula Scomenia of Highland Park supported fee increases, citing research linking fine particulate pollution to dementia, including an estimate of 188,000 dementia cases per year nationally and higher-than-average dementia rates among older Allegheny County residents. - Patrick Campbell, executive director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, criticized council for not acting on the air quality fee proposal, said the fee schedule is not punitive, and argued inaction had diverted nearly half a million dollars from the Clean Air Fund to administrative costs. - Natalie Davidson of PennFuture supported the fee increase under the Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania's Environmental Rights Amendment, and urged all council members to vote to protect residents. - David Swanson, president of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network and a Swissvale resident, displayed particulate debris collected from his window well, said his 9-year-old daughter had respiratory symptoms for seven months, and asked council to be courageous enough to vote for the fee increase. - Jacob Poole asked council to conduct a census of homeless residents and made unsubstantiated allegations about child trafficking and forced labor. - Kate Walker, minister of the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, called the air quality fee vote a moral issue, said she represents more than 240 members, and urged council not to accept industry job-loss threats. Key Outcomes - Council recommended three candidates to the Chief Executive for the juvenile detention board of advisors: Dr. Terry Collin Dillmore passed 14-1; Rabbi Moisha Meyer Vogel and Lee Davis passed by voice vote. - The food safety ordinance revisions passed 15-0. - All new ordinances and resolutions were referred to committees; no final action was taken on them. - Council did not vote on the air quality permit fee increase. During public comment, a request was made to amend the agenda to add it. The solicitor said the item was not posted on the agenda and voting on it would violate the Sunshine Act. A council member noted council rules may allow pulling bills from committee, but the solicitor responded that it still must be on the posted agenda to act. Council then voted to adjourn.

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Fourth Floor Gold Room, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Council President Patrick Catena presided. The meeting included proclamations, approval of minutes, appointments, a land conveyance, introduction of new ordinances, and public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (13432-25): The minutes of the February 11, 2025 regular meeting were approved by voice vote with no discussion. - Appointments: The Council approved by roll call (12-0) a series of appointments to the Community Services Advisory Council (5 members) and the Mental Health/Intellectual Disability Advisory Board (12 members), all sponsored by the Chief Executive. Terms varied through March 2027 or March 2028. - Unfinished Business - Land Conveyance (13411-25): Ordinance authorizing the donation and conveyance of a 5,983-square-foot parcel of County-owned land on Western Avenue, Borough of Emsworth, was approved by roll call (12-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Jacob Poole (formerly Zoltan Jolt Levin Tyakov): Speaking as a public commenter, Mr. Poole alleged he was a victim of child trafficking from the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia to the United States via American-operated camps in the 1980s and 1990s. He claimed that approximately 60,000 people in the Pittsburgh metro area were brought under similar circumstances and proposed a census to identify victims. He stated that his medical and identity documents have been manipulated. - Eric Karoki Breasts (Allegheny County Treasurer): Speaking late but with Council permission, the Treasurer expressed strong support for proposed Ordinance 13433-25 (Tax Bill Disclosure Bill of Rights). He noted his office has already redesigned tax bills to improve readability, but acknowledged missing the homestead exemption caused confusion. He supported codifying best practices, including a statutory deadline for mailing bills, and offered partnership with Council. Discussion Items - Ordinance 13433-25 (Tax Bill Disclosure Bill of Rights): Sponsored by Council Members Catena, Naccarati-Chapkis, Palmosina, and Filiaggi, this ordinance amends the Administrative Code to establish mandatory best practices for information on County real estate tax bills. It was referred to the Committee on Assessment Practices. - Ordinance 13434-25 (False Claims Amendment): Sponsored by the same members, this ordinance amends Chapter 485 of the County Code to clarify applicability regarding misuse of County resources for political purposes. It was referred to the Committee on Government Reform. Key Outcomes - Proclamations (13435-25 through 13444-25): Nine proclamations were presented or read into the record, recognizing Frank Aggazio (retiring Executive Director of Allegheny County Housing Authority), Christina Cassotis (2024 Pittsburgher of the Year), Molly Bozick (I Voted sticker contest winner), the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, the Irish Society for Education and Charity, and several parade dignitaries. Additionally, five other proclamations/certificates (13445-25 through 13449-25) were read into the record. - Appointments and Land Conveyance: All appointments and the land conveyance were approved unanimously (12-0). - New Business Referrals: Two ordinances were introduced and referred to committees for further consideration. - Public Comment on General Items: No additional comments beyond those noted above. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned without further business.

Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on February 25, 2025, at 10:15 AM. The agenda included multiple proclamations, the approval of previous meeting minutes, the referral of several appointments, and second-reading votes on ordinances related to park uses. Public comment focused on air quality funding, the restraint chair at the jail, and a sovereign citizen statement. All business was conducted with 15 members present. Consent Calendar - None presented; all items were handled individually or via committee reports. Public Comments & Testimony - John Kent Switz (Pittsburgh, 15206) – Urged council to reinstate the restraint chair at the county jail. He offered to arrange a Zoom meeting with correctional officers to discuss resident and officer safety. Cited Department of Health recognition that the restraint chair allows upright positioning at eye level with medical/mental health staff, facilitating de-escalation and clinical procedures. - Tom Bailey (Penn Hills) – Addressed three topics: (1) the 2018 U.S. EPA evaluation of the Allegheny County Health Department, which found it short-staffed and 12–18 months delayed in completing Title V permits; (2) his wife’s asthma, exacerbated by pollution from U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works (the largest local emitter of particulate matter, benzene, and greenhouse gases); (3) the Health Department’s December 2024 proposal to increase Title V permit fees by 700% – which lacked council support. He argued that underfunding enforcement weakens air quality protections and urged council to increase Title V fees to fully fund the Health Department and force polluters to comply. - Dr. Gabriel Cisneros (Children’s Community Pediatrics, Medical Director at Children’s Express Care, Secretary-Treasurer of PA AAP) – Speaking as an individual pediatrician, he described the health harms of air pollution on children (prematurity, asthma, cancer, etc.) and noted that Black, Hispanic, and Asian American children are disproportionately affected. He asked council to vote yes on the Health Department’s plan to fully fund its air quality program through a revised permit fee schedule. - Roslyn Daly (Monroeville, Allegheny County Assembly) – Offered a blessing and read a lengthy declaration asserting that “we the people” have reclaimed dominion and transferred power from the County of Allegheny Corporation back to a “Republic.” The statement invoked natural law, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pennsylvania Constitution. - Nora Johnson (Squirrel Hill South) – Supported full funding of the Health Department’s air quality program. She described personal exposure to emissions from Clairton Coke Works and Parkway East tailpipe pollution, noted health risks (stroke, heart disease, cancer, declining fertility), and argued that polluters should bear the cost of regulation rather than passing it to the public. Discussion Items - Proclamations (four items, read into the record): - 13401-25 – Women in Construction Week (March 2–8, 2025), sponsored by Councilmember Hallam. Joelle Salerno (Vice President, NAWIC Pittsburgh) accepted, highlighting the organization’s 6,000+ members in 120 chapters and the third annual NAWIC Girls in Construction Camp for grades 8–12. - (Second proclamation added by motion) – Recognizing Sir Pizza for 50 years in the North Hills (founded March 1975 by the Filiaggi family). Councilmember Filiaggi accepted, noting the family history and the pizza’s signature no-crust style. - 13402-25 – Proclamation for Angela Mike (30 years with Pittsburgh Public Schools), sponsored by Councilmember Walton. Certificates cited her leadership of CTE programs serving 4,000+ students annually, 22 programs, expanded cooperative education, virtual/augmented reality labs, and millions in grants. Angela Mike spoke about being a former CTE student and her mission to rebrand vocational education. - 13403-25 – Proclamation declaring February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month in Allegheny County, also sponsored by Councilmember Walton. Representatives from Pittsburgh Public Schools, Steel Center CTE, and others spoke about the value of CTE, with Steel Center undergoing a $35 million renovation. - Approval of Minutes – Minutes of the January 28, 2025 regular meeting (13410-25) were approved by voice vote. - Appointments Presented (referred to Committee on Appointment Review): - Six appointments to the Juvenile Detention Board of Advisors, Friends of Hartwood Acres, and others. - Also, a proclamation congratulating Katie Floor on retirement from the Court of Common Pleas (read but not voted). - Unfinished Business – Committee on Appointment Review (second-reading votes): - 13370-25 – Appointment of Grant Gitlin to the Allegheny County Housing Authority (term through Dec 31, 2029) – approved by voice vote. - 13390-25 – Appointment of Alan Chakrow to the Accountability Conduct and Ethics Commission (term through Feb 11, 2030) – approved by voice vote. - Appointments to Friends of Parks (11 reappointments/appointments to Harrison Hills, Hartwood Acres, South Park, Boyce Park, North Park) – motion made by Councilmember Nakarati-Chapkis to approve en bloc based on the committee’s affirmative recommendation; passed by voice vote. - Unfinished Business – Committee on Parks (second-reading ordinances, all roll call votes): - 13383-25 – Authorizing amateur astronomers from Pittsburgh to use Deer Lakes Park for astronomy programs – passed 15-0. - 13384-25 – Authorizing Family Links Incorporated to use Boyce Park for human services programs – passed 15-0. - 13385-25 – Authorizing North Hills Council of Governments to use North Park as a leaf compost site – passed 15-0. - New Business – Ordinance 13411-25 authorizing donation/conveyance of a 5,983 sq ft parcel on Western Avenue, Emsworth, to the Department of Public Works; referred to Committee on Public Works. Key Outcomes - Proclamations – Four proclamations were presented and accepted; no vote required. - Minutes Approved – January 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes were approved. - Appointments Approved – Two single appointments (Gitlin, Chakrow) and 11 park-related appointments (en bloc) were approved by voice vote. - Park Use Ordinances – Three ordinances (13383-25, 13384-25, 13385-25) passed unanimously (15-0 each). - New Ordinance Referred – 13411-25 sent to the Committee on Public Works. - Public Comment – No formal action taken on public comments; the council heard testimony but did not deliberate or vote on the issues raised.

The Allegheny County Council met on February 11, 2025, in an evening session with 11 members present at the start and a 12th joining later. The meeting included an interim at-large council appointment, public comment, second-reading ordinances, appointments, and liaison reports. No agenda or minutes were provided, so item numbers are as read from the transcript. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the January 14, 2025, regular meeting by voice vote. - Councilmember Naccarati-Chapkis sponsored proclamation 13397-25 recognizing Cynthia Carrow on her retirement from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy after 51 years. Carrow said the work included 90 community gardens, 7,000 volunteers, and about 1,200 hanging baskets and street planters annually. Public Comments & Testimony - Ryan O'Cain criticized the sudden interim appointment process and lack of public notice. He supported separating assessment appeals (item 13276-24), the complete streets policy (item 12952-24), the Human Relations Commission ordinance (13317-24), and the tax deadline extension (13400-25). - Jacob Evangelista, vice president of Complete Streets at Pitt, supported the complete streets ordinance and cited traffic deaths, including nine-year-old Courtney Carter. - Neil Desai, reading a prepared comment for Tom Pike, supported complete streets and described a Forest Hills county road where the county repaved over a municipal complete streets plan. - Dylan Bisescu, a new District 11 resident and environmental lawyer, supported complete streets, citing 23 road deaths in 2023 and potential federal air quality non-compliance. - Jonathan Blanton of Brighton Heights supported complete streets to improve access to jobs, school, health care, and public life. - Brendan Wissinger of Forest Hills supported complete streets, describing unsafe conditions on Greensburg Pike and calling for coverage of all 1.5 million county residents. - John Kensowitz spoke in general public comment on the jail restraint chair. He argued the 2022 referendum banning it was vague, urged use of the 500-voter county council agenda initiative to reinstate it, and said it should be limited to transport and medical assessment. Discussion Items - Interim At-Large Appointment: Councilmember Filiaggi, chair of the Republican caucus, nominated Mike Ambrasia to fill the at-large seat left by Sam DeMarco. Councilmember Hallam abstained, saying she had only about 11 minutes with the nominee, the agenda only said nominations, the nominee was not named, and the process lacked transparency. Another councilmember echoed concerns about the process while praising the nominee. A senior councilmember said party replacement has been the traditional practice. The appointment passed 12-0 with one abstention, and Ambrasia was sworn in. Ambrasia said he is a Mount Lebanon resident, an executive at a robotics company, previously ran for a council seat, and plans to run for the seat beyond the interim term. - Complete Streets Ordinance: The council passed an ordinance requiring a complete streets plan by the Department of Economic Development in cooperation with the Department of Public Works no later than December 31, 2025. It passed 12-0 with one abstention. - Human Relations Commission Ordinance (13317-24): The council passed amendments to Chapter 215, Article 5 to strengthen the Human Relations Commission's ability to ensure equal opportunities in employment, housing, and public accommodation. It was amended and recommended by the Committee on Housing and Homelessness on January 28, 2025, and passed 12-0. - Real Estate Tax Deadline Extension (13400-25): The council extended the county real estate tax discount deadline from March 31, 2025, to April 30, 2025, and the face-period deadline from May 1, 2025, to May 31, 2025. All present members were added as co-sponsors. The second reading was waived and the bill passed. - Appointments: President Catena sent all presented appointments back to the Appointment Review Committee for a second round of interviews. These included juvenile detention board advisory appointments (13318-24 through 13321-24), an ethics commission appointment (13390-25), and Friends of the Park for North Park appointments (13392-25, 13393-25, 13394-25). - Contract Notification (13399-25): A communication summarizing approved executive actions for January 2025 was received. Liaison Reports - Councilmember Naccarati-Chapkis reported on an EMS Council meeting with state leaders. EMS challenges included recruitment and retention, staffing shortages, low pay, long hours, underfunding, rising health care costs, no transport equals no pay, and public apathy. She cited a 2024 increase to 73,910, a 52.6% increase in a stretcher system purchase. - A councilmember reported that a large Pittsburgh homeless encampment was resolved with residents accepting new housing, and that Mark Fogle of Oakmont was released from a Russian jail. - Naccarati-Chapkis agreed that EMS challenges mirror recruitment and service pressures facing volunteer fire departments and police. Key Outcomes - Mike Ambrasia was appointed and sworn in as the interim at-large council member. - The complete streets ordinance passed. - The Human Relations Commission ordinance passed. - The real estate tax deadline extension passed. - Appointments were referred back to committee. - The January 14, 2025, meeting minutes were approved.

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Gold Room of the County Office Building. The meeting featured multiple proclamations honoring individuals and organizations, introduction of four new ordinances, liaison reports, and public testimony on air quality permit fees and jail restraint chair use. No votes were taken on new business items; ordinances were referred to committees. Proclamations & Recognitions - 13335-25 – Jon Delano: Recognized for 30 years at KDKA-TV as a political analyst. Council members and former council member Sam DeMarco spoke warmly of his career. Delano expressed gratitude and noted he may still appear occasionally on election nights. - 13372-25 – Sam DeMarco: Commended for his decade of service as an Allegheny County Council member (Republican at-large). Multiple council members praised his bipartisan approach, integrity, and service. DeMarco is leaving to become Southwest Regional Director for U.S. Senator David McCormick. - 13379-25 – Ed Woodruff ("Woody"): Recognized as Pittsburgh Regional Transit's oldest bus operator (age 84, driving for over 20 years). Woodruff shared stories from his career and plans to retire on April 1, 2026. - 13380-25 – Peter Schepis: Proclamation recognizing his 100th birthday (read into record). - 13381-25 – McKeesport Model Railroad Club: Celebrating its 75th anniversary (read into record). Liaison Reports - Councilman Nick Futules reported on the implementation of last year's spontaneous combustion legislation. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office and the Restaurant Association have created educational brochures on fire safety for restaurants, a direct outcome of the council's work. New Business – Ordinances Introduced & Referred to Committees - 13382-25: Authorizing acceptance of two horse donations for the Allegheny County Police Mounted Unit. Referred to Public Safety Committee. - 13383-25: Authorizing the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh to continue using Deer Lakes Park for astronomy programs. Referred to Parks Committee. - 13384-25: Authorizing Family Links Inc. to continue using Boyce Park for human services programs. Referred to Parks Committee. - 13385-25: Authorizing North Hills Council of Governments to continue using North Park as a leaf compost site. Referred to Parks Committee. Public Comments & Testimony Three members of the public spoke during the general public comment period: - John Kenstewitz (Pittsburgh 15206) urged the council to revisit the 2022 voter referendum that banned the use of restraint chairs in the Allegheny County Jail. He argued that the chair is needed to safely transport residents who are resisting, to prevent injury to both inmates and officers, and to ensure medical evaluations occur. He stated the jail is the only one in Pennsylvania not using restraint chairs, leading to physical struggles and potential liability. - Margaret Fisher (Pittsburgh, Democratic Committee Woman of 14th Ward) spoke in favor of increasing permit fees on industrial polluters. She cited an Allegheny County Health Department operational budget shortfall of $1,840,920 and highlighted health impacts from air pollution, including her own multiple sclerosis (which she linked to environmental toxins). She urged a yes vote to protect public health. - Jay Ting Walker (Outreach Coordinator, Clean Air Council, speaking for the Breathe Collaborative) also supported the fee increases. He noted the EPA's 2018 audit recommended the health department charge sufficient permit fees, and that the department's air program is under-resourced with a backlog. He argued that the increased fees would be negligible for large polluters: U.S. Steel's total annual Title V fees under the proposal would be $1,165,000, less than 0.01% of its 2023 earnings of $2.14 billion. He urged the council to approve the permit fee rate increases. Key Outcomes - All four new ordinances were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees (Public Safety, Parks) for further consideration. No votes were taken on the ordinances. - The meeting adjourned via a unanimous voice vote after a motion was made and seconded. - No formal action was taken on the public comment topics (restraint chair or permit fees); they remain items for future council consideration.

The Allegheny County Council met on January 14, 2025, at 10:15 AM, with 10 members present initially. The meeting included a special introduction of the new warden of the Allegheny County Jail, proclamations, public comment, approval of minutes, appointments, referral of two assessment-related bills back to committee, and the resignation of Councilman DeMarco. Councilman DeMarco abstained from all votes due to his new role as Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Director for U.S. Senator David McCormick. Proclamations & Recognitions - 13371-25: A proclamation declaring January 14, 2025, as the 25 Club of UPMC McGee Women's Hospital Day in Allegheny County, sponsored by Councilmember Macy. Representatives from the 25 Club accepted the proclamation, describing the club's 85-year history of supporting neonatal research and care. - 13373-25: A proclamation recognizing Eric Cust for his heroic actions leading residents to safety after a fire in Verona, sponsored by Councilmember Fatulis. - 13374-25: A proclamation recognizing Jim Rullo for his contributions to the borough of Pitcairn, sponsored by Councilmember Nakarati Chapkis. Special Guest: Warden Trevor Wingard - Trevor Wingard, the new warden of the Allegheny County Jail (hired the previous day), introduced himself. He stated he worked in corrections his whole life, including as interim warden in 2010, and invited council members to tour the facility. Councilmember Nakarati Chapkis and another member met with him earlier and expressed confidence that he is "exactly what that jail needs." Public Comments & Testimony - John Sylvestry, a former assistant solicitor to the Board of Assessment (1978–1998), spoke in favor of legislation to create greater autonomy for the Board of Assessment. He argued that politics has been increasingly injected into the board, undermining its independence. He noted that the board currently has only one official employee and relies on the county's Office of Property Assessments, which also sets assessed values, creating a conflict of interest in the appeals process. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes of the December 3, 2024, regular meeting: passed (voice vote). - Motion to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2024, regular meeting: passed (voice vote). Councilman DeMarco abstained. Appointments - Referral to Committee on Appointment Review: Two nominations were presented and referred: - 13369-25: Lindsay Ritter to Friends of the Park for Boyce Park (term through Jan 14, 2028). - 13370-25: Grant Gitland to Allegheny County Housing Authority (term through Dec 31, 2029). - Final Votes on Appointments (all sponsored by the Chief Executive): - 13322-24 through 13334-24: Appointments to the Housing Advisory Committee (terms through Jan 14, 2028). - 13341-24: Emily Rostquitz as public director of Allegheny County Conservation District (term through Dec 31, 2027). - The Committee on Appointment Review had recommended approval on January 7, 2025. The motion passed; Councilman DeMarco abstained, and Councilwoman Nakarati Chapkis abstained on her own appointment (13322-24). Discussion Items - Assessment Bills Referred Back to Committee: Councilmember Philiagi (via phone) moved to refer bills 13276-24 and 13277-24 back to the Committee on Assessment Practices. These bills aimed to increase independence and transparency of the assessment appeals board (B FAR) by altering staff assignments. She stated that after discussions with the administration, further refinement of the concept was needed. The referral was approved without objection. - New Business – Budget Transfer Committee: Councilmember Palmasina introduced a motion (13376-25?) to re-establish the year-end budget transfer committee, which processes transactions for closing the county books. The motion passed with Councilman DeMarco abstaining. - Notification of Contracts: Communication summarizing approved executive actions for December 2024 (13378-25) was received and filed. Councilman DeMarco's Resignation - Councilman DeMarco announced he was resigning effective immediately, having taken a role with Senator McCormick. He thanked colleagues and reflected on his nine-plus years of service, emphasizing issue-based disagreements. Former council members Michael Finnerty and Cindy Kirk presented him with a framed slate tile from the courthouse roof as a farewell gift. Key Outcomes - Proclamations (13371-25, 13373-25, 13374-25) were approved. - Minutes of December 3 and December 17, 2024, were approved. - Appointments to Housing Advisory Committee and Conservation District were approved (abstentions noted). - Bills 13276-24 and 13277-24 were referred back to the Committee on Assessment Practices for further discussion. - The Budget Transfer Committee was re-established. - Councilman DeMarco's resignation letter was accepted; he abstained from all votes. - Meeting adjourned.

The Allegheny County Council met on December 17, 2024, at 10:15 AM. The meeting included proclamations, public testimony on proposed air permit fee increases, unanimous approval of several appointments and resolutions, and the referral of two key bills back to committee due to insufficient votes. The council also heard public comments on correctional officer mental health and pension concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the November 6, 2024, regular meeting (13342-24) and the November 19, 2024, regular meeting (13343-24) unanimously. Proclamations - A proclamation commending Eliza Davis for receiving the Girl Scouts Gold Award was presented by Councilmember Pritzio. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts earn this award. Davis’s project focused on harm reduction and opiate overdose response. - Four additional proclamations recognizing John Kearns, Judy Ferguson, Maureen Hennekamp, and Rhoda Wharf for their service to the Riverview Community Action Corporation were read into the record. Public Comments & Testimony Air Permit Fee Increases (Ordinance 13228-24 and Resolution 13229-24) - Tom Bailey (Penn Hills resident) urged council to increase permit fees for the Health Department, citing his wife’s severe asthma and pollution from the Clairton Coke Works. He criticized Councilmembers Macy, Palmieri, and DeMarco for expected no votes, accusing them of opposing clean air protections. - Karen Burns Hertigliano (Plum resident, Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network) called for a yes vote, noting the Health Department has been understaffed and backlogged for seven years. - Art Thomas (Clairton resident, Valley Clean Air Now) described the Mon Valley as the “arm pit of the universe” and highlighted high cancer rates and asthma among children. He stated that his wife has neurosarcoidosis, linked to coal byproducts. - Jay Ting Walker (Clean Air Council outreach coordinator) supported the fee increases, noting that 248 Allegheny County residents contacted council. He stated that the permit fees are minuscule compared to polluter profits. - Angelo Taranto (Allegheny County Clean Air Now) urged a yes vote, describing residents near industrial sites who must wear respirators inside their homes. - Edward Wren submitted written testimony and argued the bill is a public health and crime bill, not anti-business, and that poor air quality deters investment. - Matt Mahalick (Breathe Project executive director) cited a report showing soot pollution kills between 640 and 1,300 people annually in Allegheny County, with disproportionate impacts on low-income communities (33% higher) and communities of color (18% higher). He noted U.S. Steel’s $12.3 billion trailing revenue and argued that a $53,000 permit every five years is negligible. - Dilla Mustangelo (Bloomfield resident) urged a yes vote, stating that air quality equates to quality of life. - Thaddeus Popovich (Ohio Township resident, multiple clean air organizations) shared his personal story of needing quintuple bypass surgery due to air pollution from the Shenango Coke plant. He referenced a friend in Clairton with asthma, lupus, and neurosarcoidosis. - Patrick Campbell (executive director, Group Against Smog and Pollution) emphasized that the proposal is required by the Clean Air Act and would empower Health Department staff. - Kelly Ann Ferkeddock (Elizabeth Township resident) urged a yes vote, stating that U.S. Steel spends $1.65 million on lobbying and pays board members $175,000 annually, while the proposed fee increases are a fraction of their profits. - Soria Lee (District 11 resident) urged a yes vote, noting her work with impacted residents. - Phoebe Reese (O’Hara Township resident, Climate Reality Project) described the fee increase as a “gift” for future generations and argued that children cannot choose to stop breathing. - Joe Callahan (Southwest PA Grassroots Town Halls) presented 324 petition signatures urging a yes vote. - Natisha Washington (Breathe Project communications manager, Wilkinsburg council member) emphasized the 640 premature deaths per year and asked, “Is 640 lives worth $10,000 a year for the people causing them to die?” - Ilias Kahn (Swiss Home Park resident, Carnegie Mellon student) shared his personal asthma hospitalizations during holidays. He framed the fee increase as fiscally conservative, reducing the county deficit while protecting public health. - Joshua Ash (University of Pittsburgh Environmental Law and Policy Clinic director) reframed the issue as a win-win opportunity for clean industry and government collaboration. - Dana Siler (Squirrel Hill resident, mother, Citizens Climate Lobby volunteer) described smelling rotten eggs and poor air quality, and noted that her mother avoids visiting due to bad air. - Wanda Wilson (Penn Environment Research and Policy Center) testified that U.S. Steel’s Clairton plant currently pays $8,000 annually for a Title V permit and releases 1.1 million pounds of toxic emissions. The proposed increase to $55,000 is just three-thousandths of a percent of U.S. Steel’s 2023 earnings of $2.14 billion. General Public Comments - John Kensowitz discussed mental health needs of correctional officers, citing high suicide rates, PTSD, and low life expectancy. He urged council to prioritize mental health services and suggested partnering with universities. - Brian Englert (Correction Officers Union president) highlighted the pension fund’s projected depletion in 15 years, noting that correction officers, sheriff’s deputies, and police contributed $11 million of the $45 billion in contributions. He also raised concerns about wasteful overtime and staffing at the jail. Discussion Items Appointments to the Board of Health - Councilmember Nakaretti Chapkis moved approval of multiple appointments to the Board of Health (terms through January 13, 2029). - Councilmember DeMarco expressed concern that the administration had replaced nearly the entire board, losing institutional knowledge. He noted no members with food safety or restaurant experience, despite the Health Department’s oversight of food service permits. - Councilmember Filiaggi echoed concerns, stating that the board lacks representation from the restaurant industry. He highlighted permitting backlogs delaying restaurant openings, especially for non-English speakers. - Councilmember Hallum clarified that permitting is done by the Health Department, not the Board of Health, but acknowledged the need for food safety perspective. - Councilmember Klein noted that the new board brings strong expertise in air quality and public health, which was previously lacking. - Councilmember Walton criticized the lack of African American representation on the county council staff, calling it “repugnant.” - The group of appointments (excluding Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew) passed on a voice vote. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew’s appointment passed on a roll call vote (14-1 or 15-0? The record is unclear, but it passed). Referral of Air Permit Fee Increase Back to Committee - Councilmember Klein, chair of Health and Human Services, stated that while eight votes existed, ten were needed for passage (a supermajority required for this regulation). To avoid a defeat and restart of the process, he requested President Katina refer the ordinance (13228-24) and resolution (13229-24) back to the Health and Human Services Committee for reconsideration in January. The referral was made. Referral of Human Relations Commission Ordinance Back to Committee - Councilmember Nakaretti Chapkis attempted to pull the bill back to a vote, but President Katina referred it to the Housing and Homelessness Committee. Councilmember Hallum disputed the president’s authority to re-refer, but the referral stood. The ordinance would have amended the Human Relations Commission to enforce housing discrimination laws; Hallum expressed frustration that potential funding was being lost by not passing it before year-end. Other Business - Appointments to the Housing Advisory Committee (13322-24 through 13328-24, and 13334-24) were approved en bloc on a voice vote, except for one objection from Councilmember DeMarco regarding the Conservation District appointee? Actually the Conservation District appointment was handled separately and passed. - Appointment of James R. Byrne Jr. to the Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission (13269-24) was approved. - Two TIF-related resolutions: Summerset at Frick Park (13284-24) and dissolution of the Westport TIF district (13308-24) passed unanimously. - Ordinance 13214-24, establishing a transparent database of seats on authorities, boards, and commissions, passed unanimously. - Notification of contracts for November 2024 (13345-24) was received and filed. Key Outcomes - All proclamations were read and recognized. - Minutes of previous meetings were approved. - Appointments to the Housing Advisory Committee, Conservation District, Accountability Conduct and Ethics Commission, and Board of Health (except one) were approved. - The air permit fee increase (Ordinance 13228-24 and Resolution 13229-24) was referred back to the Health and Human Services Committee due to lack of ten votes required for passage. It will be reconsidered in January 2025. - The Human Relations Commission ordinance (13317-24) was referred back to the Housing and Homelessness Committee. - Two TIF resolutions and the database ordinance passed unanimously. - The council received the November 2024 contract notification.

The Allegheny County Council convened on December 3, 2024, at 10:15 AM to address the 2025 county budget, including a contentious debate over a proposed millage increase. After over two hours of public testimony and extensive council discussion, the council passed a compromise 1.7 mill tax levy increase, along with the operating and capital budgets, by a 10-5 vote. The meeting also featured two proclamations and a late public comment on correctional officer working conditions. Proclamations - David Johnson Retirement (WPXI): Councilmember DeMarco sponsored a proclamation honoring David Johnson for 40 years at WPXI. Johnson, a longtime Pittsburgh news anchor, was recognized for his career and community service. He and his wife Nancy were present to accept the honor. - Monroeville Public Library 60th Anniversary: Councilmember Nakaretti Chapkis presented a proclamation celebrating the library's 60th year, highlighting its history and community impact. Library representatives Nicole and Pamela accepted. Public Comments & Testimony Over 50 individuals signed up to speak, with most addressing the 2025 budget and Department of Human Services (DHS) funding. Due to the large number, council voted 10-4 to limit public comment to one minute per speaker. - Opposition to tax increase: Benjamin Chizar, a disabled veteran, opposed any tax increase, calling the 1.7 mill compromise unjustified and suggesting cuts to other areas. He urged the council to vote no. - Support for DHS funding and full state match: Multiple speakers from human service organizations, family centers, and unions (e.g., SEIU Local 668, AIU family centers, Latino Community Center, Kids Voice, Unity Recovery, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Just Harvest, National Council of Jewish Women, and others) thanked the council for reaching a compromise that fully funds DHS and leverages $17 million in state matching funds. They emphasized the critical nature of services for vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, homeless individuals, and those in recovery. Many recognized the 1.7 mill increase as a balanced solution. - Workers' perspective: County employees (911 dispatchers, medical examiner, elections, facilities) spoke in support of the budget, noting that previous underfunding led to layoffs and understaffing. They stressed the need for sustainable funding to maintain essential public services. - Frustration with process: A few speakers, including Ken Regal (Just Harvest), expressed frustration over the 48-hour rule being waived for the budget amendment, arguing it disadvantaged taxpayers. - Late public comment: John Kensowitz, a correctional officer, raised concerns about low life expectancy and high stress among jail officers, citing overtime and constant exposure to violence. Discussion Items Council members debated the proposed 1.7 mill amendment to the tax levy (Bill 13264-24) and the operating budget (Bill 13265-24). Key points: - Amendment introduction: Councilmember Palmasina, Chair of Budget and Finance, introduced Amendment Palmasina 1, increasing the millage from 1.35 to 1.7 mills. The amendment was necessary to balance the operating budget by fully funding DHS, the DA's office, elections office, solicitor, and other county departments, avoiding layoffs and capturing $17 million in state matching funds. - Support for 1.7 mills: Councilmembers Fatulas, Grisbeck, Hallam, Klein, Nakaretti Chapkis, Palmery, Palmasina, Pritzio, and Walton spoke in favor, citing the need to prevent cuts to essential services, the long-term structural deficit, and the responsibility to fund programs for children, seniors, and public safety. Executive Director Sara Innamorato’s administration was praised for a courageous proposal. - Opposition to 1.7 mills: Councilmembers Bonarotti, DeMarco, Philiagi, Macy, and President Katina voted against. They argued that the increase was unnecessary, that the 1.35 mill compromise was sufficient, and that the administration cynically manipulated public fear. Bonarotti warned of cumulative tax burdens on residents and the risk of future Republican gains. DeMarco highlighted the DHS budget increase of 19% in one year ($1.549 billion) and accused the administration of lack of transparency. Philiagi cited constituent opposition and lack of sunset provisions. - Historical context: Councilmember Hallam criticized the previous Fitzgerald administration for misrepresenting fiscal health, using one-time funds to balance budgets, and incurring a $74 million no-bid contract for Shuman Center. President Katina noted the challenge of balancing diverse district needs. Key Outcomes - Tax Levy (Bill 13264-24): Amendment Palmasina 1 (1.7 mills) passed 10-5. The bill as amended then passed 10-5. - Operating Budget (Bill 13265-24): Amendment Palmasina 1 passed 11-4. The resolution as amended passed 10-5. - Capital Budget (Bill 13266-24): Passed 12-3. - Grants and Special Accounts Budget (Bill 13267-24): Passed 14-1. - New Business: Councilmember Klein introduced a late-item ordinance to amend the County Code concerning the Human Relations Commission to comply with HUD regulations. The agenda was amended, and the bill was referred to the Housing Committee by a 13-1 vote.