Allegheny County Council Meeting - February 21, 2023

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.