Allegheny County Council Meeting: March 7, 2023 - Proclamations, Appointments, and Juvenile Justice Motion
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Allegheny County Council Meeting - March 7, 2023
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.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call this meeting of Allegheny County Council to order. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge an allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and do the recording for which it stands. Under God. Please remain standing for a moment of silent prayer or reflection. Thank you. Please be seated. Garrett, please take roll. Ms. Bennett. Mr. Beckowski here. Mr. DeMarco. Mr. Dewar. Ms. Viliagi. Mr. Fidulis. Ms. Hallum. Here. Mr. Klein. Mr. Macy. Here. Ms. Zachary Chapkis. Mr. Palmery. Here. See you. Oh, you're going to be here. Mr. Palmasina. Ms. Pritzio. Here. Mr. Walden. President Katina. Here. At the moment we have 14 members present. Thank you. At this point, we're going to have proclamations and certificates. Obviously, we have a good bit of them to get through tonight. So I just remind everybody to please keep your comments to a minimum so we can get everyone recognized this evening.
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