The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on March 21, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Gold Room, Fourth Floor, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh. All 15 members were present. The meeting included the Chief Executive's quarterly address, multiple proclamations, public comments, appointments, unfinished business, new business (ordinances and resolutions), and general public comments.
Chief Executive's Quarterly Address: County Executive Fitzgerald reported on administrative changes (new county manager Jennifer Liptak, acting health director Patrick Dowd), election department recognition, air quality attainment (third year in a row), 80% reduction in hazardous air pollution over 12 years, discounted PRT fares program (over 14,000 enrolled), $50 million violence reduction commitment, parks statistics (e.g., 20,000 visitors at Boyce Park slopes, $600,000 revenue), road paving (41 miles in 2022), bridge improvements (from 72 poor bridges to single digits), airport expansions (Southwest flights to Austin and Phoenix, Breeze Airways to four cities), and Monongahela Incline reopening after $8.2 million renovation.
Unfinished Business: Ordinance 12578-23 (Jail Staff Residency Exemption): An ordinance to exclude Allegheny County Jail staff from the county residency requirement. Sponsored by Councilmembers Hallam, Bennett, Macey, Futules, and Catena. Affirmatively recommended by the Committee on Public Safety on March 15, 2023. Passed 13-0 with two members absent.
Unfinished Business: Motion 12610-23 (Shuman Center Study): A motion requesting a historical overview of the former Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, formation of a juvenile justice study group, and an assessment of juvenile detention facility needs before any decision on the Shuman site. Sponsored by Councilmembers Catena, Palmosina, Naccarati-Chapkis, Bennett, and Klein. The Committee on Public Safety returned it without recommendation. Debate over amendments:
Allegiance. I thought you were trying to take a public for the public for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silent reflection. Thank you. Please be seated. Jarrett, please take roll. Ms. Bennett. Here. Mr. Pekowski here. Mr. DeMarco. Mr. Dewar. Ms. Hiliachi. Mr. Fatulis. Here. Ms. Hallam here. Mr. Klein. Here. Mr. Macy. Here. Ms. Nakaretti Jackis. Mr. Palmeri. Here. Mr. Palmasina. Here. Ms. Pritzia? Here. Mr. Walton. President Katina. Here. All 15 members are present. We'll begin with the Chief Executive's quarterly address. Mr. Chief Executive. Thank you, Mr. President, members of Council. Good to be with you again as uh we begin spring.