Allegheny County Council Meeting: Proclamations, Unanimous Approvals, and Retirement Board Ethics Motion - April 4, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on April 4, 2023, at 10:15 AM with all 15 members present. The meeting included multiple proclamations, unanimous approval of several park-related ordinances, public comments on retirement board ethics, and referral of new legislation to committees.

Proclamations

• 12643-23: Recognizing Edgar Snyder for his legal career and philanthropy, sponsored by Councilmember Macy. Mr. Snyder addressed the council, thanking them and emphasizing giving back to the community.
• 12642-23: Declaring April 12, 2023, as 412 Thrive Day in Allegheny County, sponsored by multiple councilmembers.
• 12644-23: Recognizing National Vietnam War Veterans Day, sponsored by Councilmember DeMarco.
• 12645-23 and 12646-23: Recognizing Bethel Park Outstanding Citizens of the Year Pamela Tiano and Lisa Jenkins, sponsored by Councilmember Dewar.
• 12647-23: Recognizing the Honorable Christine L. Donahue for receiving the 2023 Judge Robert E. Dower Award, sponsored by Councilmembers Katina and Macy.
• 12648-23: Recognizing County Executive Rich Fitzgerald for receiving the 2023 James R. McGregor Award, sponsored by Councilmembers Katina and Macy.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Erica Rucci Brusselers (North Side resident, retirement plan actuary) spoke in support of Motion 12641-23, which affirms the need for strong ethical rules for the Allegheny County Retirement Board. She urged passage to build trust and ensure fiduciary responsibility for the $1 billion pension fund.
• County Controller Corey O'Connor also spoke in support of Motion 12641-23, noting he introduced a similar motion at the Retirement Board meeting. He stated that the reforms would prevent professional service contractors who contribute to political campaigns from being employed by the board, and that codifying these standards is necessary to avoid pay-for-play politics.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously after a correction to the cover sheet was noted.

Unfinished Business (Second Reading & Unanimous Approval)

• 12579-23: Ordinance authorizing acceptance of Allegheny Land Trust's offer to donate 43 parcels of land adjacent to North Park. Passed 15-0.
• 12630-23: Ordinance authorizing continued use of a BMX bicycle facility in South Park by South Park BMX Incorporated. Passed 15-0.
• 12631-23: Ordinance authorizing continued use of real property in Deer Lakes Park for farming by Beacon Farms. Passed 15-0.
• 12632-23: Ordinance authorizing continued use of real property in White Oak Park (Angora Gardens) by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yoc. Passed 15-0.

Liaison Reports

• President Katina (Parks & Board of Elections):
  • Thanked friends groups for attending the first annual review of parks groups, noting new groups participated.
  • Provided an update on the May 16th primary: 4,741 poll workers assigned, but more are needed in Pittsburgh, Tarentum, Turtle Creek, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin, Westview, and Whitehall. Mail-in ballots are pending resolution of litigation regarding candidate appearances.

New Business

• 12637-23: Referendum on term limits for the Chief Executive (Article 3, Section 5B of Home Rule Charter) – referred to Government Reform Committee.
• 12638-23: Referendum on per meeting stipend pay structure for council members (Article 3, Section 7A) – referred to Government Reform Committee.
• 12639-23: Ordinance ratifying amendments to Health Department rules on Needle Exchange Program – referred to Health and Human Services Committee.
• 12640-23: Ordinance ratifying amendments to Health Department rules on Universal Blood Lead Level Testing – referred to Health and Human Services Committee.
• 12641-23: Motion expressing council's opinion on the Retirement Board's ongoing review of ethical standards/best practices. Councilmember Dewar clarified it does not signal support for any specific change but urges continued conversation. Referred to Executive Committee.

Key Outcomes

• All proclamations were read and approved.
• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Four park-related ordinances (12579-23, 12630-23, 12631-23, 12632-23) passed unanimously (15-0).
• Four new ordinances and one motion were referred to appropriate committees for further consideration.
• No public comment was made on general items; two individuals signed up but were not present for that segment.
• Meeting adjourned, followed by an informational presentation on the new airport.