Allegheny County Council Meeting - May 9, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on May 9, 2023, at 10:15 AM with 13 members present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, and roll call. The council recognized several proclamations, including honoring Woodland Hills High School's library program, declaring Take a Father to School Day, recognizing the 10th Annual Disability and Mental Health Summit, honoring North Fayette Township Commissioner Sam Giuliano, and commending the Multiplying Good Pittsburgh Changemakers. Additional proclamations were presented for Provider Appreciation Day, Pittsburgh Secora Project, and others. The meeting then proceeded to consent calendar, public comments, discussion items, and new business.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes of the March 7, 2023 regular meeting passed unanimously.
• Appointments: The appointment of Lila Sucup to the Friends of the Park for South Park (term ending May 9, 2026) was referred to the Committee on Appointment Review.
• Contracts: Notification of contracts for April 2023 was approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rev. Philip Battle Jr. spoke about homelessness among families with children in schools, stating that 17% of children in school are actively homeless and living in cars or hotels. He referenced the City of Pittsburgh's declaration of homelessness as a public health emergency and urged the county to repurpose vacant buildings (e.g., a former mental health facility on the North Side) to house families with school-aged children. He emphasized the need to also address unaccompanied youth. Council members clarified they have no jurisdiction over school districts but offered to advocate.
• Jacob Poole described personal experiences of alleged child trafficking and exploitation, claiming he was trafficked from Eastern Europe to Pennsylvania as a child and forced to work. He alleged a deep-rooted human trafficking network in the Pittsburgh area and called for anti-trafficking efforts. Council members acknowledged the seriousness but noted limited county authority and offered to connect him with law enforcement.
• Unnamed speaker (property tax consultant) provided an update on property tax appeals: the state tax equalization board is expected to certify a lower common level ratio the day after the May 16 primary (May 17), triggering a second chance appeal period for last year. He warned that if the county does not recount the 2021 file, property values may not reflect increases, leading to inequitable taxation. He advised council to prepare for "Second Chance Appeal 2.0."

Discussion Items

• Liaison Reports:
  • Board of Elections: Councilmember reported that preparations for the May 16 primary are proceeding well; poll worker recruitment is up but still needed in the 19th ward, Harrison, and Shaler. Mail-in ballot returns are going smoothly.
  • Jail Oversight Board: Councilmember Hallam noted that the May meeting was postponed to May 18 and reported that a 42-year-old man died in the Allegheny County Jail over the weekend. She expressed openness to discussions on preventing further deaths.
• New Business:
  • Ordinance 12680-23 (Criminal Justice Funding Parity): Introduced by Councilmember Hallam to amend county code to provide fair representation for indigent defendants. Referred to the Committee on Budget and Finance.
  • Motion 12681-23 (Semi-Open Primary Elections): Introduced by Councilmember Dewar, urging the General Assembly to enact SB 400 for semi-open primary voting. After discussion about committee workload (Government Reform was backed up), the motion was referred to the Government Reform Committee with the possibility of floor discussion if not taken up.
  • Unfinished Business: Bill 12607-23 was held at the sponsor's request.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved and contracts accepted.
• Appointment referred to committee.
• Ordinance on criminal justice funding parity sent to Budget and Finance.
• Motion on semi-open primaries sent to Government Reform, with potential floor discussion.
• Public comment received; council noted limited authority on homelessness and trafficking but pledged advocacy.
• Upcoming events: Primary election (May 16); Disability and Mental Health Summit (May 11); Take a Father to School Day (May 19); Multiplying Good Changemakers ceremony (May 18); property tax second chance appeal window to open after May 16.
• Council expressed condolences for the death in the jail and commitment to addressing the issue.