Allegheny County Council Meeting - June 6, 2023

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on June 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with 14 members present. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, and votes on several key items, including a minimum wage increase for county employees and a public hearing on the proposed closure of the Smithfield Street shelter.

Proclamations & Certificates

• Nine proclamations and certificates were read into the record, including honors for Ernest Ricci Jr., Nicole Denise Hogan, Dr. Tim Steinauer, Dr. Mary Beth Irvin, support for the staff union of Pitt, and recognitions for local Memorial Day and veteran events.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Minimum Wage Ordinance (Bill 12345-22): Many speakers voiced strong support for raising the minimum wage for county employees to $20/hour over three years. Key points included:
  • "I am in favor of the bill to raise the minimum wage for county employees… no exceptions" (Nazir Mohammed).
  • "Raising the minimum wage over $15 per hour resulted in increased labor participation" (Dan Grisbeck).
  • "This bill does not interfere with collective bargaining" (Brian Engler, correction officer union president).
  • Speakers noted large county job vacancies and low pay compared to the private sector, citing $17.01/hour for medical assistants and difficulty filling roles.
• Smithfield Shelter Closure: Multiple speakers condemned the planned closure of the Smithfield Street shelter, emphasizing its role for 600 unique individuals monthly. Concerns included:
  • "By displacing these people, a lot of them will have increased interactions with our legal system… the problem is the county's inability to provide wraparound services" (Tanisha Long).
  • "Closing a homeless shelter feels like the kind of thing you shouldn't need to argue against" (Eliana Beagle).
  • "Housing is a basic human right… homelessness is a failure of society" (Dan Galvin).
  • Speakers urged council to hold the county accountable and prevent the closure.
• General Public Comments: Two speakers raised separate issues:
  • Caitlin Moss Crawford described a personal conflict of interest with a police officer and alleged a DUI incident, requesting transparency.
  • A second speaker shared a traumatic experience of child trafficking and discussed employment barriers.

Discussion Items

• Minimum Wage Ordinance (Bill 12345-22): Councilmember Hallam presented the bill as a long-awaited effort to pay competitive wages. He noted amendments to phase increases over three years ($18, $19, $20/hour) and argued council has authority under the charter. Councilmember DeMarco opposed, citing potential tax increases and financial uncertainty from property reassessments, county vacancies, and senior citizen fixed incomes. Councilmember Bennett supported, noting she recently lived on low wages and that many county workers are Black women. Councilmember Fatulis favored a one-year $18 wage, warning against three-year commitments. Councilmember Palmasina supported, noting 30 states have raised minimum wages since 2014. After debate, the bill passed 10-4.
• Smithfield Shelter Public Hearing: Councilmember Hallam introduced a motion for a public hearing on June 15, 2023, at 6 PM to discuss the shelter closure. She stated council was not informed of the closure decision and needs to hear from affected residents and county officials. The motion passed unanimously (14-0).
• Council Pay Ordinance (Bill 12638-23): Councilmember Macy moved to change council compensation from a per-meeting stipend to an annual salary, without increasing the total amount, aligning pay with other county employees. He noted it was recommended by the county's government review commission. Councilmember Bikowski voiced concern about a piecemeal approach to charter changes. Councilmember Hallam opposed, arguing it could allow council members to be paid without attending meetings. After a 9-5 vote, the ordinance passed.
• Other Items: A motion to advertise and fill the study group on reimagining juvenile justice passed. Several new ordinances and motions were referred to committees.

Key Outcomes

• Passed (10-4): Ordinance 12345-22, increasing county employee minimum wage to $18/hour in 2024, $19 in 2025, and $20 in 2026. The administration had expressed intent to veto, and council noted it may need to override.
• Passed (14-0): Motion to hold a public hearing on June 15, 2023, regarding the proposed closure of the Smithfield Street shelter.
• Passed (9-5): Ordinance 12638-23, changing council compensation to a salary, subject to a voter referendum to amend the home rule charter.
• Passed: Motion to publicly advertise for members of the study group on reimagining juvenile justice.
• Referred to Committees: Several new ordinances, including campaign finance reform, homeless shelter closure procedures, park usage, easements, and health department rule changes.