Allegheny County Council Meeting – July 11, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on July 11, 2023, to consider several proclamations, two charter amendment referendums, a campaign finance ordinance, and two property assessment bills. The meeting included extensive debate on the charter amendments, which ultimately failed, while the assessment bills passed after a contentious procedural addition. Fourteen members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the May 9, 2023, regular meeting was approved by voice vote.
• A communication summarizing approved executive actions for June 2023 was received and filed.

Proclamations & Certificates

• 12744-23: A proclamation recognizing the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on its 125th anniversary, sponsored by all council members. Council Member Walton read the proclamation; zoo CEO thanked the council and noted the zoo's economic impact (80 million dollars in annual activity, hundreds of employees). Council Member Klein shared a personal anecdote.
• 12745-23: A proclamation congratulating Dan O'Brien as 2023 Big Brother of the Year, sponsored by Council Member DeMarco. O'Brien was unable to attend (new baby); a representative from Big Brothers Big Sisters accepted. A second proclamation recognized Jennifer Antoon as Big Sister of the Year; she spoke about the program's need for volunteers.
• Additional proclamations (12747-23 through 12750-23) were read into the record without separate readings: Shaler Area teams, Franklin Park bicentennial, Swissvale 125th anniversary, Whitehall 75th anniversary.

Public Comments

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

1. Charter Amendment – Multiple Offices (Bill 12561-23)

Council Member Dewar introduced an ordinance to place a referendum on the November 2023 ballot to amend Article 3, Section 6A of the Home Rule Charter regarding running for multiple county elected offices simultaneously. The Government Reform Committee reported it without recommendation. Council Member Bennett opposed, citing lack of parity for those in different election cycles. Dewar argued it would prevent service disruptions and extra costs (citing examples of state legislators running for two offices). Council Member DeMarco said the county fills vacancies by appointment, so no special election costs, and viewed it as undoing the recently passed resign-to-run rule. Council Member Fatula stated it was part of democracy. Council Member Hallam (agreeing with DeMarco) noted it doesn't solve the stated problem and that charter changes should be part of a broader review. Council Member Klein supported it, noting the electorate can handle multiple referendums. Vote: Failed 3-12 (Yes: Dewar, Filiato, Walton; No: all others).

2. Charter Amendment – Term Limits (Bill 12637-23)

Council Member Dewar introduced an ordinance to place a referendum on term limits for the chief executive (three terms). The committee reported it without recommendation. Dewar argued term limits bring fresh ideas and urgency; he clarified that current members' service would not count toward the three-term limit beginning after the 2023 election. Council Member DeMarco noted pro/con arguments but leaned against. Council Member Walton opposed, saying term limits empower lobbyists and staffers, and that voters should decide. Council Member Fatula said term limits are not needed. Council Member Filiagi supported, citing constituent requests for term limits. Council Member Klein spoke against, noting Washington set a two-term precedent. Vote: Failed 2-13 (Yes: Dewar, Filiagi; No: all others).

3. Campaign Finance Reporting (Bill 12709-23)

Council Member Dewar introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 220 to establish requirements for a searchable campaign finance database and define coordinated expenditures. The committee recommended approval. Dewar explained it is a necessary second step after the new campaign finance limits. Vote: Passed 12-3 (No: Baikowski, Fatula, Walton).

4. Property Assessment – Chief Assessment Officer (Bill 12525-22)

This bill, amended in committee that day, aimed to establish a mechanism for continuity in the Chief Assessment Officer position and require reporting of CLR numbers to the council president. The council voted to add it to the agenda. Several members (Baikowski, DeMarco, Walton) objected to the late addition, lack of public comment, and potential charter violation regarding hiring. Solicitor Frank opined that council approval of such appointments is not an overreach and that the Sunshine Act does not require separate public comment for agenda amendments. Council President Katina argued urgency to ensure accurate data after the court's finding of manipulated numbers. Vote: Passed 9-6 (Yes: Bennett, Dewar, Hallum, Klein, Nakarati Chapkis, Palmery, Palmasina, Pritzia, Katina; No: Baikowski, DeMarco, Filiagi, Fatula, Macy, Walton).

5. Property Assessment – Appeals Window (Bill 12742-23)

This bill clarified the special assessment appeal window for 2022 and 2023 for properties affected by the court-ordered CLR adjustment. It was also added to the agenda. Council Member DeMarco initially expressed same concerns as the previous bill, but after discussion, the bill passed. Vote: Passed 13-0 (Macy abstained, Bennett absent? Actually Macy voted