Allegheny County Council Meeting - September 12, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on September 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included proclamations, unanimous approvals of several ordinances, a heated debate on diversity in council staffing, liaison reports, and public comment on CCAC funding, redistricting, and juvenile detention privatization.

Consent Calendar (Unanimous Approvals)

• 12786-23: Ordinance authorizing Allegheny County Budokai to continue using a structure in South Park for martial arts – passed 12-0.
• 12787-23: Ordinance authorizing Mon Valley Express Drum and Bugle Corps to continue using a South Park structure – passed 14-0.
• 12788-23: Ordinance authorizing South Park Theater Incorporated to continue using real property in South Park for theater activities – passed 14-0.
• 12801-23: Motion authorizing public hearings on October 17 and 19, 2023 – passed by voice vote.
• 12804-23: Notification of contracts for August 2023 – received and filed.

Discussion Items

• Appointment: 12798-23 (Michelle Pianzo to Board of Property Assessment Appeals) was introduced and referred to the Committee on Appointment Review.
• Unfinished Business – 12718-23 (Allegheny League of Municipalities contract): This bill was added to the agenda via a motion to comply with the Sunshine Act. It passed 9-3, with Councilmembers Hallam, Macy, and Walton voting no.
• Liaison Reports:
  • President Katina reported on a Board of Elections meeting regarding a special election for a vacant state house seat, noting that polls are fully staffed with 20 backup workers and that director voiced everything is prepared.
  • Councilmember Macy reported that the Fire Vest Board approved two new CCAC curriculums (CDL driver and emergency medical technicians) and highlighted incentives for volunteer firefighters, including free college education.
• Diversity on Council Staff: Councilmember Palmary raised a point of personal privilege, expressing frustration that the Executive Committee decided not to post for a researcher position. He stated that in nearly eight years on council, there is no diversity on council staff and accused the body of engaging in activities that “border on racism.” Councilmember Hallam countered that when she was chair, no diverse candidates were hired in four years despite numerous EEOC complaints and a lawsuit. Councilmember Dewar argued that the delay in hiring was to evaluate staffing needs. The discussion became heated and was eventually ruled out of order by the President.
• Councilmember Bennett’s Statement on Shelter Closures: During personal privilege, Councilmember Bennett expressed concern that after assurances from the administration, the Smithfield Street shelter closed and now the Second Street shelter is closing, leaving inadequate shelter for the unhoused population in downtown. She noted tents and tent villages and reported concerns from constituents and businesses.
• Councilmember Klein’s Response to Public Comment on Redistricting: In response to public commenter Marie Norman’s support for an independent redistricting bill, Councilmember Klein noted that he did not draw his own district and that the map was a collaborative effort led by Councilmember Dewar. Councilmember Dewar added that Councilmember Betkowski never attended any reapportionment committee meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marie Norman (Squirrel Hill): Expressed strong support for Bill 12534-22 (independent redistricting commission). She argued that codified rules are needed to prevent future gerrymandering.
• Donald Breitbarth (CCAC academic advisor, District 11): Thanked council for the $2.8 million funding increase to CCAC, bringing the county's share to 26% (from 22%) and reducing the student share to 36%. He detailed how the funds are used for tutoring, mental health support, placement testing, bus passes, and Microsoft Office licenses. He asked for continued support in the upcoming budget.
• Hannah Thomas (Plum Borough, District 8): A CCAC student and teacher, she advocated for reading and writing labs at every campus to support the most vulnerable students.
• Rebecca DuPont (CCAC professor, North Campus): Pushed for cloud computing at CCAC to provide equitable access to software and hardware. She noted it supports both transfer students and workforce training initiatives.
• Robert Koch (CCAC automotive instructor, West Hills Campus): Highlighted the need for funding to keep trade programs (automotive, HVAC, etc.) updated with technology, especially for electric/hybrid vehicles. He invited council to an event on October 6, 2023.
• Tanisha Long (Pittsburgh): Expressed concern over potential privatization of the Shuman Center juvenile detention facility. She cited a Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism article about Adelphoi contracting, noting that Adelphoi faces multiple lawsuits for sexual abuse and assault of minors. She urged council to hold public hearings and involve community partners like the Abolitionist Law Center and Juvenile Law Center.

Key Outcomes

• 12718-23 (Allegheny League of Municipalities contract): Passed 9-3 with three members absent.
• 12786-23, 12787-23, 12788-23: All passed unanimously with 12-14 votes in favor.
• 12802-23 (Payment of litigation invoices, Fitzgerald v. Allegheny County): Passed 13-2, with Councilmembers Fatullis and Walton voting no. The invoices totaled $8,070.50.
• Liaison Reports:
  • The special election (to fill a vacant state house seat) is prepared; all polls staffed with 20 additional poll workers on standby.
  • The Fire Vest Board approved two new CCAC curriculums: CDL driver and emergency medical technician training, with an incentive of free college education for volunteer firefighters.
• Personnel/Diversity Discussion: Councilmember Palmary raised concerns about the lack of diversity on council staff and criticized the executive committee's decision not to post the researcher position. An exchange occurred with other members, with some objecting to the characterization of racism. The discussion was ended by the president.
• Shelter Closures: Councilmember Bennett put on record her disappointment with the closure of the Smithfield Street and Second Street shelters, stating that the administration had previously assured the council that adequate shelter space existed.
• Appointment Referred: 12798-23 (Michelle Pianzo) referred to appointment review committee.
• Proclamations:
  • September 2023 declared Love Your Library Month in Allegheny County; the Jack Buncher Foundation will match donations.
  • A proclamation congratulating George and Barbara Morgan on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Note

• The meeting included a moment of silence and roll call with 11 members initially present, later increasing to 14.