Allegheny County Council Meeting - October 10, 2023

The Allegheny County Council convened on October 10, 2023, with 12 members present at roll call. The meeting featured a presentation of the 2024 comprehensive fiscal plan by County Executive Fitzgerald, who highlighted a proposed budget with no millage increase, a growing fund balance, and investments in infrastructure, parks, and air quality. Council approved several legislative items and heard public testimony on redistricting reform, CCAC funding, and a complaint against a council member.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Juliet Zavon and Deborah Fayok urged the council to pass redistricting reform ordinance 12534-22, which has been stalled in committee for two years. They argued that allowing council members to draw their own districts creates a conflict of interest and undermines good governance.
• Donald Breitbarth (speaking for a CCAC colleague) described the welding and HVAC programs at CCAC's West Hill Center, noting over 90% job placement rates. He requested increased county funding to offset student lab fees and keep equipment up to date.
• Ann George (CCAC North Campus Nursing Lab coordinator) stated that the nursing lab space has not been updated since 1999. She asked for substantial investment to add simulation mannequins and technology to train 21st-century registered nurses.
• Arden Zynga (CCAC culinary instructor and 1977 graduate) thanked the council for past support and highlighted the new Center for Education, Innovation, and Training. He urged continued funding for culinary and workforce programs.
• Joseph Klepik criticized Councilwoman Hallam for what he characterized as disrespectful comments toward Judge Housey and former warden Orlando Harper, and requested the council explore censure or removal.

Discussion Items

• 2024 Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Presentation: County Executive Fitzgerald presented his 12th and final budget, emphasizing no tax increase and a low property tax rate ($388/year for the average home, unchanged since 2012). He reported a fund balance growth from $5.9 million to over $53 million, a bond rating upgrade, a historically low 3% unemployment rate, and an 80% reduction in hazardous air pollutants. He also noted achievements in bridge repairs (from 72 poor-rated bridges to 5), park investments (23 million annual visits), and air service growth (from 36 to 61 destinations). The budget includes continued support for CCAC ($126/credit, lowest in the state) and the airport's terminal modernization program.
• Q&A on the Budget: Councilwoman Hallam questioned why jail fatalities remain high despite $100 million annual spending. The County Executive disputed the characterization, noting one fatality in the jail since September and no suicides in three years. Another council member asked about federal infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funding; the Executive stated that the budget includes already-appropriated money and that future funds will require pursuing grants.
• Appointment Approval (12805-23): The council voted 14–1 to confirm Lasans Heard Montgomery to the Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review.
• Park Restoration Ordinance (12775-23): The council voted 15–0 to authorize Land Reclamation Group LLC to enter county property for a stream restoration project at Pearson Run in Boyce Park.
• New Business Referrals: Several ordinances and resolutions were introduced and referred to committees, including a bill to ensure continuity in the Chief Assessment Officer position, acceptance of metal detectors for the court system, a grant budget amendment, and a motion to publish RFPs for IT solutions.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to amend the agenda to include all budget bills passed 14–1 (one no vote, Councilwoman Hallam).
• Appointment of Lasans Heard Montgomery passed 14–1.
• Ordinance 12775-23 (Boyce Park restoration) passed 15–0.
• Proclamations recognizing SHACOG's 50th anniversary and the Pittsburgh-Matanza Sister Cities Partnership's 30th anniversary were read into the record.
• Notification of executive actions for September 2023 was filed unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned after public comments; no further business was scheduled.