Allegheny County Council Meeting - October 24, 2023

The Allegheny County Council convened on October 24, 2023, at 10:15 AM for a regular meeting. The session began with several ceremonial proclamations, followed by routine approvals, introduction of new ordinances, and public comments on varied topics. Council members also unanimously passed a resolution condemning the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel after hearing statements from two members.

Proclamations

• Officer Mark Prunitsky (Allegheny County Police) was recognized for heroic actions on October 9, 2023, at Pittsburgh International Airport, where he used an AED and CPR to resuscitate a 43-year-old man who had suffered a medical emergency. Officer Prunitsky expressed gratitude for his training and commitment to serving Allegheny County.
• Donald Alexander (Carnegie Elementary teacher) received recognition for earning the 2023 AFT Pennsylvania Community Outreach Award. He helped create a free store and chillroom at Carnegie Elementary to provide clothing, food, and necessities to students, inspired by Giselle Fetterman's free store in Braddock.
• WTAE-TV Channel 4 was honored for its 65th anniversary of broadcasting (since September 1958). The station was praised for community programs such as Project Bundle Up, Project Hunger, and Race for the Cure.
• 2023 Real Men Wear Pink of Pittsburgh candidates were congratulated for raising $83,383 for breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society campaign. Councilmember DeMarco noted he had personally known two women who died from breast cancer.
• Plum EMS received a proclamation for being awarded the 2023 National EMS Award of Excellence by the National Association of EMTs and American College of Emergency Physicians. Key statistics: Plum EMS reduced lights-and-siren use on 911 calls from 48% to less than 7% and during patient transport from 26% to 3%, without negative clinical outcomes. The agency also conducted COVID-19 vaccinations and provided free cribs through Cribs for Kids.
• Andre Acey (Plum EMS) was recognized for earning the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation Star of Life Award, noted for 24 years of service, including prior Marine Corps service and leading the child passenger safety program.

Consent Calendar

• Bill 12821-23 (Resolution amending the 2023 grants budget) was approved unanimously (14-0) upon recommendation from the Budget and Finance Committee.
• Bill 12820-23 (Ordinance accepting donated walkthrough metal detectors from PSSI Stadium LLC for use in magisterial district courts) was approved unanimously (14-0) upon recommendation from the Public Works Committee.

Reports & Announcements

• Board of Elections Update (President Katina): Preparations for the November 7 general election are proceeding well, with strong poll worker recruitment and a good return rate for mail-in ballots. Voters with questions about missing ballots were urged to contact the Elections Division.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 12839-23 (Condemning Hamas attack): Councilmember DeMarco introduced a resolution condemning the October 7, 2023, unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel, supporting justice and safety for both Israeli and Palestinian people, and offering condolences. The resolution mirrored language passed unanimously by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. After a motion to waive second reading passed, the resolution was debated. Councilmember Bennett thanked DeMarco for specifying Hamas (not all Palestine). Councilmember Klein delivered an extended statement drawing parallels to the Tree of Life synagogue massacre (fifth anniversary on October 27), quoting Primo Levi and urging a commitment to social justice and peace, saying "Let's stop the madness… and instead wage peace." The resolution then passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Two routine bills passed unanimously (14-0): the grants budget amendment and the metal detector donation ordinance.
• Condemnation resolution (12839-23) passed unanimously on a voice vote; all council members present were added as co-sponsors.
• New ordinances introduced and referred to committees:
  • 12838-23: Amends County Code to prohibit distribution of certain single-use plastic bags (referred to Sustainability and Green Initiatives).
  • 12840-23: Resolution authorizing up to $35 million in revenue bonds for Duquesne University (referred to Economic Development and Housing).

Public Comments

• Jennifer Pusiteri: Complained that during a recent appeal hearing, the board chair repeatedly interrupted her and did not allow her to finish her statement, while two attorneys for absent property owners were not interrupted. She cited the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and urged council to ensure all speakers receive fair and respectful treatment.
• Juliette Savant: Urged passage of Ordinance 12534-22 to establish a bipartisan commission for county council redistricting, arguing the current process lacks transparency and is not rule of law. She asked council to show commitment to good governance.
• Darcy Zotter: A former U.S. diplomat, she echoed Savant's call for a fair, transparent, and accountable redistricting process, stating it is unacceptable for Allegheny County in 2023 to lack such a system.
• Jacob Poole: Delivered a lengthy personal account alleging he was a victim of child trafficking from Eastern Europe and that Pittsburgh lacks anti-slavery laws. He stated he is isolated and has been unable to get help from authorities.
• Jeff Cohen: Opposed the proposed single-use plastics ban, asking council to wait 12 months to see how the City of Pittsburgh's ban works before extending it countywide. He argued it would burden small businesses with higher costs for replacement bags and contribute to inflation.