Allegheny County Council Meeting – December 5, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on December 5, 2023, to adopt the 2024 operating budget, vote on jail oversight and incarcerated welfare fund ordinances, discuss homelessness response, and hear public testimony on jail conditions, air quality, and other community concerns. The meeting included multiple proclamations honoring community members, a debate on amendments to the budget, and a vote on a routine public works ordinance.

Proclamations & Certificates

• Rory A. Cooper: Honored for receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Councilmember Pritzio read the proclamation; Dr. Cooper expressed gratitude.
• Michael E. Lamb: Recognized for his service as Pittsburgh City Controller. Councilmember Dewar presented the proclamation; Lamb thanked council and offered advice on public service.
• Councilmember Tom Dewar: Recognized for his service to District 5. Councilmembers highlighted his legislative achievements and commitment.
• Councilmember Olivia Bennett: Recognized for her service to District 13. Councilmembers praised her advocacy and community work.
• Additional proclamations read into the record: Michelle Stowell, Nino Petricelli Sr., Joseph Colosimo Jr., and Nicholas Sasilski.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donald Breitbarth (CCAC AFT faculty): Urged support for increased CCAC funding, citing a $1.3 billion economic impact and that the county is below the mandated 33% contribution. Thanked council for last year's $2.8 million increase.
• Mohammed Ali Nasir (One Hood Media): Supported the Incarcerated Individuals Welfare Fund and changing jail uniforms from red, arguing red causes negative psychological effects. Urged paying incarcerated workers, stating 225 people work eight hours daily for free.
• Tanisha Long (former detainee): Criticized jail conditions, free labor, and red uniforms. Noted that 95% of detainees are not convicted and demanded the budget be passed with amendments for jail reforms.
• Dr. Phoebe Cook (biologist, search and rescue): Criticized the Code Blue activation threshold of 26°F, arguing hypothermia can occur at higher temperatures, especially with dampness or contact with cold ground.
• Tom Bailey: Cited his wife's respiratory issues due to air pollution from U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. Called for suspension of the operating permit until compliance is confirmed, noting increased hazardous air pollutants from 165 tons (2020) to 234 tons (2021).
• Cindy Meckle (Glassport resident): Described health impacts from benzene exposure and lack of weekend enforcement. Accused U.S. Steel of planning to abandon the plant while polluting.
• David Meckle (Glassport resident, retired Marine): Presented particulate matter samples from his home. Stated he cannot engage in strenuous outdoor activity due to poor air quality. Urged council to enforce clean air standards.
• Jacob Poole: Alleged he was a victim of child trafficking from Eastern Europe, brought to the U.S. through the Heinz Foundation. Described ongoing isolation and lack of legal status.

Discussion Items

• Budget Debate (Ordinance 12856-23): Councilmember Palmasina moved approval of the 2024 operating budget. Councilmember DeMarco attempted to amend the agenda to strip two items (jail worker pay and uniform funding) but the motion to waive the 48-hour rule failed (6-9). Debate centered on $1 million for incarcerated worker wages and $500,000 for new uniforms. Supporters argued the payments address involuntary servitude; opponents called the funds a "slush fund," questioned legal implications for county employee status, and argued the new administration should decide. Councilmember Walton supported compensation but opposed uniform changes.
• Jail Oversight Board Ordinance (12854-23): Codified the Jail Oversight Board and authorized solicitor retention and fund expenditures. Passed 11-4.
• Incarcerated Individuals Welfare Fund Ordinance (12853-23): Established a fund for revenues from incarcerated individuals. Passed 11-4.
• Public Works Ordinance (12855-23): Authorized temporary permits, easements, and real estate acquisitions for 2024-2025. Councilmember Bennett proposed an amendment to limit delegation to emergent situations and require notice to council. The amendment failed (2-13). The original ordinance passed (14-1).
• Homelessness Response: Council President Katina questioned County Manager Jen Liptak and DHS Director Aaron Dalton about why unhoused individuals were turned away on cold nights. Dalton explained the previous Code Blue protocol relied on city activation; they have since adopted a 26°F temperature threshold and will open additional shelters and a drop-in center by December 15. Councilmember Hallam pressed about lack of no-barrier shelter capacity; Dalton acknowledged the system is functionally full and emphasized the need for affordable housing to move people out of shelters. Councilmembers expressed concern but thanked staff for their work.
• Shuman Center Update: President Katina reported that council's declaratory judgment action is ongoing but not delaying construction. The first pod is expected to open by April 29, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Operating Budget (12856-23): Approved 10-5. Includes $1 million for incarcerated worker wages and $500,000 for new jail uniforms.
• Jail Oversight Board (12854-23): Passed 11-4.
• Incarcerated Individuals Welfare Fund (12853-23): Passed 11-4.
• Public Works Ordinance (12855-23): Passed 14-1.
• Budget Transfer Committee (new business): Re-established unanimously (14-0).
• Amendment to Public Works Ordinance: Failed 2-13.