Allegheny County Council Organizational Meeting and Swearing-In Ceremony – January 2, 2024

The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Pat Catina at 10:15 AM on January 2, 2024. The primary agenda items included the certification of election results and administration of oaths of office for seven returning and newly elected council members, followed by the election of the Council President. The meeting also included two proclamations. No public comment was offered.

Certificates of Election and Oaths of Office

Council approved and administered oaths for the following members (each certificate filed under a separate communication number, e.g., 12892‑24 through 12900‑24, and 12891‑24 for a proclamation):

• Samuel DeMarco (At‑Large, third term): Took the oath administered by Judge Beamer. In remarks, DeMarco thanked voters, pledged to support the incoming administration when proposals benefit the county, and emphasized collaboration.
• Bethany Hallam (At‑Large, second term): Sworn in by Judge Beamer. Hallam reflected on her first term, stating she never backed down from what is righteous. She cited troubling statistics from the past four years: at least 22 deaths in the Allegheny County jail, nearly 3,000 overdose deaths, and thousands of residents experiencing homelessness. She pledged to continue fighting for incarcerated people, overdose prevention centers, and unhoused individuals. She called on colleagues to remain authentic and fight for equity.
• Suzanne Filiagi (District 2, first elected term – previously appointed): Sworn in by Judge Beamer. Filiagi thanked her family and expressed a desire to work collaboratively with all council members as a bridge to residents and a check on authority. She identified as a minority‑party member and called for participation and cooperation.
• Dan Grisbeck (District 5, first term): Sworn in by Judge Sweeney. Grisbeck thanked campaign volunteers, organized labor, and the local environmental movement. He promised to work for clean air, sustainable jobs, basic needs, and dignity for all.
• John F. Palmary (District 6, re‑elected): Sworn in by Judge Reagan. Palmary emphasized making county council relevant and attentive to citizen needs. He thanked his wife and campaign team, and noted the recent loss of his son. He reaffirmed his commitment to serve rather than be self‑serving.
• Nick Futulis (District 7, fifth term): Sworn in by Judge (unnamed). Futulis noted his 16 years of service. He highlighted homelessness, affordable housing, and senior housing as key priorities, and urged treating people with dignity rather than using temporary shelters.
• DeWitt Walton (District 10, re‑elected): Sworn in by Magistrate Petit. Walton thanked residents for an overwhelming re‑election margin. He called for equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion, and criticized the lack of any African American staff on county council. He demanded the hiring of a person of color and urged consideration of a woman of color for county solicitor. He pledged to stand firm for justice.
• Paul Klein (District 11, third term): Sworn in by Judge Catherine Hans Greco. Klein highlighted the importance of compromise and consensus, and called for government committed to human flourishing rather than division.
• David Bonarotti (District 13, first term): Sworn in by Judge (unnamed). Bonarotti kept remarks brief, thanking family and constituents, and pledging to learn, listen, and serve.

Election of Council President

Councilmember Palmary nominated incumbent President Pat Catina for re‑election. Councilmember Walton nominated himself. A roll‑call vote resulted in:

• 13 votes for Pat Catina (Betkowski, Bonarotti, Catina himself, Filiagi, Futulis, Grisbeck, Klein, Macy, Nacarati‑Chapkiss, Palmary, Palmasina, Prizio, Hallam)
• 2 votes for DeWitt Walton (DeMarco, Walton)

Catina was declared elected President. In his acceptance remarks, Catina thanked the council and outlined challenges ahead: the 2025 budget, effects of systematic assessment appeal errors, use of the former Schumann Center site, the county jail, and the need to overhaul the ethics code. He expressed optimism for a collegial relationship with the new county administration.

Proclamations

Two proclamations were introduced by Councilmember Catina:

• Recognizing Maggie Forbes’ dedication to the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, proclaiming December 27, 2023 as Maggie Forbes Day.
• Recognizing Dr. Felix J. Urace for earning the 2023 National Earl Room Award.

Key Outcomes

• All certificates of election were approved and oaths administered, seating all 15 council members.
• Pat Catina was re‑elected Council President by a vote of 13‑2.
• Two proclamations were approved.
• No public comment was heard, and the meeting adjourned by motion.