Allegheny County Council Regular Meeting - January 23, 2024

The Allegheny County Council met on January 23, 2024, to conduct a regular meeting. The agenda included proclamations, approval of minutes, appointments, new business ordinances, motions, and public comments. Key discussions involved a cost-of-living adjustment for council staff, leave policy updates, payment of litigation invoices, renewal of the council solicitor contract, and a motion regarding the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. The meeting featured both unanimous approvals and split votes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the December 19, 2023, regular meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote.
• Minutes of the January 2, 2024, regular meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote.
• The following proclamations were read into the record without objection: congratulating Gerald and Carol Zeman on their 60th wedding anniversary; welcoming Shenyun Performing Arts to Allegheny County; recognizing Eagle Scout Hunter Fitzpatrick Mayor; and recognizing Eagle Scout Edward Mackenzie Vicente Khan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jacob Poole testified about his experience as a survivor of child trafficking from Eastern Europe, describing forced labor conditions in Allegheny County and Westmoreland County. He claimed to have been part of a large-scale trafficking operation using charitable foundations. He stated that he represents the 30% of the region that is first- or second-generation immigrants, though he noted his story is one of exploitation.
• Katie Granaccia testified as a lifelong Pittsburgh resident, expressing gratitude for the council’s work and the region’s beauty. She also mentioned co-facilitating a local mental health and sobriety recovery program. She briefly commented on the importance of diversity, referencing Councilman Walton’s earlier remarks.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of Appointments: The agenda was amended to add the nomination of Rosalind Guy McCorcle for County Solicitor, which was referred to the Appointment Review Committee. Other appointments to the Jail Oversight Board, Housing Authority, and Redevelopment Authority were also referred.
• Liaison Reports: Councilwoman Nakarati-Chapkis reported on the Friends of Boyce Park Committee’s 2023 activities, including a photo contest and a new social media presence. Councilwoman Filiagi reported on a bipartisan speaking engagement at Chatham University’s Pennsylvania Center for Women in Politics.
• New Business – Ordinances: Four ordinances were introduced and referred to committees: one amending the Chief Assessment Officer duties for continuity; one creating a Volunteer Service Tax Credit Program; two establishing uniform training requirements and an expedited appeals process for the Property Assessment Appeals Board.
• New Business – Motions:
  • Cost of Living Adjustment (12920-24): Councilman Palmer moved a 4% cost-of-living increase for council staff for 2024. Councilman Walton expressed concerns about the lack of diversity on council staff, but the motion passed 13-0 (two members absent).
  • Updated Leave Policies (12921-24): A motion to update annual, sick, and parental leave policies for council staff passed 13-0 despite a brief procedural exchange between President Katina and Councilman Walton.
  • Payment of Litigation Invoices (12922-24): The council authorized payment of $12,933 in total for extraordinary legal services: $8,332.50 for the minimum wage litigation and $4,600.50 for the Schumann bill litigation. Councilman Walton voted no, arguing the council should have appealed the minimum wage decision. Councilwoman Hallam noted that the executive branch would reimburse the $8,332.50. The motion passed 12-1.
  • Renewal of Council Solicitor Contract (12923-24): The council renewed the contract of Frederick Frank and his firm for two years. Councilman Walton voted no, citing poor legal advice on the minimum wage litigation. Councilman DeMarco raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, but supported the renewal. The motion passed 12-1.
  • Renewal of Dreamscape Video Productions Contract (12924-24): The council renewed the video streaming and recording services contract for two years. The motion passed unanimously, 13-0.
  • Motion on U.S. Steel Sale (12926-24): Councilman Walton introduced a motion opposing the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, arguing it would harm workers and the region. Councilman DeMarco countered that the sale would bring $14.9 billion in investment and keep the headquarters in Pittsburgh. Councilman Futolis, an original co-sponsor, withdrew his support and moved to hold the motion for further discussion. The motion to hold passed 12-1, with Councilman Walton voting no.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: Both sets of minutes were approved unanimously.
• Appointments referred: All nominations, including the new County Solicitor nominee, were referred to the Appointment Review Committee.
• Cost of living adjustment: Approved (13-0) for 4% increase for council staff.
• Leave policies: Updated policies approved (13-0).
• Litigation invoices: Payment authorized (12-1).
• Solicitor contract: Renewed for two years (12-1).
• Dreamscape contract: Renewed for two years (13-0).
• U.S. Steel motion: Held for future discussion (12-1).

Next Steps: The held motion on U.S. Steel will be further considered after additional information is gathered. The ordinances and appointments will be reviewed by the respective committees.