Allegheny County Council Meeting - May 7, 2024

The Allegheny County Council meeting on May 7, 2024, was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Katina. Thirteen members were initially present, later increasing to fifteen. The meeting featured multiple proclamations, extensive public testimony, and several legislative actions.

Proclamations and Certificates

• National Nurses Week (13036-24): The council proclaimed May 6–12, 2024 as National Nurses Week. Dennis Bielonda, executive director of Kane Living Centers, introduced nursing staff who reported that in 2023, 11 LPNs graduated (seven from the centers' own aides), and 100 nurse aides were trained through a partnership with CCAC. In 2024, 18 new students are in the LPN program. Holly Marin, deputy warden of health services at the county jail, also spoke. Dr. Bullock from CCAC noted a 94% pass rate (120 of 126) on the recent RN exam. Lauren Brungo, chief nursing officer of the Allegheny County Health Department, and a representative from DHS also expressed gratitude.
• Pittsburgh Today Live 20th Anniversary (13037-24): Councilmember Macy presented a proclamation honoring KDKA's "Pittsburgh Today Live" for its 20th anniversary. Hosts Heather Abraham and David Highfill accepted, noting the show's role in providing community connection during the pandemic.
• Other proclamations read into the record: 13038-24 (WIC Program 50th anniversary), 13039-24 (Eagle Scout Jacob Townsend Lowe), and 13040-24 (Magisterial District Judge Xander Orenstein).

Public Comments & Testimony

On Agenda Items:

• Brian Knuckles: Scheduled to speak, but no testimony recorded in the transcript.

On General Items:

• Michael Barone: Former Allegheny County jail correctional officer, speaking on behalf of 11 officers terminated in December 2021 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. He argued the mandate violated the Nuremberg Code and HIPAA, criticized the county for not making them whole, and demanded accountability.
• Sabrina Maines: A mother sharing her daughter's recovery from schizophrenia, contrasted the support her child received with the lack of care for children in Gaza. Urged council to call for a ceasefire.
• Zia Manes: Brief statement: "Cease fire, divest from Israel, and free Palestine."
• Elizabeth Arafat: Read a letter from her sister-in-law in Rafah, describing the terror of raising a newborn during war. Urged council to remember Palestinian mothers when voting against ceasefire.
• Aaron Broad: A history teacher and mother, quoting Julia Ward Howe's 1870 Mother's Day Proclamation. Called on council to foster peace in Gaza.
• Joanna Collins: A mother of five, shared the story of Nabila, a Gazan mother whose three children were killed. Criticized U.S. funding of weapons and urged support for a ceasefire resolution.
• Tanisha Law: Expressed solidarity with Palestinians but primarily criticized Councilmember Filiaggi for remarks at a prior meeting comparing Manny (a formerly incarcerated community activist) to Bob Macy, calling the comments offensive and undermining rehabilitative justice. Demanded an apology.
• Carly Barube: A mother and midwife, described conditions for 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza. Then criticized Councilmember Filiaggi for comparing her criminal record (a summary offense akin to a traffic violation) to Macy's racist remarks. Reported that since the prior meeting, her group served 256 unhoused and returning neighbors.
• Fawn Walker Montgomery: Listed but did not speak.

Discussion Items

• Odor Investigation Update: President Katina reported that the county, with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, has ruled out certain sources for the mysterious odor in the Mon Valley and South Hills. Encouraged residents to call 911 if they smell it.
• New Business Motion (13043-24): Councilmember Macy introduced a motion urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass HB 1825 and SB 25, which would expand nurse practitioner practice. He cited healthcare access shortages. The motion was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee for further vetting.
• Ordinance (13042-24): Ratification of revisions to the Allegheny County Health Department's housing and community development rules (Article 6). Referred to Health and Human Services.
• Notification of Contracts (13044-24): April 2024 summary of approved executive actions. Motion to receive and file was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes (13041-24): Minutes of the April 9, 2024 regular meeting were approved by voice vote.
• Appointments Referred: Seven appointments (13029-24 through 13035-24) were presented and referred to the Committee on Appointment Review.
• Motion Referred: Motion 13043-24 was sent to the Health and Human Services Committee.
• Ordinance Referred: Ordinance 13042-24 was sent to the Health and Human Services Committee.
• Contract Notification Received: Communication 13044-24 was received and filed.
• Adjournment and Executive Session: The meeting adjourned following public comments, and council moved to an executive session to discuss professional services.