Allegheny County Council Meeting - May 21, 2024

The Allegheny County Council convened on May 21, 2024, at 10:15 AM with 13 members present. The meeting featured multiple proclamations, public comments on property tax reassessment, approval of committee appointments, a new motion related to litigation, and public testimony on coroner procedures and mental health policy.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Older Americans Month (May 2024): Councilmember DeMarco sponsored a proclamation recognizing the District Attorney's Office for its work with seniors. Julie Capone, senior prosecutor in the elder abuse unit, accepted on behalf of DA Stephen Zappala, highlighting Project Lifesaver, the fraud squad (preventing over $35 million in losses since 2015), and the senior justice advocate program.
• Matthew Brown, CEM: Councilmember Nakarati Chapkiss presented a proclamation congratulating Matthew Brown for maintaining his Certified Emergency Manager designation, held by only 2,363 professionals worldwide. Brown thanked council and highlighted the work of Allegheny County Emergency Services.
• Alekia Borgata – 2024 Coca-Cola Scholar: Council President Katina recognized Alekia Borgata, a South Fayette High School senior, as one of 150 scholars selected from over 103,000 applicants, receiving a $20,000 scholarship. Borgata spoke about her nonprofit "Women Welfare" and plans to study pre-med.
• Teen Mental Health Awareness Day (May 23, 2024): Councilmember Hallam sponsored a proclamation declaring May 23, 2024 as Teen Mental Health Awareness Day. Statistics cited: 31.71% of Allegheny County students reported poor mental health in the past month; 56% of LGBTQIA+ youth who wanted mental health care could not get it. Three youth advocates spoke: Layla King (sophomore at Pittsburgh Kappa), Dorini Marutu (junior at South Fayette, PA Youth Advocacy), and Janaya Coleman (senior at PA Reach Cyber Charter School), emphasizing the need for supportive environments and destigmatization.
• Linden Garden Club 100th Anniversary: Councilmember Klein presented a proclamation honoring the club, founded in 1924. A representative thanked council and noted the club's support for various organizations including Tree Pittsburgh, Phipps, and the Parks Conservancy.
• Additional proclamations read into the record (without ceremony): 32nd Phalandaffa celebration, recognition of first responders from Plum Borough for Rustic Ridge tragedy, Paul H. Wayne for 40 years with Boy Scouts, and Bishop Marvin C. Moreland Day.

Public Comments on Agenda Items

• Resident of Brookline (ISUNY): Expressed support for property tax reassessment, stating she prefers to pay library, property, and school taxes. She advocated for incremental increases over a multi-year period rather than sudden jumps, and asked for tax funds to be used for parks and pools.
• Corey Dickey (read by councilmember): In a written statement, urged council to implement regular, frequent, fair property reassessments, arguing that infrequent reassessments disproportionately harm disenfranchised residents and exacerbate racial inequality in Pittsburgh.

Approval of Minutes

• Motion to approve minutes of April 24, 2024 regular meeting. Passed without objection.

Committee on Appointment Review – Second Reading

• Councilmember Nakarati Chapkiss moved to approve 12 appointments to the MWDVE Advisory Committee (terms expiring December 31, 2028). All appointments were approved unanimously.

Liaison Reports

• Councilmember Palmer reported attending CCAC's commencement ceremony on May 15, 2024, where approximately 2,200 students graduated. He praised the college and urged council to refer students to CCAC.

New Business – Ordinances & Resolutions

• 13056-24: Ordinance to amend Administrative Code Section 5-210.09 regarding property assessment appeal filings (sponsored by DeMarco, Macy, Katina, Philiaggi). Referred to Committee on Assessment Practices.
• 13057-24: Resolution to amend the grants and special accounts budget for 2024 (submission 03-24). Referred to Committee on Budget and Finance.

Motion for Litigation Expenses

• 13058-24: Motion authorizing payment of invoices for extraordinary professional services related to litigation involving Allegheny County Council (the Schumann lawsuit). After a brief executive session, council voted: 11 yes, 1 no (Councilmember Walton), 3 absent. Motion carried.

Public Comments on General Items

• Stephanie Waters: Representing her deceased brother Kevin Kavlovich, she requested a meeting with council to address concerns with the county coroner's office. She proposed three action points: improved family communication (contact within 48 hours, updates at primary and final autopsy), protocol changes (histology at time of autopsy, right to request grand rounds and access minutes), and creation of an oversight committee. She noted her brother's case involved viral meningitis and that his fluids/tissues were sent to the CDC.
• Ruth Johnston (possibly last speaker): Invited council to a one-day workshop on July 30, 2024 in Butler, PA, about assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) for severe mental illness. She explained that a 2018 state law allows counties to opt into AOT, which permits involuntary commitment to a medical team without requiring a "clear and present danger" standard. She shared a personal family story and urged council to consider the program.