Allegheny County Council Regular Meeting - August 20, 2024

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse. President Patrick Catena presided with 13 members present (Bonaroti, DeMarco, Filiaggi, Futules, Grzybek, Hallam, Klein, Macey, Naccarati-Chapkis, Palmiere, Palmosina, Prizio, Walton). The meeting included proclamations, approval of minutes, appointments, introduction of ordinances and resolutions, motions, contract notifications, and public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: Three sets of minutes were approved unanimously:
  • June 18, 2024 regular meeting (motion 13145-24)
  • July 2, 2024 regular meeting (motion 13146-24)
  • July 9, 2024 regular meeting (motion 13147-24) – approved as amended to correct a typographical error on the cover page (the meeting date was listed as July 2 instead of July 9; the minutes themselves were accurate).
• Appointments Referred: Three appointments were referred to the Committee on Appointments for review:
  • James Gezo to Friends of the Park for Harrison Hills (term through August 20, 2027)
  • Sam Einsidler to Friends of the Park for Hartwood Acres (term through August 20, 2027)
  • John Fournier, MPA, to serve as County Manager (term effective upon Council approval)
• Contract Notifications: Two communications summarizing approved executive actions for June 2024 (13148-24) and July 2024 (13149-24) were received and filed without discussion.

Proclamations & Recognitions

Twelve proclamations were read into the record, recognizing community events, anniversaries, and service. Notable proclamations included: Whitehall Borough Community Weekend, Chief James "Traz" Matrazzo (28 years), Churchill Borough 90th Anniversary, David Kindig and Kevin Schiele (car industry), MaxMotive, Fire Chief Nicholas Sohyda (25 years), Officer Erick Lakin (31 years), Pittsburgh Brewing Company (160+ years), Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (20th anniversary), Richard and Elsie Ferencz (60th wedding anniversary), Richard V. Piacentini (30 years at Phipps Conservatory), and Wilma Virginia Walters (100th birthday). Several council members asked to be added as co-sponsors to specific proclamations.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances & Resolutions Introduced: Eight pieces of legislation were introduced and referred to standing committees:
  • 13151-24: Fire safety information distribution by Health Department to restaurant owners (referred to Health and Human Services)
  • 13152-24: Voter citizenship verification mechanism for Board of Elections (referred to Government Reform; Councilmember Hallam added as co-sponsor)
  • 13153-24: Sale of county property on Hollywood Drive, Hampton Township, for $3,300 to Ashley and Kenneth Downing (referred to Economic Development and Job Creation)
  • 13154-24: Condemnation for Fallen Timber Run Bridge No. 6 replacement in Forward Township (referred to Public Works)
  • 13155-24: Condemnation for Greensburg Pike Lateral Support Project in Turtle Creek Borough (referred to Public Works)
  • 13156-24: Condemnation for Beam Run Bridge No. 1 replacement in Jefferson Hills Borough (referred to Public Works)
  • 13157-24: Ratification of revisions to Health Department rules on housing and community environment (referred to Health and Human Services)
  • 13158-24: Ratification of year-end transfers per Administrative Code Section 805.03 (referred to Budget and Finance)
• Motions Approved: Two motions authorizing public hearings were passed unanimously:
  • 13159-24: Authorizes the President of Council to conduct three public hearings (October 17, 28, and 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM) in the Gold Room, pursuant to §801.05 of the Administrative Code.
  • 13160-24: Authorizes a public hearing on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 4:30 PM in the Gold Room, pursuant to the Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code.

Public Comments & Testimony

One member of the public, Chad Ringbloom, spoke during the public comment period on general items. He criticized at-large Councilwoman Bethany Hallam for her social media comments following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler County. He characterized her initial post ("wow, the crime in Butler County is out of control") as mocking the tragedy, and accused her of ties to an account called "Filler Distro" that allegedly made violent comments (e.g., "praying they won't miss next time"). Ringbloom called on the council to hold Hallam accountable with censure, invoking religious language ("the Lord rebuke you"). No council member responded to his comments.

Key Outcomes

• All three sets of minutes were approved (one as amended).
• All three appointments were referred to committee for further review.
• Both motions authorizing public hearings were approved unanimously.
• Two contract notifications were received and filed.
• No votes were taken on the introduced ordinances or resolutions; they were referred to committees for deliberation.
• No formal action was taken regarding the public commenter's request for censure.