Allegheny County Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2025

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on June 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included the Chief Executive's quarterly address, several proclamations, public comments regarding jail safety and other community concerns, and votes on tax exemption resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes of the May 21, 2025 regular meeting were approved by voice vote (motion 13582-25).
• Appointments: Several appointments to the Juvenile Detention Board of Advisors were presented and referred to the Committee on Appointment Review without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Kenstewitz (presenting a staff initiative) called for reinstating leg shackles on hospital runs, citing safety incidents. He outlined a petition process and argued that the 2022 referendum was misrepresented to voters.
• Brian Englert (President of the union at the Allegheny County Jail) supported the initiative, noting that all other county jails and arresting authorities can use leg shackles except ACJ. He highlighted escape attempts and officer safety concerns.
• Mike Arnold (correctional officer) described a personal experience where an inmate attempted to grab a partner's firearm and assaulted him, resulting in a concussion. He argued that leg shackles would have prevented the escalation.
• Ed Wren (Swisshelm Park resident) urged council to take stronger action on pollution and climate change, and commented on the silver line and CDBG funding.
• Yvonne Brown (Hill District resident) raised concerns about harassment in her building and alleged police misconduct against homeless individuals.
• Heather Pope (resident) reiterated her call for Councilmember Hallum's apology over a social media post, stating it is part of a broader issue of anti-Semitism.
• Joseph Agulia and Christopher Fromm both urged council to take a stronger stance against anti-Semitism and terrorism.

Discussion Items

• Chief Executive's Quarterly Address: Chief Executive Sara Innamorato (as referenced) delivered an update covering: Pride Month and support for LGBTQ+ community; threats to immigrants; closure of Job Corps; establishment of a Federal Disruption Response Team; state funding needs for PRT transit; severe weather response; US Open success; decline in homicides (20 in first five months of 2025, lowest since 2007); 500 and 500 program housing 400 people in 300 units; launch of First Home Allegheny; threat of federal cuts to CDBG ($13.4 million annually); launch of a countywide comprehensive plan; and a new budget transparency tool called Balancing Act.

• Council Questions:

  • Councilmember Grisbeck asked about transit-oriented development and delays in CDBG funding distribution. The Chief Executive acknowledged the delay and promised an update from the director.
  • Councilmember Hallum praised the 500 and 500 program and asked about eviction prevention funding. The Chief Executive noted ongoing efforts and a forthcoming housing needs assessment.
  • Councilmember Klein asked about immunization clinics; the Chief Executive said the health department continues clinics and vaccine hesitancy education.
  • Councilmember Palmery looked forward to the Women's Open in three years.
  • Councilmember Nakarati Chapkis thanked emergency services for flood response.
  • Councilmember Botta asked about infrastructure improvements for future storms and about the county dog Lucy. The Chief Executive said this is a year of planning with the comprehensive and climate action plans.

• Proclamations:

  • Congratulated DPW for receiving APWA accreditation (5th time).
  • Recognized retirement of Professor Martha Mannix from Pitt Law School's Elder Law Clinic.
  • Other proclamations were noted without reading (U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club, Bob Ford Day, U.S. Army Day, Buena Vista pool anniversary, Charles Marwood 95th birthday, Collier Township sesquicentennial, Eagle Scout, and memorial for Nicole Denise Hogan).

• Liaison Reports:

  • Councilmember Macy reported on the volunteer fire service crisis and ongoing fact-finding meetings.
  • Councilmember Grisbeck reported on the Southwestern PA Commission meeting, focusing on public transit, rural broadband, and federal cuts.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Resolution 13547-25 (LERTA tax exemption for industrial/commercial/business properties in Pittsburgh) passed 15-0.
  • Resolution 13548-25 (similar LERTA exemption) passed 14-1, with Councilmember Hallum voting no.
• New Ordinances Introduced:
  • 13581-25 (Health Dept. air pollution rule amendments) referred to Health and Human Services.
  • 13578-25 (expanding countywide cleanup day) referred to Sustainability and Green Initiatives.
  • 13579-25 (support for volunteer fire departments) referred to Public Safety.
  • 13580-25 (Duquesne University bond project up to $145 million) referred to Economic Development and Job Creation.
• Public Safety Meeting: Councilmember Nakarati Chapkis announced a meeting to hear from correctional officers originally scheduled for June 24 was moved to June 25 at 4:30 PM.
• Communications: The approved executive actions for May 2025 were received and filed.

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes were not available; this summary is based solely on the transcript.