Allegheny County Council Regular Meeting – August 19, 2025

The Allegheny County Council convened on August 19, 2025, with 14 members present, to address proclamations, approve minutes, hear public comments, and discuss new business. The meeting included recognition of community service and officer bravery, public testimony on public safety, environmental concerns, and jail policies, and referral of a health department ordinance to committee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the June 17, 2025, regular meeting were approved by voice vote (motion, second, all ayes).
• Minutes of the July 1, 2025, regular meeting were approved by voice vote (motion, second, all ayes).
• Minutes of the July 8, 2025, regular meeting were approved by voice vote (motion, second, all ayes).
• Communication summarizing approved executive actions for June 2025 (13627-25) was received and filed by voice vote (motion, second, all ayes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Schmutzer thanked the Public Works Department for a storm sewer project on Bronzeville Road, acknowledging Councilman John Palmery and Grant (chief of staff) for assistance. He also commended David Voye, Director of Elections, and praised Councilmember Bethany Hallum for her charitable work, calling her an inspiration.
• Jacob Poole (Edgewood) described himself as a victim of human trafficking from Eastern Europe and claimed he was brought to the U.S. as a child. He requested that the council create a countywide 311 system to report crimes, alleging exploitation by paramilitary gangs in suburbs. He stated that Goodwill Workforce Development pushed him toward lawn care jobs despite having college degrees.
• Karen Hanchett (Swissvale) expressed concern that the council is neglecting to protect residents from air, water, and land pollution. She supported a health department fee increase to fund the Air Program, arguing that underfunding could lead to state takeover and endanger residents. She referenced a July incident at U.S. Steel’s facility as a hazard example.
• Tom Spagnell (Moon Township) raised public safety concerns about violent repeat offenders being granted bail. He cited a July 3 press release from Sheriff Krause about a suspect charged with attempted homicide who was released and later struck a police officer with a stolen vehicle. He asked the council to work across departments to address the issue, noting the jail has empty units.
• John (correctional officer) presented a petition with 1,044 signatures (exceeding the 500 required) to reinstate the use of leg restraints on hospital runs for correctional officers. He argued that the absence of leg shackles is an industry-standard safety issue, noting that Allegheny County Jail is the only one in Pennsylvania without them. He thanked Pittsburgh firefighters for support and urged council to vote with the officers.
• Brian Engler (President of the union at the jail) confirmed delivery of petition signatures. He stated that many voters did not realize they voted to remove leg shackles. He noted that only two people declined to sign (one at a gun show, one from Bethel Park). He said the jail has five empty housing units and that officers will spend the next 11 weeks going door-to-door in districts to ask constituents to contact council members. He highlighted the high PTSD rate (32% higher than the military) and mentioned Officer Wright’s involvement in stopping an escape attempt within her first six months.
• Madeline Darnell (District 10) supported the health department fee increase, citing Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment (Article 1, Section 27). She thanked Councilmember Paul Klein for sponsoring the proposal and urged council to fully fund the Air Program to protect residents in the Mon Valley from emissions at the Coke Works.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Seven proclamations were presented:
  1. 13616-25: Recognizing Riley Williams for a donation drive for unhoused individuals (sponsored by Councilmember Paul Mary). Riley Williams and her family were present.
  2. 13617-25: Recognizing Officers Domaro Dixon and Amir Wright for bravery in preventing an escape attempt at Allegheny General Hospital on June 29, 2025 (sponsored by Councilmember Katina). Officer Wright attended; Officer Dixon was absent due to a family emergency. Brian (likely jail official) accepted on their behalf.
  3. 13618-25: Recognizing Bethel Bakery and the Walsh family for 70 years of service (sponsored by Councilmember Grisbeck).
  4. 13619-25: Honoring the life of Douglas Edward “Duck” Harris (sponsored by Councilmember Bada).
  5. 13620-25: Congratulating Elise Peterson as Queen of Marbles (sponsored by Councilmember Palmasina).
  6. 13621-25: Recognizing Samuel DeMarco III for a lifetime achievement award (sponsored by Councilmembers Ambrasia and Phileogy).
  7. 13622-25: Recognizing Tom Yankello for contributions to boxing and hall of fame induction (sponsored by Councilmembers Embracia and Phileagi).
  8. 13623-25: Commending the United Volunteer Fire and Rescue for 25 years of service (sponsored by Councilmember Nakarati Chapkis).
• Appointments: Appointment 13614-25 (Angel Ivy to the Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review) was referred to the committee on appointment review.
• Liaison Reports: A reminder was given that the Jail Oversight Board will hold a special regular meeting tomorrow at noon for a single issue: re-upping the monthly stipend for incarcerated individuals. Councilman Bonnet (Public Works chair) noted that many road workers are unsafe because drivers do not slow down; he urged attention to signs.
• New Business: Ordinance 13628-25 (ratifying revisions to Article 6 of the Allegheny County Health Department rules concerning houses and community environments, sponsored by the chief executive) was referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
• Unfinished Business: None.

Key Outcomes

• All three sets of minutes (June 17, July 1, July 8) were unanimously approved.
• Communication of executive actions for June was received and filed.
• Ordinance 13628-25 was referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services for further consideration.
• Public comments were heard; no immediate action was taken on the petition for leg restraints or the health department fee increase, though the fee increase was noted as previously sent back to committee.