Allegheny County Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

This was the final regular meeting of the year, marking the end of the two-year council term on December 31, 2025. The council convened at 10:00 AM (transcript indicates evening, but agenda date is 2025-12-16 10:00:00+00:00) with 12 members present, later 13. The meeting featured proclamations for retiring officials, a contentious debate on a tax abatement (LERTA) for a development in Oakland, and several procedural votes on pending bills to prevent their expiration.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Mayor Jack Brown (Braddock Hills): Recognized for over a decade of service. Councilmember Walton presented the proclamation; Mayor Brown spoke about his accidental election and thanked council for partnership.
• Councilmember Anita Prizio (District 3): Recognized for her eight years on council, environmental advocacy, and progressive leadership. She thanked colleagues and progressive groups.
• Councilmember Bob Macy (District 9): Recognized for his 19 years of service, including work on the Fire Vest program and county payroll reform. He encouraged new members to focus on commonalities.
• Additional proclamations read into the record: Chief Dean Helenski, Councilmember Jack Petkowski, Brentwood Civic Center remodel, Pleasant Hills municipal building, Pittsburgh Pride Choir (40 years), Sylvia Martinelli, telecommunications officer Ed Bureck, Connect Laundromat, Teresa White, South Fayette Lions Girls Soccer Team, and Richland Volunteer Fire Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dominic Gordon (new resident, Gen Z): Advocated for multi-member ranked choice voting (single transferable vote) to increase representation of minorities and independent voices, and to engage younger voters. He referenced Councilmember Alex Rose as an example.

Discussion Items

• LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance) for 160-unit apartment complex in Oakland (Bill 13745-25): The resolution would provide a 10-year graduated tax abatement (100% to 60%) on improvements to a property on McKee Street. Debate centered on whether the area is "deteriorated" as required by state law. Councilmember Grisbeck led opposition, arguing the development is in a thriving area, will proceed without the abatement, and the county would forego $1.2 million in revenue. He cited no evidence the developer needed the incentive. Councilmember Klein supported the abatement, noting a sworn affidavit for 10% deeply affordable units and 250 union jobs. Councilmember Walton urged approval, criticizing selective enforcement of LERTA criteria. Councilmember Rose called the $1.2 million a handout. Councilmember Palmasina suggested future reform of LERTA practices. Vote: 9-4 in favor (Ayes: Botta, Filiaggi, Fatulis, Klein, Macy, Nakarati Chapkis, Palmasina, Walton, Katina; Nays: Grisbeck, Hallam, Prizio, Rose).
• Health Department Rule Revisions (Article 6 – Housing & Community Environment; Article 15 – Plumbing & Building Drainage): Both passed unanimously after brief discussion. Councilmember Grisbeck clarified that the plumbing revision does not divert funds from the air quality program.
• Air Fees Relief Program Resolution (13739-25): Passed 11-1 (Hallam voted no).
• Expeditious Autopsies for Jail Deaths (13738-25): Passed unanimously.
• Lease Agreement with Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall (13766-25): Corrected ordinance, passed unanimously after waiving second reading.
• Motions to Pull Bills from Committee:
  • Donation of two horses for police mounted unit (13382-25): Passed 12-1 (Hallam voted no, citing concerns about police animals).
  • Steel Rivers COG use of Round Hill Park (13690-25): Passed 10-3 (Botta abstained, Hallam, Prizio, Rose voted no; Botta later voted no on final approval).
• Budget Transfer Committee Re-established (13767-25): Passed by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved minutes of November 5, 2025 meeting; reappointment of Sarah Roca to retirement board; block approval of five appointments (Carnegie Library, Housing Authority, Personnel Board, etc.) with Councilmember Klein abstaining on his own appointment.
• Unfinished Business: All five appointments from the Committee on Appointment Review approved by voice vote.
• New Business: Ordinance for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall lease passed; budget transfer committee re-established.
• Pulled Bills: Both mounted horse donation and Steel Rivers COG training facility use passed.
• Notification of Contracts: Approved for November 2025.
• Adjournment: Motion carried after public comment.