Allegheny County Council Organizational Meeting and Oaths of Office - January 2, 2026
Allegheny County Council Organizational Meeting and Oaths of Office - January 2, 2026
The Allegheny County Council held an organizational meeting on January 2, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The session included the swearing-in of four newly elected or re-elected council members, the election of a council president, and a vote on a motion to evaluate filing an amicus curiae brief in a labor relations case. Multiple proclamations were read, and appointments to boards were referred to committee.
Oaths of Office and Remarks
- Kathleen Madonna Emmerling (District 1) was sworn in. She thanked voters, described her election as a mandate for change, and emphasized transparency, accountability, and collaboration. She noted her journey from stay-at-home mom to council member, encouraging broader civic participation.
- Lisa Geiger Schulman (District 3) was sworn in. She expressed excitement to govern using lessons learned and prioritized issues including children and families, and traffic and infrastructure.
- Patrick Katina (District 4) and Robert Palmasina (District 12) had been sworn in prior to the meeting; their certificates were acknowledged by the clerk.
- Michelle Nacarati Chapkas (District 8) was sworn in for her second term. She thanked family, community members, and municipalities in District 8. She highlighted past achievements including complete streets legislation, online property listings, and the climate action plan. She identified economic development and housing as critical issues.
- Aaron Adams (District 9) was sworn in. He thanked his family and noted his prior service on Duquesne City Council. He committed to good governance across party lines and to serving approximately 96,000 constituents.
Election of Council President
- Councilmember Pat Katina was nominated by Councilmember Fatulis and seconded. No other nominations were made. By roll call, all 15 members present voted for Mr. Katina. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Katina thanked colleagues, emphasized listening to others, and committed to improving collaboration.
New Business – Motion on Amicus Curiae Brief
- Motion 13788-26, sponsored by Councilmember Howard, directed the council solicitor to evaluate the merits of filing an amicus curiae brief in Allegheny County Prison Employees Independent Union v. Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. The case involves a 2021 voter referendum regarding jail safety conditions. Councilmember Howard explained that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania had agreed to hear the case and that the brief would defend council’s ability to legislate safety conditions. She clarified the motion only covers evaluation, not automatic filing.
- Councilmember Walton opposed, questioning the need to spend county resources and suggesting the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case indicated some merit. Councilmember Frank (solicitor) confirmed there would be no cost beyond his standard $5,000 monthly retainer. Councilmember Grisbeck asked for a report to the full council, which the solicitor agreed to provide.
- Vote: 14 in favor, 1 opposed (Councilmember Walton). Motion carried.
Proclamations and Appointments
- Three proclamations were read into the record: recognizing the Holiday Salon by Kofi Collections event (sponsored by Hallam), recognizing Chalfont Borough Mayor James Perry for dedicated service (sponsored by Fatulis), and recognizing Don Penatzer for holiday spirit efforts (sponsored by Palmasina).
- Appointments were presented and referred to the Committee on Appointments Review: Joseph Mistrangelo and Jessica Priselec to the Community College of Allegheny County Board of Trustees (terms through 2031); and Daniel Dalton, Anthony Glasso, Roy Cranick, Janet Craig, and Lindsay A. McKee to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board (terms through 2028). All were sponsored by the chief executive.
Key Outcomes
- Four council members were sworn in, two took oaths during the meeting, and two were administered oaths prior (their certificates were acknowledged).
- Pat Katina was elected council president by a unanimous 15–0 vote.
- Motion 13788-26 passed 14–1 (Walton dissenting), directing the solicitor to evaluate filing an amicus curiae brief in the prison union case, at no additional cost beyond the solicitor’s retainer.
- All proclamations were read into the record. Appointments were referred to the Appointment Review Committee for further action.
Meeting Transcript
Hello, everybody. I am so excited to call to order Allegheny County Council's meeting of January 2nd, 2026. So first we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance through the flag of the United States of America. And through the Republic for which stands, one nation, one of God, indivisible with liberty and out of the straw. Now, please stay silent for a moment of silent reflection. Thank you. You may be seated. Next up, I know what you've all been waiting for, the certificates of election and oaths of office. Before proceeding, please let the record reflect that Mr. Katina and Mr. Palmasena were both sworn in prior to today's meeting, and the clerk has received and filed their signed oaths of office. So congratulations to you two. Next, 13772-26. A communication from the Return Board of Allegheny County submitting a certificate of election, certifying that at the election held on the fourth day of November 2025. Kathleen Madonna Emmerlin was duly elected to the Office of District One Member of Council in the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Ms. Madonna Emmerling and Judge Rudsky, please move to the podium. Please raise your left hand and repeat after me. I, Kathleen Madonna Emmerling. I, Kathleen Madonna Emmerling. You solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I will faithfully execute. That I will faithfully execute. The office of member of council. The office of member of council. Of the County of Allegheny. Of the County of Allegheny. And will to the best of my ability. And will to the best of my ability. Preserve, protect, defend, and obey. Preserve, protect, defend and obey. The Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution and the Laws. And the Constitution and the Laws. Of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Congratulations. Congratulations. The floor is yours for any remarks, then please take your seat on the dais. Thank you, President Hallum. Good evening, and I promise this will take less time than it did for you to find this room this evening. First off, thank you. I am so deeply grateful to my family, friends, volunteers, and the historic coalition of neighbors, labor advocates, community organizations that came together to make today possible. Most of all, I thank the voters who put their trust in me. The overwhelming results of this election were not just a victory. They were a mandate for change. A clear call for more transparency, stronger accountability, and a county government that works for the people it serves.
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