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.