Allegheny County Council Meeting - July 14, 2026

The meeting opened with a roll call (14 members present) and featured the Chief Executive's quarterly address, multiple proclamations, public testimony, and action on several bills and resolutions. Key topics included the departure of Warden Wingard, a repeal of a council budget cap referendum, term limits on county boards, support for hospital nurses, stormwater runoff, and pool chaperone policy.

Chief Executive's Quarterly Address

• The Chief Executive reported on the heat wave, with 70,000 pool patrons served so far this summer. Code Red declared again.
• Department of Health streamlined food permits: average wait time reduced to 28 days (from 50 in 2024 and 42 in 2025).
• Homicides are at a record low: 40% fewer in 2025 vs 2024; through June 2026, 30 homicides, slightly below last year's pace.
• Pension fund is $1.5 billion in the red; a final report from the pension board is expected later this week.
• Paid parental leave: comment period extended to 60 days; over 1,500 comments received. An estimated 1.7% of the workforce would qualify per year. The Executive noted the rise in Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs) – 95 babies since 2020 – as a public health reason for the policy.
• The Executive announced she will introduce a budget for FY2027 with no tax increase, and she will take 12-week paid leave after giving birth.
• Returned two ballot referendums (on council budget cap and staffing) unsigned, preferring action through the Government Review Commission.
• Warden Warren Wingard is leaving for a job in North Carolina; Deputy Connie Clark named interim warden; a national search will commence.

Consent Calendar

• Two grant budget amendments (resolutions 14000-26 and 14010-26) were approved unanimously (14-0 and 15-0).
• A communication summarizing approved executive actions for June 2026 was received and filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIN) speakers: Praised Warden Wingard for improvements at the jail – new unit management, tablet access, volunteer programs, and staff development. Several expressed sadness at his departure and urged council to continue the progress.
• Mohammed Nasir (Jail Oversight Board): Initially voted against Wingard but acknowledged significant positive changes; called him "one of the good ones."
• Tanisha Long: Thanked Wingard for openness and programming; urged a thorough public search for the next warden.
• Tom Bailey: Supported the stormwater runoff motion (Bill 14021-26), citing the Environmental Rights Amendment and previous council action on fracking.
• Multiple speakers on paid parental leave: Abigail Orin, Madeline Lobscher, Aidan Halpern, Michelle Hart (NICU nurse practitioner), Veronica Wanamaker (on heat/data center), and others urged support for 18-week paid leave, citing health benefits, infant mortality, and economic advantages.
• Data center opposition: Martin Garrigan and Veronica Wanamaker (Springdale residents) argued the proposed data center will cause noise, pollution, and strain the electrical grid, especially affecting seniors on fixed incomes.
• Renters' issues: Melinda Kinney and Mary Pat Donegan (Allegheny County Renters United) reported ongoing neglect at NBA Affordable properties, called for stronger enforcement and public ownership of foreclosed buildings.
• Carlino Giampolo: Asked council to recommend shutting down the Oakland DIY skate park, citing community rights.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 13894-26 (Term Limits on County Boards): Sponsored by Grisbeck, Filiachi, and Hallam. After an amendment (GRISBEC 2) to apply only to council's own nominations (to avoid usurping executive authority), the bill passed 12-3 (Adams, Fatulis, Walton dissenting). Councilman Walton argued the Government Review Commission should handle charter changes.
• Resolution 13998-26 (Support for McGee Nurses): Sponsored by many members. An amendment (KME 1) removed a July 4 deadline that had been extended. Passed 14-0 (Fatulis abstained). Councilwoman Madonna Emmerling spoke in support, noting her own union background.
• Resolution 13983-26 (Allegheny Connect Modernization): Sponsored by Botta. Passed 15-0. Botta cited Estonia's fully digital government as inspiration.
• Ordinance 14024-26 (Repeal of Budget Cap Referendum): Sponsored by Filiachi, Hallam, Grisbeck, Katina, and Fatulis. This would repeal one referendum (lifting the budget cap) but leave another (expanding staffing and benefits) on the ballot. Extensive debate. Councilman Rose offered an amendment (ROSE 1) to repeal both referendums, arguing that leaving only the benefits question was inappropriate. The amendment failed 6-8-1 (one absent). The original bill then passed 11-3-1 (Adams, Klein, Walton, Rose opposing; Katina absent). Supporters cited new financial information (pension deficit, spousal health cuts, tight budget) and constituent feedback as reasons for reversal. Opponents argued council should not back away from reform.
• Motion 14021-26 (Stormwater Runoff): Sponsored by Rose, presented by junior council member Corey Wilson. Encouraged green infrastructure. Passed 14-0.
• Motion 14022-26 (Pool Chaperone Policy): Sponsored by Hallam. Urges the county executive to lower the chaperone age from 18 to 15, matching the age for lifeguards. Passed 10-3 (Adams, Botta, Walton dissenting). Some expressed concerns about safety and lifeguard distraction.

Key Outcomes

• Passed budget amendments (unanimous).
• Passed term limits for county boards (12-3).
• Passed resolution supporting McGee nurses (14-0-1).
• Passed resolution to modernize Allegheny Connect (15-0).
• Passed repeal of the budget cap ballot question (11-3-1). The second referendum on staffing/benefits remains on the ballot.
• Passed motions on stormwater runoff and pool chaperone policy.
• Received and filed executive actions.