Allegheny County Council Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on September 22, 2026, starting at approximately 5:10 PM. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (12 members initially present, later rising to 14), and a note to address a facility elevator issue. The agenda included multiple proclamations, approval of minutes, committee reports, second-reading ordinances, a motion to intervene in pension litigation, and public comment. Key speakers included councilmembers, representatives from community organizations, and numerous residents.

Proclamations

• Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh (14064-26): Sponsored by Councilmember Hallam. Councilmember Fatulis shared a personal story of receiving hearing aids from the clinic, describing a line of about 500 people at 6:20 AM. The proclamation noted the 2026 clinic will be held October 16–17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Since 2017, the program has served over 11,000 patients, provided $11.8 million in care, and in 2025 mobilized 1,816 volunteers to serve 2,081 patients with nearly $2.6 million in donated services.
• CCAC Full-Time Faculty and AFT Local 2067 (14065-26): Sponsored by Councilmember Hallam. She highlighted that CCAC contributes an estimated $2.1 billion in added income annually (22,938 jobs) and that the county is legally required to fund one-third of CCAC’s operating budget. The faculty contract expired August 31, 2026, and faculty are working without a contract. Councilmember Hallam called on CCAC administration to approve a fair contract with increased wages, consistent with a 2024 compensation study. Union President Steve Bannister and Art Zingna accepted the proclamation, noting they brought cookies (smaller this year due to “the times”)
• National Forensic Science Week (14066-26): Sponsored by Councilmember Adams, recognizing September 20–26, 2026. Highlighted the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner’s use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify cold-case remains.
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (14067-26): Sponsored by Council President Nakaratti Chapkas. Recognized the Mark Metesic Memorial Foundation, established after the suicide of a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter in 2022. Foundation president Jennifer Ponder (Mark’s mother) spoke emotionally about the need for mental health support for first responders. The foundation’s annual cookie drive now reaches about 150 public safety stations.
• Dolly Parton Day (14068-26): Sponsored by Councilmember Botta with all members co-sponsoring, declaring September 25, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day. Cited her Imagination Library (300 million books distributed, hundreds of thousands in Allegheny County), over $600 million in charitable giving, and contributions to COVID-19 vaccine funding.
• Additional proclamations were read into the record: recognizing Pittsburgh Charities and Bob Nutting (20th anniversary), Annie Lois Carter (90th birthday), Allegheny County Budokai (40th anniversary), and Betty Campow (service to Bloomfield).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (14073-26): Motion to approve minutes of the August 21, 2026 special meeting. Passed by voice vote (all ayes).

Legislation & Key Votes

• Appointment of Michael Sully (14041-26): Approved 12-0-2 (Adams abstained, Klein absent) to the Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review through September 25, 2029.
• Data Center Ordinance (14044-26): Amended the Administrative Code to prohibit county-owned property from being used for certain data center purposes, with an amendment from Councilmember Grisbeck to avoid banning existing servers. Passed 14-0.
• EMS Operational Support Grant Amendment (14074-26): Sponsored by Councilmember Philiagi. Waived second reading to adjust the distribution protocol for EMS grants funded by opioid settlement funds. The amendment broadens permissible uses and streamlines attestation-based disbursement (similar to CARES Act). Councilmember Hallam noted the funds are non-taxpayer, from opioid settlements. Passed 14-0.
• Pension Litigation Intervention (14075-26): Sponsored by Council President Nakaratti Chapkas and Councilmember Katina. Authorizes the Council Solicitor to intervene in Commonwealth v. Retirement Board of Allegheny County (GD 24-014536) as a neutral party, not joining either side. Council President stated the pension system is severely underfunded, and council will create a special committee to address the issue. Passed 14-0, with Councilmember Walton voting yes contingent on the president’s committee commitment (later clarified votes are not conditional).

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Kenstewitz (former correctional officer): Criticized county council for voting down a leg restraint initiative in November 2025, despite a promise from the county executive that hospital staff would attach restraints—a promise not fulfilled. He argued that escape attempts continue, endangering patients and staff.
• Unique Brown: Spoke directly to Councilmember Hallam, expressing frustration that after sharing a personal story, she received no follow-up. She questioned council’s accountability and said she filed lawsuits.
• Yvonne F. Brown: Accused Councilmember Walton of screaming at her and refusing to help with a bus issue. She also criticized former council president John DeFazio.
• Brittany Smith (South Park School District parent): Described racist incidents against her son (called racial slurs) and the district’s ban on her wearing a protest t-shirt. She reported her son has expressed suicidal ideation. She asked council to prioritize student safety and mental health.
• Katie Dickey: Shared personal poetry about psychiatric hospitalization and praised the proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month. She linked suicide prevention to pro-housing, pro-food, pro-healthcare policies.
• Laura Perkins: Supported paid parental leave, noting Dolly Parton supported it. She criticized Councilmember Walton’s voting record on workers’ issues.
• Daniel Sinclair: Told a story of a friend in Colorado who used paid family leave to relocate after a housing emergency. Urged council to pass a robust paid parental leave policy.
• Reginald Morfield: Supported paid family leave and called for stronger rental property accountability, citing an unresponsive landlord across from his public housing.
• Aiden (last name not given): Highlighted provisions of the Board of Health’s paid parental leave policy, including coverage for stillbirths, small business exception, and job protection.
• Sharon Bonavolia (late sign-up allowed): Voiced support for CCAC and paid parental leave, and urged council to advance Councilmember Hallam’s motion 14051-26 concerning the Allegheny County Jail and hospital security issues.

Key Outcomes

• All voted-on items passed unanimously (14-0, with minor abstentions on the appointment).
• Council will create a special committee on pension reform.
• The EMS grant amendment will expedite disbursement to providers using opioid settlement funds.
• Numerous proclamations were adopted, raising awareness for health, education, and community service.
• Public comments highlighted ongoing concerns about jail safety, racism in schools, and the need for paid parental leave.