Pittsburgh City Council Meeting Summary - December 2, 2025
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Oh my god.
And welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025.
Would the clerk please take the roll?
Mr.
Sharon.
Mr.
Cobb here.
Miss Gross.
Mr.
Mosley.
Mrs.
Cale Smith.
Mrs.
Strasberger?
Here.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Here.
Mr.
Wilson.
Mr.
Lavelle present.
Oh, you Mr.
Lavelle President?
Here.
Six members present.
Thank you.
For those who are able to please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Then remain standing for a moment of silence.
And specifically.
I want us to have a moment of silence for Mr.
Paul O'Hanland, who unfortunately passed away.
Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
To the Republic from which it stands.
One nation.
Another God.
Indivisible liberty.
Justice for all the thank you.
Paul Paul O'Hanlin.
Our next order of businesses to amend agenda.
Is there a motion to amend?
To move.
Second.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
The agenda has been amended.
We will return to presentations.
We do have one to be read into the record.
Or two, sorry.
Two.
Councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith presents.
Now therefore be resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, December 6th, 2025 to be KWSA Heavyweight Championship Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
And Councilwoman Cale Smith also presents.
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, December 4th, 2025 to be Pittsburgh Riverhound Soccer Club Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
So moved.
Second.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Aye.
Those proclamations have been approved.
We'll move on to public comment and then return to proclamations.
Please keep me informed of any progress.
And happy holidays to all of you.
I understand the hurdles, the pressure, and the level of creativity required to move economic development forward in Pittsburgh.
And anyone who's worked inside that structure knows what it means to guide projects from idea to implementation while navigating row funding constraints.
I've watched staff work hard to move dollars quickly so a project could be announced with excitement, complete with a ribbon cutting and photos that look very impressive line, but yet once the cameras were gone, the support needed to carry the work forward was often missing.
Moments like that made me pause and ask whether our focus was truly on the people we are called to serve or on creating images that look successful from the outside.
And there's a also simple accounting one-on-one concept that often gets lost in public conversations.
Much is said about the large amount of money that URA manages.
What is rarely stated out loud is that most of those dollars are restricted.
Restricted dollars are tied to a specific program or project and cannot be shifted to cover staffing, administrative needs, or the basic infrastructure required to run the organization.
The dollars that allow the URA to function as an agency are unrestricted dollars.
Those funds pay for personnel, compensation, operational support, etc.
And when we talk about the URA's budget without acknowledging the difference between restricted and unrestricted dollars, it creates a misleading picture.
The best way I can describe this is through a simple human moment.
We can all understand.
I hope it is like expecting someone to get through a full work day without eating.
Many of us know the feeling of rushing out the door of an empty stomach.
At first, you push through that and you stay focused.
As the day moves on, your energy fades.
Your concentration slips.
And then you feel heavier than you should.
It is not because you lack commitment or ability, it's because your body was not given the basic fuel it needs to function.
And when we see a colleague in that situation, we don't blame them.
We understand why they are struggling.
That is often the reality for URA staff.
Expectations continue to rise.
The urgency of the work is real.
Staff continue to show up and give what they can, yet the fuel that allows them to carry the work forward resources, staffing support, and financial backing is frequently missing.
And just like any of us trying to make it through the day on an empty stomach, the struggle is not about motivation, it's about lacking what is needed to sustain the work that we say that we value.
And my hope today is that we create alignment between thank you very much.
You may also submit the rest of your words to the clerk's office.
Our next registered speaker is Dr.
Ronald and Miller.
Swahili is the major language.
I have a concern via Initiative 5 for 25 to 28.
Uh, and also the Pittsburgh City Um Neighborhood Network and the USA now uh neighborhood network.
I'm interested in in focusing on um elected neighborhood councils, 94 Pittsburgh and more than 30,000 for the United States.
Uh Monday, 24 November 2025 at the 10 a.m.
Pittsburgh City Council meeting in proclamations, an individual said she valued homeward.
Girani as African Swahili for neighborhood.
Umwood, a neighborhood.
Uh no, according to the city of Pittsburgh, we have a Homewood North, Homewood East, uh, and Homewood West neighborhoods.
Who decided this division?
I think an elite did.
Uh no elective referendum that I can find that we can find in the GIS.
Um Homewood um neighborhood west boundary is defined by uh North Merdlin, Lincoln, Chaucer, Fifth Avenue, and Pittsburgh Line.
Now, who in the Homewood community voted to define the Homewood Neighborhood West boundary this way?
We can find no vote.
An elite decided.
I think the Democratic Party people decided.
Homewood West needs, as all Pittsburgh and U.S.
neighborhoods need, a neighborhood council that is elected by their own neighborhooders, NCE.
An NCE generally is to ensure micro-local control of neighborhood vote via what I call the vote by voter verification for whom a voter needs to be able to check his or her vote individually, which is forbidden by the Allegheny County Election Division.
And more specifically, um in HW.
Um we need to they need to be able to elect their neighbors to deal with their own problems there.
Um, who elected the uh leadership of Operation uh better block in um West Homewood?
And broadly, who elected the N the HCC, the Homewood uh Concerned Citizens Council, and the ACDC Homewood Community Development.
I don't think that the people voted to do so.
Thank you.
Our next register speaker is Chris Mory.
Hi.
Um sorry for the delay.
I don't have audio from your end.
Hopefully you can hear me.
Um my name is Chris Maury.
Uh live in Squirrel Hill District 8.
Um, and I'm here representing inform up uh nonprofit local news site, which reports weekly on city council and collects resident feedback uh on those issues.
Um here we go.
So our first uh news brief was on Fire Chief Jones' comments during the November 20th budget hearing.
Should the city fund free smoke and we asked our residents should the city fund free smoke detectors for residents despite uh budget pressure.
Um 68% of residents supported or respondents um supported or strongly supported, while 11% uh opposed or somewhat are strongly opposed.
One resident from Squirrel Hill South said it's absurd that we can't fund free smoke detectors for our uh poorer neighbors while the police department is buying drones.
This is serious allocation of public resources.
Um, with respect to acting police chief uh Devine's testimony during the November 18th budget hearing, we asked uh readers um the city purchased nine drones in 2025.
What additional privacy protections at any should be adopted uh and choose up to two?
Um most respondents uh 24 percent said restrict drone use to specific incident types, 22 percent uh said to prohibit facial recognition on drone footage, another 22 percent um uh chose uh require uh warrants uh for use of drones in investigations, while 20 percent um said to require uh public disclosure of drone deployments.
Um six point four percent said no additional protection is needed.
Um resident in the South Side uh drones need to be strongly regulated.
We cannot have a militarized um uh Pittsburgh Police Department and another resident from Squirrel Hill.
Uh uh sorry, that's the same comment as before.
Um, and finally, uh with regards to EMS Chief Um Gilchrist testimony during uh her November 20th budget hearing.
We asked um the new EMS contract allows part-time rolls currently used only for special events to the 2026 budget fund part-time positions to reduce uh reliance on overtime.
Um 85 percent uh somewhat are strongly supported uh this proposal, uh, while six point four percent somewhat were strongly opposed, with uh nine percent uh not being sure.
Um, as always, the um complete survey uh response will be emailed out.
Uh and and sorry, there were 50 survey responses, uh, a little less over the Thanksgiving break.
Um thank you so much.
Thank you.
Our next register speaker is Edward Lessoum.
Hello.
Yes.
I'm calling on with regards to the funding of the uh urban redevelopment authority.
Uh my city Listone.
Um I'm a board member of the Chamber of Commerce.
I have a retail port covering company uh right in East Liberty, and also a very small real estate development company right at the heart of Beast Liberty that we've been working with for the last 30 to 40 years.
The urban redevelopment authority has given birth and substance towards the successful revitalization of our East Liberty community.
From its team efforts to its guidance, its loans, its grants, its facade programs, and its continued encouragement to keep our community growing.
This is the urban redevelopment authority.
It has been shown over and over again that the EURA is the light board of the social, the cultural, and the economic achievements that the city of Pittsburgh is now experiencing.
When you start to think about it, it's not for our belief in the staff of the URA.
Many of us, so many of us may have migrated out of the city and invested with uh less risk, less aggravation in the development of the suburbs.
Instead, thanks to the URA, we are here and very consent.
We at the chamber, as well as many other business people did not comprehend the rationale of $100,000 for the entire 98 neighborhoods.
At first, when I looked at it, I said to myself, that's wonderful.
$100,000 for each neighborhood.
But that's not the case.
If we want our city to grow, then we should revisit the budget and give to the UR the ability to continue a successful mission as we have seen them do over the last four decades.
The URA knows what they need to accomplish their mission.
Please do not sell them short.
Focus on the request to maintain the achievements they have accomplished over the last 35 years that I have been partnering with them.
Thank you.
Our next register speaker is Adrian Wanoho.
Good morning, and thank you for granting me the opportunity to make comments this morning.
My name is Adrian Wanaha.
I am a resident of Observatory Hill, and I have been part of the housing opportunity advisory board since its inception, representing housing instability and homelessness.
So I wanted to tell you a quick story.
One that was much more dark to many of the residents that live here in the city of Pittsburgh to this day.
So since 1998, I have committed myself to creating, providing, and supporting safe and affordable housing options in the city and the county.
I have personally engaged thousands of city residents, individuals experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, and my appointment to the HOF board has been something that I have cherished and taken very seriously.
As the current chair of the HOF, I've had the pleasure of working alongside fellow housing advocates and URA staff.
I have personally witnessed the power of the HOF funded programs and seen the gaps that this flexible funding can and will continue to fill.
A mother to living in subsidized housing applied.
She was working and making ends meet until her family was displaced by a fire.
This small family was housed temporarily in a hotel, and this mom scrambled to replace all of their clothing, prescriptions, toys, glasses, and a month's worth of food that was destroyed.
A network of local advocates worked diligently to find new housing, and an apartment was located.
That's where the housing stabilization program stepped in and created the stability the family needed in this crisis to not only secure new housing but maintain it and re-establish a home.
Today we are experiencing our first large snow, and we have over a thousand citizens who are experiencing homelessness, and another 11,000 this year with critical housing instability.
Deeper than the funding that we have available.
That is in the face of shrinking local, state, and national dollars, rising inflation, and thank you very much.
You may also submit the rest of your comments to the clerk's office.
You are still on mute.
We can move back to actually let's take those in chambers wishing to provide a comment.
Please come forward.
Provide your name and neighborhood for the record.
Hi, my name is Bernadette from Beach Vie.
And what I am here to do today saddened me of a policeman's brat, so to speak, who grew up in Westwood.
Officer Ben McCarrick, and I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly.
He was a retired sergeant of the city of Pittsburgh and detected of the sex crime unit.
His son, mayor of Castle Shannon, and sergeant of Allegheny County Sheriff's Department, was killed in the line of duty.
James, that's James Robert McCarrick.
His wife, Donna, is the commander retired from the county sheriff department.
She takes care of the big memorial on the north side of all the fallen officers.
Ben's wife was Flo from Beachview.
25 years, crossing guard, got everyone to and from school safely.
His great granddaughter called the city.
She's down in the Carolinas.
Her mother is missing, has been missing for months.
They refuse to do a missing persons for her.
Family members have called, name dropped.
They still won't.
Her brother, Chief, or was of River Rescue for the City of Pittsburgh.
You don't do the families of the Brotherhood of Blue this way.
There is no excuse.
I don't care who is listening.
I don't care who has their cell phone at hand.
But when this girl calls from down in the Carolinas, the same little girl who was two years old who found Sergeant Ben Benjamin hanging from the rafters in their basement.
She does not want to find her mother in that same way.
To families who serve this city and this county ever.
Make it happen.
All they want to do is follow a missing persons.
I can't that they may have life and have it abundantly.
We're in a season of advent.
Let's make it a time to seek the Lord more intentionally.
Some of us ain't seeking him at all.
And that's not good.
The praise song I want to share with you comes from Tori Kelly.
That's my go-to uh praise song.
It's Sunday.
That's what it's called.
I can't sing it because I'm being blocked by the hate of the veil of my gifts and talents.
If you haven't put up the Christmas lights, if you're celebrating Christmas, please do it to her song Slay Ride Live as well.
It's I promise your mother, that comes straight from Miss Sunshine's heart.
I love y'all.
We gotta celebrate Christ.
This is his season.
He's the reason for the season.
There's grief in the family tree of Jesus.
Abraham begot Isaac, David the King begot Solomon by her, who had been the wife of Urea.
That came from Matthew chapter one, verse two and six.
The code word is grief.
We just came in here to grief.
Paul, I didn't get his last name passed.
Um I'm sorry.
Um Lord touched him, his heart and his family.
The month of December holds much grief, more grief than any other.
In the midst of all the ten zone trappings, loneliness haunts so many.
Many more suicides or attempted in this month than any other.
Jesus understands your grief behind the lives of all these men and women in his family tree.
We see grief, but they made it, and so can you.
Thank you for bearing my grief and carrying my sorrows.
And I'm leaning on you in Jesus' name.
Amen.
I really hope that people draw closer to Jesus during this time.
Thank you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank you.
Next speaker, please.
Next speaker, please.
If no further speakers, we'll we will try Amanda new Trauer one last time.
Okay.
Then we will turn to proclamations with Councilman Smith.
Can I have Karen Mitchell please come forward?
And everyone with Karen.
Come on.
I know it's a lot of you.
Now, when I met Karen, it was years ago, before I was elected, right?
No.
Is that after I was elected?
It was a long time ago.
And um I met her because she was doing so many amazing things in the community.
It's a Salvation Army and in Ferrywood and Sheridan.
And so I just want to um thank her and acknowledge her.
A lot of times, you know, we don't ever get a chance to acknowledge the people that do the great things in our communities every single day.
And I just want to thank you personally for all that you've done for people.
And we have a recipient here, another recipient, and we're gonna have what Shayla is going to be next.
So we'll talk about Shayla after this, but I just want to talk now about you and all the great things that you do for the community.
I want to thank you for helping us so many times.
Even though you're no longer the Salvation Army, you're always oftentimes one of my first phone calls when somebody needed help, and you just helped me last month with somebody, so I want to thank you very much for the things that you do.
Whereas Karen Mitchell is a community college of Allegheny County honors graduate with two associate degrees in science, social work technician, and graphic communications.
Whereas Karen is the founder and the executive director of Leading Through Love, a nonprofit serving families throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, where she has guided the organization's growth in and advanced its mission.
And whereas she is the founder of KLM's Consultants and Associates, a for-profit business that supports entrepreneurs in launching and expanding their ventures.
In addition, she co-founded Melan Mellon.
Melanin Properties, the Village Social Club and Event Center, and plus the West Side Cares, all rooted in the Sheridan community.
And whereas her previous roles include seven years as a social worker, case and case manager for the Salvation Army West Side Corps, as well as serving as an outreach worker for the healthy for the Healthy Start Incorporated.
And whereas, with over 25 years of experience in social services, community outreach, and nonprofit leadership, Karen currently serves as the behavioral health manager for the Stowe Rocks Acts Violence Prevention Program.
Does it right?
Um at focus on renewal.
And she still continues to help us in the district two.
Whereas she trains staff in cognitive behavior interventions and leads violent prevention programming for high-risk individuals.
And whereas in 2013, Karen earned her the Pennsylvania Family Development Credential and Credential for Strengths, Strength-Based Family Workshops through Temple University.
Most recently, she was selected as a recipient of the Pittsburg New Pittsburgh Couriers 2025 Women of Excellence Award.
We could have told you that a long time ago.
And whereas her dedication as a parent, community volunteer, and organizer, along with her ability to build strong rapports with people of all ages and backgrounds, continues to enable her to be a beacon in the community.
And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Karen Mitchell for her unwavering commitment in empowering to empowering families and advancing community well-being throughout the city of Pittsburgh.
And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, to be Karen Mitchell Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
Maybe we have a motion to approve.
Second.
I just want to have you say a few words, but I do want to say this was long overdue, and I apologize it took so long.
So that's okay.
Say a few words.
I just want to say thank you to the community and my family for always supporting me and my friends who weathered the storm to come down here to support me.
I really appreciate everybody, and I want to thank God for giving me the strength, the will, and determination, and a passion to do what I do everything every day.
Thank you.
Sure, absolutely.
Thank you.
Thanks for coming out.
And you're wearing my campaign calors, by the way.
No.
Oh wow.
I remember you.
Okay.
I'll get it.
Chelsea.
Jackson.
Nance.
Well, the Nance is going to be everyone, please come forward.
Everyone, come with her.
Everyone who's with her.
Yep, come on up.
Where's Pastor Nance?
Is she here?
Oh, there she is.
Oh.
I love that, Pastor Nance.
You're helping her.
It's uh Asia.
Sha.
Asia.
Everybody's looking to see who I was talking about.
We're waiting for Pastor Nance to come up.
Pastor Nan's doing what she does best, helping people in the audience.
Thank you.
Let me tell you, I met Shah Asia back when she was doing some events, right?
And she just does like Karen Mitchell does so much for the community and so much to help people.
And I said, I started talking to her, and I thought, my God, her story is like so empowering for people that have really struggled in life, especially with mental health issues.
And I just thought it's a story worth telling.
And I think I'm so proud of everything you've done and how you how where you've become.
And so, and your family's so amazing.
And they have a church also in Esplan, and so they do a lot in that community as well.
So they just do a lot, this whole family.
Whereas Sha Asia Jackson Dance offers hope and support to individuals facing silent emotional battles.
She is the creator of Don't Give Up on You, Suicide Prevention Tools, and serves as a as leader of the subcommittee of lived experiences within the Suicide Awareness for Everyone Safe Task Force of Allegheny County.
And whereas her inspiration stems from her own journal, her own journey.
By the age of 14, Sha Asia endured severe bullying, especially about her thin appearance.
I get that all the time too.
Leading her to contemplate ending all ending her life.
And thank God that they did, right?
And whereas her mission is grounded in Ecclesiasticis, I say that wrong.
Ecclesiasticus 31.
And she sees and she seeks to uplift and inspire others as she believes God uplifted and inspired her.
And whereas today, she is known as the mega motivating, encouraging, growing, affirming, overlord, overload coach, and is empathetic and vision and a visionary leader, dedicated to nurturing the soul and serving others.
She is an inspirational speaker, TV producer, author, radio host, and Yale University Fellow.
And whereas she is also the founder and CEO of Godly Beauty LLC, a hair care and accessory line.
And the Godly and the Godly Beauty Academy, both a part of the of the broader godly beauty movement.
And now, whereas the godly beauty movement equips women and youth to embrace their identity, purpose, emotional wellness, and their inner beauty through coaching, consulting, tutoring, publishing, conferences, empowerment, events, hair apparel, hair care, and community support.
And whereas she is the devoted wife and mother who holds a master's degree in educational administration, graduating uh Magna cumulada from Point Park University, and she also holds a mass master diplomas in youth and adult mental health coaching.
And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Sha Asia Jackson for her powerful work in empowering and encouraging individuals to recognize that the God-giving beauty within them.
And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, to be Shaisia Jackson Dance Day in the city of Pittsburgh.
All favor say aye.
Congratulations.
Everyone who have supported Godly Beauty.
And I just thank God because I truly believe that everybody is a vibrant messenger of beauty.
Meaning God has put you on this earth for life and power and that no one can't take that from you.
And if you just don't give up on you, literally, when you're alone by yourself, if you just don't give up on you, and understand that you are here for a purpose.
And I just based on my own story, how God saved my life and how I'm here right now to just receive this.
So I just want to let you know, continue on.
Don't give up on yourself, and God will see you through, and He has placed a beautiful gift inside of each and every one of you.
I'm gonna give that speech to the people who send me emails about my makeup being off.
You guys want to come in?
Do you want to say a few words, please?
Then you guys would.
Hi, I'm Shaya's mom, and I just want to say I thank God for being God and when she was little, just knowing that when you have to give your kids over to God and let him have them and just trust in him that he'll do the work and that his will will be done.
I thank God for that because if it had not been for me trusting in him during that time that she had that moment of wanting in her life, I don't know where I would have been if it wasn't for him, and knowing that in my home that I was um I always kept like gospel music playing and you know, things on the TV, and I'm glad that that day that she walked in that door that whatever was playing on that TV at that moment, it kind of brought her back and thought that you know God do loves her, and he did take care of her, and he kept her that day.
So I'm grateful for that, and I'm grateful for today and what God has given her today because she truly deserves it for all that she's doing in the community and in lives.
Huh?
I don't know if you want to hand you the mic.
That's good.
This is Pastor Nance.
Yeah.
Uh truly, I want to give God uh honor to God.
And uh, you know, John 3.16 says, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
And I think that is so awesome because he's no respecter of persons.
You know what he done for my my daughter-in-law, he'll do for you.
So I just thank God for uh the award that she has received and uh the work that she's doing, and um pray for us, and we'll pray for you.
Amen.
And if you need any help or anything, if you're someone like having suicide thoughts or anything, go to you, literally the letter U, the letter R, Godlybeauty.com, and there's help on there for you.
We have resources and everything on there for you.
Thank you, thank you.
You can also call 988, correct?
988 also.
Everyone come up for the pitch.
You guys want to come up for the photo?
Meet connect.
Karen, you want to come up?
You guys all do work in the community helping people come together.
And I do want to say thank you to your mom for making sure that she was you felt comfortable enough going to her when you had an issue.
And I think that's the thing.
When somebody comes to you, be open to it and be receptive for trying to get them help.
Thank you.
Can we keep your house?
And with that, we will turn to the presentation of papers.
Oh, the will of council, I forgot.
I apologize.
Uh is it mine?
Councilwoman Teresa Kill Smith has a will of counsel.
Oh, do you want it right in its entirety or the title?
Um Councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith presents be a further resolve that the council of the city of Pittsburgh supports the efforts to restore Elena Skykeck's name to the bill, honoring her memory and reinforming the city's commitment to confronting domestic violence, and be a further resolve that the council of the city of Pittsburgh commits to working in partnership with Elena's light, domestic violence service provider, and community stakeholders to support effective implementation of Alana's law and upon enactment and ensuring every survivor in Pennsylvania has access to the protections needed to safeguard their lives and futures.
Okay.
Motion to approve.
Second.
All in favor say aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
The will of council has been approved.
And that takes us to the presentation of papers, beginning with Councilman Charlotte, Chair of Human Resources.
Good morning, Mr.
President.
Morning.
It's rare rare.
I have two papers in front of me.
Yeah.
Councilman Bobby Sharland presents Bill 2556.
Resolution amending resolution number six fifty-four of two thousand twenty-four, which authorized the city of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement and or contracts with Bike Share Pittsburgh Inc.
to provide annual POGO bicycle share memberships to any City of Pittsburgh employee requesting one and providing for the payment of the cost thereof by increasing the authorized spend by $52,500 for an additional year and a half for a new total not to exceed cost of $122,500.
Thank you.
Councilman Sharlin, do you wish to waive roulette on this?
Yes, please.
Is there a second?
Second.
All favor say aye.
Aye.
Bill 2556 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
That takes us to Councilman Coghill, Sure of Public Safety and Wellness.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilman Anthony Coghill presents Bill 2557.
Resolution amending resolution number nine fifty-nine of two thousand twenty-four, which authorized the mayor and director of the Department of Public Safety to enter on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh into an agreement or agreements with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh for detention, care, andor euthanasia of domesticated animals by increasing the approved amount by $90,026 and 94 cents for an additional total cost not to exceed $2,370,299.94 over three years.
And that takes us to Councilman Gross, the Chair of Innovation Performance Asset Management.
Oh, I apologize.
Yes, thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Motion to waive or wait.
Second.
All in favor say aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
Bill 2557 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
Now Councilwoman Gross, and I believe she has six bills.
Councilwoman Deborah L.
Gross presents Bill 2558 resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Innovation and Performance on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into an agreement or agreements or amendments thereto with DQE communications for circuits for direct connection to GCP Google Cloud at a cost not to exceed $51,279 over one year.
Bill $559.
Resolution amending resolution 340 of 2025, authorizing the mayor and the directors of the departments of innovation and performance, finance, and public safety to enter into an amended agreement and amendments thereto with B3 Solutions Inc.
for further provision of software maintenance and support services, development of critical applications, and possible transition guidance by extending the contract by 18 months until June 30th, 2027 at no additional cost to the city.
The total cost not to exceed of the contract will be $2,141,321 over a period not to exceed nine years and six months.
Bill 2560 resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Innovation and Performance on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into startup participation agreements with selected entities as part of the cohorts of PGH Lab and further authorizing the mayor and director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to enter into program participation agreements with local municipal entities to allow such entities to test products and services through PGH lab at a total cost not to exceed 100,000 dollars over one year.
Bill 2561, resolution amending resolution 526 of 2025, authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Innovation and Performance on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into an agreement or agreements or amendments thereto with E Plus Technology Inc.
for a voice over Internet Protocol Unified Communications Platform to implement convergence of systems to support citywide communications by reducing the approved amount by $315,724 for an amended total costs not to exceed $1,784,726 over five years.
Bill $2562.
Resolution amending resolution number $155 of 2023, authorizing an amend amendment or amendments to the existing rooftop license agreement between the City of Pittsburgh and 600 GS Prop LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, in order to extend the term through December 31st, 2030, and allow additional equipment installations by increasing the approved amount by $60,000 for an amended total cost not to exceed $440,387.56.
And Bill $2588.
Ordnance amending the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, Title Five, Traffic, Article 7, Parking, Chapter 550, Mobility Enhancement District to remove the pilot sunset date.
And if a member would be willing to offer up a motion to waive rule late on Bill 2562 and Councilman Gross's committee.
Second.
All in favor say aye.
Aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
Bill 2562 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
That takes us to Councilman Mosley, Chair of Intergovernmental Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs.
Councilman Kahari Mosley presents Bill 2563.
Resolution adopting plan revision to the City of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for 4720 Fifth Avenue at no cost to the city.
And Bill 2564.
Resolution amending Resolution 52 of 2021, providing for an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the City of Pittsburgh and the borough of Wilkinsburg for the collection of a portion of the borough's municipal waste by the city for a term of five years by extending the ending date by six months to June 30th, 2026, and increasing the amount by 539,785 and 75 cents for a new cost not to exceed $5,073,223.
I'm sorry, $239.51.
And on Council Moses' behalf, if someone would be off willing to offer a motion to waive Rule 8 on Bill 2564.
Second.
All in favor say aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
Bill 2564 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
That takes us to Councilman Kill Smith, Chair of Reparation and Senior Services.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilwoman Teresa Kellsmith presents Bill 2565.
And that takes us to Councilwoman Schraussberger, Chair of Finance and Law.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilperson Erica Strasberger presents Bill 2566.
Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Joya Petty in an amount not to exceed $2,950 over one year in full and final settlement of a claim for damage to her vehicle from a city fire vehicle on August 21st, 2025.
Bill 2567.
Resolution authorizing the execution of a quit claim deed and associated agreements conveying all of the city's right, title, and interest in and to that certain city-owned property located at 5472 Broad Street in the 11th ward of the city and designated in the deed registry office of Allegheny County as Block and Lot No.
50 M302 to Charles McKinney Jr.
and Shirley Simmons McKinney.
Bill 2568.
Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Bloomfield Garfield Corporation Broad Street Remediation Fund for a single payment in 2025 in an amount not to exceed 499,999 in full and final settlement of litigation filed in the Common Please Court of Allegheny County.
Bill 2569.
Resolution adopting and approving the 2025 Capital Budget, the proposed 2025 Community Development Program, and the 2025 through 2030 Capital Improvement Program by increasing bridge preservation and restoration fund by $7,250, increasing 28th Street Bridge by $145,000, and increasing Charles Anderson Bridge by $5,291,632, $5,429,382, of which is reimbursable by the Federal Highway Administration and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at no cost to the City of Pittsburgh.
Bill 2570, resolution amending resolution 422 of 2025, which authorized 19 open end professional services agreements with 10 vendors to provide professional services on an on-call basis as required related to special events services as needed by the various departments of the City of Pittsburgh by adding six professional services agreements with three additional vendors for a total of 25 open end professional services agreements with 13 vendors.
Bill 2571.
Resolution amending resolution 506 of 2023, which authorized an amended cooperation agreement or agreements with the City of Pittsburgh Equipment Leasing Authority for the purchase and leasing of vehicles, equipment and accessories, equipment support infrastructure, and professional services in fiscal year 2022 by increasing the authorized amount by $150,000 for a new not to exceed total of $13,262,081 and 36 cents.
Bill $572.
Resolution further amending resolution number 886 of 2021.
Effective December 27th, 2021, as amended and titled.
Resolution adopting and approving the 2022 Capital Budget and the 2022 Community Development Block Grant Program and the 2022 through 2027 Capital Improvement Program by decreasing litter can upgrades and monitoring by $150,000, an increasing capital equipment acquisition by $150,000.
And Bill $2573, resolution amending resolution 92 of 2019 to provide for the extension of a professional services agreement by a term of one year with Dickie McCamey and Chilcoat for costs associated with the provision of legal services for the city controller's office and an additional cost of $50,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $80,000.
And Councilwoman Strasberger, do you wish to waive roll eight on bill $2572?
Yes, motion to read the rules on Bill 2572.
All favor say aye.
Aye.
Bill 2572 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
And that takes us to Councilwoman Warwick, Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilwoman Barbara Warwick presents Bill 2574.
Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with Caliber Contracting Service Inc.
for costs associated with the construction of the sawmill run salt storage facility and providing for payments not to exceed $6,971 over a period of two years.
Bill $2575.
Resolution authorizing the taking, appropriating, and condemning by the City of Pittsburgh of certain easements necessary for the completion of temporary construction work for sidewalk construction and associated miscellaneous work for public transportation purposes through eminent domain and further authorizing the payment of just compensation and necessary and incidental acquisition costs related thereto for the Liberty Avenue HSIP project at an amount not to exceed $180,000 reimbursable at 80%.
Bill $2576 resolution providing for a supplemental agreement or agreements with KCI Technologies Inc.
for costs associated with final design phase of the 28th Street Bridge Project and providing for the payment of costs thereof not to exceed $2,258,523, an increase of $1,241,59099 from the previously executed agreement.
Bill $577.
Resolution providing for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary engineering, final design, and right-of-way phases of the Larimer Avenue Bridge Project, providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $3,700,000, an increase of $2,100,000 from the previously executed agreement, reimbursable at 95%.
This resolution serves to authorize only the amended reimbursement agreement or agreements at a cost of $4,500, an increase of $3,000 from the previously executed agreement to the City of Pittsburgh.
Future resolutions will authorize the project's specific service agreements.
Bill 2578.
Resolution amending resolution 554 of 2024, providing for a reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary design, final design, and right-of-way phases of the 28th Street Bridge Project, providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $2,975,000, an increase of $145,000 from the previously executed agreement for costs associated with the final design phase of the project reimbursable at 95%.
And the municipal share of Commonwealth incurred costs not to exceed $5,500, and increase of $0 from the previously executed agreement.
Bill $579, resolution amending resolution 420 of 2024, which provided for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary engineering, final design, right of way, and construction phases of the Charles Anderson Bridge Project, providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $63,681,632, an increase of $5,291,632 for costs associated with the construction phase of the project from the previously executed agreement.
This resolution serves to authorize only the amended reimbursement agreement or agreements at a cost not to exceed $7,100 and increase of $0 from the previously executed agreement for costs associated with the preliminary design, final design, and right-of-way phases of the project.
Future resolutions will authorize the project specific service agreements.
Bill 2580 resolution providing for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary engineering, final design and right-of-way phases of the West Carson Street Bridge Project, providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $2,150,000, an increase of $1,250,000 from the previously executed agreement.
This resolution serves to authorize only the amended reimbursement agreement or agreements at a cost of $3,250, an increase of $1,750 from the previously executed agreement to the City of Pittsburgh.
Future resolutions will authorize the project specific service agreements.
Bill $2581.
Resolution providing for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary engineering, final design, and right-of-way phases of the Elizabeth Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, providing for the payment of the costs thereof not to exceed $1,400,000 and increase of $750,000 from the previously executed agreement, federally reimbursable at $100%.
This resolution serves to authorize only the amended reimbursement agreement or agreements at no cost to the City of Pittsburgh.
Future resolutions will authorize the project specific service agreements.
Bill 2582.
Resolution granting unto nine 903 Liberty Ave LLC, their successors and assigns, the privilege and license to construct, maintain and use at their own cost and expense at no cost to the city, two electrical vaults, a concrete entry stoop with a railing and an existing foundation wall at 901 Liberty Avenue in the second ward, First Council District of the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Bill 2583.
Resolution granting a vacation of 8th Street from Penn Avenue to Fort Duquesne Boulevard, the northern portion of Maddox Place, and an unnamed way from 9th Street to its terminus at no cost to the city in the second ward, First Council District of the City of Pittsburgh, and Bill 2591.
Resolution amending resolution number 857 of 2023, effective December 27, 2023, entitled Resolution Adopting and Approving the 2024 Capital Budget, the proposed 2024 Community Development Program and the 2024 through 2029 Capital Improvement Program by amending war memorials and public art deliverables.
Um I would like to make a motion to waive rule eight on bills twenty-five seventy-four and twenty-five ninety-one, please, so they can be heard tomorrow.
All those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Thank you.
That takes us to Councilman Wilson, Chair of Man Use Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you, Mr.
Wilson.
Thank you, woman.
Thank you, Councilwoman Killsmith for your exercise today.
Councilman Bobby Wilson presents Bill 2584.
Resolution authorizing the mayor and the Director of Permits, Licenses and Inspections for the issuance of a warrant in favor of the Community College of Allegheny County to provide a five-day lead dust sampling technician and lead risk assessor course for the code enforcement unit supervisors at a cost not to exceed $8,750.
Bill 2585.
Resolution amending resolution 60 of 2013, providing for the implementation of a residential permit parking program area P in the uptown and bluff neighborhoods to expand the streets pursuant to Pittsburgh Code Chapter 549.
And Bill 2586.
Resolution further amending resolution number 840 of 2019.
Effective January 1st, 2020, as an as amended entitled.
Resolution adopting and approving the 2020 Capital Budget and the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program.
Approving the 2020 through 2025 Capital Improvement Program by reducing Troy Hill citizens by $6,000 and increasing Catapult Greater Pittsburgh by $6,000 and authorize a subsequent agreement or agreements.
And Councilman Wilson, do you wish to waive rule eight on Bill 2586?
Yes, I do.
Thank you.
Is there a second?
Second.
Thank you.
All in favor say aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
Bill 2586 will be on tomorrow's sending committee agenda.
I have two communications.
Councilman R.
Daniel Lavelle presents Bill 2587.
Communication from Jake Pollock, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting to City Council the attached status update from the grants office for the weekended November 26th, 2025.
And Bill 2589 communication from the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure submitting to City Council the attached 2026 budget for the Mobility Enhancement District Trust Fund.
And we need a motion to re receive and file.
Thank you.
All opposed in favor say aye.
Any opposed the bills have been received and filed.
Our next order business is a report subcommittee for final action, beginning with Councilwoman Erica Schwarzberger visiting the Committee of Finance and Law.
Thank you, Mr.
Preston.
Councilperson Erica Strasberger presents Bill 2546 report of the Committee on Finance and Law for November 24th, 2025 with an affirmative recommendation.
Bill 2485.
Resolution amending Resolution 63 of 2025, which provided for an agreement or agreements with Center for Hearing and Deaf Services Inc.
and Global Ward Smiths by increasing the authorized spend for global wordsmiths by $19,000 for services through June 2026 for a new total cost not to exceed $117,000 over four and a half years.
Bill $2486.
Resolution amending resolution 413 of 2025, which authorized the mayor and the city solicitor to enter into a professional services agreement with a block and associates for legal services in connection with the current city construction project by increasing the contract by the contract amount by $20,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $60,000 over one year.
Bill $2488, resolution providing for the issuance of a warrant in favor of Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group in the amount of $75,000 for community reinvestment analysis for city depositories for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Bill 2489, resolution providing for the issuance of a warrant in favor of Bell for USA Group Inc.
in the amount of $33,314 and 96 cents for hauling and clean out services related to properties in the pilot home buying program and Bill 2535 resolution amending resolution number 51 of 2025, which authorized the mayor and the director of city planning to extend a professional services agreement with Bromberg and Associates, LLC for effective communication services by exercising the contract option to extend the term for six months and by increasing the total spend by $75,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $703,976.
You have heard the reading entitled the bill.
Is there any discussion?
Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action.
All in favor to pass through the bill will vote I will name is called.
Those opposed will vote no.
Will the clerk please take the roll?
Mr.
Charlin.
Aye.
Mr.
Cockhill.
Aye.
Miss Gross.
Mr.
Mosley.
Aye.
Mrs.
Kell Smith.
I am all bills and no on bill twenty-four eighty-eight.
Twenty-four eighty-eight.
Yes.
Thank you.
Mrs.
Strasberger.
Aye.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Mr.
Wilson.
Mr.
Laval President.
Aye.
On bills 2485, 2486, 2489, and 2535, 8i, 0 NO's.
And on Bill 2488, 7 eyes and 1 no.
The bill having received the legal requirement of the votes is passed finally.
That takes us to Councilman Anthony Coghill presenting the Committee of Public Safety and Wellness.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilman Anthony Coghill presents Bill 2547 report of the Committee on Public Safety and Wellness for November 24th, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.
Bill 2481.
Resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement or agreements with Norfolk Southern's Safety First Grant for the purpose of receiving grant funds in the amount of $15,000 to purchase non-fluorinated fire fighting foam.
You approve the reading and title of the bill.
Is there any discussion?
Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action.
All in favor of the passage of the bill before I random names called.
Those opposed will vote no.
Will the clerk please take the rule?
Mr.
Charlotte.
Aye.
Mr.
Coghill.
Aye.
Miss Gross.
Mr.
Mosley.
Mrs.
Kale Smith.
Aye.
Mrs.
Strasberger.
Aye.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Aye.
Mr.
Wilson.
Mr.
Lavelle President.
Aye.
Eight eyes.
The bill having received the legal required number of the votes is passed finally.
That takes us to Councilwoman Barbara Ward, presented committee of public works and infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilman Barbara Warwick presents Bill 2548 report of the Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure for November 24th, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.
Bill 2490.
Resolution providing for the issuance of a warrant in favor of SERV PRO in the amount of $8,472 and two cents for water restoration services in the City of Pittsburgh or City County Building.
And Bill 2520.
Resolution amending resolution number 735 of 2023 entitled Resolution Authorizing the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh and the Department the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to receive grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Green Light Go program in the amount of four hundred thirty thousand dollars and thirteen cents to upgrade traffic control switches to increase the amount of the grant award.
You've heard the reading and title of the bill.
Is there any discussion?
Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.
All in favor to pass the bill vote aye with a name is called.
Those opposed will vote no with a clerk, please take the roll.
Mr.
Charlin?
Aye.
Mr.
Coghill?
Aye.
Ms.
Gross?
Mr.
Mosley.
Aye.
Mrs.
Cale Smith.
Aye.
Mrs.
Strasberger.
Aye.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Aye.
Mr.
Wilson.
Oh.
Mr.
Lavelle President?
Aye.
Eight ayes.
The bill having received a legal required number of votes is passed finally.
That takes us to Councilperson Robert Charlotte, presented the Committee of Human Resources.
Councilperson Robert Sharlin presents Bill 2549.
Report of the Committee on Human Resources for November 24, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.
Bill 2480.
Resolution amending resolution number 514 of 2022, which authorize the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement with Rules and Bookyo LLC for the purpose of providing legal services in connection with the defense of certain workers' compensation matters and claims brought against the city by increasing the cost by $900,000 for three additional years of services for a new not to exceed amount of three million six hundred thousand dollars.
Is there any discussion on the bill?
Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action.
All in favor to pass the bill will aye for name is called.
Those opposed will vote no.
Will the clerk please take the roll?
Mr.
Sharlin.
Aye.
Mr.
Coghill.
Aye.
Mrs.
Gross.
Mr.
Mosley.
Aye.
Mrs.
Cale Smith.
Aye.
Mrs.
Strasberger.
Aye.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Aye.
Mr.
Wilson.
Aye.
Mr.
Lavelle President.
Aye.
Eight ayes.
The bill having received the legal required numbers of votes.
It is passed finally and finally that takes us to Councilman Cari Mosley presenting the committee on intergovernmental and educational affairs.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Councilman Kahari Mosley presents Bill 2550, report of the Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs for November 24th, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.
Bill 2484.
Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Finance on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a cooperation agreement with the housing authority of the City of Pittsburgh to document local cooperation in the housing authorities agreement to make payments in lieu of taxes for the 11-unit deal, a scattered site public housing development.
And Bill 2495.
Resolution amending resolution 659 of 2025, which authorized a cooperation agreement or agreements with the City of Pittsburgh Equipment Leasing Authority for the purchase and leasing of vehicles, equipment and accessories, equipment support infrastructure and professional services in fiscal year 2025 by increasing the authorized amount by 165,000 to purchase vehicles and equipment for the Department of Public Works and by $65,000 to purchase vehicles and equipment for the Department of Parks and Recreation for a new total of $8 million, 319 and 37 cents.
You've heard the reading title of the bill.
Is there any discussion on the bill?
President.
I want to thank OMB.
They they caught this.
It's actually just the wrong resolution number technical by um means.
So motion to amend.
Bill 2495.
Thank you.
Is there a second?
Any discussion?
If not, all those in favor say aye.
Aye.
Aye.
Any opposed?
The bill has been amended.
Any further discussion on the bills?
If not, the bills are not ready for final action.
All in favor to pass it the bill while aye or name is called.
Those opposed will vote no.
But the clerk please take the roll.
Mr.
Charlotte.
Aye.
Mr.
Cockell.
Aye.
Ms.
Gross.
Mr.
Mosley.
Mrs.
Cale Smith.
Aye.
Mrs.
Strasberger.
Aye.
Mrs.
Warwick.
Aye.
Mr.
Wilson.
Aye.
Mr.
Laval, President.
Aye.
A eyes.
The bill haven't received the legal required number of votes.
It's passed.
Finally, that takes us to motions and resolutions.
Anything from members?
Councilwoman Kill Smith.
Thank you.
I don't know if I missed this, but um, I want to mention that if we didn't do a moment of silence, I'd like to do a moment of silence for Paul O'Hanlin.
He had passed away, and you know, Paul, he is a very strong advocate for the uh varying abilities community.
I met him decades ago, actually, long before I was ever elected.
He was advocating then.
His mother is from Oakwood.
If you remember, she was flow who did all the free lunches for the City of Pittsburgh, you know, across the city.
So I just want to give a moment of silence for him and thank him for him and his entire family for the work that they've done for the City of Pittsburgh.
Thank you.
Anything else from members.
If not, this afternoon at one o'clock, Council will hold an executive session on bills 2511, 2566, and 2568 as rate to litigation.
Also this afternoon at 130, Council will hold a budget hearing for the Department of Parks and Recreation, chair by Councilman Kale Smith.
Then tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3rd at 10 a.m.
Council will hold our sending committee meeting.
Speaker registration will close at 9.
Also tomorrow at 130, Council will hold a budget hearing for the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, chaired by Councilwoman Warwick.
Then on Thursday, December 4th at 10 a.m.
Council will hold budget hearings for the equipment leasing authority and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, chair by Councilman Mosley.
Then on Friday, December 5th at 1 o'clock, Council will hold a Cable Cast public hearing on bills 2296 and 223 as a as they relate to the historic designation of Westinghouse Park and the OMI building.
Speaker Registration will close at eleven on the day of the hearing.
I just want to mention that the River Hounds rally is Thursday at 10.
Is that correct?
I believe so.
Yeah.
I just want to make sure we mention that that yeah, we want people to come down and support the River Hounds.
Congratulations to our Pittsburgh River Hounds.
Um I hope people come out and support the support the event.
And I also want to mention that yes, it was World's AIDS Day, and I you know that we did anything for that as well.
So I want to make sure I at least mention it.
Thank you.
Uh with that, uh motion to excuse the absent member, uh approved the minutes and adjourned before.
Looks like the sorry, I'm gonna bring up the email about the um the celebration for the river house.
Thank you.
It's at uh Thursday, twelve four from noon to two.
Oh, good, thank you.
He gave you the right time.
I give the wrong time.
Thank you.
I thought you said ten.
Yeah, I did say ten, so thank you for saying it's noon to two.
Yeah, noon to two, twelve to two.
I want to thank the administration for organizing.
Is it no?
It's not a parade.
I believe they're going to be downstairs.
It's a celebration.
It's a celebration.
I'm sorry, wait.
I'm bringing an email from there on November 25th.
That could be the time QB changed.
We'll check the time and we'll give it to the meeting later today.
But I do want to thank the administration for putting something together so quickly during a really hectic time.
So thank you.
Yeah, but they will be downstairs.
The uh cup will be visible, people take pictures, and then afterwards, though actually the cup will be in our um conference room.
So members could also come back and see that as well.
Yeah.
I don't want to thank Jake Pollock because he really is like the biggest supporter.
I mean, so I want to thank him for making sure that we did something to recognize them.
Thank you.
And with that, motion to uh excuse the absent member of Putin's adjournable.
So move.
Second.
Second.
We are in charge.
Thank you.
It's 12 to 1.
12 to 2.
Okay.
Twelve to two.
I couldn't remember.
Pittsburgh City Council Meeting Summary - December 2, 2025
The regular meeting of the City Council of Pittsburgh was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with six council members present. The session began with a pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence for the late Paul O'Hanlin, and the adoption of agenda amendments. The council proceeded to approve several proclamations, receive extensive public testimony regarding the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and neighborhood representation, recognize community leaders for their social service and mental health advocacy, and process a wide range of legislative bills including capital budgets, infrastructure projects, and personnel agreements.
Consent Calendar
- No items were brought up under Consent Calendar; all matters were processed individually or via specific committee reports.
- Proclamations Approved:
- Saturday, December 6, 2025, declared "KWSA Heavyweight Championship Day." (Moved by Councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith)
- Thursday, December 4, 2025, declared "Pittsburgh Riverhound Soccer Club Day." (Moved by Councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith)
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025, declared "Karen Mitchell Day" for her community leadership and social work.
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025, declared "Shaisia Jackson Dance Day" for her suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
- Will of Council:
- A resolution supporting the restoration of Elena Skykeck's name and the implementation of "Alana's Law" to strengthen domestic violence protections was approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- General Economic & URA Funding:
- Speaker: Unidentified female speaker (referred to as "Councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith presents" initially, but context suggests a public comment or council member addressing the URA; transcript indicates a personal narrative). Position: Expressed concern that URA staff are operating without necessary financial "fuel," arguing that a focus on "image" over sustained support misrepresents the agency's capabilities. Position: Asserted that the distinction between restricted and unrestricted dollars is often lost, creating a misleading picture of the URA's budget flexibility. Position: Argued that URA staff lack the basic operational resources to sustain their work, drawing a parallel to working on an empty stomach.
- Neighborhood Governance:
- Speaker: Dr. Ronald Miller. Position: Expressed concern regarding the definition of "Homewood West" boundaries, stating he believes they were decided by an elite or the Democratic Party rather than an elected vote. Position: Argued that neighborhood councils (NCEs) should be elected by neighborhood residents to ensure micro-local control and proper verification of votes.
- Public Resource Allocation (Survey Data):
- Speaker: Chris Mory, representing Inform (nonprofit news site). Position: Summarized resident survey findings: 68% supported free smoke detectors; 85% supported funding part-time EMS roles to reduce overtime reliance. Position: Highlighted resident concerns regarding police drone privacy, with respondents advocating for restrictions on specific incident types, bans on facial recognition, and requiring warrants.
- URA Support & Neighborhood Budgets:
- Speaker: Edward Lessoum, Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce. Position: Expressed strong support for the URA, crediting it as the "light board" of Pittsburgh's success. Position: Argued against reducing neighborhood funding to a flat $100,000 per neighborhood, stating this would undermine the URA's ability to maintain decades of revitalization work.
- Housing Stabilization:
- Speaker: Adrian Wanoho, Chair of the Housing Opportunity Board. Position: Shared a story of a family displaced by fire, illustrating the critical role of URA-funded housing stabilization programs in securing long-term housing. Position: Highlighted the urgent need for deeper funding due to rising homelessness (1,000+ currently, 11,000 this year) amidst shrinking state and national dollars.
- Missing Persons Case:
- Speaker: Bernadette (resident). Position: Urged the city to investigate a missing person case involving the family of a fallen officer. Position: Expressed deep frustration that the family has been dismissed after contacting the department multiple times, stating there is "no excuse" for the lack of response.
- Faith & Grief:
- Speaker: Bernadette. Position: Delivered a testimony emphasizing the season of grief during the holidays. Position: Called for the city to focus on Christ and the season of advent, acknowledging the high rates of suicide and loneliness in December.
Discussion Items
- Karen Mitchell Recognition: Councilman (and presenter) described Mitchell's extensive background with the Salvation Army and her current nonprofit "Leading Through Love," highlighting her 25+ years in social services.
- Shaisia Jackson Dance Recognition: Councilwoman presented Jackson's journey from bullying and suicidal ideation at age 14 to becoming a suicide prevention advocate and founder of "Godly Beauty LLC," emphasizing her role in mental health coaching.
- Legislative Bills Processed:
- Personnel & Operations: Bill 2556 (Bike Share expansion); Bill 2557 (Humane Animal Rescue funding increase); Bill 2558-2562 (Innovation/Technology contracts with Google, B3 Solutions, PGH Lab, E Plus, and 600 GS Prop LP); Bill 2563-2564 (Sewage facility plan and Wilkinsburg waste cooperation); Bill 2565-2573 (Capital Budget approvals, lease agreements, and vehicle purchases).
- Infrastructure & Engineering: Bill 2574-2582 (Sawmill Run facility, Liberty Avenue project, 28th Street Bridge, Larimer Avenue Bridge, Charles Anderson Bridge, West Carson Street Bridge, Elizabeth Street Bridge projects, and easement grants).
- Legal & Claims: Bill 2566-2569 (Claims settlement for Joya Petty and Bloomfield Garfield; Quitclaim deed; Capital Budget adoption).
- Parking & Zoning: Bill 2585 (Residential permit parking); Bill 2580 (Easement license).
- Committee Reports:
- Finance & Law: Approved bills 2485, 2486, 2489, 2535 (unanimous); Bill 2488 (7 ayes, 1 no).
- Public Safety & Wellness: Approved Bill 2481 (Norfolk Southern grant for firefighting foam) unanimously (8 ayes).
- Public Works: Approved Bills 2490 and 2520 (traffic controls and water restoration) unanimously (8 ayes).
- Human Resources: Approved Bill 2480 (legal services for workers' compensation) unanimously (8 ayes).
- Intergovernmental: Approved Bills 2484 and 2495 (Housing Authority cooperation and Equipment Leasing Authority expansion) unanimously (8 ayes), with a technical amendment to Bill 2495 regarding resolution numbering.
- Administrative Announcements: Council announced upcoming executive sessions for litigation (Bill 2511, 2566, 2568), budget hearings for Parks and Recreation and Mobility/Infrastructure, and future committee meetings.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous Passages: All committee reports (Bills 2480, 2481, 2484, 2485, 2486, 2488, 2489, 2490, 2495, 2520, 2535) and Council Proclamations (KWSA, River Hounds, Mitchell, Jackson) passed successfully. Bill 2488 passed with 7 ayes and 1 no.
- Bills Referred: Bills 2556, 2557, 2562, 2564, 2572, 2574, and 2591 were referred to the next day's Sending Committee (December 3rd) after Waiver of Rule 8 was granted.
- Directives: Council directed the City Solicitor and Mayor to proceed with the amended agreements detailed in the passed resolutions, including bridge project funding increases and software maintenance extensions.
- Next Steps:
- December 3, 2025: Sending Committee meeting at 10:00 AM; Budget Hearing for Parks & Recreation at 1:30 PM; Budget Hearing for Mobility at 1:30 PM.
- December 4, 2025: Budget Hearings for Equipment Leasing Authority and Parking Authority at 10:00 AM.
- December 5, 2025: Cable Cast Public Hearing for historic designation of Westinghouse Park and OMI building at 1:00 PM.
- River Hounds Celebration: Scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM; the trophy will be displayed in the conference room for council members.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion to excuse absent members and approve minutes.
Meeting Transcript
Oh my god. And welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. Would the clerk please take the roll? Mr. Sharon. Mr. Cobb here. Miss Gross. Mr. Mosley. Mrs. Cale Smith. Mrs. Strasberger? Here. Mrs. Warwick. Here. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lavelle present. Oh, you Mr. Lavelle President? Here. Six members present. Thank you. For those who are able to please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Then remain standing for a moment of silence. And specifically. I want us to have a moment of silence for Mr. Paul O'Hanland, who unfortunately passed away. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic from which it stands. One nation. Another God. Indivisible liberty. Justice for all the thank you. Paul Paul O'Hanlin. Our next order of businesses to amend agenda. Is there a motion to amend? To move. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The agenda has been amended. We will return to presentations. We do have one to be read into the record.
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