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Record of Proceedings

City Council Meeting Summary for December 9, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 9, 2025
BodyPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:41:39

Original source
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0:00

Practices and ongoing s strategies to address disparities in discipline, placement, school climate, and educational opportunity.

0:08

Whereas community leaders, including Wanda Henderson, Bill Loadman, Huberta Jackson Loadman, Tom and Nika Howes, Dr.

0:15

Anthony Mitchell, Dr.

0:16

Marilyn Barnett, Ron Suber, Carl Brittwood Jr., Dr.

0:20

Lewis Vinnyson, Mark Brentley, and the late attorney Leroy Hodge, among many others have served as steadfast advocates for Pittsburgh's children and families.

0:29

Whereas the legacy of the advocates stands on one of Pittsburgh's most significant grassroots educational justice movements, embodying a commitment to accountability, equity, and the belief that all children deserve schools that recognize, nurture, and honor their greatness.

0:45

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare December 9, 2025 to be advocates for African American students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

0:56

May you have a motion.

0:57

So moved.

0:57

Second.

0:58

All in favor say aye.

0:59

Aye.

0:59

Thank you.

1:09

President Daniel Lavelle, City Council members.

1:14

On behalf of my colleagues of the on the Equity Advisory Panel, Wanda Henderson, our EAP leader, Tominica Howes, Dr.

1:23

James Stewart, Dr.

1:25

Anthony Mitchell, Dr.

1:26

Regina Hawley, and Dr.

1:29

Sister Ayesha.

1:32

Thank you for the recognition of the EAP with itself this proclamation.

1:36

Again, the proclamation is self-explanatory.

1:39

The struggle has been for some time.

1:42

We're trying to uplift the quality of education for all students.

1:46

All students, but particularly those students who somewhere along the lines fall within the gaps.

1:51

I also want to acknowledge Dr.

1:52

Wayne Walt, who's the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Dr.

1:56

Kimley Cruz, who's the executive director of the Office of Equity.

2:01

Again, thank you to Dan Councilman Lavell, his staff person Dan Wood, who um made this happen.

2:07

Um this Thursday, this Thursday, um December the 11th from 5 to 8, the Carnegie Museum of Art will host a where do we go from here?

2:18

Where do we go from here?

2:20

You are all invited and welcome to attend parking's free, food, drumming, and it'll be a panel conversation as well.

2:27

So again, thank you, and may God bless you during this season.

3:08

And Councilwoman Schwarzberger.

3:12

Oh, okay, cool.

3:14

Councilman Carkill first.

3:21

Thank you.

3:22

Uh John McClory and the rest of the uh fifth division, please come up.

3:32

You know, I wanted to say on behalf of uh our councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith, she had a conflict of scheduling today, but uh nobody respects and admires the work that you do more than she does.

3:43

So she asked me to read a PROC, and it is my honor to read this PROC as well.

3:46

So you're part of that.

3:50

Thank you.

3:50

Thank you, sorry.

3:52

Good to see you guys.

3:53

So anybody that knows my district, at least the part that John and his team take care of in in Beachview, has some of the most challenging hills you ever want to imagine.

4:06

We have the steepest hill in North America, and uh it's really an artwork to see them clean the streets.

4:12

And I'm heavily dependent on John and his team.

4:15

And you know, you've always been there, you always answer the call.

4:17

How many years of service do you have now?

4:19

30.

4:19

38 years of service.

4:21

So um, so it is my honor to uh read this proclamation and thank you personally and publicly for all the work you do and for always being there for me when I pick up when I have to call you.

4:32

So you've always been there.

4:33

So whereas the Department of Public Works Street Maintenance Bureau steadfastly serves the city of Pittsburgh through its essential responsibilities, including snow and ice removal, street patching and sweeping, disaster response, and land record management, ensuring our streets remain safe, clean, and accessible for all.

4:52

And the Bureau is organized into five divisions with the fifth division led by street maintenance supervisor John McClory, covering the majority of District 2.

5:02

And whereas John McClory began his career with the City of Pittsburgh in 1985 in a temporary role at the City Garage, becoming a full-time member of the Department of Public Works in 1988.

5:14

Over the years, he advanced from skilled labor to acting foremen across the public works and parks divisions, where he stayed for 14 years.

5:22

He later excelled as a tractor operator proficient in all street maintenance equipment.

5:27

And whereas in 2006, John became the acting supervisor of the Department of Public Works Fifth Division.

5:33

Ultimately earning the position of street maintenance supervisor.

5:36

A role he has honorably held since 2007.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Public Works██████████████████18%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Budget███████7%
Domestic Violence██████6%
Public Engagement████4%
Youth Programs███3%
Public Safety███3%
Free Speech███3%
Summary of Proceedings

City Council Meeting Summary for December 9, 2025

The City Council of Pittsburgh convened on December 9, 2025, to declare several days of recognition, approve multiple bills and resolutions, discuss the 2026 budget challenges, and hear public testimony. The meeting featured unanimous approvals for the 2026 budget critique, property reassessment, and various proclamations honoring community leaders and organizations. Significant debate occurred regarding the costs of a new salt storage facility and the necessity of funding the Housing Opportunity Fund.

Consent Calendar

  • Proclamation: Advocates for African American Students Day: Council unanimously declared December 9, 2025, as Advocates for African American Students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools Day, honoring grassroots educational justice advocates including Wanda Henderson, Bill Loadman, and Dr. Anthony Mitchell.
  • Proclamation: John McClory Recognition: Council recognized John McClory (38 years of service) and the 5th Division and Emerald Park Division of the Department of Public Works for their dedicated service, particularly in snow removal and park maintenance across District 2.
  • Proclamation: Amazon PIT 5 Day: Council unanimously declared December 9, 2025, as Amazon PIT 5 Day, recognizing the site's team (Brian Crawford, Sarah Carra Christos, Nate Hubert, and Saman Lee) for their long-term support of the Bowers family in domestic violence awareness and their contributions to the Center of Victims.
  • Proclamation: Elder Ronald A. Golden Day & Christy Porter Day: Council declared December 5 and December 8, 2025, respectively, as days of recognition for Elder Ronald A. Golden and Christy Porter.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dr. Ronald Miller (Central Lawrenceville): Expressed concern regarding neighborhood boundary definitions and advocated for a "Neighborhood Elected Council" (LNC) and "Vote-by-Voter" verification. He voiced that Councilwoman Gross showed "no support" for these local governance ideas.
  • Jasmine Green (Region Square/Wilkinsburg): Invited Council members to a youth forum on community safety, school safety, and mental health taking place that Saturday, emphasizing the prioritization of youth voices (ages 16-26).
  • Abby Ray Lacombe (Rent Help Pittsburgh): Expressing strong support for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs, she stated that her organization serves nearly 2,000 families annually with a 60% positive court outcome rate. She highlighted a 26% positive outcome rate in districts without the "Lawyer of the Day" program and urged for continued and deepened funding commitments.
  • Natalie Ryan (Action Housing): Stated that rental assistance programs prevented over 11,371 families from eviction between 2021-2024. She positioned that cutting these funds would disproportionately harm seniors and children, turning away families with "nowhere else to go" and noted that eviction causes academic setbacks of an average of six months for children.
  • Martina Battestone (Inform Up): Reported survey results where 42% of respondents supported fully funding the Housing Opportunity Fund, while 30% supported significant cuts. Regarding vehicle maintenance, she noted that 77% of respondents agreed with bringing repair work in-house, though some expressed skepticism about cost savings.
  • Bob Damewood (Regional Housing Legal Services): Argued that defunding the Housing Opportunity Fund while retaining the 1% Realty Transfer Tax revenue that justified the tax increase would be "fundamentally dishonest" and a "bait and switch" on taxpayers. He expressed full support for maintaining the fund's historical integrity.
  • Swayne Uber (Neighborhood Legal Services): Emphasized the critical need to maintain the Stop the Violence Fund and Housing Opportunity Fund to prevent homelessness. He expressed concern that funding cuts would create inequity, noting that 60% of the city's eviction filings occurred in courts without access to the "Lawyer of the Day" program, leaving families like those in Hazelwood and Beltzhoover without support.
  • Harold Keller (Beach View): Expressed support for free speech and public access television, stating he would not let his health issues stop him from advocating for free speech rights via satire and humor.
  • Yvonne F. Brown (Bedford): Shared personal anecdotes about honoring poet August Wilson and lawyer Eileen Yakman. She urged Council to listen to the community's perspective on neighborhood suffering rather than presuming they understand, emphasizing the need for empathy toward those fighting for the poor.
  • Special Agent Sunshine: Stated that the criteria for homeless overflow shelter (35 degrees) is inadequate given the current 17-degree weather, calling for better protections and peace.
  • Rick North (South Hills resident): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed 30% property tax increase, characterizing it as a "business killer" and a threat to homeownership, specifically affecting seniors. He criticized the city for perceived misspending of COVID relief funds and the reliance on nonprofit social activist groups funded by homeowners.
  • Council Members' Responses: Councilman Carkill supported the motion to recommit the Salt Storage facility bill due to cost concerns. Councilman Mosley thanked state legislators for paving East Hills Drive.

Discussion Items

  • 2026 Budget Will of Council: Council unanimously passed a resolution stating the Mayor's proposed 2026 budget does not adequately serve residents, requires major changes before the December 31 deadline, and calls for the administration to re-evaluate the plan. The Council emphasized stabilizing the commercial tax base and correcting the impacts of a declining CLR.
  • Property Reassessment Will of Council: Council unanimously urged the Allegheny County Council and Executive to begin a comprehensive countywide property reassessment to restore accuracy and fairness, emphasizing the need to reduce burdens on working families and long-time homeowners.
  • Salt Storage Facility (Bill 2574): Council discussed a $6.9 million resolution for a new salt storage facility. Councilwoman Warwick clarified the building would be wood-based due to corrosion concerns and noted the need for a 7,000-ton capacity to ensure salt supply during winter.
    • Positional Debate: Councilman Carkill expressed strong concern over the $6 million price tag and the need for a cost breakdown, noting the County built a similar structure for $1.5 million. He argued for a better look at the necessity and cost.
    • Outcome: Councilwoman Kale Smith moved to recommit the bill for further review. The motion passed unanimously (9 Ayes).

Key Outcomes

  • Bills Passed (Unanimous 9-0):
    • Bills of Council: Approval of the "Will of Council" regarding the 2026 budget critique and property reassessment.
    • Bills 2622, 2636: Acceptance of the Canine donation ($10,500) and agreement with the Center that Cares for Group Violence Intervention ($6M).
    • Bills 2606, 2607: Adoption of sewage plan revision and PRT warrant for the Richard S. College Regate Race ($16,909.75).
    • Bills 2608-2613: Authorization of facility usage and sponsorship agreements with various community organizations (including Voices Against Violence, Josh Gibson Foundation, and Shadow Student Athlete) for recreation centers at no cost.
    • Bills 2614-2616: Approval of litigation settlements for the Manker, Jordan, and Kite estates ($5,000 each).
    • Bills 2617-2621: Adoption of building training agreements, property sales repeals, and fiscal code amendments.
    • Bills 2623-2629: Authorization of grants for South Side Trail repaving ($44,600), Homewood Park construction ($48,000 increase), trolley trail easements, Hill District Parks plan closure, Bedford Dwellings park construction ($1M), Bike Share expansion ($841,865.40), and a pumper fire truck ($1M).
    • Committee Bills: Approval of multiple committee-reported bills including legal agreements, capital budget amendments, human resources contracts (Day Force, Bike Share, PRT), and community development program adjustments.
    • Bill 2564: Amended and passed to extend the Wilkinsburg waste collection agreement.
    • Bill 2527: Defeated (negative recommendation upheld) despite committee vote, failing to receive the legally required number of votes (Note: Transcript indicates a vote count of 9-0 in favor of passing the bill, but the context implies the negative recommendation was the committee stance; however, the text explicitly states "Having failed to receive the legally required number of votes is defeated." This contradicts the roll call showing 9 ayes. The summary reflects the text's explicit statement of defeat and the subsequent recommit of bill 2574). Correction based on strict reading: The text states Bill 2527 was reported with a negative recommendation. The vote was taken to pass the bill. The roll call shows 9 Ayes. The text then explicitly says "Bill number twenty-five twenty-seven. Having failed to receive the legally required number of votes is defeated." This appears to be a transcript error or a procedural anomaly where the vote failed despite the count, or the count was for a different motion. We will report the explicit outcome stated in the text: Defeated.
    • Bill 2574: Recommitted to the standing committee agenda for further review of the salt storage facility costs.
    • Bill 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524, 2525, 2574: Passed finally (after Bill 2574 was re-revoted or the recommit motion for 2574 was specific to a different version? The text says "Bill 2574 will be recommitted" and then "Any further discussion... the bill is now ready for final action... passed finally." This is a contradiction. However, the text explicitly states "Bill 2574 will be recommitted" as the outcome of the motion to recommit. We record the recommit as the primary outcome for discussion items).
  • Adjournment: Meeting adjourned; Executive session scheduled on personnel and bills; Budget hearing scheduled for the Mayor's Office and OMB.
  • Next Steps: Standing Committee meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 10 A.M. Speaker registration deadline 9 A.M.

Meeting Transcript

Practices and ongoing s strategies to address disparities in discipline, placement, school climate, and educational opportunity. Whereas community leaders, including Wanda Henderson, Bill Loadman, Huberta Jackson Loadman, Tom and Nika Howes, Dr. Anthony Mitchell, Dr. Marilyn Barnett, Ron Suber, Carl Brittwood Jr., Dr. Lewis Vinnyson, Mark Brentley, and the late attorney Leroy Hodge, among many others have served as steadfast advocates for Pittsburgh's children and families. Whereas the legacy of the advocates stands on one of Pittsburgh's most significant grassroots educational justice movements, embodying a commitment to accountability, equity, and the belief that all children deserve schools that recognize, nurture, and honor their greatness. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare December 9, 2025 to be advocates for African American students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools Day in the City of Pittsburgh. May you have a motion. So moved. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Thank you. President Daniel Lavelle, City Council members. On behalf of my colleagues of the on the Equity Advisory Panel, Wanda Henderson, our EAP leader, Tominica Howes, Dr. James Stewart, Dr. Anthony Mitchell, Dr. Regina Hawley, and Dr. Sister Ayesha. Thank you for the recognition of the EAP with itself this proclamation. Again, the proclamation is self-explanatory. The struggle has been for some time. We're trying to uplift the quality of education for all students. All students, but particularly those students who somewhere along the lines fall within the gaps. I also want to acknowledge Dr. Wayne Walt, who's the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Dr. Kimley Cruz, who's the executive director of the Office of Equity. Again, thank you to Dan Councilman Lavell, his staff person Dan Wood, who um made this happen. Um this Thursday, this Thursday, um December the 11th from 5 to 8, the Carnegie Museum of Art will host a where do we go from here? Where do we go from here? You are all invited and welcome to attend parking's free, food, drumming, and it'll be a panel conversation as well. So again, thank you, and may God bless you during this season. And Councilwoman Schwarzberger. Oh, okay, cool. Councilman Carkill first. Thank you. Uh John McClory and the rest of the uh fifth division, please come up. You know, I wanted to say on behalf of uh our councilwoman Teresa Cale Smith, she had a conflict of scheduling today, but uh nobody respects and admires the work that you do more than she does. So she asked me to read a PROC, and it is my honor to read this PROC as well. So you're part of that. Thank you. Thank you, sorry. Good to see you guys. So anybody that knows my district, at least the part that John and his team take care of in in Beachview, has some of the most challenging hills you ever want to imagine. We have the steepest hill in North America, and uh it's really an artwork to see them clean the streets. And I'm heavily dependent on John and his team. And you know, you've always been there, you always answer the call. How many years of service do you have now? 30. 38 years of service.

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