Good morning, and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Monday, December twenty second, two thousand twenty-five.

Would it clerk please take the role?

Mr.

Charlotte.

Here.

Mr.

Clark Hill.

Miss Gross.

Mr.

Mosley.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Here.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Mr.

Wilson.

Here.

Mr.

Lavell President.

Here.

Five members present.

Thank you.

For those who are able, please rise for the pleasure of allegiance, remain standing for a moment of silence.

To the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you very much.

Our next order of business is to amend the agenda.

So motion to amend.

So move.

Second.

All favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

The agenda has but a minute.

Our next order of business is proclamations.

And we'll turn it over to Councilwoman Smith.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

See, I don't know.

Thank you both.

Um, can we have Commander Ripple and his family, please come forward?

Anyone else who's with you?

Lord Neil Marabella, you can come up, even though I know you're here for another proc, you can come up too.

Might as well have another officer up here with us.

You all can come up.

And can I just say if you don't know Commander Ripple, you've not been to an event in the city of Pittsburgh.

He has volunteered countless hours.

People think he's getting paid because he's a commander.

Well, commanders, when they're not during doing things during the regular hours, are volunteering.

He takes kids, I'm not kidding you, he'll take them on rides on his motorcycle sidecar.

And he has a longer line than Santa Claus does at in Sheridan.

I'm not even kidding.

But he not only does he help and does he do things with his vehicle, off hours, he and his wife and his kids donate, volunteer, they deliver meals for Thanksgiving, they buy tons of gifts for Sister Mary for her save a life today, um Christmas you know uh distribution.

They and just constantly, they're constantly giving, giving, giving to our community.

His wife even saved a life at one of our Easter egg hunts when a kid when a kid passed out and she she went to you know she's a nurse practitioner, so thank God she was there.

Um but his kids also volunteer.

So I just want to say thank you for everything you've done.

It's been a long time.

I've been wanting to do this.

So this is my last day on council, so I wanted to make sure I acknowledge people that I on my way out the door.

I wanted to acknowledge people that do a lot for the city of Pittsburgh and have done a lot.

And to me, our Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, they don't get the recognition they deserve, but this commander in particular has not gotten the recognition that he deserves.

And he's actually in a hurry because his brother-in-law, your brother, right?

No, your brother-in-law, is upstairs getting ready to be sworn in as a judge.

So they're still giving back.

Whereas Raymond, I never heard anybody call you that, Ray Ripple, a native of McKee's Rocks and Stowe Township, we'll forgive him for that, and a proud graduate of Stowe Rocks High School, was inspired by a family legacy of public service, most notably his great-grandfather, who served with the Pittsburgh Police Department in the 1950s.

His father, a Neville Township police officer, and his great uncle, who attain who attained the rank of captain in the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office.

And whereas, since joining the Pittsburgh Police Department in 1997, Commander Ripple has continuously risen through the ranks, serving honorably as a patrol officer, sergeant in the traffic division, lieutenant and ultimately commander of zone six in the West End.

And in addition, the commander is lead motorcycle instructor for the in the Pittsburgh region, including small departments from North Carolina and Maryland.

I guess you train all them.

And whereas Commander Commander Ripple has embodied the spirit of community policing, actively engaging with residents, participating in Easter egg hunts, Halloween outings, and Christmas celebrations, and fostering partnerships with organizations such as Tree of Hope and Save a Life Today, Pittsburgh.

And whereas his dedication has extended beyond his daily service and including overseeing special events and safeguarding peaceful protests, and in July of 2024, sustaining an injury while courageously responding to a failed assassination attempt on the then presidential candidate.

Whereas Ray and his wife have raised three children, Ray Ray Jr., Nicholas, and Carmela, instilling in them the same values and service and civic engagement that have defined their his life.

And now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Commander Ray Raymond Ray Ripple for his unwavering commitment, exemplary public service, and ongoing contributions to the safety and welfare across the commun our communities.

And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, in gratitude and celebration, does hereby declare Monday, December 22nd, 2025 to be Ray Ripple Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Maybe we have a motion to approve.

So moved.

Second.

All favor say aye.

All right.

All right.

Congratulations.

She wants me to say a few words.

I just can't believe you have a day.

And it's and it's my sister's birthday today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um for a guy, if you know me, I I've a lot to say about everything, but I'm speechless for this.

The guys that know me that I'll talk a lot.

The councilman says I'm transparent.

We use big words like that, but I don't want Rick Earl sticking a camera in my face.

So it keeps me like keeping me straight.

But I've been doing this.

I've been a policeman for 35 years.

I I teach my guys to lead by example, treat everyone the way you'd want your family to be treated.

Um and uh I know sometimes it's thankless job, but my wife's father was a police officer.

I'm a police officer, so they sacrifice for when I'm going out at three in the morning or two in the morning, because I believe it's all about helping people, and that's why I started.

I mean, I grew up in McKey's Rocks projects, and I try to give back every every time I can.

So thank you for all this, and I appreciate counsel.

Counsel, thank you.

Thank you very much.

You want to say something?

Councilman Call Kill.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh Councilwoman Kill Smith.

Um Ray.

Uh or Rip, as I call him.

Yeah.

I've heard him call a lot of things.

Yeah.

Never Raymond.

I've called him other things too, yeah.

So uh but um there's no better credit to the Pittsburgh Police Force than you.

Okay.

I've worked with a lot of commanders over my past eight years, and nobody is more responsive than you are.

Just this morning we're on the phone about a truck that I was trying to get towed for months and months, and you know, Ray got it done for me.

So um his humble beginnings um I think is what really makes him very special, you know.

And I've been to your affairs where kids are lining up to you know, get on his sidecar and go for a little motorcycle ride.

Um no better PR than that.

So uh I always say he's the best commander in the city of Pittsburgh.

I stand by that.

I I feel like he's the most responsive best commander.

He's done wonderful things for me.

He's always there to return my call and to you know get the job done.

And not only that, he would inform me about everything that's going on.

So um so with that, this is very well deserved.

I want to thank your family for being here.

Um you're a great guy.

You're a great credit to not only the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, but to the city itself.

So thanks so much, Ray, for what you do.

Yeah, yeah, as well.

So I made sure I asked him if I could say this, but he's come from such a beginning that was he struggled so much.

His family, his mother was a single mom.

They were homeless at one point in their lives, and he learned what it was like to suffer and to struggle, and so he made sure that he gave back to kids unbelievably.

And when I tell you they give back, I mean, not just during work, it is definitely out off hours a lot of times, and with their own money.

And I just I can Lori is just an amazing partner for him.

All the women love him.

Let me just tell you.

So she poor Lori had to put up with a lot of stuff.

And I actually met him one day when I was beeping my horny because some kids were selling doing a drug sale at Westwood.

They were from Green Tree and Mount Lebanon, by the way.

So they weren't from the city of Pittsburgh.

But anyway, he come running out and he had his boxers on, but he had a citation book with him.

I was like, what the heck is this?

But anyway, so she's had to put up with a lot of us all hours of the day and night in front of their home and and everything.

They just are amazing.

They're an amazing family together.

So Laura, you should have a prof today, too.

But I wanted to make sure we mentioned you and your family in the pro.

But thank you for being such a great support system to an amazing commander.

Thank you.

I think when I start off in 900, get on, Mike.

Yeah, when I start off as police work in 91, I would do this job for free.

I was making $3.35 an hour.

So that that's when I started.

So but I appreciate everything.

I don't like I always like to take care of people.

I don't like when I'm in the spotlight.

So I thank everybody.

Yeah, I'm gonna say you are one of the first uh law enforcement folks that I interacted with on council, and honestly, you also always answer the phone, always like everything, you know.

I'm always about like traffic enforcement night and the motorcycles and um my kid has ridden in the sidecar.

Had a great time.

And uh yeah, I just thank you so much for everything that you do for the city.

Does everyone come up for the photo?

Yes.

You have to stand in front of me.

Oh, good luck.

Tell him I'm sorry, I'm not there.

Tell me about Mr.

Melitzer, do you want to come forward with your family?

Neil Marabella, you're staying up here for this one, right?

I keep calling Neil Marabello up.

He's a retired police officer.

His wife has worked in my office for 17 years.

But he's been a great help across the city too.

Wow, this is a big family.

I keep hearing how connected you are.

Now I know why.

You left some at home.

Hey, come I come from a big family too.

So I get it.

How are you?

I'm sure you're going to be able to do that.

Good to see you.

I met I met you at I don't know if you remember in Giant Deagle.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I was shopping, grocery shopping, and his son came up to me and said something to me.

And I it takes me a minute because my memory's not as great as it used to be, okay?

So sometimes people have to remind me.

And I won't forget you because you were so amazing just in the store in that conversation we had.

They look out for you.

I think well, that's because you looked out for them all those years.

It's their it's your turn.

Whereas Donner Donald G.

Mellitzer was born on December 31st, 1933 to Raymond and Helen, and grew up in one of the as one of five children on Brett Brent Street in Pittsburgh's Arlington neighborhood.

Councilman, you want to come up?

Okay.

And whereas he attended St.

Henry Elementary School, Knoxville Middle School, and South Vocate High Sch South Vocational High School.

I'm gonna tell you, I when I got married, they made our cake at South Vocational High School because he had a bakery.

Yeah.

That's how long ago that was.

And we're at where he studied aeronautics and graduated at the age of 17.

And whereas on April 14th, 1954, Donald married the love of his life, Sophia Courke, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage until her passing on November 14, 1996.

And whereas Donald built a life, built a long and respected career as a mold maker, learning his craft and compete and completing his apprenticeship at H.

J.

Myers in Brookline before continuing his professional journey and ultimately retiring as a supervisor from Glen Shaw Glass Comp Glass.

And whereas after retiring from Glen Show Glass, he continued to help his son his son Brian Shop, B and R starters.

Five days a week until the age of eighty-eight.

Oh Lord.

And whereas at 66 I've had it.

So I'm impressed.

Where he where he was a familiar and cherished presence to everyone who came up came through the door.

He is affectionately known as Pap or Big Pap to family and friends and all who know him.

And whereas Donald and Sophia were blessed with three children who continue to honor their family's legacy.

And two great great-grandchildren.

And whereas Donald Millitzers, 92 years reflect a life defined by dedication to family, hard work, deep community roots, and an enduring legacy passed through multiple generations who continue to cherish and celebrate him.

And now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby celebrate Donald G.

Mellitzer on the joyous occasion of his 92nd birthday, honoring his remarkable life, legacy, and countless ways he has enriched his family and community.

And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 to be Donald G.

Mellitzer Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Maybe we have a motion to approve.

So moved.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Congratulations.

Mr.

Lamar.

Can you turn this on?

Oh wait, it's coming on.

It's gone.

It's on.

I apologize.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate everything all the people came to see me and uh.

I really appreciate it, which is making me feel good.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I gotta tell you, you've got a ways to go.

My mother was 103.

And the oldest person that I know of in Westwood that lived in Westwood was 114.

So you got a way to go.

Every ten years we do a big party at Duquesne, so he's we have another one coming for him.

So do you want to say a few words?

Anybody want to say a few words?

Neil, you want to say a few words?

You can come up here.

I just want to say that our work ethic comes from this man.

He never missed work.

He always worked, always provided for us.

And my sister and my brother and all these people up here you see have a work ethic that's unbelievable.

So we thank you, Dad, and we love you.

I just want to say congratulations to a great guy.

He's like a second dad to me.

Um Father taught me like my brother said, a good hard work ethic.

Uh when I was twelve years old, I asked for whatever something exotic and or expensive, and he said, You got money?

And I said, Well, I guess I gotta go to work.

So I got money, worked work through it that way.

Then uh now I'm self-employed for the last 44 years.

Uh he's came down, taught me machine work, he's a machinist, uh, did did a great thing.

But I'd like to thank the council in the city of Pittsburgh for honoring my father.

Uh I did seven years of counsel on Jefferson Hills.

I know the the the work that you have to do, the work behind the scenes, just sitting up here is is minor compared to the the stuff you're doing behind the scenes and for the community.

Uh it's a thankless job, but I'd like to thank you now for you know help helping my father out, and I appreciate it.

Thank you for your work.

This is true.

Is that it?

Anybody else?

Nobody?

That's it.

Okay.

Council Councilman Charlene, you want to come up?

And I'm gonna say Lori in my office writes the proclamations, and this is the most excited I've seen her about writing a proc because you helped raise her husband husband.

You should be in the picture, right?

Yeah.

Get in the picture, Laura.

Yeah.

Lori's also gonna stay with Kim's office.

Thank you.

I'm making my last proclamation wait.

Sorry.

Can I have Shayla Penn?

Taylor Penn, everyone with you, come on up.

Are people coming up with you?

Is your husband here?

No.

Is he here?

I didn't see him.

Oh, now I see him.

Okay.

I'm short.

And I just want to say her husband is a retired firefighter.

Now let me just tell you.

So I've known Shayla's husband because he was a firefighter in Sheridan for a long time.

So I know the great work he's done, but then I start seeing all the stuff that Shayla's been doing.

And I knew that she would feed people a lot and do different things to help people, but I didn't know to the extent until recently.

So I want to make sure we honor her as one of my last proclamations before I leave because I wish I would have done it sooner.

I I honestly didn't know the magnitude of what you've done.

So I knew you did a lot, but I didn't notice this much.

Whereas Shayla Penn is a devoted mother of four, a Baldwin Whitehall native.

We'll forgive you for that too.

And a longtime Sheridan resin, which we love.

And Pittsburgh and a Pittsburgh-based caterer, food educator, and home chef who shares her family's favorite recipes and culinary knowledge in teaching kitchens throughout Allegheny County.

And whereas she is the founder and operator of Berg Eats and Treats, a widely respected Facebook group and trusted resource celebrating food and promoting locally owned restaurants across Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh region and other cities across the country.

And I'm going to say you also give a lot of attention to urban gardens, gardeners or farmers in cities across the country and with more than 27,000 members.

And whereas she's I don't know, I think you might be giving Rick Earl a run for his money there.

And whereas she said she serves as a guest instructor at Wooly's Food Seafood, leads community cooking demonstrations, supports youth cooking camps, and mentors others in in healthy cooking, including sponsoring competitions, benefiting the National Cancer Society, and 4012 Thrive.

And whereas, through her culinary creativity, she set she collaborated with Across Fire Brewery, am I saying that right?

And well, you're like this one, and Barrel and Flo.

Berylflow, the fo the founder of that, his girlfriend worked worked in Councilman Charlon's office.

And Berylflow to create her her own local beer, Blueberry and Flow.

Oh, that's cute.

Which was offered at their annual beer festival.

And whereas Shayla has shared her expertise across numerous media outlets, including hosting segments on Star 107 10 100.7 with Bubba and Mel, appearing on the Pittsburgh Dish Podcast, serving as a regular guest on the Ya Jagoff podcast and radio show.

And appearing on Pittsburgh Today Live.

She is regularly invited.

We have to get her on channel 11, just say.

And she has received Women of Excellence, the Women of Excellence Award from the Pittsburgh Courier.

And whereas she is an active community leader and advocate serving as a board member on Babesburg, board chair and president of the nonprofit organization leading through love, and a member of the West Side Cares.

And a le a leadership board member at Pittsburgh Langley K to 8.

And volunteers with the Salvation Army's Christmas Assistance Program.

And now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Shayla Penn for her outstanding contributions to the culinary arts, community service, local businesses, promotions, and the overall vitality of the city of Pittsburgh.

And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Monday, December 22nd, 2025, to be Shayla Penn Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Maybe have a motion to appear.

All favor say hi.

Hi.

Congratulations.

So here, do you want to say a few words?

And we're happy you're on TV, but we're we want to spread that around a little bit.

And I and Wooly's the owner lives in our district too.

Yeah.

Um, I am nervous, so I wrote a few things down.

Well, I do that, and then I forget to read it.

Um I'm so honored to be have my own day here in Pittsburgh.

It is so unreal.

So the leaders who made this happen.

Thank you for seeing me and believing in my story and w being it worth celebrating.

I want to thank my family and my friends for supporting me through this movement.

Um I've only been at it for two years with Burge and Treats, but it has been my supporters who have gotten me here this far.

I want to thank my family, my sons, and my my other half for supporting me through um good days and bad days, and I'm just so grateful and honored to be a part of Pittsburgh's history forever.

Can you take your work?

Good morning.

I just wanted to say for many years I was the one who was away from home, you know, taking care of the family, fighting for the Pittsburgh Fire Department, and now I'm retired, and I get to stay home a lot more.

Now the roles have shown.

She's helping the community and doing a lot of things, you know, positive.

So I just wanted to say I'm very proud of Shayla and hope she keeps up the good work.

And this is your day, so enjoy it.

Thank you.

Hey, Pixbird.

I am Sheila's best friend.

We've been best friends for over 25 years.

Um, our children's bears together.

We share meals together.

Um, we've cried, we've laughed, I've seen her overcome so many adversities, thrown her away, uh caring for her mom, uh, her mom passing, caring for her father, and her father passing, being a caregiver to her grandmother, along with also caring for her family and herself.

So I'm very, very proud of you, best friend.

I love you so so much.

And so I just want to um just leave you with this.

Uh weapons will form, but they won't prosper.

You have been chosen because you are already equipped.

Oh, thank you.

Say your name.

I'm May Sha Orvin.

Come on.

Hey, you're taller than me too.

Hello, my name is Caesar, and I'm a middle child in a sous ship.

I always helped my mother for some food.

And she made the best food in Pittsburgh.

My favorite was the chicken on a stick.

And I always like to come to Woolie's with her.

So, yeah, that's all.

Hey.

That's the best.

That's not all, honey.

That's the best hearing from your kids.

Give me alkalines.

Okay.

Take a photo real quick.

No, I'm about to cry.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I know.

She was my next to last crop.

Bye, honey.

Thank you for saying something.

Okay, this is my last proclamation in almost 17 years of service on City Council, and it's a doozy.

Well, Rick Earl and his career, please come forward.

Now, honestly, I'd love to acknowledge a lot of the media that does so much stuff in educating Pittsburgh and bringing information to Pittsburgh and contacting council members and other elected officials.

But Rick Earl is somebody I know that works non-stop.

And I just want to thank him for the work that he's done.

Um, not always when he's covering us, but when he covers some things I want to see.

Not necessarily in Pittsburgh politics.

Whereas Rick Earl has dedicated more than three decades to journalism in Western Pennsylvania, beginning his career at Channel 11 in 1994, and has since become one of the region's most trusted and respected voices in local news.

And whereas during his 31-year career, Rick Earl has reported on some of the most significant and defining moments in our Pitts in our region's history, including the tragic crash of Flight 427 in Hopewell Township, the events surrounding Flight 93 on September 11th, 2001, the miraculous rescue at the Q of the Cute Creek Minors, the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill.

And whereas for the past 25 years, Rick has covered city government, which I'll forgive him for.

Leading the Channel 11 investigative team as chief investigator.

And I'm going to tell you, when I need to know something about what's going on in city government, I don't call my colleagues.

I call Rick Earl, because he knows before we know.

Leading Channel 11 investigative team as chief investigator, his commitment to accountability and public service journalism has resulted in new state laws prompting criminal investigations and meaningful reforms, exposing fraud, waste, abuse, and abuse, and saving taxpayers thousands of dollars while improving the lives of countless Pennsylvanians.

And whereas Rick Earl is widely recognized for holding those in positions of power accountable, advocating for transparency in government, and giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

And whereas throughout his distinguished career, Rick Earl has received numerous awards and alcalades, including multiple MIMI awards, Golden Quill Awards, and the Edward R.

Murrow Awards, honoring his excellence, integrity, and lasting impact in the field of journalism.

And whereas, beyond his professional accomplishments, Rick Earl shares a long and loving marriage with his wife Jenny, probably because he's out of the house so often.

And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh is hereby commend Rick Earl for his extraordinary career, unwavering dedication to investigative journalism, and lasting service to the residents of Western Pennsylvania.

And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh is hereby declare Monday, December 22nd, 2025, to be Rick Earl Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Maybe we have a motion to approve.

All famously are.

Let me just tell you, he didn't have his credibility with me because he was on the newsroom.

It was Carmen Brown who called me and said, Oh, you can trust Rick Earl.

I'm like, what?

So honestly, she loved you so much, and I just want to make sure you knew about that too.

Because she to you, to her, you she trusted you.

And so I think that was that says a lot.

Do you want to say a few words?

Sure.

Yeah.

Well, I've I've been coming here for more than 30 years, and it's kind of different being on this side of the microphone on that side.

So thank you so much, uh, Councilmember Cale Smith, thank you for this, Council President Lavelle, your honorable council members.

I certainly do appreciate this this award.

It's it's a tremendous honor.

Um it goes right up there with all the other awards I've won during my distinguished career.

Um I'd like to acknowledge some folks who are here with me today.

My my oldest daughter Mary and my youngest daughter Emily are here.

Uh they're they're two of the five.

My wife, unfortunately, couldn't be here.

She's at home watching four of the eight grandchildren.

So and then I'd like to acknowledge my uh news director, Scott Trayband is here as well.

I thank him for being here.

John Clauco is our assignment manager, Kelly Burkett is an executive producer.

Cindy McGrath also joined them.

She's the special projects producer, and we appreciate you guys being here.

You know, yes, we did, we did.

We're getting ready to do a story on her.

Okay, just say it about her, Sheryl.

You know, it's it's funny.

I came to Pittsburgh in the early 90s, and it was gonna be a two or three year stop, and then I'd move on uh 31 years later, and five children, eight grandchildren later, we're here in Pittsburgh is a phenomenal town.

We just love this city.

I raised my family here, and I don't know if you guys really wreck or know this, but Pittsburgh is a great news town.

I mean, there's three competitive stations, very highly competitive stations.

You have two great newspapers, you have a staff of reporters and anchors and photographers and editors and managers, and even people behind the scenes that you never see.

They bring you the news on a daily basis and they do it with with ethics, morality, um, objectivity, and truthfulness and fairness.

It's amazing, and it's such a difficult time to do that these days with uh the influence of social media and and fake news, so forth.

But I mean, these people in this city do a tremendous job.

And um, like uh it's it's funny, as Councilmember Smith said, Um, I started covering City Council about 30 years ago, so it was probably about 10 years before you got on council.

So I've seen uh many of these are new faces here that we see come in to cover council.

But I was going through some old archive footage for a story I was working on, and it came across some video uh of me actually interviewing Councilmember Cale Smith back in the uh it was 2010, 2011, and I look, I I couldn't recognize the guy because he was so young.

Um I looked at it again, and I'm like, man, he has a lot of gray hair and some wrinkles now.

But Councilwoman Kale Smith looked remarkably the same as she does today.

And I said, uh what's going on here?

It must be I I'm thinking to myself, it must be the water in the West End.

But uh but I did I did ask her for a picture of uh uh we were working on a story on her retirement and asked her for a picture of herself, and she should I'm sure she doesn't mind if I share this story.

She she mentioned it at council the other day, but it was uh I said, send me a picture of when you first started.

And lo and behold, a picture on my phone pops up, and it's that uh iconic poster of Farah Fawcett.

And she said, I've I've aged.

The job has aged me.

So um but finally I want to thank all of you guys.

I do I really want to thank the viewers of the city of Pittsburgh because uh they they trust us to come into their homes and deliver the news ever on a daily basis.

And without them, we wouldn't be here.

We I I thank the viewers of Pittsburgh for watching day in and day out and and for trusting us to bring them the news story.

But thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

This is this is my last proclamation, so I'm gonna take one by myself and then we'll invite everyone up, okay?

If you want to come up.

I thought so too.

And just so you know, Sheila, I'm in the manager of you now because I just they told me they're working with you now.

I don't think you need a manager.

You're you're selling yourself, everybody loves you.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, definitely.

Good job.

That's right.

You ever run for office?

I want the first story of you, right?

Okay.

And we have one to be read into the record.

Councilmember Wilson presents, be it further resolved at the council of the city of Pittsburgh, hereby declares December 20th, 2025, as Jerome Bettis's bus stops here foundation day in the city of Pittsburgh.

Maybe we have a motion to approve.

So moved.

All favor say aye.

Aye.

Proclamation has been approved.

That takes us to public comment.

I would like to remind everyone that the rules of council state that comments are limited.

Which may be before city council and profanity will not be permitted.

After you were called, please restate your name, provide your neighborhood for the record.

You'll be given three minutes to speak.

Our first register speaker is Elena Zaitsov.

Who I do not believe is online.

Oh wow, I couldn't have a side and our next public speaker is Dr.

Ronald L.

Miller.

Dr.

Ronald Miller, Oakland Central.

Formerly on the fifth faculty.

I talk more than Israel.

Japan and the USA.

Global societies.

And sport theory, among others.

Representing the Global Intelligence Society for 2028.

I can be reached 247, 412-969-799.

This public comment of mine today is a response to the 2025 2666, 16 December 2025 proclamation involving Mr.

Lavelle, Mr.

Gainey, and Mr.

Mosley.

University Prep SciTech Obama Academy.

The Prox says that their achievement is quote an inspiration to young athletes.

Athletes.

In the course on sport, I invented and taught as faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, Oakland.

I stressed that of U.S.

American football, basketball, and baseball, US American football requires the highest level of kinesthetic intelligence and somatic and endurance.

US American football is the most demanding, in my view, of brain and brain.

And also the most damaging to both.

They have body damage.

These young men were there because they represent a school.

A primarily academic, not athletic institution, whose primary goal is optimal academic, not athletic achievement.

No, Dr.

Wayne Walters, who's the Pittsburgh Public School Superintendent, in his congratulations, did not go there.

Neither did Mr.

Lavell, Mr.

Gainey, or Mr.

Mosley.

And I think this was completely unwise.

So what were their grade averages?

Anyone want to tell us that?

Or their test scores.

No evidence.

And what is their future?

How many uh are university bound from this university prep school?

One or two out of twenty.

And how many are going to go to the NFL?

Almost none.

No future.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Icahana Halmaukina.

Who I do not see you online.

Therefore, our last registered speaker is Chris Mory.

First, uh regarding the Stop the Violence Trust Fund balance and using that to or using funds to help fund the vehicle fleet.

We asked uh residents extra money in the Stop the Violence Trust Fund should be used for the city's vehicle fleet.

Uh 72.6% somewhat more strongly supported uh this statement.

A resident from Squirrel Hill South said, in general, I oppose redirecting funds from their intended purpose.

However, if the anti-violence fund really has a $15 uh million dollar balance, uh redirecting some of that to fixing snow plows could be an exception.

Uh resident from Duke Heights said to this our winter stock home syndrome because of the horrible snow cleaning.

Uh so yeah, get that additional money allocated to improving the plows.

Uh resident from Central North Side says uh stop the bios efforts are essential to our safety and the growth of our children.

Um regarding the city's uh property sales, uh we asked uh city property sales should revert uh to the city if the buyer does not follow through on their stated intended use, uh, not just for permitting and health and violations.

Uh 87.8% of respondents somewhat were strongly supported uh this statement.

Um resident from Squirrel Hill said keep the city properties with the city residents and not LLCs, and a resident uh from South Side Flats said uh properties in the city should be able to access all liquidity available, not just locally.

Um thank you so much, and as usual, we will uh have the full survey response uh emailed out to you, and apologies for the delay on last week's report.

I will include that uh in the written testimony as well.

Thank you.

That exhaust on list of registered speakers.

If there's anyone in chambers wishing to speak, please come forward at this time, provide your name and neighborhood for the record.

Good morning, special agent sunshine.

I'm not used to going first, but here I am.

Lord, thank you for my help and my strength to still be here standing before this membership of this council.

Thank you for having a plan for my life, Lord.

Please help me trust in you for the outcome and rely on you more than I rely on myself.

The wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 16, 3.

It says, Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

It was God who guided me here all the way from Atlanta.

I sacrificed a lot.

A one bedroom section eight unit fully furnished, I left, sacrificed.

My job at Walmart ever six months, I left, sacrificed and chose to love myself and God above all others.

I even left my child and my granddaughter of nine years old.

My daughter today is 35.

I called her and wished her a happy birthday, but she has a lot to do with this situation that I'm in.

But I will not be destroyed by her or anybody else.

That's a part of this heinous, heinous injustice.

Who will rise up for me against the wicked?

Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Psalm 94, 8 through 10 says, Take heed, you senseless ones, among the people.

You fools, when will you become wise?

Does he who implanted the ear, not here?

Does he who formed the eye, not see?

Does he who disciplines nations not punish?

Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of man.

He knows that they are futile.

Another piece of wisdom comes from Proverbs 17, 11.

It says, an evil man bent on rebellion, a mercy merciless official will be sent against him.

Though people are still trying to take me out to keep what you guys and a lot of people connected to this case and taken from me.

And it is he who will bring justice in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning.

My name is Howard H.P.

Jackson, Black Political Empowerment Project.

Grew up with NACP all my life in Pittsburgh.

Wow.

You know, I'm very humbled that we had a mayor that represented us.

Matter of fact, it was Chocolate City for about seven years in Pittsburgh.

You know how the A Gainey administration applied black history in Pittsburgh and acknowledge people that's been hidden for hundreds of years in the city of Pittsburgh.

And uh the air game administration.

They brought it out, they brought it up.

So we have an identity, you know.

Thank God for the Ed Gane administration because a lot of good things did happen.

And I appreciate the administration.

Although we're saying farewell, but there's there was an identity presented.

First black mayor.

A lot of good things did happen.

A lot of inspiration.

A lot of young people of color had a feeling of identity.

You know, I mentioned to you before that Hazelwood has history.

It's always been Homewood in the Hill.

But Hazelwood got some beautiful history.

And I just wanted to go ahead and have this moment to thank the administration.

Because you know the future.

The future is getting ready to come in.

And uh I see Hazelwood is going to be represented now.

Squirrel Hill, Greenfield.

That's my roots.

I grew up in Glen Hazel.

And now it's going to appear.

And I'm very humble of being hard of being a part of the transition and being a part of being loyal.

I was very loyal to our mayor.

And now I'm ready to go ahead and stand forward to unify and stand forward for our future mayor.

And I want to thank you for this moment and this time.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Next speaker, please.

Seeing no further speakers, we'll turn to the presentation of papers, beginning with Councilman Sherlin, Chair of Human Resources.

Morning, Mr.

President.

Morning.

Councilperson Sharlin presents bill number 2676.

Resolution authorizing the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement with Experian for third-party administration of the City of Pittsburgh's liabilities under the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Act for four years of services at a cost not to exceed $37,000.

Councilman Sharon, do you wish to waive roll 8?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Is there a second?

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Bill 2676 will be on this afternoon's standing committee agenda.

That moves us to Councilman Carkill, Chair of Public Safety and Wellness.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

That takes us to Councilwoman Gross, Chair of Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Gross presents bill number 2677.

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 SIMIGO LLC for Geographic Information Systems Enterprise and ArcGIS Online Support to provide J GIS Enterprise Administrative Support for ARC GIS at a cost not to exceed 49,900 over one year.

Councilwoman Gross, do you wish to waive rule eight?

Motion to wave rule eight.

So this paper can appear on today's standing committee agenda.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Bill 2677 will be on this afternoon's standing committee agenda.

That takes us to Councilman Mosley, Chair of Inner Government for Educational Affairs.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Mosley presents bill number 2682 resolution authorizing the condemnation of certain real property located at 7130 Frankstown Avenue, together with the 100 unit apartment building located there on collectively, Homewood House, and the negotiation and execution of any documents or agreements necessary with the housing authority of the city of Pittsburgh for the coordination funding operation and management of Homewood House in order to preserve affordable housing and ensure that low-income and extremely low-income residents are not displaced.

Motion to waive rule eight.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Bill 2682 will be on this afternoon's city community agenda.

That moves us to Councilwoman Teresa Kill Smith, Chair of Innovation, Chair of Recreation Youth Zero Service.

Thank you.

And that takes us to Councilman Strasberger, Chair of Finance and Law.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilperson Strasberger presents Bill No.

2678.

Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant payable in favor of the Airmark Sports and Intermainment for costs associated with the leaders convening recognition of operational performance excellence luncheon in an amount not to exceed $5,564 and 38 cent.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Bill 2678 will be on this afternoon's standing committee agenda.

That takes us to Councilman Warwick, Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

And Councilman Wilson, Chair of Management Economic Development.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

I have communications.

Council President Laval presents Bill No.

2679.

Communication from Jake Pollack, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting to City Council the attached status update from the grants office for the weekend December 19, 2025.

And bill number 2680.

Communication from Jake Pollack, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting an acting pay request on behalf of the Department of Public Works for Zachary Delaney per the acting pay policy revised in June 2018.

So moved.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

The bills have been read, received and filed.

Our next order of business is reports of committee for final action, beginning with Councilwoman Erica Schraussberger, presenting the committee of finance and law.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilperson Strasburg presents Bill No.

2669.

Report of the committee on finance and law for December 17, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2482.

Resolution authorizing and directing the mayor, solicitor, director of planning, and director of office of management and budget.

Pursuant to 204K of the Home Rule Charter to provide appropriate notice and terminate contract with Sasaki and Common Cause Consultants per Article 3.2 termination of the agreement.

Bill 2483.

Resolution authorizing and directing the mayor, solicitor, director of planning, and director of the Office of Management and Budget, pursuant to 204K of the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter to provide appropriate notice and terminate the contract with HRA advisors and urban ACLLC per Article 3.2, termination of the agreement.

Bill 2614.

Bill 2615.

Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Ethel M.

Jordan Estate, Orient and Neville's and Leotines Duncan administrators for a single payment in 2025 and an amount not to exceed $5,000.

In full and final settlement of litigation filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Please.

Bill 2616.

Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Sabrina Kite for single payment in 2025 in an amount not to exceed $5,000 in full and final settlement of litigation filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Please.

Bill 2617.

Resolution authorizing seven opened in professional services agreements with five vendors to provide professional services on an on-call basis as required related to building department training services as needed by the various departments of the city of Pittsburgh.

Each agreement being at an amount not to exceed $250,000 annually for a three-year term and providing for funding of the cost thereof.

Bill 2618.

Resolution repealing resolutions in resolutions approved on various dates, which authorize the sell of property in various wards of the City of Pittsburgh due to an incompletion of sale items A through G.

701 Webster Terrace, District 6, 530 Janela Street, District 6, 1309, Paulson Street, District 9, 0 Mountain Avenue, District 3, Zero Pliny Way, District 3, 123 Overbeck Street, District 1, and 2248 Listina Avenue, District 4.

Bill No.

2619.

Resolution providing for the sell of certain property acquired by the City of Pittsburgh at tax sales.

Items A through AG.

2610 Bedford Avenue, 2612 Bedford Avenue, 5360 Hillcrest Street.

5362 Hillcrest Street.

Zero Westmoreland Avenue.

1600 Lincoln Avenue.

4644 Chatsworth Street.

4642 Chatsworth Street.

4632 Chatsworth Street, 436 Parkwood Road, 42 Lafferty Avenue.

44 Lafferty Avenue, 1611 Belasco Avenue, Zero Val Rue Street, 906 Volonia Street, 852 Suzman Street, 1133 Iten Street, 1125 Voss Camp Street, 2046 Lay Street, 99 Fountain Street, 40 West McIntyre Avenue, 1601 Spring Garden Avenue, 98 Watson Boulevard, Zero Marshall Avenue, Zero Richardson Avenue, 3221 Center Avenue, 237 East Meyer Street, 4408 Armor Hill Avenue, and 927 Armorville Avenue.

And Bill No.

2620.

Resolution repealing an item in resolution 805, effective December 7th, 2023, in order to rescind the sale.

You have heard the reading inside 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 when the name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

With a clerk, please take the roll.

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

No on 2482 or 2483.

Yes on all other bills.

We didn't leave it.

I'm sorry, you said 2482 and 83?

Yes.

Do we have a legal opinion?

Can we take that money?

Council President.

Mrs.

Kills.

Yeah.

I just I'm curious.

Do we have an opinion on the CON plan?

A legal opinion on that?

Whether or not we have the authority.

No, we we did not request a legal opinion on that.

Do we do that?

Do you mind, Councilman Connell?

We do that.

I want to make sure what I'm voting on is legal, whether it's order or not.

It's going to expire if uh if we have to wait for the legal opinion.

I mean, the way I see it.

It's it's it's at this juncture.

I know the administration was, you know, saying that we don't have the legal authority to do it.

Um whether that's correct or not, we did not end up getting a legal opinion.

We did call the uh Department of Law, and they told us to check with the administration, so I thought that was kind of rather mute to do that.

Um so I guess it's gonna be like this.

If I'm gonna vote to pass it today, and then if the mayor doesn't sign off, then it will expire, and then it'll be in the lap of the next administration whether to resubmit the same papers and do exactly what we did through here, or to continue on and go back into the contract with the existing company.

So do you mind, Council President?

What I would like to do is ask for something from the law department in writing, although I'll vote today, but then later on today, if we have to, can we recommit that?

I don't know.

I'm trying to understand the process.

No, we wouldn't be able to recommit.

This is final vote.

And then we would have to recommit it now.

But it's my it's my understanding that the will of the councilman is to take a final vote on it too.

I'm not going to support him.

I but I'm I'm gonna be consistent and that I'm always asking for a legal opinion because I want to make sure we're doing what's right.

Yeah, that makes sense.

We can certainly vote it in.

You did ask for legal opinion, I know, and again, we did reach out and we were told like uh you know, speak to the administration.

So I didn't know where to go with it after that.

So it was just more like what's I'm just wondering what my recourse would be if later today I find out that it's not legal.

That's what you wouldn't know what my request would be.

Okay, I'm gonna US passing the bill is legal.

We can certainly pass the bill.

The ramifications of that are a different question.

Okay.

Could we get something from the law before the end of today?

That shouldn't be that complicated.

It's in a contract.

Yes, we can ask for that.

Thank you.

But I'll vote aye for now because I promised the councilman I would.

Okay.

I saw two other hands, Councilman Warwick and Councilman Wilson.

Yeah, I I mean I just wanted to say that, you know, no matter how this shakes out, I just uh it's it's really bad form on the part of the city planning team for for council to have such grave concerns over a um over a project that they are overseeing that we have expressed loud and clear um that that from our perspective as council members, what was what we were sold for the incredible price tag of six million dollars and what we pro or at least what what I can say what I promoted heavily in my own districts as being a really you know uh a really great thing for the city, this comp plan to have not delivered to not have had a single meeting in a single neighborhood in my entire district.

And then um we express those concerns over and over and just to be ignored and then to the point where we you know have this vote to cancel the contract and then be told no, we're not gonna do it.

It's it's it's not a great look.

It's not a great look on the part of city planning, it's not a great look on the part of the contractors who are doing this work.

Um and it really puts a um a damper on the whole project and you know, a comprehensive plan in the city of Pittsburgh is an important thing.

We should have a comprehensive plan.

And so for for this to have been rolled out this way, and um and elected officials who represent our communities to be um just totally blown off, you know, the concerns that we've expressed.

It's it's uh it's very disappointing.

So, you know, whatever the outcome here, I'm I'm gonna vote yes to to cancel the cra contract.

I don't know what happens after that, but um just the idea that invoices are still being submitted and billed and and and would you know and and taxpayer dollars, especially in this time when we are working so hard, uh, you know, and we have done so much work to try and balance the budget and um yeah, it's just very unfortunate.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Gross.

Thank you.

I think we've all um really dug into this and done a lot of work on it.

I want to acknowledge that my staff, you know, more than a year ago looked at some 15 comparable cities to try to figure out what they were paying to consultants, and we could not find a city that paid more than $2 per capita.

Two consultants, right?

So not that cities don't do comprehensive plans in-house with their planning staff, which we have 50 people, I think, on payroll in our planning staff right now.

Um, but that at that rate that we can find across the country, we should have paid about six hundred thousand dollars to consultants, not six million.

This looks to be ten fold over what we can find anywhere.

Um the highest city which had a larger population than ours, I think might have been up to five dollars per capita, and that was entirely foundation funded.

So it wasn't coming out of their general fund.

Again, for the costs of consulting contracts.

Um and I agree, I think uh, you know, this isn't someone's private business, and if they choose to just write big checks to consultants, the reason there is a city council is that we are in control of the budget and the first strings.

And if we say that's enough, we've already overpaid four million dollars, has been paid out already, which in my mind is three million, four hundred thousand more than we should have paid.

Um so we've we've already paid an enormous amount of these consulting contracts.

And um, if we can claw back two million, I'm I'm fully supportive, and I think it's the right vote to do today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I've got Councilwoman Schrosberg and I saw Councilman Sharlin's hand go up.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I wanted to be crystal clear that today, while I will be voting no on those two bills.

It does not reflect anything really substantive, except for the fact that I believe we do not I know that there are many debates about this, but I do not believe we have the power to unilaterally cancel these contracts.

I do want to be clear that one, I do share my council colleagues' concern about the product that has been delivered so far in this plan, and I do agree that we pay too much for this.

I know I haven't always said that out loud uh publicly, but I do agree that we should claw back some money from this, and we should be getting more out of both of these contracts.

So I look forward to seeing a new planning department that can work with these contractors in the next administration to deliver what we all deserve and what we've paid for, and ideally shape some of the the uh funds back or off of this contract in the future.

Thank you.

Councilman Sherlin.

Yes.

Um, you know, I I understand that that the there may be a dispute of whether this is something we have the power to do or not.

Um, but I do think this speaks louder, and this is the reason I'll be casting uh yes for this vote.

That the a majority of council from very different parts of the city from very different, you know, ideologies all agree that this process is not working, has not been valuable, is not creating an output that we want to support, we want to adopt, and you know, for something that is supposed to be driving where the city goes till 2050, uh, you know, a majority of council members say that that the directions are bad.

So this is clearly a process that we have lost faith in, um, that we don't we don't uh agree with, we don't um appreciate the inputs or outputs of this process.

A majority of council members are not supportive of this.

Whether or not you know the the administration wants to continue paying the contractors, I guess that that'll be for you know, for uh a legal fight to to dispute to decide.

But the majority of members from very different, very different places in the city, very different places, you know, along along the political spectrum, do not think this process is working.

And I hope that you know the those that uh are are guiding this process get that message loud and clear today.

So I'll be happy to to cast my vote to uh to ask them to cancel this contract.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Smith.

Thank you.

I just want to reiterate, I didn't vote for the plan in the first place, so I'm not supportive of the plan only because I I have a hard time envisioning something for 2050.

Um I'm looking forward to living for the next couple years.

But anyway, then um, but I do want to make sure that we're consistent in asking for legal opinions and um and I should have asked earlier, and I apologize.

But I do want to say I do appreciate that councilman Callkill is has taken this step, and he and I did speak about so and I did say I was supportive, so I want to make sure he knows I am supportive of it.

Um but I would just like to make sure we're not trying to save two million, it's gonna cost us 10 million.

That's all.

That's it.

I'll I'll vote to support him today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So councilwoman Smith isn't Councilman Wilson.

I just want to thank you, Mr.

President.

I just want to say that uh I think I've been saying this to you all, but I'll say it in you know for some time now, but I'll say it in public.

I just want to apologize to members that I uh um lobbied in the past for this plan.

Uh I lobby pretty hard for this and uh look back on this and this is one time where you know I have some regret and uh you know I just uh you know live and learn.

But uh I think you know, if I listened to members then we could have um probably got a cheaper deal, a better deal, a better way we could engage with the public and uh or not done it at all and figure out a different strategy to make sure that we're you know achieving some of those goals that we paid uh millions of dollars for.

So uh it's a lesson for now myself uh moving forward with the next administration.

You know, I do believe that you know we uh as council members do I know I hear uh our outgoing councilwoman say this all the time that we know best for our areas.

Uh I'm not gonna I'm not gonna say that.

I'll let you say that.

Uh I think we we definitely listen and learn from them.

And uh, you know, I think we can um well let me just say I think I can I can uh you know learn from this this uh this vote in the past and uh how um you know how I was trying to organize members to to get this done so um you know that I'm definitely you know respect people who wholeheartedly did want to do this.

I could say that um you know uh that uh you know we all have our our own opinions, but I I think the will wasn't really there initially, and and we could have avoided a lot of this if maybe I didn't push as hard.

So um, you know, I'll leave it that.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So I believe councilwoman Keel Smith casts an I vote.

We're now moving on to Councilman Strasberger.

Mr.

Strasberger.

I am all bills except for 2482 and 2483.

I'll be voting no.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavell President.

No on bills 2482 and 2483 are on all other bills.

So six eyes, three no's on bills twenty-four eighty-two and twenty-four eighty-three, and nine ayes on all other bills.

Thank you.

The bill haven't received a legal card number of votes is passed finally.

That moves us to Councilman Anthony Calkill, presenting the committee of public safety and wellness.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Cockville presents bill number 2670.

Report of the committee on public safety and wellness for December 17, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2622.

Resolution authorizing pursuant to Chapter 210 of the City Code, the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Safety to accept a donation from the Friends of Allegheny County Sheriff's Office unit of a canine valued at 10,500.

And Bill 2636.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and a director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a professional services agreement or agreement with the center that cares for group violence intervention in social services cost not to exceed $6 million over two years.

You have heard the reading title of the bill.

Is there any discussion?

Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action.

All in favor to pass it the bill will vote aye on name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Oh.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavell President.

Aye.

Nine ayes, zero no's.

The bill having received the legally required number of the votes is passed finally.

That takes us to Councilman Barbara Ward, presenting to the Committee of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Oh, thank you, Mr.

President.

Councilwoman Warwick presents bill number 2671.

Report of the committee on public works and infrastructure for December 17, 2025 with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2583.

Resolution granting a vacation of 8th Street from Penn Avenue to Fort Duquesne Boulevard, the northern portion of Maddox Place in an unnamed way from 9th Street to its terminus at no cost to the city.

Bill 2623.

Resolution authorizing the mayor, director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the purpose of receiving grant funds and the amount of 44,600 to repay a portion of the South Side Trail.

And Bill 2624, resolution amending resolution 485 of 2025, which authorized the mayor and director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an amended agreement or agreements with Studio Zoo for costs associated with the Homewood Park Construction Project by increasing the total spend by 48,000 for new not-to-exceed amount of $2 million 89,082.

You've heard the reading inside the bill.

Is there any discussion?

Councilwoman Ward.

Um yeah, I have a motion to amend uh 2583 just to adjust the dollar amount.

This came from Domey.

But um also if I could ask the uh clerk's office just for the record that that goes up in legislatar.

So the uh here it's it's highlighted and underlined as well the amendment from Councilwoman Gross that came at the last meeting during standing committee.

So I believe that one should just be part of the bill, right?

That should not be indicated as part of this amendment.

But you have to have a written amendment at final vote.

So it goes in like that.

It goes in like this.

So would you do you want to co-sponsor this or have your name on it instead of mine?

Either is fine.

I just wanted to clarify that that this amendment is not something that like I didn't do the work to go into this amendment.

This was I'm only putting it forward because of the theory.

Yeah.

So Madam Kirks, this yellow amendment should not have the section that we amended at Standing Committee underlined, like it's being amended now, right?

Right.

I know it's been a it's like an insane week, so I'm not I'm not.

I mean, I'm not saying it's I know you know unexpected, right?

But this so the amendment that's underlined the paragraph that reads the City of Pittsburgh reserves the right for public access easement is the amendment that my office worked on and we amended at the table last week.

And so that is the bill in front of us.

It's not a new amendment today.

It would still be underlined because it was preliminary on Wednesday.

And so yeah, maybe I will design my name then.

So this is now jointly jointly.

You know, Warwick Gross Warwick amendments if you put like two different versions.

I see I see what you're saying.

Yeah, I think it's supposed to have like something to show which versions which, but um my brain is not working well enough to know what that is.

So I yeah, I still agree.

And again, the um the dollar amount that Dummy asked for to be changed just for the record rate is striking out forty-three thousand eight hundred and ten dollars and sixty-five cents and changing it to forty-five thousand seven hundred and sixty dollars and sixty-five cents, which may I point out is just a paltry small amount for two city streets, actually, that are downtown on the riverfront.

There you have it.

And I apologize because I do forget.

Did you formally make the motion to amend?

Okay.

Second.

And we're gonna second it.

Thank you.

Um those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Any further discussion on the bills now as amended?

If not, then the bill is now ready for final action.

All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye.

Rename is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Would the clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kale Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle President.

Aye.

Nine ayes, zero no's.

The bill haven't received a legally required number of votes.

It is passed finally.

That takes us to Councilman Bobby Wilson, presenting the committee on land use economic development.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

And Madam Clerk, if we could first take Bill 2333 by itself.

The negative.

The negative recommendation.

Councilman Wilson presents bill number 2672.

Reported a committee on land use and economic development for December 17, 2025, with a negative recommendation.

Bill 2333.

Resolution providing for the designation as a historic site under Title 11 of the Code of Ordinances.

That certain structure known as the police station number three, also known as the Office of Municipal Investigations OMI building at 2603 Penn Avenue, located in a strip district neighborhood, second ward city of Pittsburgh.

The owner of the property supports the nomination, and there is no cost to the city.

You have heard the reading inside of the bill.

Is there any discussion on the bill?

If not, the bill is now ready for final action.

All in favor to uphold the negative recommendation will vote aye where the name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Mr.

Sharland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Ms.

Gross.

Um aye on all bills, but no, what is the bill?

We only took the only money.

This was the bill of role.

22.

Oh, you only did the one?

You took the one.

Okay, so no.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Mrs.

Warwick.

No.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle, President.

Seven ayes, two no's.

The bill having received a legal requirement of votes is passed finally, and now we can read the remaining bills.

Councilman Wilson also presents bill number 2673.

Reported a committee on land use and economic development for December 17, 2025 with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2526.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to enter into an agreement or agreements with Paramount Pursuits, LLC for technical assistance services to nonprofits awarded neighborhood economic development grants in need of capacity building for a sum not to exceed 41,000 for the payment of the cost thereof.

Bill 2626.

Resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of City Planning to close out a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant Agreement, which provided funding to help develop the Hill District Parks Master Plan.

Bill 2627.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to apply for grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's local share accounts statewide to provide funding for the construction of a park in Bedford Dwellings.

The grant proposal includes an ask of $1 million for this stated purpose.

Bill 2628.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to apply for grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's local share accounts statewide to provide funding for the expansion expansion of Pittsburgh's bike share programs COGO.

The grant proposal includes an ask of up to $841,865 and 40 cents for this stated purpose.

And Bill 2629.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to apply for grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's local share accounts statewide to provide funding to purchase a pumper fire truck.

The grant proposal includes an ask of one million dollars for this stated purpose.

You have heard the reading and title of the bill.

Is there any discussion on the bill?

Council.

Can I just mention too that we also received money from Senator Fontiana and Representative DZ for two um ambulances for the City of Pittsburgh?

So I'm glad to see this investment and theirs.

That's all.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

If none, the bill is not ready for final action.

All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye.

When her name is called, those opposed will vote no.

With the clerk, please take the roll.

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Nine ayes, zero no's.

The bill having received the legally required numbers of votes is passed.

Finally, that moves us to Councilwoman Teresa Kale Smith presenting the committee on recreation youth and senior services.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Kel Smith presents bill number 2674.

Report of the committee on recreation youth and senior services for December 17, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2608.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of parks and recreation on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into financial and income sponsorship agreements at $10,000 or less for the City Parks Office of Special Events 2026 season at no cost to the city.

Bill 2609.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a facility usage agreement or agreements with Bell Suver Consensus Group and Voices Against Violence for use of the McKinley Recreation Center located at 144 Amesbury Street and Warrington Recreation Center, located at 329 East Warrington Avenue, in order to provide recreational and community focused activities for a term of five years at no cost to the city.

Bill 2610.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a facility usage agreement or agreement with Oz and M.

Inc.

and Josh Gibson Foundation for use of the Amm and Recreation Center located at 2217 Bedford Avenue in order to provide recreational and community focused activities for a term of five years at no cost to the city.

Bill 2611, resolution authorizing the mayor and the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a facility usage agreement or agreement with poor law for the use of the Bergwin Pool Building located at 328 Mansion Street in order to provide recreational and community focused activities for a term of five years at no cost to the city.

Bill 2612, resolution authorizing the mayor and the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a facility usage agreement or agreements with the Mount Washington Community Center for the use of the Ring Recreation Center located at 321 Merrimack Street in order to provide recreational and community focused activities for a term of five years at no cost to the city.

You've heard the reading and titled the bill.

Is there any discussion on the bill?

Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.

All in favor to pass to the bill will vote aye by name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kell Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasburger.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavell President.

Aye.

Apologies.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero no's.

The bill having received the legal requirements votes.

It is passed finally.

And finally, Councilman Carmosy presenting the committee on intergovernmental and educational affairs.

And thank and thank you.

Uh Mr.

President, I do I did want to note I don't know what the proper procedure is, but I should actually have recused myself on 2482.

When this came up, um when it was passed affirmatively, I I recuse myself due to my affiliation with one hood.

I just had a memory lab, so I apologize.

So I don't know what the proper procedure to do that to change my negative vote on 2482 to a recusal.

I apologize for the confusion.

When was the bill?

When was 20?

Was it today?

Yes.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

It's in the committee of finance and law.

It was the first bill we vote.

We do a motion to reconsider the vote.

The bill and revote.

Okay.

Uh I'd like to do a motion to reconsider.

We need Anthony.

Let's do that under the let's say it under motions and resolutions.

Okay.

So let's let's do your committee and then we'll take the motion to reconsider.

Yeah, my apologies.

No worries.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Councilman Mosley presents bill number 2675.

Report of the committee on intergovernmental and educational affairs for December 17, 2025 with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2510.

Resolution authorizing the approval of the 2026 housing opportunity fund annual allocation plan for all council districts.

Bill 2606 resolution adopting plan revision to the city of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for 5436 Butler Street at no cost to the city.

Bill 2607, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit for Transportation Services for the 2025 Richard S.

Caligory Great Race on September 28, 2025, and an amount not to exceed 16,909 and 75 cent over one year.

You have heard the reading and title of the bill.

Is there any discussion on the bill?

Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.

All in favor to pass of the bill, vote aye.

Remember is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghills.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasburger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Nine ayes, zero no's.

The bill having received the legal required number to votes is passed finally.

That takes us to motions and resolutions.

Councilman Mosley.

Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to reconsider 2482.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

We will now make reconsider bill 2482, which for all members, this is also the comp plan bill.

And Councilman Mosley needs to recuse himself from the vote.

So we'll retake the vote.

Madam Clerk.

Mr.

Charland.

Aye.

Yeah.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Recruisal due to my affiliation with OneHood Media.

Mrs.

Kill Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasburger.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle, President.

No.

Six ayes, two no's.

The bill haven't received a legal card number of votes.

It's passed finally.

We're still under Most of the Resolutions.

Anything from members?

Councilwoman Smith.

I just want to say this is my last regular meeting, so I just want to thank everyone.

What do I have another one?

Yes.

I wanted to thank you.

Okay, I'll wait then.

I'm sorry.

Actually, for clarity, we have our regular meeting.

Our last regular schedule meeting is the 29th.

We also actually have tenants.

We actually have actually have on our books a meeting for the 31st.

And that was in case the administration were to veto the budget, we would have to come back to override that veto.

It is my hope, and I will reach out to the administration that whether they do that or not, they do it sooner than later, so that we're not going to have to be on the 31st, so that we could do whatever we have to do on the 29th.

But for the record, it is on our books.

If not, this afternoon at 130, Council will hold our study committee meeting.

Also, this Wednesday, December 24th, City Council and the Clerk's Office will close at 1230.

And we take the rest of the week off.

That's my personal recommendation.

That's your decision.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

We are adjourned.