Good morning and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Monday, December 29th, 2025.

Would a clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Sharlin.

Here.

Mr.

Coghill.

Here.

What's up, Council?

Mr.

Mosley?

Here.

This is Cale Smith.

Here.

For the last one.

This is Strasburgers.

Here.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Here.

Mr.

Wilson.

Mr.

Laval, President.

Here.

Seven members present.

Thank you.

For those who are able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Remain standing for a moment of silence.

Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

To the Republic for which it stands.

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

Our next order of business is to amend the agenda or a motion to amend.

So move.

Second.

Second.

The agenda has been amended.

Our next order of business will be public comment.

I would like to remind everyone that the rules of council state that comments are limited in matters of concern, official action, or deliberation, which may be before city council.

Profanity would not be permitted.

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

You'll be given three minutes to speak.

Our first registered speaker is Elena Zaitsov.

She's online.

A concern of council is local government.

Primary in initiative three, local government, as primary.

Last Sunday.

And where was uh O'Connor?

Why wasn't he here?

He could unblindfold some people.

I was here for the whole thing.

And all the counselor claimants, CCBM in the C C BM expressed, in my opinion, uh, their anger and anxiety.

Umlagulatory Da Vinci code like Silas.

Um the least uh whiny, weary, wunder Paula Tekirin.

Um this is weird gross.

Weepy.

We gotta do this uh prop tax Warwick Warpath.

I'm gonna check everything coghill.

Wicked smart, and I mean that the numbers don't add up.

Wilson chagrined.

This is not an honest budget, Charlotte.

Morose, my people are suffering mostly safely at home, but I don't know what the numbers are.

Strasburger and on the way out the door.

Upping the proper property tax makes a new class of poor Kale Smith and Laconic, non-lawyer, but I assure you that we can legally up the property tax Lavelle.

Uh what is the plan that you allude to for this incoming mayor?

No plan in May, no plan in September.

Walked away from Ganey in a debate, walked away from me in the street.

Many witnesses to that.

I think you'll walk away.

Act 47 is coming.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Million Perry Pfeiffer.

No, not online.

Our last register speaker is Lisa Freeman.

Good morning.

Council members and every resident of Pittsburgh watching.

My name is Lisa Freeman, and I live in Manchester.

This city has approved a 20% property tax increase, and the responsibility for how this was handled and for the lack of protections tied to it sits with Council President R.

Daniel Labell.

As council president, Councilman Labelle sets legislative priorities, yet this tax increase moved forward without enforceable anti-displacement protections for Manchester, his own district that he has failed to represent, and many others in the city of Pittsburgh.

Here is what a 20% tax hike means in Manchester.

It means seniors on fixed incomes falling behind.

It means renters facing rent increases or eviction.

It means longtime homeowners forced to sell.

It means small local businesses pushed out.

Now let me be very clear.

The problem is raising taxes without protections while developers are shielded and residents are exposed.

At the same time this tax hike was approved, the city is advancing a 740 million dollar esplanade esplanade development inside a trid.

Under the TRID, future tax money from the north side is being used to help pay for a private development project while Manchester residents are paying higher taxes right now with no guarantees they can stay in their homes.

This is this that is not a shared sacrifice.

This is displacement by design, displacement by policy, displacement made by the city council.

So here is the call to action.

Council must amend the TRID now, not later, not after another vote, not after residents are already gone.

Amended to include property tax caps and relief for long time and fixed income home homeowners.

Real renter protection so tax increases do not become eviction notices.

Mandatory enforceable community benefits tied to the Esplanade and all major developments.

Council President Lavelle, this is your responsibility.

Use your position to protect your district or be accountable for the displacement that follows.

To every Pittsburgh resident watching, if this happens in Manchester, it can happen in your neighborhood next.

Development that raises taxes, shield developers, and pushes residents out is not progress, it is policy failure.

Amend the trade now.

Heavenly Father, help us to take time to pray and rest in the assurance that you are listening.

Amen.

The title of my message for today is Standing On Standing Strong on Faith.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.

The first is what the wicked dread will retake them, what the righteous desire will be granted.

The other version I have is the righteous get what they want, but the wicked will get what they fear most.

We stand on his power and his promises.

The most high God has all power in his hands.

I promise you, you do not.

Mark 1331 says, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

When I read the scripture the first time, death would impair empowered me and compeled me to want to know more about what he said.

His words, what came out of God's mouth.

Ever since eight years old, I've been researching and digging for a lot of what came out of his mouth.

It's amazing what I found.

I'm so grateful to still be standing here, still finding and learning what he said, and spending a lot of my time telling everybody what he said.

Because a lot of people get it twisted.

So many people come out here and say, you know, in the Bible, it says you can't come to me with that.

Unless you can show me where he said it, why he said it, when he said it, and to whom he said it.

Because if you can't, I promise you, I will check you.

Anybody that comes towards me with that.

This is my job.

It starts when he opens my eyes to tell the world what he said.

And this is how he blesses me with my health and my strength and the courage to come in here and tell you what he said.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and using me as a vessel to do your will, not mine.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Next speaker, please.

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

Thank you.

Uh Councilman Coghill, Chair of Public Safety and Wellness.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Gross, Chair of Innovation Performance, Asset Management and Technology.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Mosey, Chair of Inde Government Educational Affairs.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Kill Smith, Chair of Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services.

No papers, Mr.

President.

Councilwoman Strasberg, Chair of Finance, and Law.

No, no papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Warwick, Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

And Councilman Wilson, Chair of Land Use Economic Development.

No new papers, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

And I have two communications.

Councilman R.

Daniel Lavelle presents Bill 2698.

Communication from Sally Stadleman, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Land Bank submitting the report and recommendations on sustainable funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force, dated December 22nd, 2025.

And Bill 2699.

Communication from Jake Pollock, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting to City Council the attached status update from the grant's office for the weekend December 26th, 2025.

Tell me.

Second.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those two bills member received and file or Mr.

President.

I believe the communication.

I think it's just from the task force in general.

But as a clarification, yeah.

Okay.

I'll check with my office to make sure.

Yeah.

We can have the mistake we made, but this is for the report from the task force.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We'll make sure it's updated within Legislaw.

Um that moves us on to report subcommittee for final action, beginning with Council Person Erica Schlossberger presenting the committee of finance and law.

Thank you, Mr.

Councilperson Erica Strasberger presents Bill 2688.

Report of the Committee on Finance and Law for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2621.14.

Bill 2653.

Bill 2667, ordinance amending the Pittsburgh Code, Title II, Fiscal.

Bill 2678 resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant payable in favor of the Airmark Sports and Entertainment for costs associated with the leaders convening recognition of operational performance excellence luncheon in an amount not to exceed $5,764 and 38 cents.

Seeing none, the bills, Councilwoman Smith.

Just the stop the violence one.

Are we on that?

Do we say that?

Yes, we're both listed as co-sponsors.

Yeah, no, I'm just wondering if we still were do moving forward since we raised taxes too.

That's why I just wanted to make clear.

I do want to be clear.

Okay, I'm sorry.

Oh, sending you a text, but you're faster than I.

I still text like this.

No worries.

Any further discussion?

Seeing none, the bill's not ready for final action.

All in favor of the passage of the bill will I don't name as called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Would a clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charlotte.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Miss Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Uh no on 2667.

Yes on all the bills.

Cal Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Aye.

This is Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson?

Aye.

Mr.

Lavell, President.

Aye.

On bills 2621, 2653, and 2678, nine ayes.

And then on bill twenty-six sixty-seven, eight ayes, one no.

Thank you.

The bills are received a legal required arms to votes.

It is passed finally.

That takes us to Councilman Anthony Coghill, presenting the committee of public safety and wellness.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

I'll tell you.

Councilman Anthony Coghill presents.

Committee on Public Safety on Sorry.

Councilman Anthony Cloghill presents Bill 2690.

Report of the Committee on Public Safety and Wellness for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2646.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of public safety to enter into an agreement or agreements with five organizations to act as stop the violence community anchor institutions at a total cost not to exceed 2 million 628,710.40 over three years.

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

All in favor of the passage of the bill will aye or name is called.

Those opposed will vote no or clerk, please take the roll.

Mr.

Charlotte.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Miss Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley?

Aye.

Mrs.

Cal Smith.

Aye.

This is Strasburger.

Aye.

Ms.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson?

Aye.

Mr.

Laval President?

Aye.

Nine ayes.

The bill having received a legally required number of the votes is passed finally, and that moves us to Councilman Barbara Ward, presenting the committee of public works and infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Councilman Barbara Warwick presents Bill 2697 report of the Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2654.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with Eastern Research Group Inc.

to provide recycling education outreach services in an amount not to exceed 100,000 over a period of one year.

In Bill 2655, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with public Pittsburgh Public Schools in order for the Pittsburgh in order for the city of Pittsburgh to have permanent access to a portion of Parcel 50 F 296 behind former Fort Pitt Elementary School for Fort Pitt Park Road and parking access in relation to a redevelopment project known as the Fort Pitt Park Master Plan at no cost to the city.

You've heard the reading and titled the bill.

Is there any discussion on the bill?

Councilman Smith.

Do you know with there was there an RFP for bill uh 2654?

Do we know that?

Uh I just want to vote on issuing the contract without an RFP.

26.

I don't see it here and I don't know.

You said 53.

Which bill?

54.

I believe there was, but I would need to double check that.

Okay.

Well, it's my last vote, so I'll abstain to thank you.

Okay.

Any further discussion?

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

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

Those opposed will vote no.

With a clerk, please take the roll.

Mr.

Charlin?

Aye.

Mr.

Calkill.

Aye.

Ms.

Gross?

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Cale Smith.

Aye on bill 2655 and abstain on bill 2654.

Although I like the idea.

I just make sure.

Ms.

Strasberger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Labelle President.

Aye.

On bill twenty six fifty-four, eight ayes, one abstention, and then on 2655, nine ayes.

Thank you.

The bill having received a legal required number of votes is passed finally.

That moves us to Councilperson Robert Sharlin presenting the Committee of Human Resources.

Councilperson Robert Charlotte presents Bill 2691.

Report of the Committee on Human Resources for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2645, resolution amending resolution 893 of 2024, which authorized the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement and or contract with UPMC Benefit Management Services Inc.

Doing Business as Work Partners EAP Life Solutions.

This will extend the term by one year, increasing the not to exceed amount by 49,500 for new total cost not to exceed 148,500.

Bill 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.

You've heard the reading and entitled the bill.

Is there any discussion?

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

All in favor of the passage of the bill will aye or name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Would a clerk please take the roll.

Mr.

Charlotte.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill?

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley?

Aye.

Mrs.

Cale Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasburger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick?

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson?

Aye.

Mr.

Laval President?

Aye.

Nine ayes.

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

And now Councilwoman Deborah Gross presenting the committee of innovation performance asset management and technology.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Mosley.

Councilwoman Deborah El Gross presents Bill 2694, report of the Committee on Innovation Performance Asset Management and Technology for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 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 Simago LLC for Geographic Information Systems Enterprise and ARC GIS Online Support to provide GIS Enterprise Administr Administrator Support for ARC GIS at a cost not to exceed 49,900 over one year.

You've 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 of the passage of the bill will vote aye or name is called.

Those opposed will vote no with a clerk, please take the roll.

Mr.

Charlin.

Aye.

Mr.

Caucus?

Aye.

Ms.

Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley?

Aye.

Mrs.

Cale Smith?

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Aye.

Mrs.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson.

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle President.

Aye.

Nine ayes.

The bill having received a legal required number of votes.

It is passed finally.

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

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Councilman Kahari Mosley presents Bill 2695, report of the Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs for December 22nd, 2025, with an affirmative recommendation.

Bill 2647.

Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Office of Management and Budget on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a cooperation agreement with Allegheny County Economic Development on behalf of Allegheny County, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh to collaboratively manage affordable housing services related to the home ARP program at no cost to the city.

Bill 2648 resolution authorizing the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire all the city's right title and interest, if any, in and to the publicly owned property in the 12th ward of the city of Pittsburgh, designated in the deed registry office of Allegheny County as block 124 Pot 60A, Zero Rapidin Way, Council District No.

9 at no cost to the city.

Bill 2649 resolution authorizing the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire all the city's right, title, and interest, if any.

In and to the publicly owned property in the 13th ward of the city of Pittsburgh, designated in the deed registry office of Allegheny County as block 174 K, lot 362, 718 Sterrett Street, Council District No.

9 at no cost to the city.

Bill 2650, resolution authorizing the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire all the city's right, title, and interest, if any, in and to the publicly owned property in the fifth ward of the city of Pittsburgh, designated in this deed registry office of Allegheny County as block 27B, lot 285, 758 Cherokee Street, Council District No.

6 at no cost to the city.

Bill 2651, resolution authorizing the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire all the city's right, title, and interest, if any, in and to the publicly owned properties in the 24th ward of the city of Pittsburgh, designated in the deed registry office of Allegheny County as block 48N, lot 14, and block 47S, lot 305, 1806 Lay Street and 1620 Hatteras Street, Council District No.

At no cost to the city.

Bill 2652, resolution authorizing the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire all the city's right, title, and interest, if any, in and to the publicly owned properties in the 12th ward of the city of Pittsburgh, designated in the deed registry office of Allegheny County as block 125 H, lots 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, and 89, 0 Garrett Street, and Block 125H, Lots 130, 131, 134, 136, and 138, 0 North Mertland Street, Council District No.

9 at no cost to the city.

Bill 2682.

Resolution authorizing one, 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 two 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.

You've heard the reading and title of the bill.

Is there any discussion?

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

All in favor of the passage of the bill will aye on a name is called.

Those opposed will vote no.

Would a clerk please take the roll?

Mr.

Charlotte.

Aye.

Mr.

Coghill.

Aye.

Miss Gross.

Aye.

Mr.

Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs.

Cale Smith.

Aye.

Mrs.

Strasberger.

Aye.

Ms.

Warwick.

Aye.

Mr.

Wilson?

Aye.

Mr.

Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Nine ayes.

The bill having received a legally required number of votes.

Is passed.

Finally.

That takes us to motions and resolutions.

Is there anything from members?

Councilwoman Cale Smith.

Yeah, um, I have so much to say, but I'm gonna keep it brief because I know everybody's eager and putting a really busy, busy month and um with the holidays and everything.

So I just want to say it's my last meeting, so I want to thank everyone.

I want to thank you, Council President Lavelle.

Um we worked together from well, I was here a year, year and a half, maybe two with uh Tanya Payne and then the late Tonya Payne, and then um then you were elected, and it from that day it seemed like you, Reverend and I did a lot together.

And I I want to make sure I mention um you know I had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest people in the city of Pittsburgh, and especially in politics with you, Reverend Burgess, Patrick Dowd.

I used to tease Patrick Dowd all the time and say, You're the smartest man in the room, but you can't count to five.

So because he was always so good at you know pontificating and saying things that he that he felt.

But um, you know, I just I had such such a great opportunity with you know such leaders, you know, it's council president uh Krauss and you and Reverend Burgess and and other people that I was fortunate to work with and still stay in touch with um a lot of my colleagues, including council president, former council president Harris and um Jim Mosnik, you know who's now magistrate Mossnik.

So I stay in touch with almost everybody that I've served with, and I'm thankful for what they've taught me over the years, because boy, do they teach me a lot?

And so um it was it was good to have the opportunity to serve with all of them, and I'm grateful and I'm very grateful for this current body because even though we have such very different ideas and very different neighborhoods that we represent, I have some real friendships in Councilman Calghill, you know, you're not gonna get rid of me, Councilman Sharden.

I'm still coming to the family reunions.

And so I think that there's uh and Councilman Wilson, my you represent my kids, and they think the world of you, so you know they think you do such a great job.

So thank you for the work that you do.

But for all of you, there's something I could say about each and every one of you.

Um, you know, Councilwoman Gross and and Councilwoman Strasburger.

I'd love to have in the women's caucus, uh us working together, um, and doing some of the great things that we do.

And I I just want to say to the public, I you know, I I give a hard time here on council, but I want people to realize that council member being a council member is not all glitz and glamour at all.

Matter of fact, it's a lot of hard work, a lot of late hours, a lot of early morning hours.

It's if you have phone calls on Christmas, it's you know, running out the door when somebody needs something, it's helping people with your own money and your own time.

And um it it's not and and people do it every I don't know any of us who don't do those kinds of things, it's because we care.

And you have to remember we a lot of us started out the same place most of the residents are.

We're volunteering and caring about community and just got here.

So it doesn't make us different, it just makes us an extension of you.

Um and not everybody's gonna always be pleased because we can't do all the things that we'd love to do.

We wish we had an endless budget when you're getting close to it now.

But but I we wish we had that endless budget and endless opportunity to do some of the things.

It's it is a strong mayoral form of government, but city council also has a very strong voice when five members stand together.

But I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to work with each of you.

I cherish it every moment.

I thank God every day that I had this opportunity for especially for so long for something that I never even liked.

I hate politics.

So the fact that I I hate politics, I hate public speaking, and I'm really not great at math.

So to be here in that capacity, I thought God either has a sense of humor or a purpose here.

I'm just still not really sure after 17 years.

But um, so I want to also thank my family who have been you know there through everything and either with me or missing, you know, me missing things with them.

They've just been very supportive, and I want to thank them for everything they've done.

Um I learned from really amazing parents to give back um to everybody and to do the best you can for people and to treat people the way you want to be treated, and so I think that they've they've done a great job of teaching us that.

Um I hope I pass that on to my kids.

But I also want to thank all my staff, um, Kim Salonetra, who will be joining you here um at you know in in the new year.

Uh she was great with constituent services, which is why I was elected so easily all the time, um, in addition to the things I did, but she was great with that.

Lori Marabella, who is good with the budgeting and the proclamations, which she you know, I've presented endless proclamations, but I felt like people deserve the right to um be recognized for the things they do in the community.

And um I've had so many different other staff members, Juanda Spencer and um Gino Palmesina, who Gino would one day be an amazing elected official himself, but um I think he's moving on himself.

Uh I want to thank you all the committee people, all the unions and all the voters who put me here for so long.

But I also want to thank everyone who helps us here on council, the sergeant at arms, the clerk's office, our amazing clerk's office, the sergeant at arms, um our archivists who are always looking things up for us and helping us, um various community organizations, the cable bureau, um, and the mayor's office.

I've worked with three mayors, and every one of them had something different, but every one of them had a brilliant chief of staff or somebody in that office who was really amazing.

And um this past year, I really had opportunity to work a lot with Jake Pollock, and I think that somewhere down the line he's gonna have a really bright future too.

And uh I wish him well and I wish I wish everyone well uh going forward.

And I'm looking forward to working or seeing the new administration and hopefully that the success because I just saw that um he announced uh Corey O'Connor announced some of his new hires, and I think we knew some of them were coming, so I will say he's also hired some of the brightest minds with Reverend Burgess, Yaron Zober, and Dan Gilman.

Um so hopefully they'll all work together for the betterment of Pittsburgh, and I look forward to Pittsburgh's future and seeing the great things that are gonna happen between this council and the new administration.

I think that um the future could be very bright for Pittsburgh.

I just hope that we always remember and that you always remember to serve the people before politics.

And and I think if you do that, you know, we should all be in a in a better place in Pittsburgh.

So thank you all for everything.

Thank you.

Councilman Kaku.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

We don't have to talk.

Um I'll cry.

I don't know.

Teresa, my friend, uh, you know, I just want to thank you so much.

It's been such an honor to serve for you when you were president and with you as when I came in.

I really didn't I didn't know anything about city council or how to run you know the city of Pittsburgh, but you always had my back.

Um you were always so genuine and nice to me.

And um I just can't thank you enough for for what you've done for me and making me feel comfortable in this seat.

I really didn't have a friend here at that time.

You were my friend already, and it was really comforting to me.

And as far as getting rid of you, I never want to get rid of you, that's for sure.

I can't get rid of her if I wanted to, I will tell you.

She's related to half of the people in my district.

But it's amazing the overlapping friends that you and I have, as you know, you know, and um, you know, and and and and really, you know, you've inspired me, honestly, you know, through the deeds that you've done, how you care personally about people.

I've watched you walk away from very important votes at this table just to care for somebody.

And your district knows that about you.

And if you so chose, you could be the city councilwoman for the rest of your life because you're so loved in your district, whether it's fighting for the veterans to get their banners or just taking the personal time to to want to help people and to your your your passion for people and trying to make them better.

But um, you know, again, when I came in, I wasn't I really didn't have any real friends on city council.

I was new to City Council, I wasn't a staffer, I had no idea exactly what went on here.

Um through and I know I was difficult at times, but you've always had my back.

And even if you had to tell me in a hard way, uh you I always felt like you were looking out for my interest.

So um it's been an honor.

Um, you know, um you're gonna be sorely missed, although I love Kim and looking forward to working with her, but there is no replacement for you.

So um you will your legacy will live on forever, and I know I'll still be seeing you, and this would be more emotional if I didn't know I was gonna be seeing you on a regular basis still, but uh I look forward to you coming down whether you're speaking a couple public comment or me and you are somewhere in the neighborhood.

Smoking hookah.

Yeah.

Smoking hookah, right.

Oh gosh, you're gonna give everybody a story, yeah.

Okay, hey, I'm leaving.

No, but uh from the bottom of my heart, I just wanted to thank you and tell you what an inspiration you've been to me.

You're so well respected in I know my neighborhoods and your neighborhoods, but I imagine that's the way it is across the city.

Um you're a real legend here, and you know you will your reputation will live on forever.

So again, appreciate all you've done for me personally.

Thank you.

I appreciate everything you've done.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Sharman.

Oh, you don't have to say anything.

No, I do.

Uh you know, and uh councilwoman, you know, I I knew you before I was involved in city council, um, and you know it it it has been a real honor, you know, to work with you and and you know, uh while I I came in and uh when I was very much as a a staffer, you know, I I didn't think that you and I were aligned politically on on very much at all.

And as I've I've grown and and worked with you, uh you and I don't differ on on much at all.

know it it it has been a real honor you know to work with you and and you know while I I came in and and I when I was very much as a a staffer you know I I didn't think that you and I were aligned politically on on very much at all and as I've I've grown and and worked with you you and I don't differ on on much at all and I and I think that um you know having being uh in this office and and being able to be part of the the South Hills coalition with you um has meant the world to me and and and my growing into this office and uh being here you know it it wouldn't have been possible if it weren't weren't for you and you've talked about how you know you had great great teachers and great leaders around you but you have been an unbelievable teacher to me and I just can't thank you enough for you know walking me through from from little things to you know how the agenda works to to bigger things and and how we how we should you know handle ourselves and how we should approach ourselves and and really being uh a teacher for me and and how important you've been in in my uh in my life and my evolution but you know I I I think of the the two things that that I would say that that you've defined how you you ha handle this or you you care first for your district and you know you might have a vote that all of us disagree with or you know that it runs contrary to something else but your your first your first duty was to your district and that was always the case and no one could ever ever say that you didn't and that you you cared so deeply about the people in your district and the other thing that you always cared about was for for the body and your your concern for what happens here for city council as a whole and and what our role is here and and our um you know our stature in government was always your your concern and and those are those are the two things that I I would see as your legacy of just always caring about the people you serve and then the people you serve with and uh I I it's been an honor to sit next to you and um I'm I'm really thankful however that seating chart was decided that I got got that opportunity but um I I will I will deeply miss you and I look forward to to you still keeping us around keep keeping us in your heart and and giving us phone calls and giving us guidance as as we move on here and um your your legacy will will be well remembered.

Thank you Councilman can I also just say real quick though I didn't mention councilman work and councilman Mosley because I realized like I was trying to get everyone in but I do want to thank you because you've been councilman Mosley you are you remind me a lot of you how kind you are to everyone and how you try to find that middle ground and so I just want to thank you for that because I think it's nice to know that somebody's gonna continue doing those kinds of things here.

And um so I really appreciate that and you know I've known your family it was the Wagners that actually helped me first get elected so I do want to make sure mention them that they they actually came out and helped me a lot and you know there's a lot of stories behind I have so many stories to tell but you know I was grateful to your family and to for everything that they did for me initially and Rob Kazarowski who really stepped out a lot for me and I didn't really know anything about politics or any of them or their stances or anything but um I'm glad to see that they have somebody here you know um Jack Wagner is always at all our veterans thing so um I want to thank you for that and councilman warwick I know you and I sometimes seem like we don't agree on a lot of stuff and and and there's sometimes we don't but I never doubt your heart and your intentions because I think that you're always trying to do what's best and one of the things you said to me was um how you just want to make Pittsburgh better and and that and that always you know resonates with me.

I I'll always remember that you when we disagree or something I I'm gonna still pick up the phone and say hey but I'll gotta but I do want to say that um you know I think that your heart is really in in a place where you're trying to do what's best for people and I just I just wouldn't I think everybody does feels that way and I just want to make sure I mention those things.

Thank you.

Thank you Councilman Wilson thank you Mr.

President well you know I think we like what I can say initially is that we had a rough start in the beginning going back I'll never forget you'll never forget it going back to was it 2015?

Yeah.

Yeah because I was running against your friend.

Yeah darling and I'll never forget what you said to me.

I'm not gonna ever be here um but uh you know I oh I you can repeat it like it just I think it just shows how much you care for your colleagues and and uh you know since I was on the other side of that that wasn't really what you wanted to see but several years later four year four years later five years later um I know we quickly started working together and I thought that was a great opportunity for me to kind of make up for you know that that interaction but uh you know they weren't at time so but you know we quickly started working together and I was able to see you know a lot of things about a lot of members but for you in particular it was really just uh so impactful to see how much you uh not only care for your district but like was mentioned here like all the other members and I think we had a lot of conversations about everything that I've been I was interested in uh in terms of like being involved in counseling

But uh, you know, they weren't at a time, so but you know, we quickly started working together and uh I was able to see you know a lot of things about a lot of members, but for you in particular, it was really just uh so impactful to see how much you uh not only care for your district, but like was mentioned here, like all the other members, and I think we had a lot of conversations about everything that I've been I was interested in uh in terms of like being involved in council and in the city, and you really I really have to thank you for uh elevating me in many of different areas, um, whether it's um you know my interest in uh you know things that we accomplished with the zoning code, or if it's um the land bank.

I mean, I'm literally sitting in your seat on the land bank.

Thank you for that.

And you know, you you offer that uh seat to myself, and I'm you know very appreciative of that and proud of the work that you know we've been able to do there, and I it wouldn't be possible without the work that I've been able to, you know, be a part of there wouldn't be possible without you know your generosity and uh the constant communication we have if you know something arises of a concern that you have through the land bank and um you know in terms of looking at uh how you represent your district and everything I've heard.

Uh I think it's been mentioned here about a week ago during a proclamation, I think, about how people they love you so much that they call you when there's a fire in their house.

And I I just can't get over that story.

Um I mean that's not something that we want to happen to our neighbors, but at the same time uh and also they should just call an hour one directly, but there's something I took out of that.

It's just like just how much uh people trust you.

And I think that, you know, even though you and I may govern differently in our districts, I think that you know there's so much to say about just how much uh individuals in your district really trust you and you know rely on your leadership.

So um as much of that as I can take from, I will, and uh use that in my own capacity.

But just knowing that you're you know you're moving on, you're retiring.

I just know that that's probably not gonna go away.

And you're gonna continue to lead in your district and and have so much compassion for people.

And uh, you know, it's it's uh I don't know, it's just I think a very heartfelt moment to to think that someone like yourself that cares so much about people uh will be moving on from uh you know this this room and uh wish you all the best in this in the future.

You know, I was never in this room before I was elected.

My first time here was when I was elected, and was sworn in so it was it was odd to me to be here, and I was a lifelong Pittsburger, which is why so many people call me because I know people from all over the city.

And it when I walked in here, I couldn't believe that this is the first time I was ever in this room as active.

I was you know, involved in all the city across the city for a long time.

So the fact that I was never here was like spoke volumes to me.

You know what I mean?

And how we need to empower people a little bit so okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Council Councilman Strasberger.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um councilwoman Kim Smith, I'm sorry I can't be there in person to um honor your last day and your legacy, but I just wanted to say a few things.

Let me get camera for this.

Um so yeah, it's been an honor to work with you in my um eight years on council and um four additional years as staff, and um you have taught me a lot, and you've taught me what it looks like to fight so fiercely for your constituents.

I mean, I think that's the one thing that we're hearing from everybody is because it's true.

You I don't know anyone else who fights more fiercely for your constituents.

You're such a champion.

Um in the idea, I think it comes from this idea that you fight for the people that you represent, and you I think want government to work for the people and make life easier for people and otherwise kind of get out of the way.

And I really appreciate that about you.

Um and you've stood by that philosophy, even in the face of opposition.

So your your courageousness and your bravery and and sort of standing um for your values is just really incredible.

idea that you fight for the people that you represent and you I think want government to work for the people and make life easier for people and otherwise kind of get out of the way and I really appreciate that about you um and you've stood by that philosophy even in the face of opposition so your your courageousness and your bravery and and sort of standing um for your values is just really incredible and um one other thing that I've I know is true about you is how people you care about children and youth you are always questioning whether our you know whether it's anti-violence programs or after school programs or programs we're spending money on are truly doing the the hard work to empower and and to protect our our young people and it's it extends far beyond your time on counseling all your time in working for the school district and um for young people in that capacity means it has truly been a life calling for you.

So it's been an honor to serve with you.

I'm so glad I got to sit next to you for at least a period of time on council so you're the best person to sit next to and um I talk too much.

I I you know I I hope that you continue to give us all a dose of tough love when we need it whether at public comment or by calling us on the phone but I know that you're not going to be a stranger so I look forward to seeing you very soon in the future.

Thank you thank you.

Thank you councilwoman councilwoman Warwick um yeah so councilwoman when when we first had coffee right I was like the council person elect or and um I was definitely nervous about meeting you.

I think that's uh that you'd heard some stories about me you know and so maybe we were a little nervous to meet each other but um I immediately I mean within like five seconds I feel like we immediately hit it off I felt so comfortable with you you know and um you're just you're so smart and savvy and kind and persistent right and I think that that is what makes you I mean Teresa you're a force right you were a force to be reckoned with here on this council and um I know you don't like politics but you are hands down the best politician I know you know you're really I mean just watching you and and again even if we're not on the same you know side of an issue or whatever but just watching how unapologetic you are and how um you demand to be taken seriously and when people don't take you seriously it ends up not working out well right because you know what you want and uh you do work for the people in your district and put them above everything.

But you know at the same time though as uh as a member of council um you know you always pick up the phone right and no matter what is going on no matter whether there's a disagreement or or or whatever may be happening right your door is always open.

You always got I mean immediately you call back no matter how late right and you're always there to talk through issues and um and you know that kind of strength that you have is and and the ex the like and the hard work that you do and the tough choices that you make people will attack you for that and they do right I mean I we you know I've I've heard you tell stories all the time of people and it and and and things can be wild right like in the public like people they they don't it is confusing and it is emotional in all of these things right but but at the end of the day and I think that's sort of what Anthony alluded to right is at the end of the day they know like they can count on you and that's why I mean again you could you could run for office 20 more terms right and and um and I just want to say that you know your name may not be up on this wall but you are one of the great women of Pittsburgh politics and you will go down as that and we'll get your name up on some soon.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman Mosley don't make me cry first and foremost I want to you know thank you for your uh 17 years of service and many more uh years of service you know on behalf of the residents before your time you know on council and you know I think you know every everything that that needed to be said has been said you know but to my colleagues but I do just want to share um you know and and uh elaborate on that personal connection that we do have that many folks may not be aware of um you know the fact um that that the Wagners um you know uh you know uh not necessarily recruited you but I know you know really you know were uh the the folks in the in the early days that that convinced you you know to jump off the deep end and you know and get into this life you know and and and I know you know I I know I know the obviously I know the Wagners well and and you know and Jack is become like a father in a law to me um you know and he was the president you know of this body some four years ago 40 years ago.

Um, you know, and he was the president, you know, of this body some four years ago, 40 years ago, and and um, and I was just with him, you know, on Christmas night, you know, talking about stuff, talking about recent votes and you know, sharing, you know, you know, his wisdom.

Um, so you know, I always felt, you know, we all we had a special connection, even though we really only got to know each other over these last two years, you know, sitting next to each other, you know, on Tuesdays, and I really um you know cherish that opportunity because like you you alluded to that so often, you know, in in this life, you know, we become caricatures, you know, people don't know us, we become, you know, just like almost like a cartoon character.

And and I think that uh, you know, it's important that you know that we can you know remove that layer of of caricature and in and really get to understand each other's humanity, you know, and and who we are.

And I I appreciate the fact that that you appreciate you know my commitment to collegiality, you know, amongst the body and whether you know, you know, we all vote against each other's proposals that you know when you know the camera shut off and you know we're back, you know, in the back room or in the halls, you know, there's still a collegiality and and and uh and and a civil um you know and positive relationships that we have, regardless of where we're at philosophically, you know, and on position.

So I hope that you know, if there's one thing that I can do, you know, at as you pass the torch is carry that torture collegiality, you know, uh amongst the body.

Um, you know, but but it but again, you know, these last two years have been a lot to me, just knowing that you know how how deep my family um you know was in the beginning, you know, of your journey and and and and being part of you know of the Wagner family.

Uh on Eileen always jokes, you know, and says the most beloved member of the Wagner family is me.

Um, you know, um because she generally says, you know, the Wagners are looked at as a word that I won't use, you know, here, but you know, um it starts with an A.

Um, you know, you could use your you know creativity, but that's a joke that you know the Wagner family, you know, you know, all always likes to share.

And it was an it was also shared, you know, over the holidays.

And I know my colleague, Councilman Cockhill also has a um a deep connection uh to my wife's family as well.

And my family, you know, they've embraced me over the 17 years that me and Chelsea have been married.

So I just wanted to just talk a little bit about our personal connection, our familial, you know, connection, which meant a lot to me because my wife's family, you know, has really embraced me and you know, I love them deeply and they love me deeply, and uh and and you know, I wouldn't, you know, be here, you know, in in this position, you know, one of the greatest decisions I made was the you know marry a girl from Beachview.

Um and and I've and I have I was actually um my wife always reminds me as much as I claim the north side and represent the east side, um, my wife always reminds me that I actually I was born on Eleanor Street in Councilman Charlotte's district, went to middle school, you know, and you're just the middle school.

And um, and then um and then when I got married, we bought a house in Brookline in Council Charlotte's district.

So even though I'm on the east side, you know, you have um you have a comrade across the river who you know knows those neighborhoods and cares about those neighborhoods deeply and you know wants to see the best of them because I've spent large portions of of my of my of my life, you know, in in your area.

So again, I just wish you the best.

I want to look forward to continuing to grow our friendship um and continue to get to know each other in the years to come.

So thank you so much for your service and God speed.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Gross, I saw you call come off camera.

Thank you.

I really appreciate it, Mr.

President, and um Councilman Cal Smith.

I'm sorry I'm not there as well, but thank you.

Thank you, thank you for your many years of collegial um hospitality and uh experience.

I I think one if I can mention one thing that I think other members have not mentioned is your amazingly quick wit and sense of humor, right?

That's my new joke that we all want to sit next to you and standing committee or regular committee.

Like I cannot tell you the amount of times that your side comments have made me like gaffaw out loud, actually in my microphone or on camera.

And you know, we're debating things because we all care so much about the city and our constituents.

Um but sometimes it's a really welcome relief to have a little bit of humor.

Uh and I think that's what has helped us get along all of us as a body so many times.

So again, just to concur what other members have said, um we are in session, in case you don't know as members of the public, 49 weeks a year, usually at least twice a week, sometimes more than that.

Um and so, unlike larger bodies that maybe have a month away from each other or only meet once a month with some other bodies, um we see each other all the time.

So it's a little bit more like a dysfunctional Thanksgiving dinner, 49 weeks a year.

Um so having your grace and your sense of humor and your your desire to have us work together, I think has made us a more productive city council in the 12 years that we've been serving together.

Um, because sometimes we do get really mad at each other, honestly, right?

I mean, we we all care.

Um, and we're really fighting for what we think is best, and sometimes we don't agree.

Um, so having you there to kind of bring us back together, like you know, grumpy siblings or something, and heal those wounds and keep moving forward is something I'm really grateful to you for.

I think in the 12 years that I've been here, we we are able to come back together and move forward because there's always a new issue, there's always a different debate, we deal with a wide variety of things.

So I really I really want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And um so you're like we we also have not agreed on everything.

Um, but it's been great having you there to help us come back together and be a productive counsel.

So I'll be talking to you soon.

I appreciate you.

Thank you, Mr.

Ken and Mr.

President.

Thank you.

I also know we'll be talking a lot after this meeting, so I will simply say it's truly been a pleasure to serve alongside you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

With that, we do have meeting announcements.

Offices will be closed this Thursday, January 1st, 2026, in observance of the new year holiday.

And then next week, council will hold our swearing-in ceremony on Monday, January 5th at 10 a.m.

I just want to say when I hear all these comments, they're so kind.

I mean, so extremely kind, but I do have to say sometimes I feel like I'm being eulogized.

So I'm getting a little scared because I'm getting a little bit older now.

Thank you all so much.

Uh, with that, motion to approve the minutes and adjourn the meeting.

All in favor say sec second.

Say aye.

We didn't have a second.

All those in favor say aye.

Happy New Year.