Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – February 4, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on February 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine members were present. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments on accessibility and other issues, introduction of multiple new bills, final approval of three mayoral appointments, and final passage of several infrastructure and administrative resolutions.

Public Proclamation

• 2026-0088: Council proclaimed Monday, February 9, 2026 as "James Louis Grzeczka Day" in Pittsburgh, honoring his 100 years of life and service. Adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller (The Bluff), representing the Global Intelligence Society / CGSII, advocated for increased micro-local neighborhood governance and distribution of city charters and ethics handbooks. He urged council and citizens to study the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter.
• Alisa Grishman (Uptown, uses a wheelchair) testified that she has been unable to leave her house for almost two weeks due to snow and ice blocking curb cuts, sidewalks, and bus stops after the January 25 snowstorm. She stated that Pittsburgh “dropped the ball” on ensuring equal access and demanded that council create a sidewalk safety action plan, citing New York City’s paid snow shoveling program.
• Bethani Cameron (Overbrook), representing InformUp.org, presented survey results from 116 respondents (all 9 districts). Key findings: nearly 78% strongly support police intervention if federal immigration officers violate constitutional rights; about 30% want police as community liaisons during protests, another 30% want traffic/emergency response only; top policing priorities included building trust through community meetings (21%) and expanding violence prevention programs (19%).
• Ikhana hal-makina (Title: Chief), speaking for the American people, raised concerns about schools, transportation, and labor practices, alleging that public works employees leave early and that snow clearing is inadequate compared to the Mon Valley.
• Elaine Houston (East Liberty/Shadyside) stated she is trapped in her apartment complex due to snow, cannot cross Penn Avenue to reach Target, and described the 311 complaint system for curb cuts as “insufficient.” She noted that the snow may not melt before the end of February.
• Carlino Giampolo (Panther Hollow) read excerpts from a letter to the mayor regarding the illegal skate park in Panther Hollow. He warned that the city could face catastrophic liability if a skateboarder is injured, noting that skateboarders cleared snow to continue using the park. He criticized council members and city administrators for inaction and lack of permits.
• Yvonne F. Brown (Mercer Street high rise) spoke in memory of “Miss Pat,” a storekeeper who recently passed away, and also addressed safety concerns in her community. She encouraged citizens to come to council to tell their stories.
• Unique Brown (no neighborhood given) criticized council members for inattention and lack of follow-through. She raised concerns about Allegheny Links and other agencies, saying they “shuffle around” clients with no transparency, and demanded clear accountability mechanisms.
• Special Agent Sunshine (no neighborhood given) spoke about hunger in shelters, referencing the death of Decinda Stevens in a car crash, and called for justice and compassion.

Discussion Items (Presentation of Papers & Introduction of Bills)

• 2026-0072 (Councilman Coghill): Resolution to accept a $10,000,000 donation from UPMC for EMS vehicles/equipment. Rule 8 waived; referred to Public Safety & Wellness.
• 2026-0073 (Councilman Mosley): Resolution for cooperation agreement transferring up to $20,188,019 to the Equipment Leasing Authority for vehicles/equipment. Rule 8 waived; referred to Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs.
• 2026-0074 / 0075 / 0076 (Councilman Mosley): Three resolutions authorizing Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with NCSC/USA Housing Development Corporation for Steelworkers Tower (District 6), Lynn Williams Apartments (District 1), and I.W. Abel Building (District 7). Referred to Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs.
• 2026-0077 (Councilman Mosley): Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to acquire eight City-owned lots in the 10th Ward (North Winebiddle and Rosetta Streets) at no cost. Referred to Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs.
• 2026-0078 (Councilwoman Salinetro): Resolution amending a previous grant for the Emerald View Trail rehabilitation; adjusts amounts to $500,844.42 total. Referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0079 / 0080 (Councilwoman Salinetro): Resolutions amending Multimodal Transportation Fund grants for the Liberty Ave/Main St/Bloomfield Bridge intersection ($533,111) and the Lincoln Avenue Safety Project ($750,236.69). Both referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0081 (Councilwoman Salinetro): Resolution to accept a $2,000,000 grant from PNC Foundation for snow removal equipment. Rule 8 waived; referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0082 / 0083 (Councilwoman Salinetro): Resolutions authorizing agreements with Norfolk Southern ($25,310) and Allegheny Valley Railroad ($10,000) for preliminary engineering of Herron Avenue and Elizabeth Street bridges, respectively. Both referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0084 (Councilwoman Strassburger): Ordinance amending property tax discount date and due dates for 2026 fiscal year. Rule 8 waived; referred to Finance & Law.
• 2026-0085 (Councilwoman Strassburger): Resolution issuing a $10,000 warrant to Justin Hickox to settle an employment matter. Referred to Finance & Law.
• 2026-0086 / 0087 (Council President Lavelle): Communications from Acting OMB Director Rea Price submitting a grants status update and acting pay requests for four employees. Read, received, and filed.

Unfinished Business (Appointments)

• 2026-0017: Resolution appointing Jason Lando as Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-0020: Resolution appointing Sheldon Williams as Director of the Department of Public Safety. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-0030: Resolution appointing Rea Price as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Comprehensive Municipal Pension Trust Fund. Approved unanimously.

Reports of Committee – Final Action

• 2026-0069: Committee on Public Works & Infrastructure report for January 28, 2026 – read, received, and filed.
• 2026-0043: Reimbursement agreement with PennDOT for East Liberty–Negley Ave construction ($2,571,661). Passed finally (9-0).
• 2026-0044: Agreement with Allegheny Valley Railroad for Herron Ave Bridge preliminary engineering ($10,000). Passed finally (9-0).
• 2026-0045: Reimbursement agreement with PennDOT for Brownsville Road Safety Improvement Project (up to $4,504,368 + city share $26,000). Passed finally (9-0).
• 2026-0046: Amended reimbursement agreement with PennDOT for Herron Ave Bridge pre-engineering, design, and right-of-way ($1,521,000; increase of $800,000; no cost to city). Passed finally (9-0).
• 2026-0070: Committee on Recreation, Youth & Senior Services report – read, received, and filed.
• 2026-0047: Resolution authorizing Parks & Recreation vendor agreements up to $10,000 each. Passed finally (8-0, with Council Member Gross out of room).
• 2026-0071: Committee on Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs report – read, received, and filed.
• 2026-0042: Plan revision to the Sewage Facilities Plan for 824 James Street (no cost). Passed finally (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Council adopted a proclamation honoring James Louis Grzeczka.
• Three major city appointments (Police Chief, Public Safety Director, Pension Trustee) were confirmed unanimously.
• Final passage was given to five infrastructure resolutions: East Liberty–Negley Ave construction, Herron Ave Bridge (two agreements), Brownsville Road safety improvements, and a sewage plan revision.
• The Parks & Recreation vendor agreement resolution was passed (8-0).
• Twelve new bills were introduced and referred to standing committees; four received Rule 8 waivers to expedite committee review.
• Council will hold a standing committee meeting on the same afternoon (1:30 PM) and a public hearing on waste transfer station bills on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM.