OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pittsburgh City Council Standing Committees Meeting - March 25, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, March 25, 2026
BodyPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, March 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:50:36

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

However, you have to recertify.

0:03

And I'm going to have Sue at our meeting to let you know what paperwork you need to recertify.

0:09

Um was telling me that by the time our meeting starts, that it should be opened up for people to do that.

0:21

Um so is it the is there a federal situation that's controversial right now?

0:29

It's it's how I put this.

0:36

Um as you notice we even want to meet over here.

0:41

Um it's just called the governmental committee.

0:44

Right?

0:44

There's certain words that we're not using.

0:48

So the federal government won't gotta run down our back.

0:53

So the federal government does have money that they sent to the PHC.

0:58

You know, that's a free certification.

1:00

So they have to go through some of the guidelines.

1:08

And I've talked to Juan about this too, is we need some kind of local certification.

1:15

Will we do you know, maybe the county?

1:18

That's what I was thinking too, the county.

1:30

That needs to happen.

1:33

So in the meantime, we've been sending them to the paid certifications.

1:40

We like the bills you have to pay for.

1:57

I don't know if you're you're you might be right, Commissioner Siegel.

2:01

Uh, the hassle we're sending them to the hurdles, right?

2:05

There's new hurles for the PAUCP.

2:08

That's purposely done in my opinion.

2:10

Yeah.

2:11

So racist.

2:12

Yeah, it's purposely done.

2:14

Um, so we've been we've been suggesting to the folks who really want to get their certification, and we think they should, that they have to go paid round right now.

2:30

All right.

2:31

I have nothing.

2:32

Anybody else have anything to add?

2:37

Look at this twelve twenty-eight, you guys.

2:40

Yes, nice.

2:42

Okay, guys, I just want to let you know next month is gonna be a little longer.

21:04

Good morning and welcome to the pre-agenda interview.

21:08

Yeah.

21:09

For Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 for the Historic Review Commission.

21:14

Would a clerk please read the title of the bill.

21:16

Bill 233, resolution appointing Helen Sestra as a member of the Historic Review Commission for term to expire January first, 2028.

21:26

And for the record, we're currently joined by Councilwoman Strasberger.

21:30

Miss Sestra, if you be willing to introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about you.

21:34

Yes, absolutely.

21:36

Why you're willing to serve on this commission?

21:39

And we'll take questions from members.

21:41

Okay, great.

21:42

Good morning, members of council.

21:43

My name is Helen Sestra.

21:45

I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my background with you, my perspective, and my deep commitment to Pittsburgh and its neighborhoods.

21:53

Its neighborhoods, people, and to its past and future.

22:03

Its neighborhoods are defined not only by their people, but an architectural legacy that is both diverse and deeply expressive of the city's history.

22:10

From grand historic residences to modest homes that quietly anchor generations of families, our built environment tells a story that deserves thoughtful stewardship, protecting that legacy while ensuring that neighborhoods can evolve, thrive, and serve current and future residents is something I feel very strongly about.

22:47

Actually, the home where they lived, according to a book called Pittsburgh, a New Portrait, is one of the oldest in Shady Side.

22:54

I'm a third generation owner and really steward of the company and its legacy.

22:58

We honor our history and our culture at the company every day, and we work off of the way my grandfather modeled the company and have preserved our history while growing substantially.

25:00

Most recently, Family House underwent a complex consolidation of properties, including residences on McKee Place and Neville in Oakland.

25:06

And we purchased a formal hotel on Center Avenue.

25:09

The process reinforced the importance of preservation and thoughtful reuse and serving community needs.

25:17

Additionally, I'm a newly appointed board member of Hoping Knights, formerly Girls Hope, which is preparing for the development of a new campus in Garfield.

25:26

This project will expand vital resources for scholars while thoughtfully integrating into an existing neighborhood, demonstrating the meaningful growth and respect for context can coexist.

25:37

At the heart of my work in real estate is bringing people to Pittsburgh, inviting them to invest in its neighborhoods.

25:43

I've grown up here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Housing████████████████████████24%
Public Safety█████████████████████21%
Historic Preservation███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Racial Equity████4%
Homelessness███3%
Budget██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Standing Committees Meeting Summary

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 9:30 AM, the Pittsburgh City Council held a Standing Committees meeting in Council Chambers. The meeting covered appointments, invoices, P-card approvals, and numerous legislative items across six committees. All bills were ultimately recommended for approval by the full council, with two amendments adopted.

Consent Calendar

  • Invoices: A list of departmental invoices totaling several thousand dollars for items such as community event donations, training reimbursements, equipment, and supplies was approved unanimously.
  • P-Card Approvals: Weekly P-card report for March 10-16, 2026, was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ikhana hal-makina: (No transcript content – speaker listed in minutes only.)
  • Yvonne F. Brown (715 Mercer Street, K.D. Earles): Expressed concern about proposed cuts to bus route 81A, urging the city to preserve service for elderly residents who rely on it. Also noted insufficient bus stop signal timing at Fourth and Diamond.
  • Unique Brown (Hill District): Criticized council members for failing to deliver on promises of quality of life, blight cleanup, pothole repair, and equity, singling out several council members by name.
  • Special Agent Sunshine: Delivered a religious and prophetic statement, alleging corruption and fraud by government officials, including identity theft and mail theft, and calling for justice.
  • Heather Mancini: A mother of a two-year-old, described fleeing domestic violence, struggling to find housing through the shelter system, and being denied housing despite following all rules. Pleaded for help and stability for her son.

Discussion Items

  • Pre-Agenda Appointment – Helen Cestra to Historic Review Commission: Ms. Cestra, a third-generation real estate business owner, discussed her background in preservation and real estate development. She answered questions about balancing historic preservation with economic viability, particularly in the South Side and Lawrenceville. The appointment was later approved.
  • Bill 2026-0252 – North Star Leadership LLC (Police Supervisor Training): Authored by the Public Safety and Wellness Committee, this $20,000 contract for police supervisor development was discussed. Commanders Jeff Abraham and Eric Baker explained the program, based on a successful Indianapolis model, addressing leadership gaps and teaching real-world scenario management. Councilwoman Gross questioned whether the city was paying for county police to attend (free to county), and council approved.
  • Bill 2026-0253 – CPRB Legal Services (Attorney Alec B. Wright): A $45,000/year contract for three years for the Citizen Police Review Board’s solicitor. The waiver of competitive process was explained as a continuation of existing services, unchanged since 1999. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0258 – CDR Maguire, Inc. Supplemental Agreement: $121,861.99 increase for preliminary engineering design management services. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0259 – Trans Associates Engineering Consultants: $178,939.11 increase for construction services on Penn Ave Phase 2 Reconstruction (80% reimbursable). Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0260 – Andover Terrace Eminent Domain: Authorized taking of easements for repair of a landslide-damaged retaining wall, with just compensation not to exceed $35,000. Councilwoman Gross noted ongoing water issues from a previous retaining wall project. Approved with one abstention.
  • Bill 2026-0261 – Kinsman Road Overhead Wires: Amended by voice vote to correct spelling of “Kinsman” (from “Kinsmen” to “Kinsman”). Approved as amended.
  • Bill 2026-0262 – Emergency Snow Removal Warrant: $109,847.58 for Mele Landscape Contractors. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0250 – Versaterm Software Maintenance for OMI: $23,413.48 for three-year extension of IA Pro case management system. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0251 – Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh: $30,000 for fair housing testing and technical assistance. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0268 – Upper Lawrenceville Greenway Designation: Transferred certain public properties to permanent passive open space as part of the Allegheny River Greenway. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0274 – Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Extension: Increased by $15,500 (total $589,000 over 10 years) for federal government affairs consulting. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0275 – Malady & Wooten, Inc. Extension: Increased by $16,500 (total $627,000 over 10 years 3 months) for state government affairs consulting. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0290 – NFL Draft Intergovernmental Cooperation: Authorized agreements for police and public services during the 2026 NFL Draft. A significant discussion occurred regarding an amendment to prohibit participating municipalities from engaging in immigration enforcement while in Pittsburgh. The amendment was moved into the body of the bill. Council also clarified that the cooperation is solely for explosives detection canine teams (60-90 dogs with handlers). The amendment was adopted, and the bill approved as amended.
  • Bill 2026-0254 – PAYGO Funds for Land Bank Personnel: Increased by $157,175 (new total $1,257,175) for staffing at the Pittsburgh Land Bank. Catherine Murray (URA) and Sally Stadelman (Land Bank) explained the need for a fourth staff position. Council discussed the land bank’s revenue generation, inventory of condemned properties (1,980 total, 250 city-owned), and the importance of stabilization over demolition. Councilman Wilson called for viewing land bank investment as a core city service. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0255 – Sewage Plan Revision for 120 Cecil Place: No cost to city. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0256 – Sewage Plan Revision for 403-413 Chalfont Street: No cost to city. Approved.
  • Bill 2026-0257 – Land Sale to Margaret Graham (Rosetta Street): Contract for sale of a city-owned lot in District 9. Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • All 18 bills on the agenda received affirmative recommendations from their respective committees and will proceed to the full City Council for final votes.
  • Two amendments were adopted: a spelling correction on Bill 2026-0261 (Kinsman Road) and a prohibition on immigration enforcement by non-Pittsburgh police during the NFL Draft on Bill 2026-0290.
  • Council President Lavelle announced a special meeting of the Committee on Finance & Law for March 31, 2026, at 1:30 PM to discuss 63 budget amendments, and a tentative line-item vote on April 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM. A final budget vote is expected by April 20, 2026.
  • Councilman Mosley requested a moment of silence for Dr. James Johnson, a cultural leader, which was observed.

Meeting Transcript

However, you have to recertify. And I'm going to have Sue at our meeting to let you know what paperwork you need to recertify. Um was telling me that by the time our meeting starts, that it should be opened up for people to do that. Um so is it the is there a federal situation that's controversial right now? It's it's how I put this. Um as you notice we even want to meet over here. Um it's just called the governmental committee. Right? There's certain words that we're not using. So the federal government won't gotta run down our back. So the federal government does have money that they sent to the PHC. You know, that's a free certification. So they have to go through some of the guidelines. And I've talked to Juan about this too, is we need some kind of local certification. Will we do you know, maybe the county? That's what I was thinking too, the county. That needs to happen. So in the meantime, we've been sending them to the paid certifications. We like the bills you have to pay for. I don't know if you're you're you might be right, Commissioner Siegel. Uh, the hassle we're sending them to the hurdles, right? There's new hurles for the PAUCP. That's purposely done in my opinion. Yeah. So racist. Yeah, it's purposely done. Um, so we've been we've been suggesting to the folks who really want to get their certification, and we think they should, that they have to go paid round right now. All right. I have nothing. Anybody else have anything to add? Look at this twelve twenty-eight, you guys. Yes, nice. Okay, guys, I just want to let you know next month is gonna be a little longer. Good morning and welcome to the pre-agenda interview. Yeah. For Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 for the Historic Review Commission. Would a clerk please read the title of the bill. Bill 233, resolution appointing Helen Sestra as a member of the Historic Review Commission for term to expire January first, 2028. And for the record, we're currently joined by Councilwoman Strasberger. Miss Sestra, if you be willing to introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about you. Yes, absolutely. Why you're willing to serve on this commission? And we'll take questions from members. Okay, great. Good morning, members of council. My name is Helen Sestra. I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my background with you, my perspective, and my deep commitment to Pittsburgh and its neighborhoods. Its neighborhoods, people, and to its past and future. Its neighborhoods are defined not only by their people, but an architectural legacy that is both diverse and deeply expressive of the city's history. From grand historic residences to modest homes that quietly anchor generations of families, our built environment tells a story that deserves thoughtful stewardship, protecting that legacy while ensuring that neighborhoods can evolve, thrive, and serve current and future residents is something I feel very strongly about.

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