0:49 Also, God, God, God, God.
29:21 Good morning and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026.
29:27 Would a clerk please take the role?
29:56 Lavelle, President.
29:57 Five members present.
29:59 For those who are able, please rise for the pleasure of allegiance, remain standing for a moment of silence.
30:13 One nation under God.
30:15 Indivisible liberty and justice.
30:31 The agenda has been admitted.
30:32 Our next order of business is proclamations.
30:34 We have one to be presented by Councilman Conkill.
30:54 Couldn't do it without that.
31:33 And I didn't know that Mr.
31:35 Cromwell was uh from Brookline and one of the last uh survivors of the Civil War.
31:39 So thank you for uh you know doing what you do, John.
31:44 So, whereas Joseph P.
31:47 Caldwell, born 1847 in Allegheny City, presently called the North Side, joined the Union Army at the age of only 15 to fight in the American Civil War, serving in Captain Joseph Knapp's independent Pennsylvania Light Artillery Battery in Hardin's division, 22nd Corps.
32:09 And whereas in July of 1864, while part of the garrison defending Washington, D.C., Private Caldwell participated in the Battle of Fort Stevens, defending against the final push north to of the Confederate Army.
32:24 This battle occurring only 10 miles outside the Capitol was directly observed by President Lincoln, as witnessed in person by Private Caldwell.
32:33 And whereas in 1865, Private Caldwell returned to civilian life, where he worked as a contractor, owned a farm, and with his wife Clara raised a family of seven in Butler County.
32:46 In 1928, the Caldwell family moved to the Brookline section of Pittsburgh, and the Caldwells spent the next 17 years in Brookline, attending the Brookline Boulevard Presbyterian Church with Pastor Lance, we have Pastor Lance's church today.
33:02 The final year of Joseph Caldwell's life was spent living with his son on Pinecastle Avenue in Overbrook.
33:08 And in his civilian life, Caldwell joined the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans organization open only to those who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
33:18 The historic organization at its height had 410,000 members.
33:23 And as a proud veteran and member of the GAR, Joseph Caldwell did not miss a Memorial Day parade for 80 years, attending the South Hills Memorial Association parade every year until ill health prevented his attendance.
33:36 And when Private Caldwell passed on in August of 1946, he was the last Union veteran of the Civil War surviving in the Allegheny County, going to his eternal rest in some Summit Cemetery, Butler County.
33:50 And whereas the Davis Starr Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as a camp of the recognized successor of the Grand Army of the Republic dedicated to maintaining the memory of these soldiers, has purchased a plaque commemorating his service and status of last Civil War veteran to pass in Allegheny County.
34:10 And the Davis Star Camp of the Sons of Union veterans of the Civil War held a plaque dedication and placement ceremony at Summit Cemetery, Butler County at Joseph Caldwell's gravesite to honor his life in service.
34:24 And members of the Brookline and Overbrook neighborhoods gathered at the dedication to honor his brave member, this brave member of their community.
34:32 Now, therefore it be resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend the Davis Star Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Brookline Connection, Overbrook Historical Society, Brookline Together, which James is here for.
35:07 May we have a motion to approve.
35:10 All those in favor say aye.
35:18 John Morgan up here to say a few words.
35:31 Good morning, everyone.
35:32 My name is John Morgan, Senior Vice Commander of the Davis Star Camp, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
35:38 By way of background, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a patriotic and educational organization founded in 1881 and incorporated by an act of Congress in 1954.
35:50 We are the legal successor and recognized heir to the Grand Army of the Republic.
35:55 Our purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and to the men who saved the Union in 1861-1865.
36:04 To assist in every practicable way in the preservation and making available for research documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members, to cooperate in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any way, to teach patriotism and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, the love and honor of our flag, to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to or make for the destruction or impairment of our constitutional union, and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principles of representative government, equal rights, and impartial justice for all.
36:47 The Sons of Union Veterans was founded in Pittsburgh by its own Augustus P.
36:53 Davis in 1881 to ensure the preservation of its mission following the death of the last Union Civil War Veterans, based on the principles of the Grand Army of the Republic, fraternity, charity, and loyalty.
37:08 The first organizational meeting was held in November of 1881 at the GAR Post Meeting Room on the third on the third floor of Old City Hall, right down at the corner of Smithfield and Oliver.
37:21 A group of eleven boys met there and adopted the Constitution, rules, regulations, and rituals written by A.P.
37:29 Davis and formed Sons of Veterans of Pennsylvania, which is now known as Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and a nominated its first chapter with a star.
37:41 We stand before you in preparation for an event to be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, to honor the memory of Private Joseph Caldwell, the last Civil War veteran to pass on in Allegheny County.
37:54 It is our privilege to dedicate a plaque recognizing his service and distinction as the last of these brave soldiers to go to their eternal rest from this county.
38:05 The ceremony will be held at his graveside at Summit Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 181 Caldwell Drive in Butler, PA.
38:14 We invite all to attend.
38:17 After the war ended in 1865, as the councilman has explained, he made a home in Butler County, but then moved to the Brookline and Overbrook sections of Pittsburgh to reside with his family.
38:31 While in Pittsburgh, he was a member of the Brookline Boulevard United Presbyterian Church, the site now occupied by the Tree of Life Open Bible Church, and attended the local Memorial Day parade held by the South Hills Memorial Association every year until his health prevented his attendance in 1946, the year of his passing.
38:53 As part of the arrangements for the dedication ceremony, we reached out to the Brookline and Overbrook communities about this observation and recognition of their native son.
39:03 As was to be expected considering the areas involved, the response has been enthusiastic and highly positive.
39:09 We would especially like to like to thank Ms.
39:11 Shannon Barkley, who led the organizational group of contacting these groups and individuals in those communities.
39:21 A number of groups have stepped forward to promote the observance, and it is only right that they be commended for their patriotism and civic spirit.
39:30 On behalf of the Sons of Union veterans of the Civil War, we wish to express our thanks and our heartfelt appreciation for their efforts.
41:36 And then we have four to be granted to the record.
41:44 Council person Strasburger presents.
41:46 Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and celebrate Lisa McVay for her decades of dedicated dedicated service to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and congratulate her upon the occasion of her retirement.
42:02 And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 28th, 2026 to be Mary Lisa McVay Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
42:15 Councilperson Strasberger also presents.
42:17 Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and celebrate Paul Depp for his decades of dedicated service to Carnegie Mil Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement.
42:32 And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 28th, 2026 to be Paul Depp Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
42:41 Councilperson Strasburger also presents.
42:44 Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor and celebrate Sammy Stegman for his resilience before, during, and after the Holocaust.
42:55 Stigman has dedicated his life to maintain the memory of the Holocaust and those lost.
43:01 And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare June 2nd, 2026 to be Sammy Stegman Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
43:13 May we have a motion to approve?
43:16 And Council Persons Warwick presents now, therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh congratulates the Greenfield Baseball Association on 75 years of invaluable service to our community's children.
43:30 And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, June 6th, 2026 to be Greenfield Baseball Association Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
43:46 All those in favor say aye.
43:49 All four proclamations have been approved.
43:51 Our next order of business is public comment.
43:53 I would like to remind everyone the rules of council state that comments are limited to matters of concern, official action or deliberation, which may be before city council, profanity will not be permitted.
44:02 Once you are called, please restate your name, provide your neighborhood for the record.
44:05 You'll be given three minutes to speak.org, a local news nonprofit, which reports weekly on city council meetings, asks readers to weigh in on what matters to them and delivers that feedback back to their elected officials.
44:41 Sixty-nine readers responded, all nine council districts were represented.
44:45 Number one, we asked readers if they thought that the Rivers Casino should be exempt from the proposed amusement device tax.
44:53 Ninety-two percent of respondents disagree.
44:59 Support the exemption.
45:00 A District 7 resident from Bloomfield said state law is clear that municipalities cannot tax or regulate things already taxed and regulated by Pennsylvania.
45:09 Pittsburgh should tax skill games, but taxing pinball machines is stupid and will drive a fun and safe form of amusement outside the city.
45:16 No more pinball museums or third spaces.
45:19 A district four resident from Carrick remarked, why tax harmless things like darts, jukeboxes, or pinball machines?
45:25 I think the skill games are the only thing anyone is concerned about.
45:29 We need more third spaces where people can hang out, not less.
45:33 Number two, we told readers that the city plans to award microgrants of up to $5,000 for youth-led climate projects and asked them which types of projects should have the highest priority for funding.
45:44 18% of readers chose either planting trees or and creating green spaces or reducing waste and improving recycling.
45:51 17% chose addressing climate-driven issues like food insecurity.
45:55 16% chose educating young people about climate issues, preparing neighborhoods for flooding or extreme heat, or lowering energy use and homes and community buildings.
46:04 District 9 resident from Point Breeze said it was difficult to answer because it was not clear whether young people would have the training, equipment, or access to make a difference.
46:13 They are good ideas, it's just not clear how it would work.
46:16 Number three, on the East Carson Street neighborhood improvement district.
46:20 We asked readers, if approved, what should be the top priorities for its first year budget?
46:25 Thirty-nine percent chose cleaning and maintaining sidewalks and public spaces.
46:40 A district three resident from Allentown summed up their priorities in two words: safety and cleanliness.
46:45 A respondent from Allegheny Center offered a cautionary note.
46:48 There's a lot to be done in the Southside to promote improved safety and better living conditions that does not include a heavy police presence.
46:55 Work with the people of the South Side rather than becoming entirely beholden to the whims of the businesses requesting increased taxes.
47:02 Once again, I will email you the complete survey results around later today.
47:06 Thank you for your time and consideration.
47:11 Our last registered speaker is Mike Blackhurst.
47:18 Is Mike Blackhurst with us?
47:21 If not, that exhaust on this of registered speakers will now take a comment from those in chambers.
47:29 If you would please go for it, Mr.
47:32 Provide your name and neighborhood for the record.
47:36 Carlino Giampolo, Panther Hollow.
47:39 Two months ago, I came before this council and mentioned the University of Pittsburgh would provide funding to enhance our Italian sense of place in Panther Hollow.
47:49 Because of their generous offer of possibly over $10,000, I had commented that our community is entering into a new era of partnership with the university.
48:02 It became apparent that their offer was akin to a Trojan horse.
48:15 A project that no one in our community asked for or wanted.
48:25 Coincidentally, two months ago, the university announced that it's granting one million dollars annually to the city over the next five years.
48:34 That may also very well be a Trojan horse.
48:40 Last week to shine the light on the EV charging stations project, I made a simple request to Mayor Corey O'Connor and this council.
48:50 Please assist in determining whether the area of this project is a part of Shenley Park.
48:57 But there was total silence by everyone.
49:08 Later today, I will send the mayor, a member of this council the entire letter.
49:14 Chancellor Joan Gable, why would you bring shame to yourself in the University of Pittsburgh just for four EV charging stations?
49:25 You are fully aware that the university has reneged on a 1982 agreement with the Panther Hollow community.
49:32 Both as written and in spirit.
49:36 Your EV charging stations project is shameful wrongdoing on all levels: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
49:48 Should the EV charging stations project be completed, we will remove the Italian sense of place.
49:56 We have too much love and respect for the generations before us who established Panther Hollow as a quintessential Italian immigration experience.
50:08 We will not allow the symbols of our legacy to exist next to the injustice and shame of the University of Pittsburgh.
50:19 We will not allow the symbols of our legacy to exist next to the injustice and shame of the University of Pittsburgh.
50:40 Next speaker, please.
51:00 Hi, Bernadette from Beachview.
51:02 I'd love to have those electrical little pluggy thingies.
51:06 I've asked you guys for them before.
51:09 Okay, I have been coming here for years.
51:13 And since before Gainey, I have been complaining about the ADA fake doors at the Beachview Healthy Community Center.
51:23 Maybe some of you remember, maybe some of you need coffee to remember.
51:29 But I've been here.
51:58 We love that place.
52:00 But you do not want to see this big fat white woman in a dress having to put her leg up like she's gonna give birth to a baby in order to hold a door open to get my chair through a door.
52:12 You got ADA buttons, make them work.
52:15 If a computer is the problem, get a new computer system.
52:18 If the button is broke, get a new button.
52:21 I sat there yesterday and I called every single other center and every one of them surprisingly all have working ADA buttons.
52:30 Like, seriously, Daney sat here in this room.
52:34 They had an evening meeting with the ADA people, and I watched him write it down when I told him that the button is not working.
52:43 Dan Deasy came with you when we talked about the sidewalk that needed fixed, and they saw that the ADA door is not working, and they said this needs fixed, so they fixed the sidewalk, but the door is still not fixed.
53:00 Please, for the love of God, if somebody doesn't know how to fix that door, get rid of them and hire somebody that does.
53:19 That should be accessible for them.
53:21 They should be able to know which director requested it, which director, what they were told.
53:27 There should be, there should be follow-up on all of this.
53:31 And everybody, I called 311 yesterday and they said, would you like to have a meeting with Corey O'Connor?
53:38 I had a meeting with the previous mayor over this.
53:43 Okay, so I'm getting myself all up and I work in a tizzy.
53:47 The parking lot in Beachview.
53:50 I called parking authority for some of the seniors.
53:53 They asked me to come down and bring this up.
53:55 The spaces need numbered.
53:57 There is one space adjacent to Dan Berkowitz's his property where there's a garbage dumpster.
54:08 Next speaker, please.
54:20 I'm Laurie Kolczynski.
54:23 I'm with BFI Ways Services of Pennsylvania, the owner of the Recycling center in Hazelwood.
54:29 I've been up here about a half a dozen times now.
54:32 You know, I was so excited to buy this recycling center last year.
54:36 I knew I had a lot of work to do, but I was excited to do that work to make it a better place for us, the community, our green initiatives, everything that we want as we move forward as a community.
54:49 What I wasn't prepared for was the way that the city was going to treat a tax-paying employer who invests in improving an existing city infrastructure that is needed by all of us.
55:04 In these meetings, there has been no public discussion about the impacts to everybody involved if we pass, for example, this rezoning that's on the bill today.
55:14 This is not just the District 5 issue.
55:16 This is a City of Pittsburgh issue.
55:19 Everything has been so haphazardly rushed.
55:22 There's late additions, there's revisions.
55:25 Today the meeting was supposed to start at 10.
55:28 And at 10:30, another yellow sheet comes out with a revision for this specific bill.
55:34 We just need to work together.
55:36 Just there's no need for this stuff to be rushed.
55:39 I'm super proud of what we accomplished.
55:41 I would love to give everybody a tour so you can see why this location is in a properly zoned area and how much improved we have, how much improvement we've done to this facility.
55:56 Don't vote this through today.
55:58 Please, I will make any time available to come and show you guys what we're doing down there and why this isn't a properly zoned area.
56:06 Now with these latest revisions, it's a legal spot zoning.
56:11 We are an island sitting in the middle to be rezoned while everything surrounding us is not going to be rezoned.
56:19 Let's do the right thing.
56:25 Next speaker, please.
56:34 Uh Chris Voltz, resident of Squirrel Hill, here on behalf of BSI.
56:40 I submitted a letter yesterday to each of you outlining BFI's concerns regarding the revised amendments to Bill 2025-1993.
56:51 I hope that you had a chance to review it and consider the arguments made therein.
56:58 Last week, without any discussion, council amended Bill 2025, 1993 to remove the vast majority of the land area to be rezoned.
57:10 Presumably, the intent was to remove the rail yard properties, but one or two parcels remained until today, apparently, looking at this yellow sheet.
57:23 This was done without any discussion, without any referral to the Planning Commission, and without any transparency.
57:32 As a result, this bill creates an island of RIV IMU zone parcels, surrounded by a sea of general industrial parcels.
57:45 This is the definition of unconstitutional spot zoning.
57:52 So please, we ask that you vote this illegal bill down and end this pointless endeavor.
58:04 Next speaker, please.
58:11 President, members of council.
58:12 My name is Bill Siddig, and I represent CSX.
58:15 And I too am speaking on Council Bill 2025-1993.
58:22 CSX does not oppose the bill and its currently amended form.
58:29 We just want to let uh council know on a broader basis while this started out as a broadside to the rezoning of railroad properties, which was misplaced.
58:39 I committed to the councilwoman that we would use it as not connected to the legislation at all, would use an opportunity to engage with the community.
58:47 That's been successful.
58:49 The Hazelwood community led by Sonia Tillman, Hazelwood Initiative, and Reverend Murray.
58:55 Yeah, it's been a pleasure to meet people in the community, be able to do some good things.
58:59 And I committed to the councilwoman when I got involved that notwithstanding this proposed amendment and this attack on the railroad usage that we would commit to nonetheless working with the community and doing that.
59:12 One of the biggest challenges, and it may go unnoticed, but in my world of real estate development and real estate rights, is that this jeopardized some really serious efforts on behalf of CSS to turn over uh trail easements.
59:28 Um CSX, despite the problems created in the media, politically, legally, maintained that course and has maintained its commitment to uh grant those easement rights and continue to uh do the connections that are so important to the city.
59:47 So uh my thanks to the councilwoman for working through this and taking an adverse process of turning into something positive.
59:55 And um, you know, we understand the other comments here from other parties, but as far as CSX is concerned, we have no problem with the proposed amendment.
1:00:08 Next speaker, please.
1:00:16 President, members of council.
1:00:17 My name is Brendan O'Donnell.
1:00:19 I represent Allegheny Valley Railroad.
1:00:21 Allegheny Valley Railroad operates the rail yard in Hazelwood that was part of the geographic area proposed to be rezoned by Bill 2025-1993.
1:00:32 Uh I echo the comments of Mr.
1:00:34 Cittig through the political process.
1:00:37 The proposed ordinance has been amended uh so as to alleviate the railroad concerns.
1:00:42 We appreciate working with Councilmember Warwick, members of the community, uh, in order to uh position this uh draft ordinance in a way that does not impair railroad operations of Allegheny Valley Railroad in Hazelwood, uh, so that we continue to be an economic benefit to the region.
1:01:01 Next speaker, please.
1:01:13 Good morning, the missing child, Ceres Teller, special agent sunshine.
1:01:19 Lord, thank you for another beautiful day.
1:01:25 Thank you for the birds, the squirrels, the baby does, and the rabbits that come and greet me in the morning right before dawn.
1:01:40 The title of my message today is How to Love Others.
1:01:44 In Matthew 22 35 through 40, I'm not going to read it all, but it just um basically says, Jesus told the disciples in everything, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.
1:01:57 That comes in Matthew 7.12.
1:01:59 This is commonly called the golden rule.
1:02:02 It's easy to love when others treat us well, but how do we respond when their behavior is hurtful or unpleasant?
1:02:10 Last week I was attacked by a grown man in his 70s, and what came out of his mouth led me to believe that he may have been my real father.
1:02:24 He put a metal chair one foot from my face, threatening to hit me with it, turned over tables where I was sleeping, and I told him it was space and opportunity.
1:02:34 Go ahead, hit me with the chair.
1:02:37 But if you do, you will not live another day.
1:02:40 God said, touch not my anointed.
1:02:43 Two children also attacked me last week.
1:02:46 They weren't even 15.
1:02:47 These are two children I knew from the overflow shelter I stayed in last winter, and I was only a blessing to.
1:02:55 They spit on me, threw water on me, and turned over my suitcase.
1:03:01 Now I ask you, how long do you think that we are not going to spare the rod of these children?
1:03:08 How long do you think that the elderly are going to be attacked by children?
1:03:14 And not do anything, officer.
1:03:17 I'm asking you, how long?
1:03:20 Elderly are carrying weapons now.
1:03:22 We're not playing with children.
1:03:25 I promise you, we're not.
1:03:28 I will not stand another day, I'm in your second, and be attacked by a child who is not being trained to respect adults.
1:03:29 You guys are supposed to protect and serve.
1:03:43 What happened to that?
1:03:45 I asked the officer, sir, what do I do in this situation?
1:03:50 I'm trying to stay away from chaos and conflict in every aspect of my life, any way I can.
1:03:56 I'm trying to stay away from it.
1:03:58 It's following me.
1:03:59 You know what he said to me?
1:04:01 There's nothing I can do.
1:04:02 I'm just minding my business, trying to live in peace.
1:04:07 Well, when your children are attacked, any officer, or they attack adults.
1:04:13 Whatever happens to them, how will you handle it in Jesus' name?
1:04:21 Next speaker, please.
1:04:32 Good morning, my name is Javarn F.
1:04:36 And I wanted to say today is Alexis' birthday.
1:04:40 That's my grandchild.
1:04:41 She's 12 years old today.
1:04:43 Now she's the one that when she came and spoke.
1:04:47 She was five years old.
1:04:51 Burgess, you just called him Reverend in here.
1:04:54 Burchard said it wasn't the time or the place for her to speak.
1:04:57 And I rushed her, I was rushing.
1:04:59 I didn't want her to hear that and rushed her out of here.
1:05:02 My husband heard.
1:05:03 My husband heard me say, you didn't say that when you had the little white kids that they promoting.
1:05:10 And then I brought her down back down here to city council one time, and she wouldn't speak.
1:05:16 And that really hurt me because I have five grandchildren, five daughters.
1:05:21 I used to babysit.
1:05:22 I'd bring them down here.
1:05:24 They all spoke before council.
1:05:27 She wouldn't because of what he said.
1:05:30 But she's an excellent in school.
1:05:32 She makes straight A's.
1:05:33 And they said that she's an excellent student.
1:05:36 But I teach her that she has to learn from the teachers.
1:05:40 She is to get what they got.
1:05:41 They already got their education.
1:05:43 It's for you to get it too.
1:05:46 Now, I had said to my president, and I'll say again, when he told me to go to County Council about the buses, because we still live at KDU Irvis, the senior citizen home, 120 apartments, and we had to go two buses to get to the bottom of the hill, Mercy Hospital.
1:06:10 You told me to go to the county council.
1:06:12 And when I went to call the council, I told you DeWitt Watson, who was my councilman, has said no.
1:06:20 He's not, can't nobody come down and tell him what they need.
1:06:24 I know what they need.
1:06:26 I live across the street from them.
1:06:28 And they need a security.
1:06:31 But when he didn't do what he said, I came through the building one day.
1:06:38 I didn't know the politicians were going to be there.
1:06:40 So he came through.
1:06:42 He's the big tall black man.
1:06:45 I said, hey, sir, you remember me?
1:06:47 And he looked like I said, I'm the one that asked about the buses.
1:06:51 And I said, you didn't do what you said.
1:06:53 I'm on the common council and I'm telling.
1:06:56 Well, he stopped and he started hollering, but he just speaks loud.
1:06:59 So I said, Are you hawing at me, sir?
1:07:01 He said, No, he promised that he would call Port Authority.
1:07:07 But what happened was he leaves out the side door.
1:07:12 There's a white woman, very pleasant.
1:07:14 And she said she's John DeFio, the president of Common Council.
1:07:19 He's running again when I vote for him.
1:07:22 And I told him no.
1:07:23 I said, woman to woman.
1:07:25 And I told him how mean he was.
1:07:26 And she said, not my John.
1:07:29 So she ran me in there to John.
1:07:31 I wrote tomorrow I should bring back.
1:07:35 I'll bring back the poem that I wrote asking the president of council.
1:07:41 Please check in to me.
1:07:42 Next speaker, please.
1:07:54 Good morning, council.
1:07:58 Today is my daughter's birthday.
1:08:00 So I'll be nice to y'all.
1:08:03 And um, I really didn't know what to say, so I guess God put this on my heart to have to say to y'all today.
1:08:13 I'm here today with some questions regarding our veterans' banners program and how veterans are being honored throughout our neighborhoods.
1:08:25 As I travel through different neighborhoods, I have noticed that some communities have veterans' banners lining the street, lining street after street, while in other neighborhoods there appear to be far fewer banners and much greater distance between them.
1:08:45 Can someone please explain how the banner placement is determined?
1:08:50 Is every neighborhood given equal opportunity to participate and honor its veterans?
1:08:57 I also noticed something else that concerned me just a few minutes ago, so I can make sure I check the facts.
1:09:05 When I looked at the programs in some communities of the Hill District, I found the banner costs ranging from, well no, actually, this one was Jefferson Hills and Crafton.
1:09:17 The banner cost was ranging from $85 to $150.
1:09:22 And it said that their banners would be displayed for years to come.
1:09:28 However, on the part where you have to give it to the Hill District Federal Credit Union, it says that it costs us four hundred and forty-nine dollars for us to be displayed and it will be displayed from Memorials Day to Veterans Day.
1:09:47 It doesn't say for years to come.
1:09:49 So can someone please explain why there appears to be such a significant difference in the cost and display time?
1:09:58 Are these different programs operating under different rules?
1:10:03 And for families who cannot afford hundreds of dollars or even a hundred dollars, what assistance is available?
1:10:11 Are there any grants, sponsorships, partnerships that can help low-income families honor their veterans?
1:10:18 Because I have a granddad and uncle that I feel like need to be on the poll.
1:10:23 Every veteran took the same oath.
1:10:25 Every veteran made the same sacrifices for this country.
1:10:29 Their recognition should not depend on the neighborhood they come from or the income level of their families.
1:10:36 I'm simply asking for transparency, accountability, fairness, like I always do when I come down here.
1:10:43 Hopefully, this question can be answered.
1:10:50 Next speaker, please.
1:10:53 Next speaker, please.
1:10:55 See no further speakers.
1:10:57 We'll move on to the presentation presentation of the papers beginning with Councilman Sherlin, Chair of Human Resources.
1:11:02 The new papers, Mr.
1:11:04 Councilman Carkill, Chair of Public City and Wellness.
1:11:15 Councilman Coghill presents pill number five four.
1:11:19 Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of postpoint foundation in an amount not to exceed $6,000 for the city's share of the license fee for the annual renewal of the post-point emergency services application.
1:11:40 Thank you, Councilmoser.
1:11:47 Councilwoman Gross presents bill number 555 resolution amending resolution 346 of 2025, which authorized an amended agreement with Workiva Inc.
1:11:58 to provide a subscription-based publishing software solution by extending the term for an additional one year and increasing the approved amount by sixty-one thousand four hundred ninety-three dollars and thirty-one cent for a new total cost not to exceed three hundred thirty-nine thousand four hundred and sixty one dollars and twelve cents over seven years.
1:12:18 And Councilman Mosley, Chair of Intergovernment Educational Affairs.
1:12:25 Councilman Mosley presents bill number five five seven.
1:12:34 Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works for the City of Pittsburgh to enter into an agreement or agreement with the borough of Wilkinsburg for the collection of a portion of the borough's municipal waste by the city at a borough cost not to exceed $3,401,631.99 over a period of three years.
1:13:00 Thank you, Council President.
1:13:09 Councilwoman Salonetro presents bill number 556.
1:13:13 Resolution amending resolution 542 of 2023 authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into a sub-award agreement with River Life for the purpose of spending grant funds in an amount not to exceed 499,900 dollars to support the renovation of Allegheny Landing Park by correcting the park name on the section.
1:13:36 Bill 558 resolution providing for an agreement or agreements with traffic planning and design inc for costs associated with the final design phase of the Frankstown Avenue Signals Project, providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $404,254.34 cents reimbursable at 80% and bill number 559 resolution providing for reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the construction phase of the East Ohio Street Safety and Streetscape project and providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $2,500,000 reimbursable at 100%.
1:14:22 And Councilman Schlossberger to finance the law.
1:14:34 Council Person Strasberger presents bill number 560.
1:14:38 Resolution amending resolution 924 of 2024, effective December 18, 2024, entitled Resolution Adopting and Approving the 2025 Capital Budget, the proposed 2025 Community Development Program, and the 2025 through 2030 capital improvement program by increasing complete streets by 1 million dollars to account for additional federal highway administration funding being received by the City of Pittsburgh and Bill 561.
1:15:08 Resolution further amending resolution 857 of 2023, effective December 27, 2023 as amended and titled, resolution adopting and approving the 2024 capital budget, the proposed 2024 community development program, and the 2024 through 2029 capital improvement program by increasing street resurfacing by 1,065,795.78 to align with the most recent American Rescue Plan Act allocation.
1:15:56 Councilwoman Warwick presents bill number 562.
1:16:00 Resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Department of City Planning to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Open Space Institute for the purpose of receiving grant funds in an amount not to exceed $25,000 to acquire privately owned tax delinquent land to improve connectivity of our greenways.
1:16:22 Bill 565, ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh Code Title IV Public Places and Property.
1:16:29 Article 7, City Realty by adding a new Chapter 456, City Farms Garden Program to authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a garden program which permits urban agricultural activities on permanently city owned property or under certain terms and conditions.
1:16:49 Bill 566, ordnance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh City Code Title IV, Public Places and Property, Article 7, City Realty by adding a new chapter 455 Greenways to authorize the Department of City Planning and its appointed designees to establish a greenways program, which permits stewardship and urban agricultural activities in the Greenways, all under certain terms and conditions, and Bill 567, ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title IV, Public Places and Property.
1:17:21 Article 11 Parks and Playgrounds by amending Chapter 47301A3 and 47301B1 to update Pittsburgh's park property use regulations.
1:17:37 And uh Councilman Wilson, Chair of Lands Economic Development.
1:17:41 Thank you, Councilman.
1:17:51 Councilman Wilson presents bill number 563.
1:17:55 Resolution authorizing pursuant to chapter 210 acceptance of gifts to the city of the city code, the mayor, and the director of the Department of City Planning to accept a donation from Preservation Pittsburgh and an amount of $10,000 for the conservation of the Soldiers and Sailors Foundation in Arsenal Park.
1:18:14 Bill 564 Ordnance Amending and Supplementing the Pittsburgh City Code Title IV Public Places and Property.
1:18:21 Article 7, City Realty by Amending Chapter 454 to update Pittsburgh's Adopt a Lot Program.
1:18:31 Resolution authorizing the Mayor and the Director of Park permits licenses and inspections to enter on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh into an agreement or agreements with Bata Environmental Associates Inc.
1:18:43 for professional services providing materials for an analysis of lead dust samples pertaining to PLI's execution of the City of Pittsburgh's lead safe ordinance for a total cost not to exceed $35,949.14 cent over three years.
1:19:04 Council President Lavelle presents bill number five sixty-nine communication from Rhea Price Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget submitting the attached status update from the grants office for the week ended May 29, 2026.
1:19:21 We need a motion to re-receive and file.
1:19:25 Second, all those in favor say aye.
1:19:31 Resolution approving the recommendation made by the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure that the concrete portion of Allegheny Avenue situated north of and beginning at the intersection of North Franklin Avenue and ending at 1631 Allegheny Avenue at the termination of this northerly block should be paid with asphalt in accordance with section 41706 of the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances.
1:20:16 Council Person Strasburg presents Bill Number 547.
1:20:19 Report of the Committee on Finance and Law for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation.
1:20:25 Bill 509, ordinance amending the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, Title II, Fiscal Article 1 Administration, Chapter 218, Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to clarify language to better align with budgetary practices.
1:20:41 Resolution authorizing the city to quit claim any right title and interest it may have in and to the property identified as 6491 Stanton Avenue and the 11th ward to Grace S.
1:20:53 and Chabukum Irona for 200 relating to the full and final settlement full and final resolution of a long-standing scrivener's error in the chain of title.
1:21:05 Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Omar Cardanas and an amount not to exceed $3,600 over one year in full and final settlement of a claim for damage to his vehicle on Eiler Street from an accident with the city police vehicle on March 17, 2026.
1:21:25 Resolution amending resolution 747 of 2025, which authorized the mayor and director of city planning to extend a professional services agreement with Bromberg and Associates LLC for effective communication services by exercising the contract option to extend the term for six months and increasing the total spend by $75,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $778,976.
1:21:55 Resolution amending Resolution 840 of 2024, which authorized a professional services agreement and or contract extension with B2G now for the purpose of amending account codes at no additional cost to the city.
1:22:10 We've heard the reading and title of the bill.
1:22:12 Is there any discussion on the bill?
1:22:13 Seeing none of the ready for final action.
1:22:15 All in favor to pass it up the bill before I remember is called.
1:22:18 Those opposed will vote no.
1:22:19 The clerk please take the roll.
1:22:43 Lavelle President.
1:22:45 Seven eyes, zero no's.
1:22:47 The bill having received the legal legally required votes.
1:22:50 It is passed finally.
1:22:52 And that moves us on to Councilman Concords and the Committee of Public Safety and Wellness.
1:23:04 Councilman Cockwill presents Bill No.
1:23:08 Report of the Committee on Public Safety and Wellness for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation.
1:23:16 Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of common plea catering in an amount not to exceed 16,450 for catering services during the NFL draft operational period.
1:23:30 Resolution authorizing the mayor and the Director of Public Safety on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into an institutional review board authorization agreement with the University of Pittsburgh, allowing the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board to provide oversight of research conducted by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and no cost to the city.
1:23:53 Bill 501 resolution adopting the Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the City of Pittsburgh.
1:24:03 We've heard the reading and to have the bills or any discussion on the bill.
1:24:06 Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.
1:24:08 All in favor to pass through the bill vote, and is called.
1:24:11 Those opposed will vote no with a clerk, please take the vote.
1:24:33 Lavelle, President.
1:24:35 Eight ayes, zero no's.
1:24:37 The bill having received the legal cardinal votes is passed finally.
1:24:39 That moves us to Councilman Kim Salonetro, presenting the committee of public works and infrastructure.
1:24:45 Thank you, Council President.
1:24:53 Councilwoman Salonetro presents bill number 549.
1:24:56 Report of the committee on public works and infrastructure for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation.
1:25:04 Resolution providing for the issuance of a warrant in favor of a Felino Construction Inc.
1:25:09 in an amount of four hundred eighty-one thousand three hundred and twenty dollars for the purpose of emergency snow removal at various locations and providing for the payment of the cost thereof over one year.
1:25:21 Bill 507, resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program, and an amount not to exceed one million six hundred sixty six thousand two hundred and seventeen dollars to revamp our current curbside yard waste collection program.
1:25:51 Resolution provided for a reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the construction phase of the West End Trolley Trail Project and providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed one million dollars reimbursable at 80% any municipal share of commonwealth incurred costs at a cost to the city not to exceed $4,000.
1:26:15 You've heard the reading and title of the bills.
1:26:18 Seeing none, bills not ready for final action.
1:26:20 All in favor to pass the bill will vote aye when the name is called.
1:26:23 Those opposed will vote no with a clerk, please take the roll.
1:26:43 Lavelle, President.
1:26:45 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:26:47 The bill having received the legal legally required number votes.
1:26:49 Is passed finally.
1:26:50 That moves us to Councilman Bobby Wilson, presenting the committee of land use economic development.
1:27:09 Councilman Wilson presents bill number 553.
1:27:12 Report of the committee on land use and economic development for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation.
1:27:47 Councilman Warwick.
1:27:48 Um I'd like to make a motion to amend, please.
1:27:52 You've heard the reading and title of the bill.
1:27:54 Is there any discussion?
1:27:55 Councilman Warwick.
1:27:59 Is there a second?
1:28:01 All members should have the amendment in front of them that takes removes two parcels.
1:28:07 All those in favor say aye.
1:28:10 On the amendment.
1:28:13 The bill has been amended.
1:28:15 Any further discussion?
1:28:17 If not, the bill is not ready for final action.
1:28:19 All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye to our name's call.
1:28:22 Those opposed will vote no.
1:28:23 With a clerk, please take the roll.
1:28:44 Lavelle President.
1:28:45 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:28:47 The bill haven't received the legal requirements votes is passed finally.
1:28:50 And now Councilwoman Barbara Ward presenting the committee of recreation youth and senior services.
1:29:05 Councilwoman Warwick presents bill number 550.
1:29:08 Report of the committee on recreation youth and senior services for May 27, 2026, with an affirmative recommendation.
1:29:16 Resolution amending resolution 388 of 2025 authorizing the mayor and director of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a professional services agreement or agreement with Starfire Corporation for an enhanced fireworks show held in conjunction with the City of Pitts City of Pittsburgh celebration of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day by modifying the code account to include grant funding and by increasing the amount by two hundred sixty-one thousand eight hundred dollars for new total costs not to exceed five hundred and fourteen thousand dollars over three years.
1:29:56 Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action.
1:29:58 All in favor to pass it the bill for aye or name is called those opposed will vote no.
1:30:01 The clerk please take the roll.
1:30:20 Lavelle, President.
1:30:22 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:30:24 The bill having received legal legal requirements votes is passed finally.
1:30:27 That moves us to Councilwoman Deborah Gross, presenting the Committee on Innovation, Performance, Asset Management and Technology.
1:30:40 Councilwoman Gross presents bill number 551.
1:30:29 Report of the committee on innovation performance asset management and technology for May 27th, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation.
1:30:53 Resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to enter into an agreement or agreements with Bloomberg Phil Philanthropies for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Youth Climate Action Fund and an amount of $50,000 to strengthen how cities partner with youth people to develop local climate solutions.
1:31:17 You've heard the reading inside the bill.
1:31:19 Is there any discussion on the bill?
1:31:21 Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.
1:31:23 All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye for name is called.
1:31:26 Those opposed will vote no with a clerk, please take the roll.
1:31:46 Lavelle, President.
1:31:48 Eight ayes, zero no's.
1:31:50 The bill having received the legal required number of votes.
1:31:52 Is passed finally and finally, Councilman Carri Mosley presenting the committee of intergovernmental educational affairs.
1:32:00 Thank you, Madam Clerk.
1:32:05 Councilman Mosley presents bill number five fifty-two.
1:32:08 Report of the committee on intergovernmental and educational affairs for May 27, 2026, with an affirmative recommendation.
1:32:17 Resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with the U.S.
1:32:26 Department of Housing and Urban Development for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to recreate community at the Thaddeus Stevens Recreation Center.
1:32:43 Resolution authorizing the issuance of three warrants payable in favor of Connect Congress of Neighboring Communities for one-year membership dues for all three branches of government and an amount not to exceed 27,563.
1:32:57 Bill 505 resolution amending resolution 680 of 2020 entitled Resolution Authorizing a Cooperation Agreement or Agreements with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh in connection with the URA's application for a redevelopment assistance capital program grant of up to $1,500,000 for the former Homewood School Project Council District 9 to increase the total grant award, adjust the match, and assign an additional job number.
1:33:27 Bill 506 resolution adopting plan revision to the City of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for 2200 Railroad Street at no cost to the city.
1:33:41 You have heard the reading and title of the bills or any discussion on the bill.
1:33:46 Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action.
1:33:48 All in favor to pass the bill will vote aye or name is called.
1:33:50 Those opposed will vote no.
1:33:51 But the clerk please take the roll.
1:34:09 Lavelle President.
1:34:11 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:34:13 The bill having received a legal requirement of votes is passed finally.
1:34:16 That moves us on to motions and resolutions.
1:34:19 With that, I'll go to Councilman Coghill.
1:34:23 Yes, um, so we have I have to make a series of motions in order to get a word that was missing, and that word is taxed to the bill that I submitted last week.
1:34:34 And um, I will start by saying a motion to discharge council bill two zero two six zero five four four from the committee on land use and economic development.
1:34:48 That requires a roll call vote, so Mr.
1:35:09 Lavelle, President.
1:35:10 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:34:59 The motion passes.
1:35:14 And second, I would like to make a motion to remove the hold on Bill 2026 0544 for the purpose of amending the title of the bill and chapter.
1:35:25 Need a roll call vote.
1:35:44 Lavelle President.
1:35:46 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:35:48 That motion passes.
1:35:49 And uh my third motion is a motion to amend council bill two zero two six-zero five four four.
1:35:56 All those in favor say aye.
1:35:59 Any opposed, the bill has been amended.
1:36:01 That motion passes.
1:36:03 And uh my final motion will be motion to recommit bill to zero two six zero five four four to the committee on land use and economic development and hold for a public hearing.
1:36:15 And I believe that does require roll call vote.
1:36:35 Lavelle President.
1:36:37 Eight ayes, zero nos.
1:36:40 And a motion to recommit has also passed.
1:36:43 Any further discussion for members for motion and resolutions?
1:36:49 If not, we have a number of meeting announcements.
1:36:51 This afternoon was.
1:36:56 Um, our legislative projects manager is now going to read a legal statement that must be read any time we're looking to pass a new tax.
1:37:08 From the council of the city of Pittsburgh.
1:37:13 Council Bill 2026-544, mechanical amusement devices tax.
1:37:18 Please be advised that pursuant to the act of December 31st, 1965, Pamphlet Laws Page 1257 as amended.
1:37:27 The Council of the City of Pittsburgh has introduced and intends to levy a new tax in the city called the Pittsburgh Mechanical Amusement Device Tax.
1:37:35 Amusement device.
1:37:36 The amusement devices and apparatus to be subject to this tax are herein described.
1:37:43 Class 1 devices include poker machines, video slot machines, video sweepstakes machines, and any other type of purely amusement device permitted by law.
1:37:52 The tax for class one devices shall be 1,000 per device per year.
1:37:59 Class 2 devices include machines which offer prizes for amusement, such as stuffed animals, toys, candy, or other items.
1:38:07 The tax for class two devices shall be 100 dollars per device per year.
1:38:14 Class 3 devices include machines and apparatus used for entertainment and public participation for sport, which includes but is not limited to darts, jukeboxes, pool tables, pinball machines, shuffle board machines, and children's video games.
1:38:29 The tax for class three devices shall be ten dollars per device per year.
1:38:35 The tax shall be imposed on any person, business, or establishment that houses and offers for play an amusement device for each such device and is a condition of a license or permit being issued.
1:38:47 The council of the city of Pittsburgh has determined that new sources of general revenue are required to maintain city services for infrastructure and to bring the city's budget into long term balance.
1:38:58 Initial estimates by the council project $2 million dollars to $3 million dollars per year in new revenue will be derived from this tax.
1:39:06 Thank you, members.
1:39:08 Thank you very much.
1:39:09 And now to meeting announcements.
1:39:11 This afternoon with sessions at 1 30 and 2 15.
1:39:14 Council will hold a briefing on the capital budget tutorial for for new staff and as a refresher for current staff.
1:39:22 Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.
1:39:23 Council hold our standing committee meeting.
1:39:25 Speaker registration will close at 9.
1:39:27 Also tomorrow afternoon with sessions at 2 and two thirty, council will hold a briefing on the mayor's recommendation to the governor regarding the designation of census tracts as opportunity zones.
1:39:29 Then on Thursday, June 4th at 1 p.m.
1:39:40 Council will hold a cable cast public hearing on bills 487 and 516 concerning petitions related to Serpentine Drive in Shinley Park.
1:39:49 Speaker registration will close at eleven a.m.
1:39:51 To register to speak at any of these meetings, please put sign up form on the council meeting webpage or call to clerk's office at 412 255 2138 by the regist by the registration deadline.
1:40:03 With that, motion to excuse the absent member, uh approve the minutes and adjourn the meeting.
1:40:09 All those in favor say aye.
1:40:11 We are adjourned.