Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – June 23, 2026
Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – June 23, 2026
The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on June 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. Eight members were present (Charland, Coghill, Gross, Lavelle, Mosley, Strassburger, Warwick, Wilson); Council Member Salinetro was absent. The meeting included three proclamations, public comments from seven speakers, introduction of new legislation, and final passage of numerous committee reports.
Consent Calendar
- Proclamations adopted unanimously:
- Resolution 2026-0663: Declared June 23, 2026, as "APHASIA AWARENESS DAY" in Pittsburgh.
- Resolution 2026-0665: Declared June 23, 2026, as "Ryan Lestitian Day."
- Resolution 2026-0666: Declared June 23, 2026, as "DRAVET SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY."
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dr. Ronald Miller (Pittsburgh Neighborhood Network) spoke about bridging racial and ethnic divides, referencing Irish unity and the film The Foreigner. He stated he is a candidate for President of the United States in 2028.
- Bethany Cameron (InformUp.org) presented survey results from 53 readers across all council districts. Key findings: 45% did not know how to contact the ROOTS team for street assistance; 56% strongly agreed that the city should prioritize fixing aging bridges and roads over new projects; 50% favored paying a higher upfront fee to own data (like street images) outright.
- Carlino Giampolo (Panther Hollow) listed 12 impacts of the "illegal Oakland DIY skate park," alleging noise, harassment, rats, graffiti, alcohol consumption, and code violations. He claimed Council Members Warwick and Charland's attitude was "I don't care" and demanded Mayor Corey O'Connor shut down the skate park.
- Patrick Robinson (father of deceased son) accused UPMC of murdering his son in 2020, breaching a settlement, and discriminating against him. He criticized the city and county for alleged cover-ups.
- Rick Smith (North Oakland, District 8) spoke on Resolution 2026-0586 (Cyclomedia data access), urging consideration of risk management if the internet fails or the vendor goes out of business, and advocating for open formats.
- Yvonne Brown (715 Mercer Street senior high-rise) complained about management locking grocery carts, restricting lobby seating, and treating residents like prisoners.
- Special Agent Sunshine delivered a religious warning to "rich oppressors" referencing James 5 and Proverbs, urging justice for the missing child Cerese Taylor, and criticizing Council President Lavelle and the Justice Department.
Discussion Items
Presentation of Papers (New Legislation Introduced and Referred to Committees):
- Councilwoman Gross introduced four capital budget amendments (2026-0667, 0668, 0669, 0670). Bill 2026-0670 (extending the surveillance technology report deadline to September 2, 2026) was waived under Rule 8 and placed on the next standing committee agenda.
- Councilman Mosley introduced bills for Equipment Leasing Authority adjustments ($85,000 increase for Public Safety OCHS, $1,983,750 decrease for EMS; new total $26,289,269) and two Pittsburgh Land Bank acquisitions (0 Chalfont Street, District 3; 169 Auburn Street, District 9) at no cost.
- Councilwoman Salinetro introduced bills for McArdle Bridge preliminary engineering with STV Incorporated ($997,407.91, 100% reimbursable), an amended PennDOT agreement for preliminary design (increase of $500,000 to $1,250,000, 100% reimbursable), and a capital budget transfer ($60,000 from Play Area Improvements to Public Safety Equipment).
- Councilwoman Strassburger introduced bills for McArdle Bridge additional FHWA funding ($500,000 increase, no cost to city), a decrease in the TransDev fleet management contract ($988,402.29 reduction, new total $78,260,941.46 over six years), and a warrant for Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters ($10,000 for litigation).
- Councilwoman Warwick introduced a facilities usage agreement with Macedonia FACE for use of Ammon Recreation Center for senior services (September–April, up to two years, no cost).
- Councilman Wilson introduced a resolution to expand Residential Parking Permit Program Area "HH" in Central Northside (District 1) to include one additional address.
- Council President Lavelle presented a grants status update from OMB (week ending June 19, 2026) and a performance audit of citywide code violations from PLI, DPW, and DOMI (June 2026). Both were read, received, and filed.
Reports of Committee – Final Action (all passed 8-0):
- Finance and Law:
- 2026-0592: Sale of 23 properties acquired at tax sale (Items A–W).
- 2026-0593: Rescind sale of one property (503 Climax St).
- 2026-0594: Rescind sales of 27 properties due to incompletion (Items A–AA).
- Public Safety and Wellness:
- 2026-0584: Agreement with Allegheny County DHS for $800,000 to expand outreach services to homeless/ housing unstable individuals.
- 2026-0587: Ordinance amendment correcting article number (IX to XIX) for prohibiting immigration enforcement in city-owned spaces.
- 2026-0588: Ordinance amendment correcting article number (IX to XIX) for protecting community spaces.
- Public Works and Infrastructure:
- 2026-0591: Reimbursement agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC ($6,500) for City Steps project (100% paid by Verizon).
- Land Use & Economic Development:
- 2026-0481: Conditional use approval for Passport Academy Charter School at 1835 Forbes Avenue (Uptown, District 6).
- 2026-0564: Ordinance updating Pittsburgh’s Adopt-A-Lot Program (Chapter 454).
- Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services:
- 2026-0562: Grant agreement with Open Space Institute ($25,000) to acquire tax-delinquent land for greenway connectivity.
- 2026-0565: Ordinance creating Chapter 456: City Farms Garden Program (urban agriculture on city-owned property).
- 2026-0566: Ordinance creating Chapter 455: Greenways Program (stewardship and urban agriculture).
- 2026-0567: Ordinance amending park property use regulations (Chapter 473.01).
- Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology:
- 2026-0585: Amendment with The Wilson Group for multifunction devices and print services (increase of $270,000; new total $1,870,000 over 4 years).
- 2026-0586: Amendment with Cyclomedia Technology, Inc. to continue accessing 360° GeoCycloramas and LiDAR data (increase of $46,590; new total $814,936.75 over 9 years).
- Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs:
- 2026-0589: Reimbursement agreement with PA American Water Company ($5,350) for City Steps project (100% paid by PAWC).
- 2026-0590: Reimbursement agreement with PA American Water Company ($3,500) for City Steps project (100% paid by PAWC).
Additional Note: An executive session was scheduled for June 23, 2026, regarding litigation matter GD 25-1960.
Key Outcomes
- Three proclamations adopted unanimously.
- Bill 2026-0670 (surveillance report deadline extension) was waived and sent to standing committee.
- All 12 committee reports (covering 15 final-action items) passed on roll call votes of 8-0, with Council Member Salinetro absent.
- The City Council will hold a cablecast public hearing on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:30 PM on Bill 2026-0531 (Downtown Pittsburgh Transit Revitalization Investment District Implementation Plan). Speaker registration closes at 11:30 AM on that day.
Meeting Transcript
La vida es que es Well, City Council on Tuesday, June twenty third, 2026, would occur, please take the roll. Mr. Sharland. Mr. Cog Hill, Ms. Gross, Mr. Mosley, Mrs. Salonetro, Mrs. Strasberger. Here. Mrs. Warwick. Here. Mr. Wilson. Mr. LaVelle President. Here. Five members present. Thank you. For those who are able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, remain standing for a moment of silence. Please do the flag. Thank you. Our next order of business is to admit the agenda. Is there a motion to admit? So move. Second. All famous say aye. Aye. Our next order of businesses proclamations, we'll begin with Councilman Strassberger. Thank you. Okay. Okay, good, I think. What are we talking about? We can make it this year. If everyone who is here for Drave's syndrome can come up. It's great. All right. So we are here to raise awareness and to present a proclamation about Drave syndrome. So whereas Drave syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy and causes frequent prolonged seizures that are often resistant to treatment. And whereas individuals living with Drave syndrome may also experience developmental delays, speech and motor challenges, behavioral differences, sleep disruption, feeding difficulties, and whereas families affected by Drave syndrome often face significant metal medical, emotional, and financial challenges while navigating lifelong care and support needs. And whereas the Drave Syndrome Foundation and other advocates work to advance research, provide family resources, educate healthcare professionals, and strengthen support networks for those affected by the condition. And whereas six-year-old Cora, who is here with us today of the Greater Pittsburgh area was diagnosed with Drave syndrome at nine months old after experiencing multiple life-threatening seizures and continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience while navigating complex medical needs. And whereas through the advocacy of families, health care providers, educators, and community organizations, awareness efforts across the Pittsburgh region have helped improve understanding, foster inclusion, and connect families with critical resources. And whereas local recognition of Drave syndrome helps reduce isolation, increase awareness of rare diseases, and show support for affected individuals and their caregivers. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Pittsburgh City Council honors the strength of individuals living with Drave syndrome, their families, caregivers, and medical professionals, researchers, and advocates, and encourages all residents to learn more about Drave syndrome and support efforts to advance awareness, research, and inclusion. Be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize June 23rd, 2026 as Drave Syndrome Awareness Day in the City of Pittsburgh. We have a motion to approve. All favor say aye. Aye.
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