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Record of Proceedings

Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting - August 3, 2026

City Council — Monday, August 3, 2026
BodyPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, August 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 59:20

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
2:43

Good morning, and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Monday, August third, two thousand twenty-six, where Clerk please take the role.

2:50

Mr.

2:50

Charlotte.

2:55

Mr.

2:55

Coghill, Ms.

2:57

Gross, Mr.

2:58

Mosley.

2:59

Here.

2:59

Mrs.

3:00

Salonetro.

3:01

Mrs.

3:02

Strasberger.

3:03

Here.

3:03

Mrs.

3:04

Warwick.

3:05

Mr.

3:06

Wilson.

3:07

Mr.

3:07

Laville.

3:09

Mr.

3:10

Lavelle President.

3:11

Here.

3:12

Six members present.

3:13

Thank you.

3:13

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

3:15

Remain the same for a moment.

3:30

Liberty justice for all.

3:41

Second.

3:43

All those in favor say aye.

3:45

The agenda has been admitted.

3:46

Our next order is public comment.

3:48

I would like to remind everyone that the rules of Council of State that comes of liberty and massive sound official action or deliberation, which may be for City Council Panny will not be permitted.

3:56

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

5:00

There are people from all different backgrounds advocating for a plethora of different things.

5:04

I'm still learning about the goings-on in Pittsburgh, such as figuring out the public transportation and figuring out where the best restaurants are to eat at.

5:12

I'm looking forward to exploring and getting more familiar with the city.

5:17

I've noticed there's been a lot of construction around the university campus recently.

5:22

While I understand that it is necessary for the growth and improvement of the city, it can also have a significant impact on students, residents, workers, and visitors.

5:33

Seeing these projects firsthand has made me think more about how city decisions shape everyday life.

5:39

Even decisions involving funding, property, or public infrastructure can have a noticeable impact on a neighborhood and how it looks, feels, and functions.

5:50

I've been here about a month now and can safely say that I've become much more aware of how city decisions decisions shape everyday life.

5:59

As someone still getting to know Pittsburgh, I really value seeing the local government take time to address these issues openly.

6:07

It shows that the city is actively making decisions about what matters most, and it gives residents a chance to be a part of that process.

6:15

I may still be learning, but I appreciate the opportunity to listen, understand, and be involved as a member of this community.

6:22

Thank you so much for your time and all the work you do.

6:25

Thank you very much.

6:26

Our next registered speaker is Amy Zayes.

6:35

Good morning.

6:36

Thank you, Council President and other council members present.

6:40

My name's Amy Zace.

6:41

I live in the Beachview neighborhood.

6:43

I'm here today to speak in favor of ordinance 2026, 0771, which removes an interesting exception in parking rules that allows for protection of a vehicle.

6:57

This is really important to me as somebody who chooses to live car-free and uh walks often.

7:05

I'm also part of a volunteer group called Pittsburgh Walks, and we're looking to survey and identify conditions of sidewalks throughout the city.

7:16

Frankly, when I heard that this was existing, I was really confused.

7:22

And so I appreciate Councilmember Wilson for sponsoring this, and also for many of you for being so supportive of Vision Zero.

7:30

We clearly have a lot of work to do, and there are many obstacles existing on our sidewalk.

7:37

But this is a really really positive first step to see.

7:41

And from my personal experience, I live along what's been identified as a safe route to school, and there's a lot of sidewalk parking, and it makes me really sad to see young children have to walk in the street just to get to school.

7:56

I love to shop in my district in Brookline, and that's a road that's been identified in our high injury network, meaning that there's a significant concentration of both pedestrian and vehicle accidents along that stretch.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget█████████████████████21%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Parking Management██████████████14%
Public Safety██████████10%
Public Works██████████10%
Public Engagement████████8%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting included public comments, presentation of papers, and final action on numerous resolutions and ordinances, all passed unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Laila Vloet (neighborhood not stated) shared personal reflections on learning about city decision-making and its impact on everyday life.
  • Amy Zaiss (Beechview) spoke in favor of Ordinance 2026-0771, which removes an exception in parking rules that allowed parking for "protection of a vehicle." She cited safety concerns for pedestrians, especially children on safe routes to school, and noted that the current rule hinders Vision Zero goals.
  • Kate Walker (Friendship/Bloomfield) asked council to vote no on the parking loophole removal, arguing that on her narrow, one-way street, parking on the sidewalk is the only option for residents and essential services. She expressed concern that eliminating sidewalk parking would create chaos and that the city does not pay for damage to vehicles hit by city vehicles.
  • Bethani Cameron (Overbrook), on behalf of Inform Pittsburgh, presented survey results from 55 readers across 8 districts. On sidewalk parking, 38% said the bigger issue is that sidewalk parking limits safe pedestrian pathways, 33% said neither is a problem, and 24% said both are problematic. On supporting youth, 40% chose safe outdoor spaces/activities, 33% mental health support. On parks, over half chose cleaner, better maintained facilities.
  • Alisa Grishman (Uptown), founder of Access Mob Pittsburgh, spoke in support of removing the parking exception, describing how cars parked on sidewalks force her wheelchair into the street. She reported calling 911 nine times in five months to report cars blocking sidewalks, and noted that the loophole allows drivers to avoid tickets. She urged council to vote yes and to work on education and equitable enforcement.
  • Speaker (Special Agent Sunshine) (address not given) made rambling accusations against council members and the justice system, referencing conspiracy theories and alleged theft.
  • Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller (Pittsburgh/Larimer) argued that council members are not legitimate and advocated for an alternative government based on elected neighborhood councils. He announced plans to hold meetings during council's recess.
  • Seth Bush (Bike Pittsburgh) spoke in support of amending the parking code to close the loophole, acknowledging that some streets have legitimate challenges but emphasizing the need to enable enforcement in dangerous areas immediately. He pledged to work with the city on solutions.

Discussion Items

  • Parking Ordinance (2026-0771): Councilman Bobby Wilson sponsored an ordinance to amend Pittsburgh Code §541.02 to remove the exception that allowed parking for protection of a vehicle. The amendment aims to improve pedestrian safety and align with Vision Zero. After being favorably reported from the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development, it was placed on final passage.
  • Presentation of Papers:
    • Councilman Mosley presented 2026-0804, authorizing an additional $59,180 to purchase trailers for the Department of Public Works (total not to exceed $26,348,449). Referred to committee.
    • Councilwoman Strassburger presented 2026-0803, consenting to extension of time for an intermunicipal liquor license transfer (from McCrossins Landing Pub to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group). This was voted on immediately and passed finally (9-0).
    • Council President Lavelle presented 2026-0802, a grants office update for week ending July 31, 2026, which was read and filed.
  • Reports of Committees - Final Action: All committee reports with affirmative recommendations were adopted. The following resolutions (identified by bill number) were each passed finally by 9-0 votes:
    • Finance and Law: 2026-0654 (reallocating $60,000 from play area improvements to public safety equipment), 2026-0756 (rescinding property sales), 2026-0757 (sale of 15 tax-delinquent properties), 2026-0758 (quitclaim deed to Marvin Miller for $3,000 settlement), 2026-0759 ($515,000 settlement to Brian and Donna Albert), 2026-0770 (reallocating $55,000 from District 1 needs to park reconstruction), 2026-0776 ($270 transfer for operational services), 2026-0782 (increase for Global Wordsmiths language access services by $19,000), and nine capital budget close-out resolutions (2026-0783 through 2026-0791).
    • Public Safety and Wellness: 2026-0744 (accept $1 million grant from Ross and Carol Nese Foundation to hire a Head of Talent Acquisition for public safety).
    • Public Works and Infrastructure: 2026-0752 (supplemental agreement for Charles Anderson Bridge construction, increase of $250,837), 2026-0753 (amended sale agreement for Newton Street project, increase of $20,070), 2026-0754 (supplemental for West Carson Street Bridge final design, increase of $790,914.71, 95% reimbursable), 2026-0755 (agreement with Piatt Companies for Three Rivers Heritage Trail esplanade reconstruction, no city cost), 2026-0781 (accept $100,000 U.S. Soccer Foundation grant for mini pitch at Ormsby Recreation Center).
    • Land Use and Economic Development: 2026-0760 (reallocate $468.49 from 31st Ward Community Action Group to Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church in 2020 capital budget), 2026-0761 (same reallocation of $10,000 in 2024 capital budget), 2026-0762 (amend 2019 CDBG program to address HUD funding clawback deadline), 2026-0763 (approve $105,820.37 for HOME-ARP supportive administrative services over four years), 2026-0771 (parking ordinance amendment).
    • Recreation, Youth and Senior Services: 2026-0773 (transfer $200,000 from Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for out-of-school programming at McKinley Recreation Center).
    • Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology: 2026-0745 (warrant for $73,050 to Musco Sports Lighting for digital lighting control software).
    • Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: 2026-0746 (professional services agreement with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney for federal legislative services, $302,400 over four years), 2026-0747 (HOME-ARP quad cooperation agreement at no cost), 2026-0748 (first installment of SPC membership dues, $64,373.50), 2026-0749 (sewage facilities plan revision for 2039 Broadhead Fording Road), 2026-0750 (amended reimbursement agreement with Pittsburgh Water for RAISE grant, increase of $50,000 to $100,000 total), 2026-0751 (approve sale of 604 Liberty Avenue to MK Liberty Partners LLC at no city cost).
  • Motions and Resolutions: Councilwoman Warwick announced the launch of free bus passes for city employees working downtown, thanking PRT, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, council, and Mayor O'Connor. Councilman Mosley congratulated the family of Bugum Balowry for continuing the Harambee Festival in Homewood.

Key Outcomes

  • All 25+ bills and resolutions on the final action agenda were passed unanimously (9-0).
  • Ordinance 2026-0771 (removing parking exception for vehicle protection) was passed finally, closing a loophole that allowed parking on sidewalks and in bike lanes. Councilman Wilson sponsored the measure.
  • Resolution 2026-0803 (liquor license extension) was passed finally.
  • Resolution 2026-0744 (Nese Foundation grant for public safety recruitment) was approved.
  • Resolution 2026-0752 (Charles Anderson Bridge increased funding) and other infrastructure agreements were authorized.
  • Resolution 2026-0773 transferred $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to support after-school programming at McKinley Recreation Center.
  • Council's recess begins August 4 and ends August 28, 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for August 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Monday, August third, two thousand twenty-six, where Clerk please take the role. Mr. Charlotte. Mr. Coghill, Ms. Gross, Mr. Mosley. Here. Mrs. Salonetro. Mrs. Strasberger. Here. Mrs. Warwick. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Laville. Mr. Lavelle President. Here. Six members present. Thank you. For those who are able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Remain the same for a moment. Liberty justice for all. Second. All those in favor say aye. The agenda has been admitted. Our next order is public comment. I would like to remind everyone that the rules of Council of State that comes of liberty and massive sound official action or deliberation, which may be for City Council Panny will not be permitted. After you recall, please re state your name, provide your neighborhood for the record. There are people from all different backgrounds advocating for a plethora of different things. I'm still learning about the goings-on in Pittsburgh, such as figuring out the public transportation and figuring out where the best restaurants are to eat at. I'm looking forward to exploring and getting more familiar with the city. I've noticed there's been a lot of construction around the university campus recently. While I understand that it is necessary for the growth and improvement of the city, it can also have a significant impact on students, residents, workers, and visitors. Seeing these projects firsthand has made me think more about how city decisions shape everyday life. Even decisions involving funding, property, or public infrastructure can have a noticeable impact on a neighborhood and how it looks, feels, and functions. I've been here about a month now and can safely say that I've become much more aware of how city decisions decisions shape everyday life. As someone still getting to know Pittsburgh, I really value seeing the local government take time to address these issues openly. It shows that the city is actively making decisions about what matters most, and it gives residents a chance to be a part of that process. I may still be learning, but I appreciate the opportunity to listen, understand, and be involved as a member of this community. Thank you so much for your time and all the work you do. Thank you very much. Our next registered speaker is Amy Zayes. Good morning. Thank you, Council President and other council members present. My name's Amy Zace.

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