Pittsburgh City Council Standing Committees Meeting – September 2, 2026

The City of Pittsburgh Standing Committees met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting covered a range of legislative items including a referendum proposal, multiple funding approvals, and a liquor license transfer. Extensive public comment focused on opposition to a proposed Department of Public Works facility in Schenley Park and concerns over the South Side lockdown zone.

Consent Calendar

• Invoices for Council Approval: A single motion approved all department invoices (totaling numerous items across offices). Council Member Gross voted no, citing concerns over a CellHawk subscription (real‑time cell‑phone location tracking) and a pepperball launcher purchase, requesting more information on surveillance technology guidelines. The motion carried with one opposed, no abstentions.
• Intradepartmental Transfers: Three transfers were approved: $100,000 from vehicles to operational supplies (Public Works – Bureau of Operations); $80,000 from maintenance‑miscellaneous to operational supplies (Public Safety – Bureau of Police); $9,370 from operational supplies to cleaning (Public Safety – Bureau of Administration) for hazardous materials cleanup.
• P‑Card Approvals: A motion approved the weekly P‑card report (Item 0030‑2026, covering July 21 to August 24, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Opposition to DPW facility in Schenley Park (Prospect Drive): Multiple speakers (Cassie Fichter, Dr. Janet Marlan, Chris Zurawsky, William Silvika, Lewis Seiler, Annie Quinn) argued that the proposed 11,000‑square‑foot maintenance building and 1.8 acres of paving violate the city’s own Chapter 480A ordinance protecting parkland, would destroy a historic landscape, risk runoff into Panther Hollow, and threaten the Tree of Life memorial. Speakers noted that alternative non‑park sites exist and that previous geotechnical studies of a 2013 landslide on Pocusset Street have not been released. They urged council to pause the RFP and request a formal legal opinion.
• South Side lockdown zone (Dylan Basescu): Expressed opposition to the continued enforcement of a lockdown zone on East Carson Street (12th and 18th streets), calling it a “cataclysm” for local businesses and an infringement on civil liberties. He noted that the zone is scheduled to end September 12, 2026, and urged council not to reinstate it in future summers.
• Oakland DIY Skate Park / Panther Hollow naming (Carleno Giampolo): Criticized Council Members Warwick and Charland for actions related to the illegal skate park and the renaming of the playground, alleging lack of notice to longtime residents. Requested that Mayor Corey O’Connor shut down the skate park.
• Street repair and safety concerns (Unique Brown): Complained about poor quality street paving in her neighborhood, uneven roads, and lack of response from contractors. Also raised issues with a threatening individual in her apartment building and restricted access to a food bank.
• Budget and transparency criticism (Special Agent Sunshine): Alleged misuse of city funds and questioned the large amounts in intradepartmental transfers for operational supplies. Also referenced future library copy fees and urged accountability.

Discussion Items

• Finance and Law Committee (Chair Strassburger):
  • Bill 2026‑0039 – Ordinance to place a referendum on the May 2026 primary ballot to amend budget approval rules in the Home Rule Charter. Council President Lavelle reported a good meeting with the administration and stated they are working to accomplish the goal via ordinance. A motion to hold the bill in committee for four weeks (due back by 9/30/2026) was approved.
• Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (Chair Salinetro):
  • Bill 2026‑0414 – Resolution authorizing agreements for accessing city property during railroad crossing upgrades/removals at Lock Way East and Lock Way West (District 7), at no cost to the city. A motion to hold the bill for eight weeks (due back by 10/28/2026) was approved.
• Land Use and Economic Development Committee (Chair Wilson):
  • Bill 2025‑2224 – Ordinance to rezone properties in the 20th Ward (Marian Manor and adjacent land) to create a Residential Planned Unit Development District called Banksville Golden Horizons. The Planning Commission report was received on 8/3/2026; a public hearing is scheduled for 9/17/26. A motion to hold for a cablecast public hearing was approved.
• Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs Committee (Chair Mosley):
  • Bill 2026‑0606 – Resolution requesting approval of an intermunicipal transfer of liquor license (R‑6114) from McCrossins Landing Pub (Monongahela) to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group (728 Copeland Street, Pittsburgh) for “Lost and Found Restaurant.” A public hearing was held 9/1/26. The motion to affirmatively recommend carried.
  • Bill 2026‑0804 – Resolution to increase the authorized amount for the Equipment Leasing Authority cooperation agreement by $59,180 (to purchase 12 trailers for the Department of Public Works), new not‑to‑exceed total $26,348,449.
    • Discussion: Acting Fleet Manager Bronwyn Winterage answered questions. The trailers are to improve snow equipment movement, 311 response, and division efficiency; the city currently has about six trailers and needs at least twelve. Lifespan estimated at 6‑7 years. Council members emphasized the need for long‑term fleet funding and input from front‑line workers. Council Member Warwick noted that the 2026 total ($26M) includes a $10M council allocation and gifts from nonprofit partners, and reminded members of a pending bill for a $20M annual fleet vehicle fund. Council Member Wilson inquired about trailer cost and durability; Winterage confirmed heavy‑duty trailers for moving mowers, to be procured via solicitation. The motion to affirmatively recommend carried.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 2026‑0039 (budget referendum): Held in Finance and Law Committee for 4 weeks.
• Invoices, Transfers, P‑cards: All approved (invoices with one opposed vote).
• Bill 2026‑0414 (railroad crossing agreement): Held in Public Works and Infrastructure Committee for 8 weeks.
• Bill 2025‑2224 (Banksville Golden Horizons rezoning): Held for cablecast public hearing.
• Bill 2026‑0606 (liquor license transfer): Affirmatively recommended.
• Bill 2026‑0804 (trailer purchase): Affirmatively recommended.
• Upcoming Meetings: Public hearing on Bill 518 (East Carson Neighborhood Improvement District) at 1:30 PM the same day. Next regular and standing committees meetings on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (due to Labor Day).