Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – September 9, 2026

The City Council of Pittsburgh held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers at the City-County Building. Council President R. Daniel Lavelle presided. Eight members were present (Charland, Gross, Lavelle, Mosley, Salinetro, Strassburger, Warwick, Wilson); Council Member Coghill was absent. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, presentation of numerous resolutions, final action on two items, and a motion to schedule a post-agenda discussion on the city's 311 system.

Proclamations

• 2026-0860: Resolution honoring Saint Bede’s School on its 100th anniversary (Mosley). Adopted unanimously.
• 2026-0861: Resolution declaring September 6, 2026, as "Vernard Alexander Day" in Pittsburgh (Mosley). Adopted unanimously.
• 2026-0862: Resolution declaring September 12, 2026, as "Alphabet Trail and Tales Day" (Warwick). Adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew King (Dormont): Described his personal difficulties navigating police and court systems over nearly two years, raising concerns about accountability and policy enforcement. Time expired before he could finish.
• Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller (South Side Flats): Addressed ultimate value frameworks, expressed support for most proclamations but concern over bias in city operations, referencing theologian Tillich and sociologist Parsons.
• Dylan Basescu (South Side Flats): Criticized the ongoing lockdown and surveillance of the South Side, called it oppressive and racist. Directed criticism at Council Member Charland, stating residents are “coming for your job.”
• Patrick Robinson (self-identified): Discussed a discrimination lawsuit against UPMC, alleged police harassment and breach of agreement, and requested city action and a hearing. Also raised housing issues.
• Junique Brown (Hill District): Demanded that the city fix incomplete sidewalk and street construction at Center Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street, calling it a safety neglect that would not occur in wealthier neighborhoods.
• Yvonne F. Brown (715 Mercer Street, Bedford Heights high-rise): Expressed fear for her safety due to an individual banned from the building continuing to enter and harass residents. Claimed management was unresponsive.
• Special Agent Sunshine: Accused the city of illegal harassment, identity theft, mail fraud, and computer abuse. Requested federal civil rights investigation under 18 U.S.C. §242. Directed remarks at Council President Lavelle and others.

Presentation of Papers

Numerous resolutions were introduced and referred to standing committees, including:

• 2026-0838 (Charland): Warrant for NeoGov online employment services ($57,908). Waived Rule 8; referred to Human Resources.
• 2026-0839 (Coghill): Grant application for EMS Hazmat project ($179,826.11). Referred to Public Safety & Wellness.
• 2026-0840 (Coghill): Acceptance of 229 trauma kits donated by UPMC (value ≤ $100,000). Referred to Public Safety & Wellness.
• 2026-0841–0843 (Gross): Amendments for software and training contracts (STR Grants, Social Pinpoint, Change Agents Training). Referred to Innovation, Performance, Asset Management & Technology.
• 2026-0844 (Salinetro): Temporary easement for City vehicles (North River Pittsburgh I, LLC). Waived Rule 8; referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0845 (Salinetro): Grant application for Schenley Heights Pavilion at Robert E. Williams Memorial Park ($500,000). Referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0846 (Salinetro): Authorizing eminent domain for Swindell Bridge rehabilitation (total compensation ≤ $5,400, 95% reimbursable). Referred to Public Works & Infrastructure.
• 2026-0847 (Strassburger): Warrant for Vibrant Pittsburgh membership dues ($50,000). Referred to Finance & Law.
• 2026-0848–0850 (Strassburger): Warrants for claim settlements (vehicle damage from City vehicles: $2,961.34, $7,615.61, $5,869.98). Referred to Finance & Law, with executive session scheduled.
• 2026-0851 (Lavelle): Reappointment of Tanika Harris to the Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board (term to 2030). Approved by voice vote.
• 2026-0852–0856 (Lavelle): Appointments of DeAnna Davis, Jennifer Cash Wade, Oliver Beasley, Walter Lewis, and John Katz to the Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board. Motion to approve failed; motion to hold pending interview carried; scheduled for committee hearing.
• 2026-0857–0859 (Lavelle): Communications submitted (Surveillance Technology Report, Grants Office update, Controller's Parks Trust Fund Special Report). Read, received, and filed.
• 2026-0863 (Lavelle): Resolution extending the Acting Chief of the Bureau of Fire's term for 90 days (through December 8, 2026). Approved by roll call: 8 ayes, 0 noes.

Unfinished Business / Reports of Committee

Council Member Mosley presented the Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs report for September 2, 2026.

• 2026-0606: Inter-municipal liquor license transfer from McCrossins Landing Pub LLC to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group, LLC (728 Copeland Street). Public hearing held September 1, 2026. Passed finally: 8 ayes, 0 noes.
• 2026-0804: Amendment to cooperation agreement with the City of Pittsburgh Equipment Leasing Authority, increasing authorized amount by $59,180 for 11 trailers for Public Works (new total ≤ $26,348,449). Passed finally: 8 ayes, 0 noes.

Motions and Resolutions

Council Member Warwick called for a post-agenda meeting on contracting the city's 311 system. Motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• Three proclamations adopted unanimously.
• Reappointment of Tanika Harris to HOFA Board approved.
• Five other HOFA Board appointments held pending interviews.
• Extension of Acting Fire Chief's term approved (8-0).
• Final passage of liquor license transfer (8-0).
• Final passage of equipment leasing amendment (8-0).
• Post-agenda on 311 system scheduled.
• Eight resolutions introduced and referred to committees; two waived under Rule 8.
• Meeting adjourned after approval of minutes and excusing absent member.