1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,000 Anybody else? Anybody else? >> Monday meeting, Monday the 24th of 2 00:00:04,240 --> 00:00:11,680 August 2026, 3:02 p.m. 3 00:00:09,640 --> 00:00:15,760 Welcome. Welcome. Call to order. 4 00:00:13,960 --> 00:00:21,360 We have a quorum. Welcome. Quorum. 5 00:00:18,120 --> 00:00:26,680 Any conflicts of interest declarations on any action items? 6 00:00:23,920 --> 00:00:29,200 Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. Minutes 7 00:00:28,640 --> 00:00:32,759 Welcome. >> Minutes from the 8 00:00:30,080 --> 00:00:38,200 » June 22nd, 20 Welcome. 26 meeting. 9 00:00:35,480 --> 00:00:41,360 Welcome. Look at those. Welcome. Welcome. 10 00:00:39,440 --> 00:00:45,880 » Motion to approve. >> Motion by Leslie is our second. 11 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:48,200 » I second the motion. >> Seconded. 12 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:51,760 » I >> Move that seconded. Any further 13 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:53,840 discussion? Welcome. 14 00:00:52,360 --> 00:00:56,520 » Call for question on the motion. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". 15 00:00:56,120 --> 00:01:01,840 » Aye. >> Aye. Motion carries unanimously. 16 00:00:59,920 --> 00:01:05,519 Public comment. Any public comment on the agenda? 17 00:01:04,440 --> 00:01:08,560 » No. >> No public comment. 18 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:12,840 Welcome. >> Item number four. 19 00:01:10,440 --> 00:01:15,040 Chairman recognizes uh Welcome. 20 00:01:13,400 --> 00:01:18,000 » Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald for his 21 00:01:16,240 --> 00:01:21,200 Welcome. Words of wisdom. >> Words of wisdom. 22 00:01:19,760 --> 00:01:26,880 » Wow. Putting a little pressure on me, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Um 23 00:01:24,280 --> 00:01:30,200 Let me start off by thanking uh those and everybody really participated in 24 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:35,360 this. The policy conference with long-range plan uh that we had the last 25 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:39,240 meeting at South Point. Uh we were honored to have uh Lieutenant Governor 26 00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:43,040 Austin Davis come to present Excuse me, the picture up there. And a lot of 27 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:46,560 stakeholders that really engaged throughout the whole process. And I know 28 00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:51,600 Lily Gobrecht ski, Director Gobrecht will go over more in detail uh that 29 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:55,880 process and uh where it goes from here at that point. But I I thought it was 30 00:01:53,280 --> 00:02:00,000 very, very successful. Uh first thanks to friends in Washington County got it 31 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:04,160 south point and it went went very well. Uh, 32 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:08,320 next, the DC fly-in that is happens every year with the Allegheny on fronts 33 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:12,040 and we've been doing it the last 3 years. Um, they're going to be a little 34 00:02:09,759 --> 00:02:15,520 bit later this year. Usually it occurs more in mid-December. 35 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:22,920 Um, you see the the dates on there, the September 29th and 30th. Uh, DJ has been 36 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:26,760 working with uh, Matt Smith and um, and Amy Downs on putting the process 37 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:32,040 together. He can go through more of the details during his presentation. Uh, but 38 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:36,120 again, we're going to be looking to have uh, some round table discussions with 39 00:02:33,800 --> 00:02:40,400 our friends in the business community uh, who obviously have businesses uh, in 40 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:43,720 in your various counties, whether it be around manufacturing or other 41 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:48,400 developments that could be could be possible. So, uh, with the Tech Council 42 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:52,520 and the Tech Council and a few other uh, stakeholders, we're going to be making 43 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:56,200 some presentations to our delegation on some of the needs obviously that we will 44 00:02:54,120 --> 00:03:00,720 be having. Uh, the other thing that obviously is a big deal is the uh, 45 00:02:58,680 --> 00:03:04,080 surface transportation uh, reauthorization. 46 00:03:02,239 --> 00:03:08,360 Um, right now it looks like a continuing resolution but we're hoping uh, that 47 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:13,600 they can reauthorize it at a at a robust level to give us some of the needs uh, 48 00:03:11,040 --> 00:03:17,640 fill some of the needs that we have. Uh, some of the projects and uh, 49 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:22,680 come about since our last meeting, obviously the Commercial Street Bridge 50 00:03:19,440 --> 00:03:27,560 opening at the uh, Parkway East. Uh, PennDOT, give them a lot of credit. They 51 00:03:24,560 --> 00:03:31,360 got that done uh, way ahead of schedule. Um, there was it is pretty they did a 52 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:35,600 very good job with detours and getting people to be able to from some of the 53 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:40,480 eastern suburbs of the Allegheny County and the eastern counties of Westmoreland 54 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:45,320 and Indiana to be able to get into uh, into the city uh, relatively uh, 55 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:49,440 as easily as they could when you close a road that has 100,000 cars a day going 56 00:03:47,480 --> 00:03:54,240 through it. Um, some of the upcoming projects that are be be next as we go 57 00:03:52,040 --> 00:03:59,520 from east to west, the Banksville Road data change is really about improving 58 00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:03,120 the flow from the Parkway West, which is one of the state 59 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:07,400 one of the country's most congested areas coming down Green Tree Hill. And 60 00:04:05,320 --> 00:04:12,240 then and then the work that we had authorized for our local which you know, 61 00:04:10,360 --> 00:04:15,760 asked for a number of years ago, the bathtub project, the flooding project on 62 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:21,359 the Parkway in in in town or the Monongahela River. 63 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:26,240 So, really kudos to PennDOT for the for the good work that they had done. 64 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:29,840 There's another huge huge project that PennDOT's involved with and Lily and 65 00:04:27,880 --> 00:04:33,560 Brasky again will go over this a little bit dealing with our friends in Homer 66 00:04:31,919 --> 00:04:36,640 City and some of the big equipment that they've got to get delivered there. I 67 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:40,840 know there was a meeting last week with a lot of the communities going through 68 00:04:38,840 --> 00:04:43,960 and and and it's going to be uh it's going to be pretty impactful for for 69 00:04:42,280 --> 00:04:47,840 some of the folks who are there. Also, rural health care and again, a lot 70 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:51,840 of this uh General Assembly will be going over this 71 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:55,000 in the in the full commission meeting. Lily's stuff will be in the full 72 00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:58,240 commission meeting that she'll be going through some of the projects that we 73 00:04:56,160 --> 00:05:02,440 talked about. Our rural health care is the state is you know, continuing to 74 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:06,040 put that plan together and we want to make sure that our 75 00:05:03,919 --> 00:05:09,880 that our region is is at the table and and part of what what's going on. So, 76 00:05:08,080 --> 00:05:13,480 General will be going over some of that in the full commission meeting. She'll 77 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:17,080 also be going over the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant that this 78 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:20,800 region was was given. It was one of the biggest grants 79 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:26,080 that the nation gave out a number of years ago. It's coming to an end. It was 80 00:05:22,919 --> 00:05:29,560 originally designed to end in September. They've given a few month extension on 81 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:34,320 that, but we've done some really good work on that challenge grant and and 82 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:39,760 provided a lot of opportunities for workforce training and job applications 83 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:45,760 for people throughout the region, which is very good. DJ is also going to go 84 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:49,920 over the data center work. We we had that uh 85 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:53,600 up at uh up in Butler County at the uh uh Steel Fitters 86 00:05:51,360 --> 00:05:57,240 uh about a month ago, uh which people were presenting some of our our 87 00:05:55,120 --> 00:06:01,080 hyperscalers and some of the folks on what what's going on. And we've seen, 88 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:05,040 you know, some of the changes in the in the uh political environment when it 89 00:06:02,760 --> 00:06:08,640 comes to data centers since many of us have been been involved in this over the 90 00:06:06,680 --> 00:06:13,840 last year, year and a half. Uh obviously, the governor just last week 91 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:19,680 came out with some major initiatives uh that uh maybe uh Laura can fill fill 92 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:23,720 us in when DJ begins his presentation uh on a lot on a lot of that. So, um 93 00:06:22,200 --> 00:06:28,840 that was my presentation for the Executive Board of Workforce and more 94 00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:31,440 for the uh for the Kilgore Committee. The commission. 95 00:06:31,640 --> 00:06:36,160 To uh Rich, any questions on Rich's report? 96 00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:39,040 » Era. >> Um 97 00:06:37,160 --> 00:06:43,440 Could you speak to what kind of applicants you're looking for for the 98 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:46,560 Build Back Better Challenge? Regional challenge. 99 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:50,000 » We're at the We're at the short the Jenkins. You know, we have our point 100 00:06:48,040 --> 00:06:53,240 person on the domestic. >> So, we're at the tail end of this. We're 101 00:06:51,919 --> 00:06:56,640 pretty much most of the activities are going to end in the next 30 days with 102 00:06:54,960 --> 00:07:01,280 the the financial piece ending in the next 90 days. But, historically, um 103 00:06:59,800 --> 00:07:06,160 about 10,000 individuals have been trained across multiple facets, right? 104 00:07:03,720 --> 00:07:09,360 So, we've had uh through our community college everything from But, if if 105 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:13,240 anybody's still interested in Some people uh CCAC still has scholarships 106 00:07:11,440 --> 00:07:16,240 available. The community college has still got scholarships available. The 107 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:19,400 Workforce Investment Board still has dollars available. 108 00:07:18,080 --> 00:07:23,960 » So, this is money that's already been allocated to those entities and now 109 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:30,160 they're just an extension on the money that they have the time to get it out to 110 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:33,840 potential grantees. Okay. >> Yes. 111 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:36,520 » This was awarded back, I think, in 2022. Uh previous administration, and yes, it 112 00:07:36,080 --> 00:07:40,960 is. >> So, if we don't get the money out, then 113 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:44,560 it goes back. So, we want So, we want people who We want to enroll people in 114 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:49,040 programs through the Workforce Investment Board and CCHEE and other 115 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:53,440 community colleges up state as we have so that we can get that get them get 116 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:57,200 that money in their pockets so that they can do these programs. 117 00:07:54,680 --> 00:08:00,840 » Yes, the majority is pretty much already obligated so have somebody there's still 118 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:04,280 a little bit of scholarship money during the year but really most of everything's 119 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:07,080 going to close out in this month but it's when you think about the fact that 120 00:08:05,760 --> 00:08:10,440 they're going to have to invoice us and everything else. Sure. The other 121 00:08:08,720 --> 00:08:15,600 challenge too is interesting fact about PDAs only a shut down for about 6 weeks. 122 00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:18,680 During and that closes out during our end of our grant. So, that was one of 123 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:20,760 the reasons we also asked for the extension. 124 00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:24,680 » Yeah, the other challenge is that it was supposed to end for our sub awards on 125 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:28,600 September 18th which is right in the middle of a month which is also 126 00:08:26,560 --> 00:08:32,000 especially for the university system it's right in the middle of a school 127 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:35,640 year. So, we really wanted to allow all through it to the end of December for 128 00:08:33,520 --> 00:08:38,280 completers so we could say how many people actually started and finished. 129 00:08:37,919 --> 00:08:41,880 » Yes. >> And so what will happen and I'll talk 130 00:08:39,680 --> 00:08:44,480 about this more in the next week. Um, there were still some dollars available 131 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:49,520 but I would say we're probably at about like 80 to 85% expenditure rate already 132 00:08:47,320 --> 00:08:53,440 and so who's still Allied Mechanical is probably one of our largest partners. 133 00:08:51,839 --> 00:08:56,480 They're for example maybe they have a couple hundred thousand dollars left. 134 00:08:55,480 --> 00:09:00,280 Um, CCAC might have a hundred thousand 135 00:08:58,200 --> 00:09:02,839 dollars left. Like small pockets of money but still talk to them because 136 00:09:01,480 --> 00:09:06,120 they're going to be follow up projects. >> You could send us a breakdown you know, 137 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:08,839 I don't expect you to remember everything off the top of your head but 138 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:11,920 if you could send us maybe by county what programs still have money's 139 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:15,839 available. >> So that you know, we can tap into our 140 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:19,120 networks of that we're actually tied to. Yeah. 141 00:09:17,680 --> 00:09:22,560 » And I'll mention this next week. My biggest concern believe it or not is on 142 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:27,880 match. It's not on the actual. I think we're going to spend the dollars with no 143 00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:31,360 issue, right? So, a lot of this also is it's a reimbursement style grant which 144 00:09:29,480 --> 00:09:35,880 means John Smith might start that program and they can only ask us for 145 00:09:33,680 --> 00:09:38,760 money as they're training. Yeah, so that's that's the other challenge and 146 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:41,800 the thing with equipment. They might have purchased the equipment, but they 147 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:46,480 can't ask us for reimbursement until it's on site and then they invoice us 148 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:49,560 back. So, this has been I'm really looking forward to when this is all said 149 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:53,200 and done talking about the pros and cons on all of that. It's really 150 00:09:50,880 --> 00:09:56,800 It helped so many people, but when you think about federal dollars and how they 151 00:09:55,200 --> 00:10:00,400 can move quickly, we worked at the speed of of government 152 00:09:58,760 --> 00:10:04,040 or so with the speed of business and I think that was one of the the biggest 153 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:08,800 challenges. And so, we've helped a ton of people, but we're in that real kind 154 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:12,320 of the tail end of this. I I think we're going to come out of all of the issues, 155 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:16,240 but I would I completely agree with you. I would love to that assistance just 156 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:18,640 take us right over the edge. So, I will get that together. Thank you for that. 157 00:10:17,360 --> 00:10:21,440 » Thank you, Jen. Do you mind including me on that as well? I would love to. 158 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:23,880 Absolutely. Great. Thanks. 159 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:26,280 » Sorry. 160 00:10:28,440 --> 00:10:35,440 » The anyone else wants to Rich's report? Any questions? 161 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:41,160 Okay, we're going to number five, OCM update. 162 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:44,120 DJ Ryan, the has the floor. 163 00:10:42,640 --> 00:10:47,560 » Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hi, everybody. Um I'm standing up here because I have a 164 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:51,839 lot to talk to you about and I thought this would keep me uh 165 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:55,560 keep me moving with it. So, um I I want to say like anybody has 166 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:58,800 questions as we're going through this uh rather long presentation. Please feel 167 00:10:56,960 --> 00:11:02,440 free to let me know, but um there's a few things that we wanted to make sure 168 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:06,640 that you had an in-depth uh knowledge on before we uh got into the fall. So, the 169 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:10,760 first one of these um I know that some of you were at C-CAP and we talked about 170 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:14,680 House Bill 522. I wanted to make sure that everyone on the executive committee 171 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:17,080 was in the loop on this uh legislation. So, I'm going to start from the very 172 00:11:15,640 --> 00:11:20,680 beginning of this. Uh a bill was introduced by uh 173 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:25,320 Representative Sharon Brooks. She's a representative from the northeastern 174 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:29,400 part of the state and essentially it would When I When we saw this at first, 175 00:11:27,360 --> 00:11:34,120 we said that the legislation says a majority of MPO boards, meaning the the 176 00:11:32,200 --> 00:11:37,680 full commission, has to be made up of elected officials. I went, "Oh, okay, 177 00:11:35,760 --> 00:11:41,000 well, that's no problem. We already meet that requirement. We're fine." 178 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:46,160 But, if you look deeper into the legislation, they define elected 179 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:49,440 official to be a municipal official, not county official. 180 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:52,680 Uh which I would I I'll give you a little bit of 181 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:56,680 why I I think we ought to that would represent a challenge for an 182 00:11:54,040 --> 00:12:00,560 organization like ours, um specifically the fact that we have well over 500 183 00:11:58,400 --> 00:12:03,840 municipalities. So, how do you pick which ones are going to sit on the 184 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:06,440 board? Um federal law requires us to have the city Pittsburgh on the board 185 00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:11,760 because they are the largest municipality in our area. But, uh beyond 186 00:12:09,440 --> 00:12:15,360 that, I don't you know, who wants to go through and pick out our favorite 20 187 00:12:13,440 --> 00:12:20,760 municipalities, whatever to put them on our board here. Um we have 55 voting 188 00:12:18,840 --> 00:12:25,560 members of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. 29 of those are county-level 189 00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:30,000 elected officials right now. So, we either have to 190 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:34,960 add another 28 municipal elected officials to our board, or we have to 191 00:12:33,120 --> 00:12:38,680 completely adjust the board size and do some other high-crazy math to figure 192 00:12:36,400 --> 00:12:43,280 this out. And because we are So, we are technically a 193 00:12:41,440 --> 00:12:46,720 you know, the the state permits us through legislation that was passed back 194 00:12:44,839 --> 00:12:49,440 in the '50s. I actually have a copy of it here that I was reading today. 195 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:53,120 Um but we also are governed by a lot of 196 00:12:51,120 --> 00:12:56,960 federal requirements. So, we would have to when we went through some massive 197 00:12:54,800 --> 00:13:00,760 bylaws change that would fit you know, for this legislation, we have to go to 198 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:04,400 the federal government as well. And there are some federal provisions that 199 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:08,280 require proportional representation based on population as well. So, there 200 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:12,240 could be situations in which we're seeing half of our board seats go to 201 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:15,880 Allegheny County. And no offense to Allegheny County, but 202 00:13:14,560 --> 00:13:20,080 we have a lot more counties than than just one here. So, um this could create 203 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:22,760 a lot of problems for an organization like ours. Um 204 00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:28,040 I will tell you that we had conversations with the other MPOs and 205 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:32,840 RPOs in Pennsylvania, uh where we discussed this legislation 206 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:37,640 and they all have very similar concerns. And so, 207 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:43,080 uh what we did um at both SPC, but also DVRPC, Lehigh Valley, um North Northeast 208 00:13:40,880 --> 00:13:48,160 Commission, all of the MPOs and RPOs in the state got on a call. We agreed that 209 00:13:46,560 --> 00:13:51,640 it would be helpful to educate our elected officials on the impact of this 210 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:56,480 legislation would have to us. And therefore, we sent a letter, um SPC sent 211 00:13:54,520 --> 00:14:01,440 individual letter and as did every other organization, um similar language, but 212 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:04,920 yeah, all individual letters to uh Chairman Nielsen of the Transportation 213 00:14:02,880 --> 00:14:08,160 Committee, uh Representative Grove is the prime sponsor, Representative 214 00:14:06,480 --> 00:14:13,040 Benninghoff is the minority chair of transportation, and all of the 215 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:16,600 co-sponsors. Simply explained to them that this would this would require some 216 00:14:14,680 --> 00:14:20,560 significant challenges on our end and might not do uh ultimately what you what 217 00:14:19,280 --> 00:14:24,320 you intend. Uh I want to make sure that you're all 218 00:14:21,840 --> 00:14:27,800 aware of that, but also um our friends at BUCANN were telling us there is 219 00:14:26,440 --> 00:14:30,440 I'm not I Chuck, you've been telling me if I'm putting words in your mouth, 220 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:33,360 little to no chance that this legislation is going to move out of the 221 00:14:31,800 --> 00:14:37,040 Transportation Committee. Is that a fair characterization? Okay. Um so, I want to 222 00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:40,520 make sure that you all Did you hear that point? There's little to no chance this 223 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:43,360 is moving out of transportation. Even less of a chance that it gets 224 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:47,480 passed by the full house, passed by the Senate, and then adopted as law. So, I I 225 00:14:46,280 --> 00:14:49,960 but I want you to know that this is a discussion that's out there. 226 00:14:49,160 --> 00:14:54,200 Um if any of you have questions about the 227 00:14:52,320 --> 00:14:58,400 makeup of SPC, how it up you know, all the ins and outs of how we why we exist 228 00:14:56,160 --> 00:15:01,640 and how we exist, um I will try very hard to get an answer for you, but um 229 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:06,600 there's a lot of different pieces to it, but I think it's safe to say that the 230 00:15:03,240 --> 00:15:09,480 opinion of of your staff at SPC is that uh the way that things are structured 231 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:11,920 here right now seems to work pretty well for everybody. I'd like to keep it that 232 00:15:10,920 --> 00:15:14,520 way. Um 233 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:19,880 does anybody have questions about that legislation before we 234 00:15:17,320 --> 00:15:19,880 move forward? 235 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:29,600 » Just wondering what the intent was by representative to change the makeup. 236 00:15:26,640 --> 00:15:32,440 » So, as I understand it and um I don't want to say you know, this is a public 237 00:15:31,160 --> 00:15:35,440 meeting. I certainly don't want to say anything um 238 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:40,120 that that I don't know for sure. But, as I understand it the representative uh 239 00:15:37,680 --> 00:15:46,000 used to serve as the mayor of a major municipality in her district and there 240 00:15:42,760 --> 00:15:52,040 is a infrastructure project there that the municipality and PennDOT are having 241 00:15:48,920 --> 00:15:56,040 some pretty severe disagreements on and the municipality doesn't feel that it's 242 00:15:53,880 --> 00:16:00,480 needs to represent it on their MPO board. And so, the other is a problem 243 00:15:58,520 --> 00:16:04,640 that she's trying to solve in her community. 244 00:16:01,680 --> 00:16:10,040 Um it is not in our opinion this the problem that can 245 00:16:06,920 --> 00:16:10,040 solve for the whole state. 246 00:16:10,080 --> 00:16:15,720 » Yeah, I agree. >> I just wanted to say that uh I think it 247 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:20,080 was 2 years ago we did a all look at our bylaws. 248 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:24,400 And you know, we didn't change things that we didn't think needed to be 249 00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:30,000 changed. But, there you know, there are representatives 250 00:16:26,440 --> 00:16:34,320 you know, of all um these entities. Your entities, you know, are represented 251 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:38,320 here. Some that you appoint, some that are elected officials. So, 252 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:42,080 if you looked at even all the appointed, you would see that they're you know, 253 00:16:39,880 --> 00:16:46,680 from various municipalities. >> Exactly. And we're yeah, I I agree with 254 00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:51,000 you on that. I mean, we're very I think we done a good job. Um this organization 255 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:54,600 has done a good job. It ensures that you know, all voices are represented not 256 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:57,360 only at the commission level, but also through the public participation panels 257 00:16:56,280 --> 00:17:01,200 that we have in each county and everything else. So, um again, I don't 258 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:05,760 think this legislation is going anywhere. We will continue to watch very 259 00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:08,480 closely in case it does and uh you would 260 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:11,800 you will all be my very first phone call if something happens. 261 00:17:10,240 --> 00:17:15,079 I'm not worried and the legislative session ends after the election and I'm 262 00:17:13,560 --> 00:17:17,079 fairly certain that I speak for 263 00:17:15,839 --> 00:17:22,480 so. I think we're safe. 264 00:17:19,520 --> 00:17:22,480 Anything else on this? 265 00:17:23,199 --> 00:17:28,240 Okay. Next 266 00:17:25,640 --> 00:17:33,960 as you as you probably know the federal government is discussing reauthorization 267 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:37,520 of service transportation legislation. It seems like we're going to get a 268 00:17:35,640 --> 00:17:42,120 continuing resolution. That would get us past the November 269 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:46,280 elections. What that means in essence is that there 270 00:17:43,880 --> 00:17:50,080 is no long-term plan but that they'll discuss it yeah. They're going to come 271 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:53,840 back to this after the elections. It would maintain level funding for 272 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:59,640 SPC's federal projects for the time being but it could affect some of our 273 00:17:57,160 --> 00:18:03,840 federal discretionary programs. So a CR could either delay or change the the 274 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:07,640 specifics on some of these federal discretionary 275 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:10,280 programs that we've announced. Lilly and I are going to keep tabs on 276 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:14,320 these things and we'll certainly let you know if you hear anything about that. 277 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:16,320 But for right now I don't is it safe to say we don't have to 278 00:18:15,320 --> 00:18:19,960 worry? >> Not probably most likely not the ones we 279 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:23,960 announced all that like when we announced that we added that disclaimer 280 00:18:22,520 --> 00:18:26,600 just to make just to make sure that everyone is aware that that's always a 281 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:29,960 possibility because we don't have any authorization of funding after September 282 00:18:28,640 --> 00:18:34,960 right now. Most likely what it could affect is 283 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:38,440 other federal discretionary programs. So like if you're looking to apply for safe 284 00:18:36,640 --> 00:18:42,320 streets or build or back out like it could decrease the amount of funding if 285 00:18:40,880 --> 00:18:47,960 any that's available as part of those programs. 286 00:18:45,040 --> 00:18:51,800 » And of course we hope to we hope to see a long-term proposal that 287 00:18:50,120 --> 00:18:54,440 gives us as much money as we possibly can use. 288 00:18:53,160 --> 00:18:57,720 There are a couple of the Build America 250 Act is the name of the legislation 289 00:18:56,760 --> 00:19:03,200 that's working its way through the house. The Senate has not released a 290 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:07,360 formal legislative package about service transportation but we do have a DC 291 00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:10,960 fly-in coming up so hopefully we'll learn some more at that and certainly 292 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:14,040 get commissioners the opportunity to voice their opinions with the federal 293 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:18,640 officials. >> Any questions on the real? 294 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:21,800 » Is it real is it already expired? You don't expire? 295 00:19:19,960 --> 00:19:22,840 » It expires at the end of this fiscal year. 296 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:25,680 » The end of September. >> September 30th. 297 00:19:24,520 --> 00:19:28,960 And the Um which is the same as the rest of the 298 00:19:27,120 --> 00:19:32,320 budget cycle. Um but we we're pretty confident that 299 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:36,480 they're not going to ask any budget. We found that already. 300 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:38,840 Any supplements it'll just be the It'll just be the 301 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:41,160 CR. >> Okay. 302 00:19:39,520 --> 00:19:46,280 » Um That brings me to the DC fly-in. So most 303 00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:50,280 of you have done this with us before. If you haven't it's a really unique 304 00:19:48,320 --> 00:19:55,040 opportunity for us to get in front of federal officials directly 305 00:19:52,400 --> 00:20:00,440 and there's a lot of really discussion that happens in those meetings. 306 00:19:56,920 --> 00:20:03,600 This year is September 29th and 30th. Again, this this event is specifically 307 00:20:01,960 --> 00:20:08,160 for the elected county commissioners, county executive, and mayor 308 00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:11,560 that attend as part of our delegation. Of course the Allegheny Conference does 309 00:20:09,560 --> 00:20:15,000 invite other business leaders. So some of you who get invitations uh 310 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:17,720 you know through other means, but the the conference has asked us to invite 311 00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:22,120 those folks. There's a kickoff event on the 29th and 312 00:20:19,760 --> 00:20:26,240 then a reception after that. And then on the 30th is the county spotlight event 313 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:30,200 which is going to be a different format than what we did last 314 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:33,280 year and then what than what we did in Harrisburg. 315 00:20:31,560 --> 00:20:38,040 They're they're going at this from a perspective of these priority industries 316 00:20:35,440 --> 00:20:41,720 that the federal government really needs to support here in Southwestern 317 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:44,160 Pennsylvania. And there will be information you may have gotten the 318 00:20:42,840 --> 00:20:48,280 email while I've been standing up here actually from the Allegheny Oh, we 319 00:20:46,160 --> 00:20:51,720 great. How's that for timing? So you got an email from 320 00:20:49,680 --> 00:20:55,400 from Rich Fitzgerald Matt Smith inviting you with all the details. Book your 321 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:59,440 hotels as soon as possible. They will run out. Um but if you have any 322 00:20:57,560 --> 00:21:03,480 questions about that please don't hesitate to let me know. We're still 323 00:21:01,760 --> 00:21:05,360 getting things together specifics and whatnot, but wanted to make sure you had 324 00:21:04,960 --> 00:21:09,560 the date. >> Is the hotel changed this year? 325 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:13,160 » Yes, it is a different the hotel block is a different hotel than last year. 326 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:16,800 A cheaper one. I think it's I'm not I think it's a nice 327 00:21:14,840 --> 00:21:20,520 hotel. It's a Hilton. It's fine. They take 328 00:21:18,160 --> 00:21:24,520 their directives. I judge my hotels solely based on 329 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:24,520 whether they have 330 00:21:26,640 --> 00:21:30,560 Any questions about DC? 331 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:39,480 Next I know Rich Lewis did this earlier. Governor Shapiro signed an executive 332 00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:42,560 order on the 18th regarding data centers. So 333 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:46,600 when we went to Harrisburg we talked a lot about what the governor calls strict 334 00:21:44,600 --> 00:21:50,000 standards, responsible data center development. There were provisions in 335 00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:55,200 there that I know many of you have been hearing about in your communities. 336 00:21:52,280 --> 00:22:00,960 Concerns around everything from electricity and electricity costs to 337 00:21:58,080 --> 00:22:05,000 the two resource usage to kind of eyesore and light and noise pollution 338 00:22:03,120 --> 00:22:09,000 issues and things like that. I know we discussed that at length in 339 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:12,680 Harrisburg. What the governor did was sign an executive order that basically 340 00:22:10,680 --> 00:22:16,560 says all of these things that he was that he's been pushing for and then many 341 00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:21,320 elected officials in Harrisburg pushing for now are requirements if you want to 342 00:22:19,280 --> 00:22:25,200 get a permit from the DEP. And so specifically I want to call out a 343 00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:30,480 couple things here. Any data center developer I'm major data 344 00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:34,240 center developer there's a kilowatt or megawatt number of it's it's pretty 345 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:39,760 low threshold is required to bring your own electricity and pay all associated 346 00:22:37,040 --> 00:22:43,400 costs with transmission and everything else. There's some provisions there 347 00:22:41,640 --> 00:22:46,960 about PJM auctions and things like that. So it's 348 00:22:44,520 --> 00:22:51,280 pretty detailed. They also have to work with the local 349 00:22:48,760 --> 00:22:54,120 governments early in the process. So I've been talking to all of you and to 350 00:22:52,800 --> 00:22:57,320 many of your colleagues about community benefit agreements. I know I've come to 351 00:22:56,040 --> 00:23:02,640 several of your counties to discuss community benefit agreements. 352 00:22:59,920 --> 00:23:06,200 And this is going to be hopefully make it easier for 353 00:23:04,280 --> 00:23:09,920 you to execute a strong community benefit agreement. Um if you have if I 354 00:23:08,640 --> 00:23:12,800 haven't talked to you, you're interested in learning about this at all or I can 355 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:15,680 be helpful or this organization can be helpful to you, please don't hesitate to 356 00:23:14,320 --> 00:23:18,080 reach out to us. Uh we want to make sure that your 357 00:23:16,600 --> 00:23:22,280 communities are getting what they deserve if they decide to have a data 358 00:23:20,240 --> 00:23:26,200 center into the community. Uh also, it requires them to uh 359 00:23:24,720 --> 00:23:31,520 developers to hire and train local workers. Uh 360 00:23:28,400 --> 00:23:36,440 and also addresses concerns like uh water and other natural resource uh 361 00:23:34,040 --> 00:23:40,680 usage issues. And again, all of this is conditional 362 00:23:37,760 --> 00:23:44,640 on getting the DEP uh permit approval. So, there's also I know several of you 363 00:23:42,760 --> 00:23:46,480 are working on uh changes to your zoning codes to 364 00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:49,800 uh specifically for data centers or any 365 00:23:47,840 --> 00:23:53,160 development similar to them. Uh and so, I know that this could be on 366 00:23:51,720 --> 00:23:57,600 top of what you're already doing. Some of it could be redundant, but um doing 367 00:23:55,280 --> 00:24:00,920 it statewide uh hopefully will make sure everyone is on the same playing field. 368 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:05,000 Uh I know some of you are running into regulatory issues and you know, the 369 00:24:02,800 --> 00:24:08,760 amount of time you have to get all of the legislation through the DEP. So, um 370 00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:13,080 this is hopefully a help, but um again, we 371 00:24:10,640 --> 00:24:15,520 continue to monitor it and um you know, we'll happy to answer 372 00:24:14,240 --> 00:24:19,480 questions that you have on it, you know, case-by-case. Right now, I know Laura is 373 00:24:17,640 --> 00:24:22,200 here from the governor's office, so uh if you have any questions about this 374 00:24:20,760 --> 00:24:26,200 executive order that that she or I can be helpful with, 375 00:24:24,320 --> 00:24:29,360 I'm happy to answer them as we get thoughts on the back. 376 00:24:27,200 --> 00:24:33,640 » Yeah, and I'll just jump in and say this is really just to make sure that the 377 00:24:31,440 --> 00:24:38,120 local communities understand and support what's going on. 378 00:24:35,960 --> 00:24:41,400 And I will give a huge shoutout to DJ and the work that he's been doing 379 00:24:39,360 --> 00:24:45,560 already and that he will continue to do. I have, you know, there's five of me 380 00:24:43,560 --> 00:24:49,600 across Pennsylvania. No one else have been DJ that is doing this. 381 00:24:47,760 --> 00:24:55,200 Um it it's a really really lucky thing that we have here and 382 00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:59,240 I think that the main point behind um of the executive order is to make sure that 383 00:24:57,680 --> 00:25:02,400 the the good projects are getting through and the bad projects are not. 384 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:05,680 So, I know that for so many of the projects here in Southwestern 385 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:10,040 Pennsylvania, so much of this is already underway. So, kudos to and to the 386 00:25:08,160 --> 00:25:14,440 companies here and to all of you who have been working with them. Um 387 00:25:12,360 --> 00:25:19,760 to just to to throw out a few very specific things, um like DJ said, 388 00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:24,320 DEP is key here with basically without the DEP approval, 389 00:25:21,640 --> 00:25:28,480 nothing really will happen. So, contact DEP early and often. If you need the 390 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:32,400 correct people, please please reach out to me. I'm happy to help with those 391 00:25:29,880 --> 00:25:38,000 connections if you need anything. Um and just 392 00:25:35,200 --> 00:25:42,080 be sure that your local communities um correct information. We know that in 393 00:25:40,280 --> 00:25:47,200 this online world, there is just so much misinformation out there um 394 00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:53,240 that may or may not apply to your So, I think education here is key um 395 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:58,240 and communication. So, anything that we in the governor's office can do uh to 396 00:25:56,080 --> 00:26:02,240 continue these conversations, please reach out to me. I'm here. 397 00:25:59,960 --> 00:26:05,680 I'm happy to answer any questions. Right now or at any time. 398 00:26:05,120 --> 00:26:10,160 Be sure >> Any any question on this or for me or 399 00:26:07,760 --> 00:26:10,160 for her? 400 00:26:10,280 --> 00:26:13,840 » Yeah, be sure to send you all a copy if you'd like. 401 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:15,160 » be great. >> All right, yeah. 402 00:26:14,800 --> 00:26:20,520 I'll do that. >> And then the amendment to our ordinance 403 00:26:17,080 --> 00:26:23,680 at the county, I think it looked at all the ordinance points to 404 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:30,280 perjury. We looked at a lot of them. 405 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:33,240 The commissioner from Loudoun County uh came to one of our 406 00:26:31,880 --> 00:26:39,600 one of our sessions in which you helped them. 407 00:26:36,920 --> 00:26:43,400 You were the MC for the making sure there were graded in for 408 00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:48,160 ordinance to make sure we protect the citizens of this county. 409 00:26:46,280 --> 00:26:50,240 » And Steuben County you zoning? >> Yes. 410 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:54,720 » You have county it's not >> complete. It's only 31 42 411 00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:58,600 municipalities. They can either do it themselves 412 00:26:56,120 --> 00:27:03,520 So, make sure agreement to do the do it for it. 413 00:27:00,160 --> 00:27:06,520 We have 31, I think we have 42. But, we're going to share with this 414 00:27:05,080 --> 00:27:09,600 ordinance amendment with the other municipalities to do their own. 415 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:13,440 Hopefully, they will 416 00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:16,000 you know, take a look at it as well. But, it's uh 417 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:18,960 it's stringent, but it's you know, it's fair. 418 00:27:17,600 --> 00:27:23,480 Hopefully, you know, we can get that in place no 419 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:27,120 later than October. So. >> Um one other thing to mention, and I 420 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:32,120 know I've sent this to some of you after discussions, but DCD does have a local 421 00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:35,400 local toolkit that that can be shared with municipalities. Colonel John is 422 00:27:33,880 --> 00:27:39,240 online and so jump in with any other information on 423 00:27:37,040 --> 00:27:43,240 that. But, when I send out the material, that's all. 424 00:27:41,640 --> 00:27:47,200 » Be sure I have a copy of it in my office. So, if you want to 425 00:27:44,880 --> 00:27:52,160 » Yeah. Um we will uh you know, there's 426 00:27:50,040 --> 00:27:56,120 This is the construction of these facilities at our expense. So, I don't 427 00:27:53,960 --> 00:28:01,120 know if it's going to have a lot of impact not just to that community, but 428 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:03,720 to larger communities. And uh I'm just previewing my report for you in the full 429 00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:06,960 commission meeting where we're going to talk about major uh the movement of 430 00:28:05,720 --> 00:28:10,840 freight major freight uh for the Commerce City project. And um so, I 431 00:28:09,640 --> 00:28:15,440 think that you will find that I we will keep 432 00:28:13,040 --> 00:28:18,360 talking to you about these issues about developments that are happening in the 433 00:28:16,840 --> 00:28:21,000 region. Uh not only legislative and policy 434 00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:25,120 developments, but the action and the construction of these assets. Congress 435 00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:28,600 has a lot to look at on the policy. Um all right, let me uh let me move on 436 00:28:27,360 --> 00:28:32,960 then um to a couple other things uh that I can 437 00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:37,120 go through a little quicker. Uh first of all, I wanted to let you know that the 438 00:28:34,520 --> 00:28:40,600 US Army Corps of Engineers uh who, you know, is near and dear to my heart, um 439 00:28:39,080 --> 00:28:44,120 and we have talked about a lot and worked with a lot around the locks and 440 00:28:42,120 --> 00:28:47,560 dams. Um I know several of you have worked with them on on other issues like 441 00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:51,000 the straw and whatnot. Um currently have a study with uh Chartiers Creek that 442 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:54,480 Mason's working on uh through the Water Resource Center. And one of the great 443 00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:57,920 things about the Army Corps is that they're 444 00:28:55,320 --> 00:29:01,360 our district is the Pittsburgh district. It's a pretty large footprint that goes 445 00:28:59,400 --> 00:29:06,440 all the way to Ohio and West Virginia and uh I think even in the portions of 446 00:29:03,040 --> 00:29:11,400 New York. And under a new plan through the Army Corps, they're going to realign 447 00:29:08,560 --> 00:29:15,160 the boundaries for these districts and Pittsburgh will be moved under the 448 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:18,000 Baltimore district. Um, issue. 449 00:29:16,360 --> 00:29:21,560 That is that annoys me a lot because it is 450 00:29:20,280 --> 00:29:25,400 another reason that, you know, Pittsburgh needs to be prominent with 451 00:29:23,080 --> 00:29:29,120 that replacement plan. And if you put the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in 452 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:32,400 the same district as the Chesapeake Bay, I do not think that we're going to get 453 00:29:30,320 --> 00:29:35,480 the attention that we deserve. Um, I could stand up here for 3 hours to talk 454 00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:39,000 to you about how important the inland waterway system is here, but um 455 00:29:37,720 --> 00:29:42,000 I think I've done that at this point already the time that I've been here, 456 00:29:40,120 --> 00:29:45,360 but um they're the plan is the way they're 457 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:49,840 doing it is that where whatever watershed your state capital is in 458 00:29:47,800 --> 00:29:53,680 is how they're they're pushing everybody in the whole state into that same thing. 459 00:29:51,400 --> 00:29:57,120 So, Chesapeake Bay watershed terrorist or something. 460 00:29:54,720 --> 00:30:01,120 Anyway, it's it's a problem for here. We would lose. Um 461 00:29:59,720 --> 00:30:03,800 and that there'll be a different district as soon as you cross the river 462 00:30:02,600 --> 00:30:07,320 out of Beaver County as soon as you cross the state line out of Beaver 463 00:30:04,920 --> 00:30:10,360 County on the Ohio River. Um and we would lose the entire Monongahela 464 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:15,200 being in the same district and, you know, all of that. So, um 465 00:30:12,640 --> 00:30:19,200 it is it is a pretty big concern. It is not a congressional act that would 466 00:30:17,120 --> 00:30:22,920 change these boundaries, but uh Congressman Deluzio did put an amendment 467 00:30:21,480 --> 00:30:26,960 into the Water Resources Development Act, which is done every 3 years. Um and 468 00:30:25,280 --> 00:30:32,160 that is it is still in the bill. It's a good uh passed out of the committee uh 469 00:30:28,960 --> 00:30:36,680 unanimously. It's still in the bill. And um so we're hoping that it will stay 470 00:30:34,160 --> 00:30:39,880 there and it would essentially uh prohibit the Army Corps from doing this 471 00:30:38,040 --> 00:30:43,440 without any consultation or public outreach period. 472 00:30:41,360 --> 00:30:46,360 Um I many of you know I sit on the commission for the Port of Pittsburgh 473 00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:51,880 and this is something we're talking about a lot there. Uh, there is there 474 00:30:48,880 --> 00:30:55,760 may be an opportunity if this becomes a bigger debate for you as commissioners 475 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:59,920 to weigh in. Uh, so we'll certainly keep you posted as that happens. But goal is 476 00:30:57,680 --> 00:31:04,080 to keep our our commander and our staff here in Pittsburgh. 477 00:31:01,640 --> 00:31:08,120 Uh, lastly, Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition. 478 00:31:06,040 --> 00:31:12,400 This is the group that we have been uh, that Lily and I have been meeting with. 479 00:31:09,840 --> 00:31:16,400 Um, thanks to Chuck and and Buchanan for for getting us into this into these 480 00:31:14,320 --> 00:31:21,280 meetings. Essentially, this is a group that wants to pass a new Act 89. 481 00:31:19,240 --> 00:31:25,000 Um, as you know, Act 89 ran out a couple years ago and uh, 482 00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:29,560 you know, there was a substantial over funding that's been that's been kind of 483 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:33,680 stopping the gap, but we are we need to find a long-term solution and there's a 484 00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:37,880 pretty diverse group of people um, both from construction side, from 485 00:31:35,640 --> 00:31:42,120 transit advocates, from uh, local governments, um, from transit agencies, 486 00:31:40,760 --> 00:31:46,440 uh, also organizations like ours who have been sitting down and discussing 487 00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:49,960 uh, plans to help to craft a new piece of legislation uh, similar to Act 89. 488 00:31:49,360 --> 00:31:54,480 Uh, those meetings are continuing. We expect 489 00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:59,320 that next legislative session, so next year, uh, that you'll start to see some 490 00:31:56,880 --> 00:32:03,200 some advocacy in earnest there. And uh, we'll be reaching out to all of you to 491 00:32:00,400 --> 00:32:06,920 talk about that uh, when it becomes it becomes more concrete. And um, we are 492 00:32:05,880 --> 00:32:10,560 not planning and although we've done this sometimes in the past, there are no 493 00:32:08,560 --> 00:32:13,960 plans right now for a large contingent of commissioners to go to Harrisburg 494 00:32:11,920 --> 00:32:18,360 this fall. Um, especially since there's not a whole lot of session time anyway 495 00:32:15,440 --> 00:32:21,760 with the election. Um, but if uh, anybody has any particular issues that 496 00:32:19,920 --> 00:32:25,040 they need uh, they have questions on or need uh, 497 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:27,240 anything answered, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Chuck or 498 00:32:26,240 --> 00:32:30,680 Ken or Buchanan or you uh, in the next couple 499 00:32:29,000 --> 00:32:34,200 months. Anybody have questions on any of that? 500 00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:43,080 Well, I am all done. Uh, thank you all and uh you know, like 501 00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:43,080 I said, please don't hesitate to eat. 502 00:32:43,240 --> 00:32:47,840 » Thanks. Uh EJ 503 00:32:46,600 --> 00:32:52,680 about Uh we're going to now enter into 504 00:32:49,840 --> 00:32:56,800 executive session. Move to executive session. 505 00:32:55,160 --> 00:33:00,840 Look at this book. >> Hello. 506 00:32:58,240 --> 00:33:00,840 » It's a secret. 507 00:33:03,560 --> 00:33:11,240 » Then I was the staff in CTEs and I think we gave them a loan in 2025. 508 00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:14,600 » Yes, for me and you. >> Yeah, they could be, yeah, right. Yes, 509 00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:17,240 they were >> Glad to see them. 510 00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:20,880 » Yeah. >> from 511 00:33:18,760 --> 00:33:26,040 » I'm Germany. Yeah, so we gave EA the county gave them 512 00:33:24,200 --> 00:33:30,200 um a grant to do like some COVID-era EG money last 513 00:33:29,680 --> 00:33:33,200 year. >> So they were up five. 514 00:33:31,400 --> 00:33:35,720 » Handwashing station and some other like air filtration. 515 00:33:34,760 --> 00:33:39,400 » So >> Uh so we went down. 516 00:33:38,160 --> 00:33:42,760 Check in and we're working inside a hot like a vacant property. Spanned again, 517 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:46,400 so Um They were just very grateful. So it 518 00:33:45,200 --> 00:33:48,480 was fun to see. >> And then Wylie's another one that we I 519 00:33:47,720 --> 00:33:52,400 think we've had shared >> Yeah, yeah, yes, we did a big Yeah, we 520 00:33:50,720 --> 00:33:54,600 did a big one for them. We just gave them another 521 00:33:53,240 --> 00:33:57,560 » Did we up that by like >> We got Earth Day. Yeah. 522 00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:58,600 » I think that's where we're at so. >> So 523 00:33:58,160 --> 00:34:01,960 » Yeah. >> And I can't stress this enough, y'all. 524 00:34:00,320 --> 00:34:05,080 Again, everything that you approve in this room is going to a small business 525 00:34:03,600 --> 00:34:07,600 and it helps them grow, right? Whether >> the business was sold, the equipment 526 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:11,320 that you're >> that you were saying yes to, this truly 527 00:34:09,879 --> 00:34:14,480 is benefiting small business in our region and it and whether it's an 528 00:34:12,600 --> 00:34:18,320 Allegheny County or Fayette County, we we've done work in all of them. So Uh 529 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:21,800 I'm so grateful for a loophole. I actually got a text from Todd saying if 530 00:34:19,879 --> 00:34:25,000 we could go after additional loan funds, can we do that? So we're going to be 531 00:34:23,399 --> 00:34:27,399 looking into that as well. It's just they don't offer them up as much as they 532 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:30,720 used to. >> You talking about Wylie? 533 00:34:28,639 --> 00:34:33,200 » Weird about Wylie. >> Yeah, sure. 534 00:34:31,679 --> 00:34:37,960 » So the Rich would know this. So Welly started 535 00:34:35,760 --> 00:34:42,639 and I told the executive the story. So Ben played Little League for me. 536 00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:46,280 But he couldn't field for So he was on the bench giving out water 537 00:34:44,800 --> 00:34:49,919 bottles and that's where he came up with the idea. 538 00:34:48,720 --> 00:34:54,240 At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 539 00:34:50,919 --> 00:34:54,240 » Ben does not cooperate. 540 00:34:54,399 --> 00:34:57,440 » He still can't field. 541 00:35:00,040 --> 00:35:02,080 You're starting. >> Yeah. 542 00:35:01,320 --> 00:35:04,560 » Yeah. >> Sorry. 543 00:35:02,760 --> 00:35:08,200 » No, it's Here's like this is how long these things take. I remember years and 544 00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:11,040 years ago, maybe four or five years, I had just been in the position a short 545 00:35:09,320 --> 00:35:14,520 period of time and he had reached out about any type of business grants, he 546 00:35:12,520 --> 00:35:18,000 said. Thinking about creating this then we're talking all about it. I said 547 00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:20,920 unfortunately for for-profit business, there's not a tremendous amount of 548 00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:24,240 things out there. So over the years he had worked with us and then 549 00:35:22,640 --> 00:35:26,880 talking to Todd who who runs our loan program, he said 550 00:35:25,600 --> 00:35:30,800 great company called Welly. I was like, "Ben!" I was like, "I'm so excited." And 551 00:35:28,560 --> 00:35:33,760 so we talked about his business and again, it just shows that these things 552 00:35:32,600 --> 00:35:37,720 don't always happen overnight, but the seeds that we plant here really do 553 00:35:36,280 --> 00:35:40,280 blossom into things that truly help our small businesses. So I just can't thank 554 00:35:39,240 --> 00:35:45,040 y'all enough. >> Small businesses to use. 555 00:35:42,160 --> 00:35:51,280 » That is so key cuz all interest >> my cousin's company in Westmoreland 556 00:35:47,320 --> 00:35:55,000 County is making caps. >> So don't we all I think it'll be the 557 00:35:53,360 --> 00:35:59,320 whole all the components will be made in Pennsylvania 558 00:35:56,480 --> 00:36:02,160 and it will be the first reusable water bottle ever to be made entirely in the 559 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:06,640 United States. >> Yeah. Like if you look at 560 00:36:05,040 --> 00:36:11,880 » It's all They're all designed in the US and then they're made in China. So this 561 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:17,760 will be the first water bottles that Uh no, this isn't a Welly. This is not a 562 00:36:14,440 --> 00:36:17,760 Welly. I'm waiting for them to 563 00:36:21,280 --> 00:36:28,480 » We need to move on now. We have here out of executive session meeting. We 564 00:36:25,880 --> 00:36:33,800 need a motion on action item on corporate resolution 565 00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:33,800 06-26 566 00:36:33,880 --> 00:36:39,200 L L NTO Dental LLC. >> I'll make it. 567 00:36:38,080 --> 00:36:42,400 » Thank you. >> Pat makes a motion. Is there a second? 568 00:36:41,560 --> 00:36:47,400 » Second. >> Second by Dick. 569 00:36:44,880 --> 00:36:50,840 Motion is properly seconded. Further discussion. 570 00:36:49,320 --> 00:36:53,400 Vote for question on the motion. All those in favor of the motion signify by 571 00:36:52,600 --> 00:36:56,400 saying I. >> I. 572 00:36:53,960 --> 00:36:59,520 » I. Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you so much. 573 00:36:57,440 --> 00:37:04,160 » Other business? Uh any to be talked about? 574 00:37:02,440 --> 00:37:07,640 » This is Shane. >> Shane. 575 00:37:05,200 --> 00:37:10,800 Reminder, the next meeting uh of the full commission and the executive 576 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:16,560 committee is October the 26th, 577 00:37:13,680 --> 00:37:18,480 2026. We have a motion to adjourn. >> I'll make it. 578 00:37:17,880 --> 00:37:22,720 » Second. >> Sarah's. Sarah second by 579 00:37:22,280 --> 00:37:26,520 » Be sure. >> Laura. 580 00:37:24,160 --> 00:37:29,480 All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. 581 00:37:27,320 --> 00:37:33,480 » Motion carries unanimously. I feel motion adjourned. 582 00:37:31,040 --> 00:37:33,480 » We're good then.