It's a kind of microphone, sorry about that.
Mr. Adams, sorry, I was distracted.
Sorry, I was distracted by Mr. Bottas outfit up here, but I'm present.
Thank you. Mr. Bottas, here.
Mr. Katana, Mr. Leogey, Mr. Futolis.
Mr. Futolis? Mr. Grisbeck, here. Mr. Futolis is here, Mr. Grisbeck is here, Ms. Hallem. Mr. Klein, here.
Mr. Paul Marry, here. Mr. Paul Marry, here. Mr. Paul Marry, here. Mr. Rose, here. Ms. Gaggers-Scholman, here. Mr. Walton, here.
President Akaradi Chakas, here.
We have 14 members present.
Thank you. Our first business tonight, our chief executive has a quarterly address, please.
All right. Hello, council. Hello, hello.
Thank you for hosting me for my third quarterly address this year.
Next time we're together, we'll be October and I'll be presenting our budget.
Time flies when you're having fun, right?
So this is my first council address since we named Councilwoman Nicaradi Chakas, the President of Council.
So congratulations, Madam President. I know you're not with us in person today, but it's been a pleasure to work with you over the last nearly three years that I've been in office.
And for many years prior in our other professional lives, so really, thank you for your leadership and your continued partnership on topics that pertain to making Allegheny County the best place for our residents.
And on some sad note, presumably everyone saw that Warren Winger has accepted a job in North Carolina.
He'll be closer to family, which is great for him and really big loss for our county.
We are all very, very sad to lose him and I think I can speak for everyone when I can just say thank you.
Thank you for stepping up for your service for the last year and a half and really being innovative and collaborative and bringing improvements in and around the jail during your tenure.
Earlier today, I announced that Deputy Warren Connie Clarke will serve as interim warden.
So I know that she is ready for the job and to step up into that role and really effective immediately, we will be commencing a national search for a new warden and I know Mr. Winger will be here ready to give us suggestions of folks who are in his network.
And I know he promised us that he would only be a phone call away as we work during this transition.
So can we just give him a round of applause.
Thank you.
So I hope that everyone had a very happy and celebratory fourth of July celebrating America 250.
I want to give a special thanks to our emergency service and police departments.
It has been a busy stretch of major events that has really cold on our entire region to have extra security from arts fast to the America 250 concert to the fourth of July fireworks and so much more.
And largely we've seen minimal problems and very well behaved crowds so good job everyone.
But I really want to thank everyone who is answering those 911 calls and patrolling our streets to ensure that when we have major events in the city, they are safe and welcoming and orderly.
And speaking of emergencies, the county has relaunched its public notification alert system.
Alligani alerts. You can sign up through the mystery QR code. It is back by no one's request.
So feel free to pull out your phones and scan the QR code. You can sign up for alligani alerts.
So residents can request tax email or phone call notification in a variety of languages, including English Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Hindi.
So improving communication with text alerts like this and making them available in multiple languages is one of our commitments in the all in Alligani action plan and we are delivering on that commitment.
The county hosted a really fun event last month.
The Andy Warhol bridge turned 100 in June and we celebrated with a birthday bash on the bridge. So thank you to DPW and sustainability and special events along with police for working on a Saturday.
We mostly avoided the rain and we really had a great time with community partners and free art projects and really an incredibly popular screen printing table.
We celebrated the first sister bridge to turn 100 with a centennial poster designed by local artists Strawberry Luna.
And you all get to take one home today. You're welcome council.
So we got a gift for you all to take one of those homes and really have a unique part of its word history.
And really the public response to the poster has been incredibly positive and it's for sale in many local stores and online now so audience if you want to get yours head on over to one of our local stores that are selling them.
The Rachel Carson bridge turns 100 in November and we're working on plans to celebrate that bridge as well.
Ty and probably with the light up night and if you're wondering when the Roberto Clemente bridge turns 100 it's two years from now.
So we have plenty of time to plan a big celebration.
I think bring in a lot of Puerto Rican food and celebration and if anyone knows bad bunny like maybe we can start kind of like get on his calendar right now because I mean who doesn't want to celebrate Roberto Clemente.
So you know we're always here for a good time at the county.
You also have another gift.
It is our hidden histories map and if you want to fold it it looks like this.
These are for free so everyone in the audience could grab one too.
So it is a special insert in the America 250 themed July issue of Pittsburgh magazine and it's on news stands now.
I wanted to use the opportunity for America 250 to dig a little deeper into unique history in Allegheny County.
That might not be top of mind for everyone or so familiar necessarily have a plaque dedicated to it.
So you can find fun things like white and carry furnace gets a get its name.
What was the only large scale building downtown to survive the fire of 1845.
And what is the oldest surviving Jewish building in Pittsburgh in history map will tell you.
So thank you again to the highest history center for their partnership and expertise in cultivating this in curating this map with us.
And we are really grateful to Pittsburgh magazine for being our publishing partner and providing the wonderful illustrations that you see.
And a special thanks to the Heinz Endowment who generously funded the project for America 250 and we have like 10,000 extra copies.
So if anyone wants to take them or use them in a classroom or distribute them at your office let us know we got some extras for you.
I conclude kind of updates from special events and I'm going to jump into some of our departmental updates.
So I mean as we can tell right now we're in the middle of a heat wave.
We had a couple we had one a few weeks ago and we're experiencing another one right now.
So DHS has declared code red again and that encourages folks to go and find cool places to stay inside during the day.
And as a result of the heat wave it has increased attendance in our four pools.
Councilman bought is that we're heading later by any chance.
Okay.
And our parks department has hosted 70,000 pool patrons so far this summer.
And on the topic of parks I was recently at Hartwood Acres and we celebrated the inclusion of its for it forest in the old growth forest network.
Which is a distinguished honor for our parks system and the first old growth forest in Allegheny County which is very exciting which would be very proud of the work that our parks department is doing to get us there.
And it's worth noting today that Hartwood Acres Park is the 50th anniversary of it being open to the public.
Also in our parks the summer concert series is in full swing and tickets for the upcoming wine and spirit fest is on sale now.
And you can find the link in our mystery QR code.
In other department updates our department of health is very busy.
I signed an executive order to streamline food and beverage permitting out of our health department.
The team made some quick changes and streamlined the permit process almost immediately.
The average wait time for a permit approval since I signed the executive order has been reduced to 28 days.
That's down from an average of 50 days in 2024 and 42 days in 2025.
The Health Department expanded access to care by relocating its sexual health clinic into a downtown location at 425 1st Avenue.
The new location is more accessible by public transportation and brings multiple public health services together under one roof.
The community survey for the 2026 community health assessment is now live.
The survey is anonymous and it takes about 20 minutes to complete.
So please help us spread the word.
You can go to allaganicounty.us slash slash CHA and that's the short URL.
Or again, you can scan the code and find the link to the community health survey.
And we're at the halfway point of the year and according to our monthly homicide report from the medical examiner's office.
Allegheny County continues to experience a record low amount of homicides last year in 2025.
There were 40% fewer homicides than in 2024.
Through June of this year we have had 30 homicides in Allegheny County.
A little below where we were this time last year.
It is a remarkable decrease in violence and I'm happy to report that last year's incredible trend is holding this year.
Thanks to the multi-prong approach we're taking to public safety.
And finally, if you get county press releases, you know that DPW is in the thick of construction season.
So we appreciate folks who are moving across our roadways for your patients.
But it means that we're improving our infrastructure for everyone.
We've, they have already completed work on eight different projects.
DPW and contractors are more than halfway done replacing the jacks run road bridge over 279.
The jacks run road bridge, their jacks run road is particularly complex because it involves the federal highway administration.
It involves four municipalities as well as PEN.
Utilities contractors and of course the neighbors who live in the neighborhood.
It's right around where I grew up.
So I know it well.
So really thank you DPW for acting as coordinator for all of that and really keeping that project on time and on budget for that community.
In addition to departmental updates, I just wanted to quickly touch on two big topics that we have been hearing in the news recently.
The first is pension and the other is parental leave.
So pension update, I really want to start by thinking council for your participation on the pension board and the working group that has helped develop this report that will be released later this week.
The really the pension board hasn't gotten a lot of attention lately, but I think that is changing.
And it's, you know, we want to give folks a refresher for how the pension board works.
It's chaired by our treasurer.
Erica Rochi breathlers and I said on the board with one pointy council you will point a board member.
And there's two elected county employees.
So there's a total of seven board members.
They can solve to author the report brief the board and now all of council on the status of the pension fund.
And I think they've done an excellent job and I appreciate the expertise and patients that they've brought to the process and I understand from the.
The final report will be released later this week. So thank you, Trevor. It will be intense, but it will be worth a read.
So I encourage folks who are interested in the issue of the pension to release it down and take some time going through that report and see where we are today and the strategies we have that we can work on together moving forward.
And I will also say that the findings are not a surprise, but they are stark. It is really taken us more than 20 years to get to this level of a problem.
And it is going to take years and a multi-pronged collaborative strategy to really fix the underfunding that has occurred.
And, you know, my administration, we will we have been and will continue to keep stakeholders in the loop at the state and local level.
And we are going to start discuss strategies we have in order to move forward.
And I'm really proud that my administration is not kicking the can down the road anymore, and we're actually acknowledging the challenge in saying,
Let's do something collaboratively to fix this. We owe it to our county employees. We owe it to the retirees at the county.
And I do want folks to be reassured that even though the findings are stark, there is a political will. There is a collaboration and there is a pathway forward.
And so, you know, council as the pension board moves forward. We want to ensure I think collectively that we don't blind, so anyone and that folks are in the loop moving forward.
So I want to move on to paid parental leave.
Really, that has been a big item in the news as this mandate has been considered.
There has been an incredible amount of community interest in this topic. We've extended the comment period from 30 to 60 days.
So really anyone who wants to share feedback, they haven't told Thursday to do so.
And my understanding from the Department of Health that we received over 1500 comments that is more than any policy on any topic that the Health Department has ever received.
So it's really going to take the staff sometime to go through all the comments. They're going to review them and they're going to respond to all of them. They're required to do so and they will do it.
After that, the Health Department can share the comments with the Board of Health.
And they can make recommendations on modifications on the paid parental leave policy.
The Board of Health itself can also request modifications to that policy.
In council, of course, we welcome your feedback on modifications to that policy.
I believe earlier this afternoon, you were also briefed on the economic impact on bringing paid parental leave to Allegheny County, mostly from a macro lens.
So drawing on that data from some other states who've had policies in place and looking at the policy in Allegheny County researchers anticipate that employers can expect about 1.7% of the workforce to qualify for the policy.
For the policy per year. So if you employ 100 people, that means about 1 or 2 people per year on average would qualify for this policy.
We have seen in other states that the uptake of this policy is actually smaller than you might expect.
I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but typically around 40% of eligible population participates in something like a paid parental leave policy.
Our analysis shows that compared to other kinds of leave, like workman's comp, sick days, vacation days, a paid parental leave policy will be a very small amount of compensation for employers to shoulder.
Whether they self fund that leave or they take out a paid parental leave insurance policy.
Nothing in the available economic data points to an apocalyptic picture for businesses that offer paid parental leave.
It applies only to a small percentage of the population. It reduces turnover. It improves morale. It reduces unplanned absences and sick days.
It is really a net positive measure by all means. But all that health data underscores why it is absolutely critical for families.
It gives mothers time at home to heal. It gives infants time at home to bond with their parents. It gives them families time to go to the doctors and to get vaccines before daycare starts.
You know, I attended a press conference that the Health Department hosted just a few months ago, and it was alarming.
It's about the rise of sudden unexpected infant deaths or sewage.
In the county, 95 babies have died of sewage since 2020.
And the numbers have been dramatically increasing over the last few years.
And we know that something like a paid parental leave policy can actually help decrease and reverse this alarming trend.
And we owe it to our families who are trying so hard to make ends meet and to really just during this time make their lives just a little bit easier.
You know, a lot of talk has come up around FMLA during the time that we've introduced a paid parental leave policy.
And I think it's important to put that in context.
The policy that eventually became FMLA was first written by a women's advocacy group in 1983.
And it became law about a decade later.
And it was always meant to be a floor not a ceiling.
They promised incremental progress that it would become a longer timeline that would eventually move from guaranteed time off to guaranteed paid time off.
And we can all know what happened there.
None of that actually came to fruition.
12 weeks unpaid is the standard and we haven't increased those protections despite what the public health data is telling us in what the world is doing.
FMLA was drafted before I was born and I'm expecting to give birth to my first child this year.
And when I got into office, I worked with our county manager to make sure that we could provide a real paid leave policy for our employees.
And so we at the county we offer 12 weeks paid leave for all of our employees that start on day one.
And I have to say that as an county employee, I plan on taking my time off.
That's what's going to be best for me, for my son and for my family.
I also have to say, I will be so disappointed in myself as the first county executive who will give birth in office to not be able to provide parental leave for other families who are struggling every day.
And just want that time to recover and to bond and to build their family.
That's what people in Allegheny County deserve.
They deserve that attention to family.
They deserve that worker protection.
I've heard from some people.
Many people, in fact, that paid parental leave would be better if it was a statewide policy.
And I have to say, I would love it to be statewide.
When I was in the state house, I co-sponsored the bill to provide paid family leave.
That was eight years ago.
People have been working on this in Harrisburg for over 10 years.
And if I accept the premise that very well-intentioned people who tell me that it would be better if we just waited for Harrisburg better if we waited for the federal government to act.
My baby might be 40 years old and we still don't actually have a meaningful mechanism to help families bond and grow in this Commonwealth and throughout the nation.
But here's the good news.
In Allegheny County, we don't have to wait.
If we actually take action, we might be able to spur other counties with health departments to do the same.
And maybe just maybe get that general assembly to actually get it across the finish line as well.
Because we are serious about paid parental leave here.
In our actions, they're already working.
They're creating a sense of urgency in the general assembly that we haven't seen in many years perhaps over a decade.
And if we deliver this for our people and it spurs the state to deliver for everyone in this Commonwealth, that's amazing.
That's the best possible outcome.
And so really, if anyone wants to go take a road trip down the turnpike to the capital, I'm game.
We can go advocate and lobby the capital to make this happen statewide.
That's not ignore the power that we have here at home.
So that's the end of my quarterly address.
And I, like I said, I'll present to you one last time this year in October.
I'll be very pregnant by then for the annual budget address.
And I will leave you with some good news that will offer peace of mind as you enter your summer recess.
So the budget I will be introducing for fiscal year 2027 will have no tax increase.
And with that, I'm happy to take questions.
Anybody have any questions?
Congratulations, Madam Executive.
Thank you.
On your announcement.
And we wish you well.
I have one question.
Council recently passed two ballot referendums.
One, two, we'll lift the cap on council budget.
And the second referendum was to allow council to hire additional staff and open district offices.
You returned those referendums to council on sign.
Could you share with us why?
I really think that it's the business of council.
And, you know, we've had conversations with many members that, you know, we jointly have the government review commission.
That's sitting actively working on issues that pertain to the charter and county government.
And, you know, I feel that it is best that these changes to the charter that require a ballot referendum should be handled through the government review commission at this time.
So, you know, this is consideration that you're all making.
You know, we have this government review commission.
We're eager for them to wrap up their work and present to both our office as well as council, their findings and recommendations.
And from there, taking that report and looking at what modifications we need to make to the charter and policies within the county together.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
You are going to be an incredible mom.
I am.
Yeah, I'm so happy to hear.
But I have one single question.
I did have three, but since you had a big announcement, I'm going to limit it.
So, once.
Thank you.
So, yeah, so speaking of things that the previous county executive kicked the can down the road on and things that we wish Harrisburg would do something about.
But we know they won't reassessments.
Since the next time you're going to come in front of council, you are going to be presenting your budget.
I'm just wondering if there's any plans to include any funding for an upcoming reassessment in that.
I think we're always, you know, it's in the back of our minds.
There's pending court cases.
Of course, it's a main topic of analysis for our government review commission.
So, we really are, you know, we've, we'll put money aside.
Or reassessments are very expensive.
So, we'll take, you know, planning ahead of time in order to complete a reassessment fully.
But really, we are waiting for the government review commission to.
Take their findings.
Send them the item and present us.
Present to all of us in the final report on how to best move forward.
When can we expect the report? Is that the number?
When, I know when we get that?
Is it the number?
If you're right now, you're going to get the item.
October.
Oh, cool. All right. Awesome. Thank you very much.
Anyone else?
Thank you.
Of course.
Thank you, council.
Yes.
Oh.
Sorry.
It's hard when you're in the front.
I just wanted to say congratulations.
So the housing executive and I supported to express my excitement for her and wish her all the best in the coming months during the pregnancy.
And I look forward to working with her. Thank you.
Thank you Madam President.
No, thank you.
I'm going to go to law.
1, 4, 0, 1, 6, 10, 2, 6.
A proclamation recognizing Trevor Windard for his exceptional leadership in dedicated services the Warden
of the Allegheny County Jails sponsored by Council Member Halon.
Okay.
What's up round two?
What's up, round two?
Hello.
Oh.
Okay.
Yeah.
Then, right people up here?
Okay.
Thank you.
Oh, my God.
So thank you.
You should have.
Yeah.
I'll say it for you, God.
And you have to be happy for some people.
I want to talk to you.
Okay. This is just automatically on top.
Okay, everybody.
I have just been a lot of time trying to reconcile within myself the fact that I am an abolitionist
and I love our Warden simultaneously.
It has been a very difficult thing for me personally as I think I've conveyed to you and others numerous times.
When I remember the first time I met Warden Wingard and I was mad, you know, about a whole bunch of things.
But he was just a real person.
And I remember the first time a reporter asked me, you know, what do you think about this guy?
And I was like, he reminds me of my friends that.
And the funny part is over the time you've been here.
You have become like a father figure to me.
I go to you when I'm mad about things.
I go to you when I'm sad about things.
You're funny but in like a corny way.
And the coolest part is is that I know that you make me better just by being around you.
So the jail prior to Warden Wingard being here was a horrible place.
And I'll be completely honest.
It's still not a great place.
Please no one go there today.
Okay.
But I know that you along with your team and I know you.
You're going to stand up here and say it with all your team.
I know it's a lot of everything that these people bring to the table.
All of the successes that we've seen.
But they needed a leader.
They needed a leader who believed in them.
Who believed that our jail didn't have to be the deadliest jail Pennsylvania.
Who believed that every single person that came through the door of that jail.
Whether it be an incarcerated person or a staff member deserves to be treated with respect.
To deserve to be seen as the human that they are deserve to be cared for.
You brought that to them.
So as much as you want to not give yourself credit for all the changes that we've seen just in your short tenure here.
You deserve it.
And I don't think there's a single person who has ever worked with you.
I know the county executive on the jail oversight board members of council.
Other members of the board is all robbed here and manning here.
The public commenters that we see it every single jail oversight board meeting day here tonight for you.
Because of how much of an impact you have had in this sort of amount of time.
I'm so pissed about that.
Okay.
In this sort amount of time you've been here, we have seen changes that we have fought for.
How even before I've been on council.
Stuff that we were fighting for happened under your leadership.
Stuff that incarcerated's people's families have been begging for pleading for for decades.
Happened under your leadership.
That is something that should not ever go unnoticed.
And I know you didn't have the easiest to go about it, right?
I know that there were a lot of people within the jail who didn't make your life easy.
I know there were times that you would probably say, I didn't make your life that easy.
I know there were times that I texted or called you a midnight because there was a crisis happening.
But you picked up and you fixed it.
And if you didn't know how to fix it, you sent me to the person who could.
Like that is not what I ever envisioned we could have in this county or even as a warden in general.
That is something that I'm so mad and North Carolina for stealing you for me.
I might never go to the entire state ever again because of us.
And I know that I'm so excited to hear that today our interim warden Connie Clark was announced.
Yeah, she is very bad.
And I've seen how closely you two work together and how much you helped her in your time as our warden.
I know that it was a really toxic place and you made a lot of progress.
I know that it was a really scary place and it still is.
But I know that you personally, when I had someone in jail who was terrified, who had never been there before,
or a mother who was terrified that her child was going to die in that place, you called them personally.
You went to their pod, you went to their cell and you talked to them.
That is not a typical warden.
You are a unicorn.
How a world I'm ever going to find somebody to fill your shoes is beyond me.
I know I'm going to be calling you all the time and help hope in that you have some ideas and advice.
I'm sure Connie and everyone else here are still going to rely on you in your leadership.
I do have a sister in North Carolina.
So I guess I'll be taking you out to lunch or something when I'm done being a little mad at you for leaving me.
But beyond that, I'm so grateful to you.
I never ever ever thought I would be giving a proclamation to a warden.
But you deserve it.
And you deserve a hell of a lot more than I can give you tonight.
But I would like to read the proclamation and then ask you if you have any words to say.
Okay.
A proclamation recognizing Trevor Winger.
Whereas I came out of retirement to be the warden at the Allegheny County jail,
because I knew it was a special place capable of doing more than people realized.
Those words from warden Trevor Winger'd reflect his unwavering belief in the potential of the Allegheny County jail.
The dedication of its employees and the importance of building a correctional facility grounded in accountability, transparency and rehabilitation.
And whereas Mr. Winger, a 28-year correctional professional, was named warden of the ACJ on January 9, 2025.
Having previously served as acted warding of the ACJ in 2011,
Deputy Secretary for the Western Region of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections,
Superintendent of FCI, Somerset in SCI, Laurel Highlands, and numerous leadership roles throughout the Commonwealth.
He brought decades of experience, integrity, and vision to Allegheny County.
And whereas under his leadership, the ACJ has improved medical care and intake procedures,
introduced new programs to aid in the rehabilitation and reentry of incarcerated people,
increased standards for professionalism among jail staff, and improved transparency and communication with the jail oversight board.
One of the things I'm most grateful for.
The public and advocacy organizations.
Warden Winger'd also implemented several structural and operational changes.
A new unit management structure was created to enhance oversight on housing units and a population manager was hired
and an effort to reduce the jail population and ensure incarcerated individuals are not held in the jail for unnecessary lengths of time.
And whereas Warden Winger was committed to innovative rehabilitation efforts,
where he established a partnership with animal friends of Pittsburgh,
something I will say I was super skeptical about if you remember.
When you first brought the idea, but it's been incredible ever since.
I know, but don't tell.
Drawing upon his previous experience with K9 programs in state correctional facilities,
allowing incarcerated individuals to train shelter dogs for adoption while promoting responsibility,
compassion, and life skills that benefit both participants in the community.
He also embraced innovation by expanding opportunities for incarcerated individuals through modern technology
and improved compensation programs that promote dignity, personal growth, and successful reintegration into the community.
And whereas believing that a successful correctional institution depends upon a supportive workforce,
Warden Winger'd improved working conditions for employees by establishing a dedicated room where officers could communicate privately with their families while on duty,
advancing plans for a staff fitness center,
and creating an employee volunteer program that enabled staff members to assist outside organizations,
which strength and relationships and transparency between advocacy groups.
And whereas throughout his tenure, Warden Winger'd earned the confidence and respect of county council,
the jail oversight board, jail employees, and community stakeholders.
There is willingness to engage openly and honestly, his collaborative leadership and dedication to meaningful reform
represented a significant departure from prior administrations under statement of the year, and helped restore public confidence in the leadership of the ACJ.
And whereas while Warden Winger'd's departure is bittersweet, he leaves behind an institution that is stronger, more transparent, and better position for continued success.
Reflecting on his decision to accept a position in North Carolina, he stated,
we've made huge strides, and the staff will continue to afford him forward momentum after I depart.
Demonstrating both his confidence in the dedicated professionals he leaves behind, and the personal values that have guided his distinguished career.
Now, therefore, be a result that I, Allegheny County Council member Bethany Hallum, do hereby recognize and command Trevor Winger
for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service as Warden of the Allegheny County jail.
Express my deepest appreciation for his unwavering commitment to transparency and meaningful correctional reform.
Congratulate him on his new opportunity in North Carolina and extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes for continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Thank you very much.
First of all, I thought it was hot in here for J.O.B.
So this will be brief because this is about 100 degrees, but first of all, thank you very much.
But as of August 1st, your number will be blocked.
So we know more of that.
That's the beautiful feature about an iPhone.
But I'll just be very brief.
She's right. This team here that all came up here.
There are a few of the thousand people that work at that facility.
I don't know if everyone knows that there's a thousand people that work at that facility.
They're all mostly tax-paying members of this county, and they're just down there doing a job.
We tried to do this last 18 months or so is bill partnerships.
And those partnerships that Bethany talked about, where everything from every stakeholder, every person who comes into that facility,
we just tried to treat everyone better and just meet them where they're at.
Just meet people where they're at.
And that obviously includes the staff and the incarcerated folks.
Those are people that we talk about the most, but there's so many people that have so much to do with that facility.
Throughout my career, I've made so many friends and acquaintances, different levels of positions.
And I kind of thought when I accepted this position in North Carolina, that it would be an easy exit for me.
And it's not because of how many relationships we formed here in the city.
It's been amazing to work for county executive and her team.
When I went through the very, you know, aggressive hiring process with her, we had a very frank conversation about,
you're going to run the facility and we're going to stay out of the way.
And that's exactly what happened, but the beautiful thing was when we needed her and her team to help us, they were there for us.
They did not, they did not ever say, here's how you do this and here's how you do that, but we went to them and asked many, many questions that they were there to support us.
There are a lot of people doing amazing work down there from the newest corrections officer to the most senior doctor in the facility.
I hope everyone understands how hard that job is and the amazing things they're doing down there.
This team to come up here like this, I can't thank them enough, but they're just assembling of what we have to offer down there.
And our process last year and a half has been to, to just build bridges and get everyone understand that it's maybe not whatever one of the things it is.
So we've tried hard to do that.
This has been a tough decision for me to leave.
But congratulations as everyone knows that any of you have adult children or young adult children, you know that it's tough when you don't live close to them.
So an opportunity came out of nowhere to have a position in the North Carolina Department of Corrections and I'm really excited to work for them.
If they support me, a small percentage as much as this team has supported me and this kind of executive and county manager of supported me, it's going to be a really good ride in North Carolina.
So thank you all very much.
Thank you Bethany.
The Joe oversight board that was one of our initiatives right off the bat is to have a very very transparent and better relationship with them and I think we're there.
There are times we have missed up we obviously missed up every you know we make mistakes and we try to correct them but we correct those mistakes with help from the Joe oversight board and help from the county executive and her team so.
I look forward to watching that facility move forward under the leadership of of interim warden clerk.
They're going to do amazing things is that facility moves forward and I hope you all appreciate that get to watch along with me.
All very much.
Thank you.
Yeah.
I know it's all through.
That's the last one.
Yeah.
I didn't know.
That's the real one.
Yeah.
If you like that guy's player, you know,
there's a run.
I see.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Thank you very much.
Hello, thank you.
Thank you very much.
Bye guys.
Thank you very much.
I proclamation recognizing Corey Wilson for being the winner of Council's first civic engagement
competition sponsored by Council Member Rose.
All right, this is a very exciting proclamation.
As I'm sure you all probably know politics tends to be a little older with all respect to my colleagues.
It is actually quite miraculous that there's two or twenty-something year old members on council myself.
That's usually doesn't happen.
So since politics is still often dominated by folks a little later on in life, I thought it was important to highlight
some of the good work in civic engagement that our youth in Allegheny County are doing as well.
Because as we all hopefully should know, someone does not have to be old to be engaged in their community and try to make it a better place.
It's extremely exciting to be all honor.
Corey, our first junior council member who does you have seen is with us on the diets tonight.
And I mean, she has done terrific work in our community.
We're going to hear all about it in a second when I read the proclamation here.
But I am also particularly excited that she was able to work with our amazing staff and draft a motion tonight,
encouraging the combating of stormwater runoff into our rivers.
And it's just so excellent to see young young people getting engaged in the legislative process,
putting in that work and trying to make a difference in their community.
So let me read this proclamation because I'm very excited to do so.
So whereas civic engagement is the cornerstone of a strong democracy,
encouraging young people to participate helps ensure that future generations remain informed,
involved and committed the strength in their communities.
The Allegheny County, civic engagement competition was established in Spire students throughout Allegheny County
to explore the importance of public service and civic participation.
Providing a platform for young learners to share innovative ideas and meaningful experiences
that promote civic responsibility.
And whereas Corey Wilson, a recent graduate of the Schaeeler area high school,
distinguished yourself as the first place winner of the inaugural Allegheny County
civic engagement competition through her thoughtful essay, esteemed leadership and commitment to community outreach.
With a passion for helping others and profound empathy for those around her,
Corey has impacted countless lives.
And whereas recognizing that many students in our school district struggle with poverty
are not always able to take care of their basic needs.
Corey volunteer to collect hygiene products, school supplies, food, clothing, and more,
for students the most in need.
By encouraging her peers to volunteer with her community,
don't make Corey was able to form a free store for the student body.
Later called the Titan Community Collective.
The stores volume volunteer, sorry.
The stores volunteers strip the stigma away from asking for help
and ensure that others could be taken care of without feeling single doubt.
And whereas as a leader of her schools,
the light club Corey spries the foster inclusivity by encouraging students to embrace
the culture and traditions of others.
By encouraging her classmates on by engaging her classmates on their differences.
She attended the eradicate hate global students on each year,
allowing her to talk with other students and bring some ideas to bring their respective communities together.
Through her experience, she was able to speak with survivors of the Tree of Life
synagogue shooting in Squirrel Hill.
Inspiring her the advocate for inclusivity beyond her school.
And whereas in her role as president of the Schaeeler area high school sustainability club,
Corey partnered with the Millville Community Development Corporation
to create a new park where she gave families a safe space to bring their children
by planting native plants and selling rain barrels in designing two rain gardens.
Corey led another project with the sustainability club to educate the community
about recycling and repurposing.
Encouraging her peers to collect the clean and sort over 600 pounds of plastic bottle caps.
Corey and the sustainability club were able to repurpose them into park benches
that were later donated to the rainbow wrecked in park.
More recent, a small group of students from the club worked with the Etna Green Court
to create the first ever pine creaks sustainability fair inviting many nonprofits
and small businesses the foster sustainability.
And whereas between working athletics and maintaining exceptional grades,
Corey told me she works three jobs which is crazy.
I worked too and I can barely do.
So Corey's dedication to helping her community is not at all easy,
but it was her twin brother Devon's diagnosis with an extremely rare autoimmune disease
that gave her the strength to give back the way she does.
An able to sit quietly while her family was struggling.
Corey used civic leadership as an outlet for her emotions
striving to make her brother proud.
In February, Devon successfully received a kidney transplant
recognized for her commitment to community and sustainability.
She was inducted into the National Green School Society at the US Capitol
going this past May.
Now, therefore, be a result of the eye council member Alex Rose
due here by recognized and commend Corey Wilson for winning first place
in the inaugural Allegheny County Council, civic engagement competition.
And congratulate her for her outstanding dedication
to the well-being of her community and the environment.
And witness where I appear into cause the CLB Allegheny County
to be a fixed this 14th of day of July, 2020-6.
So I had this whole speech repaired,
but he honestly went over a lot of what I was gonna be
talking about, but hi guys, my name is Corey Wilson
and I wanted to start off by thanking the council for selecting
as a winner for the civic engagement competition.
It has been an incredible honor to share all the work I did in high school.
And I wanted to also thank all the teachers that made it possible for me.
One of them is here Mrs. Nelson.
She was my sustainability teacher, and she ran the sustainability club.
I led the club as co-president this past year.
And as you heard, a lot of the things I did,
like the creation and maintenance of Rainbow Rock and Park in Millville,
the school wide and community collection of plastic bottle caps,
planet trees, there's so many things I've done.
So many incredible opportunities and experiences that I've had to get,
go on to get, sorry.
I love going to the capital building.
That was such an amazing experience.
And then my other teachers, they're not here today,
but Mrs. D. Pascal and Mrs. Pekarsuke, I wanted to thank them.
They helped me so much on this journey to going to the eradicate hate global summits
and getting to hear the stories of the survivors of the tree of life's synagogue shooting.
It was such an incredible experience.
And I was so happy to bring that back to my school and share their stories.
I also helped create the time community collective,
which we started that this past October.
And it was so incredible to see how it really took off.
And the community got together.
We had so many donations.
And it was so amazing to just see everyone come out and do that for our community.
It was incredible.
I also was elected from all this volunteer work to be a part of our Student Superintendent Advisory Committee.
And I got to talk with our superintendents about giving feedback about things to change around the school
and give them requests to bring down the barriers between the students and the faculty.
While it has been amazing sharing about my volunteer work,
I wanted to talk about my twin brother for a second. He's right over here.
He got very sick ourselves on my year of high school with a very rare autoimmune disease.
It's called GPA Vascularitis and a second disease called A House.
I don't know if I said that right.
And he was originally in the hospital for over 90 days in and out after that.
And he had many obstacles along the way, seizures, his lungs collapsed.
All this while I'm stone school, he was out.
He's lucky he got to skip most high school.
But because of the secondary disease, he did enter kidney failure, which caused them to need dialysis and a kidney transplant.
Which I'm extremely happy to say he got a kidney transplant this past February and is doing pretty good.
Well, all that was really, really hard to handle.
It took a really cute show on our family and me.
I used that as he said in the proclamation.
I used that energy and my emotions go help my community because it feels good to help no matter how small it may be.
Lastly, I want to give one last special thanks to Mrs. Nelson because I couldn't have got through high school without her.
And I wanted to thank the council again for recognizing me and rewarding the work I did in high school.
Thank you.
I believe Ms. Norton Nord is unable to join us tonight.
Yes.
A proclamation congratulating that the ladies and gentlemen's team of anti-capitalist bowling league on being named the 2026 champion sponsored by council member Hallow.
What is that?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the best team name out of it.
Yeah, I'm really creative.
Congrats.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I love that.
That's Sophie.
Oh, perfect.
Great logo.
Well, my departed colleague Anita Prissio used to do this proclamation and I'm truly honored to carry on.
Yes, she's not dead. She is just no longer on council.
But I miss her every day, even though Lisa is amazing, we're happy to have her.
But so I thought it was fitting to carry on the tradition of the anti-capitalist bowling league winning team proclamation.
A proclamation recognizing the ladies and gentlemen's team.
Whereas the best communities are those formed by individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs.
Allagini County enjoys the opportunity to recognize and applaud the many collaborative groups and efforts of its citizens.
And whereas founded in 2024, the anti-capitalist bowling league was formed to bring together organizers from across Allagini County in a social setting.
The league is made up of activists and reformers involved in political campaigns, mutual aid, media, social work, education, union organizing.
And where as with many different people from a host of backgrounds and with unique ideologies, the anti-capitalist Bullying League seeks to build and promote community identity among those who work towards a world centered around the work in needs of all people, while still rejecting the current politics based on privatized accumulation and amassoration of the masses.
And whereas first established as a way to build community and tighten the bonds of neighbors who work, think, and organize together, the anti-capitalist Bullying League continues to offer a social environment focused on networking and collaboration and not just another meeting ground for comrades.
And whereas over three years of competition, the anti-capitalist Bullying League has grown to 100 players spread across 14 teams.
It takes up all of the front lanes at Arsenal lanes every other Monday night when the league is running.
And whereas this year, the anti-capitalist Bullying League has crowned its third champion and proclaims the VADES and GENTIAL VAMS, as the 2020-6 Champions.
Their first championship as a team. And whereas, through their victory, the VADES and GENTIAL VAMS team made up of members, Morgan Parker, please,
with Sam Jess Pass, guest pass. Thank you. David Greef, Liz Kubek, Kenny Moss, sirn, and Andrea O'vara Lusher have demonstrated a commendable amount of skill teamwork and dedication. Was it like a close season or did you guys blow them away?
Okay, glad to hear. Now, for Beat Resolve, but I, Allegheny County Council member Bethany Hallum, do hereby congratulate the VADES and GENTIAL VAMS team and its members, Morgan Sam, David Liz, Kenny and Andrea, for their commitment to their beliefs and combined efforts as well as for their 2026 championship victory in the anti-capitalist Bullying League.
Thank you. Thank you. I just want to thank everybody for, thank councilwoman Hallum for the great proclamation. Thank you on council as well for that.
This year has been a tremendous year for the anti-capitalist Bullying League. It's definitely the best most fun that I've ever had with it.
And I can say that I think probably the most surprising thing to me was that there were games that I went to that I did not bull in, but I was absolutely riveted the entire time.
We had some really tremendous matches. I had the best score there ever had in my Bullying career. I got a 177 so, yeah.
So it really has been a tremendous year and I strongly encourage everybody who was involved with this year to take part in it again.
It's a unique opportunity that we have and hopefully in the future will build these kinds of things so we can have the strong community that we deserve here.
We want to take a picture with us please.
Thank you very much.
Before we get to 1407 we have 1401-4-26 the proclamation congratulating Marcy Lee Nord upon retirement after 37 years with the Allegheny County Public Defenders Office sponsored by Councilmember Hallum.
1401-2-6 is a proclamation congratulating young brothers par on their 20th anniversary in the United communities sponsored by Councilmember Hallum.
1401-2-6 is a proclamation congratulating green tree burrow on its designation as a bird town Pennsylvania community sponsored by Councilmember Palmesina.
1401-2-6 is a proclamation congratulating the Newspallity of Monroeville on the occasion of its 75th anniversary sponsored by Councilmember Naccharate.
And 1402-0-2-6 is a proclamation recognizing the United States Steel Corporation on the occasion of its 125th anniversary sponsored by Councilmember Paul Mary and Adams.
We have a few. First up is Sharon Bonifolia.
Sharon Bonifolia for the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network.
I'm not used to seeing you there.
Last comfortable seat.
So I am with the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network. We are one of the stakeholders that was invited to meet Ward Wengard when he first showed up with a bunch of other stakeholders.
And I listen to the meeting people said, what do you think of the new warden? I said, two words.
These are paintings.
Puppies and paintings will be in the jail.
And woof, it's okay, Bethany. They're not mean. Both of them showed up and it was great.
And along with that was what he brought in terms of the encouragement for the people that were already around him like Connie Clark.
We congratulate you for being the Intermorden. We are so grateful that you are there.
And the unit managers that he helped to personally hire the population manager that he hired.
We have absolutely as a goal. We open to see the decrease of the population at the Allegheny County jail.
We do not have a staff shortage. We have too many people there.
And the new schedule that was implemented and I will say, I'll do his work for him and say, there's a new schedule that's being implemented in the jail right now that is directly related to the unit managers that he hired who are promoting and putting that together.
And they're doing that serve because you hired them because you saw the vision of what they could be there.
And see, it'll make me cry that you're leaving the office. It is a tragedy. I consider it a tragedy at the jail that you're not going to be there.
So I will be forever grateful. Pin will be forever grateful for the impact that you've had there.
And now I will turn my attention here and give a little way of the finger folks because I'm not smiling at y'all.
I don't buy for a minute. I'm not an idiot and I wasn't born yesterday. I don't buy for a minute that he's leaving the Allegheny County jail.
Because after 18 months of putting into place all the things that needed to be there for change to happen.
All of a sudden, he missed this family. I call BS real loud and clear in this and I hope you all are asking that question too.
Because I'm sure that's why he's going to North Carolina. I'm not sure that's why he's leaving here.
And whoever is in his place right now, Connie Clark, and whoever that final person is that are dog on well have the full support of the Seren Amarato Administration and this County Council in order to move the direction of that jail continuously in a positive form.
We are here because we are watching and we want you to know that. Thank you. Thank you so much.
Next up is Diana Hall.
Diana Hall from the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network.
Council members, I want to acknowledge the departure of warden wind guard and to stress the meaningful progress that occurred at the Allegheny County jail under his leadership.
I am disappointed and saddened to see a leave.
The public impends all real concrete improvements at the ACJ that supported both the staff and the residents who live there.
Warden Wind Guard's Strength and Family Connection by expanding table access, tablet access, and increasingly charged increasing charge stations on the pod.
Small changes that made a big difference to the people trying to stay connected.
We encourage local organizations to share their talents inside the jail, bringing education, creativity and a touch of humanity that is so necessary.
Under his leadership, the ACJ even hosted a volunteer appreciation event where residents spoke directly about their experiences.
That kind of openness matters.
He also invested in staff development supporting cross facility learning new training models and opportunities for professional growth.
All of this improved safety reduces tension and builds trust something we need desperately.
These changes made a life that daily life that ACJ better.
They gave volunteers and community members a clearer pathway to contribute.
And they showed that humane, practical reform is possible when leadership is committed to it.
I hope you, county council, do not inside of the progress made under Warden Wind Guard's time at the ACJ.
The next warden must continue this momentum.
The transparency, the dignity, the community, the partnership, and respect for the people who live and work inside the jail.
Warden Wind Guard.
I hope your new place of employment recognizes your gifts and your talents and gives you the support you need.
Thank you for what you did your accomplishments at the ACJ.
Thank you.
Next up is Joe Shonessey.
There's a member of Penn and Allegheny County.
I'm sorry to hear about the departure of Warden Wind Guard.
He responds in real time to family members who speak at the jail oversight board meetings.
He's brought transparency to the jail oversight board.
Warden Wind Guard has improved correctional officers' communications with their families while they are on duty.
This act alone aids CEOs quality of life and shows a strong commitment to jail staff which helps recruit the best staff possible.
Lastly, he is a 10 of two all-speakers at the JB meetings, even me.
If you should doubt the accuracy of these claims, please go to the ACJ oversight board's YouTube channel and watch a few minutes of the previous Warden reports from Orlando Harper.
Then, compare them to Warden Wind Guard's reports and his demeanor during these meetings.
I think the behavioral difference between the two men is glaring.
Thank you for your service, Warden Wind Guard.
I would be remembered by most of us, almost everybody.
But especially myself, in Pennsylvania, Interfaith Impact Network.
I want to congratulate chronic clerk for becoming the Interrem Warden.
Next up is Tom Bailey.
Good evening.
I don't have any proclamations and I'm not going to stand for a photo by appreciate everything you've done already.
I do stand in support of Bill 14402, one by Mr. Rose.
To preview, I feel that Pennsylvania Supreme Court's position on the Environmental Rights Amendment has been consistent and they're an advocate.
And I also fear that this council doesn't apply environmental rights amendment enough.
So I practice criminal defense law for five years.
I was a public defender and doff accounting for two and a half of those.
So I have some experience in preparing arguments for my clients under Pennsylvania Constitution Article 1.
And that's the one that deals with inherent rights.
I'm not just the government gave them to us.
It's that we have those rights.
And Mr. Rose is billed to me, urges County residents to reduce stormwater runoff.
And he quotes the environmental rights amendment in the second paragraph.
My problem is what I don't understand is the third paragraph says that the environmental rights amendment,
the quote is very much still in a work and progress and quote.
Well, again in my experience, public policy battles are going on all the time.
As a defense attorney, we'd go into a room and sometimes the judge was favoring prosecution or they're favoring defense.
And some you didn't know because they changed.
In this room right now, there may be people that support environmental protections.
And there may be some of you that think the businesses should be protected.
And some of you may make that decision on a daily basis how you feel.
So I feel that these public policy battles are always going to happen.
So if the bills is written now says it's still working a progress, yes it is.
And I think that there's two examples.
So I would point to and I'd ask you if you have a moment.
So look at the room.
The Commonwealth Court has routinely been pro-business. And they have found several times against these two cases I'm going to bring up, which is Robinson Township and the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation. The Commonwealth Court found against the plaintiffs in those. And when they repealed, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, this is 2013, when the Environmental Rights Amendment very strongly to support the people.
2017, Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation filed a suit when the Commonwealth Court, and this is where they alleged that the general assembly was spending money that was supposed to be used for conservation matters in the general fund.
And again, the Commonwealth Court found for the state. But on appeal, and this is a majority decision, Robinson is a plurality. Majority decision with Environmental Rights Amendment, and supported it.
This body in 2022 passed a bill to ban tracking in your parks. You've already used this statute. I think you should use it more and more. I don't see a fear. So I would urge you to go with Mr. Rose.
Thank you. Next up is Mohammed DeSaire.
All right. I'm here today to say a few words about the warden. Now it's no secret that I'm not really a fan of wardens or a fan of jails.
In fact, as a member of the jail oversight board, I was the only one that voted against his appointment. But it wasn't because I didn't have faith in his ability to lead the jail.
It wasn't because of anything that you said that I didn't like or I didn't agree with. It was a matter of principle.
But over these past 18 months or year and a half, you really showed and proved to me that you deserve to be there.
You know, a lot of people said a lot of things. There's no way I can, you know, come close to what Bethany said.
And it could only go folks up in. Yeah, no, no, I'm not going to talk. But you really display some true character, some true dignity, and I respect you a lot. I respect you a lot.
Some of the things that have been proved to jail. Of course, the unit managers on a big fan of the payments to the incarcerated folks.
Always supporting us whenever I was up for a vote. I appreciate that. I make a huge difference. As you know, the jail worker pay.
For folks who don't know, you know, incarcerated individuals who work in a jail now get paid for that work.
That's not something that, you know, happens in every jail. But most importantly, your relationship that you established with the jail oversight board.
I've been coming to the jail oversight board meetings since like 2020.
I've seen all of them, you know what I mean. And of course, I've been in the jail a few times before I started coming to the jail oversight board meetings.
So I know how to meetings were before you. And I know how to you are now. And I do have absolute faith that that interim warden kind of clerk.
We can tell you in the path that you laid out. So we're really, really, really appreciative of that.
The last thing I said to warden Harper was that nobody was going to miss anybody.
And, you know, anger, maybe, you know, maybe, maybe, but, you know, we really don't pay how many men, you know what I'm saying.
I will say that a lot of people are going to miss you here, truly.
I cannot count them on a terms that if we had any issue with anybody in a jail, we can talk to you directly.
And we appreciate that man. I can't say it enough. Now, before voting no on your appointment, I said, I didn't believe that there was such thing as a good warden.
But I got to say, you don't want to let go once.
And last up on agenda items, we have to niche a long.
All right, to niche a long here in my individual capacity, because my job would never let me do this.
I really can't follow Bethany. There was a lot there.
All right, to niche a long here in my individual capacity, because my job would never let me do this.
Wouldn't win, you know, that I have to deeply respect you, because I sat through all of those proclamations.
But more importantly, we are ideologically opposed on a lot of issues.
When Mani voted no, as he wanted to remind you, he said, there are no good warden, there are no jails.
And we're never going to align on that issue, right?
And I was known as the Allegheny County, am known as the Allegheny County Jails, number one hater, but I hate with ethics and nuance.
And that that ethically nuanced take leads me to believe that while those jails exist, we need people who are committed to making them better.
And I do believe you are committed to making them better.
Me and Warden Harper had a relationship that can best be described as contentious.
And that's being polite.
And through that relationship, I was left to believe that nobody in the county cared about the jail as much as Bethany Hallem, myself and Mani.
But I do believe that you were dedicated to making the jail better.
I saw that through increased programming. I saw that through the vast amount of changes on the youth pod.
I saw that through level of access.
And I saw that through the fact that at no point was I ever afraid to talk to you or did I ever feel that you were not listening.
I think that you faced a lot of challenges with your CO staff.
And I think that you were going to face the same challenges Connie, but I genuinely think that there wasn't a better pick for an interim warden.
I have a lot of faith in the work you'll do.
I don't believe that there will ever be a time where I'm up here thanking Warden again unless Connie does a phenomenal job, which I think she might.
But what I will say and I say this to Council and I say this to the county executive.
The reason we got such a good warden is because there was a public participation process that was feedback.
A lot of time went into it. I believe a year to hire this warden.
And I think that same amount of time Karen effort needs to go into selecting the next one and I believe that the public needs to be involved.
The people who shop to the jail or recite board meetings, the council members, the community members.
They need to have a saying this process because this is proof that it works.
So we cannot neglect that for future processes and we cannot rush it.
This is not a decision that we can rush and if we have someone who is competent someone who is taught by the previous warden who can hold that down, we have time to take time.
So out of respect for everybody who wants to go home. I'm going to end right there.
And thank you, genuinely, before you've done.
We have none.
Also none.
That's a resolution of the County of Alleghenia,
and many of the grants special accounts budget for 2026, submission number 426, sponsored by the Chief Executive.
Mr. Thomas Dana.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Budget and Finance Committee met on July 9th, and the firmly recommended is resolution.
I move for approval.
Second.
We have a roll call, please.
On the motion approved. Mr. Adam.
Mr. Bada.
Yes.
Mr. Katina.
Mr. Liar.
Yes.
Mr. Fattolis.
Yes.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Madonna Amirling.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Missina.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
Yes.
Ms. Gallagher Schillman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
President McReady-Chakis.
Yes.
I.
I. 14. No. Zero.
Go past.
14. Zero.
The resolution of the county of Alleghenia,
and many of the grants of special accounts budget for
2026, but submission number 05-26,
sponsored by the chief executive.
Mr. Paul Missina.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Once again, the budget and finance committee met on July 9th
and a friendly recommended is resolution.
I move for approval.
Second.
Roll call, please.
On the motion approved. Mr. Adam.
Mr. Bada.
Mr. Katina.
Mr. Liar.
Yes.
I apologize.
Did I hear Mr. Katina's vote?
Yes.
I think that was a agreement.
Yes. Thank you very much.
Mr. Liar.
Mr. Liar. Mr. Fatollus.
Yes.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Halum.
Yes.
Mr. Klein. Yes.
Ms. Madonna Amirling. Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary. Yes.
Mr. Paul Massina. Yes.
Mr. Rose. Yes.
Ms. Gallagher Schillman. Yes.
Mr. Walton.
Yes.
President McRadiachakis.
Yes.
I-15.
No. Zero.
The bill passes.
Thank you.
Committee on Government Reform, Second Reading.
1-3894-26.
An ordinance to the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Mending and Supplementing, and Get Ministry of Code of Allegheny County,
Article 311 entitled, Official Actions of County Council.
For the creation of a new section 5-3111.10 entitled,
appointments in order to establish term limits for individuals
whose nominations for appointment to county entities
or approved by Council sponsored by Council Member Skrissbeck,
Feliachi, and Halum.
Mr. Krissbeck.
Would you like to make a motion to approve?
So we can, again, discussion on this bill?
Yes. Mr. Vice President.
This bill was a firmly recommended at the July 2nd,
2026 Committee on Government Reform after being amended.
And can I make a motion to approve?
Second.
All right.
Now I would like to introduce amendment and correspondence.
One.
Please, Mr. Barker.
Or Mr. Krissbeck.
Mr. Krissbeck.
I believe you have an amendment to offer.
Please make it.
Okay.
So I have a motion on the floor.
Can I get a second?
Second.
So just to explain what this motion does as we hand it out.
So I guess bill as a whole is to place
term limits on our county boards and commissions.
There's kind of two facets to that as it pertains to county council.
So the first one pertains to our ability to approve
appointments, right?
Most of the appointments that we get are not ones that we put forth.
Rather, they are ones that we get from the county executive's office.
And then we approve them.
That part stays as written.
But if you look in the ordinance and you see the single line that is
struck through and then replaced with some additional
verbage right under appointments,
basically what I did was I changed it from no individual.
Should be nominated for appointment to the same position with any board,
authority commission or other entity more than four times.
Instead of that, I put out any county council,
shall not nominate an individual.
The reason for that is, you know, as you all received or
solicitor did review this piece of legislation and felt that this is
a satisfactory piece of legislation.
He identified no legal concerns.
However, the counties legal department had a bit of a different
interpretation.
They had concerns about us potentially using
Serpent, the Allegheny County Executive Authority.
I don't personally agree with that.
Particularly opinion, however, by changing the legislation in this
manner, it makes sure that we are only addressing county council's
power to potentially circumvent any future
friction or consternation between us and the executive's office
while still functionally accomplishing these same
exact thing with the legislation.
Did anyone have any questions for that?
I would annotate a motion to adopt respect to some
second.
Any discussion?
Any further discussion?
If I have a roll call vote, please.
On the motion to adopt amendment,
Chris Vick, too.
Mr. Adam.
Yes.
Mr. Bada.
Yes.
Mr. Katana.
Yes.
Mr. Katana.
Yes.
Mr. Katana.
No.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Howell.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Madonna Emerling.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Massina.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
Yes.
Ms. Gaggers-Scholman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
Yes.
President Akari Chakus.
Yes.
I.
I. 12. No. 3. The amendments adopted.
I.
I. We still have the bill itself.
Yes.
That's right.
I'm sorry about that.
If we could Mr. Vice President.
Just a brief discussion on what the bill does as a whole.
Please.
Yes.
So as I kind of started to elude to, this bill puts a term limit of four total terms on all of our boards and commissions.
There was an amendment that I alluded to previously.
Wow.
It was in committee.
What that did was it limited to only apply to boards and commissions in which the county has complete a full authority.
So, for example, a board such as, I don't know what a good example is.
Like the.
Oh.
No.
First of the parks would still be local authority, but like sports in exhibition authority.
I believe there are other entities like the state that have appointees or the airport authority is a good example of one that we just gave appointments to.
On boards and commissions like that, we would not apply this legislation to.
It would only be ones like the parks that are fully in house in Allegheny County.
The reason that we chose to adopt that amendment is one.
Some legal questions on boards in which state had authority and then also the thought process of.
We would not want to artificially limit the impact and the influence of the county on those boards and commissions.
So we know that one of the big things you could argue for or against term limits, but I'll say against term limits in my case is that you get folks who are in trench for a long period of time.
There's in trench power structures, the same people are making decisions over and over and over again, while I think that is often a negative in the case of making sure that the counties and these are advocated for.
We did not want to artificially limit ourselves by saying, hey, Allegheny County Council employees are Allegheny.
County employees, you could only serve for four terms, but say a state appointee could then go for six or seven or even eight terms, right?
That person would be more likely to be the chair of those committees. They would be more likely to have more power as a result.
So that was affirmatively adopted. Has anyone had any questions or any comments?
Any other discussion on the bill?
Yes, this is a continuation of council's efforts to destroy government as it operates as it functions.
You know, when I asked the executive, why she would serve those efforts to repeal a homeable child in terms of the budget?
She makes, she makes the point that the government in her fall position is, is working down.
And it's, um, she will be that it was, um, it was in from her perspective.
The government review commission would be better served in reviewing and advocating for changes.
If they thought they were for, you know, this might, uh, approve a number of nominations that go to reform commission and again.
I think that if we believe that, um, we should be changing this, that we should have gone through the government reform commission.
I think that the time is set in, as is established, was set free.
This continued.
What I believe is what we're going to demonstrate over the course of this evening of the, of the, of the falletions.
I'm already vaccinated of this by anybody else.
Good.
Councilman, while I very much appreciate your perspective.
I would say first off that this is not a charter amendment.
This is simply a change to the code furthermore.
This is certainly not an effort to use our purpose, mental government rather.
It is an effort to get government to work better.
I understand maybe a personal interest in, you know, entrenchment to status close.
And then it's often what we see with termless.
I think that when we look at our government and I think many of us would agree that currently it's probably not working the best it possibly could.
This is a desire to get new perspectives, um, new experiences and new people on many of these boards and commissions and people who haven't had the opportunity to participate historically right.
I don't think that we should think that we are so limited in a county of 1.2 million people that we need to have the same exact people serving on these boards and commissions.
After a year, after a year, I think getting fresh perspectives, fresh ideas will serve us well.
And that's what this seeks to do.
Thank you.
Any other comments?
Now, we'll call on the motion to approve.
As a mentor.
On the motion to approve the bill as amended.
Mr. Adams.
No.
Mr. Bada.
Yes.
Mr. Katana.
Yes.
Mr. Katana.
Yes.
Mr. Leagie.
Yes.
Mr. Ferdolas.
No.
I apologize.
Mr. Ferdolas.
That was a no.
That's a no.
Thank you.
Mr. Grisnak.
Yes.
Ms. Hallem.
Yes.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Madonna.
Yes.
Mr. Palma Sina.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
Yes.
Ms. Guy Grisholman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
No.
President Akariachakis.
Yes.
I.
12.
No.
Three.
The bills amended passes.
One.
Three.
Nine.
Eight.
Five.
I consider this resolution and affirmatively recommend it to the full council for consideration.
At this time, I would offer a motion to approve and ask for a second.
Will that done?
Madame, I believe you have an amendment to offer.
Would you please make a motion to adopt amendment KM-E1?
Yes.
This amendment just removes the date of the next negotiation that the UPMC nurses are engaging in.
As their schedule has changed.
I'll second that amendment.
Any other discussion on the bill?
So, please call your names on change the date.
The last clause was, whereas the nurses have set a July 4 deadline, that deadline has since been pushed out.
So, we are not asking for them to meet the July 4 deadline.
Anything else?
Okay, Roth.
What call vote on emotions or approve?
No.
I mean, sorry on the amendment.
Yes.
On the motion of adopt amendment KM-E1, Mr. Adams.
Yes.
Mr. Bata.
Yes.
Mr. Katina.
Yes.
Ms. Holiage.
Yes.
Mr. Fatollis.
I have to obtain and I will notify you when we get the regular letter.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Halm.
Yes.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. The Donna Emerling.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
Yes.
Ms. Gaggers-Scholman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
Yes.
President McRaeage.
Yes.
I was 14-0 with one abstention.
He mends it up.
No.
Is there any other discussion on the bill?
Yeah.
May I talk about the body of the bill?
So, this is my first piece of legislation on County Council.
A year ago, around this time, I chased down the SCIU Health Care Director during the
Labor Day Parade because I wanted to talk about the Union campaign going on with the
Meaguners as an advanced practitioners.
As a mother of three children, born at Meaguit, two of which were emergency situations, a
union member, a victim of union busting, and a still workers organized for
the staff union in a pit.
This campaign is extremely important to me and to our region.
And I wanted to highlight the work being done by SCIU and the nurses and APPs at Meaguit.
And highlight that the right to organize a union also includes good faith bargaining.
And this legislation encourages UPMC Meaguit administration who lead not only the most
profitable hospital in the UPMC system, but in the state of Pennsylvania.
To come to the table with all due haste to respond to the requests for safe staffing and
invest in their workforce of nurses and advanced practitioners.
And I would especially like to thank my colleagues for the robust support of this legislation
and hope to have emotions to pass it.
Is there any other discussion on the bill?
Okay, you have to have a roll call vote on the motion to approve.
As of on the motion to approve bill 1399826 as amended, Mr. Adams.
Yes, Mr. Bada. Yes, Mr. Katana. Yes.
Mr. Liagit. Yes. Mr. Futulus.
If I have to obtain my children work for the UPMC.
Thank you. Mr. Grisbeck. Yes. Miss Halum. Yes.
Mr. Klein. Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary. Yes. Mr. Paul Miss Sina. Yes. Mr. Rose. Yes.
Ms. Guy Grishoman. Yes. Mr. Walton.
Yes. President Akaradi Chacas. Yes.
I was 14 with no zero with one abstention. The bill was amended passed.
One, two, three, nine.
Thank you. I'm not used to getting novation for these votes.
That's very nice. Thank you very much.
One, three, nine, eight, three, dash, two, six.
The resolution of the County of Allegheny Common,
while the Pennsylvania urging the expansion and modernization of Allegheny Connect
is a unified digital gateway for county government services,
sponsored by Council Member Bada. Mr. Bada.
Thank you, Vice President and Paul Mary.
Committee on Information Technology and Process Improvement on July 9th,
and affirmatively recommended this bill for full council vote,
and I make a motion to approve and would be happy to answer any questions
and give insight on this bill during discussion. Second.
Any discussion at all? Yes. Vice President Paul Mary.
Just to give some context on this bill.
Essentially, this is asking the county executives team to evaluate what it would
look like for us to enhance Allegheny Connect,
which already exists as a digital pathway for a lot of residents in Allegheny
County to unite all of our county services into one unified system.
So imagine any department that you might have having one log in for everything.
I got the idea from the country of Estonia, believe it or not,
which has a program called the East Sonia,
and 100% of their government, I know it's very clever.
But 100% of their government services are available entirely online,
and interestingly enough, their population is almost identical to Allegheny County.
So if an entire country can do it, I think that this is a great example
for how the county of Allegheny can really lead in terms of what we can do
to connect people with the resource that they need.
So we have a roll call vote, please.
All those who approve, Mr. Adams.
Yes. Mr. Bada. Yes. Mr. Katana.
Yes. Mr. Leagie. Yes. Mr. Patolis.
Yes. Mr. Grisbeck. Yes. Mr. Halum. Yes. Mr. Klein. Yes.
Mr. Madonna Amirling. Yes. Mr. Paul Mary. Yes. Mr. Paul Massina. Yes.
Mr. Rose. Yes. Mr. Grisbeck. Yes. Mr. Walton. Yes.
Mr. President McReady Chattis. Yes.
I have 15 of those zero, the bill passes.
Leia is on report, so we have any?
I have a comment.
It's not Leia's on report.
Mr. Maxine is about to be told.
It's not Leia's on report.
This is Leia's on report.
He's going to tell me what I can do.
You asked?
Yeah.
We are about to hear a proposal of an order to be as you did.
That appeals to the previous action.
That this council undertook a month, a month and a half ago.
And I find it really important.
I find it really just in case that we are about to kind of refuse an action to be told.
We, as a council, decided that we would not want to be invited to the whole world
charter and the checks that were set for our free budget.
And we decided to put a family member for it to look to give the moment to try to live
their care.
And now I wonder whether it is because younger, older, new folks find that they may not say
or that that the political wheel out there tells them that these moments too much.
You know.
And so I think that, and particularly, several of these members of the members that
functioned this partner in this review were folks that lived in charge in the governor's form today
to be advocates for that review.
So I think, I think, chickens are starting to come home in the room.
And again, we talked about changes in youth and new ideas.
And I want to know, what is?
Pardon me, Mr. Vice President.
Speaking of the heat being up, I do have a liaison report.
Okay.
We'll do the liaison report.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
As everyone knows, we're about to go on recess.
And so I encourage everyone to utilize our county pools and spray parks.
They're open from 11.30 a.m.
To 7 p.m. daily.
You can utilize North Park, South Park, Voice Park, and settlers cabin.
There's also spray parks at deer lake park and round hill.
As well, we have the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres Ampitheater and South Park Ampitheater. There are a lot of great performers that are going to be there. Food trucks and drink trucks start at 6 p.m., the concerts begin at 7 p.m. 30 and let's otherwise note it. And I think that Councilman Grisbeck should definitely check out Don McLean on July 24th at the South Park Ampitheater.
But besides this, we have nine Allegheny County parks that offer walking hiking and biking trails, fishing lakes, playgrounds, dog parks, nature centers, pickleball and tennis courts, and of course golf courses and driving ranges.
I encourage everyone to check out the Allegheny County website to see what sort of activities that you can engage in over the summer time.
And I encourage my colleagues to revisit their districts and engage in community outreach with our free time. So thank you.
Anybody else?
I have one, believe it or not. We, Mr. Adams and I had an occasion on Sunday to go out to Clayton.
They were celebrating the 4th of July a little later because of other circumstances at a wonderful parade and a wonderful time for the people.
They also presented a proclamation to U.S. Hill in business for 125 years and I don't know if they were helping the Mont Valley to keep going and presently also.
So I want to commend Mr. Adams for being there. He did a wonderful job reading that proclamation. It was a long one.
And it was a hot, but he did a great job. And now that's a real A is on report.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, sir.
Okay. Now this is where the fund starts. Guys, this agenda is simply how I inherit these agendas. I don't know.
No business ordinance and resolutions 14024-26.
An ordinance of the county of Allegheny, commonwealth of Pennsylvania, repealing ordinance 16-26-O-R sponsored by council members,
Siliachi, Hallem, Grisbeck, Katina, and Sittles.
Explodion because there is a deadline for passage of this bill. Would you like to make a motion to wave the second reading so we can process it tonight?
Yes, sir. I would like to make a motion.
So we have a motion to wave the second reading.
That's have a rule call, please.
On the motion to wave the second reading.
Could we?
I would like to be a part.
Opportunity for comments.
This is just the way the second reading.
Okay.
We'll go ahead.
Yes.
I can believe Ms. Nackaradi Shaq is wanted to be added.
On the motion to wave the second reading, Mr. Adams.
Yes.
Mr. Bada.
Yes.
Mr. Katina.
Yes.
Ms. Siliachi.
Yes.
Mr. Fittles.
Yes.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Hallem.
Yes.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Madonna Amirling.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Massina.
Yes. Mr. Rose.
No.
Ms. Gagerschillman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
No.
President Nackaradi Shaqis.
Yes.
Ice 13.
Those two.
The motion to wave the second reading past.
Would someone like to make a motion to approve?
So I can begin discussion.
Some asked.
Second.
Motion to approve this.
Okay.
Now, what do we go from here?
Mr.
The motion.
The motion to approve.
Secondary.
Okay. Secondary.
Boyd A's agenda is there really.
It's a big issue.
And now.
It's on the.
It's on the resolution.
Yes.
Wow.
And then with that done, Mr. Rose.
I believe you have an amendment to offer.
Would you please make a motion to adopt the members.
Rose one.
Mr. Vice President.
I would actually like to take a point of personal privilege.
And.
Because we really have no idea or the public.
At least has no idea kind of what's going on.
If you would permit me because I can give a framework.
Well, that's what this is.
What's going on.
I don't know what's going on.
I think we all know we've gotten some.
We've gotten some pre cursor information from various council members.
But I thank you and members for the opportunity to speak to the evolution of this ordinance.
The repeal ordinance.
Introduced by myself and council persons.
Hallem.
Gris Beck.
Katina.
Victoria.
And now.
Council presidents.
Michelle.
No.
Which would repeal the referendum eliminating the cap on council's budget.
And I would also touch on the anticipated amendment filed by another council member.
That seeks to repeal the second referendum.
Question eliminating the spending restrictions on council's budget, which I also support.
I received and I imagine that everyone up here is received a lot of feedback from residents.
Friends, neighbors from every giving us personal information and text and calls and social media.
Some of it expressed concern others expressed downright outrage.
And even after the repeal ordinance went out was announced.
We received a lot of feedback and again mostly negative, which I found surprising quite frankly.
Most people wanted us to to a person though.
The negative comments and everything else.
Most people wanted us to remind us that we were a citizens council.
And we need to operate as one.
So with that in mind, I would like to share some thoughts from a citizen council on
repealing both of these referendum.
This is also something that has been in collaboration with other members who will speak to this point as well.
But one point I would like.
Let's our advance warning and worry.
Become advance thinking and planning and this is someone who I admire but certainly don't think I am like is Winston Churchill.
And that might seem really lofty, but these are the types of things you think about at these moments.
Public service asks us to remember something simple but important.
We are citizens before we are office holders.
Shakespeare put the share humanity plainly when he asked if we if you prick us do we not bleed.
I was an English major so I can say this.
These instances of human vulnerability remind us that rank, title and office do not exempt anyone from the same fears,
pressures uncertainties and responsibilities born by the public.
We are citizens first and trusted for a time with public duty.
That truth should and does humble our decisions sharpen our listening and keep us grounded in the lived realities of the residents whose confidence gives public service its meaning.
That is why considering the repeal of the two referendum questions concerning the council budget cap and spending limitations is not merely a procedural correction.
It is a statement of perspective.
At a time when residents are facing uncertainty rising costs, looming reassessment concerns, pension obligations and other serious financial pressures.
Council is aware we must be careful not only to do in what we do but what are actions communicate.
A limiting eliminating limits on council zone budget authority even if not intended to produce immediate spending increases risk sending the wrong message to the taxpayers we represent.
Several members have made clear that county council central responsibilities are legislative service and responsible budget oversight.
We recognize that the role of council may have evolved over the last 26 years.
And that changing demands may require thoughtful review but meaningful changes to the structure compensation benefits staffing district offices or spending authority of council should be examined carefully supported by data and considered through the appropriate public process.
The government review commission that has been spoken about several times today by the executive and by other council members.
Exists for precisely that kind of review and its work should be respected rather than bypassed especially since we've heard that this would happen as soon as October.
repeal then should not be understood as a retreat.
It is an act of restraint, transparency and accountability.
It acknowledges that public trust is strengthened when elected officials are willing to pause reconsider and correct course its human.
It affirms that council should work within reasonable limits.
Identifies specific needs clearly and pursue measured proposals that reflect both operational realities and taxpayer confidence.
Churchill's call to turn worry into planning is especially fitting here.
The financial and structural questions before Allegheny County deserve neither fear nor hast, but sober thought, careful analysis and public accountability.
As a citizen council, we should meet uncertainty with preparation, not open-ended authority with stewardship, not self-interest and with humanity and humility.
Remembering that the strength of local government rests on the trust of the people it serves.
Thank you for making us living me make that.
I don't think that's enough.
I was among those nine who supported this.
And I know that council or early as you did not, but certainly councilor Hallemann Grissback both supported it quite enthusiastically.
So I guess I'm wondering what has changed here from your perspective.
Can I answer that?
Sure.
Thank you.
I was the primary sponsor of this ordinance that we are now attempting to repeal.
And I think it's a great question. Why?
Only a few weeks ago was it like, hey, let's repeal the budget cap and then already.
No, let's keep it where it is right now.
And that's because of some information that we've received over the past few weeks alone.
Not only this was introduced, but even since this ordinance passed, we have found out that our pension fund is $1.5 billion in the red
because of a lack of contributions by previous administrations.
We have found out that the county administration has slashed health care for our county employees spouses completely removing
spousal coverage for every county employee in Allegheny County.
And we got a budget briefing that told us that quote, the budget is really tight.
So with that information, it is very easy to be like, hey, maybe now's not the time to even talk about eliminating the cap that we have on our budget.
While still considering, of course, this ordinance one was going to be a ballot question.
We were leaving it up to the voters, but we have more information than a lot of the voters do.
I do think it's our responsibility to admit now is not the time to do this.
Do I still think that this is something that in the future should happen?
Well, if you want three quote and equal branches of government instead of a really, really powerful unilateral authority,
county executive in a county council who sits up here and pretends they have any authority in any capacity.
But no, you should never remove the cap, right? You should keep the cap on and keep this body as weak as it was intended to be when it was created.
But if you like me believe in the founding principles of our democracy, which includes three separate but co-equal branches of government, then you should want to see a lot of changes to what should be a living document, our county charter, which is only 25 years old and deserves to be amended with more information.
And so while I do hope that at some point in the future, our county is healthier, financially, and I hope that I live to see that.
I do think that now is really not an appropriate time to put this question even in the hands of the voters to say, should we give an unlimited cap to the spending on county council.
I will say that I am supportive of this ordinance, but not supportive of the amendment being introduced because the second ballot question that we have put onto the ballot is really important.
A lot of people, even people who are kind of hip to county government and politics have no idea what county government is like for county council, right?
I could pay $339 every two weeks for being on county council, which means as you can imagine, I have a full-time job.
I represent 1.2 million people. I spend about some weeks, 40 hours a week on this job, some weeks, 60, some weeks even more if we're having a crisis like my warden decides to leave suddenly.
Right? And so do not do the calculation of how much the job pays per hour because it will make you sick, okay?
But what people don't understand and shouldn't have to understand is when a constituent needs me to do something, when one of those 1.2 million people needs me to do something, I can't say sorry I'm busy with my job that actually pays me.
Because that's just not fair. I am responsible to the voters who elected me. It is not fair to tell them that I can't do something because I don't have the capacity.
So I believe that we as council members should have an expanded staffing capacity while staying within our cap.
So that is why I'm supportive of repealing this original ordinance to give us an unlimited spending cap, but still keep the ballot referendum question in place to let the voters decide.
If they believe that we as council members should have expanded staffing capabilities and for those of us who do not get health insurance through their full-time jobs that they should get the same health insurance policy that every other of the 6,000 plus county employees gets, which I believe the answer to that question is yes, but luckily they will get to decide.
So I hope that answered your question. Well, I think it does, but I would say this. I would say that I mean we are 15 adults at this table.
And so if this ordinance was one, you know, the ballot measures approved by the voters that would lift that cap.
Any decisions?
About increasing our spending would have to be approved by all members of council. So just removing the cap, doesn't mean that, you know, we're given license to go on a spending creep. It's free. We would still be armed with the same information that we have right now.
And so given the fact that, you know, nine members of this council approve this decided that we ought to lift that cap and, you know, become adults, like the executive branch.
It would seem to me that to decide that, well, you know, it's just too expensive, the timing is not good, not popular or not understood.
Is something that discounts the fact that ultimately decisions about what our needs might be in the future still have to be approved by all these members, all of our members.
And what we have the capacity to do when there is talk of staffing 13 district offices.
We get to decide whether or not in light of whatever everything we're aware of right now, with respect to the pension fund budget constraints.
We had, we have the capacity to make a decision as to whether or not to sign off on that.
So I'm a little bit concerned about the fact that we're now backing off on something that we believe.
And we believe, and we made the case, let the voters decide. And now we're saying, well, we understand something that you don't, so we are going to retreat.
Yeah, I think it's very nice.
I think it's very nice.
I think it's very romantic.
Well, we're sitting here waxing so philosophically, but we knew we knew last year, we knew the year before we knew that there were problems with the pensions.
But yet in steel, we as a council decided to include ourselves into the pension player.
We voted, we voted. Yes, we did it.
To commit ourselves to become part of the pension player to be eligible for pensions.
We knew, we knew that this was the part-time council when we decided to run.
We knew we decided to remove the removed to, in order to run for another office, you had to resign to run before.
We removed that prohibition.
We knew that the budget was tight.
We knew all of these things, and we said here, and we say, hey, man, this, this, we didn't know stuff.
It's our responsibility to know, we asked to represent folks.
Folks didn't ask us to represent them.
We asked them to represent us to allow us to represent them.
So again, I say, this effort at repealing this is just a demonstration of the chickens coming on the roof, and he getting too hot for some folks.
We can, we can wax romantically, but the bottom line is, we have engaged and continuous behavior that is not in the best interest of the residents of Allegheny County.
And we shouldn't have put this ballot referendum up at all.
I voted against it. I voted against it. I voted against the removal of the referendum.
Resign the run. I voted against becoming part of the pension plan. I voted against all of that.
And was adamant about it.
If we're going to be transparent, let's be transparent.
Thank you. I'm, I'm, I am, I am just so worn out with this body.
Could I introduce my amendment?
Please.
I was going to say before you fall asleep, Mr. Rose.
Let's have the motion to go up.
Rose is going second discussion and it's amended.
I will make the motion.
Second.
Thank you, Dan.
All right. I have a lot of thoughts after all these conversations.
So let's dive in.
So first off, there's definitely been a lot of discussion, including in the news from some of these members that these younger folks on Council.
And I appreciate your reminder, I am young.
Don't know the rule of Council, but I do believe that Council is the sole body that was given the authority, the proposed and adopt changes, major structural changes to the government of Allegheny County.
It was not given to the executive. It was kind of given to the voters indirectly.
It was not given to the government reform committee.
So this is the deciding body for reform and changes.
And I think, while yes, there's also a lot of other considerations that we have to take into account as Council members saying that because we're this body,
the decision body we can't take reform actions is just not correct.
The Charter's writers could have indeed done that.
They could have given the government reform commission's sole authority there, do some amendments.
They could have barred us from offering ordinances that would change structures.
Government, not this happen.
In fact, they invested it solely with us.
It's one of our main responsibilities as a Council.
So I believe firmly that we do have the right to suggest changes to government.
That being said, why am I reducing this amendment?
So this amendment would reveal both residents, both referendum that are on the ballot right now.
As we've already talked about one referendum removes the budget cap, the other one does a lot of things.
But basically in summary, it removes restrictions on the staff's abilities, the do certain work.
And then it also removes the ability for Council not to remove the bar for Council to accept fringe benefits.
I think when these two are together, they work well.
Removal on the, you know, bands on different things that staff can do works nicely with the ability to hire more staff.
It shows that Council is ready to take a more active role to be a more co-equal branch of government.
But since it looks likely we're about to repeal that amendment, what we're left with is the one that lets staff do more things,
which is purely academic when we're not changing the staffing structure and then to accept fringe benefits.
So really what we're left with now is we're asking the voters to give us fringe benefits.
And that's it, that's the effect of our reform and, you know, also I really hope everyone who called me a Bethany Halm, a pop at last year is watching this as a poster, right?
And that's nice. Go on me.
Yeah, I did a lot all the time actually.
So I hope folks are watching because here I go, closing Bethany Halm.
But Miss Halm said that, you know, this, we can't, because of the financial structure of the county right now and news we've received,
which is concerning, we can't propose both of these amendments, but I think it's especially then damning to say we're not going to propose the one that lets us do more things and serve the county better,
but we will accept the one that lets us take your county dollars, tax dollars, put in our own pockets.
So I, you know, like, if we're not going to do both, I think we certainly can't do either and that's where I'm at.
Mr. Vice President.
Jordan, can go first.
Thank you. If I may, just to address some of the concerns that we're just brought up.
So I don't know if it's just a lack of wearing a blazer, but I am in line with Bethany Halm tonight.
And so far as I'm going to be, I'm going to be putting, you know, to, to, you know, leave the cap in place.
Again, the cap is at 0.4%.
But I will be voting against the amendment to cancel the other budget or the other initiative that's going to be put on the ballot.
Now the reason for this is that even though we have the ability to increase our fringe benefits or anything like that,
there's no indication that we will do that.
You know, this is simply giving the voters the choice to say whether they would like us to have a little bit more say,
and a little bit more ability to help our constituents.
I don't know any person on this day is that doesn't work tirelessly every single week.
You know, it's a part time job, but it is far from part time.
You know, this is not allowing us to increase our salary.
If there's any sort of indication that we're going to increase our salary, I'll vote against it every single time because I don't want more money.
I want the ability to go out and help more people.
I have something like 40 neighborhoods in my district and I have sometimes three different community organizations in a certain neighborhood.
I wish I had the ability to be at every single one of these and still have a full time job.
The reality is that I don't.
Right, so this is where we're leading the cap in place, you know, so it's not like we could do a ton with this.
You know, this is like taking the training wheels off, but leaving the brakes on.
You know, we're not asking for more, you know, unsolicited benefits, you know, for any reason.
You know, we're simply asking the voters if they would like us to remove the restrictions that were put in place by the founders of the charter, you know, when we switched over to a 15 person body.
And again, if the voters want to see that, then that's fine, but I find no better litmus test than to allow the voters to make that choice.
And of course, the guardrails that are put in place are the fact that we have a restriction on our budget a cap on the budget.
So it's like you're leaving your 16 year old at home with a quarter tank of gas.
They can't go far, you know, so I mean, I just don't understand what the issue is with with, you know, giving this to the voters to say, do you want more representation on county government?
Because I found so many people expect a lot from us, but we are limited by the amount of time in the amount of resources that we are able to deliver for the people of Allegheny County.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. I would say that my thoughts very closely echo, councilman bought us to answer the question that councilman Klein asked earlier.
The reason for my change of heart on this frankly was listening to my constituents.
You know, once I posted, once I posted on social media, they often do, right?
I do a recap of every single meeting, every single vote that I take since I have joined council.
I have posted online publicly and a great part of that, which I would encourage more of my fellow council members to engage in, so they can hear better from their constituents, is that you get some phenomenal feedback.
And what I heard was a desire for council to continue to be more active, right?
To make sure that we were serving as a check and balance on the county executive, to be more active at community events, to be available for constituent services.
But simultaneously what I heard was one of the things the councilman had mentioned was, how is this being introduced, basically the day before the county administration chose to take away
so health care benefits from all county employees, just optically a terrible thing that we did not have full information of when we made this decision.
But more so to say that, hey, while I support that overall decision that overall structure, I don't support you fully lifting this cap off.
I like the idea of having a limit on how much Allegheny County Council can spend, even if it's not for the current iteration of council for all future iterations of council
because as we discussed as councilman Hallum delineated in our government reform meeting, we would still have to take another vote, not just on the budget, but actually to lift the cap in county code after we would change the charter if the voters would choose to make that vote.
But the reality is that any future county council could raise that bar as high as they possibly want as soon as this is no longer a charter question, right?
And so that is what ultimately led to my change of decision. I think that it is absolutely paramount that we serve as a representative government.
And frankly, I don't think that I have heard so strongly from my constituents on any particular piece of legislation in one direction as lifting the cap.
Again, still in favor of us better serving our community through more resources, more constituent services. However, limit it, right? We can't be out of control at that spending.
And so that is why I am going to vote in favor of repealing the charter amendment for the cap, but not in favor of councilman roses amendment to get rid of both these legislation.
Because we still do have a significant amount of money to work with before we hit that 0.4% cap that we could hire staff with and just to be clear.
I want to be fully transparent with this. If anyone makes a motion to only give us benefits and not hire more staff to better serve the people of Allegheny County.
I will vote against that.
Yes.
Mr. Mr. Chairman.
Okay, go ahead.
Again, I'm listing the folks trying to find ways to backtrack.
To reverse very hard. You know, we said, we just knew we voted.
We voted a budget in last year that we knew that there were challenges.
As a result of the budget that we voted for last year, we raised the millage rates for residents taxes.
So, it's not like we didn't know that there was a fiscal challenge.
We knew this isn't. This isn't.
Whoa, whoa, we just happened. It just fell out of the scale.
Let me read. Let me read. Let me read.
What this ordinance.
And I hope all the folks in the audience ask for a copy of this.
A member one by my fellow member.
Third paragraph.
Or second paragraph.
Whereas on June 23rd, 2026.
Allegheny County Council adopted.
Bill number 1, 3, 9, 5, 2, dash, L6, which provided for the replacement of a referendum question that
would amend the home rule charter of Alligani County to entirely remove all restrictions on the amount
of councils on annual operating budgets on the 2026 general election. And whereas also on June 23,
council adopted bill number 1, 3, 9, 5, 3, dash, 26, which provided for the placement of
a referendum question that would amend the charter to entirely remove all restrictions on the
members of council receiving county pay benefits, including health care insurance, personal
staff, district offices, and county cars. On the 2026 election ballot.
Who's going to be in whom? Who's BS in whom? We knew. It's here. Anybody want to read it? I'll show it.
No, give me that BS. I want to just make a comment here if I may. Mr. Walton, you make a lot of good
points. No argument there. But I will say this. People can change their minds. That's part of the human
condition.
When the heat. I'm so excited to see how Councilman Walton votes on this. I cannot tell from his bouncing back
and forth where in the world he stands on this. So looking forward to that. But my question is specifically
Council Member Rose in Introduction of this amendment made a statement that I just want to clarify what he
meant. He said that voting to not eliminate this, like not voting for his amendment to this referendum would be
Council members lining their pockets with cash. And I'm just wondering based off of the things that this prohibits what you think is
in your pockets with cash. Is it health insurance? Is it the pension that we were forced into by a
ballot referendum? I don't see anything in here that gives any council members cash in their pockets. So I'm just
wondering what that statement was in reference to.
It's in reference to the fringe benefits that we are now asking the voters to give us. Well, I'll ask them for the
resources to serve them better.
Okay, but again, you said lining Council members pockets with cash. So I'm wondering, which of these benefits do you
believe is lining pockets with cash? Oh, that's in there. No, I mean, it's a valid question. I think that was a pretty
bold statement. And so I just want to clarify. I think where it which of these things you think gives Council members any
additional cash in their pockets. I think as it is well understood within the workforce that your benefits are
of your compensation package that the figure speech could be forgiven as the vast majority of
workers would understand that receiving fringe benefits is also part of their benefit is also part of
their compensation salary. It is receiving a monetary benefit. Okay, so you believe that a council member
receiving or any person receiving health insurance is lining their pockets with cash asking for that in a
compensation package? Yeah, they're accepting compensation, which is fine. I have no issues with that. I have issues
with that. I have issues with the only thing we're asking for. But if you read this, it's not. And I would actually
refute the fact that this is about a benefit to Council members instead of a benefit to constituents because I think
lots of conversations had been had that our staff would be much supported by increasing staffing capacities as
what are constituents be, right? We have talked many times about desires that we have to do what other
elected officials do and whether that's be more present in the community, be more active in government
meetings, be three places at once that we are currently unable to do as one person. And so I actually
believe that the most important kind of along with what Council member Grisbeck said is if this was a
ballot question that just said give council more benefits, I think that's a totally different thing that I would
vote no against, but to me the most crucial part of this is we are currently a 15 member body with
three full-time staff to help us in addition to us working full-time jobs. And I really do believe that the
staffing component of this question is the most important part. And so I just wanted to point that out that I
thought it was very disingenuous to imply that anybody was lining their pockets with cash by wanting more
staff to be able to better serve our constituents. I have one more comment Mr. Chairman real quick,
very quick, look in committee meetings where the staff was involved was in the room. I asked the staff three different
times, three different ways. Was there any work being done that they couldn't get done? Were they
meeting all of the demands that were being placed on them? And each and every time the answer was yes,
they were saying they get the work done. Mr. President, I believe that there is a motion on the floor on this
vote. Please move on. They come out just to tell you where we are. The motion to adopt rose one.
We need a vote on the motion. We're going to vote on it as amended.
We're voting on the amendment first. We're voting on the amendment first.
All right. We have to vote on motion rose one. That first of all, that motion to amend.
All right. We need a roll call.
All right. Roll call, please. On the motion to adopt amendment rose one. Mr. Adams. Yes.
Mr. Bada. No. Mr. Container.
Not with us?
Yes. Mr. Futulus. Yes. Mr. Grisbeck. No.
Mr. Klein. Yes. Mr. Madonna emerald wing.
No. Mr. Paul Marry. No. Mr. Paul Marry. No. Mr. Paul Marry. No. Mr. Rose?
Probably yes. Mr. Guy Grisholman. No. Mr. Walden.
Man. You know.
Oh, look.
Oh, take it away with us.
We were wrong to do what we did.
We have to vote.
You may come vote.
No. No. No.
No.
That's a no vote for Mr. Walden, correct?
Thank you.
Wasn't a macaroni chef.
Oh, yes.
I see.
No, it's A with one member absent.
A member rose one is not adopted.
The original motion.
We have a roll call on the original motion.
On the motion approved bill 14024-26 as not amended.
Mr. Adams.
Hey, I can't pretty.
Yes.
Mr. Bada. Yes. Mr. Katina.
Ms. Filiaji. Yes. Mr. Futulus.
Mr. Grisbeck. Yes.
Ms. Halum. Yes. Mr. Klein. No.
Ms. Madonna emerald wing. Yes.
Mr. Paul Marry. Yes.
Mr. Paul Marry. Yes. Mr. Paul Marry. Yes.
Mr. Paul Marry. Yes. Mr. Rose.
Oh.
Ms. Guy Grisholman. Yes.
Mr. Walden.
No.
Oh.
President McRadi-Chakis.
Yes.
I apologize. President McRadi-Chakis.
Yes.
Mr. Walden. No. Three.
The bill passed.
Thank you.
And this is where the time continues.
We are at 1402-1-2-6.
This is new business motions.
Motion to Council of Allegheny County,
urging public and private property owners
throughout the county to take proactive steps
to reduce stormwater runoff into local watersheds
to the extent practicable in order to protect
the natural beauty and the environmental condition of the
Allegheny and Angehail and Ohio Rivers
sponsored by council member Rose.
I don't know if you want to vote on this motion tonight.
Is that correct?
Yes.
You have a second.
No.
We have to go to a vote.
We have to vote.
We have to go to a vote.
Thank you. I will defer the sponsors
to each charge in your council member.
Yes.
Okay. Today, I am asking for your support for a motion
that encourages everyone in Allegheny County to take
simple practical steps to reduce stormwater runoff
and protect the Allegheny and Angehail and Ohio Rivers.
When it rains, stormwater flows across
roads, parking lots, and rooftops,
carrying litter, chemicals, raw sewage,
and other pollutants directly into our rivers.
Those rivers are one of Allegheny County's
greatest natural resources.
They provide drinking water, support wildlife,
create recreational opportunities,
and are an important part of our community and economy.
This motion recognizes that while the county
already has stormwater management plans,
new ideas and technologies can help us do even more.
It encourages solutions like rain goddess,
permeal pavement, and other green infrastructure
that allows rainwater to soak into the ground instead of
washing up pollution into our waterways.
It also encourages communities, businesses,
and residents to do to work together
to keep our river banks clean.
This motion is important because protecting our rivers benefits
everyone. Cleaner water means healthier ecosystem,
safer recreation and reduced flooding,
and a better quality of life for our current and future generations.
It is far more effective and less expensive to prevent pollution
before it reaches our rivers than it is to clean it up
afterward. At its core, this motion is about working together
to provide the three rivers that define
the county by encouraging practical and proactive action today.
We can preserve these waterways for the people who live here now
and for generations to come.
Thank you.
We're all ready to do that.
All right, so we're going to have a little call now.
On the motion.
On the motion of Mr. Adams.
I was going to vote yes anyway, but for the simple fact that you
sat through the last theatrics.
I'm absolutely going to vote yes for you right now.
Mr. Bada. Yes.
Mr. Container.
Mr. Liaji.
Welcome to public service.
Yes. Mr. Futulus.
Sure.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Halum.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Madonna Emerling.
Yes. Mr. Paul Mary.
Yes. Mr. Paul Massina.
Great job tonight. Very impressive.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
I think Cory is going to run for office here soon.
Yes.
Ms. Gallagher Schillman.
An enthusiastic yes.
Mr. Walton.
Good job.
Yes.
President Necratic Jackets.
Yes.
Ice 14.
Zero.
The motion pass.
Yes.
One.
Four. Zero.
Two. Two.
The motion of the Council of Allegheny County urging the chief executive to
the committee to sign the motion.
Please do not let me down though.
Who said it was not?
But the committee said that there was an
allowring in to just a laparone policy for county swimming pools
Sponsor by councilmember Hallell.
I would also like to vote on this tonight.
So I guess first I'll do the motion.
I can speak on it.
Yes.
Okay, so I would like to move to approve this.
Motion and ask for second.
Second.
Pr limit.
So just to fill in what this is.
over the past couple weeks regarding the county pool
shaperone policy.
OK, so you have to be 15 years old to be a life guard
at our county pools.
But over the past year, without any consultation
with council, the shaperone policy
was adjusted to make it that you had to be 18 years old
to attend our county pools without a shaperone
because of so many reasons, mainly
because I am so sick of hearing everybody complain online,
about what they think is kids causing trouble,
when it's really just kids having absolutely nowhere
they can go these days.
I would like to see the county executive adjust that policy.
This motion asks the shaperone policy
to line up with the age of employment
that is allowed at our county pools.
So again, you need to be 15 to be a life guard at county pools.
And so this motion asks her to adjust the policy
to be, if you are 15 or older,
you can attend county pools without a parent or guardian.
Another reason that I think this is important to do now
is because we are on recess for the next month.
And so if we wait until we come back from recess,
county pools will be about a week and a half,
two weeks away from closing.
And so this will not help anybody this summer.
And also, yeah, I just think we should be encouraging
more things for kids to do.
If everybody who's in the audience would just think back,
so when you were a teenager and be like all of the things
I spent my summer doing, why would bet almost none of those
are available for kids these days to do?
That includes kids in the city, kids in the suburbs, kids all
throughout the county.
If you are a 17 year old, you can drive yourself
to our county pools, but you can not go in
without your parent being there.
Additionally, all of their services and activities
that are available within our county parks
are open to all ages with the exception of our county pools.
So for those reasons, I would ask folks to approve this motion.
I will point out this is not an ordinance, this is a motion.
So this does not require the Shaperone policy to change.
It's simply ask the county executive to change it.
Thank you.
I'll answer any questions if anybody has any of that.
Councilwoman, how does Mr. Bada need a Shaperone heat?
Actually, I wanted to see if anybody wanted to add an amendment
to ban council.
The member bought it from all county polls. But he came with his flu. He brought the needle. I changed my mind. I'll leave it out. Yeah. Okay, you're safe. But yes, I would like to see council member bought it at the county polls. This summer, especially the wait for this platform.
Mr. Bada, I believe you have an amendment to offer, but you'll need to seek the waiver of the 48 hour rule first. Would you please make a motion to do so?
I'd like to withdraw my amendment, please.
Thank you, council member Bada. I did have one question, one point of discussion as the parent of three teenagers. Yes.
And as a mom who has been at the pool with unattended other unattended children.
While I will be a yes, and I am in favor for a modification of this policy, I would just want to point out that the reason that 15 year olds can left guard is because they have gone through advanced training.
And they are not the ones drowning in a way pool.
And I think a ratio would be an order or some sort of ability for teens to come, but in a way that also ensures safe staff.
I think that is a great point as a former lifeguard myself. I understand that that is a different barrier that people are able to cross.
I love being a lifeguard. It was like the coolest job I ever had. But yes, I do think that is a great point and that's a nice one.
Yeah, I would. You too.
So we're going to take a photo on this. Yeah, sure.
President Paul Mary, can we please take a vote?
I'm your roll call.
Thank you so much.
Oh, wait. Something like it's Michelle trying to say something.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
It's just that I wanted to just also share and I had been sent this to the council member.
So boys park is in my district and I've heard from lifeguards and parents that many of the lifeguards have spent time monitoring behavior of those who are in attendance as opposed to watching the water and protecting individuals around and focusing a water safety.
I will be a yes as well, but I think that there's an opportunity to hear from those who are employed at the parks and understand if there's a better passport.
But I will I support what council member held this thing.
Thank you very much, council president.
I will say I very much agree that there are people. I mean, I frequent the county pools.
So I know that there are definitely people who are causing trouble sometimes.
But what I will say is sometimes they're 40 years old and sometimes they are under the age of 15 as well.
So I very much agree with that and I do actually trust our parks department and our county administration to make a policy that works.
And again, just expands the opportunity for kids in our communities so that they have something to do, especially in the summer when maybe their parents are at work and their second home one.
Thank you.
On the most of approved, Mr. Adam.
No, Mr. Bada.
No, Mr. Katana.
Missile Ajay.
Yes.
Mr. Fatoulos.
Mr. Grisbeck.
Yes.
Ms. Howell.
Yes.
Mr. Klein.
Yes.
Ms. Vedana Amirling.
Yes.
Mr. Paul Mary.
Mr. Paul Missina.
Yes.
Mr. Rose.
Yes.
Ms. Gagerscholman.
Yes.
Mr. Walton.
President, I'm ready, Jack.
Yes.
Nice.
10. No, three. The motion passed.
Thank you, guys.
Okay.
So now we go to public comment on general items.
No, we have the motion.
The motion to receive a comment first.
I'm sorry.
The notification of contracts is still on.
Oh, my god.
One, four, zero, two, three, dash, two, six.
Communication summarizing approved executive actions for the month of June.
Twenty, twenty, six.
Motion.
Motion to receive and file.
Come in.
Let's have a look.
I need a second.
All right.
All right. Thank you.
All right.
Whether we in order.
No, we have the public comment on general.
Whatever.
Thank you.
We have several first up.
It's Katherine Dickey.
Next up.
Thank you.
No.
Take a look.
You got to more.
Courtney Morgan.
Brooke Barry.
No.
Passion Carrington.
No.
Jake and Paul.
Amiracrosby.
No.
Carlina Jampola.
In my testimony last week, I mentioned my purpose in being here as twofold.
One to ask that each council member seek a full understanding of the open
do-it-yourself skate park issue and two to ask that each council member ask private citizens
recommend to Mayor Courier Conner that he shut down the skate park.
Ample information about this issue on the website pantherhaloplayground.com.
I've spoken over 10,000 words in a one year period of Pittsburgh City Council meetings.
Our community rights movement shares a common thread with the 1960s people of color civil rights.
1970s domestic violence victim rights.
1980s LGBTQ plus rights movements.
The common thread working against all of our rights movements consists of one.
Devaluating dignity to giving low priority to resolving the injustices.
Three individual making baseless objections to keep the status quo.
Four, initially not being considered tragic enough to be of interest to those in authority
who are entrusted to protect the rights of citizens experiencing injustice.
A similar wrongdoing is when individuals label people or issues and then love or hate the label.
These individuals don't look deeper into the character of another individual in the context of their mind
or look deeper into the injustice of an issue.
I hope that none of you have labeled any politician and city government as a friend and allow the label
to prevent you from taking just action.
If you see something, say something is a phrase long forthright throughout Allegheny kind of uses
to end wrongdoings in our communities.
I trust that each of you are able to see the wrongdoings against our Italian community in Pantherhalo.
For some issues before this council, you have to weigh one side against the other to create a just solution.
That other issues like the Oakland do yourself skate park are so egregious that the signing on a solution becomes a no-brainer.
And what does it mean when people say it is a no-brainer?
For me, it means that their dignity is so fully awake that they directly connect to the depth of their own spirituality.
And it formed a heightened conscience that they do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.
If you have not already done so, call or write Mayor Corio Conner as a private citizen and recommend that he shut down the Oakland do it yourself skate park.
Thank you.
Next up is Teresa Challenge.
Teresa Challenge.
Abigail Oran.
Hi council.
My name is Abigail Oran.
I'm a resident of Swissel and last August.
No way.
August 24th.
I had a very cute little boy.
My first.
I am very privileged to work for a national organization that provided me with paid leave.
My husband, however, works for an Allegheny County Civic Institution that gave him unpaid leave.
So he qualified for FMLA and we were very privileged to be able to have him take the full 12 weeks unpaid.
I want to talk about an aspect of the paid leave policy that I don't think has been mentioned very much.
Which is that when both parents are able to be at home, it can be really beneficial to setting a precedent within a relationship, a co-parenting relationship.
That is more equitable.
So my personal experience was that I never became the preferred parent for my child.
We were both home.
We were both given the opportunity to bond and together over those 12 weeks, we learned together how to share responsibility for our child and the maintenance of our household moving forward.
And this is not just my own anecdotal experience.
This is born out in the literature.
So sociologists published a 2019 article in social forces that looked at longitudinal data from the fragile families and well-being study.
And found that at both one and five years after birth there were positive associations between a father taking a parental leave and relationship quality and co-parenting quality.
And a 2025 article in the Journal of Social Policy published findings that paternity leave taking is positively associated with both the share of domestic labor that a father takes on and the amount of time spent doing that.
And even though these two both focus on fathers taking leave, I believe this extends just to co-parenting relationships in general.
Better family dynamics at home.
I mean that people show it back to work with less stress, better able to really be present at work.
And so I think that's one great reason in addition to all of the equity and disparity issues that we should be pursuing this policy.
Thank you so much.
Next up is Medal in Love Sure.
Good evening.
My name is Nadal and Love Sure and I live in Greenfield.
I'm a microbiology PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh Researching Women's Health and I'm here to urge you to support the 18 week paid parental leave mandate.
I want to make two points, why lead matters at all and why 18 week specifically.
First, why paid leave infant mortality means the death of a baby before their first birthday.
And it's one of the clearest measures we have of how well a community is supporting families.
The research is consistent that it's specifically paid leave that lowers infant mortality.
Many parents already qualify for unpaid job protected leave, but if a family can't afford to go without a paycheck, that on paid leave sits unused.
Pay leave means a parent can actually be there to catch an early infection, breast feed longer, keeping up with checkups.
That's not a small thing.
It's tied directly to whether babies survive their first year.
Second, why 18 weeks?
I've heard this number of question and discussion about this policies.
So I want to be direct about it.
The protective effect of paid leave keeps growing the longer it lasts and it's strongest not in the babies first few days.
But in what's called the post neonatal period, which is one month old to one year old.
18 weeks lines up with where the evidence says that protection is the strongest.
The shorter paid leave wouldn't be a simple policy compromise.
Each additional week saves more infant lives and conversely each week of leave taken away will cause more infant deaths.
I'd be happy to send anyone here the peer reviewed studies behind this.
But scientists love the city Pittsburgh is a research hub people move here build careers and families here.
Because of the caliber research happening at our universities and hospitals.
But I have to ask what does it mean to call ourselves a research hub if our policies don't reflect that research.
What's the point of doing the science if we don't let it change anything about our lives?
I believe science should inform policies that shape our lives and this is one of those moments.
It Pittsburgh wants to be a research hub in more than a name.
This is where it starts.
So I urge you to support this policy.
Thank you.
Melinda Kinning.
Hello.
I'm with one P.A. Elgini County Wrenters United.
And I want to thank you for passing the anti-retellation bill that you did earlier this year.
That's a big step.
However, it is far from what we need to continue to do.
There's still lots of build on having to issue still going on, especially in the and be affordable former properties.
I currently have had a pile of garbage sitting in my hallway for over a month.
It has been reported to me over two weeks ago to the Health Department and they're saying they're coming at the end of the month.
It's already been there and I haven't been reporting it to the landlord for a couple weeks before that.
There's issues with rodents with flies with windows that were opening.
They finally came and got one of the two that we couldn't get open open.
They showed up with pest control today with no warning, which is technically against the law after a couple months of telling.
I've had issues with them not telling me that I tell.
Calling me about financial issues that were screwed up my system. There's all sorts of people who
don't have had heating or what they needed for the weather. They were supposed to have with
their leases. They're not being provided and we're worried about coming in the coming months
as it goes, it will be not provided again. We think that all the properties that are currently
under foreclosure should be potentially brought into public ownership because a lot of them
are in need of better and we need better people running things and we don't want another
floor to take over and continue to be another day another terrible person running things.
Next up is Aden Halpern.
Good evening. My name is Aden Halpern. I'm a Bloomfield resident and I'm here today with Pennsylvania
United, speaking in support of 18 weeks, paid parental leave for all. I've had the pleasure of meeting
with a bunch of you about this measure individually and spoke at the Board of Health meeting last
month, but I wanted to take the opportunity today to address the full council before you go on recess.
I am part of a generation that is used to hearing no from my political leadership. No to jobs, no
to owning a home, no to being paid, a living wage, no to debt relief, no to health care and no to
child care and yet we are a generation that is expected to raise the next generation without any
other protections that we desperately need. As a 27 year old who might want to be a father some day,
I see next and nothing being offered in this county that will support me in fatherhood. In fact,
so many of my peers are opting not to have kids because they simply can't afford it. It's wonderful that
our county executive will be able to take the paid leave that she needs and yet so many of the
rest of us don't have that option. What concerns me as I read the news coverage and stand before you
today is that I am starting to see the nose forming on your lips. I can hear the calls to wait for
state or federal decision makers. I can hear you arguing that it's not the bosses but the workers
that should be footing the bill. I can hear you blaming the process rather than wielding your power.
But what I read between the lines of those kind of statements is a lack of vision and a lack of
leadership and indeed your fear of taking an action that will provoke a reaction rather than the seemingly
safe path of inaction. But that's where your analysis falls short. Young working people we may not have
our own chamber of commerce but we have our voices, we have our votes and we are organizing more than ever.
So if it feels less risky to let us down one more time to condemn us to not be in what
arrays our families here in Allegheny County, guess again, we'll still be here.
Make no mistake. My generation is used to hearing no from every level of government but will we lie down and
take it to quote my councilman to a Walden. No. Wish you was here to hear that.
I call on you to pass 18 weeks pay parental leave for all.
Michelle Hart.
Michelle Hart, I'm a nurse practitioner, McGee's Nick you. I brought a coalition of parents,
advocates and McGee union nurses, community members and elected leaders, is calling for paid
parental leave for all unit counting. Residents to address the infant and maternal health crisis,
and ensure families can thrive. Working people are struggling with rising costs of living and shouldn't
be worried about losing pay checks in order to take time with their family. Clinical studies have
proven that paid leave reduces infant and maternal deaths, supports newborn parental bonding,
both for birthing and non-birthing parents. Increases breastfeeding rates and improves physical
and mental health outcomes for new parents and children. Studies also show that parental leave helps
businesses recruit and retain their employees. Strength and local economies for health and
economic security of every working parent in our county, we need paid parental leave now.
Allegheny County has the highest rate of infant deaths, preterm births, and low birth rate
weights in this state. As part of our union contract, negotiations advocating to elevate women's
at Family Health of the Region, McGee nurses and advanced arts practitioners have advanced surveys
from 1,000 Allegheny County residents with 85% respondents wanting more paid parental leave.
One of the hardest realities I witnessed in the NICU is the impact of inadequate parental leave.
Parents of hospitalized newborns should be focusing on bonding with babies learning how to care for
them and being present during critical medical moments. Instead, many are forced to worry about
losing income. Returning to work too soon or exhausted all their leave and pay time off before their
babies even go home. Some of our babies in their NICU for weeks, months, sometimes even up to a year or more.
I have watched parents leave their newborns bedside in tears because they could not afford to
miss another shift at work. No family should have to choose before caring for their child or paying
their bills. Parental leave is also critical for addressing the crisis in nursing. A majority of
women profession because studies prove that policy can help recruit and retain employees, Pennsylvania
has 20,000 unfilled nursing positions. The worst in the nation. 14 states and Washington DC have
passed paid parental leave and Pennsylvania is only state in northeast of the country without such programs.
But the vast majority of Allagan County residents lack adequate paid parental leave.
Studies show that parental leave would help recruit and retain employees which is good for businesses
and strengths are economy overall. There are affordable options for small businesses like parental leave
insurance which could allow low-employed areas to have a few thousand dollars a year to help support those
employees.
Veronica Wanamaker.
Hello, I'm Veronica Wanamaker. I'm 66 years old and I've lived in Springdale, Pennsylvania my entire life.
I'm here today to talk to you about electrical usage and how the proposed data center will
burstly affect myself, my neighbors in Springdale, Burrow, Township, Chesapeake and Harmer etc.
Some of my information today comes from the AARP magazine article dated June, July 2026.
Springdale is an elderly community with many people on fixed incomes. The graduating class of
Springdale High School was 50 individuals. Walking my dog every day, I see many houses without central
air conditioning. The effects of heat on individuals start at the age 50. Our bodies become less
efficient at cooling ourselves. We fill less thirsty and become dehydrated more quickly. Medications
like blood pressure pills, conditions like asthma, diabetes and kidney disease affect our
bodies ability to cope with extreme temperatures. Our electricity grid is an aging infrastructure.
What happens when the data center competes with electric needs of our home, medical devices,
i.e. oxygen machines, CPAP machines, sterilevs, tiname of fuel. What about charging a cell phone in an
emergency? There will be brown and blackouts. We've already seen a 10% increase in our electricity bills.
Imagine the increases once a supply and demand takes place. Earlier I mentioned individuals living on
fixed incomes. Extreme, which I am one, extreme heat exposure affects one's ability to think
clearly. How could this affect my self or my neighbors and ability to not turn on an AC,
due to decreased brain acuity, astronomical electric bills start taking my medication or eat to
pay that bill. Any of these situations can and do kill. These are some of the reasons I believe a data
center in Springdell is a horrific thing. Thank you for your time. Martin Garrigan.
Before I start my time, I was just curious how it works. I've brought a bunch of copies of what is
going to happen. Hello, I'm here along with Vicki Tom. I represent a representative from
the Save Allegheny Valley environment and we're just starting up at Facebook page. I have a Springdell
township and we want to get on the radar and ask for everyone's help anywhere they can to help us
at the Salad of coming Salad over here. So we can best confront this data center, this is
moving dangerous invasion of our community. Appropos, several comments from that council. Earlier,
our executive mentioned about the Rachel Carson Bridge, which is in Rachel Carson, is a home town of
Springdell. And the bowling league we talked about, I'll say, run a muck cat capitalism. We'll call
with that. Which of these hedge funds behind us? And this Wilson alluded to stop, it's easier to stop
pollution than it is to clean it up. So I want to read two of these are conditions that have been placed
on the data center coming in by the council. One is complaints. If a reasonable complaint is registered
with a burly applicant, that's the data center. It's best best effort to respond promptly to
said complaint, taking whatever reasonable means may be necessary to alleviate and cure sick complaint,
should be found by the applicant to be with mayor. So this is just all weighted in favor of the data
center. It's best efforts if it's reasonable means to correct and if it's found by the applicant to be
with mayor. So it's all on their call, all up to them. We've had a power plant, one of the power plants
in town was there for over 50 years. So we've been through this seen this moving before. It's middle of the night,
whatever noise is going on is unbearable to sleep with. Even with the wind, that's close. You call it
of the plant. There's no noise. You know what noise? It's said it's very hard to get anything done once
these behemoths take root. The next condition is on noise. That's women. Noise generated by the
everyday operation is projects of non exceed 85 decibels at the property line temporary noise generated
by the use of merchant generators in the event of a power oddage, exceed 85 decibels up to 115 decibels.
Measure the property line. If the awareness is there, the applicant will provide for economically
physical medication. 115 decibels levels is like a jet engine. They're a raw concert. And we've
had power oddages here. Everybody's experiencing for three, five days. So imagine on 124 generators each
the size of a school bus going constantly. They also have to be tested all the time. So they'll be being
rendered during business hours. I want to jump onto something else. Please, we've asked for
council's help. To help us stay in touch or be a praise of the different meetings that we might
attend. The voice of our opinions. In February 24th, the burrow was notified that they're going to be
a remediation. And there's a 30 day period after which the community can be involved.
We never heard anything from the burrow. So many things are being done in the dark here. So we ask for
all of your help. Please assist us to have a burrow to keep us informed of how we might best voice our
opinions. Thank you.
Mary Patricia. I'm happy to be here although it's been a long meeting. I know for everyone.
I'm here on behalf of my bell-filled residents in North Oakland and also because of
renters united, Allegheny County. And many of us joined this group to lobby you to pass an ordinance
which I'm very proud of all of you for passing, which was the entire retaliation.
My building is a HUD building and it's one of the NB affordable buildings that's now in for
closure. And so many of the seniors in my apartment building and some people with long-term
disabilities as well, they're afraid of speaking up and they're afraid that they, their
lease will be continued or they'll be evicted and in fact I was threatened with eviction for speaking
up. But thank you for your ordinance because now I have a new lease and I can stay there for a while.
I've been there for 10 years now. So, but the next thing is when people are living in a
condition that they don't want to move it.
It's difficult to move at my age. But if you have bed bugs and rodents and mold in your apartment,
and you keep asking for repairs, and it doesn't happen, and you call the health department, and there's
so little that they can do. They've done a little bit of our building. I mean, we kept complaining
that the garbage wasn't removed. The garbage wasn't removed. And that brought more rodents and more
flies. And, of course, where they had the sitting area outside for seniors that didn't have air conditioning.
You know, because our building is was built in the 1920s. It doesn't have air conditioning, that's central.
You have to get a fan or your own air conditioner in the window. Luckily, the window is open, but some people sit outside,
and it's right beside all garbage bins. So that's happening more frequently. Okay, from the health department.
But we have to have more because there's other tenants and other buildings from NB affordable that they're supposed to
have central air, and it's turned off. They can't, it can't be turned on because of some problem they have,
and there's other buildings that don't have heat. So what's going to happen in a few months when people need heat?
So what I'm asking you is to solve this problem and put some teeth in the health department,
allow them to order that these repairs be done, and if they're not done, to go ahead and get them done,
and then charge the owners of the buildings. Thank you.
We have one individual who's signed up late. Daniel Patel.
My name is Dan Patel. I've lived in a house in Bloomfield done by the pool for almost six years.
I initially moved to Pittsburgh, shortly before the pandemic to live in a city where I could hope to live comfortably while starting a career as a social worker.
I stuck around on 30, have a partner of four years, and I'm considering starting a family while also working as a mental health therapist in my own neighborhood.
With paid parental leave, you have the chance to do something truly impactful.
The postpartum window is such an important window for making sure children and parents have the conditions they need to thrive.
In the first year of life, babies form an average of one million neural connections every second.
It is downright amazing, and yet we so often deny that miracle of a human life by saying that the only ones who deserve the support of environment that every baby needs are the ones born to parents wealthy enough to just go without a paycheck for months.
Periods of neglect, malnutrition, or maltreatment that can arise out of parental poverty and stress in this window can lead to a lifetime of downstream effects on a person's ability to thrive in community.
It's also a crucial window for the parents. You've already heard the science tonight, but we have a deeply shameful maternal health crisis, and especially for black mothers, and every day that we let go on as a disgrace.
This policy would give our mothers what they all deserve, time to be with their children and take care of themselves in this crucial period, rather than being forced as so many are now to return to work, often just short days after giving birth.
This policy is also simply a clear choice for this community, where deaths of outpaced births for decades.
So many people in my generation are not deciding between having two kids or four kids that are trying to figure out whether they can afford to have children at all.
We should want to make our community a great place to raise a family. I would love to see more families raising children in Bloomfield, but there's really just not that many.
And if that doesn't change, Allegheny County will feel the impact of that for decades to come.
Building a data center is not going to make it easier for anyone to have children.
Passing this policy would help our friends and neighbors have the children they want to have here, and it would make our city more attractive as a place to move to to start a family, not a place to move from.
Lastly, as a mental health professional, I want to encourage you all to add to this policy a period of paid leave for parents who have suffered a miscarriage to give parents the needed time to grieve their baby and the future they were working towards.
And then return to the workforce more ready in having received support from our community.
With this policy, we have a precious opportunity to make our county one that cares about all of its people, especially our poor neighbors and our black mothers.
To all the members of the council and particularly to do it, Walton's chair.
As your constituents, I urge you to not waste this. Thank you.
I need a motion to adjourn.
All in favor.
Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen.