City Council - Regular Meeting

For which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you very much. Our next order of business is to amend the agenda. Is there a motion to amend?

So move. Second.

All those in favor, say aye. Aye. The agenda has been amended. Cool. Our next order of business is proclamations. We'll begin with councilor Mosey.

Can everybody okay with supervisor Williams and the second division come up and join us? Brian, you could join us soon if you want. You can join us. Okay. You know, it's truly a honor to be able to present this proclamation today to my good friend, Ed Williams.

We've only known each other for a couple years, but I feel like, you know, we've been kindred spirits over over this time doing the important work of serving the constituents of District 9 as well as Division 2 through throughout the East End. And I feel like that the work that we do together is really integral into, you know, restoring people's faith in government, whether it's, you know, a pothole or a tree cut down or the work that you did most recently helping us, get legislation passed to address that retaining wall in Lincoln Lemington on Dunmore Street. So whereas Edward j Williams, affectionately known as Ed, has honorably served the the city of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works for twenty two years and counting. It is currently the supervisor of Public Works Division two and was previously a division two truck driver and foreman, as well as a laborer at Shinley Park, truck driver at division one, and environmental services. Whereas Ed grew up in the Arlington Heights section of Pittsburgh, graduated from Southfield Tech High School.

Okay. You're a Oriole. And and attended Pittsburgh Job Corps. He shares four adult children with his wife of twenty one years, Miriam Williams. And whereas division two supervisor as division two supervisor of 35 employees, Ed has met many challenges but handles everything with grace and poise.

I can attest to that. He never complains when constituents demand his immediate attention, equipment malfunction, or because he has limited staff. He notes the issue, investigates it, resolves it as he does with many day to day obstacles for the neighborhoods he serves. And whereas council district nine greatly appreciates the hard work and public services that Ed and division two provide when asked about his favorite part of the job. He stated, helping the elderly and handicapped are my number one priority, and I love helping people in the neighborhood.

And whereas Ed's unwavering devotion of public service exemplifies the highest standards of character and civic spirit, and now therefore be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Ed Williams for his service to the City Of Pittsburgh and his community and be it further resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare today, Monday, 04/20/2026 to be Ed Williams Day in the City Of Pittsburgh.

May I have a motion to approve? So

moved. All

in favor say aye. Congratulations. I

wanna thank you, councilman. Thank you, Leslie. Thanks, Leticia. How you doing, Erica? Hey. Yep. So, yeah, like you said, you know, I I enjoy taking care of the neighborhoods, especially the elderly and everyone in the neighborhoods. I mean, it's just it's just who I am. You know, I'm I'm outgoing person when it comes to serving the neighborhood. So, you know, I enjoy what I do. You know, I've been doing it for a while and started throwing garbage for the city and forest on garbage for the city. You know, you touch every person on every street. So thank you. Thank you, guys, and I appreciate it.

Lovely. Thank you. And

and before I ask, you know, members to come up, you know, I can attest to that. You know, I had a constituent give a call on a Friday night about 10:00, you know, and apologized for calling me on a Friday night, you know, and said that, you know, environmental services, you know, missed my house. And in a half an hour, somebody from division two was up there to pick up our garbage at 10:30. She was like, I was expecting to be waiting until Monday to get the garbage picked up, but it's because of, you know, your commitment, you know, to the community, and you do a lot to make me look good. So, I I got I gotta give you your flowers. So thank you so much, and I'd like to, oh, councilwoman Strausburger?

Well, if I could just add to what you're saying, a recent visit down to division two, I just found that not only supervisor Williams, but the entire team at division two was eager to work. They were happy. They were ready for more work. They're like, what can we do? They didn't get more work. You know? Draft is coming. Can we get more work? And I was like, that is a sign that not only are you, dedicated, but you've you have an infectious sort of, you know, dedication to your work that that that then trickles down to everybody that you work with, and that's that makes a great division, and it makes a great city. So congratulations on that as well.

Yeah. Absolutely. I like to invite my colleagues to come up for a photo.

Councilwoman Straussberger.

Everyone for National Library Week could come on up. Well, it is, official of National Library Week, and therefore, no better organization to give a proclamation to than our Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. So whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy through exploration and discovery. Whereas Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has long served as a trusted and treasured institution in our region with 20 neighborhood locations in the city that provide clean, safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces. And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

And whereas libraries are champions for early literacy, igniting a love of reading in young learners that help ensure school readiness and success. And whereas libraries nurture young minds through story times, STEAM programs, and other literacy initiatives fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. And whereas libraries partner with schools, businesses, organizations to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community. And whereas libraries empower job seekers and entrepreneurs and lifelong learners by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success. And whereas libraries protect the right to read, think, and explore without censorship standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression.

And whereas dedicated librarians and library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all, and whereas all libraries in the Allegheny County serve as vibrant community hubs, directly strengthening communities by connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. And whereas all all Pittsburgh and Allegheny County residents are encouraged to visit their neighborhood library to explore its resources and celebrate all the ways the library helps our community find joy. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim the week of April '20 to the 2026 as National Library Week in the city of Pittsburgh.

Maybe I'll move to approve. So move. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Congratulations. Congratulations.

Thank you so much councilwoman Strasburger, president Lovell, council members. Thank you so much. I I know that was a lot to read, but that's because there's so many amazing things happening at all of our libraries every day. And on behalf of my 500 colleagues at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, our amazingly dedicated board of trustees, many of whom are in this chamber this morning, and the 1,700,000 annual visitors to our libraries, I again express my gratitude and thanks to you. It is true that libraries are incredibly valuable and impactful centers of every one of our neighborhoods, and in so doing, we foster literacy, we enable exploration, and we create connections with all of our neighbors.

So I welcome you to our libraries every single day, and particularly on Monday, or excuse me, on tomorrow at 05:30 when we celebrate the annual Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt Lecture, honoring the first black librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and celebrating library workers of color, and also on May 30, Saturday from ten to five at the annual Pittsburgh Book Fest. We'll see you then, and thank you.

Yes. I just wanted to say

a few

words. It's always good to see, director Mednaar and director Voss. You know, very much enjoyed the time that we spent at Homewood Library about a year ago, touring it and even more excited about the future, of Homewood Library. I'm looking forward to seeing the renovations, as as well as, in particular, the African American archive, you know, preserving that. You know, I know that, you know, libraries throughout the system, you know, take advantage of that unique, collection of of African American books that are at at the Homewood Library. And, also, looking forward to celebrating the hundred and sixteenth birthday of the Homewood Library in a few weeks with the friends of the Homewood Library. So just thank you so much for all you do, and thank you for coming down the chambers today. Thank you.

Can we get all members up, please? Thanks.

And I believe we have three to be read into the record.

Council member Lavelle presents, be it further resolved, that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Wednesday, 04/22/2026 to be John Geiger Day in the city of Pittsburgh. Council member Ward presents now therefore be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, April 24 to be Anne Belser and East End Print Day in the city of Pittsburgh. Council member Strasburger and Mosley present be it further resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby extend its congratulations and best wishes to John to James Snow in all of his future endeavors.

May we have a motion to approve?

So moved. Second.

All in favor, say

aye. Aye.

Proclamations have been approved. Our next order of business is public comment. I would like to remind everyone that the rules of council state that comments are limited to massive concern, official action, or deliberation, which may be for city council. Profanity will not be permitted. After your call, please restate your name, provide your neighborhood for the record. You'll be given three minutes to speak. Our first registered speaker is doctor Ronald Lynn Miller.

Doctor Ronald Lynn Miller, United States, Pittsburgh, Central Oakland neighborhood, Brain Institute, a children's hospital. Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Central Phnom Penh neighborhood. The Bria Thank you. Kasava Hospital focuses on CTE, USA Stockton, California, West March Lane neighborhood, Bennett O'Mallo pathology, CTE. A concern of this council, includes, use of American football, steelers, NFL draft.

I have a concern that is similar to that. I taught the and invented the theory of sport course at the University of Pittsburgh and focused on three sports, one of which is US American football, continuing that in the program of education at the CGSII, which I founded in 1999. I'm the Global Intelligence Society candidate for president 2028 ACE and 1448ah globalinformationintelligencenetwork.net. Now, mister Lavelle, surely on fourteen April twenty twenty six, you told the already brain damaged, 4% proficient Westinghouse High School dark skinned African descent male athletes about doctor Bennett Omolu, the University of Nigeria, CMU, University of Pittsburgh educated Nigerian immigrant, now US American citizen, pathologist who discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE, during his, coronary autopsy of crazed stealer Mike Webster. No?

Surely, you, told the intelligence compromised NFL stars in their eye NFL stars in their eyes, boys, the information that the probability of being chosen at the NFL auction, any NFL auction, is very close to zero, that the probability of African American males, seventy percent of NFL players, are are of African descent, that the probability of of gaining CTE, and other brain problems as a consequence of concussive episodes is greater than point seven five? No? Surely, you told them that the local Steeler and national NFL hatred of O'Mallo See Will Smith in concussion 2015, propped by Katie KA, WTAE, WPXI, delayed the NFL recognition of CTE for a decade, but led to an NFL payout, which is now over $1,500,000,000 to what I consider to be de facto slaves that are working damaging their brains and bodies for light skin owners. I think this is a big, big error.

Thank you. Our next reg our last registered speaker is Rakib Bay. Is Rakib Bay with us? If not, that exit exhaust our list of registered speakers. If there's anyone in chambers wishing to speak, please go forward at this time. Provide your name and neighborhood for the record. Is there anyone in chambers wishing wishing to speak? If not, we'll move on to the presentation of papers. Beginning with Councilman Charlene, chair of human resources.

Noonan favor,

mister president.

Thank you. Councilman Cockhill, chair of Public Safety and Wellness. Favor, mister president? Have one.

You have that one?

Is this one? Okay. It's in the middle. I didn't know.

Councilman Coghill presents bill number three eighty three, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of PFM Group Consulting LLC for payment for professional services rendered in the act one eleven interest arbitration between the city of Pittsburgh and the fraternal order of police for an amount not to exceed $90,588.24 over one year.

And councilwoman Gross, chair of innovation performance asset management and technology. Thank you, councilor Moses. Thank you, mister president.

Councilwoman Gross presents bill number three eighty four, resolution amending resolution 20 of twenty twenty five, which authorized the city of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement and or contracts with core business technologies for software, equipment, and services related to payment processing and cash sharing systems for the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Police by extending the contract by one year and increasing the approved amount by $104,172.75 for an amended total cost not to exceed $500,229.35.

And councilman Mosley, chair of intergovernmental education affairs.

Thank you, mister president.

Thank you.

Councilman Mosley presents bill number three eighty five, resolution adopting plan revisions to the city of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for thirty six thirty four Penn Avenue at no cost to the city, and bill three eighty six. Resolution approving and authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh to enter into a right of way license agreement or agreements with the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority in lieu of permits for the occupation of certain portions of the public right of way in the City Of Pittsburgh.

And councilwoman, chair of public works and infrastructure.

Thank you, council president.

Thank you.

Councilwoman presents bill number three eighty seven. Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of finance to enter into an easement agreement or agreements with Duquesne Light Company for the installation of one pole and one anchor on city owned parcels. Bill number three eighty eight, resolution providing for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the preliminary design, final design, right of way, and construction phases of the Smithfield Street reconstruction project, and providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $10,126,000, an increase of $236,000 from the previous resolution reimbursable at 80%, and the municipal share of Commonwealth incur costs not to exceed $45,000, a $0 increase from the previous resolution 72 of 2,026. M bill three eighty nine, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the department of public works and or the director of the department of finance to enter into an agreement or agreements with Student Conservation Association for the purpose of volunteer services provided by the SCA resulting in improving the city of Pittsburgh's environmental conservation at no cost to the city.

And councilwoman Schlossberger, sheriff finance law.

Thank you, mister president.

So prior to that, I apologize, do you wish councilwoman Salinatro to waive rule eight on bill three eighty eight?

Yes. Yes, sir, please.

Thank you. Is there a second?

Second. Second.

All in favor, say aye.

Aye. Aye.

Bill three eighty eight will be on this afternoon, the standing committee agenda. Now councilman Strausburger. Sorry.

Councilperson Strasburger presents bill number three ninety one, resolution amending resolution three ninety of 2025, which authorized 93 opened in professional services agreements with multiple vendors to provide on call professional services as needed by the various departments of the city of Pittsburgh with each agreement being at an amount not to exceed $750,000 annually for a three year term by authorizing an additional 58 agreements for an updated total of 151 opened in professional service agreements. Bill three ninety two, resolution amending resolution three eighty nine of 2025, which authorized 93 open in professional service agreements with multiple vendors to provide on call professional services as needed by the various departments of the city of Pittsburgh with each agreement being at an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 annually for a three year term by authorizing authorizing an additional 58 agreements for an updated total of 151 open end professional services agreements. Bill number three ninety three, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Yushuan Liu in an amount not to exceed $6,084.75 over one year in full and final settlement of a claim for damage to his parked vehicle on Cary Way from a City ES vehicle on 11/13/2025, bill three ninety four.

Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Exponent Inc. For a single payment in 2026 in an amount not to exceed $16,275.50 for professional services related to litigation filed in the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny. Bill three ninety five. Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Robert Mahusky and his legal counsel, Samuel j Cords and Associates, for a single payment in 2026 in an amount not to exceed $101,256.25. It's payment in satisfaction of the terms evidenced by the private agreement executed on the August 2023 and for the full and final closure of the litigation file in the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County, bill three ninety six, resolution designating banks and lending institutions to act as depositories for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028 in accordance with the Pittsburgh code title two fiscal article three depositories.

Bill three ninety nine, resolution amending resolution one ninety seven of 2025, which authorized 92 opened in professional service agreements with multiple vendors to provide professional services on an on call basis as required related to various professional services as needed by the various departments of the city of Pittsburgh. Each agreement being at an amount not to exceed $750,000 annually for a three year term and providing for funding of the cost thereof by authorizing 39 additional agreements for a new total of 131 opened in professional service agreements and bill 400. Resolution amending resolution one ninety six of 2025, which authorized 92 opened in professional services agreements with multiple vendors to provide professional services on an on call basis as required related to various professional services as needed by the various departments of the city of Pittsburgh. Each agreement being at an amount not to exceed 1,500,000 annually for a three year term and providing for funding of the cost thereof by authorizing 39 additional agreements for a new total of 131 open end professional services agreements.

And councilman Warwick, chair of recreation youth and senior services.

No new papers, mister president.

Thank you. Councilman Wilson, chair

of land use economic development. Thank you, mister president.

Councilman Wilson presents bill number three ninety. Resolution further amending resolution eight sixty three of 2018, effective 01/01/2019 as amended entitled resolution adopting and approving the 2019 capital budget and the 2019 community development block grant program and the 2019 through 2024 capital improvement program so as to reallocate $55,692.60 of community development block grant CARES Act funding to two food banks and authorize a subsequent agreement or agreements.

And for myself.

Council president Abel presents bill number three ninety seven, communication from Rhea Price, acting director of the office of management and budget, submitting to city council the attached status update from the grant's office for the week ended 04/17/2026 and bill three ninety eight. Communication from Rhea Price, acting director of the office of management and budget, submitting an acting pay request on behalf of innovation and performance for Chris Belasco.

And in a motion to read, receive, and file. So So second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Bills have read been read, received, and filed. Our next one of business is reports of committee for final action beginning with council person Erica Strasburger presenting the committee of finance and law.

And, mister president.

Thank you.

Councilperson Strasburger presents bill number three seventy one. Reported a committee on finance and law for 04/15/2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill two seventy eight, resolution amending resolution nine thirty three of 2024, which reappropriated Federal American Rescue Plan funding by updating the approved projects as outlined in exhibit a version 10, bill two seventy nine. Resolution amending resolution eight thirty eight of 2025, which fixed the number of officers and employees of the city of Pittsburgh for the 2026 fiscal year and the rate of compensation thereof and set maximum levels for designated positions by eliminating one division chief and adding one assistant chief in the Department of Public Safety Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Bill two eighty, resolution amending resolution eight forty one of 2025, which authorized appropriations, salaries, and capital expenditures of the Parks Trust Fund for the 2026 fiscal year beginning 01/01/2026 by increasing the spend amount by $500,000.

Bill two eighty five, resolution amending resolution eight thirty five of 2025, which made appropriations to pay the expenses of conducting the public business of the city of Pittsburgh and for meeting the debt charges thereof for the fiscal year beginning 01/01/2026. Bill three sixteen. Resolution further amending resolution eight eighty six of 2021, effective 12/27/2021 entitled resolution adopting and approving the 2022 capital budget and the 2022 community development block grant program and the twenty twenty two through twenty twenty seven capital improvement program by reducing litter can upgrades and monitoring by $144,100 and increasing play area improvements by $144,100. Bill three seventeen, resolution providing for the convenience by the city of Pittsburgh of certain properties to qualified city residents subject to affordability restrictions. Items a, 1518 Fallofield Avenue, Council District 4136 Bodkin Street, Council District 4.

Bill three eighteen, resolution repealing an item in resolution eight sixty two effective 12/23/2025 in order to rescind the sale. Bill three nineteen. Resolution providing for the sale of certain property acquired by the city of Pittsburgh at tax sales, twenty one fourteen Forbes Avenue, Council District six. 0 Forbes Avenue, District 6. 530 Janella Street, District 6.

4811 Columbus Street, District 9. 4813 Columbus Street, District 9. 6313 Dean Street, District 9. 6315 Dean Street, District 96319 Dean Street, District 9, 6355 Dean Street, District 91309 Paulson Avenue, District 9, 6523 Shetland Avenue, District 9. 6940 Hartman Lane, District 9. 721 Singer Place, District 9. 7936 Tioga Street, District 9. 318 Renova Street, District 5. 2367 South 18th Street Extension, District 3. 317 Millbridge Street, District 3.

315 Millbridge Street, District 3. 412 Bel Suver Avenue, District 3. 78 Climax Street, District 3. 0 Coon Street, District 2. 850 Spring Garden Avenue, District 1305 Dunlap Street, District 1518 West Prospect Avenue, District 2.

You've heard the reading and title bill. Is there any discussion? Councilman Schlossberger.

Yes. I'm gonna have to make two different amendments or one amendment on two different bills. Starting with bill two seventy eight, there this is these are the ARPA amendments. There were additional amendments to the amendments from the mayor's office. It was originally sent out to council members via email on April 8, so you should have it in your emails. You have it before you today. In the, extensive line item amendments last week, this one was missed. You can see in the, notes column the changes that were are being made, and I believe council members who have projects that are impacted by this have been spoken to, by the administration. So I would like to make a motion to amend bill two seventy eight.

Is there a second? Second. All in favor?

Aye. Aye.

Any discussion? All in favor, say aye.

Aye. Aye.

Any opposed? Bill two seventy eight has been amended.

Thank you. And then bill two eighty five, also, these amendments were sent out via email to council members on April 8. There was, this is a technical amendment. There's an error made initially by the, in the first draft of the amendments to, this bill, so this reflects the the change in the amount. So

councilwoman Strasburg has offered a motion to

Motion to amend bill two eighty five.

Is there a second? Second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Bill two eighty five has been amended. Any further discussion on the bills? If not, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the cast of the available aye, when her name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take

the role? Mister

Aye. Miss Gross. Aye. Mister Mosley. Aye. Missus Salinettro. Salinatro. Aye. Missus Strasburger. Aye. Missus Warwick. Aye. Mister Wilson.

Aye. Mister Lavelle president.

Aye. Nine ayes. Zero nos.

The bill haven't received the legally legally required to vote is passed. Finally, that moves us to councilwoman Kim Salanetro presenting the committee of public works and infrastructure.

Thank you, council president.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Salanetro presents bill three seventy two, reported a committee on public works and infrastructure for 04/15/2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill three fifteen, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of finance to enter into an easement agreement or agreements with Duquesne Light Company for the installation of certain wires, cable, and pad mount transformer on city owned parcel IDs in Council District 5 at no cost to the city.

You've heard the reading and entitled bill. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the pass of the bill will vote aye when name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the role?

Mister Charland? Aye. Mister Cockhill? Aye. Miss Gross?

Aye. Mister Mosley? Aye. Missus Salanetro? Aye. Missus Strasburger? Aye. Missus Warwick? Aye. Mister Wilson? Aye. Mister Lavelle, president? Nine ayes, zero nos.

The bill haven't received the legal required number of votes is passed finally. That moves us to constable person Robert Charlem presenting the committee of human resources.

Councilperson Charlotte presents bill number three seventy three, reported a committee on human resources for 04/15/2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill three forty six, resolution authorizing the mayor and director of department of human resources and civil service to enter into an amended lease agreement or agreements with Wood Street Commons Commercial LLC to continue leasing office space in 304 Wood Street for the Pittsburgh partnership for some not to exceed $502,620.10 over two years and for the payment of the cost thereof.

You've heard the reading and entitled the bill. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye. Your name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mister Charland? Aye. Mister Coghill? Aye. Miss Gross?

Aye. Mister Mosley. Aye. Missus Salanetro. Aye. Missus Strasburger. Aye. Missus Warwick. Aye. Mister Wilson. Aye. Mister Lavelle, president. Aye. Nine ayes. Zero nos.

The bill having received a legal requirement of votes is passed finally. That takes us to councilman Bobby Wilson presenting the Committee of Land Use Economic Development.

Thank you, mister president.

Councilman Wilson presents bill number three seventy four. Reported a committee on land use and economic development for 04/15/2026 with an affirmative recommendation, bill three twenty one. Resolution amending resolution one ninety one of 2019, effective 03/28/2019, which authorized a professional service agreement and or contract with Urban Design Ventures for services relating to the administration of the city's community development block grant, emergency solutions grant, and housing opportunity for persons with AIDS programs for some not to exceed $191,000 by extending the term to the 2027 and increasing the amount by 86,000 for new total cost not to exceed $277,000 over nine years. Bill three twenty two. So Resolution further amending resolution eight sixty three of 2018, effective 01/01/2019 as amended entitled resolution adopting and approving the 2019 capital budget and the 2019 community development block grant program and the twenty nineteen through twenty twenty four capital improvement program to reduce play area improvements by $144,100 and increase the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank by $100,100 and authorize a subsequent agreement or agreements.

You have heard the reading entitled the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action. All in favor to pass that bill while I ram's called. Those opposed will vote no. Would the clerk please take the roll?

Mister Charland?

Aye. Mister Clockhill?

Aye. Miss Graves? Aye. Mister Mosley? Aye. Missus Salinatro? Aye. Missus Strasburger? Aye. Missus Warwick. Aye. Mister Wilson. Aye. Mister Lavelle, president. Aye. Nine ayes. Zero nos.

The bill haven't received the legal cardinal votes is passed finally. And finally, it takes us to councilman Karimosey presenting the committee of intergovernmental education affairs. Thank you, mister president. Thank you. Thank you, madam president.

Councilman Moseley presents bill three seventy five for Port of the Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs for 04/15/2026 with an affirmative recommendation, bill three fourteen. Resolution amending resolution five zero one of 2023, which authorized an amended agreement or agreements with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for the completion of projects approved in the city of Pittsburgh's American Rescue Plan by realigning project line items to ensure spending deadlines are met.

You have heard the reading in time of the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of passes of the bill will vote iron vote will vote aye when name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mister Charland? Aye. Mister Cockhill? Aye.

Miss Gross? Aye. Mister Mosley. Aye. Missus Salinatro. Aye. Missus Strasburger. Aye. Missus Warwick. Aye. Mister Wilson. Aye. Mister Lavelle, president. Aye. Nine ayes. Zero nos.

The bill haven't received the legal card of votes is passed finally. That takes us to motions and resolutions or anything from members. Councilwoman Gross.

Thank you, mister president. I just wanted to acknowledge what a difficult vote it was to see, one of the 75 line items items in the budget amendments to see the reduction in the food justice fund allocation for 2026. The original allocation that council voted on last year was $500,000. And in the light item votes, we reduced that to $250,000. And we've definitely heard lots of testimony over the last several years about the need.

And I mentioned in our, committee discussions over the budget, not, since it's been several years and since we've seen allocations like the federal funds go out the door. We've also now seen outcomes. And I I'll just remind members that some six years ago before COVID or right at the beginning of COVID, the city budgets had really only ever supported proactively with resources, with people, and employee time, with, materials, some four gardens across the city, which were the gardens that we had managed for decades and kept doing the same thing and ever changing, which is the four kind of allotment gardens. Examples in my district are the Stanton Avenue Garden and the Hess Garden. The Stanton Avenue Garden has, I think, over 200 people on the wait list for those allotments.

I know people who've been on that wait list for three years. Last year, due to our investments in our own parks and rec department where I partnered with councilman Coghill on creating a halftime city farmer position, on allocating, resources like wood chips and composting composted materials, which help for, soil quality, shifting the department to be responsive to requests on fencing, on tools, etcetera, the kinds of supplies that we supply, for example, to neighborhood litter cleanups or to baseball fields. We in addition to the Food Justice Fund allocations, we reached some 60 gardens last year proactively with materials, time, resources, and we think we're still kind of counting up the numbers that that reached tens of thousands of people possibly. And so some of many of these gardens are donating food, and I'll note for council, we just reallocated CDBG funds of a $130,000, to the food bank just just a minute ago in final vote. But I don't think we should feel bad about these foods investments.

Right? We should feel very, very good about them. I think our city resources, including DPW and Parks and Rec, are there to respond to what our citizens' needs are for health, wellness, and recreation. So, again, this was a this was a bitter, and difficult vote to reduce the food justice fund amounts, but I just want to accentuate the positives that we get in each of our neighborhoods across the city from engaging people outdoors and healthy activities, providing healthy food, and restoring. Very often in some of these gardens, restoring areas that are just slighted disinvestment and, a negative space, the neighborhood turning a negative space in the neighborhood around to a positive space.

So with that, I look forward to working with the current administration on ways to make sure that we are continuing investments in the food system, whether that be with our own resources, again, plant, people time, money, equipment. I think there's a ton of compost being delivered by a city, dump truck to a garden on the North Side Of Manchester this week, for example. So, you know, in councilman Lavelle's district because it is producing so much good in the neighborhood. And these are these are worthwhile investments that I hope that council will work together, with the administration to make sure that we continue those investments. That's all.

I'll stop there. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Councilor Mosley. Yeah.

I'd like to congratulate, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and everybody who was involved in developing Arts Landing. It was great to be there with a few of the of my colleagues on Friday, and I was honored to say a few words Thank you. On behalf of my family given the fact that my father's newest exhibition, Touching the Earth, was unveiled on on on Friday. And, truly a bittersweet day, but, you know, I encourage everyone, over the next few months to get down to Art's Landing. It's just a wonderful civic space, you know, just space for for children to play, space for people to take in the amazing art that not only my father did, but many other local artists who are extremely talented, as well as live music and live performances and that, breathtaking amphitheater that, that sits on the Fort Duquesne Boulevard side of the property.

So, again, I just wanted to to share that, you know, with the public and congratulate all those involved, but in particularly, Kendra Whitlock Ingram and her leadership at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. You know, kudos on the job well done.

Thank you. It is indeed a great space, and you had very well received remarks on Friday. So thank you for your comments. I know the kids across the street of Kappa are very excited as well. Bobby's daughter was screaming and yelling from the rooftop. Yes. So it is indeed a great space. Any further comments? If not, we have meeting announcements this afternoon at 01:00. Council will hold an executive session for bills three eighty three, three ninety three, three ninety four, three ninety five as it relates to litigation.

Also, this afternoon at 01:30, council will hold our senate committee meeting. Speaker registration will close at 11:30. To register to speak at this meeting, please fill the sign up form on the council meeting webpage or call the clerk's office at (412) 255-2138. With that, need a motion approve the minutes and adjourn the meeting.

So moved. Second.

All in favor, say

aye. Aye.

We are adjourned.