City Council - Regular Meeting

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Good morning and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr. Sharland. Mr. Coghill. Ms. Gross. Mr. Mosley. Mrs. Salinetro.

Here.

Mrs. Strasburger.

Here.

Mrs. Warwick.

Here.

Mr. Wilson. Mr. Coghill. Mr. Coghill. Here. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Here.

Five members present.

Thank you. For those who are able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Remain standing for a moment of silence.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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

So moved. Second.

All those in favor, say aye. Aye. The agenda has been amended. Our next order of business is proclamations. We have one to be presented by Councilman Conkel.

Thank you, Mr. Conkel. Good morning, everybody. If I could ask the people, the folks here, mostly from Brookline, to come up and join me for this proclamation of a civil war. Thank you, Blake. Couldn't do it without that. You can stand right up here, Shannon. Okay, I'm a bit of a Civil War history buff myself, and these folks are obviously much more apt at knowing the history of it, but I find it fascinating. And I didn't know that Mr. Conwell was from Brookline and one of the last survivors of the Civil War, so... so thank you for uh you know doing what you do i'm john so whereas joseph p caldwell born 1847 in allegheny city presently called the north side joined the union army at the age of only 15 to fight in the american civil war serving in captain joseph knapp's independent pennsylvania light artillery battery and hardens division 22nd corps And whereas in July of 1864, while part of the Garrison defending Washington, D.C., Private Caldwell participated in the Battle of Fort Stevens, defending against the final push north of the Confederate Army. This battle, occurring only 10 miles outside the Capitol, was directly observed by President Lincoln as witnessed in person by Private Caldwell. And whereas in 1865, Private Caldwell returned to civilian life, where he worked as a contractor, owned a farm, and with his wife, Clara, raised a family of seven in Butler County. In 1928, the Coldwell family moved to the Brookline section of Pittsburgh, and the Coldwells spent the next 17 years in Brookline, attending the Brookline Boulevard Presbyterian Church with Pastor Lance. We have Pastor Lance's church today. The final year of Joseph Caldwell's life was spent living with his son on Pine Castle Avenue in Overbrook. And in his civilian life, Caldwell joined the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans organization open only to those who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The historic organization at its height had 410,000 members. And as a proud veteran and member of the GAR, Joseph Caldwell did not miss a Memorial Day parade for 80 years, attending the South Hills Memorial Association parade every year until ill health prevented his attendance. And when Private Caldwell passed on in August of 1946, he was the last Union veteran of the Civil War surviving in the Allegheny County. going to his eternal rest in Summit Cemetery, Butler County. And whereas the Davis Star Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as a camp of the recognized successor of the Grand Army of the Republic dedicated to maintaining the memory of these soldiers, has purchased a plaque commemorating his service and status of last Civil War veteran to pass in Allegheny County. And the Davis Star Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War held a plaque dedication and placement ceremony at Summit Cemetery, Butler County, at Joseph Caldwell's gravesite to honor his life and service. And members of the Brookline and Overbrook neighborhoods gathered at the dedication to honor this brave member of their community. Now, therefore, it be resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend the Davis Star Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Brookline Connection, Overbrook Historical Society, Brookline Together, which James is here for, Overbrook Community Council, Tree of Life Open Bible Church, and members of the Brookline and Overbrook community. And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, June 6th, 2026, the Davis Star Camp of the Sons and Union Veterans of Civil War Day in the City of Pittsburgh. May we have a motion to approve?

So moved. Second.

All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Congratulations.

We'll have Mr. John Morgan up here to say a few words.

We'd first like to start by thanking Councilman Cogwell. We greatly appreciate this honor. Good morning, everyone. My name is John Morgan, Senior Vice Commander of the Davis Star Camp, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. By way of background, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a patriotic and educational organization founded in 1881 and incorporated by an act of Congress in 1954. We are the legal successor and recognized heir to the Grand Army of the Republic. our purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union in 1861-1865, to assist in every practicable way in the preservation and making available for research documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members, to cooperate in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any way, to teach patriotism and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, the love and honor of our flag, to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to or make for the destruction or impairment of our constitutional union, and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principles of representative government, equal rights, and impartial justice for all. The Sons of Union Veterans was founded in Pittsburgh by its own Augustus P. Davis in 1881 to ensure the preservation of its mission following the death of the last Union Civil War veterans, based on the principles of the Grand Army of the Republic, fraternity, charity, and loyalty. The first organizational meeting was held in November of 1881 at the GAR Post meeting room on the third floor of Old City Hall, right down at the corner of Smithfield and Oliver. A group of 11 boys met there and adopted the Constitution, rules, regulations, and rituals. written by A.P. Davis, and formed Sons of Veterans of Pennsylvania, which is now known as Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and denominated its first chapter with a star. We stand before you in preparation for an event to be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, to honor the memory of Private Joseph Caldwell, the last Civil War veteran to pass on in Allegheny County. It is our privilege to dedicate a plaque recognizing his service and distinction as the last of these brave soldiers to go to their eternal rest from this county. The ceremony will be held at his graveside at Summit Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 181 Caldwell Drive, in Butler, PA. We invite all to attend. After the war ended in 1865, as the Councilman has explained, he made a home in Butler County, but then moved to the Brookline and Overbrook sections of Pittsburgh to reside with his family. While in Pittsburgh, he was a member of the Brookline Boulevard United Presbyterian Church, the site now occupied by the Tree of Life Open Bible Church, and attended the local Memorial Day parade held by the South Hills Memorial Association every year. until his health prevented his attendance in 1946, the year of his passing. As part of the arrangements for the dedication ceremony, we reached out to the Brookline and Overbrook communities about this observation and recognition of their native sun. As was to be expected considering the areas involved, the response has been enthusiastic and highly positive. We would especially like to thank Ms. Shannon Barkley, who led the organizational group of contacting these groups and individuals in those communities. A number of groups have stepped forward to promote the observance, and it is only right that they be commended for their patriotism and civic spirit. On behalf of the Sons of Union veterans of the Civil War, we wish to express our thanks and our heartfelt appreciation for their efforts. Thank you.

else.

And then we have four to be granted to the record.

Councilperson Strasburger presents. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and celebrate Lisa McVey for her decades of dedicated service to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and congratulate her upon the occasion of her retirement. And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 28th, 2026 to be Mary Lisa McVey Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Councilperson Strasburger also presents now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and celebrate Paul Depp for his decades of dedicated service to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement. And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 28th, 2026 to be Paul Depp Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Councilperson Strasburger also presents, now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor and celebrate Sammy Stiegman for his resilience before, during, and after the Holocaust. Mr. Stiegman has dedicated his life to maintain the memory of the Holocaust and those lost, and be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare June 2nd, 2026 to be Sammy Stiegman Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

May we have a motion to approve? Just one more. One more, sorry.

And Councilperson Warwick presents now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh congratulates the Greenfield Baseball Association on 75 years of invaluable service to our community's children. And be it further resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, June 6th, 2026 to be Greenfield Baseball Association Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

Now may we have a motion to approve? So moved. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? All four proclamations have been approved. Our next order of business is public comment. I would like to remind everyone the rules of council state. The comments are limited in matters of concern, official action, or deliberation, which may be before city council. Profanity will not be permitted. Once you recall, please restate your name, provide your neighborhood for the record. You'll be given three minutes to speak. Our first registered speaker is Bethany Cameron.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Bethany Cameron. I still live in Overbrook, and I'm here once again representing InformUp.org, a local news nonprofit which reports weekly on City Council meetings, asks readers to weigh in on what matters to them, and delivers that feedback back to their elected officials. We covered three issues this week, the Rivers Casino tax exemption, micro-grant priorities, and the East Carson Street Improvement District. Sixty-nine readers responded. All nine council districts were represented. Number one, we asked readers if they thought that the Rivers Casino should be exempt from the proposed amusement device tax. 92% of respondents disagree. 76% strongly disagree. 8% support the exemption. A District 7 resident from Bloomfield said, state law is clear that municipalities cannot tax or regulate things already taxed and regulated by Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh should tax skill games, but taxing pinball machines is stupid and will drive a fun and safe form of amusement outside the city. No more pinball museums or third spaces. A District 4 resident from Carrick remarked, why tax harmless things like darts, jukeboxes, or pinball machines? I think the skill games are the only thing anyone is concerned about. We need more third spaces where people can hang out, not less. Number two, we told readers that the city plans to award microgrants of up to $5,000 for youth-led climate projects and asked them which types of projects should have the highest priority for funding. 18% of readers chose either planting trees and creating green spaces or reducing waste and improving recycling. 17% chose addressing climate-driven issues like food insecurity. 16% chose educating young people about climate issues, preparing neighborhoods for flooding or extreme heat, or lowering energy use in homes and community buildings. District 9 resident from Point Breeze said, it was difficult to answer because it was not clear whether young people would have the training, equipment, or access to make a difference. They are good ideas, it's just not clear how it would work. Number three, on the East Carson Street Neighborhood Improvement District, we asked readers, if approved, what should be the top priorities for its first year budget? 39% chose cleaning and maintaining sidewalks and public spaces. 30% chose prioritizing filling vacant storefronts with new businesses. 27% chose improving safety and lighting. And 5% prioritized marketing and promotion. A District 3 resident from Allentown summed up their priorities in two words, safety and cleanliness. A respondent from Allegheny Center offered a cautionary note. There's a lot to be done in the Southside to promote improved safety and better living conditions that does not include a heavy police presence. Work with the people of the Southside rather than becoming entirely beholden to the whims of the businesses requesting increased taxes. Once again, I will email you the complete survey results around later today. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you. Our last registered speaker is Mike Blackhurst. Is Mike Blackhurst with us? If not, that exhausts our list of registered speakers. We'll now take a comment from those in chambers. If you would please come forward, Mr. Giampolo. Provide your name and neighborhood for the record. Good morning.

Carlino Giampolo, Panther Hollow. Two months ago, I came before this Council and mentioned the University of Pittsburgh would provide funding to enhance our Italian sense of place in Panther Hollow. Because of their generous offer of possibly over $10,000, I had commented that our community is entering into a new era of partnership with the University. I was wrong. It became apparent that their offer was akin to a Trojan horse. The offer was made so that we would not oppose our shameful electric vehicle charging stations project in our neighborhood, a project that no one in our community asked for or wanted. We refused the university's monetary offer. Coincidentally, two months ago, the university announced that it's granting $1 million annually to the city over the next five years. That may also very well be a Trojan horse. Let me illustrate. Last week, to shine the light on the EV charging stations project, I made a simple request to Mayor Cory O'Connor and this council. Please assist in determining whether the area of this project is a part of Shenley Park. But there was total silence by everyone. Total silence. Here are excerpts from a letter sent to Chancellor Joan Gabel last week. Later today, I will send the Mayor and members of this Council the entire letter. Chancellor Joan Gabel, why would you bring shame to yourself and the University of Pittsburgh just for four EV charging stations? You are fully aware that the University has reneged on a 1982 agreement with the Panther Hollow community, both as written and in spirit. Your EV charging stations project is shameful wrongdoing on all levels. Spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Should the EV charging stations project be completed, we will remove the Italian sense of place. We have too much love and respect for the generations before us. who established Panther Hollow as a quintessential Italian immigration experience. We will not allow the symbols of our legacy to exist next to the injustice and shame of the University of Pittsburgh. We will not allow the symbols of our legacy to exist next to the injustice and shame of the University of Pittsburgh. Thank you. Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Hi, Bernadette from Beachview. I'd love to have those electrical little pluggy thingies. I've asked you guys for them before. Okay, I have been coming here for years. And since before Ganey, I have been complaining about the ADA fake doors at the Beachview Healthy Community Center. Maybe some of you remember, maybe some of you need coffee to remember, but I've been here. I know that previous directors have put in a request. We have heard excuse after excuse. Well, the old director took the key fob and that's causing the mess and it's a computer thing and all you have to do is press a doorbell. Well, they can't keep staff there, so pressing the doorbell is not always possible when you have multiple floors. We love that place. But you do not want to see this big, fat, white woman in a dress having to put her leg up like she's going to give birth to a baby in order to hold a door open to get my chair through a door. You got ADA buttons, make them work. If a computer is the problem, get a new computer system. If the button is broke, get a new button. I sat there yesterday and I called every single other center and every one of them, surprisingly all have working ADA buttons. Like, seriously, Ganey sat here in this room. They had an evening meeting with the ADA people, and I watched him write it down when I told him that the button is not working. Dan Deasy came with you when we talked about the sidewalk that needed fixed, and they saw that the ADA door is not working, and they said this needs fixed. So they fixed the sidewalk, but the door is still not fixed. Please, for the love of God, if somebody doesn't know how to fix that door, get rid of them and hire somebody that does. Plain and simple. And the directors should be able to pull up a database that tells them how many requests were put in. That should be accessible for them. They should be able to know which director requested it, which director, what they were told. There should be follow up on all of this. And everybody, I called 311 yesterday and they said, would you like to have a meeting with Corey O'Connor? mayor over this. He knows about it. Okay, so I'm getting myself all up in a work and a tizzy. The parking lot in Beachview. I called parking authority for some of the seniors. They asked me to come down and bring this up. The spaces need numbered. There is one space adjacent to Dan Berkowitz's property where there's a garbage dumpster.

Thank you.

We need paint.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning. I'm Lori Kulczynski. I am the owner, I'm with BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania, the owner of the recycling center in Hazelwood. I've been up here about a half a dozen times now. You know, I was so excited to buy this recycling center last year. I knew I had a lot of work to do, but I was excited to do that work, to make it a better place for us, the community, our green initiatives, everything that we want as we move forward as a community. What I wasn't prepared for was the way that the city was going to treat a tax-paying employer who invests in improving an existing city infrastructure that is needed by all of us. In these meetings, there has been no public discussion about the impacts to everybody involved if we pass, for example, this rezoning that's on the bill today. This is not just a District 5 issue. This is a city of Pittsburgh issue. Everything has been so haphazardly rushed. There's late additions, there's revisions. Today the meeting was supposed to start at 10. And at 10.30, another yellow sheet comes out with a revision for this specific bill. We just need to work together. There's no need for this stuff to be rushed. I'm super proud of what we accomplished. I would love to give everybody a tour so you can see why this location is in a properly zoned area and how much improvement we've done to this facility. It's not too late. Don't vote this through today. Please, I will make any time available to come and show you guys what we're doing down there and why this isn't a properly zoned area. Now with these latest revisions, it's illegal spot zoning. We are an island sitting in the middle to be rezoned while everything surrounding us is not going to be rezoned. Don't do that. Let's do the right thing. Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning. Chris Volz, resident of Squirrel Hill, here on behalf of BSI. I submitted a letter yesterday to each of you outlining BFI's concerns regarding the revised amendments to Bill 2025-1993. I hope that you had a chance to review it and consider the arguments made therein. Last week, without any discussion, Council amended Bill 2025-1993 to remove the vast majority of the land area to be rezoned. Presumably, the intent was to remove the rail yard properties, but one or two parcels remained until today, apparently looking at this yellow sheet. This was done without any discussion. without any referral to the Planning Commission, and without any transparency. As a result, this bill creates an island of RIV IMU zoned parcels surrounded by a sea of general industrial parcels. This is the definition of unconstitutional spot zoning. So please, we ask that you vote this illegal bill down and end this pointless endeavor. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please.

Good morning, Mr. President, members of council. My name is Bill Sittig, and I represent CSX, and I, too, am speaking on Council Bill 2025-1993. CSX does not oppose the bill in its currently amended form. We just want to let... council know on a broader basis, while this started out as a broadside to the rezoning of railroad properties, which was misplaced, I committed to the councilwoman that we would use it as, and not connected to the legislation at all, we'd use it as an opportunity to engage with the community That's been successful. The Hazelwood community, led by Sonya Tillman, Hazelwood Initiative, and Reverend Murray. It's been a pleasure to meet people in the community, be able to do some good things. And I committed to the councilwoman when I got involved, that notwithstanding, this proposed amendment and this attack on the railroad usage that we would commit to nonetheless working with the community and doing that. One of the biggest challenges, and it may go unnoticed, but in my world of real estate development and real estate rights is that this jeopardized some really serious efforts on behalf of CSS to turn over trail easements. CSX, despite the problems created in the media, politically, legally, maintained that course and has maintained its commitment to grant those easement rights and continue to do the connections that are so important to the city. So my thanks to the Councilwoman for working through this and taking an adverse process and turning it into something positive. And, you know, we understand the other comments here from other parties, but as far as CSX is concerned, we have no problem with the proposed amendment. Thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker, please.

Good morning, Mr. President, members of council. My name is Brendan O'Donnell. I represent Allegheny Valley Railroad. Allegheny Valley Railroad operates the rail yard in Hazelwood that was part of the geographic area proposed to be rezoned by Bill 2025-1993. I echo the comments of Mr. Sittig. Through the political process, the proposed ordinance has been amended so as to alleviate the railroad concerns. We appreciate working with Council Member Warwick, members of the community, in order to position this draft ordinance in a way that does not impair railroad operations of Allegheny Valley Railroad and Hazelwood so that we continue to be an economic benefit to the region. Thank you. Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning. The missing child, Cerise Taylor, Special Agent Sunshine. Lord, thank you for another beautiful day. Thank you for the birds, the squirrels, the baby does, and the rabbits that come and greet me in the morning right before dawn. The title of my message today is How to Love Others. In Matthew 22, 35 through 40, I'm not going to read it all, but it just basically says, Jesus told the disciples in everything, treat people the same way you want. them to treat you. This is commonly called the golden rule. It's easy to love when others treat us well, but how do we respond when their behavior is hurtful or unpleasant? Last week I was attacked by a grown man in his 70s and what came out of his mouth led me to believe that he may have been my real father. What he did was heinous. He put a metal chair one foot from my face, threatening to hit me with it, turned over tables where I was sleeping, and I told him it was space and opportunity. Go ahead, hit me with the chair, but if you do, you will not live another day. God said, touch not my anointing. Two children also attacked me last week. They weren't even 15. These are two children I knew from the overflow shelter I stayed in last winter. And I was only a blessing to them. They spit on me, threw water on me, and turned over my suitcase. Now I ask you, how long do you think that we are not going to spare the lives of these children? How long do you think that the elderly are going to be attacked? and not do anything, officer. I'm asking you, how long? Elderly are carrying weapons now. We're not playing with children. I promise you, we're not. I will not stand another day, hour, minute, or second, and be attacked by a child who is not being trained to respect adults. You guys are supposed to protect and serve. What happened to that? I asked the officer, sir, what do I do in this situation? I'm trying to stay away from chaos and conflict in every aspect of my life, any way I can. I'm trying to stay away from it. It's following me. You know what he said to me? There's nothing I can do. I'm just minding my business, trying to live in peace. Really? Well, when your children are attacked, any officer, Or they attack adults, whatever happens to them, how will you handle it? In Jesus' name. Thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker, please.

Good morning. My name is Yvonne F. Brown. And I wanted to say, today is Alexis' birthday. That's my grandchild. She's 12 years old today. Now, she's the one that, when she came and spoke, she was five years old. And Reverend Mr. Burgess, you didn't call them Reverend in here, but Mr. Burgess said it wasn't the time or the place for her to speak. And I rushed her. I was rushing. I didn't want her to hear that. And I rushed her out of here. My husband heard me say, you didn't say that when you had the little white kids that they promoting. And then I brought her down, back down here to city council one time. and she wouldn't speak, and that really hurt me because I have five grandchildren, five daughters that I used to babysit. I'd bring them down here. Five of them, they all spoke before council. She wouldn't because of what he said, but she's excellent in school. She makes straight A's, and they said that she's an excellent student, but I teach her that she has to learn from the teacher. She has to get what they got. They already got their education. It's for you to to get it to. Now, I have said to my president, and I'll say it again, when he told me to go to county council about the buses, because we still live at Cady River Irvins, that senior citizen home, 120 apartments, and we have to go two buses to get to the bottom of the hill, Mercy Hospital. You told me to go to the county council. And when I went to the county council, I told you DeWitt Watson, who was my councilman, had said no. Can't nobody come down and tell him what they need. I know what they need. I live across the street from them. And they need a security. But when he didn't do what he said, I came through. the building one day. I didn't know the politicians was gonna be there. So he came through, he's a big tall black man. He came through, I said, hey sir, you remember me? And he looked, I said, I'm the one that asked about the buses. And I said, you didn't do what you said. I'm going to the county council and I'm telling, well, he stopped and he started hollering, but he just speaks loud. So I said, are you hollering at me, sir? And he said, no, he promised that he would call Port Authority. But what happened was he leaves out the side door. I walk down. There's a white woman, very pleasant. And she says she's John DeFazio, the president of county council. He's running again when I vote for him. And I told him no. I said woman to woman. And I told him how mean he was. And she said, not my John. I said, oh, yes. So she ran me in there to John. I ran... Tomorrow I should bring back, I'll bring back the poem that I wrote asking the president of council. Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning, council. Today is my daughter's birthday, so I'll be nice to y'all. And I really didn't know what to say, so I guess God put this on my heart to have to say to y'all today. I'm here today with some questions regarding our Veterans Banners program and how veterans are being honored throughout our neighborhoods. As I traveled through different neighborhoods, I have noticed that some communities had veterans banners lining the street, lining street after street, while in other neighborhoods, there appear to be far fewer banners and much greater distance between them. Can someone please explain how the banner placement is determined? Is every neighborhood given equal opportunity to participate and honor its veterans? I also noticed something else that concerned me just a few minutes ago, so I can make sure I check the facts. When I looked at the programs in some communities, on the Hill District, I found the banner cost ranging from, well actually this one was Jefferson Hills and Crafton, the banner cost was ranging from $85 to $150. And it said that their banners would be displayed for years to come. However, on the part where you have to give it to the Hill District Federal Credit Union, it says that it costs us $449 for us to display and it would be displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. It doesn't say for years to come. so can someone please explain why there appears to be such a significant difference in the cost and display time are these different programs operating under different rules if so then why and for families who cannot afford hundreds of dollars or even a hundred dollars what assistance is available are there any grants sponsorships partnerships that can help low-income families honor their veterans, because I have a granddad and an uncle that I feel like need to be on the pole. Every veteran took the same oath. Every veteran made the same sacrifices for this country. Their recognition should not depend on the neighborhood they come from or the income level of their families. I'm simply asking for transparency, accountability, fairness, like I always do when I come down here. Hopefully, this question can be answered.

Thank you. Next speaker, please. Next speaker, please. Seeing no further speakers, we'll move on to the presentation of papers, beginning with Councilman Charlene, Chair of Human Resources. Good day, Mr. President. Thank you. Councilman Coghill, Chair of Public Safety and Wellness.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilman Coghill presents Bill No. 58. Resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Pulse Point Foundation in an amount not to exceed $6,000 for the city's share of the license fee for the annual renewal of the Pulse Point Emergency Services application.

And Councilman Groves, Chair of Innovation and Performance, Asset Management and Technology. Thank you, Councilman Mosley.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilwoman Gross presents bill number 555, resolution amending resolution 346 of 2025, which authorized an amended agreement with Workiva Inc. to provide a subscription-based publishing software solution by extending the term for an additional one year and increasing the approved amount by $61,493.31 for a new total cost not to exceed $339,461.12 over seven years.

And Councilman Mosley, Chair of Intergovernmental Educational Affairs. Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilman Mosley presents bill number 557, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works for the city of Pittsburgh to enter into an agreement or agreements with the borough of Wilkinsburg for the collection of a portion of the borough's municipal waste by the city at a borough cost not to exceed $3,401,631.99 over a period of three years.

And Councilwoman Stella Netro, Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Thank you, Council President.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Salinetro presents bill number 556, resolution amending resolution 542 of 2023, authorizing the mayor and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into a sub award agreement with River Life for the purpose of spending grant funds in an amount not to exceed $499,900 to support the renovation of Allegheny Landing Park by correcting the park name on the section. bill 558 resolution providing for an agreement or agreements with traffic planning and design inc for costs associated with the final design phase of the frankstown avenue signals project providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed 404 254.34 reimbursable at 80 percent the And bill number 559, resolution providing for reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the construction phase of the East Ohio Street Safely and Streetscape Project and providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $2,500,000, reimbursable at 100%.

And Councilwoman Schatzberger, chair of finance and law.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Councilperson Strasburger presents Bill number 560, Resolution Amending Resolution 924 of 2024, effective December 18, 2024, entitled, Resolution Adopting and Approving the 2025 Capital Budget, the Proposed 2025 Community Development Program, and the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. by increasing complete streets by $1 million to account for additional Federal Highway Administration funding being received by the City of Pittsburgh. And Bill 561, further amending Resolution 857 of 2023, effective December 27, 2023, as amended, entitled... Resolution adopting and approving the 2024 capital budget, the proposed 2024 community development program, and the 2024 through 2029 capital improvement program by increasing street resurfacing by $1,065,795.78 to align with the most recent American Rescue Plan Act allocation.

And Council Member Warwick, Chair of Recreation Youth and Senior Services.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilwoman Warwick presents bill number 562, resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the director of the Department of City Planning to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Open Space Institute for the purpose of receiving grant funds in an amount not to exceed $25,000 to acquire privately owned tax-delinquent land to improve connectivity of our greenways. Bill 565, Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Pittsburgh Code Title IV, Public Places and Property. Article 7, City Realty, by adding a new Chapter 456, City Farms Garden Program. to authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a garden program which permits urban agricultural activities on permanently city-owned property, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill 566, ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh City Code Title IV, Public Places and Property, Article VII, City Realty by adding a new Chapter 455, Greenways, to authorize the Department of City Planning and its appointed designees to establish a greenways program, which permits stewardship in urban agriculture activities in the greenways, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill 567, ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh Code Title IV, Public Places and Property, Article 11, Parks and Playgrounds, by amending Chapter 47301A3 and 47301B1, to update Pittsburgh's park property use regulations.

And Council Member Wilson, Chair of Land Use and Economic Development. Thank you, Council Member.

Councilman Wilson presents bill number 563, resolution authorizing pursuant to chapter 210, acceptance of gifts to the city of the city code, the mayor and the director of the Department of City Planning to accept a donation from Preservation Pittsburgh and an amount of $10,000 for the conservation of the Soldiers and Sailors Foundation in Arsenal Park. Bill 564, Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Pittsburgh City Code Title IV Public Places and Property, Article 7, City Realty by Amending Chapter 454 to Update Pittsburgh's Adopt-A-Lot Program. Bill 568. Resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of park permits, licenses, and inspections to enter on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh into an agreement or agreements with Bata Environmental Associates, Inc. for professional services providing materials for an analysis of lead dust samples pertaining to PLI's execution of the city of Pittsburgh's lead safe ordinance for a total cost not to exceed $35,949.14 over three years.

And for myself.

Council President Lavelle presents bill number 569, communication from Rhea Price, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting the attached status update from the grants office for the week ended May 29, 2026.

We need a motion to read receiving file. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The bill will be read receiving file.

And Bill 574, resolution approving the recommendation made by the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure that the concrete portion of Allegheny Avenue situated north of and beginning at the intersection of North Franklin Avenue and ending at 1631 Allegheny Avenue at the termination of this northerly block should be paved with asphalt in accordance with Section 417.06 of the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances.

Thank you. Our next order of business is reports of Committee for Final Action, beginning with Council President Erica Schlossberger, representing the Committee of Finance and Law.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Councilperson Strasburger presents bill number 547, report of the Committee on Finance and Law for May 27th, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 509, ordinance amending the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, Title II, Fiscal Article I, Administration, Chapter 218, Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to clarify language to better align with budgetary practices. Bill 510, resolution authorizing the city to put claim any right title and interest it may have in and to the property identified as 6491 Stanton Avenue in the 11th Ward to Grace S. and Shibukum Irina for $200 relating to the full and final resolution of a longstanding scrivener's error in the chain of title. Bill 511, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Omar Cordenas and an amount not to exceed $3,600 over one year in full and final settlement of a claim for damage to his vehicle on Isler Street from an accident with a city police vehicle on March 17, 2026. Bill 515, resolution amending resolution 747 of 2025, which authorized the mayor and director of city planning to extend a professional services agreement with Bromberg and Associates LLC for effective communication services by exercising the contract option to extend the term for six months and increasing the total spend by $75,000 for new not to exceed amount of $778,976. and bill 536 resolution amending resolution 840 of 2024 which authorized a professional services agreement and or contract extension with b2g now for the purpose of amending account codes at no additional cost to the city

You've heard the reading inside of the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill before I, her name is called, those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr. Charland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick.

Aye.

Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Seven ayes, zero noes.

The bill, having received the legally required number of votes, is passed finally. And that moves us on to Councilman Conker presenting the Committee of Public Safety and Wellness. Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilman Coghill presents bill number 548, report of the Committee on Public Safety and Wellness for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 499, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of common plea catering in an amount not to exceed $16,450 for catering services during the NFL draft operational period. Bill 500. Resolution authorizing the Mayor and the Director of Public Safety on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh to enter into an Institutional Review Board authorization agreement with the University of Pittsburgh, allowing the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board to provide oversight of research conducted by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and no cost to the City. Bill 501. Resolution adopting the Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the city of Pittsburgh.

You've heard the regents have the bills or any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor to pass to the bill vote aye. Renovation is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr. Sharland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross.

Aye.

Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetra? Aye. Mrs. Strasburger? Aye. Mrs. Warwick? Aye. Mr. Wilson? Aye. Mr. Lavelle, President?

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The bill, having received the legal card of votes, is passed finally. That moves us to Councilwoman Kim Salinetra, presenting the Committee of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Thank you, Governor-President.

Councilwoman Salinaccio presents bill number 549, reported a committee on public works and infrastructure for May 27, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 300, resolution providing for the issuance of a warrant in favor of A. Foligno Construction Inc. in an amount of $481,320 for the purpose of emergency snow removal at various locations and providing for the payment of the cost thereof over one year. Bill 507. Resolution authorizing the Mayor, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program in an amount not to exceed $1,666,217 to revamp our curbside yard waste collection program. Bill 508. Resolution providing for a reimbursement agreement or agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for costs associated with the construction phase of the West End Trolley Trail project and providing for the payment of the cost thereof not to exceed $1 million. Reimbursable at 80%. Any municipal share of Commonwealth incurred costs at a cost to the city not to exceed $4,000.

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

Mr. Sharland. Aye. Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Aye. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye. Eight ayes, zero noes. The bill, having received the legally required number of votes, is passed finally. That moves us to Councilman Bobby Wilson, President of the Committee of Land Use and Economic Development.

Councilman Wilson presents Bill No. 553, Report of the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development for May 27, 2026, with an Affirmative Recommendation. Bill 1993, Ordinance Amending the Pittsburgh Code, Title IX, Zoning Code, Article I, Introduction and Establishment, Section 90203, Zoning Map, to Rezone Several Parcels from RIVGI, Riverfront General Industrial, So RIVIMU, Riverfront Industrial Mixed Use Subdistrict in the Hazelwood neighborhood of the 15th Ward, 31st Ward.

Councilwoman Warwick.

I'd like to make a motion to amend, please.

Sorry. You've heard the reading and title of the bill. Is there any discussion? Councilwoman Warwick.

Yeah, thank you. Motion to amend.

Is there a second? Second. All members should have the amendment in front of them that removes two parcels. All those in favor say aye. On the amendment?

Aye.

The bill has been amended. Any further discussion? If not, the bill is not ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye on names called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll? Mr. Sharland?

Aye. Mr. Coghill?

Aye.

Ms. Gross?

Aye.

Mr. Mosley?

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro? Aye. Mrs. Strasburger? Aye. Mrs. Warwick? Aye. Mr. Wilson? Mr. Lavelle, President?

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The bill, having received a legal card number of votes, is passed finally. And now, Councilwoman Barbara Ward, presenting the Committee of Recreation Youth and Senior Services.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilwoman Warwick presents Bill Number 550, Reporter to Committee on Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services for May 27, 2026, with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 512, Resolution Amending Resolution 388 of 2025, authorizing the Mayor and Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a professional services agreement or agreements with Starfire Corporation for an enhanced fireworks show held in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh City of Pittsburgh celebration of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day by modifying the code account to include grant funding and by increasing the amount by $261,800 for new total costs not to exceed $514,000 over three years.

You've heard the reading inside of the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action. All in favor to pass the bill before aye, your name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr. Charland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill.

Aye.

Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Aye. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The bill, having received legally required on its votes, is passed finally. That moves us to Councilwoman Deborah Gross presenting the Committee on Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology.

Councilwoman Gross presents Bill No. 551, Reporter to Committee on Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology for May 27, 2026, with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 502, Resolution Authorizing the Mayor, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to enter into an agreement or agreements with Bloomberg Philanthropies for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Youth Climate Action Fund in an amount of $50,000 to strengthen how cities partner with youth people to develop local climate solutions.

You've heard the reading inside the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote aye. Rename as called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll? Mr. Sharland. Aye.

Mr. Coghill.

Aye. Ms.

Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Mr. LaVelle President.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The bill, having received a legally required number of votes, is passed finally. And finally, Councilman Kari Mosley, presenting the Committee of Intergovernmental Educational Affairs. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Mosley presents bill number 552, Reporter to Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs for May 27th, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 503, resolution authorizing the mayor, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the director of the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement or agreements with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the purpose of receiving grant funds from the Economic Development Initiative Community Project funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to recreate community at the Thaddeus Stevens Recreation Center. Bill 504, resolution authorizing the issuance of three warrants payable in favor of Connect Congress of Neighboring Communities for one-year membership dues for all three branches of government in an amount not to exceed $27,563. Bill 505, Resolution amending Resolution 680 of 2020 entitled Resolution Authorizing a Cooperation Agreement or Agreements with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh in connection with the URA's application for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant of up to $1,500,000 for the former Homewood School Project Council District 9 to increase the total grant award, adjust the match, and assign an additional job number. Bill 506. Resolution adopting plan revision to the city of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for 2200 Railroad Street at no cost to the city.

You have heard the reading and time of the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the bill is not ready for final action. All in favor to pass out the bill before I or anyone is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the roll?

Mr. Sharland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley. Aye. Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The bill has received a legal requirement of votes. It is passed finally. That moves us on to motions and resolutions. With that, I'll go to Councilman Cargill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, so we have – I have to make a series of motions in order to get a word that was missing, and that word is taxed to the bill that I submitted last week. And I will start by saying a motion to discharge Council Bill 20260544 from the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development.

Second. That requires a roll call vote, so –

Mr. Sharland. Aye. Mr. Coghill.

Aye.

Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Mr. LaValle-President.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

The motion passes. And second, I would like to make a motion to remove the hold on Bill 20260544 for the purpose of amending the title of the bill and chapter. Second. We need a roll call vote.

Mr. Sharland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye.

Eight ayes, zero noes.

That motion passes. Okay.

And my third motion is a motion to amend Council Bill 20260544.

Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The bill has been amended. That motion passes.

Thank you. And my final motion will be motion to recommit Bill 20260544 to the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development and hold for a public hearing.

Second. And I believe that does require a roll call vote.

Mr. Sharland.

Aye.

Mr. Coghill. Aye. Ms. Gross. Aye. Mr. Mosley.

Aye.

Mrs. Salinetro. Aye. Mrs. Strasburger. Aye. Mrs. Warwick. Aye. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lavelle, President.

Aye. Eight ayes, zero noes. And a motion to recommit has also passed. Any further discussion from members for a motion of resolutions? If not, we have a number of meeting announcements. This afternoon was... Oh, I apologize. Our legislative projects manager is now going to read a legal statement that must be read any time we're looking to pass a new tax.

From the Council of the City of Pittsburgh. Council Bill 2026-544, Mechanical Amusement Devices Tax. Please be advised that pursuant to the Act of December 31st, 1965, Pamphlet Laws, page 1257, as amended, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh has introduced and intends to levy a new tax in the city called the Pittsburgh Mechanical Amusement Device Tax. Amusement device. The amusement devices and apparatus to be subject to this tax are herein described. Class 1. Class 1 devices include poker machines, video slot machines, video sweepstakes machines, and any other type of purely amusement device permitted by law. The tax for Class 1 devices shall be $1,000 per device per year. Class 2. Class 2 devices include machines which offer prizes for amusement such as stuffed animals, toys, candy, or other items. The tax for Class 2 devices shall be $100 per device per year. Class 3. Class III devices include machines and apparatus used for entertainment and public participation for sport, which includes, but is not limited to, darts, jukeboxes, pool tables, pinball machines, shuffleboard machines, and children's video games. The tax for Class 3 devices shall be $10 per device per year. The tax shall be imposed on any person, business, or establishment that houses and offers for play an amusement device for each such device and is a condition of a license or permit being issued. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh has determined that new sources of general revenue are required to maintain city services for infrastructure and to bring the city's budget into long-term balance. Initial estimates by the Council project $2 million to $3 million per year in new revenue will be derived from this tax. Thank you, members. Thank you very much.

And now to meeting announcements. This afternoon with sessions at 1.30 and 2.15, council will hold a briefing on the capital budget tutorial for new staff and as a refresher for current staff. Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., council will hold our standing committee meeting. Speaker's registration will close at 9. Also tomorrow afternoon with sessions at 2 and 2.30, council will hold a briefing on the mayor's recommendation to the governor regarding the designation of census tracts as opportunity zones. Then on Thursday, June 4th at 1 p.m., council will hold a cablecast public hearing on bills 487 and 516 concerning petitions related to Serpentine Drive and Schilling Park. Speaker registration will close at 11 a.m. To register to speak at any of these meetings, please sign up for them on the council meeting webpage or call the clerk's office at 412-255-2138. By the registration deadline. With that, motion to excuse the absent member, approve the minutes, and adjourn the meeting. So moved. Second. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. We are adjourned.