Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting - 4/20/26
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Good morning and welcome to the regular meeting of city council on Monday, April 20th, 2026. Will the clerk please take the role? >> Mr. Charlotte >> here. >> Mr. Cogill. >> Miss Gross. Mr. Mosley >> here. >> Mrs. Salonro >> here. >> Mrs. Strawber here. >> Mrs. Warwick. Mr. Wilson. >> Mr. Lavell 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. >> 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 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 I. I. I. >> The agenda has been amended. Cool. >> Our next order of business is proclamations. We'll begin with Councilman Mosley. Can everybody okay with uh Supervisor Williams and the second division come up and join us? >> Brian, you can join us too if you want. You can join us. >> Okay. Um, you know, it's truly honored to be able to present this proclamation today to my good friend Ed Williams. Uh, we've only known each other for a couple years, but uh, I feel like, uh, you know, we've been kindred spirits over over this time. Um, doing the important work of serving the constituents of District 9 as well as Division 2 um, through throughout the East End. And I feel like that the work that we do together is really uh integral into, you know, restoring people's faith in government, whether it's, you know, a pothole or a tree cut down um or the work that you did most recently in helping us uh get legislation passed to address that retaining wall in Lincoln Lemington on Dmore Street. So whereas Edward J. Williams, affectionately known as AD, has honorably served the city of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works for 22 years in counting and is currently the supervisor of public works division 2 and was previously a division 2 truck driver and foreman as well as a labor at Shinley Park, truck driver at division 1 and environmental services. And whereas Ed grew up in the Arlington Heights section of Pittsburgh, graduated from South Foot Techch High School. Okay, you're oral. um and and attended Pittsburgh Job Corps, he shares four adult children with his wife of 21 years, Miriam Williams. And whereas division 2 supervisor as division 2 supervisor of 35 employees, Ed has met many challenges, but handles everything with grace and poise. I can't 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 9 greatly appreciates the hard work and public services that Ed and Division 2 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 to 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, April 20th, 2026, to be Ed Williams Day in the city of Pittsburgh. A >> motion to approve. All in favor say I. Congratulations. >> Uh, I want to thank you, Councilman. Thank you, Leslie. Thanks, Leticia. How you doing, Erica? >> Hey. >> Yep. So, uh, yeah, like he said, you know, I I enjoy taking care of the neighborhoods, especially the elderly and everyone in the neighborhoods. Uh, I mean, it's just it's just who I am. You know, I'm I'm definitely 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 far as throwing garbage for the city, you know, you touch every person on every street. So, uh thank you. Thank you guys. And I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Thank you. And uh and before I ask uh you know members to come up, you know, I can't attest to that, you know. Um I had a constituent give me 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 um you know, environmental services, uh you know, missed my house and in a half an hour, uh somebody from Division 2 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, um, I I got I got to give you your flowers. So, thank you so much. And I'd like to uh Oh, Councilwoman Straberger. >> Well, if I could just add to what you're saying. A recent visit down to Division 2, I just found that not only Supervisor Williams, but the entire team at Division 2 was eager to work. They were happy. They were ready for more work. They're like, "What can we do to do 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 um dedicated, but you've you have an infectious sort of um you know, dedication to your work that that that then trickles down to everybody that you work with." And um that's that makes a great um division and that makes a great city. So, congratulations on that as well. >> Yeah, absolutely. I'd like to invite my colleagues to come up for a photo. Oh, you get doing paradise. There's Paradise with a crush >> and Councilwoman Shburg. If everyone for National Library Week could come on up. Well, it is uh official national library week and therefore uh 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, and organizations to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community. And whereas libraries empower job seekers, 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 Alageney 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 Alageney 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 19th through 25th, 2026 as National Library Week in the city of Pittsburgh. >> May we have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. Councilwoman Strawberger, President Lavell, 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 1.7 million 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 everyone 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 uh or excuse me on tomorrow at 5:30 when we celebrate the annual Vivian and Davidson Huitt lecture honoring the first black librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and celebrating library workers of color and also on May 30th, Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 at the annual Pittsburgh Bookfest. We'll see you then. And thank you Yes, >> I just wanted to say a few words. It's always good to see uh Director Medard and Director Voss. Um you know, very much enjoyed the time that we spent at Homewood Library about a year ago uh touring it and even more excited about the future of Homewood Library. I'm looking forward to seeing the renovations um as as well as in particular um the African-American archive, you know, and preserving that. Um you know, I know that um 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 116th 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 chamber today. >> Can we get all members up, please? Thanks. And I believe we have three to be read into the record. Council member Lavell presents. Be it further resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 to be John Guyger Day in the city of Pittsburgh. Council member War presents now therefore be it resolved that the council of the city of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, April 24th to be an bellser and east end print day in the city of Pittsburgh. Council member Strawberger 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? >> Move. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> 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 matter of return official action or del deliberation which made before city council profanity will not be permitted after you call please restate your name provide your neighborhood for the record you'll be given three minutes to speak our first register speaker is Dr. Ronald Lin Miller Dr. Ronald and Miller, United States, Pittsburgh, Central Oakland neighborhood, Brain Institute at Children's Hospital, Cambodia, Nonen, Central Ponen Neighborhood, >> the Bria, >> thank you. >> Cassava uh hospital focuses on CTE. USA Stockton, California, West March Lane neighborhood, Bennett Amalo Thethology, CTE. A concern of this council um includes uh US American football, Steelers, NFL draft. Uh I have a concern that is similar to that. I taught the invented the theory of sport uh 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 CGSI which I founded in 1999. I'm the Global Intelligence Society candidate for president 2028 ACE and 1448H global information intelligence network.net. Now Mr. Lavell surely on um 14 April 2026 you told the already brain damaged 4% proficient Westinghouse high school dark-kinn African descent male athletes about Dr. Bennett Amalu, the University of Nigeria, CMU, University of Pittsburgh educated Nigerian immigrant, now US American citizen pathologist who discovered chronic traumatic encphylopathy CTE during his um coroner autopsy of craze steeler Mike Webster. No. Uh surely you uh told the intelligence compromised NFL stars uh in their NFL stars in their eyes, boys um 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 70% of NFL players are are of African descent. um that the probability of of gaining CTE um and other brain problems um as a consequence of concussive episodes is greater than 75. No. Um surely you told them that the local Steeler and um national NFL hatred of Omalo uh see Will Smith in concussion 2015 propped by KDKA WTAE WPXI delayed the NFL recognition of CTE um for a decade but led to an NFL payout which is now over $1.5 billion to what I consider to be deacto slaves that are working damaging their brains and bodies. is for light-skinned owners. Um, I think this is a big big error. >> Thank you. Our next reg our last register speaker is RK Bay. Is Rake Bay with us? If not, that ex exhausts our list of register speakers. Is there's anyone in chambers wishing to speak? Please come 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 Charlotte, chair of human resources. >> No business, Mr. President. >> Thank you. Councilman Carill, chair of public safety and wellness. >> Mr. President, >> I thought you had one. >> You had one. Is this one? Okay. It's in the middle. I didn't know. Councilman Cogill presents bill number 383, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of PFM Group Consulting LLC for payment for professional services rendered in the Act11 interest arbitration between the city of Pittsburgh and the Fraternal Order of Police for an amount not to exceed $90,58824 over one year. and Councilwoman Gross, chair of innovation, performance, asset management, and technology. Thank you, Council Mosley. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Councilwoman Gross presents bill number 384, resolution amending resolution 20 of 2025, which authorize the city of Pittsburgh to enter into a professional services agreement andor contracts with core business technologies for software, equipment, and services related to payment processing and cashiering systems for the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Police by extending the contract by one year and increasing the approved amount by 104,000. 72.75 for an amended total cost not to exceed $500,229.35 and Councilman Mosley, chair of intergovernmental educational affairs. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you. Councilman Mosley presents bill number 385, resolution adopting plan revisions to the city of Pittsburgh's official sewage facilities plan for 3634 Penn Avenue at no cost to the city and bill 386 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 Alageney County Sanitary Authority in lie of permits for the occupation of certain portions of the public rightway in the city of Pittsburgh. >> And Councilwoman Salinetro, chair of public works and infrastructure. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Councilwoman Salenro presents bill number 387, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of finance to enter into an easement agreement or agreements with Dukane Light Company for the installation of one pole and one anchor on city-owned parcels. Bill Number 388, resolution providing for an amended reimbursement agreement or agreements 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, reimburseable at 80% and the municipal Share of Commonwealth incur cost not to exceed $45,000. a zero dollar increase from the previous resolution 72 of 2026 and bill 389 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 the 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 council Sberger, Sheriff, Finance Law. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> Sorry. Prior to that, I apologize. Do you wish um Councilwoman Salenro to wave rule eight on bill 388? >> Yes. Yes, sir. Please. >> Thank. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Bill 388 will be on this afternoon's standing committee agenda. Now, Councilwoman Strawber. Sorry. Council person Strawberger presents bill number 391, resolution amending resolution 390 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 author authorizing an additional 58 agreements for an updated total of 151 opened in professional service agreements. Bill 392 resolution amending resolution 389 of 2025 which authorized 93 open-end 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 three-year term by authorizing an additional 58 agreements for an updated total of 151 open-end professional services agreements. Bill number 393, resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Yusan Louu in an amount not to exceed $6,84.75 over one year in full and final settlement of a claim for damage to his parked vehicle on carryway from a city ES vehicle on November 13th, 2025. Bill 394, 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 file in the common police court of Alagany. Bill 395 resolution authorizing the issuance of a warrant in favor of Robert Mahuski and his legal council Samuel J. cords and associates for a single payment in 2026 in an amount not to exceed $11,256.25 is payment and satisfaction of the terms evidenced by the private agreement executed on the 4th day of August 2023 and for the full and final closure of the litigation file in the common police court of Alageney County. Bill 396, resolution designating banks and lending institutions to act as depositories for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028 in accordance with the Pittsburgh Code, Title 2, Fiscal, Article 3, Depositories. Bill 399, resolution amending resolution 197 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 costs thereof by authorizing 39 additional agreements for a new total of 131 opened in professional service agreements and bill 400. Resolution amending resolution 196 of 2025 which authorized 92 open-end 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 opened in professional services agreements. >> And Councilwoman Warwick, chair of recreation, youth and senior services. >> No new papers. Mr. President, >> thank you. Councilman Wilson, chair of land use economic development. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Councilman Wilson presents bill number 390 resolution further amending resolution 863 of 2018 effective January 1, 2019 as amended entitled Resolution adopting and approving the 2019 capital budget and the 2019 community development block grant program and the 2019 through 2020 24 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. Council President Lavell presents bill number 397, communication from Ria Price, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting to city council the attached status update from the grants office for the week ended April 17, 2026 and bill 398. Communication from Ria Price, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitting an acting pay request on behalf of innovation and performance for Chris Bolasco. and need a motion to read, receive and file. >> So second all in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Bills have read been received and filed. Our next order of business is reports of committee for final action beginning with council person Erica Strawber presenting committee of finance and law. >> Thank you Mr. President. >> Thank you. Council person Strawberger presents bill number 371 reported to committee on finance and law for April 15, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 278, resolution amending resolution 933 of 2024, which reappropriated federal American Rescue Plan funding by updating the approved projects as outlined in exhibit A, version 10, Bill 279, resolution amending Resolution 838 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. s by eliminating one division chief and adding one assistant chief in the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Bill 280, resolution amending resolution 841 of 2025, which authorized appropriations, salaries, and capital expenditures of the parks trust fund for the 2026 fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 by increasing the spend amount by $500,000. Bill 285, resolution amending resolution 835 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 January 1, 2026. Bill 316. Resolution further amending resolution 886 of 2021 effective December 27th, 2021 entitled Resolution adopting and approving the 2022 capital budget and the 2022 community development block grant program and the 2022 through 2027 capital improvement program by reducing litter can upgrades and monitoring by $144,100 and increasing play area improvements by $144,100. $00. Bill 317, resolution providing for the conveyance by the city of Pittsburgh of certain properties to qualified city residents subject to affordability restrictions. Items A, 1518 Fallowfield Avenue, Council District 4, 136 Bodkin Street, Council District 4. Bill 318, resolution repealing an item in resolution 862, effective December 23rd, 2025, in order to resend the sale. Bill 319, resolution providing for the sale of certain property acquired by the city of Pittsburgh at tax sales. 2114 Forbes Avenue, Council District 6, 0 For Forbes Avenue, District 6, 530 Janilla Street, District 6. 4811 Columbo Street, District 9. 4813 Columbbo Street, District 9. 6313 Dean Street, District 9. 6315 Dean Street, District 9. 6319 Dean Street District 9 6355 Dean Street District 9309 Pulson Avenue District 9 6523 Shhatland Avenue District 9 6940 Hartman Lane District 9 721 Singer Place District 9 7936 Tyogga Street District 9 318 Reova Street District 5 2367 South 18th Street Extension District 317 Milbridge Street District 3 315 Milbridge Street District 3 412 Beloo Avenue District 3 78 Climax Street District 3 0 Street District 2 850 Spring Garden Avenue District 1 305 Dunlap Street District 1 518 West Prospect Avenue District 2. >> You have heard the reading entire bill. Is there any discussion? Counciloman Strawber. >> Yes. Uh, I'm going to have to make two different amendments or one amendment on two different bills. Um, starting with bill 278 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 8th. So, you should have it in your emails. You have it before you today. Um, in the uh extensive line item amendments last week, uh, this one was missed. You can see in the um 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 um by the administration. So I would like to make a motion to amend um bill 278. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Bill 278 has been amended. >> Thank you. And then Bill 285, um, also these amendments were sent out via email to council members on April 8th. Um, there was, uh, this is a technical amendment. There's an error made initially by the, uh, in the first draft of the amendments to, uh, this bill. So this reflects the the change in the amount. >> So Councilwoman Schlesber has offered a motion to >> motion to amend bill 285. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose. >> Bill 285 has been amended. Any further discussion on the bills? If not, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill will I. When their name is called, those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the role? >> Mr. Charland. >> I >> Mr. Cogill. >> I >> Miss Gross. >> I >> Mr. Mosley. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Alanro. >> I >> Mrs. Strawberger. >> I >> Mrs. Warwick. >> Hi, >> Mr. Wilson. >> I >> Mr. Lavel, President >> I. >> Nine eyes's zero nos. >> The bill having received the legal legally required number votes is passed finally. That moves us to Councilwoman Kim Salinro presenting the committee of public works and infrastructure. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. >> Councilwoman Silent Netro presents bill number 372 reported to Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure for April 15, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 315, resolution authorizing the mayor and the director of finance to enter into an easement agreement or agreements with Dukane 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. >> We further reading and the bill. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote I called. Those opposed will vote no. The clerk, please take the role. >> Mr. Garland. >> Hi, >> Mr. Cogill. >> Hi, >> Miss Gross. >> Hi, >> Mr. Mosley. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Salenro. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Strawber. >> I >> Mrs. Warwick. >> I >> Mr. Wilson, >> I. >> Mr. Lavell, President, >> I. >> Nine eyes's zero nos. >> The bill having received the legal required number votes is passed finally. That moves us to council person Robert Charlotte presenting committee of human resources. Council person Charlotte presents bill number 373 reported to committee on human resources for April 15, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 346, resolution authorizing the mayor and director of the 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 $52,62010 over two years and for the payment of the cost thereof. >> You have heard the reading and the bills. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor of passage of the bill will vote I. Ra is called. Those opposed will vote no. Will the clerk please take the role? >> Mr. Charland. >> I. >> Mr. Cogill. >> I. >> Miss Gross. >> I. >> Mr. Mosley. >> I. >> Mrs. Salenro. >> I. >> Mrs. Strawber. >> I. >> Mrs. Warwick. >> I. >> Mr. Wilson. >> I. >> Mr. Lavell. President. >> I. >> Nine eyes. Zero nos. The bill having received a legal required votes is passed finally. That takes us to Councilman Bobby Wilson presenting Committee of Land Use Economic Development. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Councilman Wilson presents bill number 374 reported to committee on land use and economic development for April 15, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation. Bill 321 resolution amending resolution 191 of 2019 effective March 28th, 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 through the second quarter of 2027 and increasing the amount by $86,000 for a new total cost not to exceed $277,000 over 9 years. Bill 322. No >> resolution further amending resolution 863 of 2018 effective January 1, 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 to reduce play area improvements by $144,100 and increase the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank by $144,100. $00 and authorizes subsequent agreement or agreements. >> You have heard the reading and title of the bill. Is there any discussion on the bill? >> Seeing none, the bill is now ready for final action. All in favor to pass the bill while Iron is called. Those opposed will vote no. Would the clerk please take the role? >> Mr. Charlotte >> I. >> Mr. Clill. >> I. >> Miss Gross. >> I >> Mr. Mosley. >> I >> Mrs. Salinro. >> I. >> Mrs. Strawber. >> Mrs. Warwick. >> Hi. >> Mr. Wilson. I >> Mr. Lavell President >> I >> nine eyes zero nos >> the bill having received a legal required votes is passed finally and finally it takes us to councilman Kari Mosley presenting the committee of intergovernmental educational affairs. >> Thank you Mr. President. >> Thank you. >> Thank you madam speaker. Councilman Mosley presents bill number 375 reported to committee on intergovernmental and educational affairs for April 15, 2026 with an affirmative recommendation bill 314. Resolution amending resolution 501 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 refer a reading against top 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 passes of the bill with Iron Vote will vote I name is called. Those opposed will vote no. Would the clerk please take the role? >> Mr. Charlotte. >> I. >> Mr. Cogill. >> I. >> Miss Gross. >> I. >> Mr. Mosley. >> I. >> Mrs. Salenro. >> I. >> Mrs. Strawber. >> I. >> Mrs. Warwick. >> I. >> Mr. Wilson. >> I >> Mr. Mr. Lavell, President >> I. >> Nine eyes's zero nos. >> The bill having received a legal card on votes is passed finally. That takes us to motions and resolutions. Is there anything from members? Councilwoman Gross. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um I just wanted to acknowledge what a difficult vote it was to see um one of the 75 line 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. Um, and in the light item votes, we reduced that to $250,000. Um, and we've definitely heard lots of testimony over the last several years about the need. Um, and I mentioned in our um, committee discussions over the budget, not uh, since it's been several years and since we've seen allocations like the federal funds go out the door, um, we've also now seen outcomes. Um and I I'll just remind members that some six years ago before CO or right at the beginning of CO um the city budgets had really only ever supported proactively with resources with people and employee time with um uh materials. some four gardens across the city which were the gardens that we had managed for decades and kept doing the same thing um and ever changing which is the four kind of aotment gardens. Um examples in my district are the Stanton Avenue garden and the Heth's um garden. Uh the Stanton Avenue garden has I think over 200 people on the wait list for those aotments. Um I know people who've been on that wait list for three years. Last year due to our investments in our own parks and recck department where I partnered with Councilman Cogill on creating a halftime city farmer position on allocating um resources like wood chips and composting composted materials which help for um soil quality uh shifting the department to be responsive to requests on fencing on tools etc. kinds of supplies that we supply, for example, to neighborhood litter cleanups or to baseball fields. Uh 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. Um, and so some of many of these gardens are donating food. And I'll note for council, we just reallocated CDBG funds of $130,000 um 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 wreck, are there to respond to what our citizens needs are for health, wellness, and recreation. Um, so again, this was a this was a bitter um 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 in healthy activities, providing healthy food, and restoring um very often in some of these gardens, restoring areas that are just blighted, disinvestment. and um uh a negative space the neighborhood turning a negative space in the neighborhood around to a positive space. Uh so with that, I look forward to working with the current administration on ways to make sure that we are continuing investment in the food system um whether that be with our own resources again, land, people, time, money, equipment. Uh I think there's a ton of compost being delivered by a city um dump truck to a garden on the north side in Manchester this week uh for example. So uh you know in Councilman Lavell's district because it is producing so much good in the neighborhood and these are these are worthwhile investments but I hope that council will work together uh with the administration to make sure that we continue those investments. That's all. I'll stop there. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Council Mosley. >> Yeah, I'd like to congratulate uh the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and everybody who was involved in developing Arts Landing. Um it was great to be there with a few of of my colleagues on Friday and it was an honor to say a few words on behalf of my family given the fact that my father's newest exhibition, Touching the Earth, um was unveiled on on on Friday. And um truly a bittersweet day, but um you know, I encourage everyone um over the next few months to get down to Arts Landing. Um it's just a a wonderful civic space. Um 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. um as well as live music and live performances in that uh breathtaking amphitheater um that uh that sits on the Fort Dukane Boulevard side of the property. So, uh again, I just wanted to share that, you know, with the public and congratulate all those involved, but in particularly uh Kendra Whitlock Ingram and her leadership at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. You know, kudos on a job well done. >> Thank you. Um it is indeed a great space. Um, and you had your very well received remarks on Friday. So, thank you for your comments. Um, I know the kids across the street to Kappa are very excited as well. Bobby's daughter was screaming and yelling from the rooftop. Um, so it is indeed a great space. Any further comments? If not, we have meeting announcements. This afternoon at 1:00, council will hold an executive session for bills 383, 393, 394, 395 as it relates to litigation. Also, this afternoon at 1:30, council will hold our standing committee meeting. Speaker registration will close at 11:30. To register to speak at this meeting, please vote to sign up form on the council meeting web page or call the clerk's office at 4122552138. Uh, with that, need a motion to approve the minutes and adjourn the meeting. >> So, move. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. We are adjourned.