Here is my summary of the Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 regular meeting of Allegheny County Council. My votes are in parentheses, as is the prime sponsor of each item. 14 members present (Naccarati-Chapkis absent).
13670-25 (Chief Executive – Yes) This resolution would ratify certain year-end budgetary transfers. Passed 14-0.
13671-25 (Chief Executive – Yes) This resolution would amend the Grants and Special Accounts budget for 2025. Passed 14-0.
13669-25 (Citizens of Allegheny County – No) This ordinance would amend the county code to allow for the use of leg shackles by Allegheny County Jail staff on hospital runs. We have heard months of public comment on this item from correctional officers, Warden Wingard, and the public. I ultimately voted against the initiative for 3 main reasons:
1. The ordinance was not supported by the Warden.
2. The ordinance removes the decision of whether to place restraints from hospital staff. Hospital staff already have the ability to place soft or hard (leather) restraints on patients, and they are best equipped to do so to maximize patient, staff, and public safety. The restraints they use are also more appropriate for patient care than handcuffs, and they have the ability to remove and reattach them as medically necessary.
3. This ordinance contradicts the stated will of the voters. In 2021, 70% of people voted in favor of the referendum this ordinance seeks to change. While I think most people did not have leg shackles in mind specifically, from talking to constituents in recent months, it is clear that the referendum passed so overwhelmingly due to broad spread concerns about misuse of tools such as shackles. For these reasons, I voted no on the ordinance. Ordinance failed 2-12 with Betkowski and Walton as the 2 yes votes.
13714-25 (Chief Executive – Health & Human Services) This resolution would express Council’s support to urge Congress to end the federal shutdown and fast track LIHEAP funding to ensure people are adequately able to heat their homes this winter.
There was also discussion on an upcoming vote for an air permitting fee increase that we have been discussing for over a year at this point. That vote is currently slated to take place at our next meeting on November 18th.