Here is my summary of the Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 regular meeting of Allegheny County Council. My votes are in parentheses, as is the prime sponsor of each item. 14 members present (Palmosina absent).
The meeting began with a number of proclamations. I was proud to recognize two Eagle Scouts from our area: Gabriel Joseph Zych and Hendrix Cole Odham. Congratulations to both of them on this outstanding achievement.
13808-26 (Catena — Yes on amendment) I amended the initial ordinance to place a referendum question on the November 2026 ballot asking voters whether to extend the three term limit beyond the Chief Executive to all other elected County officials. The amendment passed 11-2 (Futules and Walton voted no; Adams abstained). After adoption of the amendment, the bill was referred back to the Committee on Government Reform for additional discussion.
13811-26 (Hallam — Yes) This ordinance clarifies and strengthens the standards governing how the County selects bidders for large contracts through the formal procurement process. Passed 13-1 (Walton voted no).
13813-26 (Catena — Yes) This ordinance repeals and replaces the County’s existing Ethics Code with an updated version governing political activity, conduct, and accountability for County employees and officials. Passed 11-2 (Futules and Walton voted no; Adams abstained).
13863-26 (Chief Executive — Yes) This ordinance protects residential tenants from retaliation by landlords when tenants take lawful steps to pursue safe and healthy housing conditions. Passed 10-1 (Filiaggi voted no; Adams and Futules abstained).
13880-26 (Chief Executive — Yes) This ordinance allows King Street Productions to use County-owned property for the filming of a television series. Passed 14-0.
13892-26 (Grzybek – Assessment Practices) This ordinance would amend the Administrative Code to require periodic countywide property reassessments every three years. Referred to the Committee on Assessment Practices.
13893-26 (Grzybek) This ordinance places a three term limit on all County elected officials. I successfully amended President Catena’s bill earlier in the meeting to have identical language to this bill, so I am holding it pending the outcome of 13808-26.
13894-26 (Grzybek – Government Reform) This ordinance would establish term limits for individuals appointed to County boards and commissions. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform.
13895-26 (Chief Executive – Health) This ordinance would rename the Human Relations Commission to the “Housing, Employment, and Human Rights Commission” to better reflect its mission. Referred to the Committee on Health.