Here is my summary of the Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 regular meeting of Allegheny County Council. My votes are in parentheses, as is the prime sponsor of each item. 14 members present (Bonaroti absent).
Among our proclamations at this meeting was one celebrating National Public Health Week. Director of the Health Department, Dr. Iulia Vann was in attendance to accept the award. Since being appointed last June, Dr. Vann has hit the ground running, and I am very excited to have her leading the ACHD.
A number of appointments were made to the Mental Health/Intellectual Disability Advisory Board, which aids the county executive and county council in the planning, development and implementation of mental health and intellectual disability services and supports to the residents of Allegheny County.
13494-25 (Chief Executive – HHS) This ordinance provides changes to Article XIX “Medical Service Fees” allowing ACHD to bill third parties for tuberculosis treatment and STI/HIV services. Sent to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
13495-25 (Catena – Yes) This motion urges the PA General Assembly to pass House Bill 453, which adds emergency call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors by adding these individuals to the definition of “emergency responders.” Motion passed unanimously.
As a volunteer firefighter, I see everyday the importance of the work that our 911 dispatchers do. A good dispatcher can be the difference between a chaotic incident and one that goes smoothly. They also have to absorb some serious trauma, and they deserve to have the resources to deal with that trauma.