Elected official
City Council · District 1
City Council
Today, the city can sign some big contracts without a council vote. That's how a $6.5 million deal with ShotSpotter went through last year. On Oct. 21, a bill requiring council approval for such multi-year contracts over $30,000 failed. It advanced, however, after the limit was raised to $1 million.
City Council
The city wants 96 vendors on call through $340 million in service contracts. On Oct. 7, council advanced them, though they don't say which departments will use them or why. A budget staffer said she could provide those details, and a final vote is set for Oct. 13. However, extra details sent to council typically don't make the public record.
City Council
City rules let drivers park in bike lanes and other banned spots if it protects people and the vehicle. On July 29, council agreed to move forward with a bill dropping vehicle safety as an exception. That could also take away a justification drivers use to park on sidewalks. However, council remained conflicted about sidewalk parking.
City Council
A proposed ordinance would keep vape shops at least 1,000 feet from Pittsburgh schools. On April 15, council advanced the bill to a public hearing that hasn't been scheduled yet. Following city planners' advice, it also dropped daycares and religious institutions from the distance rules. A council aide said the original list would have effectively banned vape shops citywide.
City Council
About 3,000 Pittsburgh properties are available as short-term rentals, a council member said. Last month, she reintroduced bills to regulate them, including permits for out-of-town owners. Another member said a New Year's Day mass shooting at an Airbnb revived the issue. For now, the zoning bill heads to the Planning Commission, and the permit bill waits at least 12 weeks.
City Council
The North Shore could soon get signs the rest of the city doesn't allow, like big screens showing sporting events. On Jan. 21, council advanced a bill creating an entertainment district that includes the stadiums, casino, and museums. Still, product ads and large billboards visible from the highway would be banned. A final vote is expected Jan. 27.
City Council
The Three Sisters bridges, two pump stations, and Schenley Park are close to gaining historic protection. Council gave them preliminary approval, and final designation is expected next week. Separately, a pending nomination already protects the former Office of Municipal Investigations building, which council approved selling in June. Council plans a public hearing on it, though no date is set.
City Council
Snow removal is a long-standing frustration across the city. On Oct. 8, a council member proposed exploring a services swap so Munhall could help plow three harder-to-serve neighborhoods. Another member said the plan threatened the jobs of union workers who plow city streets. In the end, a majority voted against advancing it.
City Council
After informally working together to try to move tax-delinquent properties back onto the tax rolls, the city has put together an agreement with the land bank, the county and school district.
City Council
Thirty-nine community groups are in line for about $1.7 million from the Stop the Violence Fund. Council gave preliminary approval, though two members said seven groups didn't meet all funding criteria. A city supervisor said community need came first where a neighborhood has only one provider. Before next Tuesday's final vote, council will get a written rationale for the exceptions.