Search

Council Extends State of Emergency, debriefs with Deputy Mayor after Storm - City Council Week of May 5

City Council

Declaration of Disaster Emergency Extended Until May 30.

The City's disaster emergency declaration now runs until May 30. It allows waiving contract rules, clearing fallen trees on private property, and documenting the response for possible State or federal aid. Meanwhile, residents can drop off yard waste at City sites for free. A council member worried about misuse, and the deputy mayor promised a public record of all purchases.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Declarations of disaster emergency allow, among other things, waiving contract provisions and accessing private property to remove fallen trees blocking rights-of-way or imperiling public safety.
  • Under a state of emergency, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security can document response activities and later submit them for potential state or federal financial support.
  • The declaration also waives fees for residents disposing of yard waste at City collection locations.
  • Councilperson Gross expressed concern about misuse of the declaration to purchase unrelated items—as happened during COVID with surveillance software.
  • Deputy Mayor Pawlak committed to providing Council with a public record of all purchases.

City Council

Council Debriefs with Deputy Mayor on the City's Storm Response.

Residents had trouble reaching 911 during the storm because heavy call volume overwhelmed the phone network. Despite early reports, the County's 911 system itself didn't go down. For now, the deputy mayor has given Council early feedback on the City's response. A full review with Duquesne Light and others will follow once the emergency ends.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Council met with Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak, who provided early feedback on the City’s response. A full debrief will occur after the state of emergency ends.
  • The County’s 911 system was not down, as initially reported; the telecom infrastructure was overwhelmed by call volume, making it difficult for residents to connect.
  • If 911 is unavailable, residents are advised to call their zone’s police station:
  • Look up your police zone
  • Station phone numbers
  • Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Darryl Jones did not notify Controller Heisler or Council that he was out of town for a conference when the storm hit.
  • After the disaster emergency concludes, City offices, Duquesne Light, and other stakeholders will convene to review what worked and identify improvements for future storms.

Council Takes

  • Councilperson Warwick proposed a door‑knocking campaign to check on residents, especially in areas without power for extended periods.
  • Councilperson Coghill raised concerns about EMS access for residents experiencing medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest.
  • Deputy Mayor Pawlak assured Council that EMS will navigate around fallen trees and roadblocks to reach residents in crisis.
  • Councilperson Gross recommended measures to support services like 211, noting that many operators work from home and lost power.
  • Councilperson Mosley reiterated that climate change’s impact on local weather patterns increases the urgency of developing and instituting resiliency plans.
  • Councilperson Mosley’s power was restored during the Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 7—eight days after the storm.

City Council

City Okays Three-Year, $495,700 Contract for Cybersecurity Advising.

Emerging AI threats are part of why the City wants outside advice on cybersecurity. To get it, council has recommended a three-year, $495,700 contract with Forrester Research. The firm would provide IT research and advice to keep the City current on best practices. Still, one council member worried about approving a large expense during financial uncertainty.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Council recommended a three‑year contract with Forrester Research, Inc., to provide IT research and advisory services.
  • The contract will help the City stay current on cybersecurity best practices, especially in light of emerging AI threats.
  • The total contract value is $495,700.
  • Councilperson Kail-Smith expressed concern about approving a large expense amid financial uncertainty.