Jeffrey Skalican

The Board meeting focused on updating the campaign finance filing deadline for the 2021 primary election. Discussions included plans to enhance the campaign finance website through collaborations with external organizations, the integration of new credit card payment options for late fines, and methods for improving public engagement with finance data. Additionally, the Board reviewed draft regulations and a disclosure form concerning gifts from dignitaries. The Executive Manager provided updates on upcoming ethics training sessions for public officials and employees, and addressed potential reports on incentive program best practices.

The Commission addressed several personnel matters, including noting letters regarding the discharge and suspension of Department of Public Works employees. They reviewed a request to modify eligibility requirements for the Foreman position, requesting further information before taking action. The Commission approved the classification of the Administrative Aide (Operations) position as Civil Service Non-Competitive. Finally, they reviewed and denied a termination appeal filed by Mary Caswell, citing lack of authority to reinstate employees dismissed during their probationary period.

The Board meeting covered various items including the recognition of the outgoing Executive Director, the release of RFQs and RFPs for development sites, and the approval of financing and development agreements for the City's Edge project. Additionally, the Board approved a loan for the Hazelwood Affordable Rental Preservation Program, authorized a loan increase for the Oakland Affordable Living project, and reappointed a board member to the Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation. Property acquisitions were approved for the Center that C.A.R.E.S., CommunionPLACE, LLC, and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. The board also approved a cooperation agreement for the Downtown-Uptown-Oakland-East End BRT project, an amendment for the Homewood School demolition, and a contract extension for government relations services.

The Board discussed the vacancy of the investigator position and potential next steps for recruitment. Key discussions were held regarding the election of officer positions, including terms and responsibilities, and the decision to delegate the role of Ethics Officer to the Executive Manager. The Board also debated organizational structure and the composition of the public hearing subcommittee. A revision to the bylaws regarding quorum requirements, shifting from a fixed number of members to a majority of filled seats, was reviewed and formally adopted. The meeting concluded with an executive session for deliberations regarding a specific legal case.

The board discussed a variety of infrastructure and financial matters. Key topics included a financial report indicating positive year-to-date receipts, ongoing water main and lead service line replacements, and progress on various water reliability projects. The board approved multiple resolutions, including a software agreement for a program management system, procurement of SCADA equipment, amendments to the code of ethics, and various construction and engineering contracts for sewer rehabilitation and stormwater improvements. Additionally, the board approved a grant agreement for developing a strategic stormwater master plan and authorized an amendment to the collective bargaining agreement with the Pittsburgh Joint Collective Bargaining Committee.