Owen McAfee

The work session included reports from various council committees. The Infrastructure, Blight, and Economic Development Committee reported on Cleanways updates and illegal dumping status. The Finance, Budget & Capital Planning Committee discussed the 2026 budget, noting the need to tighten spending. The Public Safety Committee provided updates on Landforce activities, police security measures, and the issue of speed bumps. The Special Events, Music, Arts & Seniors Committee reviewed recent activities and planned a collection for the homeless. The Land Bank discussed its 2026 schedule and property applications. The Mayor reported on the successful holiday weekend, and the Borough Manager discussed the 2024 LSA Prioritization and potential December 17 agenda items. Resolutions passed included authorizing public display of the draft 2026 budget, transferring funds for Public Works Overtime, transferring funds for Police Department Overtime, and authorizing advertisement for public bid specifications for security services at the libraries.

The meeting addressed several critical agenda items. The Council approved Ordinance 25-010, which pertains to the Borough's 2026 Budget. Furthermore, Resolution 25-171 authorized the appointment and hiring of an Interim Borough Manager. The Council also passed Resolution 25-172 to issue a Request for Proposals for the purchase of 1000 tons of rock, and Resolution 25-173, which extended the garbage collection contract with the City of Pittsburgh for a duration of six months. A proclamation by Mr. Mike McMullen was also noted under New Business.

The meeting included a presentation on services as Interim Manager and the Engineer's Report. Key actions involved approving payment of checks and payroll disbursements for November 2025. The Council passed several resolutions, including approving two Vacant Property Recovery Program (VPRP) applications for properties on Walnut Street, appointing Kathleen Peplin to the Library Board, and approving subdivision and conditional use applications for 600 Ross Avenue. Furthermore, the Council adopted Ordinance 25-009 establishing the Wilkinsburg Fire Safety Program and adopting the 2024 International Fire Prevention Code. Other adoptions included the Borough of Wilkinsburg Abuse and Misconduct policy and an amended Library Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy. Resolutions authorized initiating a Sheriff's Sale for one property, purchasing a new Bucket Truck for Public Works, and authorizing an application for the ALCOSAN GROW Cycle 12 for a sewer lining project. A motion to table the adoption of the Borough 2026 Budget carried. Finally, a permit for Residential Accessible Parking was approved.

The meeting focused on concluding the work of the Home Rule Transition Team. Key discussions included acknowledging a late team member with a moment of silence, a brief review of the Solicitor's administrative code document from December 10, 2025, and setting the date for the subsequent community meeting. The Team voted in advance regarding the termination of Charter Article 14, contingent upon the adoption of an Administrative Code and subsequent opinions/resolutions. The Solicitor suggested a motion to approve sending the draft administrative code to Council, contingent upon final review, and another motion to terminate the Team once its required conditions are met. It was noted that the final edits to the draft administrative code were made on January 16, 2026, and the final draft will be provided for review before the community meeting.

During this Special Meeting, key agenda items involved a motion related to a Separation Letter concerning 'Johnn' which was subsequently removed, a motion to accept a resignation, and a motion to terminate the Borough Manager. The meeting also included general public comment time, followed by adjournment. An upcoming Council Legislative Session scheduled for December 17, 2025, was noted.