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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County authorizing a public hearing, pursuant to §801.05 of the Administrative Code on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
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Whereas, during the week of May 22, 2023, Allegheny County announced the closure of the shelter located at the Smithfield United Church of Christ (Smithfield Shelter), effective by the end of June 2023; and
Whereas, according to published reports, this this announcement was a surprise to a large number of individuals, including the residents of the Smithfield Shelter, and generated significant discussion by the public; and
Whereas, in a recent broadcast of the Big K Morning Show on KDKA AM radio, the Chief Executive discussed the “public outcry” generated by the announcement, noted that the vast majority of the comments that he had heard were critical of the decision to close Smithfield Shelter, and indicated “…so we’re going to listen to the public. I want to hear from the stakeholders, and maybe what we need to have is a public hearing. Maybe County Council ought to hold a public hearing, everybody ought to weigh in and decide what we want to do. This is a very public institution…”; and
Whereas, it is the considered judgment of Council that the Executive’s recommendation has merit, and that a public hearing on the proposed closure has tremendous potential both to provide information to the Council and administration of the will of the public and to provide information regarding the proposed closure and its potential impacts in a public, transparent fashion;
The purpose of this hearing is to allow the public opportunity to comment on the proposed closure of the Smithfield Shelter. Public testimony is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on June 15, 2023. Individuals wishing to speak must register in advance in accordance with the rules governing public comment at Council meetings. Written testimony will be accepted by the Chief Clerk through Monday, June 19, 2023.
The members of Council that are committed to attend the hearings include: Council Members Hallam, Bennett, Prizio, Palmosina, Betkowski, and Naccarati-Chapkis, and President Catena. The President shall preside over the hearing or appoint a presiding officer.
Upon passage of this motion, the President is asked to take appropriate steps to provide for security for the public hearing and to provide for transcription of testimony given, and the Chief Clerk is authorized to take any steps necessary to advertise the hearing in accordance with applicable law.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY,
Allegheny County Council is hereby authorized to conduct public hearings, pursuant to §801.05 of the Administrative Code on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm and in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse. All other provisions of this motion shall be appropriately administered.