Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb has released an audit of the Worker's Compensation program showing reduced costs. Lamb says recommendations he made when he took office have produced the savings. Improving safety procedures has reduced the overall number of claims, and legacy claims have gone down 36%. The city has hired a firm to negotiate one-time settlements in today's dollars for claims that would otherwise go on for years and years.
The city outsources all worker's compensation legal services, but Lamb says the provider (O'Brien, Rulis and Bochicchio) has been receiving $25,000 a month without providing any itemization of legal services performed or rates charged as required in the contract. Lamb says itemization should be required as a "sound basis for assessing the economy of the current contract, especially if the number of legacy claims continues to be reduced."
Lamb also thinks worker's comp should be included in the budget for each city department as a further incentive for department heads to get people back to work as soon as possible. He thinks the worker's compensation provider is doing a good job of getting injured workers the care and rehabilitation they need to get back to work or managing their claims when unable to work.
Showing posts with label City of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Lamar to Remove E-Billboard
The controversial electronic billboard at the Grant Street Transportation Center in downtown Pittsburgh will come down by September 1.
Scenic Pittsburgh, a non-profit dedicated to removing visual blight, announced it has negotiated an agreement with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the City of Pittsburgh and sign owner Lamar Advertising to remove the 19' by 58' electronic billboard at 55 11th Street.
In 2007, a city zoning administrator issued a permit without requiring Lamar to seek two required variances. But in 2008, Councilmen Ricky Burgess, Patrick Dowd, Bruce Kraus, Bill Peduto and Doug Shields objected to the project. The city revoked the permit and Lamar then sought to get the variances. But the Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the variance request, and Allegheny County and Commonwealth Courts upheld that decision.
Scenic Pittsburgh Executive Director Mike Dawida says the sign should have then been torn down immediately and when it wasn't, his organization filed suit in March which led to today's announcement.....
"We are pleased about the agreement, as this partially completed sign hanging at a prominent downtown intersection has remained an eyesore for more than three years."
Dawida says Lamar will pay for the removal of the sign..."Ironically, the only thing keeping it from being torn down quickly is the time it will take to get the proper permits to bring it down. That's ironic because they never got the permits to put it up."
Dawida added that more communities are turning away from the electronic billboards including six cities in Texas and St. Louis...
"Electronic billboards are extremely intrusive and ugly and energy hogs and distracting. What you're seeing rather than more cities building them, cities are saying we don't want them or we only want them in certain places."
He says Scenic Pittsburgh is moving forward to remove other illegal billboards, but because of state law, most billboards in Pittsburgh enjoy grandfathered legal status. "Hundreds of non-conforming billboards would be illegal otherwise."
The organization is working with Pittsburgh Council on developing a more stringent billboard policy and Dawida expects passage by late summer.
Scenic Pittsburgh, a non-profit dedicated to removing visual blight, announced it has negotiated an agreement with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the City of Pittsburgh and sign owner Lamar Advertising to remove the 19' by 58' electronic billboard at 55 11th Street.
In 2007, a city zoning administrator issued a permit without requiring Lamar to seek two required variances. But in 2008, Councilmen Ricky Burgess, Patrick Dowd, Bruce Kraus, Bill Peduto and Doug Shields objected to the project. The city revoked the permit and Lamar then sought to get the variances. But the Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the variance request, and Allegheny County and Commonwealth Courts upheld that decision.
Scenic Pittsburgh Executive Director Mike Dawida says the sign should have then been torn down immediately and when it wasn't, his organization filed suit in March which led to today's announcement.....
"We are pleased about the agreement, as this partially completed sign hanging at a prominent downtown intersection has remained an eyesore for more than three years."
Dawida says Lamar will pay for the removal of the sign..."Ironically, the only thing keeping it from being torn down quickly is the time it will take to get the proper permits to bring it down. That's ironic because they never got the permits to put it up."
Dawida added that more communities are turning away from the electronic billboards including six cities in Texas and St. Louis...
"Electronic billboards are extremely intrusive and ugly and energy hogs and distracting. What you're seeing rather than more cities building them, cities are saying we don't want them or we only want them in certain places."
He says Scenic Pittsburgh is moving forward to remove other illegal billboards, but because of state law, most billboards in Pittsburgh enjoy grandfathered legal status. "Hundreds of non-conforming billboards would be illegal otherwise."
The organization is working with Pittsburgh Council on developing a more stringent billboard policy and Dawida expects passage by late summer.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Pittsburgh Comprehensive Annual Report Released
Michael Lamb, City Controller of Pittsburgh released the city's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on Monday.
Lamb said that unlike years past, the city finished the year with a deficit of 12.5 million dollars. He said this is the first time since 2004 that the city saw a deficit as a result of total government expenditures outpacing revenue.
He said that for years he has been saying that this will happen. He said there are three primary reasons the city's budget has a deficit. "Long term debt, fringe benefits and pension obligations," he said, "If you look at 2010 you can see that 56 percent of all the expenditures the city had were in those three categories."
Fringe benefits which include health insurance and workers comp are currently spread city-wide. Lamb says this is not sustainable.
Lamb said total expenditures increased by 61 million to 589 million, partly because the city gave the pension fund 56.4 million.
He added that the city is likely to run out of funds.
Lamb also mentioned the downturn in the global economy, population loss in city limits and said gaming revenue would offset some of the city's finances in the following year.
Lamb said that unlike years past, the city finished the year with a deficit of 12.5 million dollars. He said this is the first time since 2004 that the city saw a deficit as a result of total government expenditures outpacing revenue.
He said that for years he has been saying that this will happen. He said there are three primary reasons the city's budget has a deficit. "Long term debt, fringe benefits and pension obligations," he said, "If you look at 2010 you can see that 56 percent of all the expenditures the city had were in those three categories."
Fringe benefits which include health insurance and workers comp are currently spread city-wide. Lamb says this is not sustainable.
Lamb said total expenditures increased by 61 million to 589 million, partly because the city gave the pension fund 56.4 million.
He added that the city is likely to run out of funds.
Lamb also mentioned the downturn in the global economy, population loss in city limits and said gaming revenue would offset some of the city's finances in the following year.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Transfer Tax Loophole?
There is some question about whether the recent $250 million sale of the U.S. Steel Tower is subject to the real estate transfer tax, which would amount to about $10 million for the city, the school district and the state.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fire Departments' Merger Moves Forward
As expected, Pittsburgh Council acted quickly in giving preliminary approval to an agreement between the city and its neighbor to the east, Wilkinsburg Borough, to merge their respective fire departments. The arrangement was officially announced Monday by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Wilkinsburg officials but the deal had been in the works for more than a year.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Group Pushes for Cleaner Construction Equipment
Residents from all 9 Pittsburgh City Council districts signed over 1,000 postcards that were presented to Council today. The postcards were in support of a bill that would require contractors working on publicly-funded development in Pittsburgh to either use retrofitted diesel or new, cleaner equipment. The bill was introduced last year, but hasn't been brought forward.
Tom Hoffman, Western PA Director of Clean Water Action, says that Pittsburgh has a dual reputation as one of America's most livable cities as well as one of America's lowest air quality cities. "This is a concrete step that City Council can take to help clean up the air. Because fact of the matter is, if we continue to have that reputation of having the worst air in the country people jut are not going to want to come here and there won't be any development. So it really is a question of the community coming together and saying this is a problem we need to solve."
Hoffman says the public has the right to ask this of developers because it is their money going into construction. He says that when the bill comes to a vote he has at least four strong supporters on Council.
Clean Water Action also sent Council posters made at a summer camp about the bill as well as a previous letter signed by 35 health professionals urging them to pass the bill.
Tom Hoffman, Western PA Director of Clean Water Action, says that Pittsburgh has a dual reputation as one of America's most livable cities as well as one of America's lowest air quality cities. "This is a concrete step that City Council can take to help clean up the air. Because fact of the matter is, if we continue to have that reputation of having the worst air in the country people jut are not going to want to come here and there won't be any development. So it really is a question of the community coming together and saying this is a problem we need to solve."
Hoffman says the public has the right to ask this of developers because it is their money going into construction. He says that when the bill comes to a vote he has at least four strong supporters on Council.
Clean Water Action also sent Council posters made at a summer camp about the bill as well as a previous letter signed by 35 health professionals urging them to pass the bill.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Pittsburgh To Take Over Wilkinsburg Fire Duties
The city of Pittsburgh and the borough of Wilkinsburg have reached a deal to dissolve the Wilkinsburg fire department and for the city to begin providing fire service to borough residents. The 20-year deal comes with a renewal every 5 years. Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson says the deal will save the borough more than $600,000 a year and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says it will not increase the city’s budget. Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh just more than $7.5 million over the next 5 years to cover the additional costs. The borough will also be making a one-time payment into the city’s pension fund.
Wilkinsburg Firefighters Union President Brian Travato says he was facing two options. “We could continue to fight to maintain an already unsafe level of staffing that we have had here in Wilkinsburg, or we could seize the opportunity to be part of something special,” says Travato. Travato says he was looking out for his members during the negotiations but he always kept the safety of the residents as a top priority. “We are pleased to say you are going to be in very good hands with the fire protection that is going to be provided by the city of Pittsburgh.”
One Wilkinsburg fire station will be closed but Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh officials say response time will be reduced for residents on both sides of the border. They also were quick to point out that under the new system, more fire fighters will respond to each fire in Wilkinsburg.
Union and elected leader says this is the first merger of its kind in the state and they expect it to be held up as a model for others considering consolidation. Pittsburgh Fire Fighter Union President Joe King says he has been asked by the national union to present information about how the deal was done.
All of the Wilkinsburg fire fighters who wanted to become Pittsburgh firefighters were taken on at the pay rate equal to a second year firefighter. For some that will mean a cut in pay but others will see an increase. Wilkinsburg firefighters will be given just more than a year service time in the Pittsburgh system for every year served in Wilkinsburg. Firefighters will have one year to move into the city.
The deal must still be approved by the Pittsburgh City Council.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day parade steps off tomorrow (March 12) at 10 a.m. It's the second largest Saint Patrick's Day parade in the United States. The parade begins at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th street and concludes at the reviewing stand in downtown at the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street.
23,000 participants from Pittsburgh area marching bands, politicians, and Irish-heritage groups are expected to march and up to 250,000 viewers downtown.
Attendees can contribute to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at the Greyhound Bus Station, the City-County building at 414 Grant Street and also at the Steelworkers Plaza at 60 Boulevard of the Allies. The parade committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians are asking for non-perishable food items or monetary donations.
Jim Green, the parade's chairman, says that the parade will go on and weather will not hinder they're plans.
"We've marched in blizzards before and threats of flood, and those have never stopped us."
He also adds that alcohol will not be tolerated in certain areas and at particular times during the parade.
"The rule is that open containers of alcohol are not permitted along and around the parade footprint."
In addition, between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. no alcohol is allowed in Market Square because it will be designated for child-friendly activities. Green the young adults can enjoy their alcoholic beverages later in the day when the activities finish.
There will be officers patrolling the area to ensure the attendees comply with all rules. The goal is to have an event that is welcoming to everyone of all ages.
23,000 participants from Pittsburgh area marching bands, politicians, and Irish-heritage groups are expected to march and up to 250,000 viewers downtown.
Attendees can contribute to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at the Greyhound Bus Station, the City-County building at 414 Grant Street and also at the Steelworkers Plaza at 60 Boulevard of the Allies. The parade committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians are asking for non-perishable food items or monetary donations.
Jim Green, the parade's chairman, says that the parade will go on and weather will not hinder they're plans.
"We've marched in blizzards before and threats of flood, and those have never stopped us."
He also adds that alcohol will not be tolerated in certain areas and at particular times during the parade.
"The rule is that open containers of alcohol are not permitted along and around the parade footprint."
In addition, between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. no alcohol is allowed in Market Square because it will be designated for child-friendly activities. Green the young adults can enjoy their alcoholic beverages later in the day when the activities finish.
There will be officers patrolling the area to ensure the attendees comply with all rules. The goal is to have an event that is welcoming to everyone of all ages.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Fundraiser and Cultural Event will Support Teaching Project in the Congo
The "Heart for Congo" will be held this Saturday (January 29th) in the Uptown District of Pittsburgh. The event will include a silent art auction, with pieces donated by local artists, as well as a performance by the Wacongo Dance Company (a traditional Congolese music and dance troop). All proceeds will go to the Congolese Advocacy Memorial Project (C.A.M.P.) Fund...an initiative of the Fulton County Medical Center.
Saturday's event focuses on education in Congo. Event co-coordinator Jeff Cech says there is a big need for materials and teachers and the fundraiser will help the education of Congolese students.... "We're raising funds to specifically (support) a project, the Jitoe Project. Jitoe means 'to give of yourself' in Swahili. So the project is one that's hoping to send Rebecca (another coordinator) and myself to teach at University for two semesters."
Event Co-Coordinator Rebecca Cech says the idea is to educate a large number of people so that they will want to get involved in government and make peace sustainable...."Our entire goal is to put the power in the right hands of the people who are actually doing good. People who are professionals and in positions to break the cycles of violence.
She says that giving an education to Congolese students is a main way of providing leadership the country needs. The fundraiser will take place from five to nine p.m. in the former Paramount Studios Building (1727 Blvd. of the Allies).
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Pension Bailout Enacted
Now it's up to the Pennsylvania Employees Retirement Commission (PERC)whether to sign off on a bailout plan approved by Pittsburgh Council Friday in an attempt to avert a state takeover of the city pension fund. State officials said they would take over control of the pension fund unless it was at least at 50% of its $990 million obligation to retirees and current workers. Prior to passage of this legislation, the value stood at 29.3%. Council beat the deadline of the threatened takeover by several hours by approving a plan to invest an additional $45 million toward the fund and dedicate nearly $736 million over 31 years from parking revenues.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who preferred his own plan to lease parking assets for 50 years but definitely wanted to avert a state takeover, quickly vetoed Council's plan. Council within the hour then overrode the veto shortly before 4 p.m. thereby enacting the bailout measure.
Councilman Bill Peduto called it the best plan of all the proposals that have been put forward.....
"There was no way to not have to put money in there. We were being told we have to get to 50%. So, we tried to find the least impact way of doing that. We also provided the funding for that which is the parking rate increases."
PERC will now examine the bailout plan but might not approve it for several months.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who preferred his own plan to lease parking assets for 50 years but definitely wanted to avert a state takeover, quickly vetoed Council's plan. Council within the hour then overrode the veto shortly before 4 p.m. thereby enacting the bailout measure.
Councilman Bill Peduto called it the best plan of all the proposals that have been put forward.....
"There was no way to not have to put money in there. We were being told we have to get to 50%. So, we tried to find the least impact way of doing that. We also provided the funding for that which is the parking rate increases."
PERC will now examine the bailout plan but might not approve it for several months.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Pgh Council's Pension Numbers Are Off
Instead of voting to override Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's veto of a their plan to bolster the pension fund and avert a state takeover, Pittsburgh Council this afternoon went behind closed doors to try to hash out a re-worked plan. That's because the numbers in the Council plan, approved on a 7-2 vote Wednesday, are off. That's according to Councilman Ricky Burgess and Joe King, president of the Firefighters' Union.
So now, Council has to devise a new proposal, pass it and send it to the Mayor, who will likely veto it because he still favors a leasing of city parking assets, and then override the anticipated veto....all before 12:00 a.m. Friday night. That's the deadline for the threatened state takeover of the pension fund unless it is at least at 50% of its obligation.
So now, Council has to devise a new proposal, pass it and send it to the Mayor, who will likely veto it because he still favors a leasing of city parking assets, and then override the anticipated veto....all before 12:00 a.m. Friday night. That's the deadline for the threatened state takeover of the pension fund unless it is at least at 50% of its obligation.
Mayor Vetoes Pension Bailout Bill
Pittsburgh City Council is to vote this afternoon on whether to override Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's veto of the latest plan to bolster the city's pension fund and avert a state takeover of the fund January 1.
The State Public Employees Retirement Commission is set to manage the city's pension fund unless it is at 50% of its obligation to workers and retirees. The fund is currently at 29.3%.
Council Wednesday voted 7-2 to "irrevocably" dedicate $414.7 million in parking tax revenues over the next 31 years...or about 14 million a year... for the pension fund. Council members Ricky Burgess and Theresa Kail-Smith voted "no."
Earlier Wednesday, Council gave tentative approval to dedicating the Emergency Services Tax....the $52 annual commuter tax.....for the pension fund. But officials with the Public Employees Retirement Commission questioned the legality of that set aside. That's when Council okayed using the parking tax revenues instead.
Mayor Ravenstahl quickly vetoed that measure. The mayor had 10 days to sign the bill, let it become law without his approval or veto it, but by that time the state would have taken over management of the pension fund.
In vetoing the measure, Ravenstahl said the proposal contained "numerous potentially fatal flaws." The mayor says the plan represents "value" (future tax revenues) but doesn't have the immediate cash needed to bring the fund up to the 50% level.
Commission executive director James McAneny told the Post-Gazette that he approves the concept of infusing "value" into the fund but warned Council not to cut it too close to the 50% mark.
The State Public Employees Retirement Commission is set to manage the city's pension fund unless it is at 50% of its obligation to workers and retirees. The fund is currently at 29.3%.
Council Wednesday voted 7-2 to "irrevocably" dedicate $414.7 million in parking tax revenues over the next 31 years...or about 14 million a year... for the pension fund. Council members Ricky Burgess and Theresa Kail-Smith voted "no."
Earlier Wednesday, Council gave tentative approval to dedicating the Emergency Services Tax....the $52 annual commuter tax.....for the pension fund. But officials with the Public Employees Retirement Commission questioned the legality of that set aside. That's when Council okayed using the parking tax revenues instead.
Mayor Ravenstahl quickly vetoed that measure. The mayor had 10 days to sign the bill, let it become law without his approval or veto it, but by that time the state would have taken over management of the pension fund.
In vetoing the measure, Ravenstahl said the proposal contained "numerous potentially fatal flaws." The mayor says the plan represents "value" (future tax revenues) but doesn't have the immediate cash needed to bring the fund up to the 50% level.
Commission executive director James McAneny told the Post-Gazette that he approves the concept of infusing "value" into the fund but warned Council not to cut it too close to the 50% mark.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
City and County Will Recycle Christmas Trees
The City of Pittsburgh is once again offering to recycle your Christmas trees at four locations across the city.
From Jan. 3 to 29, you can drop off your tree with all ornaments and lights removed at on of four locations Monday through Saturday. The recyclers ask that trees not be brought in bags and will take them from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. next month.
"If you put them out for trash they end up in the landfill," Public Works Director Bob Kaczorowski says. "What we do with them if we get them at the recycling center, we put them in a special dumpster with leaves or yard debris and that is recycled into mulch or something to be reused in yard programs."
City residents have four drop-off locations to choose from. For those who live in the East End of the city, the drop-off is located at North Dallas Avenue at Hamilton Avenue. For Hazelwood residents, the site is at Melanchton Avenue off the 5200 block of 2nd Avenue. For residents of the West End, you can drop off trees at 1330 Hassler St. off of Hershel and Steuben. The fourth drop-off is in the Strip District at 3001 Railroad Street.
Allegheny County is also offering a recycling service through Dec. 26 through Jan. 22. The drop-off locations are the swimming pool parking lots in Boyce, North, Settler’s Cabin and South parks and will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Similar to the city’s request, trees must be free of additional adornments.
"Any tree should have all the ornaments, lights and stands removed. We do not want the trees in plastic bags we just want the trees as they are or as they were in nature," Kaczorowski says.
From Jan. 3 to 29, you can drop off your tree with all ornaments and lights removed at on of four locations Monday through Saturday. The recyclers ask that trees not be brought in bags and will take them from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. next month.
"If you put them out for trash they end up in the landfill," Public Works Director Bob Kaczorowski says. "What we do with them if we get them at the recycling center, we put them in a special dumpster with leaves or yard debris and that is recycled into mulch or something to be reused in yard programs."
City residents have four drop-off locations to choose from. For those who live in the East End of the city, the drop-off is located at North Dallas Avenue at Hamilton Avenue. For Hazelwood residents, the site is at Melanchton Avenue off the 5200 block of 2nd Avenue. For residents of the West End, you can drop off trees at 1330 Hassler St. off of Hershel and Steuben. The fourth drop-off is in the Strip District at 3001 Railroad Street.
Allegheny County is also offering a recycling service through Dec. 26 through Jan. 22. The drop-off locations are the swimming pool parking lots in Boyce, North, Settler’s Cabin and South parks and will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Similar to the city’s request, trees must be free of additional adornments.
"Any tree should have all the ornaments, lights and stands removed. We do not want the trees in plastic bags we just want the trees as they are or as they were in nature," Kaczorowski says.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
G20 Suit Says Arrestees Were Bystanders, Not Protesters
Another lawsuit has been filed against the city of Pittsburgh in connection with arrests made during the G20 Summit September 24-25 last year. Two men, who at that time were students at the University of Pittsburgh, say they were bystanders and were wrongly swept up in arrests of protesters in the Schenley Plaza area of Oakland.
Army Second Lieutenant Ryan Kingston was a senior at Pitt and a military police trainee at the time. He and Nathan Poloni were both jailed for several hours on charges of failure to disperse as police responded to anti-G20 protests. The charges against Kingston and Poloni were later dropped. The city has not responded to this lawsuit, one of at least four filed by people arrested during the summit. However, this suit alleges the plaintiffs were swept up in a policy that suspended the rights of citizens just for being near some protests. Their attorney called the arrest action..."de facto martial law."
Army Second Lieutenant Ryan Kingston was a senior at Pitt and a military police trainee at the time. He and Nathan Poloni were both jailed for several hours on charges of failure to disperse as police responded to anti-G20 protests. The charges against Kingston and Poloni were later dropped. The city has not responded to this lawsuit, one of at least four filed by people arrested during the summit. However, this suit alleges the plaintiffs were swept up in a policy that suspended the rights of citizens just for being near some protests. Their attorney called the arrest action..."de facto martial law."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Dozens Testify Against Drilling
Just days before they vote on a bill to ban natural gas drilling within the city of Pittsburgh, Council held a public hearing on the proposal. About 45 people testified....many from the city....some from surrounding suburbs and one as far away as Washington, D.C.
All the speakers supported Councilman Doug Shields' proposed ban on drilling within the city confines.
Jeanne McMullen of the city's Lincoln Place neighborhood delivered a petition with 2,000 signatures asking council to pass the ban....
"I want to thank you for your courage in taking this bold step. It's the first step in protecting our health, our property, our homes, our rights."
15 year old Sarah Truax of Point Breeze told council she's worried that drilling will hurt her generation and generations to come.
Ed Bortz of the North Side told council they can capture the nation's attention if they approve the ban.
Candace Seymoure of the South Side Slopes said Pittsburgh has come too far to allow drilling....
"We used to be known as a smokey city. We've watched steel mills fall. We've rebuilt ourselves and changed our identity. We've rebuilt ourselves into a modern green city."
Pittsburgh Council could take a preliminary vote Tuesday on the proposal that would
prohibit any corporation from extracting natural gas within the city of Pittsburgh with the exception of gas wells installed and operating at the time the ordinance is enacted.
Critics say that the city can limit where drilling occurs but does not have the authority to outright prohibit all drilling.
All the speakers supported Councilman Doug Shields' proposed ban on drilling within the city confines.
Jeanne McMullen of the city's Lincoln Place neighborhood delivered a petition with 2,000 signatures asking council to pass the ban....
"I want to thank you for your courage in taking this bold step. It's the first step in protecting our health, our property, our homes, our rights."
15 year old Sarah Truax of Point Breeze told council she's worried that drilling will hurt her generation and generations to come.
Ed Bortz of the North Side told council they can capture the nation's attention if they approve the ban.
Candace Seymoure of the South Side Slopes said Pittsburgh has come too far to allow drilling....
"We used to be known as a smokey city. We've watched steel mills fall. We've rebuilt ourselves and changed our identity. We've rebuilt ourselves into a modern green city."
Pittsburgh Council could take a preliminary vote Tuesday on the proposal that would
prohibit any corporation from extracting natural gas within the city of Pittsburgh with the exception of gas wells installed and operating at the time the ordinance is enacted.
Critics say that the city can limit where drilling occurs but does not have the authority to outright prohibit all drilling.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Future of Downtown Garages?
If assigned to manage the city's public parking assets, LAZ Parking would demolish and rebuild three or possibly four of downtown's garages and add 1,800 spaces in the process. They would be at 9th and Penn, Smithfield and Liberty, on Third Avenue Downtown and maybe at Fort Duquesne and Sixth.
They would also open a 50 person office in Pittsburgh, said LAZ Parking CEO Alan Lazowski at a press conference on Tuesday.
LAZ Parking and J.P. Morgan Asset Management plan to invest other millions in upgrades such as installing payment machines. Additional bike parking in downtown Pittsburgh will also be installed.
LAZ and JP Morgan are putting up $452 million up-front to lease 12 garages and 8,000 metered spaces. The money will go to assist the city's languishing pension fund, which is 700 million dollars short.
They would also open a 50 person office in Pittsburgh, said LAZ Parking CEO Alan Lazowski at a press conference on Tuesday.
LAZ Parking and J.P. Morgan Asset Management plan to invest other millions in upgrades such as installing payment machines. Additional bike parking in downtown Pittsburgh will also be installed.
LAZ and JP Morgan are putting up $452 million up-front to lease 12 garages and 8,000 metered spaces. The money will go to assist the city's languishing pension fund, which is 700 million dollars short.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Carnegie Library Updates Community
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has released a community update on its uncertain financial health.
Library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says community meetings this summer have centered on several different funding scenarios.
“What would happen if we have adequate funding to continue or to expand library service, what would that look like? What would it look like if library funding remains the same for the next several years, and what would happen if, unfortunately, library funding would be cut? What services would our customers like to see more of? What [do] they value?”
The library’s website says it has lost about $2 million in state aid since 2009, reflecting an ongoing downturn in state library funding. That contributed to a dismal budget outlook that prompted the Library Board to announce closures, consolidations, and fine increases last year. Those plans are on hold until January, due to stopgap funding from the City of Pittsburgh.
The Library has also applied for almost 10% more funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) and will present its case to the RAD Board August 24. If the increase is approved, total RAD support would jump to more than $19 million.
Thinnes says the Library’s Public Private Task Force will release a report on its efforts to find sustainable funding within the next several months.
Library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says community meetings this summer have centered on several different funding scenarios.
“What would happen if we have adequate funding to continue or to expand library service, what would that look like? What would it look like if library funding remains the same for the next several years, and what would happen if, unfortunately, library funding would be cut? What services would our customers like to see more of? What [do] they value?”
The library’s website says it has lost about $2 million in state aid since 2009, reflecting an ongoing downturn in state library funding. That contributed to a dismal budget outlook that prompted the Library Board to announce closures, consolidations, and fine increases last year. Those plans are on hold until January, due to stopgap funding from the City of Pittsburgh.
The Library has also applied for almost 10% more funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) and will present its case to the RAD Board August 24. If the increase is approved, total RAD support would jump to more than $19 million.
Thinnes says the Library’s Public Private Task Force will release a report on its efforts to find sustainable funding within the next several months.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Anti-Crime Initiative Begins
Pittsburgh Police and federal authorities have begun holding face to face meetings with members of violent groups in the city in an effort to reduce the number of homicides and youth crime. The police bureau has identified 37 violent groups with more than 1,400 members as part of the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime (PIRC). Police Chief Nate Harper says the 55 offenders who were brought in for the first "call-in" session have influence within their groups.
Under the PIRC structure, the next time a crime occurs by a member of a group all members will be held accountable. When it comes to a homicide, there will be no plea bargains; the hardest arm of the law will be delivered. Then, group offenders will be brought back in for another call-in to reinforce the PIRC message.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert Cessar told the 55 that future violent offenses would be prosecuted under federal racketeering and conspiracy laws...
“Seeing photos of their former peers, who are now serving life sentences in federal prisons around the country, really seemed to send a message. These offenders seemed surprised to learn that being charged with a federal offense often means pre-trial detention and, if convicted, a mandatory minimum sentence that is served in a federal prison far away from family and friends.”
Listen to a report by WDUQ's Kevin Gavin
Under the PIRC structure, the next time a crime occurs by a member of a group all members will be held accountable. When it comes to a homicide, there will be no plea bargains; the hardest arm of the law will be delivered. Then, group offenders will be brought back in for another call-in to reinforce the PIRC message.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert Cessar told the 55 that future violent offenses would be prosecuted under federal racketeering and conspiracy laws...
“Seeing photos of their former peers, who are now serving life sentences in federal prisons around the country, really seemed to send a message. These offenders seemed surprised to learn that being charged with a federal offense often means pre-trial detention and, if convicted, a mandatory minimum sentence that is served in a federal prison far away from family and friends.”
Listen to a report by WDUQ's Kevin Gavin
Monday, July 12, 2010
Pittsburgh Finances Simplified
City Controller Michael Lamb presented the first ever “Popular Annual Financial Report” for the year 2009—a more easily understandable summary of Pittsburgh’s financial condition than the comprehensive report already released.
Lamb says revenues exceeded expenditures again, and long-term debt has declined from a high of almost a billion dollars to less than $650 million, so the city has surpassed all Act 47 expectations since 2003.
Lamb sees significant challenges, however. One is declining population, because residents and property owners provide most of the revenues needed to run city government. He urges a continuation of revitalization efforts to attract new people.
Lamb says the austerity measures that have improved the city's fiscal health have deferred critical maintenance of aging infrastructure: roads, stairs, sidewalks storm sewers, etc. He estimates that the city should pave 80 miles of roads a year but notes barely 40 are being done this year. $25- to $30 million went to capital projects in 2009, but Lamb estimates $40- to $45 million would be necessary just to keep up, much less catch up.
Lamb expects a debate this fall on the mayor's proposal to lease parking garages or some other way the city can come up with $220 million dollars for its pension fund before the end of the year to avoid a state takeover. Although he thinks the state should eventually consolidate the 3100 pension plans that exist, he says Pittsburgh residents could not possibly afford to meet state demands under the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System's current guidelines.
The report is available online.
Lamb says revenues exceeded expenditures again, and long-term debt has declined from a high of almost a billion dollars to less than $650 million, so the city has surpassed all Act 47 expectations since 2003.
Lamb sees significant challenges, however. One is declining population, because residents and property owners provide most of the revenues needed to run city government. He urges a continuation of revitalization efforts to attract new people.
Lamb says the austerity measures that have improved the city's fiscal health have deferred critical maintenance of aging infrastructure: roads, stairs, sidewalks storm sewers, etc. He estimates that the city should pave 80 miles of roads a year but notes barely 40 are being done this year. $25- to $30 million went to capital projects in 2009, but Lamb estimates $40- to $45 million would be necessary just to keep up, much less catch up.
Lamb expects a debate this fall on the mayor's proposal to lease parking garages or some other way the city can come up with $220 million dollars for its pension fund before the end of the year to avoid a state takeover. Although he thinks the state should eventually consolidate the 3100 pension plans that exist, he says Pittsburgh residents could not possibly afford to meet state demands under the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System's current guidelines.
The report is available online.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Senior Center Hours Extend to Help Beat the Heat
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is encouraging older Pittsburghers to take advantage of extended hours at the city’s senior centers during this week’s heat wave.
Mayoral spokeswoman Joanna Doven says the Homewood and South Side senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., instead of closing at 4:00 p.m. as is usual.
Doven says the centers have entertainment, not to mention air conditioning. Games, refreshments, and internet access are there for the elderly as they escape the heat. There is no age requirement to get in – Doven says anyone in dire need of cooling is welcome.
Doven says if you are a senior who doesn’t have transportation to one of these centers, call the senior center director nearest you:
South Side – 12th Street and Bingham Street: (412) 488-8404
Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue: (412) 244-4190
Mayoral spokeswoman Joanna Doven says the Homewood and South Side senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., instead of closing at 4:00 p.m. as is usual.
Doven says the centers have entertainment, not to mention air conditioning. Games, refreshments, and internet access are there for the elderly as they escape the heat. There is no age requirement to get in – Doven says anyone in dire need of cooling is welcome.
Doven says if you are a senior who doesn’t have transportation to one of these centers, call the senior center director nearest you:
South Side – 12th Street and Bingham Street: (412) 488-8404
Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue: (412) 244-4190
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