Presenter
Presented by Mr. Bodack
Title
Resolution public policy declaration; Providing for intergovernmental cooperation; authorizing the creation of a strategic intergovernmental task force on graffiti
Body
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. Providing for intergovernmental cooperation; authorizing the creation of a strategic intergovernmental task force on graffiti as follows:
(a) Public Policy Declaration. It is hereby declared to be a public policy of the City of Pittsburgh to promote the well-being of its citizens and their property; to preserve, protect and defend its public property against defacement; and, to deter any activity, which contributes to the same.
(b) Legislative Intent. It is the intention of Council to
(1) develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the unacceptable increase in the incidence of graffiti and defacement of public and private property in the City of Pittsburgh.
(2) work cooperatively with county, state, and federal officials to identify strategies to discourage graffiti related activities
(3) create strategies that solve the problems on a regional basis.
(C) Legislative Findings. It is hereby determined as a matter of legislative finding that:
(1) The level of defacement (or "tagging") of public and private properties in the City is unacceptably high;
(2) The City has no comprehensive strategy to combat the incidence of graffiti
(3) Violators have little or no fear of being caught or punished for their crimes.
(4) Technology is a key element of a successful strategy to combat graffiti
(5) Curbing this unlawful activity is a high priority of citizens and businesses throughout the City
(6) In committing these unlawful acts, violators often put themselves and others at grave physical risk on railroad trestles, bridges, highway signs, and other infrastructure.
Section 2.
The Mayor is authorized to form a strategic intergovernmental task force on graffiti to be known as The Graffiti Task Force.
(a) Composition. The Graffiti Task Force shall consist of 20 members:
(1) fifteen members shall be appointed by the Mayor, including representatives from:
(a) the Bureau of Police
(b) the Bureau of Building Inspection
(c) the Department of General Services
(d) the Department of Public Works
(e) the Department of Parks and Recreation
(f) the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
(g) community leaders
(h) business owners
(2) five members shall be appointed by the president of Council, including
(a) members of Council
(b) community leaders
(c) business owners
(3) The District Attorney for the County of Allegheny and the Chairman of the Port Authority of Allegheny County or their designees may serve as ex officio members
(b) Organization. The Mayor or his designee shall serve as the chairman of the Graffiti Task Force.
(c) Duties. The Graffiti Task Force shall:
(1) make specific recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding a comprehensive strategy to combat the unacceptable increase in the incidence of graffiti and defacement of public and private property in the City of Pittsburgh.
(2) submit a preliminary report to the Mayor and City Council within 30 days, including the feasibility of various strategies.
(3) submit a final report to the Mayor and City Council within 90 days.