Pittsburgh followed Philadelphia's lead with a City Council vote Monday to decriminalize the possession of a small amount of marijuana in the city, an ordinance that drew much public support and little opposition.

Police will have a choice to bust a violator under existing state law — which requires a misdemeanor charge — or cut a user a break by issuing a civil citation. Under the latter, possession of 30 grams or less would be subject to a $25 fine. Those caught smoking marijuana in public could be fined $100.

“People who may have drug addictions need support and counseling, not jail,” said Councilman Ricky Burgess of North Point Breeze, a staunch opponent of drug and alcohol abuse. “If this can help our young men not be in the penal system for something minor and instead give them a better future, I am willing to do that.”

Public Safety Spokeswoman Sonya Toler, noting the passage of the bill, said the department has not yet advised officers on how to handle future marijuana arrests.

The legislation passed 7-2 with Councilwomen Darlene Harris of Spring Hill and Theresa Kail-Smith of Westwood voting against it. They said Pittsburgh lacked the authority to make the change.

“I do not believe it is legal for the city of Pittsburgh to enforce this legislation,” Harris said.

Smith said she is concerned that the bill would cause confusion and lead to confrontations between city residents and police from neighboring municipalities, which follow the state penalty. Philadelphia passed a similar decriminalization law in October 2014. After a year, police reported 4,000 fewer marijuana arrests, a decrease of 73 percent.

Proponents contend that a criminal record for possession can prevent offenders from getting jobs years after the original violation. Dozens of citizens turned out last week for a hearing on the bill, and none spoke against it.

Mayor Bill Peduto is expected to sign the legislation, according to spokesman Tim McNulty. District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. in a letter to the city said he is open to working with the mayor and city council on the proposal.

“The mayor agrees with council members, the district attorney and many others that this is a commonsense change that will help protect the futures of young people in our communities,” McNulty said.

In separate legislative action, council approved the following:

• The purchase of a landslide-damaged home on Venture Street in the North Side. The city will pay Trevor and Maribelle Clinkscales $62,762 for their house.

• Mileage reimbursement for elected city officials who use their personal vehicles for work. Officials will be eligible for a standard rate set by the IRS. The 2016 rate is 54 cents per mile.

• Rehabilitation of a Civil War Soldiers Monument in West Park and the statue of Thomas A. Armstrong, a Civil War veteran and North Side labor leader. The repair budget is $80,000, with $36,058 coming from the Planning Department's operating budget and the rest from capital funds.

• Banners for honorably discharged military veterans from the city in neighborhood business districts. Veterans groups will pay for the 2-by-3-foot banners.

• Fire protection for Ingram. If the borough approves the deal, it would pay the city $84,777 in 2016; $87,252 in 2017; $90,780 in 2018; $94,671 in 2019, and $101,690 in 2020.

Bob Bauder is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-765-2312 or bbauder@tribweb.com.

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