The city of Pittsburgh's revived Ethics Hearing Board had its first official meeting today but could take no action on the question of whether Redd Up Crew members caught wearing campaign shirts violated city policy.

The board has tried to meet repeatedly over the past year but has never been able to muster more than two of its five members. Today all five showed up, after Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on Tuesday said he'd ask the body to review whether the Redd Up Crew's choice of attire violated a city charter ban on politicking during work hours.

Board Chair Sister Patrice Hughes asked Acting City Solicitor George Specter how the board should proceed regarding the shirts. Mr. Specter said his department had not yet received any complaint related to the matter. All complaints must start at the Law Department, with a written letter or personal appearance.

Mr. Ravenstahl later said he'd "absolutely" submit the matter to the board and said the administration's failure to do so by today's meeting was due to "logistical" challenges.

He noted that five Redd Up Crew workers are serving five-day unpaid suspensions for violating the Department of Public Works uniform policy. Four of them were wearing shirts the words, "Re-Elect Jeffrey Koch, City Council, District 3." They were working in Mr. Koch's district, and with Koch campaign treasurer Ray Sansone, a city truck driver, who is also suspended.

The mayor said he expected the suspensions would be challenged by unions representing the workers.

"We have to verify that they were required to wear uniform dress when they were in their official capacity on the Redd Up campaign," said Sister Hughes about her panel's potential role. The board could also debate whether wearing campaign shirts constitutes political activity, members said.

The board will meet at 10 a.m. on the second Friday of every month in City Council Chambers in the City-County Building. Meetings will be open to the public, except when ongoing investigations are being discussed. The board will not take complaints at its meetings.