435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Mr. Jeremy Binder, 1553 W. Turner Street, stated that he has a couple of

statements related to the zoning in Allentown. He stated that he

understands that the Mayor went by one of his neighborhood groups and

said there is a now there will be public comment coming out for the zoning

changes. On the city's website, he doesn't see any date ranges for when

that started or when that is going to stop. There is a flowchart that shows it

is going to be some focus groups, open houses. He doesn't see any dates

on that and he knows there was some reference to sending out emails for if

you have public comment. It wasn't clear on how that actually occurred and

how the structure is. There was a survey section, but there is nothing in

there. He doesn't know if that is Council or if that is city hall, but if that could

be a little bit more information that would be helpful to give people an idea

of what they supposed to do.

Ms. Genesis Ortega stated that the city is in the process of developing the

dates of the community meetings. Right now, they are looking at mid June.

She stated that what he received or what he is looking at. The first step

was launching the public website. She stated when he looks at the public

forum, it says to check back for the dates, but she thinks they are looking at

June 12, June 15, and June 21. They are in the process of finalizing that

and they have a robust communication's plan that they will be sharing with

the public once that is final.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Ortega if it is possible to give Mr. Binder her

email perhaps if he has anymore questions he can email her. She asked if

there were any other public comments.

Contract Approvals

15-6835

R60

Authorization of a $34,020 increase for a previous awarded contract with

Maxiom Corp. in the amount for the development and implementation of the

new City website. The initial contract sum was $122,000, requested

increase of $34,020 would bring the contract to $156,020.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R60 - Contract Increase - Maxiom

Resolution #30828

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that Maxium Corp. is a previously awarded

contract that is requesting additional funds in the amount of $34,020 to

cover the extra amount of time required to complete the website. Due to

the cost of the change order being over 10 percent of the contract amount it

is being presented here before Council.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any

comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that his understanding is that this website was

supposed to be done last June. He knows that there were some changes.

However, why wasn't this website completed and how many changes are

necessary that they are talking $34,000.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that she believes Laura is there and maybe she

can give a better understanding. She knows that there were more modules

and things that needed to be created on the city's end with the company

and it also needed to be ADA compliant. With meeting certain

requirements, they needed that done prior to being able to launch that

website. She stated that she is not sure if that fully answers his question,

but she believes Laura is there if he would like her to respond.

Ms. Laura Ballek - Cole stated that Ms. McNeil just hit it on the head. In

looking at the old website there a lot of old modules such as the job training

module, such as the contracts module that they didn't originally plan for.

Now, they have a new Go Live date of May 10th. This will be the last

contract amendment to pass the dais.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from Council or

any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30828

15-6836

R61

Authorization of Cooperative Contract(s) in an amount greater than

$40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R61 Cooperative Approvals

Resolution #30829

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that these purchases are all going through

various Cooperative Contracts. They listed out each item that is being

procured through the different Cooperative Contracts and pertaining to the

vendor with their dollar amounts.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any

comments from the dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is assuming that because they are

Cooperative Contracts that it's more of a and pull from a more of a national

kind of base of company. She is looking up ThunderCat from Reston,

Virginia, ESRI is from Redland, California and some Pennsylvania ones.

The S J Thomas Company and the T.M. Fitzgerald. She asked if that is

why they are more national and kind of far away.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that it all depends on the service and/or product

that they are purchasing. It varies just like the city's contracts can vary

dependent upon what they are looking for. These are just the vendors that

were compliant with the Cooperative Contract and can provide the city with

the goods and services at that price.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Ms. McNeil.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there were any more

comments from the dais or from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30829

Minutes of Previous Meeting: None

Communications

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that Allentown City Council is seeking to hire a

firm to examine procedures and actions taken by the current administration

related to hiring, terminations, discipline, promotions, compliance with civil

rights and discrimination statutes and provisions of a merit-based

personnel system, and a review of salary adjustment for city employees

since January 1, 2022 in terms of compliance with the city personnel code

as well as other state and federal employment statutes. Please forward a

letter of interest and your credentials to the City Clerk, 435 Hamilton Street,

Allentown, PA, 18101; or email to Michael.Hanlon@AllentownPa.gov.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he will just comment on that if she doesn't mind.

He stated as chairman of the committee, they have one individual that has

expressed interest so far. They have two prior individuals that expressed

interest. He stated that they will be reaching out to them tomorrow once the

Ad is taken out of the newspaper. The committee will be conducting

interviews with those individuals and at such time they will pick who they will

pick and present them to Council.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Zucal and stated that if you parked in the city

lot next to City Hall, please see the City Clerk for a voucher. She took a

moment to honor the Syrian community. She stated that today is their

Independence Day.

Old Business: None

REPORTS

Special Meeting: The special committee on co-responder models will be meeting on

April 24th at 6:15 PM.

A Committee of the Whole is scheduled for May 1st at 6 PM to review Bill 40

introduced this evening increasing penalties for parking violations.

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

The Committee met on April 10, the next meeting is scheduled for April 24th at 5:30

Community and Economic Development: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli

The committee met on April 10th; the next meeting is scheduled for April 24th at 5:45

PM.

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Affa, Napoli, Santos

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is

scheduled for May 1st at 5:30 PM.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach

The Committee has not met since the last Council meeting, the next meeting is not

yet scheduled.

Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota

The committee met this evening; the next meeting is not yet scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting, the next meeting is

scheduled for May 1 at 5:45 PM.

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Mota, Napoli,

Gerlach

The committee has not met since the last council meeting, the next meeting is not

yet scheduled.

Controller’s Report (3 minutes)

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that this evening's report is the gift card review for Human

Resources. They started this is November and finished it recently. As Council

knows, the Controller's office looked at gift cards in other departments and this is

the last of these audits. He knows that there are some audits that they do on

regular and recurring basis. This happens to be one of them. In this department,

they did a gift card audit in 2017. They did another one in 2020 and then they did

this one in 2023. Basically, they noted some of the problems they identified in 2017

were not corrected. And, some of the problems that they identified in 2020 had yet

to be corrected. In brief, the city gives out gift cards for employee recognition. They

noted from the logs it's impossible to determine which cards were given to which

employees. That is important to preserve an audit trail. They made

recommendations to correct it and the administration has said that they will comply.

They noted that there was inadequate controls in the Employee Recognition

Program. What they mean by that is sometimes the paperwork authorizing the

award wasn't to be found or was not complete. They also note that there is a gift

card log in Treasury where gift cards are held so they are safe and the gift card log

in the department and it was not always possible to reconcile the two. He stated

that they recommended that be corrected. Gift cards are considered income

because they can be cashed. It is important that when a gift card is handed out

whether it will be for the HR department or through Lights in the Parkway that

information be reported to the Payroll Department so that it could be included as

income on the employees W-2. They found that was not consistently done. Those

processes need to be worked on. He stated that the last item that he would like to

comment on is that they have been purchasing gift cards for a long time. He stated

that they go back to 2016. They still have gift cards that they purchased in HR in

2016. Some of this money came from the medical. Brue Cross will give the city

wellness money. This might be used as encouragement or spiff for doing something.

He stated that they still have these cards. They have a number from 2016, 2017,

2019, and 2021. The total of these older cards totals $2,500. He stated that the

Controller's office recommendations to the department and other departments as

well that purchase cards is that the fist card that comes in, is the first card that goes

out and that way you don't have stale cards sitting around. He stated just to recap,

this is the third time they have audited this for a number of reasons in the past. The

department has been slow to make corrections. It has been some turnover there.

The department's response for all of these findings was that they would review,

make changes to ensure that there was compliance. He stated that if they want to

read about this in more depth and stated that it is certainly an engaging read so

please. He is sure Mr. Hanlon put it up in Granicus and if Council has any questions,

he will be more than happy to answer them.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that for the last few years anyway, the city does not have a

record of who got them and how much they were for.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated no, they are not always complete. This is an issue that

goes back to 2017. This didn't just start in 2022. He stated that they can piece most

of it together, but they can't always piece all of it together. Some of the corrections

are as simple as making sure that the space on the log for the employee to sign their

name is large enough for them to sign their name. It's ok, but they need to do

better.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he remembers a few years ago someone got fired.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he is correct. In 2017, the Controller's office found

malfeasance and turned it over to the police department immediately because it was

over their heads. They duly followed through and they were short one employee

then.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he remembers that.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments.

Mayor’s Report (3 minutes)

Ms. Genesis Ortega stated that she is here on behalf of Mayor Tuerk to provide a

brief Mayor's Report. They are moving at the speed of light. Last weekend, they

announced that the city of Allentown was awarded $50,000 to distribute micro grants

to youth and youth serving organizations in Allentown focused on climate projects.

They have received considerable interests so far. It is exciting. The city's

Sustainability Coordinator is working with those who submitted ideas in managing

these projects. They are excited to soon announce the public launch of the Safe

Streets For All Initiative. They are holding a Press Conference next Wednesday at

noon. She stated that they are all invited on Hanover Avenue. This launch will

underscore the city's commitment to prioritizing safer roadways and transportation

networks for all residents regardless of their mode of transportation and where they

live in the city. Following that they will also be unveiling the results of the

Community Health Needs Assessment and discussing our next steps in creating the

city's community health improvement plan. They submit their application for the

second phase of the Recompete Program on April 25th. That is the focus for the

Planning team right now. It could be quite significant for the city. It is up to $20

million to implement a plan to address a planning gap in residents ages 25 to 54.

They are talking childcare, transportation, professional development, among some of

those ideas. They are very close towards the results of the Housing Study and the

Zoning Code is out for public comment. The Zone Allentown website is officially live

at Allentownpa.gov/ZoneAllentown. As she mentioned previously to Mr. Binder that

they are looking to hold committee meetings sometime in mid June. She stated that

Laura also mentioned earlier, the launching of a full revamp of the city website on

May 10th. They will also be announcing the public launch of Parknership during a

Press Conference on May 22nd. This information has all been shared with the City

Clerk. Later that week, they are planning on a grand opening celebration of Irving

Pool. She knows that the eastside is eager to dive into this new pool this summer.

The city is happy to deliver on that project. She took a minute to be hyper-focused

on Parks and Recreation because her and her team have been engrossed in the

marketing and communication of all that they have going on. This weekend, Earth

Day in the Park is happening Saturday at Cedar Beach Park. They have 38

eco-friendly vendors, five food trucks on site for the community to enjoy thanks to

the work by our Recycling Bureau who also did a great job on a massive scale of the

litter cleanup of MLK from the 15th jug handle to the Eighth Street Bridge on the

north side last week. Next weekend at Cedar Beach, they will host Veg Fest from

11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are also debuting Yoga Fest in the city of Allentown. It is

going to be free yoga classes every Thursday in the Arts Park and every Sunday in

the Rose Garden from May to October. The Parks and Rec team has intentionally

worked on building a Spring, Summer and Fall catalog for outdoor activities

activating the city's outdoor spaces and bringing life to our parks. They will see that

now in 2024, they are offering 12 free movies in the parks and pools. The Movies in

the Park and the Movies in the Pool series, they are offering a free outdoor camp

program for kids, also known as the Summer Playground Program. They are

offering free outdoor concerts from May to October in West Park, Union Terrace,

Cedar Beach and Midway Manor through the city's revamped Summer Concert

Series in additional to Special Events as a whole. She stated Parks and Rec. kudos

to them. They are working hard to activate those city spaces for residents. It is

quite remarkable and she hopes that Council can join them for some of these events.

Lastly, a feel good story. The city's EMS team raised $1,000 for autism awareness

through a t-shirt sale earlier this year and did a small check presentation to the

Autism Society Lehigh Valley earlier today. Several of the city's paramedics, Council

may or may not know have children with autism. This was a good cause near and

dear to their hearts. The city is very proud of that.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.

15-6860

Controller Reports

Attachments: Bank Rec

Check Review

Gift Card

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6765

Bill 26

Amending §455-139B(6) of the Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance

Code, Article XVIII, Licensing Residential Rental Units, Owner and

Occupant duties, to remove the requirement that multiple disruptive conduct

reports filed within a twenty-four (24) time period count as a single

disruptive conduct report.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 26 - Disruptive Conduct Amendment

Ordinance #16003

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were comments from the dais or

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16003

15-6788

Bill 29

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000.00) Dollars from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of The State Fire Commissioner

(OSFC) Grant to the Allentown Fire and EMS Department for the purchase

of items related to training, safety and equipment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 29 EMS OSFC Grant

Ordinance #16004

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this was in his committee and it was sent 3 - 0,

favorably. It will obviously be a benefit to our firefighters.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments to the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16004

15-6789

Bill 30

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Sixteen Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty One Dollars And

Ninety-Nine Cents ($16,951.99) from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Office of The State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) Grant to the Allentown Fire

Department for the purchase of Hydra Ram forcible entry tools.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 30 Fire OSFC Grant

Ordinance #16005

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this was also in his committee and it was sent

favorably, 3 - 0. This will help firefighters gain entry into buildings that have

more updated steel doors.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any comments

from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16005

15-6790

Bill 31

ADOPTING FUND BALANCE POLICY FOR THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN

Reminder: code this up

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 31 Fund Balance Policy

Ordinance #16006

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this came out of the Budget and Finance

committee. It was forwarded favorably. It is a great idea. It is something

that a lot of businesses do in the private sector. He thinks the city of

Allentown is doing a really solid move developing this Fund Balance Policy

which will keep our Moody's Rating stable, if not higher based on meeting

their criteria. He stated kudos to Ms. Patel and her department for getting

this to move forward.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli and asked if there were any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16006

15-6791

Bill 32

Amending the 2024 General Fund, the 2024 Risk Fund, the 2024 Solid

Waste Fund, the 2024 Stormwater Fund, the 2024 Equipment

Replacement Fund, the 2024 Golf Fund, and the 2024 Housing Fund by

appropriating funds from the un-appropriated balances for the rollover of

encumbrances for the prior year commitments.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 32 Purchase Order Roll Over

Ordinance #16007

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or any

comments from the public.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this is also forwarded favorably from the

Budget and Finance Committee.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16007

15-6794

Bill 33

Amending the 2024 ARPA Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars from Ripple Community Inc. to the Revenue

Replacement category of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

(SLFRF) award for HVAC systems. Ripple Community Inc. will receive One

Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars in funding from the CDBG HOME-ARPA

program as indicated in DCED’s resolution to amend the 2021 One Year

Action Plan allocation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 33 Transfer of Ripples Funds

Ordinance #16008

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would like to comment as the chair of the

Community and Economic Development, this was in his committee and

voted on favorably, 3-0 to the full Council.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hendricks and asked any other comments

from the dais or any comments from the public.

Ms. Sherri Binder, Ripple Community Inc., stated that briefly that after the

committee meeting a week or so ago, she was able to meet with Ms.

Kistler and her staff to discuss this further. They had some questions they

were looking to have answered and in the process of that conversation,

they did review some additional processes that would be triggered by the

home ARP funding that wouldn't necessarily be applied with some of their

other funding sources. She stated that she thinks this is probably fine.

They support having the right funds in the right place and if there is a way

they can be helpful in doing that. She is happy to do that. The city staff has

been very open in providing assistance and helping them answer questions

that they have. That said, it would be helpful for them if they had a little bit

more time to understand these processes with this new information that

they gathered and just to address a couple of lingering questions. If it is

possible to have this decision tabled until the next meeting that would be

helpful for them provided that it doesn't create any undue hardship

elsewhere.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Binder. She asked if there were any other

comments from the public.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated jumping ahead to that Resolution to submit an

Action Plan and change the HUD, is there a potential that amended action

plan won't be accepted by HUD. Is it a potential that Council will vote to say

let's do the switcheroo of the money and then let's submit a change of plan

to HUD and then HUD would reject that change of plan.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated is a good question, Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she can certainly say that she cannot 100

percent answer on behalf of HUD. She can tell them that every part of this

proposal as it stands right now is in compliance with Home ARPA. Home

ARPA requires specialized population. It requires construction and/or

renovation and it requires a low to moderate income base within a

qualifying population. Those are the Home ARPA that she distributed to

Council when they asked the question of what is the difference between

Home ARPA and Home. She doesn't foresee a reason why HUD would

reject this as part of an Action Plan at this point because she thinks it is in

compliance.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Kistler.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked are there deadlines by which a municipality has

to submit changes and if so, ARPA is within those deadlines.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the city is certainly within the deadline to

amend the Action Plan.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Gerlach if she had any other questions.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is turn on how to vote for this. It would

be really cool if the organization that is affected can make sure they have all

their questions answered. She stated that would be pretty great. If they

were switching around funding say for the police or for the health

department and they did not have all the questions answered and if they

weren't 100 sure of how the change of funding was going to affect them,

she doesn't think they would vote yes. She stated that they just did that last

week when the FOP leader came up and said hey, we are not quite sure

how this is going to completely affect us and they all voted no on selling the

police station at 10th and Hamilton because all of his questions and all of

the police questions were not fully answered. She stated that they did not

have all the answers so they voted no because they weren't sure. Not voted

no, they tabled it. That is why she wanted to table it, but she guess she got

shot down.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that the positive thing is that Ms. Binder did

mention that she is meeting with the staff and they have been very helpful.

She stated that you guys will continue to be helpful to her. Any questions or

any concerns, she will be meeting with you guys.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated absolutely.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he feels quite confident that Ms. Kistler

knows quite well what is qualified and what isn't and based on her

statement here tonight, he feels very comfortable that they will match and

will be qualified for it without any problem. He stated that he see no reason

why they should delay this.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais.

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos, that this Bill

be tabled.

3 - Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Santo Napoli

4 - Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, and Candida Affa

Enactment No: 16008

Yes:

No:

A motion was made by Cynthia Mota that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16008

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated just for the record, Mr. Hanlon mentioned 2013

N. Poplar. He thinks it is 213. He stated just so they can have the correct

address.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated ok.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais or

any comments from the public. She asked if they can vote on the bundle.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-6805

R62

Sewage Planning Module at 1910 Walnut Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R62 1910 Walnut Street - Sewage Planning Module

1910 Walnut Street Sewage Planning Module

Resolution #30830

Enactment No: 30830

15-6834

R63

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 1515

Linden Street; 1525 W Chew Street; 213 N Poplar Street; 340 N 8th

Street; 534 N 6th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R63 5 HARB Approved Projects

Final Review 4h 340 N 8th Roof

Final Review 4f 1525 W Chew Legalize Porch Repair

Final Review 4e 534 N 6th Repair Fire Damage

Final Review 4d 213 N Poplar Roof

Final Review 3a 1515 Linden St Windows Rev

Resolution #30831

Enactment No: 30831

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6833

R64 To be introduced this evening.

A RESOLUTION OF CITY OF ALLENTOWN, COUNTY OF LEHIGH,

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING THE

INTERMUNICIPAL TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE NUMBER E-1180

FROM HAAKS SCHOOL HOUSE, LLC, 8418 BAKE OVEN ROAD,

GERMANSVILLE, PA 18053 TO CITY CENTER HOSPITALITY TEN, LLC,

950 HAMILTON STREET, ALLENTOWN, PA 18101

Attachments: R64 Liquor License Transfer City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC

950 Hamilton Street - Liquor License Transfer Request (Mailing List)

City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC License Posting II

City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC License Posting I

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding Liquor License Transfer Request -

City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC

The Morning Call Ad 7608292

Resolution #30832

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the dais or any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30832

15-6842

R65

Police Officer Appointments

Shamari Dally – Freemansburg, PA

Jose Reyes-Cerda – Allentown, PA

Attachments: R65 - Police Officer Appointments

Resolution #30833

Chief Charles Roca stated good evening Council. He stated what they

have in front of Council today is Shamari Dally. He is a 26 year old police

officer who previously worked for SEPTA. Shamari attended high school in

the country of Jamaica, where he was born and obtained his Act 120

certification from Delaware County Community College Police Academy.

He is currently serving in the US Army Reserves and is a Freemansburg

resident. The second individual is Jose Reyes-Cerda, 28 year old

Allentown resident who attended Roberto Clemente Charter School and

graduated from Sinapet High School in the Dominican Republic. Jose was

born in the Dominican Republic and is fluent in Spanish. He is currently

employed as a truck driver and will be attending the Allentown Police

Academy in July. He stated that he is open to any questions, if they have

any.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Chief Roca and asked if there were any

comments from the dais or any comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

No:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Candida Affa, and Santo

Napoli

1 - Ce-Ce Gerlach

Enactment No: 30833

15-6843

R66

Approves the submission of the formal application for the Economic

Development and Community Development Initiatives Grant through the

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on

behalf of the Allentown Police Department to support the renovation of the

Police Academy Building.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R66 - Police Academy Grant Application

Resolution #30834

Chief Charles Roca stated that he is going to have Sergeant Leonard give

them some specifics on this.

Sergeant John Leonard stated that the renovation to the Allentown Police

Academy Locker Room and Shower Facilities along with the revitalization

of the exterior building will significantly enhance the functionality and morale

of city personnel. First and foremost, addressing the locker room and

shower area will mitigate long standing issues such as inadequate space

and also by expanding and modernizing these areas they can ensure

officers and cadets significant room to store their equipment and access

clean, functional showers after physically demanding training sessions and

shifts. Also, including repairing any structural damage of the exterior,

updating signage for better visibility and enhancing landscaping will create

a more welcoming and secure environment for both officers and the

community. Overall, the renovations go beyond the cosmetic improvement.

They directly impact the wellbeing, efficiency, effectiveness of the

operations that are hosted at the Allentown Police Academy. Just as a

reminder, the Academy was constructed by the hands of police officers in

the 50s, with an addition in the 70s and a gymnasium. He stated that he

took many of the Councilmembers through a tour of our existing facilities

here. In order to improve morale, improve the infrastructure of the

department, it is a step in the right direction. He reminded Council that the

Allentown Police Academy is a jewel of the city of Allentown. It attracts

many potential officers to our department and departments around the area

to include Wilkes Barre, Scranton, State College Officers. It is known in the

community and very grateful for this opportunity to go for this grant.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thank Chief Roca and asked if there were any

comments.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would just like to comment that he does

avail himself and go out to the Academy several times a week to work out.

It is sorely in need of rehabilitation. He is very familiar and his father in law

helped build the original facility. It is definitely in need of it. He strongly

recommended that his colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she also took a tour and it really needs to be

beautified because you need a lot of repairs there. She stated that she

saw holes everywhere.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked roughly how much they think or are trying to get. What

would it cost, if you have an idea?

Sergeant John Leonard stated that there are a lot of things that can be

done. The wish list for this grant because the grant that was provided to

them through Senator Pat Browne's office at the time when he was in was

for $182,000. They will spend every cent of that doing what they can.

Chief Charles Roca stated that obviously they are going to address the

things that need to be addressed and going to continue to look at how they

can pay for additional infrastructure needs.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated this is not a matching grant.

Chief Charles Roca stated correct. There is no match.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments or comments

from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30834

15-6844

R67

Authorizes the submission of the formal application for funding from the

Local Share Account (LSA) grant in the amount of up to Three Hundred

Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Six dollars ($300,636.00) with no match

required.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R67 LSA Grant

Resolution #30835

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30835

15-6793

R57

Approves the Submission of an amendment to the 2021 Action Plan to the

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R57 HUD Action Plan Amendment

Resolution #30836

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30836

Request to pull Resolution 59 from the Public Works Committee, place on agenda

and act on it.

Request to pull Resolution 59 from the Public Works Committee, Place On

Agenda and Act On It.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-6799

R59

A resolution of the City Council of the City of Allentown, Lehigh County,

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the South Whitehall Township

Act 537 sewage facilities plan (Public-to-Public System Transfer)

Attachments: R59 South Whitehall Act 537 Plan Sewage Facilities Act

ACPC action SouthWhitehallSPM

Resolution #30837

04.09.24

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Mr. Petrik is here to speak to it if you have

any questions.

Mr. David Petrik stated he would like to extend South Whitehall Township's

appreciation for your consideration for moving the resolution on. For them,

this has been a very long process that started in 2017 when they moved to

dissolve their Township Authority for their sewer assets. The update that

they did to the plan that you would adopt by this Resolution is to

acknowledge that they were dissolving the Authority and all the

responsibilities and assets of the Authority will be transferred to the

township themselves. All this does is acknowledge that the city has

sewage the flows through South Whitehall Township facilities. They are no

longer the responsibility of the Authority and now the responsibility of the

Township and that the city acknowledges that.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Petrik and asked if there were any

comments from the dais or any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30837

Request to suspend the rules, introduce and vote on Resolutions 73 and 74.

A motion was made by Cynthia Mota, seconded by Ed Zucal, Requesting to

Suspend the Rules, Introduce and Vote on Resolutions 73 and 74.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-6853

R73

Authorizes the City to accept the donation of two used City of Easton Fire

trucks, worth approximately $200,000, in exchange for waiving the City of

Allentown Fire Academy tuition cost for two City of Easton Fire Department

recruits, worth approximately $16,000.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R73 - Fire Dept Tuition Truck Exchange

Legislative Template Easton Fire Truck Agreement

Resolution #30838

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this was under the Public Safety Committee and

just for clarification, the amount of $200,000 was an estimate. However, it

is worth more than the $16,000 for two firefighters. This was sent favorably,

3 - 0.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Zucal. She asked if there were any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30838

15-6854

R74

Approves the submission of the formal application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development for improvements to the Rose Garden and Pavilion. The City

is asking for $200,000 with no match required.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R74 - Rose Garden Grant Application

Resolution #30839

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30839

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-6839

Bill 37

An Ordinance providing for the expenditure of certain monies received by

the City of Allentown under Title I of the Housing and Community

Development Act of 1976, as amended; The Homeless Emergency

Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009; and Title II of the

National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended; for the purpose of

undertaking programs of housing and community development within the

city.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 37 - HUD New Account Setup

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6846

Bill 38

Amending the 2024 ARPA Fund to provide for a transfer of One Million

Two Hundred Thousand ($1,200,000.00) Dollars to the General Fund

unappropriated balance as a Revenue Replacement category of the State

and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) award. These funds will be

appropriated to a newly created Community Reinvestment program within

the General Fund Dept of Community & Economic Development (DCED)

Director’s Bureau.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 38 ARPA Transfer

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the dais or the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6847

Bill 39

Amending Article XI, Department of Human Resources, by adding

reporting requirements on salary adjustments.

Affa, Hendricks and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 39 HR Reporting

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE

15-6848

Bill 40

Fine Increases

Hendricks and Napoli

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 40 Parking Violations

Parking Authority Exhibit A 2

Attach A Violation Rate Change Proposal

Fine Proposal Letter to Council 4-3-2024

Fine Comparison Line Chart

Violation Comparison

Stopping, Standing and Parking (1)

Allentown Parking study

Parking Enforcement Patterns in ABE 1.9.24

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE

15-6845

R68

Acceptance of Love Your Block Grant Funds for Neighborhood

Revitalization through Civic Engagement.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R68 - Love Your Block Grant Acceptance

15-6838

R69

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 107 N. 11th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R69 Deny - 107 11th St Legalize Rear Porch

Final Review 107 N 11th DENIED (Legalize Porch Work and

Associated Components)

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6837

R70

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1111 W. Turner Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R70 Deny - 1111 W Turner Roof Repair

Final Review 1111 W Turner DENIED (Legalization Roof Repair Work)

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that they just want to know why they are being

denied and can they get the reason why they are being denied. She asked

do we have an answer.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked do you mind you mind giving us your name again,

for the record.

Ms. Karen Ocasio, Allentown 18103. She stated that they would like to

know why they are being denied.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that in the agendas that are posted online, there

are dropdowns that talk about each individual case and in the DCED

meeting, each case will be reviewed for why HARB has denied them.

Ms. Karen Ocasio thanked Ms. Kistler.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6840

R71

Approves the Submission of an amendment to the 2022 Action Plan to the

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R71 - 2022 CDBG Amendment Bike Works

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked for a point of clarification and stated that this is a

different amendment then the one they just.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that there are two more amendments to the Action

Plan.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated to the 2022 Action Plan. She stated that the

Ripple thing was 2021.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that yes, whenever a project gets submitted for an

amount to HUD. If there is a change in the project just like you approve a

Change Order, the city has to have an amendment that changes the

amount . These are frequent.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Ms. Kistler.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6841

R72

Approves the Submission of an amendment to the 2022 Action Plan to the

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R72 - 2022 CDBG Amendment Lead Program

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she just wanted to on April 22nd which is

this coming Monday, if you got some free time and you can get down to

DC, the Supreme Court will have a Hearing on Johnson v. Grant essentially

that would make a determination on criminalizing homelessness. There is

a rally from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. She knows some folks locally that are

going. If you have time available, it might be good to go down and network

and meet some folks at the national level that are working on ending

homelessness and hopefully not criminalizing homelessness. She stated

that she just wanted to let Council know that.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there was any other

information for good and welfare.

ADJOURNED: 7:26 PM

15-6577

Reference Materials:

Council Rules

Procurement Code

Ethics Code

Attachments: Procurement Code

Ethics Code

Rules