435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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 - Privilege of the Floor Rules

Please observe the Rules of Council when given privilege of the floor. A copy of the

Council Rules can be found on the council agenda on the website. If you would like

to speak, we are asking that you fill out a card – they are on the back table provide

them to the clerk before speaking. Include your name and address. When speakers

have the privilege of the floor, personal insults, attacks, name

calling or other

behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official business will not

be tolerated. Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comments on items

that are not on the agenda. Public comment during consideration of ordinances,

resolutions and motions are limited by topic – your comments must be relevant to

the subject matter of the proposed legislation. Public comments are taken before

council votes on legislation. You are given the privilege of the floor to provide public

comment, it is not a question and answer session. State your position clearly and

concisely for consideration. If you speak on behalf of yourself, you have three

minutes and if you are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members

present, you will be given five minutes in place of everyone coming to the podium.

Please address the Council President not individual councilpersons or city staff.

Refrain from insulting or defaming staff, officials, and the public; refrain from using

offensive language, cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking.

Please be aware that comments and/or behavior in violation of these rules will result

in a forfeiture of all remaining time and you will be asked to return to your seat.

Mr. Quinn Allen stated hello and stated you know me by now. He stated

that he is looking at this and it looks like you are going to talk about a little

bit on the issue of homelessness tonight. He stated that he is asking

because if you are then he will wait until that time to speak.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he is not aware of anything on the agenda.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated he is not aware either and that's why.

Mr. Quinn Allen stated yeah, yeah. It looks.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it might be some appointments on the

agenda.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there is an appointment to the

Homelessness Commission.

Mr. Quinn Allen stated ok so what does that mean.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that means that the mayor put forth a name of

somebody he wants to appoint to the Commission.

Mr. Quinn Allen stated alright and stated that he will wait this out and if it is

not talked about tonight, on how we could improve Allentown, he will speak

at the next meeting at the Courtesy of the Floor.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, thank you.

Ms. Ruth Marcon, 326 N. 27th Street, stated that Council usually ask for

name and address. She stated that she is speaking for herself and going

to read so she won't leave out a word or two. She stated that she is

speaking for herself, but knows others who feel and think the same as she

does. She stated that her great concern is about ICE and how they were

operating across the country. She stated that she reads newspaper

accounts and watch news programs daily. She has read and heard much

about our federal government wanting the cooperation of local police and

state police to assist in their operations and arrests. She stated that her

opinion and viewpoint is that local law enforcement should not be required

to participate with ICE unless officers are deputized by the federal

government and paid by the federal government operating and acting like

ICE agents is not the role of our local police.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Marcon.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is all he has. Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok

and stated that they will move on to Contract Approvals.

Contract Approvals: The general idea for approving contracts is that the council

acknowledges that proper procurement procedures were followed pursuant to

city code. The Clerk will read the resolution. After staff explains the process,

comments are taken from the dais and the public before a vote.

the

15-7850

R79

Authorization for a change order in the amount of $17,522.00 with Penn

Mount Stone, LLC to provide masonry repair and preservation of a WPA

Staircase and Wall located at the entrance of the Rose Garden for The

Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation. The original contract was

for $64,494.42, the addition would bring the contract to a new total of

$82,016.42.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 79 - Contract Increase Penn Mount Stone

Resolution #31072.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is a previously awarded contract that is

requesting additional funds in the amount of $17,522 due to the contract to

install blue stone stairs on the Rose Garden stairs and to install new stone

columns and install a new sign at the Rose Garden. She stated due to the

cost of the Change Order exceeding 10 percent of the contract, the amount

is being presented to Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if he has any questions

or colleagues from his colleagues 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: 31072

15-7851

R80

Authorization for a change order in the amount of $5,500.00 with Pennoni

Associates, Inc. to obtain the services of an Engineering Firm to perform

structural evaluations for Emergency and non-Emergency call outs as

needed to make structural assessments and evaluations on commercial

and residential properties in the City of Allentown. The original contract was

for the estimated budgeted sum of $25,000.00 per contract year, the

addition would bring the contract to a new total of $30,500.00.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R80 - Contract Increase Pennoni

Resolution #31073.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is a previously awarded contract that is

requesting additional funds in the amount of $5,500 as the Parks

Department wants to utilize this contract for the consultant to complete a

structural analysis of the Golf Course Maintenance Barn office area. To

determine the condition of the building as the current silo is falling apart.

Due to the cost of the Change Order exceeding 10 percent of the contract

amount and it is being presented to Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked is this R80.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated yes.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, ok. He asked if Purchasing is renewing the

Contract.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated what happen is that this Contract originated in

CED. Now, Parks is actually utilizing the vendor and piggybacking off that

Contract. She stated that originally this contract is for CED and Parks just

wanted them to do a structural analysis for them.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that you are upgrading it to the $30,000, right.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated yeah, they are adding that $5,500 for parts.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal. He asked anyone else from the

dais. He asked is there 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: 31073

15-7849

R81

Authorization for a change order in the amount of $37,456.00 with Michael

Baker International, Inc. to provide consulting and engineering design

services related to the D&L Trail: Allentown East Segment Design. The

original contract was for $233,336.00, the addition would bring the contract

to a new total of $270,792.00.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R81 - Contract Increase Michael Baker

Resolution #31074.pdf

Mr. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is a previously awarded contract that is

requesting additional funds in the amount of $37,456 due to the consultant

needing to apply for an NPDES Permit as required by LCCDMPA

Department for the D&L Project. She stated that this will allow

Michael Baker to apply to this MPDES Permit and approve post

construction stormwater management plans. Due to the cost of the

Change Order exceeding 10 percent of the contract. The amount is being

presented to Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated just one quick question and asked for the next meeting

can they possibly get the total amount that they have either through grants

or whatever to put into the D&L trail.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, thank you. He asked anybody else. He

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: 31074

15-7844

R82

Authorization for Contract with AMGG, LLC. in the amount of $268,474.00

to provide a detailed and thorough facility condition assessment and

analysis of its facilities, fixed assets, and miscellaneous structures on City

owned or managed properties including review and update of asset

inventory, identification of current facility condition deficiencies,

recommendation of corrections for all deficiencies, provision of cost

estimates for corrections, and forecasting future capital renewal cost.

Thirteen (13) proposals were received; however, three (3) proposals were

rejected. Contract shall be for one (1) year with two (2) additional one (1)

year renewal terms beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R82 - AMGG

Resolution #31075.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they were just going to explain it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated after and said he is sorry.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2025 - 13 which is a

facility condition assessment. It was advertised on Public Purchase April

7, 2025. There was a public bid opening on May 5, 2025. The city

received 13 proposals. However, three proposals were rejected. Two

included cost in their Technical Proposal and a third for not completing a

complete proposal. The evaluation team consisting of six members

conducted both technical and cost evaluations. Proposals were evaluated

based on IBE preference, qualifications, relevant based on IBE preference,

qualifications, relevant project experience, project understanding, and

approach and costs. She stated after evaluating proposals, the evaluation

committee decided to move forward with oral presentations with the top

two scoring firms AMGG,LLC and EC as Mid Atlantic, LLC and stated that

these were held on June 25. The committee is recommending an award to

AMGG, LLC.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked will this be inclusive of or exclusive of the Fire

and Police buildings since Alloy5 already did those. She asked was that

factored in like in the description for those who bid so they will know how to

project their costs.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that it is her understanding that this is just our

facilities that we currently have. They are going to do a condition

assessment on those.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, those current facilities. She stated that

current Central Fire and the current Police. She asked if they are going to

be reassessed.

Ms. Bina Patel stated no. They will not be reassessed. AMGG, LLC will

not be reassessing because those assessments have already been done.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach ok, just confirming. Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else. He asked if there are 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: 31075

15-7848

R83

Authorization for Contract with Simone Collins Landscape Architecture in

the amount of $159,950.00 to provide detailed consulting and engineering

services for design, construction documents and specifications, and

construction cost estimates for the construction of the Franklin Park

Improvements Project. Five (5) proposals were received; contract shall be

for one (1) year with five (5) additional one (1) year renewals beyond the

contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R83 - Simone Collins

Resolution #31076.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2025-10, Franklin

Park Design. It was advertised on Public Purchase on May 1, 2025. There

was a public bid opening on May 29, 2025. The city received five

proposals and the evaluation team consisting of four members conducted

both technical and cost evaluations. Proposals were evaluated based on

IBE preference. The ability to meet the RFP requirements with prior

experience, team member qualifications and costs. After evaluating the

proposals, the Evaluation Committee decided to not hold oral

presentations. The committee is recommending awards to Simone Collins

Landscape Architecture.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so they are in Norristown and asked will they be

coming here to meet with the Franklin Park Neighborhood Group or how is

that going to work as they do their consulting.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that she believes so.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that they are from Norristown, but they have

people that live locally. It will include meetings and site visits and spending

a lot of time in Allentown. It will be built into the contract that they will be

spending significant amounts of time in Franklin Park and at community

meetings, so yes.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else. He 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: 31076

15-7845

R84

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

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

Fitzgerald & Associates, Samsara Networks Inc., and Invisio.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R84 Cooperative Approval - 7.23.25

Resolution #31077.pdf

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that these are all being purchased from various

Cooperative Contracts.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues 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: 31077

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-7843 June 18, 2025 Public Hearing Bill 16 Meeting Minutes

System

Sponsors:

REPORTS

Public Hearing: President Hendricks

A Public Hearing is being scheduled for August 6th at 6:15 PM on Bill 47, a request

from Cedar Crest College to Rezone 2851-2865 College Drive from Low Density

Residential (R-L) to Institutional-Governmental (I-G).

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Santos, Gerlach

The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for August 6th at

5:15 PM.

Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli

The Committee met on July 16th and forwarded an item on this evenings agenda;

and this evening. the next meeting is scheduled on July 30th at 6 PM.

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

Hendricks

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting. There are no future

meetings scheduled at this time.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa

The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for August 6 at 5:45

PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota

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

scheduled for August 6 at 5:30 PM.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa

The Committee met this evening; there is one item on the agenda. The next meeting

is scheduled for August 6th at 6 PM.

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

Napoli

The Committee met on July 16th at 6 PM and forwarded an item on tonight's agenda;

there are no future meetings scheduled.

Controller's Report

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated that he has a P-Card Report for

the month of March 2025. He stated as they know they been using Munis lately and

the Controller's Department is coming down the learning curve which is probably the

most charitable way to describe it and what they have found out so far in using it is

that it is exceptionally time consuming through P-Card Statements under this

software. Consequently, he just done with March. it will probably be another month

or so until they are done with April and May is God knows when. He stated that they

are kind of frustrated with that, but they are working through it and trying to figure

out better ways to do it more efficiently. It affects Council in that you guys have

some request for him to look at things which he very much like to do, but he is also

very cognizant that this reporting needs to be timely for any journal corrections to

be done so this is sucking up a tremendous amount of time and will get to your

request as soon as he can. He stated that they are doing a balancing act there. He

stated that of course, Jacqui is also doing interns. He stated that is time consuming

as well. He stated they will be done in August and then she will have a little bit more

time to work on some of this stuff. As far as the P-Card Report goes, he got to say

that by and large, the departments are getting better. They understand what to look

for and a lot of the errors that they used to have gone away and that is a good thing.

He stated that they had sales tax paid on two invoices. The departments were

advised and are seeking a refund. He stated that they had 10 invoices where the

incorrect expenses account was used. The departments were advised. Journal

entries are being done. He stated that credit card fees are becoming an issue.

They do a lot of business with credit cards, clearly because there is some

convenience there and some businesses facing the slim margins may add a

convenience fee to that. The city policy says don't do it. He stated that they just

call it out when it happens. The administration is aware of that. They are either

going to let things continue to go as they are or will advise the departments to

migrate over away from those vendors to charge the fee or they are just going to

have to change the policy. It is their call, but we acknowledge and call it out when it

happens. He stated that is really the Report for the month of March. He stated that

he will see them in a month or so for the April Report. The Check Reports will come

in a normal timely fashion.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazier and stated that it is much appreciated. He

stated that the mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda tonight.

15-7871

Controller Reports

Attachments: PCard Review.pdf

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7796

Bill 53

Amending the 2025 General Fund to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) to

support the Main Street Program in the Department of Community &

Economic Development.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 53 Main Street Program

CED Committee Presentation Summary July 16 2025.docx

DAA City Council 7.15.pdf

Ordinance #16145.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated Ms. Kistler.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated yes, it was reviewed in the DCED committee

meeting with a presentation by the chair and co-chair who are both here

with them today. She stated that this serves to create the Main Street

Program. The nationally designated model program that is similar to the

programs running in the Sister cities. She stated that this program and

money is like the seed money to start the organization. A 501(c)3 that is

focused on several pillars that again their chair and co-chair can explain

more in depth if need be. She stated that she thinks the slide presentation

was given to Council along with a summary, but basically it funds various

components of the Main Street Program including the Ambassador

Program for the Boots on the Ground folks to help with directions,

reporting, into city staff. The hospitality component along with an

engagement increasing foot traffic dealing with trying to recruit so that the

vacancy rate of the first floors decreases along the corridor and increase

the programming that is reflective of the cultural heritage in the city to attract

more of our citizens down to our Main Street Program. She stated if

Council has questions regarding the Program, she can do her best, but

actually the Chair Matt Milosky and the Co-Chair Kyle Edwards both can

introduce themselves and can answer any questions that Council may

have.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Kistler. He asked was it any comments

from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated by doing this, we are creating another nonprofit and

asked is that correct.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that a new nonprofit would be created that would

be the focus of the Main Street Program, yes.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked who is running that Program per se now. She stated

that there isn't a running the Program per se now. She stated what is

happening is that the United Way is offering guidance to the creation of the

nonprofit and then the nonprofit will be a stand alone with a board that is

composed of our downtown businesses as well as nonprofits and citizens.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else and stated Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that yes, so thank you Ms. Kistler and Mr.

Hartney for meeting with her yesterday and answering her plethora of

questions. She was not able to attend the committee meeting, but did

watch the video. She stated that she looked at the PowerPoint. She

stated that her main questions which she thinks it would be for them all is

that they know that the board isn't fully fleshed out yet, but she would love to

hear kind of what the vision is from the co-chairs as to what that board

would look like so it is not like it is the same old people because the same

old people got them what they got right now and didn't even know who they

were or didn't know where to look. She stated that it is you two.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated if you both can introduce yourselves so that Council

knows who you are.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that if she and the reason she asked that is

because she doesn't have the data. The majority of the business owners

on Allentown she believes doesn't necessarily reflect the demographics of

Allentown. She stated that she doesn't know if she is wrong and stated tell

her she is wrong. She stated if they are trying to outreach to get people in

Allentown to come on Hamilton if that is honestly the goal then how is a

board made up of business owners that not necessarily reflect the

demographics of Allentown do that. She stated that she is just interested in

what your vision is on how to get a board because traditionally boards don't

represent the community like demographically. She stated these kinds of

boards.

Mr. Matt Milosky thanked Ms. Gerlach for her question and is the chair. By

way of that in terms he was raised on the eastside of Allentown.

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked Mr. Milosky if he minds using your.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated turn your mic on.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that he serves as chair of the Downtown Alliance

and was raised on the eastside of Allentown. He went to Mosser, Harris -

Morton and Dieruff. He stated that he was a business owner until recently

and merged his business with another one located on Hamilton Street. He

allowed his co-chair to introduce himself.

Mr. Kyle Edwards stated that he also grew up in Allentown on the

southside. He stated that he played Mountainville football, graduated from

Dieruff High School. Go Huskies. He stated that he is a business owner

downtown, lives and work downtown. He attended schools in the area. He

is very much invested in this initiative as well.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated to answer your question directly, the initial board

makeup is a combination of business owners and public representatives

as well too. He stated as we flesh that out, they are going to have a

committee structure and that committee structure is going to follow the four

pillars which Ms. Kistler referenced in her introduction and those pillars

include enhancing engagement and vibrancy in the downtown, inspiring

loyalty and advocacy. That is the positive messaging that we feel is lacking

now. There was a strategic committee that preceded their involvement,

but commissioned a study by a national consultant that looks at downtowns.

These were there findings and what they recommended to them is the

blueprint for forming this organization that he and Kyle are working out right

now. Those are the first two pillars. Next, was celebrating and elevating

cultural heritage and cultivating a dynamic retail environment in the

downtown. He stated how we plan to do that is to form our committees

based on these pillars and those committee and how we are going to still

allow the people who have the interest in each of those four pillars. The

cultural heritage, retail, the loyalty and advocacy and engagement and

vibrancy. He stated that what they hope to do in time because they have

term limits in their bylaws and United Way helped them put those together

and then did the filing for the 501(c) 3 which is currently being reviewed at

the state level is to utilize the committees then as kind of the form system

for future board members. The people who are actively engaged and are

the most active in those separate committees leading those pillar initiatives

will be the ones that succeed as we send other board members as we term

out after a two or three year term on the board.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked how many people would you foresee initially on

the board. He stated eight to get us off the ground and that is because they

are very much in our formative positions. They are doing the filings and

making visions such as this for foundational support for the organization.

He stated that in our bylaws, they are allowed to 20 or 25 total board

members, but in the beginning doing the mechanics of this organization

and get it off the ground, they want to keep the board intentionally small.

They are in the process of filling out the committee structure. She stated

that so you got and the majority of folks and she doesn't know the person

from the Chamber is somewhere, but the majority of folks are corporations.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated right now, it is you two and asked do you have

any other folks in mind.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that they have six others on the board as well.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that you have six others on the board right now.

She asked are they able to publicly name them.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that he believe so. He stated that if he can

remember them off the top of his head, they have a representative from

PPL, a representative from Air Products, a representative of the Chamber

of Commerce, he stated the two of them, and stated that is five. The city of

Allentown and they only met about four times.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is all good and knows that it is a new kind

of thing. She stated so the majority of folks and she does not know the

person from the Chamber is a business, but the majority of folks are

corporations so far.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that he and Kyle are small business people. He

stated that he had his own which was four people.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she knows he is a small business.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated he had his own which were four people. He stated

that obviously the big names are PPL and Air Products and corporations.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that people that are a part of DAA (sp). She

stated that is her concern that the people that are currently part of DAA(sp)

who supposed to be doing this and supposed to have this vision and

execute foot traffic and everything and now also part of this board. She

asked how do we expect something different from the same people.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that their mission is different. They are following

the blueprint that the study put together. He stated that his understanding of

DACI(sp) when he served on it and they really had some involvement with

Building 21 and some other things. He thinks that they sort of picked

projects. Where their focus will be the missing pieces of the downtown

which is identified in the study which thankfully was not clean and safe

because statistically compared to our peer city, we are pretty clean and

safe. You can always improve. That wasn't the thing that was missing. The

missing piece for us and the mission is missing cohesive management of

the downtown. He stated all these cultural institutions and people living in

the area and neighborhoods. He stated that obviously we don't have that

with a big residential population. They do close to downtown. He stated

that there is nobody looking after the downtown. They are curating the

environment. Like the Greater Easton Partnership does in Easton. His

understanding of that was not the DACI mission. He stated that is their

mission. They are going to overlap with other nonprofits who has their own

mission in the area. They are already working with the United Way. They

do have some overlap with the Chamber, but if they wanted to have an

event, perhaps they hired them to curate the event. He stated that they are

a separate organization focused on creating a vibrant downtown area for

the city.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Mr. Milosky and asked does he know any of

the folks are Allentown residents. She stated you are an Allentown

resident. She asked do you know how many of the folks demographically

represent Allentown. She asked how many folks are people of color of the

people that you named since most people in Allentown are people of color.

Mr. Kyle Edwards stated that personally how it stands, it is just him as a

person of color as it currently stands. He thinks their focus is creating this

cohesive board where folks represent much of the city that you are referring

to. He stated that he wants to make sure that they make sure that the city

is represented and they work with city members to make sure they create

something that is dynamic and longstanding. They don't want it to be a fly

by night sort of thing and being methodical and strategic. They want to

make sure the right people are on the board to move things ahead and

something that will be longstanding, self sustaining to a point where they

can kind of take their hands off the wheels and it runs itself. They want this

to be vastly different that's ever been done before.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated ok. She stated thank you and stated that she

does not have anymore questions.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated who were supposed to be doing this and supposed

to have this vision and execute the foot traffic and everything. They are now

also a part of this board.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked are they currently part of the DABBI (sp) or

whatever.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated DACTI (sp) and stated yes.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that is her concern and she doesn't have any

more questions. She doesn't know if anybody else does, but she doesn't.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that she is first.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that you mentioned on the board someone in the

city and a Councilmember to be appropriate to be on. 37:30

Mr. Matt Milosky stated yes, and they were looking at the number ex-officio

response so there won't be a conflict of interest, necessarily. Perhaps

someone at the state level, someone at the city level, from the

administration as well to. They are thinking the county as well ex-officio.

There were people to what everything is going on, but not necessarily

voting members. He stated that was the initial idea.

Ms. Candida Affa stated being a voting member.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that you can self fund it then or not. They thought it

would be a firewall there. There could not be any perceptions of and

everyone is in favor and no one ever points any fingers., but if someone is

not in favor then just to protect elected officials. It is a mile that he used to

see and served as a chair of an educational foundation and the district

superintendent and district staff ex-officio because the group raised a lot of

money to support the district. The district will be there and advise on what

the needs were, but were not voting members because they were public

officials.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that you made a statement about you wanting it to

benefit everyone citywide. Currently, you both state that you have

businesses on Hamilton Street. He wants them to try to tell him how he can

tell the gentleman on Second and Gordon that the $300,000 that Council is

going to vote on to give them is going to benefit him.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated yes, and they were looking at the number ex-officio

response to

Mr. Kyle Edwards stated that their focus is helping small businesses to win

stating that is their goal. He stated he would say to the gentleman on

Second Street and Gordon is that a thriving downtown, the heartbeat of the

city, the heart of the city will permeate throughout the rest of the city. When

you go and travel throughout the world, people generally visit downtown

areas. They visit center cities. They want to have an experience stating

that they hope to be that glue to put the various pieces that they already had

together. He stated that is all they want to do and as a whole they will

benefit as a city. He stated that he was born and bread here. A proud

Allentonian. He stated that he wants this to win because he wants his kids

to live in a better world. He wants that man's kids to live in a better world.

He stated that this is much bigger than some fly by night organization. They

want it to be again, strong and sustaining. He stated that he is very

passionate about the city of Allentown. He stated that he has a vested

interest. He stated that he lives and work down here, but more than that he

does a lot of outreach. There are a lot of things he does behind the scenes

to help everyone. He is always in the spirit of collaboration and DAA will be

no different.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Mr. Edwards that he did not answer his question.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated Mr. Zucal we can.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that they did a quick analysis of the DAA footprint.

In general, that area and percentage, the city total land area about 1.74

percent of the city. It generates 8.9 percent of the real estate taxes and has

13.18 percent of the real estate value and also generates over 25 percent

of our Business Privilege Tax in the city. He stated so when the downtown

does better and thrives, it is the economic engine of the city. He stated that

those taxes don't necessarily get spent and paid for all the Police

Department. All the Fire Department.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok so what you are saying is that Second and Gordon

is in much better shape then the 10 hundred block of Hamilton. He asked

is that what you are saying.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated no. They are saying that if the downtown flourishes

some of that excess revenue, that will come back to the city can be used in

all of our neighborhoods. She stated Second and Gordon, everywhere.

She stated when you look at the city of Easton and you look at the changes

that has happened and their budget has continually grown through the

years. The reason it has grown is because they are funneling higher,

higher and higher percentage of that budget. Back into the programming

that is happening in that urban core and that money generating by that

urban core is now going to help the westward and the other parts of Easton

that needs that help.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked how much is the $300,000 is the gentleman getting at

second and Gordon because now it sounds like he is footing the bill itself

up to this point.

Ms. Vicky Kistler asked are you talking about a business person.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they are voting on $300,000 for the corridor of

Hamilton Street where these two gentlemen will benefit because they

already has a business there which is nice. He stated that the city is giving

other people taxpayers money to fund them or help them succeed when the

other job got at another location got to foot the bill itself.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that again she is trying to follow and tries to

understand him about the business at second and Gordon. He stated any

business. He doesn't care Second and Gordon.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated any business. Second and Gordon, 14th and Allen. It

doesn't matter.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated let's say that we attract through our event and

Hamilton, 125,000 people. There are not all are going to be able to eat on

Hamilton all on the same time. She stated maybe they are going to come

down to Second and Gordon. Maybe this group is going to promote

businesses all throughout the city. This group is going to promote what is

going on in the city, not just going on in a square block.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he heard it is to promote what is going on Hamilton

Street.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated to activate Hamilton Street which is our urban core,

but certainly when we have a hockey game, there is a lot of people who eat

at Damascus or eat at the Aladdin or eat elsewhere when they are coming

into the city. That is what they come to know. They are anticipating more

people coming to the city and more people staying in the city after work

and going to places in the city and the revenue increasing. She stated that

right now they get constant comments about there is no one on Hamilton

after a particular hours. There is no one coming unless there is a special

event. She stated that these guys have a Plan, this whole nonprofit along

with the city as a partner to change that and the $300,000 that they are

asking for tonight on average, right now in designated Main Street

Programs for every one dollar contributed by a municipality, it generates

$23.71 because what happens is the business start to contribute. The

taxes start to come in. Redevelopment starts to happen. In some cities

facade grants to improve actual buildings. Like Lancaster improved history

buildings using the money generated by this revenue generator. If you look

at the city of Easton, there are people on the street. There are restaurants

thriving and that is what they want to try to happen here.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok, then it doesn't hurt to believe in miracles and stated

thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated a couple of things. He stated that he voices the

same concerns as Ms. Gerlach. He stated that Ms. Kistler has heard, Mr.

Hartney has heard them, Matt and Kyle heard them. He stated that this

board needs to reflect our community. He stated that he has learned that

and understand the board was setup this way in the beginning, but he is

optimistic that as you round out the board and fill it over time that you will

focus on the neighborhoods and residents. He stated that has been their

biggest challenge. He stated that he has been really disappointed with the

disconnect between downtown and the neighborhoods. He stated that it is

heartbreaking because every city has one downtown. In the neighborhood,

this is their downtown. They don't feel connected to it and this is something

that this organization has to fix so it does start with the board. He stated

again, he is optimistic that they will round up the board in a proper way

because we need residents, we need folks that will help us connect to

these neighborhoods that honestly felt disconnected over the years and that

needs to change. He stated that one thing that he would mentioned to on

the slide he mentioned 18 percent vacancy rates. One comment that he

would make probably with Mr. Zucal is when he sees vacancy properties on

Hamilton and they see jobs and the fact that they are vacant doesn't help

bring job creation. He stated getting those properties utilized and

programmed and getting businesses in there and hiring will only help the

neighborhoods. He knows from being downtown for the last 26 years, the

majority of these folks working in these businesses are from the

neighborhoods. There are a ton of people that walk to work, take the bus

to work so that 18 percent vacancy rate. They really need to attack and get

them going because for the gentleman that is down in the wards, that is a

job opportunity. He stated for the woman in Jordan Heights that is a job

opportunity. He stated that is something that he really wants to focus on.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Napoli. He stated Ms. Mota.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated thank you, Mr. president and stated well this

presentation was done in her committee. She stated with true honesty, she

was really impressed. They talked about working with different nonprofits.

She stated that it is a new initiative. The reality is that the downtown looks

good. She stated that the issue is that businesses open and out of a blink

of an eye, they are gone. It is obvious that they need something else. She

stated with this initiative, she is really excited and she knows the wealth will

be tickling down to Second and Ridge Avenue. She stated that she is

really excited, but when they did the presentation, they talked about the

importance of people feeling that they belong. It would be good to practice

radical welcoming. The reality is that there are things going on downtown,

but the community, you don't hardly see them there because they feel that

they don't belong. She stated that the same concern that Ms. Gerlach has

and Mr. Napoli, she does have the same concern and she thinks that they

would know the difference. She stated let's get people involved and people

excited and you also talked in the presentation about loyalty and stated she

likes that. She stated that you want people to be loyal when they talk about

the city of Allentown. She stated that when you talk about loyalty you talk

about having the same message pretty much, positivity. Sometimes we

tend to talk about the negative, but yet we don't look at all the good things

that are happening in the city. She stated that she is pretty sure that they

will be the difference and you will do the difference to. Hopefully, let's see

what happens with this vote.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mota.

Ms. Candida Affa stated if she can address Mr. Zucal's concern. She

stated that she believes like in any city, the locals knows where they want to

go. She stated that this is the Hamilton Street Corridor Program. She

stated that she had a business on 12th and Chew for almost 40 years. It

would have been detrimental. They knew where she was and across the

street they have a business right there. She doesn't know the name, but

Cynthia might by her bar. They have a booming business. If you want to

move anywhere else. She stated that her point is what they doing on

Hamilton Street she doesn't think it is going to hurt somebody on Gordon.

They can move if they like. The point is many of them don't want to move.

She stated that it is hard to have a business on Hamilton Street. She found

it easier on 12th and Chew. As long as you have a good business, and

people know who they are whether it be Halal, Damascus, folks will go

where they want to go. She stated that she doesn't think this is going to

hurt. She stated that she knows it would not have hurt her business. They

probably would have helped somewhere, but the last thing she wanted to

do was to move her business because she was good at that corner. She

stated Lui's was good at that corner stating that they all had different places

where locals whether you are in New York City or here in Allentown, you will

always go where you would like to go. She stated one Italian restaurant out

of 5,000. She stated that she doesn't think it is going to hurt anything, Mr.

Zucal. She stated that somebody on Gordon and he has the opportunity

and they have the opportunity to move.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Ms. Affa that she is missing his point. His point was

that the city is giving them $300,000. He stated that the city is not giving

anything to the guy on 14th and Hamilton.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she did not get anything at 12th and Chew.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is fine, you were successful. Maybe they are

struggling. His point is that they are giving one group of people money of

taxpayer money and not giving it to the other people. He stated that it

seems a little bit unfair.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that they could benefit from this. This is Hamilton

Street. This is our downtown. This is all that we are looking at is our

downtown to make it more vibrant.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that they need to stimulate the economy and this

initiative can be a good way. She stated that she is telling them that the

downtown is beautiful. They are building beautiful buildings, but again, it

needs something. She believes that this might be it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Dr. Mota and stated Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated concerning the board and the people who are

here and implored them to not tokenize people. She implored them to

make sure that you don't get the Latino, let's get the Black person, let's get

the Asian person and stated, we are good. She stated that tends to be

what happens. With these types of boards especially when it comes to

downtown develop. She stated looking at the board right now. She

implored them. She does not share the optimism. She stated that she

hopes she is wrong. She has been proven wrong before and she loves it.

She stated that she is happy to see when the arena was first being

constructed and the NIZ kind of first came to be herself and a number of

community members shouted from the rooftops to ANIZDA, came to

Council and said this ain't for us. This development is not meant for us.

They looked at the stores that were going on. They looked at the

gentrification that was happening and now we have to spend $300,000 to

try to reverse some of that gentrification. She is happy now they are

acknowledging it and never thought she would hear a City Council person

that wasn't her acknowledge the fact that people feel like they do not belong

on Hamilton Street anymore. She stated that is cool. That is progress.

She does want to make sure that when the Ambassadors are hired that

they are trained and trauma informed care and speak reference what Dr.

Mota had said with the radical welcome because we do have populations

of people in Allentown that maybe don't fit traditional societal norms. She

stated that they got a CIS Program and what does it look like to ensure

Ambassadors are reaching out what CIS person instead of just calling the

cops to have them locked up.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated to Ms. Gerlach if they could add, the Ambassadors

will be part of the Block by Block Program who is a national model for

doing this kind of work. They actually have technology capabilities with

them that would allow them to be connected to services that the city would

permit. If there is a way they can create a connection, they would certainly

do that to make sure ambassadors can say that the garbage can is

overflowing in the individual needs help. Someone is behaving erratically

and get the help that they need to come to where they are. She stated that

has been part of a lengthy discussion in these meetings about using Block

by Block for that purpose.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated as much as she doubts that this will trickle out

and actually help the residents of Allentown, unless the board actually looks

like Allentown and therefore knows what Allentown's residents want or at

least has a cousin that lives in Allentown. She stated that it is going to be

the same old same old. If they actually want downtown to thrive, they need

Mr. Napoli's point an they need Allentown residents shopping at the places

in Allentown. Setting up shop as entrepreneurs. She stated that they have

a strong entrepreneur drive in Allentown. Not everyone is legit with

business licenses, but everyone has a skill that they side hustle with. If

there is a way to help cultivate that so they can become the taxpaying

official economy, that would be cool. She doesn't know if this current board

is supporting something like that, but Ms. Kistler had said yesterday when

they met right now, they don't have nothing. She stated that is true. They

don't have anything. Right now, they have empty streets and got no one

going into you business. They don't have many people that should be

going into your business. She stated that she does not know if this is going

to work. She doesn't think it is going to actually help. She stated to the

Allentown residents, she stated that she hopes she is wrong, but she is

going to support it just to take a risk and see what happens. She stated

that they will see.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she also thinks that this is the beginning. She

stated to Ms. Gerlach you voice your opinion and everyone voice their

opinion so you guys have an idea of what it is that City Council would like to

see. She stated that she believes it was a clear message of what they

would like to see. She stated that she believes it was the beginning of

something that is a new beginning and stated why not.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you. He stated that he wants to give the

public a chance.

Mr. Matt Milosky stated that he wants to say thank you and stated that they

agree and talked about everything that they are talking about. They have to

start somewhere and anything is better than nothing for right now and they

are going to work hard to proof them wrong, but understand things have

been tried before. They are both volunteering and both part of precursor

organizations and very frustrated and he knows his initial reaction when he

first heard about the initiative and asked if he would be interested in getting

involved and how this is going to be different because he has been

involved in other things before and could see it wasn't private. There wasn't

a real commitment to it and he doesn't want to spin wheels to pretend that

they are doing something. He stated that he is not here to do that. He

stated that he is volunteering his time and whatever talents that he could

bring to it and stated that he got a great partner in this and are going to try

their best to succeed. He stated that he thinks they have a Strategic Plan.

It is mapped out and think it encompasses all of the concerns. He asked

how is it going to benefit people at Second and Gordon. How is this going

to grow to reflect the community. He stated that it is difficult and he knows

because he currently serves on the LANTA board so he knows about

trauma informed with all of the operators go through all those trainings. He

knows what it is like trying to fill an education foundation board out and

have it be reflective and it is not something you could work on the month

before the meeting to elect new members. He stated that is why the

committee structure is real when he does this to really recruit people in the

committees and see who you can see rise up and is the person, the cultural

person, the retail person, the loyalty and advocacy person, the engagement

person. Who is really bringing it and who is showing up. Who is not just

doing the upright and sitting at the meeting and walking out. He asked who

is really bringing ideas to the table. Those are the people that they want to

tap to replace us on the board and have that board fill out with the pillars

which is going to be Allentown residents included and culturally diverse

people. He stated that is their Plan. He stated

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16145

15-7798

Bill 54

Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental

appropriation from the unappropriated balance of the Trexler Fund in the

amount of One Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty

Dollars ($121,750.00) to the operating and capital budgets of the Parks

and Recreation Department and correspondingly increase the City Match

amount by Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Five Dollars ($7,305.00)

to follow the 6% requirement.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 54 - 2025 Trexler Allocation.docx

Ordinance #16146.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was in your committee, Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, it was and it was forwarded favorably

tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there were any

comments or questions from his colleagues. He asked is there 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: 16146

15-7797

Bill 55

Amending the 2025 General Fund budget by changing the Fixed Cost

Distribution (FCD) for seven (7) positions within the Department of

Community & Economic Development (DCED) to direct a portion of their

salary and benefits expense to the Grant Fund Recompete Program

budget to reflect work performed under the grant.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 55 Recompete FCD Amendments

Ordinance #16147.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was in your committee in Budget and

Finance this evening, Chairman Mr. Napoli.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that it was forwarded favorably.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from

his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he initially had some issues with some of these

salaries, however, he did a little research and these of kind of within the

limits and with in line. However, he is kind of curious that every year about

this time, they seem to be upgrading positions without waiting until budget

time. He stated that this is the wrong bill and stated that he stands

corrected.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he thinks Mr. Zucal was talking about the

reorg though. He stated that this is transferring money around for the reorg.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated to disregard it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments or that

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: 16147

15-7805

Bill 56

Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental

appropriation from the unappropriated balance of the Trexler Fund in the

amount of One Hundred Ninety-Three Thousand Three Hundred and Five

Dollars ($193,305.00) to the operating and capital budgets of the Parks

and Recreation Department.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 56 - Capital 2025 Project Allocation

Ordinance #16148.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and this was in your committee, Ms.

Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, it was and it was forwarded favorably to

tonight. Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues 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: 16148

15-7810

Bill 57

Amending the 2025 General Fund budget to accommodate the upgrading,

retitling, and addition of positions in the Departments of Law, Finance, City

Council, Police and Public Works.

Administration, Affa, Hendricks, Napoli and Mota

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 75 Personnel Changes.docx

Benefits Coordinator.pdf

CES Job Descript.docx

Payroll & Treasury Coordinator final.docx

Procurement Sourcing Specialist.pdf

PW Operations Supervisor Job Description.docx

Senior_Accountant_Job_Description_Updated.docx

Ordinance #16149.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that this was in his

committee as chair and it was forwarded favorably, 3 - 0. He asked if there

were any questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, now he will ask.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked where are they getting the additional money for these

salaries.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that they are transferring from the approved budget

and transferring from and realigning the budget where they anticipate the

expenditure will be less than what they have budgeted for. They are

realigning the budget. It is not taking funds from unappropriated balance. It

is from the approved budget from one account to another account.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Ms. Patel if they are talking about the budget they

approved for 2025.

Ms. Bina Patel stated correct.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated well, this is all additional money then what they initially

approved.

Ms. Bina Patel stated no. You approved this budget in one account and

now they are transferring into different accounts because they anticipate

the expenditure in the budget that you have approved. It is going to be less

than what it was going to be approved for. She asked is she making

sense.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no. How could it be less when you are adding money

to it.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that she will try one more time. She stated let's say

you approved a budget of $100,000 and they anticipate that the

expenditure is going to come in at $80,000, not $100,000. Now, you have

a surplus of $20,000 and that is what they are taking that approved budget

and realigning from one account to another account. She asked does it

make sense now.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no because if you approved $80,000 and it is now

$100,000. You have to add.

Ms. Bina Patel stated reverse and stated tha they approved $100,000 and

now the expenditure came in at $80,000. Now, you have a surplus of

$20,000.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated because you have a surplus you going to hand out that

money, basically.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that it is not handing out. She would not say handing

out. It is recognizing the staff that has been coming to them for the last

three years to recognize and there it was a budget time or during the year.

These are the same positions that have been coming to you. In front of you

and requesting a change.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it is usually every year.

Ms. Bina Patel stated every year and rejected every year. They keep

coming back. These are the same the same positions.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he knows it is the same thing. Year after year, yes.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that is nothing new. She thanked Mr. Zucal for

listening.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal. He asked anybody else.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that on those lines and stated that she does not

know who informed her of this. She was informed that in Philadelphia they

actually will have an Administrative Policy or perhaps an Ordinance that

halfway through the year, potentially maybe right now that they go into the

budget and they look for places that they can transfer money because of an

anticipated surplus. She asked is what they are doing now is looking for

those areas of surface. Is it a policy and something that happened this

year or something they do all the time. She stated that Philly adopted it as

a policy. That is what they do.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that they don't have a policy, but see how the market

is moving and how what they projected to do and can not move forward

with it because of different constraints.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked could they potentially explore adopting

something like some sort of official policy that whoever is on Council knows

that at a certain time of year the Finance Department is going to review the

budget and look for areas where they may be able to make some

adjustments to the budget to help people either help employees or help the

community because if it is a surplus it determines that these positions is

how the administration would like to utilize that surplus. Perhaps some of

them might also have ideas on how to utilize that surplus. Perhaps the

public may have ideas so we can move towards a participatory budgeting

type of situation. She asked if they can adopt something so they know Mr.

Zucal isn't continuously be like, why are we doing this. She stated that they

will know every month and every August, they are going to look at the

budget and see where they can move things around to adjust.

Ms. Bina Patel stated absolutely. We can explore that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that Philly has it. She stated that her second

thing is the procurement sourcing specialist from what she read in the job

description, it says that they will maintain a vendor database of vendors

and facility vendor outreach. She stated that this will be the person that

would kind of manage and oversee to make sure that they are not in

compliance, but they are fully taking advantage of opportunities like the IBE

Program and make sure they got more people coming in. She stated that

would be that person.

Ms. Bina Patel stated yes, that is the person. She stated that currently, they

are in Procurement Bureau and they are siloed and this will be all staff that

will be doing that. Outreach for vendors and making sure that they reaching

out to vendors and making sure they are offering their business

opportunities to everyone, inclusive of all demographics and this is what

they will allow them to do that because they won't be tied up anymore.

Everyone will be doing procurement and the same job. She stated ok.

She stated that again, she was not at this meeting, but did watch the video

and she means the last time this came up her concern was making

budgetary decisions outside of budget season without being abler to

forecast what this future budget season might look like and how this would

have implications on that budget and she also look at the Community

Advocate Leader Program or position that will work on the CIS Program.

She stated that she is definitely supportive of that.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else. He 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: 16149

15-7811

Bill 58

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars from the Pennsylvania

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support

construction of the MLK Trail Extension.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 58 - MLK Trail Grant.docx

Ordinance #16150.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that this also was in

your committee this evening Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that yes, it was. It was forwarded favorably to

tonight meeting.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from

his colleagues 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: 16150

15-7815

Bill 59

Providing for the vacation of Hill Street from the centerline of South 22nd

Street to the centerline of South Ruhr Street in the Eighteenth Ward of the

City of Allentown:

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 59 VAC-ORD Hill St.doc

maps.pdf

22nd and Hill Street (2151 & 2143 W Fairview Streets) Street

Vacation Mailing List.csv

ACPC action Hill Street

12.10.24.pdf

PW Staff Comment Hill St Vacation.pdf

Hill Street DT.pdf

Ordinance #16151.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated to Mr. Zucal that this

was in your committee.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, and it was sent favorably, 3 - 0.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes and asked if there were any questions or

comments from his colleagues or any comments from the public.

Mr. Jose Cartagena asked if there was a vote on that vacated.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yeah stating at the committee meeting.

Mr. Jose Cartagena asked if it was a 3 - 0. He asked is it another step to

that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no stating just their approval.

Mr. Jose Cartagena stated your approval for it. He stated that the

gentleman is not here today. He is one his neighbors.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that which was explained to them at the committee

meeting. An opportunity was given to all the residents nearby there and

nobody responded against.

Mr. Jose Cartagena stated right and stated that he support it also. He

stated that he is not here and that is why he showed up. if you are

interested in something, you show up.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if he wanted to speak to it other than just what

you said.

Mr. Jose Cartagena stated no, that is basically it. He will give it to him and

let him go through the process of it.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he got an email from Mr. Tulloch and he

could not make it at the last minutes, but stated that he can assure him that

Mr. Tulloch went above and beyond getting signatures from the abutting

property owners. He expresses his sorrow that he missed the meeting.

Mr. Jose Cartagena stated that is fine and stated that he is the one that

opened up a can of worms here. He stated that he was the first one that

bought the vacate lot on Hill Street and Ruhr Street. He stated that all the

neighbors wanted to know how and he explained it because the other half

of Hill Street is vacated and it is a jungle there. They just didn't clean it up

and take it as a property. He asked why not. he stated that if they vote, he

will thank them for it.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is an unopen street.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is a good thing like neighbors like you who

help people that don't understand how government works. He thanked Mr.

Cartagena.

Mr. Jose Cartagena thanked Council and stated that he appreciates it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any other comments from the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16151

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there are a number of items. The

appointment of Roslyn Kuba to the Commission on Homelessness. The

appointment of Brandon Swayser to the EAC board. William Rhoades to

the board of Parks and Recreation. They have a Sewage Planning Module

at Cumberland Apartments and another one at Firehouse Flats. Certificate

of Appropriateness for Work in the Historic Districts for work in the Historic

Districts at 806 Monroe Street, 1022 Chew Street and 931 Gordon Street.

He stated that those are the items on the Consent Agenda.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there are any concerns or questions or

comments from his colleagues. He 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

15-7865

R85

Roslyn Kuba, Commission on Homelessness, Term Expiration: 6/19/2029

(Reappointment)

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R85 Rosylan Kuba - Commission on Homelessness, 6-19-2029.doc

Memo

Resolution #31078.pdf

Enactment No: 31078

15-7866

R86

Brandon Swayser, Environmental Advisory Council, Term Expiration:

1/3/2028 (Appointment)

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R86 Brandon Swayer - Environmental Advisory Council, 1-3-2028.doc

Memo

Resolution #31079.pdf

Enactment No: 31079

15-7867

R87

William Rhoades, Board of Parks and Recreation, Term Expiration:

6/19/2030

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R87 William Rhoades - Board of Parks and Recreation, 6-19-2030.doc

Memo

Resolution #31080.pdf

Enactment No: 31080

15-7817

R88

Sewage Planning Module at Cumberland Apartments

System

Sponsors:

Attachments: R88 Cumberland Apartments - Sewage Planning Module.doc

Cumberland Apartments Sewage Facilities Planning Module.pdf

Resolution #31071.pdf

Cumberland Apartments Sewage Planning Module Documents

(Signed).pdf

Enactment No: 31071

15-7863

R89

Sewage Planning Module at Firehouse Flats – 711 West Chew Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments:

R89 Firehouse Flats at 711 W Chew Street - Sewer Planning

Module.doc

Sewage Planning Module - Firehouse Flats.pdf

Resolution #31081.pdf

711 West Chew - Sewage Planning Module Documents (Signed).pdf

Enactment No: 31081

15-7821

R90

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 806

Monroe St.; 1022 Chew St.; 931 Gordon St.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R HARB Resolution.doc

FINAL Review 806 Monroe Door.pdf

FINAL Review 931 Gordon Street Steeple Roof.pdf

FINAL Review 1022 Chew St Dormer.pdf

Resolution #31082.pdf

Enactment No: 31082

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7760

R72 .

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1550 Chew Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R72 1550 Chew St - HARB DENIED.doc

FINAL Review 1550 Chew Roof Replacement.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. He asked if there were any questions or

comments from his colleagues or any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-7835

R91

A resolution of the City of Allentown, approving the Walk Works Bike Plan.

The Walk Works Bike Plan is a citywide initiative to make biking safer,

more accessible, and more convenient for all residents. It outlines

strategies to improve bicycle infrastructure, promote active transportation,

reduce pollution, and support mobility, aligning with Allentown’s long-term

transportation and sustainability goals.

Attachments: R91 - Adopting Walk Works Bike Plan.Revised - 6-23-2025.doc

City of Allentown Bike Plan (1).pdf

Resolution #31084.pdf

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this was before Council previously and

Councilperson Gerlach requested a copy of the full Plan which you

received.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from

his colleagues or any comments from the public.

Mr. Kyle Ropski, 528 N. Berks Street, stated that he is the chair of the

Allentown Environmental Advisory Council. He stated that he is here to

urge Council to support the approval of this plan. The Plan directly

advances the EAC's purpose statement to protect our environment,

promotes sustainable design, produce greenhouse gas emissions and

encourages healthier, more connected lifestyles for residents. He stated

that bicycling is not only a clean, affordable and assessable form of

transportation. It is also a practical climate solution. He stated that as

many of them know particularly if they are staying in tune with LVPC's

Climate Action stuff. He stated that the transportation sector is the largest

contributor to greenhouse gases in the region. As climate change brings

rising temperatures and worsening air quality. Safer and more connected

bike infrastructure. Gives residents a real alternatives to car travel. It cuts

pollution and improve public health and make our city more resilient in the

face of catastrophic impacts inevitable as our climate collapses. As an

EAC, they believe this Plan compliments other city efforts to reduce

emissions, improve our air quality, and improve alternative forms of

transportation. He stated that they thanked the administration for keeping

this in mind and keeping sustainable design in mind and he urged them to

all support this Plan and anything that it says, pretty much. He thanked

Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Ropski and asked him to try to impress on

people to ride bicycles the same way as traffic.

Mr. Kyle Ropski stated that he would like to point out the details of the Plan,

but in the last couple of years he has seen E-Bikes and motors explode

used here in the city. Biking infrastructure is short on improve upon that

and save them from emissions and emit cancer causing chemicals. He

stated the less cars, the better.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Ropski. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues 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: 31084

15-7858

R92

Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development for construction of the Dixon Street Sidewalk and Path

Project, connecting the neighborhoods with a safe travel route via

sidewalks and a path. The City is asking for $98,382.71 in grant funding

with no match required.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R92 DCED Grant Application Dixon St

Resolution #31085.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments or questions from his colleagues. He 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: 31085

15-7859

R93

Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development for the continued development of the Martin Luther King Trail

– Phase 2 - Cedar Creek to MLK. The City is asking for $1,000,000.00 in

grant funding with no match required.

Attachments: R93 - DCED Grant Application MLK Phase 2

Resolution #31086.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues. He 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: 31086

15-7860

R94

Authorizes the submission of a Formal Application for funding from the

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant in the amount of approximately

Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) to complete a StreetScape Project on

Jordan Street from Turner to Gordon Street.

Attachments: R94 Public Works MultiModal Grant Application

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues. He 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: 31087

15-7864

R95

Approves the following transfers: Public Safety/Police - $131,000.00; CED

– Planning & Zoning - $50,000.00.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R95 Transfer of Funds.doc

CEDC.pdf

Pubic Safety.pdf

EMS.pdf

Resolution #31088.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues. He asked if there were any

comments from the public. He stated seeing non, Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated that one of these

transfers is for Police. They want to purchase two vehicles. One in which is

a prisoner transport vehicle which they desperately need because two are

out of service. They are waiting for one from a local supplier who is taking

an abnormally long time to deliver. This will allow them to get one in service

pretty quickly. The second vehicle they want to purchase is another patrol

car. He stated that it highlights an opportunity for the city to really have a

good discussion about what a good police fleet looks like. He stated that

they understand that police use their vehicles really, really hard. It is an

opportunity to look what the proper size the fleet should be. It is an

opportunity to look at what the replacement policy can be. It is an

opportunity to looks at what the proper operational policy should be i.e. and

the Chief knows this and Assistant Chief Gress was here. The button issue

he has is idling. He stated that they knows that idling destroys engines

over time and it is part of the problem they are having. He asked is there a

best practice where they don't have to do that. If they go more towards a

hybrid fleet in the Police Department, will those engines idle less and last

longer yielding better performance for our officers. He stated that their

experience is limited there. They had one and his understanding from the

shop is that hybrid only had one hour train repair and that was a

transmission repair. He stated that it is certainly indicative that it would be

a good thing and could be a good thing going forward. He stated as they

head into budget season, it is a great opportunity to look at this and

hopefully the yield would be that they get a more dependable fleet for our

officers in the street and maybe they can save a little bit of money on the

back end not only in the costs of purchasing fleet or the operational costs

as well. He stated that he would certainly ask for their support and ask for

the Chief's support and Public Works and Finance and see if they can do

that over the next six or eight weeks.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazier and stated that he knows that the

Chief is here and hears you loud and clear. He would suggest that he

would take it under advisement and look to do that just what you are asking.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she heard them say it all before. A lot of it

and stated especially who will make sure that this advisement happens.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he thinks what he suggested at this point Ms.

Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she heard him say before talking about

studying how often they replace Police vehicles and other high use

vehicles. She stated that she heard him say that before in previous years.

She stated that she also heard him advise or not you, but Council voted to

study like after the mustang was purchased and to move towards

E-vehicles. She asked who makes sure that this advice.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he thinks that ultimately you guys have to do

that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so what, Resolutions.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated to ask and hold the administrations acceleration

pedal to the fire as the case maybe. It came up now because of the

transfer, but also timing wise it is a good opportunity to look at it and also

they transferred and changed providers. He stated that they no longer

subcontract repairs and when that subcontractor went away, they took the

service histories with them. He stated that nobody had the database to

really make informed decisions on vehicles of this magnitude. He stated

that now, they have been running it for two years and his understanding is

they got enough information that they feel confident with and can make

some predictions and come to some conclusions. He stated now is

probably the earliest time to do it. He stated that it really upset him that

they lost that information on our vehicles. It was really about our vehicles.

He stated that he doesn't think it would be wise to make those decisions

without having that information. He stated that they got it now. It is on our

system. It is our information and the parties can sit down whether it will be

Police or Public Works or Parks and really make some informed decisions

about their fleets and how they manage them and how the drivers treat

them out in the field. The time might be a little short, but it is shortly a good

time to start. It is something that you will see come budget time when they

look at the 83 account which was 083 funded which where they purchased

rolling stock where they purchase police cars. Where they purchase dump

trucks. Where they purchase fire engines. He stated that they can look at

that and ask what the outcome of the discussions were.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated you're welcome.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok and thanked Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Kyle Ropski, 528 N Berks Street, stated that he will never miss an

opportunity to not advocate for transition to electric vehicles and EV for the

production of greenhouse gas emissions and the benefits Mr. Glazier

indicated. The cost savings and whatnot. It is also a public health issue.

He stated again, cars emit toxic chemicals EVs and even hybrids are

better than nothing. He is definitely and advocate for transmission of hybrid

vehicles and it is always the right time. It is a very urgent thing. He stated

please convert our fleet to EV, if possible.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to be clear Councilmen, all electric vehicles are

not in the cards for the Police. He stated though Chevrolet does make one.

He stated that thing screams at 560 horsepower, but when you have to

charge them, you run a 24-hour, seven day a week operation. He stated

that is not happening.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated not yet. It is very difficult. He stated that they

would have to double the fleet or triple it.

Mr. Kyle Ropski stated that he will settle for hybrids.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated and that was suggested.

Chief Charles Roca stated that he just wanted to comment. He thanked

Council for allowing him to comment. He stated that he does agree with

Mr. Glazier. It is important that they look at their costs, but having a specific

electric vehicle, if the battery goes, the car is done. That would be

impactful for many different public safety reasons. He stated that a hybrid

would be appropriate stating that is a really good make of a car and in fact

it has a lot more power than gas powered vehicles does. It will help the

fleet. It will help the control and if it is done properly and with the full data,

they can definitely make some changes in impact. He stated that he is very

interested in learning about that process as far as the hybrid vehicles and

how that will impact their fleet. He stated to understand that it would have

an increase cost in the acquisition of those items.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that those may be costs by an offset by the

extended life span of the vehicle.

Chief Charles Roca stated correct.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was a great opportunity to look into it.

Thank you.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31088

15-7870

R96

A resolution supporting HB 1200, the legalization of the recreational use of

marijuana by adults, with sales through state-owned stores and Democratic

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget which has included a plan to

legalize and tax the sale and use of recreational marijuana.

Administration, Mota, Affa, Gerlach and Napoli

Sponsors:

Attachments: R96 HB1200 and budget.doc

Resolution #31089.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Ms. Candida Affa stated several years ago, she sponsored the

decriminalizing of marijuana. She stated that it wasn't enforced because

out District Attorney wasn't fond of it. She stated that right after they did,

Bethlehem passed it and they do enforce it. She stated that she is a

proponent of this stating before when she sponsored decriminalizing. She

stated that she owned a bar and one of the worst drugs out there is alcohol.

She stated that marijuana as far as she is concerned is a plant and in

today's world they would probably tax wise, especially if they lock in with the

school taxes, they wouldn't pay school taxes. She stated that they are

surrounded and all the other states have legalized it. One of the things in

today's world is that people are dying from smoking pot because they are

lacing it with fentanyl and things like that. She stated that if they legalize

this, you could go to the liquor store or a store that is licensed for this and

you will be getting pure marijuana. You wouldn't have to worry about going

out in the streets and getting and wondering what it is laced with. She

believes if they allow people and remembers Jim Martin's said Ms. Affa,

you think a 15 year old smoking pot on the corner is good. She stated that

she doesn't think a 15 year old drinking a Coors Light is good. She stated

that it is a drug, but it is a plant and believes if they legalize it, tax wise it is

great for the city, but if they are looking at the health issue, she really

believes that in today's world with fentanyl and everything else they lace it

with, if they legalize this marijuana, people are never going to stop smoking

this plant. She stated that is just the way it is and if they could protect the

people who want to smoke this without having to go out on the street, she

thinks it is a good idea. It is so much more healthier on your body, believe

it or not then drinking a martini because it affects your liver. It is just a plant.

She stated that she is really in favor of and like she said the surrounding

states are getting all this tax money, stating New Jersey and New York.

She stated that they can go over there and not get the money. She stated

that she is really in favor of passing this or having the state pass it.

Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Affa. She stated that this was her Resolution

and would like to thank the sponsor of this Resolution, you Ms. Affa,

Gerlach, Napoli, Santos. She stated that her interest is in threefolds.

Easton recently approved legislation as everyone knows on the possession

of marijuana that has similarities to the legislation they passed. She stated

that Chief Roca has noted that the Police still cites under the state law and

she is simply asking the mayor to visit this issue. Asking that the

possession of a small amount not to be a criminal offense. Perhaps it

could look or maybe they could look into this and report back to the Public

Safety Committee. Second, regarding the Resolution, it supports the

HB1200 which was introduced by the democrats in the state house. This

will legalize the recreational of marijuana by adults and actually

Representative Schweyer is also a sponsor on this and applauds him for

this. She stated that Governor Shapiro has included a Plan to legalize and

tax the sale and use of recreational marijuana. She stated that this is

happening now in this budget proposal. She stated that the neighboring

states have already taken the route. The Resolution supports the initiative

and supports Governor Shapiro's budget. She stated that the Governor is

a friend and supporter of this city interests. She stated that Council needs

to give their support to his proposal. In the end, drug usage shall be treated

as a health issue. Not a policing or criminal issue. This step moves them

in that direction and that is why she ask all the Councilmembers to support

this Resolution. She stated finally she would like to ask this office to send a

copy of this Resolution out to the local representatives on this Council's

behalf.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mota and asked anybody else and stated

Ms. Gerlach

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated thank you Dr. Mota for introducing this

Resolution. It is much needed and she would implore the current DA to

take a look at that law that they all passed long before and making some

changes so they can achieve that. She thinks other cities that have done

so and actually enforce it, get a ticket.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that in Reading as a matter of fact she just in case

if you guys would like to come with her Monday, they are going to go to

Reading because they are going to be voting for this for the

decriminalization of marijuana.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that if you think about it and think about how

much police time it will free up and they can go and focus on the actual

crimes that are happening in the city and not weed. She stated that not

only does she support this Resolution, but she shares her sentiments and

actually enforcing the city' own ordinances. She stated that this is a social

justice issue to her and an economical issue. She stated thanks for

introducing this and it looks as though it is going to pass.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that Mr. Hendricks is such a gentleman.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Ms. Gerlach thank you again, but it is also

important that they finally start to remove the barriers. There are too many

folks that are experiencing barriers to employment, to housing and it is all

because of the antiquated laws. This is an opportunity to clean some of

that up and help the next generation by not putting something in the way to

prevent them from getting housing or employment. He stated that it is a

great move.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Napoli and stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she has a question from some solicitor. She

asked how does this work when the legislative body here passes the

legislation that they are going to decriminalize it. She asked what power

and how does he have the power to say no to this. She stated that she

doesn't quite understand how when they pass a law that they can have a

police officer.

Chief Charles Roca stated that he can answer that. State law trumps city

ordinances. Until state law trumps city ordinances. State law is what they

have to go by. He stated that the police swore an Oath to uphold the law of

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Candida Affa asked why can Bethlehem do it.

Chief Charles Roca stated that is a choice that they made, but he will say

that until the state law changes, they have to go by that method.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that they were not asking to legalize it. They were

asking to decriminalize it. She stated that if they pass the legislation in

Allentown to do that and Bethlehem did the same thing, she is still confused

on how he used the fact that the state doesn't recognize decriminalizing.

Chief Charles Roca stated correct because you are changing the grading

of the offense which something that has to legislatively plead through the

Pennsylvania legislature. It has to be adjusted or they state that cities,

townships and bureaus can set that tone. It thinks a lot of it has to do with

consistency.

Ms. Candida Affa stated like she said right after or three months after they

did Bethlehem, legalize it and they put it into effect so it is funny, if you

cross the boarder and you have a joint on you get arrested in Allentown and

they did the same thing. It was a $25 ticket or $50. She stated that it

depended on the amount and when Ms. Gerlach brought that up and she

has been thinking about it for several years. She asked how can one city

and they passed the legislation that you can and this city passed legislation

that we can. She stated that even though she knows the state supersedes,

but obviously Bethlehem did and asked could we address it or change it. It

is a different DA.

Chief Charles Roca stated that until it is changed by state law, they treat it

like a misdemeanor.

Ms. Candida Affa stated pardon her.

Chief Charles Roca stated that until it is changed by state law, they are

going to treat it as a misdemeanor. He stated that the outcome of that is

determined by the court process. Typically, the person isn't really going to

jail on that type of charge.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that is another thing that they brought up was the

fact that no matter who you were, if you got a $25 fine, but at that time and

probably still is. It depends on the officer. If the officer doesn't like that

person or had a problem with them before he could actually arrest them.

She stated that takes away the discrimination completely. She stated that

was another point that they brought up. She stated that no matter who you

are or what color you are and your criminal activity before or whatever. A

$25 fine is a $25 fine. She stated to Chief Roca that he knows himself that

an officer has a discretion. They are still here in Allentown arresting

somebody for a joint. They get fingerprinted, a mug shot, scholarship taken

away or whatever and it is just not right.

Chief Charles Roca stated that he is not going to speak on the back and

forth and if it is good or not. Until the state law is changed, they have to

treat it as a misdemeanor. They will also say that they understand the

medicinal benefits of marijuana for those who have medical marijuana. He

stated that they have to be careful with toxins, especially on how that is

going to impact public safety, employees of the city or anyone who can now

use marijuana without any recourse. Because as a police officer, you

cannot have marijuana in your system. You will be decertified by MOPEC

(sp) which is he police certification. It will be across MOPEC which is the

Municipal Police Officer Training Commission.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that if they had alcohol in their system, it is ok.

Chief Charles Roca stated not if you are intoxicated. He stated that is what

he is saying if it is to the point of intoxication then that can result in some

impacts that they don't know yet. He stated that is the only thing he is

saying. He stated that plus for the Allentown Police Department, they are

going to follow state law, whatever that might be.

Ms. Candida Affa stated so basically if you want to smoke pot, go to

Bethlehem.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated Candida. You are something else.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it seems like you had mentioned discretion

that seems like it is concerning why Bethlehem has it one way and we have

it. It seems like a discretion of the Allentown Police Department and the

discretion of the DA. They are choosing to.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that they are talking about the state. The state of

Pennsylvania is included in Bethlehem.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yeah.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that you are not allowed to go out.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that is what happened last night.

5 - Cynthia Mota, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

2 - Daryl Hendricks, and Ed Zucal

Enactment No: 31089

No:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-7852

Bill 60

Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Eighteen Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars

and Sixty-Six Cents ($18,178.66) from the 2024 Springwood Trust

operating budget to the 2025 Springwood Trust operating budget. These

funds will be used to complete projects at Trexler Memorial Park.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 60 Springwood 2024 Unappropriated Funds

Ordinance #16154.pdf

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated thank you so much.

Enactment No: 16154

15-7853

Bill 61

Amending 2025 General Fund Budget to provide a supplemental

appropriation of One Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Dollars ($182,000.00)

from the Commonwealth of PA Economic Development & Community

Development Initiatives Program to the City of Allentown Police

Department to utilize the funding for replacement of Police Academy range

tower.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 61 EDCDI - Academy Range Tower

Ordinance #16155.pdf

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16155

15-7854

Bill 62

Amending the 2025 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Two Hundred Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Five

Dollars ($200,375.00) from the County of Lehigh grant. These funds will be

used to update and repair the Fire Academy Training Tower.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 62 Fire Academy County Grant

Ordinance #16156.pdf

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16156

15-7855

Bill 63

Amending the 2025 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) from

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic

Development grant. These funds will be utilized to support the Public Affairs

Office, The Honor Guard, and the Underwater Recovery Team.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 63 Fire DCED Grant

Ordinance #16157.pdf

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16157

15-7856

Bill 64 The bill was forwarded favorably by the Community and Economic

Development Committee, Chairperson Mota.

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 64 HUD Allocation

Ordinance #16152.pdf

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16152

15-7857

Bill 65

Amending the 2025 General and Liquid Fuels Fund Budgets to provide for

a transfer of Five Hundred Sixty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-One

Dollars and Thirty-One Cents ($567,951.31) from the unappropriated

balance of the General Fund to the Liquid Fuels Fund. This transfer stems

from an audit finding on the Liquid Fuels funding from 2016-2020 stating

that the paving of more than one inch required prior approval from the

Department of Transportation and that prior approval was not received.

This was not found in previous audits and has since been corrected once

the city was made aware.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 65 - Liquid Fuels Transfer Allocation

Ordinance #16158.pdf

REFERRED TO THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16158

15-7862

Bill 66

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an increase of Two

Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($2,750,000.00) to a newly

created Capital Account to complete the Center Square Project at 7th &

Hamilton as part of the Public Improvement Project in accordance with

ANIZDA guidelines. The City entered into a Reimbursable Agreement with

PennDOT for up to $2,500,000 for the improvements at 7th & Hamilton

Street and 7th & Linden Street to include new traffic signals, paving, and

pavement markings. The City’s match is Two Hundred Fifty Thousand

Dollars ($250,000.00) for inspection fees and construction oversight. The

City will be reimbursed up to Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars

($2,500,000.00) from PennDOT through discretionary funding for this

project.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 66 Center Square Project Transfer

Ordinance #16159.pdf

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16159

15-7861

Bill 67

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Two

Hundred Ninety-Three Thousand Five Hundred Forty-Six Dollars and Eighty

Cents ($293,546.80) from various capital accounts to the Traffic

Signals-Upgrade capital account to repair traffic equipment at 7

intersections in the City due to accident damage.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 67 Traffic Equipment Transfer

Ordinance #16160.pdf

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16160

15-7869

Bill 68

Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental

appropriation in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Seven

Hundred and Twenty Dollars ($120,720.00) to the Parks and Recreation

Department to support the Court Upgrades capital project, Roosevelt Park

capital project, and Rose Garden capital project. This is part of the

2025-26 Trexler Capital Project allocation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 68 - 2025 Trexler Allocation.docx

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16161

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

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated real quick because she knows that time is of the

essence. She wanted to make sure that everyone on Council was aware.

Sometimes it is unintended consequences of things that we pass. The

Allentown Human Relations Commission has been disbanded since

Council passed that new law that repealed the whole ordinance and

replaced it with a new one that is modeled after the county's. That

Commission has been disbanded. It does not exist right now. She stated

that she was informed by the former chair, Dr. Swann. There are currently

six applications that have been sent to the mayor. Four of whom are from

the old Commission. Two of whom are new individuals who are interested.

She stated that it takes seven people, a quorum of seven to make any

decisions. She stated that it is of the utmost importance because it is a

case right now that they need to mediate and help out with. A case of

alleged discrimination. There is possibly an effort to staff the Commission

with people who have law background which is cool, but everyone can't

have a law background. She stated that she is sure that the four that were

on at least did not. She stated if that is the case, the administration or

whoever will prefer people to have a law background. She stated that she

is weary. She is scared that the four people who were on it before, who

dedicated their time and be reappointed. She stated that she was hoping

to see them tonight to be appointed knowing allegations of discrimination

of the utmost importance and she knows that the administration cares

about that. She stated that she just wanted to inform each of Council. She

just wanted to put that out there that they need to fill that Commission and it

needs to be filled rapidly. She stated since there are six applications, they

just need one more person and boom, they will have quorum to help this

person file a case. She stated that she doesn't know if it is something that

the president and vice president could make sure it gets done from the

administration, very soon.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this is now the county.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that this is our Human Relations Commission.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked which will mean.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is disbanded. It doesn't exist anymore.

She stated that we don't have one. It has been disbanded. It has ended

because Council updated it and it was an unintended consequence of

updating our ordinance. She stated that she thinks it was the solicitor who

decided that they updated the ordinance therefore they needed to

implement an entire new Commission.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will make sure it gets to the mayor that it

gets filled.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked for a timeline. Give him to a certain date.

Clearly, he has a timeline. She stated that she knows that the solicitor

disagrees or the mayor. One of them disagrees. She asked if Council can

give a timeline. Because by ordinance, if he does not appoint by August

15th or something like that Council is empowered to make a nomination or

nominations to that Commission. She stated that she is sure Council

doesn't want to take his power.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will ask our attorney to look into that

and see if there is a reasonable period of time. She stated that she just

doesn't want to stretch it out to the deadline. She stated that she is sure he

doesn't either.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that if you would Ms. Montero. He respectfully

asked her to do that and hopefully they can find that out.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that they only need one.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that if Mayor Tuerk accepts those four people

from the old Commission. He wants legal backgrounds.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, anything else.

Chief Charles Roca stated that he has one thing and just want it for and

with great sadness and regret that he announces the passing of Ralph

Romano, a retired Police Detective. For many years, he served on the

department on multiple platoons. He was an emergency response team

member. He served from 1992 to 2008. He went on to the Lehigh County

Detective Bureau under Jim Martin and now Gavin Holihan. On behalf of

the grateful department, they pray for him during this time and wish the best

to his family and it is a real blow to the Law Enforcement community. He

just wanted Council to know so they can share that information.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you, Chief.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that Ralph came on with him on the department. Ralph

was one of the guys that was a true gentleman.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he had the honor of working with him and

had the utmost respect for him. He stated that he would also add for those

who knew him, Tom Smith also passed away recently and his obituary was

in the paper today. He was an employee of our Parks and Recreation

department for a number of years. He stated there too, keep him in your

prayers an thoughts.