435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Invocation:

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they are going to begin the meeting,

followed by the invocation and then they will have Courtesy of the Floor. He

stated that he made an Administrative decision to move Bill 16 to the front

of the Bill. The front of the agenda rather than have you all stand around or

sit around. He asked if they can all please stand for the invocation.

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

Mr. Lewis Shupe, 1101 Hamilton Street, stated that he is here to speak

about Bill 53 he thinks it was from 2023. He stated that time has past now

and life is much more interesting now that Trump is in command. He stated

that the other day, 17 people were kidnapped. ICE would say they were

detained for various immigration actions, but the interesting thing here is

that ICE is acting indiscriminate lately. These are people who may have

already had various legal avenues and may have in fact already had legal

papers, but they just did not have them handy. He stated that this is

becoming a major problem for people of the Lehigh Valley for people of

color, women, women health centers, and he had noticed in various places

that these cameras, these automatic license plate readers that were

installed over the last couple of years were installed in various hotspot

places. He stated Women's Health Centers. The Planned Parenthood up

on Ninth Street had one nearby. In combination with the other cameras that

are already here in Allentown, this is going back to ICE and other federal

agencies and with Donald Trump wanting to push ICE to get more people,

he has to ask and should have wrote this down here earlier, but he has

been posting various links on let's build a new Allentown together as well as

Allentown PA community which is a much larger group right away, almost

25,000 people strong. He stated what worries him is that these cameras

are being used and nobody is going to know about it. There are various

nondisclosure agreements that he is sure that the police signed and the

mayor signed. He stated maybe you signed and stated that he doesn't

know. He stated when these devices are used to attract people, you are

not going to know. He stated that it worries him that it is not just the

cameras here in Allentown, but Bethlehem has them too. He stated that

they are scattered out the state of PA and scattered throughout the country.

He stated that he posted one link where a Sheriff's Deputy in Texas was

able to track a woman using the Police System through something like

8,000 different cameras were involved. In collagerating that data. He

stated that it is not hard. Now, they are using artificial intelligence to do

this. To do the watching. What guarantee that they are going to pick out

the right person. He stated that the answer is, they don't. He suggested for

Council to get rid of Bill 53 - 2023. He stated get rid of these automated

license plate readers. Get rid of these cameras before someone gets hurt.

Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Shupe.

Contract Approvals

15-7794

R74

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

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

Tactical Public Safety, and General Highway Products.

Attachments: R 74 Cooperative Approval - 6.18.25

Resolution #31066.pdf

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they are all Cooperative Contracts.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked who will speak to this tonight.

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that she will, but has no comment on these.

They are just Cooperative Contracts.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated ok, are you good. He asked if there were any

comments from the public.

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

any comments from the dais.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31066

15-7800

R75

Authorization for Contract with H & P Construction, Inc. in the amount of

$2,152,557.18 for rehabilitation of Bogert’s Bridge, bid through the State

as a result of a PennDOT TASA Grant.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R75 - Bogerts Bridge Construction Contract

Resolution #31067.pdf

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated as Mr. Hanlon said since this is being funded

for the PennDot TASA Grant, It is required that it is advertised on PennDot

System. It is advertised under CMS System on the city's behalf as

opposed of being advertised on Public Purchase. It was advertised on

there. ECMS System on March 25th with an advertisement period running

March 25th through May 8th. There were a total of six bids being received

with an award being recommended to the lowest bidder.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if this is fully funded by the grant.

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated yes.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and asked if there were any

questions from his colleagues or comments. 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: 31067

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-7793

June 4, 2025 Special Meeting to Review Discrimination and Human

Relations Legislation Minutes

System

Sponsors:

Attachments:

June 4, 2025 Special Meeting to Review Discrimination and Human

Relations Legislation Minutes.pdf

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-7791

June 4, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes

System

Sponsors:

Attachments: June 4, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Communications

Fish Hatchery Bridge Project Presentation: CDR Maguire Engineering, working on

behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is in the

process of preparing plans for the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge (SR 2010) over the

Little Lehigh Creek. The project will involve a full superstructure replacement and is

currently in the preliminary engineering. They are required to give a brief

presentation on the project – today is the day. (Recheck on PC set up)

Michael Baker Presentation: Suspension of the Rules to take Resolution 76 out of

order. Someone needs to make a motion to suspend the rules to do so. The clerk

takes the vote, reads the resolution into the record and Michael Baker is prepared to

give a 10-minute presentation on the Walk Works Bike Plan. (Update to MB, ask

about PC set-up)

R76

A resolution of the City of Allentown approving the Walk Works Bike Plan for the

City of Allentown. Adopting the Walk Works Bike Plan will provide the city with a

clear, actionable path to create safer and more accessible options for walking,

biking, using a wheelchair, and riding public transit.

Chasers – If you parked in the city lot next to City Hall, please see the City Clerk for a

voucher.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated good evening, his name is Mike Maguire

representing PennDot District 5. No relation at all and not and spelled the

same as CDR Maguire. He stated that this is Brad Barn and John

Caperilla both of that firm.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will look into that.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated that he is from Engineering District 5 down the

street. He stated that the purpose of this Project, just like it says, 2010 and

that is Fish Hatchery Road. Over in the far southwest side of Allentown.

The bridge carries Fish Hatchery Road over the Little Lehigh Creek, right

next to the Trout Nursery. Down the street from the Native American

Museum and there are some stables nearby as well. The purpose of the

projects is to provide safe passage for all forms of transportation over the

creek. The Project is funded 80 percent of federal funds, 20 percent state

dollars. He stated that is completely a PennDot Project. the existing

bridge was constructed in 1939, just before their involvement in World War

II and they are still building things and focusing at home. It's four spans,

steel beams, 172 feet long, and still appears an abutments. It has two

travel lanes and a four foot sidewalk and for somebody who runs in that

park occasionally and the sidewalks are in rough shape. He stated that the

Lehigh Parkway is a historic district. The bridge is not contributing to that

and that has been determined by state historic preservation office already.

He stated if they drive over that bridge and over to the Lehigh Hospital or

somewhere over Cedar Crest Boulevard, you can see just driving by the

parapets are dissolving just before our very eyes. The deck is in rough

shape. Due to early coordination on the job with both your City Engineer

and City Parks and Rec, the new bridge will include a wider sidewalk and a

barrier between the sidewalk and the street traffic. There is that sidewalk

now stating there you are. The sidewalk will also be lower so it better ties

into the trail on either side which leads to the Fish Hatchery where a

number of people go to and to the Native American Museum over to the

creek and into the park on the eastside. He stated that they are going to

replace the super structure. He stated that means new beams, new deck,

new parapets, and of course the sidewalk will be different. The existing

stone and abutments appears where the bridge stands on are going to

remain. They will be appointing them and fixing them up as part of the job.

He stated that they feel like they are good for another 75 years with just

some repairs. They are solid stone. He stated that they are not moving the

road and not moving the bridge. The new bridge will be two 11 foot lanes

similar to this one, but will have a five foot wide sidewalk. This one is just

shy of four feet. At the request of the city engineer, they will be keeping

west bound traffic open throughout construction. He stated that they

understand your ambulances is coming from the city of Allentown going to

Lehigh Hospital over at Cedar Crest Boulevard. Use that route primarily.

He stated that they are going to keep westbound traffic open. He stated

that eastbound traffic will be detoured via I-78, the Lehigh Street exit, and

then back up Oxford Drive. He stated that they are all state roads. He

stated that there will be a pedestrian detour using the trails in the park. The

cost of the project will be $2.8 million in construction. Once again, 80

percent federal and 20 percent state. They hope to be in final design and

get all into the details and quantities and that sort of thing. As well as right

a way. In 2026, the only right a way they need is from the city park, fairly

minimal. They looking at late bids in 2027 and have construction complete

in 2029. Just as it says there. He stated that is our presentation and

asked if there were any questions.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions from his colleagues.

He stated Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated if he may sir. As one who walks in the park

frequently with his dog, he certainly appreciates a safer sidewalk there

because it is hazardous. He asked is there a reason that they wouldn't put

a sidewalk on the other side as well.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated that if they use the existing parapets and

everything, they don't have enough width there to put sidewalks on both

sides and to keep two traveling lanes. The other side in the southwest part

is really nothing to walk to. Where on the north side of the bridge, there a

park, trails, a museum and the Fish Hatchery in the parking lot there on the

other side.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he would beg to differ with him a little bit. He

stated that if you walk down the road, there is a parking space and he is

sure that people do it giving the limitations. He asked will this project also

include crosswalks, marked crosswalks for people to cross the street and

they may be now, but if they are, they are faded.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated that there is one. There is a parking lot on the

other side the street. It is that gravel lot that runs either the southeast

quadrant and stated that they will fix that crosswalk up and repaint that as

part of it.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier asked about the signage and stated that he doesn't

know if it will be upgraded.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated in the immediate vicinity of the project. Not up

and down the whole road.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated right. He stated ok, thank you very much and

thank Mr. Hendricks.

Mr. Mike Maguire thanked Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. He asked does the public have any

questions they wish to propose. He stated thank you very much.

Mr. Mike Maguire stated thank you very much and have a good night.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they have another presentation. He asked

Council if they would like to by common consent pull R76 out of the order

and have it discussed tonight with their presentation.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes.

Suspension of the Rules:

15-7806

R76

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

for the City of Allentown. Adopting the Walk Works Bike Plan will provide

the City with a clear, actionable path to create safer and more accessible

options for walking, biking, using a wheelchair, and riding public transit.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R76 - Adopting Walk Works Bike Plan

Mr. Chris Stanford stated good evening. His name is Chris Stanford and is

a Professional Engineer and a Certified Planner with Michael Baker and

here to present the results of their citywide bike plan. He stated as they

may know, the city received a $35,000 Walk Works Grant to help to put this

Plan together. He stated that here is the scope of the activities that was

included with the study. They completed an inventory of existing facilities

and a safety analysis. They did some community outreach. They did

proposed improvements as well as touch on the latest and greatest bike

infrastructure design. They also made some recommendations for future

goals and evaluations and reporting related to bicycle improvements and

made some recommendations for implementation moving forward. He

stated that as they all know there is so many benefits of bicycling in

general. It improves physical and mental health, reduces pollution, and a

very cost effective transportation mode over driving and contributes to less

congestion on our roads. There are a lot of definite benefits to improving

bicycling in the city. As indicated previously, they first did an inventory of

what is out there today. He stated that there is actually one dedicated bike

lane in the city of Allentown right now on Mack Boulevard. It is about one

mile long. There are 12 miles of shared lane markings. The shared

markings out there that are painted on various roads. Mostly, on Linden

and Turner, Hamilton, and Parkway Boulevard. Only pavement markings to

sort of let motorists know you may see bicycles on these roads more

prevalent then other roadways. They really do not give any physical

protection or delineation to bicyclists today. They do have other

infrastructure in the city that bicyclists can use in the parks and in our trail

network or shared used paths. There are a lot of trails near the Lehigh

Parkway and Cedar Beach and have the Jordan Creek Greenway shown

on here that are available for bicycling also as part of the network.

However, they are kind of disjointed. They don't connect. There are a lot of

gaps in the networks. They is limited benefits from a transportation point of

view from this network. There is a lot of things in progress and a lot of gaps

that are going to be closed in the near future, but something that needs

some improvements as part of the overall biking network in the city. They

did an analysis of bicyclist related crashes. This was sort of leveraging the

work that they did as part of the Safe Streets for All Plans previously with

the city. Between 2019 and 2023, the trend unfortunately for bicycle

crashes is going in the wrong direction. They started out in 2020, there

were 16 crashes and 2021 and it went up to 18. In 2022, they were up to

20 and then by 2023, they were up to 28. He stated so unfortunately, they

are going in the wrong direction as far as bike crashes. Hopefully, these

improvements will definitely provide better safety and better education for

drivers out there. One thing that they did notice in their analysis is that

about more than 25 percent of the bike crashes occur at night and even 70

percent of those crashes were on streets that actually have street lights. He

stated that there definitely needs to be a need for additional lighting related

to bicycle safety on the city streets. He stated that will be a

recommendation moving forward. Also, part of this they made sure to do

some community outreach and community involvement with the project. He

stated that they formed a diverse steering committee with various

organizations, transportation organizations and representatives of the

community. They had a number of Steering Committee meetings to vet this

information and get their input in the process. They also did an online

survey and an in person survey at a public event. They had over 200

responses to the survey and also again, did an outreach event at the Blue

Zones Kick Off Event in Allentown this year. It was pretty well attended and

it was a good event for highlighting this plan. A couple of things that came

out of the surveys that they noticed. The majority of existing bicycle trips

are really for recreational purposes. Limited use for transportation,

commuting, and for other errands and other utilitarian trips. That is

something that they would like to improve on and when they ask folks what

would make you bike more, their main answer was build more good

infrastructure. Right now, there is not a lot of great bicycle infrastructure in

the city and it is not connected to each other. He stated really focusing on

better infrastructure for bicycling as well as better and connected

infrastructure. Whether it is off road or on road or a combination thereof.

He stated speaking of infrastructure, again the photos on the upper left

really shows you what's out there today. He stated that is Parkway

Boulevard. That is a share of again. Beyond paint on the road, it is not

really getting any protection or any delineation or infrastructure per se that

is dedicated to bicycling. The one on the bottom left is sort of an upgrade.

Some cities are putting these on a green backing to make them more

visible, but again, it is just paving markings. It doesn't really give any

protection or any physical delineated space specifically for bicycle lanes.

He stated that the other photos they see here are samples of protected

bike lanes. He stated that this is really where they go to on the roadways in

the future and in many places already being implemented. The center

photo there on the top is basically a buffered bike lane with flex post or

flexible delineators. Again, with dedicated space in the roadway for

bicyclists. He stated that the one to the right again is a combination there

with rubber curb stops. Again, making a more protected feature there. The

bottom center photo is parking protected bike lane. Basically, they are

flipping and moving parking out of the way from the curb line and using a

four to five foot along the curb line for bicycling and basically the bicyclist is

protected from travel, travel card and traveling public and motor vehicles

and traveling on the roadway by parked cars. It is very safe and very easy

solution. He stated unfortunately, Pennsylvania Vehicle Code does not

legally allow this right now. Various organizations are trying to get the

vehicle code change so it will allow this. There are certain cities that are

already implementing this. Even though it is not technically illegal by the

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. They are doing on the city streets. They think

a good solution is actually proven to be a very good solution moving

forward. The bottom right corner, a lot of places are going to the extent of

putting concrete barriers or concrete separators there between travel lanes

and bicycle lanes to really harden that separation and good physical

separation between the cars and the bicyclists. He stated that this has

been a trend and increasing increasing across the country. He stated

another tool in the toolbox is called a bicycle boulevard. He stated that it is

basically taking advantage of low speed, low volume streets that they

already have in our city in residential neighborhoods that are off the beaten

path a little bit that could be improved to a traffic calming elements like

speed bumps, curb extensions, raised crosswalks, neighborhood traffic

circles as well as stop signs on the side streets to really prioritize bicycle

traffic and low speed vehicle traffic on these roadways. They used custom

markings and signage to identify these roadways for bicyclists. They would

prefer to use those streets versus the more heavily traveled ones. A good

solution and a lot of great residential streets that could work for bicycling in

the city. He stated that a lot of effort was put forth to identify roadways in

the city that could be modified or improved of bicycling. This was our

proposed network right now. They have about 10 additional roadways they

are recommending for shared lane markings throughout the city. Some

additional bike boulevards that is shown in red and another eight or 10

dedicated bike lane routes in the city. He stated that these are a couple

examples. He stated that he will hit a couple of highlights here. Linden and

Turner mentioned are great east, west streets for connectivity in the street

in the city. Right now, they both have two lanes. One way directional, but

they have two lanes. One of the recommendations of the Steering

Committee considering changing one of those lanes for bicycling.

Basically, they would put in a baho five foot bike lane and each side of the

bike lane would have a three foot painted buffer. Delaney could also be

used to protect that bicycle lane as well. They understand there is likely

some traffic canal system that needs to happen here to make sure that they

are not going to be diverting vehicles to other intersections or other

roadways that would cause issues and they will also understand that this

will likely not be implemented by PPL Center by the parking garages and

that sort of thing. There is a lot of activity around. That portion of Linden

going to the west of 9th or 10th all the way out to Cedar Crest Boulevard

could be considered for this treatment. Another Project that is actually

moving forward right now is Jefferson Street. He stated as they all know

Jefferson Street has very wide lanes, a very wide roadway for what's out

there today. The travel lanes are upwards of 17 feet wide. There is a lot of

extra space that could be reallocated for bicycling. They are proposing five

foot bike lanes on each side with a two foot buffer of the travel lane. There

is funding through the SA4 Demo Grant Project as well as an ARLE Grant

on Jefferson Street. This might be one of the first improvements they see

in the city and then another example. There are a lot of half streets or alleys

in the city. Maple Street being one of them. Church Street is another in

Center City. Where they have limited traffic because of the narrow width

and the way that they are laid out. They could really could be good bicycle

route parallel to Hamilton and parallel to 145 so there is a recommendation

to upgrade them with paver markers and bike lanes, potentially. One

challenge with this is they do a lot of crossing of the more major streets.

They will have to look at the crossing locations for upgrades and signing

and striping and maybe a potential for raised crosswalks and speed

cushions. They also talked about the need for creativity with the off road

trail network. There are 11 recommendations for Projects. Some of these

have been studied in the past. Some of these are new ideas and some of

them are moving forward in the near future. He stated that he believes

Union Terrace and MLK are in design or moving toward construction in the

near future. A lot of good connectivity here in the trail network. It would be

another element of the bicycle network. As mentioned the study asked

about evaluating and setting some goals for approving the bike network in

the city. What gets measured gets managed. If we pay attention to start

measuring some of these things in the short-term, the medium-term, and

the long-term they can make plans to make improvements moving forward.

Again, they will look at the number of trips they have, the number of bike

lanes and shared lanes, and bike boulevards and also looking at bicycling

crashes trying to reduce those as we move forward as well as improving

parking and general health in the city. He stated in conclusion, it is

wrapping up some of our recommendations and implementation strategy.

They proposed a number of list like this in the Plan that showed roadway

sections that they proposed for improvements. He stated that they would

recommend to the city that they will start looking at the repairs resurfacing

programs, whether it is the city or PennDot to do some of these restripings

as roads come up for re-stripings for resurfacing. There are a lot of grant

opportunities out there for bicycling and pedestrian on infrastructure. He

stated that they would definitely would recommend the city pursue some of

these grant programs with the local, state and federal level to pursue

improvements to bicycling. He stated that they also want to integrate with

LANTA on the bus stop network. As they probably know, LANTA has bike

racks on a lot of the LANTA buses, if not all of them. A lot of folks used

accommodations of bus and bike to get where they need to go for work

school and other needs. They also recommend that the city work with

advocates or LVPC to start county bikes on an annual basis. He stated so

they really know what they are up against and how many folks are out there.

What are the trends and what are the areas that need improvement the

most. In addition to that, they recommend better bicycle parking as well as

a better way finding signage for bicyclists to help navigate in the city. He

stated with that, he would be happy to answer any questions.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the statistics you showed for crashes do

they include motorized bicycles.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that he is not sure what the breakdown is, but he

would presume that a bicycle and an E-Bike would be counted there. He

stated that is a challenging issue related to bicycling or e-bikes. They have

higher speeds.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated what he noticed is a lot of them in our city

streets are driving in reckless speeds and manner. He stated that he

thinks if it is not, it probably should be counted.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that he is sure it is counted. That is an issue a lot

of cities are struggling with if it is a vehicle. Is it a bicycle or where should

that be riding. Should they be on trails. Should they not. How do we police

them? Can a police officer pull over am e-bike if he is going too fast. He

asked what is too fast for a bicycle. He stated that is another thing that is

another thing if the city hasn't acted on they would definitely look at some of

the guidance that DCNR and does the park folks have put some guidance

out about how to regulate e-bikes.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated even in his neighbor yesterday, he notices a

young child and he might have been 10 years old or 11 with a motorized

bicycle on the sidewalk which is unbelievable.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that is the challenge is to create infrastructure.

Creating the place where bicycles can operate safely.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they should be.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated exactly and sort of retrofitting our roads say that

they accommodate those uses better.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Stanford.

Ms. Candida Affa stated yeah, she has a comment. She stated that she

has almost the same question. She asked are you on Turner Street or are

you on Linden Street and they are on the sidewalk. She stated that the

bicycles are safe, but if they have an e-bike there that is going 10 - 15

miles an hour. She stated that is where the problems going to lie. She

asked are they going to have to make some kinds of Rules that e-bikes

have to stay on the streets or on the sidewalk. On the sidewalk, they can

be as dangerous or maybe even more dangerous. She stated if she is

riding a bicycle and somebody zooms pass her with an e-bike, it is going

to be a lot more dangerous then they being on the street. She stated that it

is dangerous for them on the street and they don't obey. It is dangerous for

a biker who is just biking on Linden Street in the area they are supposed

to.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated right. He stated that they would have to forgive

him, but does the city have an ordinance about riding bikes on a sidewalk

or an age limit. A lot of places have an age limit of about 12 as a limit for

children to ride on the sidewalk. A lot of places preclude bikes on

sidewalks just for that reason. It is not the right place. Sidewalks are for

pedestrians, right.

Ms. Candida Affa stated this is how it was designated for bicycles, right.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated again, it depends on what the Rules are here. He

stated that you have to make a decision. Do we allow bicycles on

sidewalks at all or on certain sidewalks or not at all. You have to make

some conscious decisions where bicycles. There are vehicles. They are

designed to go 15 to 20 miles per hour. He asked do we want that on the

sidewalk, probably not. Most places they say children up to 12 are allowed

to go on the sidewalk and above 12 years old, you are not allowed to ride

on the sidewalk.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that her point her is that they are going to install

these for bicycles. These sidewalks on Tuner Street and Linden, correct.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that this will be a bike lane.

Ms. Candida Affa stated for bicycles.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that it would be a bike lane and it will be

replacing one of the vehicle lanes with a bike lane.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that will be in the street and not be on the

sidewalk.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that is what she is saying. They are building this

for bicycles. What are we going to do if an e-bike is on there.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that they are allowed to be on a bicycle lane.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that is the dangerous part.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was anybody else.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated maybe bring some clarity to some of the

questions. She stated that they recently updated their ordinance. She

stated that she doesn't know if they remember two or three months ago.

She stated Bike Works and the young people helped update the ordinance

and updated the language. It is called pedacycle. They include e-bikes

and she is sure that there are miles per hour cut off until it becomes a

motorcycle or something. She stated that she believe that in business

districts bikes of any nature, pedacycles or any nature are not allowed on

sidewalks, but she stated that she believes that they are in other

neighborhoods allowed by law, by state law. A lot of what she remembers

of the change in the ordinance was updating the language to be congruent

with the state law because a lot of our ordinance was not. She stated that

is that and would be to answer that question and then stated that she is

looking at this Resolution and asked are they voting on this tonight Mike,

this Resolution.

Mr. Mike Hanlon stated that was the preference.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated ok, then she does have questions. She stated

in the Resolution, at the very beginning it is not just about bikes. It is about

walking, using a wheelchair, and riding public transit and asked what was

done with all of that. She stated that she hears bikes.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated right, that might have been thrown in there to help

meet the needs of the grant requirements.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so we didn't do nothing.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated let's focus on bicycles. That was the

understanding.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated if they didn't do it, she doesn't think they should

act like we did something with the Resolution and asked if they should take

that language out.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that would make sense.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if that would mess up our grant.

Mr. Chris Stanford asked if Meghan was still in the room.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated no. It won't and stated ok, yeah. She stated that

a Resolution is a statement. It is a declaration and she does not want to

declare that they have done something that they really haven't done. She

stated that she will make that amendment at a later time when she finishes

asking her second question. She asked is this what you just showed is the

entire Plan because when she went on the website, it took her to the Safe

Streets for All Plan and then she tried to download a PDF to see if this is

included in the Safe Streets for All Plan, but her, but her internet and stated

she does not know.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that it should be a separate document and stated

that this is just a summary.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked how do we get that entire thing.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that he believes it will be posted on the city's

website, like tomorrow as soon as you guys adopt it.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated at the end it says that if we support this

Resolution that they are supporting the Plan that they haven't seen.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that is fair. He stated again, they submitted the

Plan to the city. He stated maybe they should have some time.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they are not making a big thing up here, but

some of them are talking about ordinances. She stated that she does

procedures, right.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated to Meghan what needs to be adopted by the end

of June and asked is that right.

Ms. Meghan (no last name given) stated by the end of August.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she guesses they have time. They don't have

to vote.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they don't have to vote on this tonight. She

stated that she would like to see the Plan. She stated taking away lanes

and talking about e-bikes and all that. She stated let's look at this Plan.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he actually had a question and stated that he

didn't see anything about bike shares. He asked is that discussed and

stated at some point you are going to integrate these bike lanes throughout

the city. Maybe there should be a conversation about bike share. He

stated that at certain points, New York City sponsors bike shares where

you will see a row of 20 bikes and anyone could grab one and ride a bike

to anywhere in the city and it happens at all points of interests. He thinks

this is something that if you want to get people using this lanes that should

be part of the conversation at some point.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that it is a good suggestion. It was something

that was brought up as an idea. It is a pretty big investment to get enough

bikes out there. The other challenge is population density and having

enough folks that actually support this to use the system supported. There

is sort of a fine line of how many or how much investment versus how many

people will actually use the system and how many people do we have in

Allentown. Where will they go and that sort of thing. It is something to be

considered and as more people ride, it is definitely something that we will

recommend.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that his first thought is Muhlenberg College.

Having a place there where they can grab a bite at Muhlenberg College

and go to the Farmer's Market. They can come downtown. They can go

anywhere throughout the city.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that the idea of having free bikes. Community

Bike Works fixes up bikes all the time. If they can fix 10 from Muhlenberg,

10 for Center City and 10 for South Mountain and 10 from other locations.

It is moving as a starting point as it gets more popular and think of a formal

program.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that it could be a great partner for sure.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated yeah.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she likes that. She stated that it is a good

idea.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated just as much as he would like to vote for this,

and is all in favor of anything that improves walkways and all. It is a little

preposterous to expect them to vote on something that they don't have full

details of. He stated that he would have to go along with his colleagues

here and would add his voice that this will have to be tabled at this time.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated very good and they will make sure they will get

copies of all of this.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks apologized, but he thinks that.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that they are not saying that it is not going to pass.

They are saying that they need more time.

Mr. Chris Stanford stated that he appreciates their time.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Stanford.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated a great presentation, right.

Mr. Mike Hanlon stated that Ms. Hunter wanted to say something about

wheelchairs and something in regards to wheelchairs.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes, certainly. He stated some of the public

may not be at the next meeting when it comes up. He stated that he will

allow public comment from anybody else that wishes to speak.

Ms. Paulette Hunter, 737 W Tilghman Street, stated that it appears that

based on what she is hearing right now is that the evaluation that he was

supposed to have done on the streets and everything was supposed to

include wheelchairs and other things and it wasn't reviewed. Wheelchairs

were not reviewed and evaluated as the bike was currently and other

things. Things were not evaluated, but it was thrown in without being

evaluated. She stated that her thing is about wheelchairs and electric

wheelchairs and other things. It should have been evaluated as part of his

evaluation about what should happen. She stated that they focus on bikes

only and not the other things. She stated when he focuses, she would like

him to focus on and get the proper from people when it comes up next time.

She stated that she thinks electric wheelchairs should be part of it and

wheelchairs should be part of it because they do have a lot of people with

disabilities who uses electric wheelchairs and sometimes they are in the

street.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is absolutely correct.

Ms. Paulette Hunter stated that they need to be aware of what should they

do and stuff like that. She stated that he did not do his homework without

as she is concerned. He focused on that.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they hear her and the gentleman also hears

her.

Ms. Paulette Hunter stated thank you very much.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Hunter. He asked anybody else.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that technically no conversation should have

happened stating they tend to do that.

Ms. Karen Ocasio, Southside, stated that she just has a question of what is

going to happen with MLK. She asked if they want to do it on Martin Luther

King. She stated that the traffic is crazy. She even has to stop the police

officers and beep at them and stop for the pedestrians. She stated that

someone is going to get ran over and killed one day. She asked what are

they doing to control the traffic there and the streets like Church Street.

She stated that is an alleyway. She asked what are they planning on doing.

She thinks and agrees with tabling and getting more assessment on it just

because it was well thought out. She stated that she passes by MLK every

single day and the traffic is crazy there. She stated that it is like more of an

assessment needs to be done and stated that she is just wondering in

regards to that. She stated that she agrees with the lady before them.

They need to include the wheelchairs and the walking people and all of that

stuff. She stated that was her assessment.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Ocasio.

Mr. Chris Stanford asked if he could clarify. He stated just to clarify the

scope of the study that was put out by the city was bicycle only. He stated

that was their charge was to it was a citywide Bicycle Plan that did not

include evaluation on ADA or handicapped facilities or wheelchairs. He

stated just to clarify. He stated grant it, it is a legitimate thing that they

looked at in the future and it is something that is looked at with all

engineering projects that the city does, but that was not the focus of this

particular effort. He stated regarding MLK, the project on MLK is actually

an offroad trail. It would be in the park and also on an old railroad bed on

the Little Lehigh Creek. It would be off a roadway. It will be a trail within the

park network. He stated that she has some legitimate points on some of

these half streets and half alleys. There definitely has to be some safety

improvements to look at, but they represent an opportunity: the low volume,

the low speed. They could be improved for bicycle traffic.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Stanford.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she just wants to say that she does agree with

Ms. Ocasio, especially on the weekends. She stated that street gets really,

really very crazy with a lot of traffic. She stated that they play soccer there

and baseball and the traffic is horrendous. She stated that something

should be done on MLK.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she wants to address the wheelchair and

asked to correct her if she is wrong. She believes it is legal to be on the

sidewalks all over Allentown with wheelchairs. She stated that this is why

they have the handicapped ramps for the wheelchairs.

Ms. Paulette Hunter stated that they are in the streets, the electric ones.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that the electric ones are allowed. A wheelchair is

a wheelchair. She stated that they are allowed to have that. She stated

that she believes the little scooters are allowed stating to Mike, not like you

have. She asked the officers if they are allowed and the wheelchairs, even

electric wheelchairs and asked what about the senior scooters. She stated

that she thinks they are allowed and stated that she just wanted to clarify

that. She stated you can use yours if you want and asked would you give it

back.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if this is going to be tabled then and asked

about the votes.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated yup.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated just a comment here. He stated with Chasers, if

you parked in the city lot next to city hall, please see the Clerk for the

voucher for your parking ticket.

? asked if Mr. Hendricks was referring to the lot right here by city hall.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated no, it is the government deck. He stated that if you

park in the government deck, the parking is paid by our City Clerk. He

stated that is for all City Council meetings.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he has an announcement to make. He

stated that Council held an Executive Session this evening related to a

confidential personnel matter.

This Resolution was tabled.

Old Business

Mr. Ed Zucal stated just real quick and stated that they have been going

back and forth with Mike and the Controller. Back when they started giving

the ARPA money, part of the federal rules were that there has to be

accountability for that or at some point the city will be on the hook to pay it

back. He stated that he knows that he is working on it and asked has

anybody given any accountability of what they viewed so far.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated if he can take a minute to address Mr. Zucal's

question. He stated that you gave out those community grants. The money

probably went out late after everything went through the approval process.

Some of the grants were to establish organizations like North Penn legal

which used it for ongoing operations. Some of the money went to other

groups who are less established. One of the requirements of this grant is

that they must submit quarterly progress reports. The first quarter ended

March 31st. Reports came in sometime in April. He stated that he has

them and have reviewed them. The second quarter reports will be at the

end of July. He stated what he can say is that some of the people that were

doing work in schools may not do their work until the Fall. He stated that

they really don't have much to Report so far and he will follow up with the

quarterly reports in October and then again, in January of '26 because that

will be the 4th quarter report.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, just to save you some time and stated that he

thinks he should have been more clear about the people they gave the

million dollar thing to.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated oh, those and stated he is sorry.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he should have been more clear.

Mr. Jeffery Glazier stated that he was looking at the Community Impact

Grant, the hundred and something dollars. He stated that million dollars

that you distributed to a number of people. He stated that the grants that

were given to groups like CACLV or the Community Center.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that the developer that got a million.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated the same kind of thing. He stated that there is the

housing development on 8th and Walnut. He stated that the building that

just opened on Fulton and Hamilton got money.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated Marcon Industries.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he has not looked at those.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated wouldn't those be the ones to look at because

the other community groups that was and they intentional put that money

into CED so that they would not stating the Ms. Kistler was concerned that

they wouldn't be able to comply with some of the ARPA regulations. She

stated that they took that money and put it in CED.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that they are contracts have specific terms and

specific deliverables.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated not ARPA. It is not.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that it is not ARPA deliverables, but all dollars

should probably be looked at. It depends on how much time and effort you

have. He stated that he is looking at community grants to make sure that

those groups make good on their deliverables or will as the Progress

Reports come in. To some of the larger groups, he likes that is a

conversation that he can have with the Finance Director. He stated that

money and asked Bina to correct him if he is wrong. He stated that money

is reimbursable. They need to receive and submit invoices that qualify

before they get a distribution. He asked Ms. Patel is that correct.

Ms. Bina Patel stated yes. That is correct. Some of those entities have

provided the invoices and they forwarded the funds to them. She stated

that Ms. Kistler's team and Mark Hartney is willing to provide that

information.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated basically that million dollars for is in escrow with you

guys.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that he doesn't know if that one was paid out or

not. If it was paid out, they have provided sufficient documentation to us

that showed that they made the expenditure and reimbursed them for it. He

stated if Mr. Zucal wanted a status update on any of the other projects,

where they are, he is happy to look into that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated as long as they have shown accountability for the

million bucks they gave them.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that they did. They provided that and we forwarded.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is where he was going.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that those expenditures are detailed in the ever

growing list of ARPA money in the Monthly Report that came out yesterday.

He stated that is out there in the public. He stated that he will say that the

community money that was given to community groups, those people got

their money upfront. The ARPA money is reimbursable, you submit the

receipt then you get the money. These community groups got all their

money upfront and they are trusting them to spend it. He stated that in his

opinion, spend it properly mind you is the oversight is doubly important

because the money is already out of the street. He stated that he will say in

the brief review that he did a first quarter report and found one group that

wanted to credit the expenditures against their grant prior to the grant

beginning and that is a no no. He stated that everything has a beginning

and an end and you can't ask for money to be reimbursed two months

before the grants started. It is not the way it works. He stated that he

pointed that out to the grant administrator and he believes it was taken care

of. It doesn't mean they would be able to spend that money later on

something within the terms of the contract, but what they had originally

submitted could not be considered. He stated that is the one thing he

found in the first quarter. He stated that he will advise them of that stuff and

the Finance Director and he can certainly talk about some of the other

things. He stated maybe they can get some kind of Report going forward

on some of those major dollar projects. He stated that so Council can see

how well this ARPA investment was used in the community on those larger

projects.

Ms. Bina Patel stated absolutely they can and just so that Councilpersons

know that they also have to file quarterly reports with the federal

government. They also have those and stated that they are always in

compliance with those.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she would be interested in and thinking that

maybe say like a Marcon might not be a legally required for him to report.

She stated that she remembers when he came for those who chose to

support his project. She stated that he said Allentown residents would be

getting the jobs. She stated that she would be interested to know how

many Allentown folks are working there now. She stated that same with

DaVinci. She stated that was part of the reason why some folks chose to

she would think chose to give him a million. It would be great to see how

many Allentown folks would be down there.

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked was he done with the Project. What happened to

the project.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is not sure. She knows that he has

hired construction folks and how many are Allentown companies and

unions. She stated that she would love to know since they gave them a

million dollars and he said he would do it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he can tell them this as he sits on the board

of AEDC and stated that is the former Allentown Metal Works and they

have rehabbed in the process of rehabbing the entire structure which is

huge. They have actually moved their whole operation to Allentown now.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked do you know and stated maybe you have some

of the inside info. She asked Mr. Hendricks does he know how many folks

are there in Allentown.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he doesn't know, but can find that out for

her.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated to Mr. Hendricks if he could get that, it would be

great to know.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated through AEDC he will check with his contacts.

REPORTS

Public Hearing: President Hendricks

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated 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 has not met since the last Council meeting; the next meeting is

scheduled for July 23rd at 5:45 PM.

Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli

The Committee met on June 11th and forwarded a resolution on tonight’s agenda

and a rezoning petition to a Public Hearing on August 6 at 6:15 PM. The next meeting

is scheduled for July 16th at 6:30 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 July 23th at 6:00

PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota

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

been scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa

The Committee met this evening; there are two items on the agenda. the next

meeting is scheduled for July 23rd at 6:15 PM.

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

Napoli

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

scheduled for July 16th at 6 PM.

Controller’s Report

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he hates to disappoint you Mr. President, but he has

not Report this evening.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated aw.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated well, we are going to try to live with that. He stated that

the Mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.

The mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the mayor has not submitted anything to the agenda.

REPORTS

Public Hearing: President Hendricks

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated 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 has not met since the last Council meeting; the next

meeting is scheduled for July 23rd at 5:45 PM.

Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli

The Committee met on June 11th and forwarded a resolution

on tonight’s agenda and a rezoning petition to a Public Hearing on

August 6 at 6:15 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July

16th at 6:30 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 July

23th at 6:00 PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota

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

meeting has not been scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa

The Committee met this evening; there are two items on the agenda. the

next meeting is scheduled for July 23rd at 6:15 PM.

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair

Hendricks, Mota, Napoli

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

meeting is scheduled for July 16th at 6 PM.

Controller’s Report

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he hates to disappoint you Mr. President, but

he has not Report this evening.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated aw.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated well, we are going to try to live with that. He

stated that the Mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.

The mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the mayor has not submitted anything to the

agenda.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7500

Bill No. 16 – 2025

An Ordinance amending the Zoning Code of the City of Allentown, Section

660-6, by removing the meal preparation and provision to only senior

citizens limitation within the community center definition and to read as

follows: A building used for recreational, social, educational and cultural

activities owned and/or operated by a public or nonprofit group or agency.

Any residential uses or a treatment center shall only be permitted if they

also comply with the requirements for such use.

Affa and Gerlach

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 16 Community Center

ACPC actions TextAmendCommunityCenter

03.11.25.pdf

Community Center Definition Change - A building used for

recreational, social, educational and cultural activities owned and or

operated by a public or nonprofit group or agency.pdf

Allentown - Community Center Definition.pdf

03 March Minutes Draft.pdf

Planning & Zoning Staff Report - Community Center Definiton Text

Amendement - MAR2025.pdf

ZHB decision.pdf

Memo to City Council re Bill No. 16 - 2025 8APR25.docx

County of Lehigh Law Department Receipt for Filing of Municipal

Ordinance City of Allentown (Bill 16 - 2025).pdf

Ordinance #16141.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments on the dais.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he does have one new.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that they have someone to speak.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated Michael Swayer handed a card in.

Mr. Michael Schware stated hi Councilmembers. He stated that he just

been listening to this and admittedly late coming to this discussion and

getting up to speed on everything. He stated that a couple of point that

stuck out to him is that he was listening to the discussion earlier. To him

the issue isn't whether people should be fed or not, it is where they should

be allowed to be fed and what changes there should be in our communities

and our neighborhoods. He lives in not the West Park District, but South of

Hamilton, off of 16th Street. They have a very strong single family,

predominant neighborhood. A lot of rentals, but they are under attack right

now. Not just from nonprofits, but there are houses that are being illegally

converted t rooming houses. They have an illegal repair shop. Noise

problems almost every other night. He stated that he called Zoning and

they are overwhelmed. They don't have enough people to follow up. If they

do, they can go check on it next week. He stated that they need Council's

help. He understand that the Resolution doesn't make anything happen by

right, but at the same time, residents are out working and don't have time to

go to endless Zoning meetings. He stated that it is his understanding that

the West Park Group did challenge the one application and they paid a lot

of money for it. He stated that lawyers aren't cheap and goes to the next

process and the next process. He stated that they need Council's help.

He stated that there is a Zoning change as they know going on right now

that' going to be discussed. He thinks it is entirely appropriate to have this

discussion and Bill 16 included during that time. He stated not separately.

There is no guarantee that this This Zoning is going to change or what is

going to change in it. He stated that he doesn't think now is the time to

make a change to the old Code and certainly not do it citywide. To him it is

not about stopping anyone that's existing from doing what they are doing. It

is more about stopping new locations from getting more intensive use in

other neighborhoods and stated thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Swayer.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok and stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she is glad he spoke because when the Bill

first come up, it was a slam dunk. Of course, we are going to feed

everyone. It is what we are going to do, but after listening, it is more than

just the existing places feeding more people than seniors. She stated that

this is opening and stated she doesn't know opening a can of worms. They

are also listening to the people that live in the neighborhoods. She stated

when they are elected, they are elected not only to protect the homeless,

they are there to protect homeowners, taxpayers and the people who live

here for many, many years. She stated when they sit up here and like she

said she thought it was a slam dunk. She stated well, it is not. She stated

that this could possibly open up to more of these facilities opening up and

more places like the West End or the neighborhoods or the people live and

don't want the homeless people in their neighborhood. She stated that she

worked at the State Hospital and agrees with the gentleman. She stated

that they had a place for the homeless and it was called the State Hospital.

It is just not an Allentown problem, it is the country. She stated that they

closed them all down. She stated that she feels really bad and also

listened to the owners and the taxpayers of the community. She stated that

she is not sure that passing this Bill is not going to open it up for other

places and other things. She stated that they may not have a say in this any

longer. It may be Zoning. She stated that they don't know what is going to

happen in the future. If it were just it and at the end of it, of course, she

would like to open it up to everyone: Ripple and everybody else, but her

problem here is this going to open a can of worms that they are not going

to be able to control and more and more is going to open and they are

going to have more and more of the neighborhood people coming in.

Hardworking, taxpaying people who are no longer happy living in Allentown.

She stated that as Council people they are elected to protect them also.

Not just the homeless. She stated that this is a very, very difficult decision

to make. She stated like she said she thought it was a slam dunk, but it

really isn't. It is a lot more than feeding just seniors.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Affa and asked anybody else.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated quickly, thank you and stated that the one thing he

thinks about is how this impacts not, and stated that it impacts the entire

city and the conversation has been really guided towards one

neighborhood and justifiably so. He stated that he understands their

concerns. He has some honest conversations when it comes to the

residents. Ultimately, they do serve the entire city and do believe based on

Mrs. Gomez testimony, that the residential neighborhoods throughout our

city will be protected because this will be only available by special

exemption. This is not something that folks could open up community

centers in every neck of the woods and in southside, east end, and west

end and center city residential neighborhoods by right and he believes it

was only commercial and industrial Zoning Parcels that are available by

rights. He stated when he thinks about this, it is a difficult decision. He

stated that residential neighborhoods are protected. He stated that if they

vote no and stated he is sorry, if they vote yes, they will have to go back to

the Zoning Hearing Board. They would have to proof their case and that is

something that is something applicable because it is a residential

neighborhood. He stated when he thinks about it, it is more and more they

need their nonprofits to step up and they are doing as much as they can

locally even without the assistance of some of our federal and Pennsylvania

state resources so having this legislation be ambiguous and unclear only

makes their job harder and he thinks their job is hard enough. He stated

that he just wants to put that out there. He stated again, he believes a

residential neighborhood will have their opportunity to prevent this from

happening because of the Special Exemption.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Napoli and asked if there was anybody

else.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked a quick question maybe for Ms. Gomez and then

she has a statement. If an entity is serving food, the Health Department

comes out and inspects them and makes sure that everything is good to

go, right.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated that she believes that it would come under

review for their Health office as well.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated if things were to run rampant and everyone

starts serving food to people, the Health Department would come and if

someone lived within the neighborhood where some random community

center would open up without going through the proper protocol, they could

file a complaint and someone will come out and handle that.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated probably the first line would be Zoning to see if

there is a use that needs to be verified. It is permitted within the Zoning

Code. The Zoning Officer will go out there and advise that they come in

and be reviewed. In any instance, if it were to pop up, a Zoning Officer will

go out and see if it was an approved use. If it wasn't, it would come in for

an assessment and go through any approval process that the city required,

including in the case of residential neighborhoods and within our residential

zoning districts on whether or not a Special Exemption Approval have been

obtained for the use and if it had not then the Zoning Officer would start the

process to make sure they came in for the Special Exemption approval to

be evaluated further. Again, upon a Public Hearing.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated great, ok and stated thank you. She stated

tonight, they are talking about people eating, essentially. She stated that is

what they are voting on here tonight. Allowing people to eat. She stated for

her Community Centers raised her. Growing up, she grew up in public

housing. She stated that her mom got $60 in food stamps. Even back then

that was not alot. She stated yeah, she needed community centers to go to

to eat. She stated that she is lucky that in the town she grew up in, there

wasn't a provision that said only senior citizens can eat at a Community

Center or they would not have food. She stated that when she was

homeless, she ate over a Saint Paul's Church in the basement. She stated

so that was out of compliance and against the law to be eating there. She

went and ate over that place in the 1st Ward. She doesn't think they serve

anymore on Chew Street. She stated that she guess that was out of

compliance. She stated that was against the law. Community Centers,

especially the ones that serve food, they add vitality. They add stability, a

sense of community to a neighborhood. Having access to food was a

human right. She stated that some folks are concerned that by allowing

Community Centers to start officially, legally begin to serve anyone at any

age that might lead to something more. She stated that you know, you are

right. It might lead someone developing a s social connection that can get

them out of their addiction. It might lead to someone breaking bread with

someone else w ho can help them get mental health treatment. It might

lead to someone getting their State ID and allow them to get a job. She

stated yes, you are right. Having Community Centers to feed people might

lead to something more and that is what we want. She stated that

Community Centers that feed people add to the vibrancy. They make the

neighborhood stronger. She stated that that she looks forward to more

Community Centers existing in the city of Allentown, especially now they

can feed people. She stated that she thinks that is wonderful. She stated

that she is glad they are making the Zoning change, if it passes tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is it anybody else.

Ms. Candida Affa asked if she can speak one more time for one more bite

at the apple.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she agrees with Ms. Gerlach 100 percent.

This is about feeding people and stated to Ms. Gomez that she has a

question for her. She stated that her concern is not only for and she wants

to do it. She wants to feed the people, but she also wants to protect our

neighborhoods.

Ms. Candida Affa asked if she can speak one more time for one more bite

at the apple.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she agrees with Ms. Gerlach 100 percent.

This is about feeding people and stated to Ms. Gomez that she has a

question for her. She stated that her concern is not only for and she wants

to do it. She wants to feed the people, but she also wants to protect our

neighborhoods.

Ms. Candida Affa asked if she can speak one more time for one more bite

at the apple.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she agrees with Ms. Gerlach 100 percent.

This is about feeding people and stated to Ms. Gomez that she has a

question for her. She stated th at her concern is not only for and she wants

to do it. She wants to feed the people, but she also wants to protect our

neighborhoods and the taxpayers that are against this. She asked if they

pass this, how and stated that she is not worrying the ones that are just

going to pop up and decide to do this because the city can close them

down. She stated that she wants to know legally how easy it is going to be

to go to Zoning and keep this and how hard is it going to be to stop this and

for this to continue. She stated that she is not talking about the popups.

She is talking about legally zoning and so forth.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated that since the primary concerns here are

residential neighborhoods and the answered the questions for residential

zoning districts including commercial districts and industrial districts, the

answer is a little different. Within our residential zoning districts currently

there is a special exemption use and the residential zoning districts. If

somebody wanted to legitimately come in and get approval to do this and

again, assuming in a residential zoning district. The process will be to file

an application with the Zoning officer. The first application would actually

be a formality denied because a Special Exemption use that can't be given

over the counter. It would take that denial as an appeal and take it to the

Zoning Hearing Board and they would say, this is a special exemption use

and make their case. She stated procedurally on their end, they do a

Public Notice in the newspaper. They notify the surrounding neighbors and

they advertise that they received this request and they go before the Zoning

Hearing Board and take public testimony and again, one of the

decision-making factors would be whether or not there will be negative

impacts on the desirable character of the residential neighborhood. She

stated that would all be assessed at that time. Again, this is for residential

and zoning districts.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that passing this Bill isn't going to change any of

that, right.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated no. This will change the definition which could

remove the restriction on senior citizens, but the procedures to get it would

remain unchanged with this Bill. She stated just like the applicant in

question needed to go before the Zoning Hearing Board to have a Public

Hearing and in that case it was denied. They would need to file again and

have a Public Hearing and get a decision.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that it will be the same as it is now, really.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated exactly. It is a definition change and that's it.

Ms. Candida Affa stated to get a Liquor License because owned a bar, it

had to be approved to put the big orange sticker up there and the

neighborhood and knows they don't want it. She asked does that have any

play and does the neighborhoods have any say when it is the Zoning

Hearing and their appeals. She stated that this Bill won't change any of

that.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated yes, the neighbors can provide testimony either

in support in that position and provide whatever evidence they have to

demonstrate how this may or may not comply with the standards with the

Code and impact their neighborhoods and there will be an open Public

Hearing to make that decision within the neighborhoods.

Ms. Candida Affa thanked Ms. Gomez and stated that she appreciates it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, is there anybody else on the dais.

Ms. Natalie Santos asked if they are about to vote.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes.

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if they vote yes, that means that it passed.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated yes, and he has one more card for this.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, but we have stopped public and he believes

the gentleman was here prior and could have spoke at that time. He stated

that he is going to have to deny him at this point since he already came to

the dais to speak. He apologized and stated Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, and asked to read the exceptions again, please.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated some of the criteria.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated or the ones that would cause it to be denied.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated it states the Zoning Hearing Board shall not

approve a Special Exception application if evidence is presented that the

use will result in a traffic safety hazard. A public health or safety hazard or a

negative impact on the desirable character of a residential neighborhood.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the third one was one of the biggest things that

was expressed stating if he recalls.

Ms. Jennifer Gomez stated correct.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Hanlon if they vote yes, it will pass and then

the language will be removed.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated correct.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she is just making sure.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. Mr. Hanlon, please conduct the vote.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that this

Ordinance be Suspend The Rules. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16141

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that was already passed and stated we got Bill

50.

6 -

Yes:

No:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Ed Zucal

Enactment No: 16141

15-7761

Bill 50

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00)

from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP),

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to support the rehabilitation of Bogert’s

Bridge.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 50 Bogert's Bridge RACP Allocation

Ordinance #16142.pdf

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

comments. He stated seeing none and asked if there were any comments

from the public.

Male audience member stated that he just wants to make a general

comment about the issue about the community centers which he thinks is a

good thing. He stated that he knows that they are on a final vote and heard

some pros and cons on it. He stated that there was one thing that stuck to

him about the whole issue and he thinks they brought it up unintended

consequences. There is one issue that he is he is hoping that City Council

will have control because serving food is fine to anybody that needs it, but

you got to be able to eat it on premises. The trash in this city is 90 percent

coming from fast food restaurants, people at convenience stores and so if

you look at all the Wawa's, there is all over the place. He stated that we got

to make sure that if the community centers are in our neighborhoods that

they got to eat the food on premises, no take out, and none of the cups and

things that are going out because it is a good service, but we got to control

and we can't have these trash more than it is already is in the

neighborhoods and then the other thing is besides and that was the other

thing that he wanted to bring up and doesn't know if they are going to have

control over that now. He doesn't know exactly how it was set up, but it is

important that the people at the nonprofits know and respect the

neighborhoods by making sure there is not a lot of paper goods going out

the door. He stated that is all he is saying because you can't use plastic.

You have to use paper cups and paper plates and that is the only thing that

he sees that is important with that issue to keep the trash down. The other

thing about and this is his second or third City Council before he has been

back. He stated that 25 years ago, he was very active in the community

here and when it comes to unintended consequences, he is very familiar

with that because when he worked with the city, he worked with some of the

community groups and there were some things that he proposed and yes,

you don't know when you are really big on certain issues and it turns out that

the issue is fine, but then there are other issues that come about from the

stuff they are trying to make better. He stated that one thing he has to tell

them about living back here now, he does a lot of walking around in the

neighborhood and stated by the way he lives on 15th Street so he is

working with West Park Civic and so far he has been back by January. He

has raised almost $1,000 and that is what he wants to do for the rest of his

life. As far as the Bike Plan and stated that there is one thing that you have

to understand, he has lived in a city in the south where the weather was

nice, the Bike Plans were nice and people were using the bikes a lot and in

this city, you got to understand there is only seven or eight months of nice

weather where you could use bike's safely on the city streets. He stated

then there is ice and snow and stated that is the bigger problem that he

knows in the city up north with bikes in the bike lanes and as far as the

sidewalks, he has walked around the city and all the money that was spent

on the handicapped ramps. You walk 10 feet and because of the tree

roots, you wind up with the city sidewalks that are like this so a lot of people

don't use the sidewalks that are handicapped because once you get on the

ramp and get on the sidewalk, it is dangerous in some locations because

of the sidewalk that is raising up because of the tree roots. He stated that

he loves his hometown and had a little bit of bad luck going to Florida.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he is going to have to cut him off. He stated

what he is addressing needs to be pertinent to what they are doing. He

apologized and that you were late and that is why you did not get to speak

about that meeting. He stated that they are beyond that now.

Male audience member stated that did not give his name stated that he is

sure that those neighborhood won't suffer from trash problems.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will do their best. He stated that he is

welcome to come back to any other meetings and by doing that you will

also learn about the priorities.

Male audience members stated that he will.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16142

15-7762

Bill 51

Amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) from the Equipment Fund into

the Fleet Maintenance budget to account for repairs on city equipment that

exceeded the original budget amount. These unexpected repairs include

fire equipment, paving equipment, and tub grinder equipment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 51 Transfer Equipment Fund to Fleet Budget

Ordinance #16143.pdf

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: 16143

15-7764

Bill 52

Amending Article 507 (Traffic Control Maps) of the Codified Ordinances of

the City of Allentown. The Administration is authorized to establish and

evaluate traffic regulations for a temporary period not to exceed 90 days.

This legislation makes the temporary changes permanent.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 52 - Traffic Control Map Amendment

Ordinance #16144.pdf

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

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16144

CONSENT AGENDA: There are no resolutions for the consent agenda.

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7781

R73

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 945 Turner Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R73 945 Turner St-HARB DENIED Resolution DRAFT .doc

FINAL Review 945 Turner Chimney Repair Legalization.docx

Resolution #31068.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his

colleagues.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that it was in her committee and it was forwarded

favorably in front of full Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked for the Denial.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated yes.

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

Mr. Dale Fritchman, owner of 945 W. Turner Street, stated that he is in a

situation where physically he has to move. He has to be on one floor. He

stated that the point being made is that he had a city inspection to see the

appropriateness of resale of a property and one of the things that they

noted on the inspection was the furnace needed to be cleaned out and

addressed. He stated when they did, they noticed that there was more

damage to this furnace and you had to get somebody of a chimney sweep

or someone someone who understands chimneys so he did and hired a

gentleman from Blue Mountain stating that he already talked to some of you

here to address this problem and stated that he is going to let him explain

it. He stated that he doesn't know enough about Chimneys, but had to get

a new liner put in because the previous liner was the wrong size and had

deteriorated and it was a problem there. When he came to take a look at

it, he found that it was also blocked. There were two lines. One for the

boiler down in the basement and the other one for a fireplace on the first

floor and the liner was blocked. It took quite a few gallons of sediment out

and it was said that he was lucky that it wasn't carbon dioxide and he died

during he wintertime. He used it because it was in cold winter. He stated

anyway, the gentleman with that went to the city to talk to the inspectors and

he is going to turn it over to him. He knows more about this then he does

and definitely and he is going to explain what took place and how it was

addressed to fix this problem.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated excuse me Mr. President and stated let me

rephrase it. She stated that she remembers it was denied.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes, this was already discussed at the

committee level and it was denied and it was taken under and that is

presented now under the full Council.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he was first of all as the owner of the

property, he was never notified that they had meetings on his property and

this is he first time he found out that his property coming up here to City

Council. He stated that he was never notified.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he is going to dispute that because the city

sends out notices to the homeowner. It doesn't go to whoever you hired to

do work. It would have went to you, sir.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he believes that the CD department

contacted the contractor if he was there to speak to the issue.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that typically he would think on an application and

whoever is listed as the applicant would be there to represent the project.

He stated that they were certainly notified. He stated if your contractor

came in to fill out paperwork and didn't tell you about it.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he went by the guidelines that the city

inspectors were telling him to do is what he did.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated he could see the city saying you need to have the

chimney inspected and make it operable. It is pretty clear any exterior and

anything that is visible from the public right a way is covered by the HARB

ordinance and on all of their Inspection Reports when they go out and say

you need to change the windows. If you are located in a Historic District,

the city says you are in a Historic District. It may require a Certificate of

Appropriateness.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that is what he and asked can he talk.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated what they are giving him is two bites of the

apple. It was already discussed here and set to vote on it tonight and

depending on what the outcome is, you have the right to appeal it. He

stated that if they gave everybody the same opportunity, you will be here

forever.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he was told that what he did by the city and

he went up and beyond the call of duty in what he has done and his repair

work of this.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated to be clear, there are two separate issues. One is

a Building Code issue to make a functioning fireplace which a lot of times if

you are talking about a liner to replace the liner. He stated that HARB

would not regulate that. He stated when you start messing with the brick

around the liner that is visible from a public right a way then that turns into a

Certificate of Appropriateness issue.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he has lived in Allentown since '87 and he

probably can see about 40 chimneys that are stuccoed in his vicinity. He

stated that he talked to two people and they said they just did it. They just

fixed it and they just didn't tell anybody. He stated that he tried to do the

right thing because his wasn't something that he just wants to cover it up.

He stated that it was a health issue. It was an emergency issue and when

you spent 60 something thousands of dollars on this thing. It wasn't

something exactly that he looked at and thought well you slap something on

there and that is it, I am out of here.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated with this particular one, they were notified while the

work was being done. Went out and explained to the contractor what

needed to occur and the work was finished after without coming in to pull

the appropriate Certificate of Appropriateness.

Mr. John Sekella asked Mr. Hartney if he is the gentleman that supposed to

have said to him that you supposed to stop.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated no, it was not him. It was one of our employees.

Mr. John Sekella stated because he is here and he stated that he has

never been told that. When he went there to find out because he told him

that you have to go through them. You have to explain to them what you can

do. He stated again, he is not a chimney person. He is. He did and he did

what he was told to do. Now, in a phone conversation he had last week,

somebody had supposedly said or supposedly stopped and he was never

told to stop.

Mr. Mark Hartney asked who.

Mr. John Sekella asked who and stated he doesn't know who.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that he knows Brandon Jones, who runs our Art

District was out. He talked to and he doesn't know if it was this gentleman

or somebody on site saying you need to get a Certificate of

Appropriateness. You should stop work.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to the back you should stop talking in the back,

please.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that he knows that occurred.

Mr. John Sekella stated that he also asked how many of these chimneys

have been rebuilt. He asked Mr. Hartney can you tell me.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that he doesn't know that.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated yeah, he knows. He stated all of a sudden he

has to rebuild a chimney after spending $60,000 on it. He stated that he

called contractors to see if there is something else that they can do. They

can match paint. He stated that he doesn't know and stated that he has

pictures of the chimney work that this gentleman did for me from Blue

Mountain. It is not a slap on stucco thing. It was to seal with the issues on it

to take care of it and matching the color. He stated that his house is

painted. It is a brick house and it is painted. He stated you can match that

with the chimney as a solution, but again, it was a health issue. A safety

issue, not only for him but for his neighbors as well.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he knows what he is saying, but again, he

was here at the Hearing and first of all a permit was never pulled. The work

was being done on a Sunday and that would not have even been noted

except for the employee of the city happens to see it then. That is

something that the person you contracted with should know you need to

have a certificate to do work such as that and one was never obtained. He

stated had there been one obtained, you would have known what you would

have been able to do about the chimney because it was in a historic area.

He stated again, they are going to move forward to vote and again, you

have the right to appeal, but that is going to be up to you.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated so you don't want to listen to the Chimney

Sweep at all.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no and stated that he already listened to him

and the committee has all listened to him and made out decision based on

that. He stated that they don't give people to bite of the apple with having a

Hearing and have another Hearing. He stated that they made a decision

and it will be up to the rest of the Councilmembers now to make their

decision along with us.

Mr. Dale Fritchman asked who will send the appeal thing then.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated I'm sorry.

Mr. Dale Fritchman asked who will send him the appeal process. He

stated that he has a feeling that you are not going to move not to help him

out.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated you have to get that information and stated he

doesn't know who. He stated to Mr. Fritchman that he has to obtain it.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he would have to from whom.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated so if the Denial is upheld you will need to come up

with a Plan to bring the Project into Compliance. He stated that will be

submitting a proposed solution whether that is repointing the brick or

painting the brick and work that out with HARB, but if you don't follow

through with that then this is a violation and you would start pursuing

citations with the Magistrate.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that seems very reasonable and asked Mr.

Fritchman if he is agreeable to that.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated after paying $60,000, it is not too exciting no.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she has a question and asked is there an

appeal because that did not sound like an appeal.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no, he stated that he is willing to work with him.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that it is not an appeal process.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Fritchman.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so there is no appeal process stating there isn't.

Ms. Candida Affa stated he is willing to work this him.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that he would have to knock all his chimney stuff

down and put bricks.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated not necessarily. He has to come up with a plan.

Therefore, he has to speak to the historic district and find out if they can

come to a solution. It could be painting or it could to put a few bricks or so

on and so forth. She stated that you guys have to come to a solution to with

you and HARB.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he doesn't even know who he is.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated his name and stated that he is the Deputy Director

for Community and Economic Development.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated ok.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is that agreeable with you, then.

Mr. Dale Fritchman asked does he has a choice.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he thinks it is reasonable.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated sir, everything is not lost. She stated that it is

important that you contact the historic history, HARB. They are going to be

willing to work with you one way or another.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that it sounds like you already made your mind

up which you are going to do. He stated that he is sorry to hear that and

that is why he is here tonight because this is the first time he knew this was

being brought up here with City Council.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the gentleman sitting there was at the here

earlier.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that there are some people from City Council

there.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes, the committee.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he doesn't know who though.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that it was in her committee and did listen to him.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated if this is the first time being told about it stating

he is sorry, it is not on us.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that he will hope that there will be some

consistency in the city of Allentown for all of its residents.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated there is some consistency stating when you do

work, you need to get a permit to do it. There are certain guidelines that

you have to follow in the historic district.

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked is it possible to give him the phone number of the

person he needs to contact before he leaves tonight.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated sure.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked one last question about if HARB and sometimes

when Ms. Kistler is here, it seems like it has been conversations between

HARB and Kistler and the homeowner. She asked has that happened

where they already said hey, you could do this. You can do that.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that his understanding is that the case was taken

to HARB. The applicant was unwilling to change what had been

completed. They voted to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she guesses she is saying she recalls

homeowners coming in where they already done the work and to undue the

work will be very expensive. They come up with a happy medium where

they say ok, they don't have to undue this, but it is a little bit more in

compliance, put this up. She asked has that conversation happened.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that they attended a HARB meeting. They were

unwilling to change there proposal to something.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she doesn't think she is correctly

communicating.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Ms. Gerlach that she understands where she is

coming from.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated you know those times where they come in and

they are like.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that is what he needs to do and that is why she is

asking him to give him the phone number because they need to work. They

need to come to a conclusion, a solution.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that a lot of time that has already been done by

the time we get to this point. She stated that Ms. Kistler has already

spoken to the homeowner and they already worked out an agreement on

this is how this meeting is going to go, but don't worry.

Dr. Cynthia stated that she doesn't think so because he is the homeowner

and he seems not understanding of that. She stated what he needs to do

is make sure you give him a call and let's see if they can work something

out with you.

Mr. Dale Fritchman stated that the reason that he has sent him to the city

people was for him to explain what he could be doing and at no time did he

tell him certain things he could not do or whatever. He stated that they

complimented him on the fact that on what he did when they came up with a

Plan to do the stucco. It is just not a throw it all stucco. He stated that it is

well done. He stated you have pictures of it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Fritchman.

Mr. Mark Hartney provided Mr. Fritman, Brandon's number and stated that

he administers the HARB.

5 - Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

No:

2 - Natalie Santos, and Ce-Ce Gerlach

Enactment No: 31068

15-7801

R77

Approves the submission of a formal grant application to the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources for the construction of Phase 2 of the Martin Luther King (MLK)

Trail. The City is asking for $300,000.00 in grant funding with no match

required.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R77 MLK Trail Grant Application

Resolution #31069.pdf

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no match is required.

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: 31069

15-7808

R78

Cancels the July 2, 2025 Council Meeting

Affa, Hendricks and Mota

Sponsors:

Attachments: R78 Happy 4th cancels July 2 CM.doc

Resolution #31070.pdf

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31070

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

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 asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

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 asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE.

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 thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked Mr. Hendricks if he would like to take Bill 55 to his

committee.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes.

Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hendricks.

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 thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

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 asked if there were any comments from the public.

Ms. Karen Ocasio, Southside, asked why are doing these positions. She

stated don't they address positions and add positions and giving raises

and things like that during budget. She asked why are they doing it now.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will discuss it at the committee

meeting. He stated that they will have the opportunity to do that at that time.

Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that these are to add positions and raises before

the budget, correct. She stated that is what she is asking. She stated

normally these things are left during budget season in the Fall. She asked

why are they doing it ahead.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is going to be in the committee meeting.

Ms. Karen Ocasio asked when is that done. When is that meeting?

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated July.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated July 16th.

Ms. Karen Ocasio stated July 16th and stated that they will be paying

attention.

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 asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE.

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 asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16151

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

There are none.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 8:17 PM