435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

6 -

Present:

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

Santo Napoli

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to please observe the Rules of Council when

addressing the body. A full copy of Council Rules can be found on the city

website or by email if you contact Council office. There are multiple

opportunities to address Council. Individuals can speak during Courtesy of

the Floor (addressing items not on the agenda) and during Bills and

Resolutions on Final Passage and Introduction. When given the Floor,

please go to the podium and state your name and address. All remarks

must be directed towards the presiding officer or council as a body; not a

particular Council member or elected official, the audience or city staff.

Unless otherwise determined, individuals shall have three minutes to

address council and individuals representing a bona-fide group shall have

five minutes. Privilege of the Floor will not be extended for personal insults

or personal attacks on any individual, name calling or other behavior that is

inconsistent with the purpose and intent of conducting official business.

Please address council as a body. Refrain from using offensive language,

cursing and making noises while other people are speaking. Act with

decorum. Remove your hat and turn cell phones off. (Council Speaking

Rules: Members and others given the privilege of the floor will address the

Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer will extend the courtesy to the

Councilperson(s) responsible for introducing legislation the opportunity to

speak first. Each member will have the right to speak twice on any subject.

No Member will be allowed to speak more than twice on any subject

without permission of the Presiding Officer. No Member will speak more

than three (3) times on the question without the unanimous consent of all

the Members present.

Ms. Amy Hertzsic (sp) stated that she wants to bring to their attention a

safety and quality of life issue that is affecting people for the past couple of

years. On your October 4 Agenda, you had an item listed to fix the

pedestrian bridge at Dixon Street and she was dismayed to see it was not

on the Agenda tonight. She does not know why it is not. She trust that City

Council is interested in ensuring the safety and welfare. The pedestrian

bridge on Dixon Street connects the neighbor. There is a bus stop on

Dixon Street. The bridge has been barricaded and no attention given.

Over 100 kids walk past this bridge. This bridge has been used by

pedestrians and people going to work and people without cars, kids that

go to Allentown Schools, Charter Schools, and Catholic schools. It is used

by many people and she does not know why they are delaying fixing it, but

urged them to give it the attention that it deserves.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that on behalf of the Ortiz Ark Foundation she is

coming to them as different departments in the Ortiz Ark Foundation and

the problems that they had throughout the city. Most important to them right

now is Stevens Park. They have worked with the Parks and Recreation

Department with Ryan and Chris very closely and the Police department

with Sergeant Leonard and Chief Roca. The problem is a big problem. In

the last three days, they had nine ODs. It is not funny, but they are

homeless. They don't have the means to continue to take care of because

they are not the organization that gets the millions to do this work out on the

streets. The Conference of Churches and Daybreak have caused a

problem directly in Center City. They treat addicts and homeless and that

is a problem. It is a city problem that we need to address. It is a situation

that she would love to help with, but again, it takes a whole entire city to

figure out a solution. She stated that she does not have a solution on how

they can end homelessness at this moment or how they can fix all the

addicts or the people with mental health, but the solution cannot be to dump

them on 4th and Allen and 6th and Tilghman. It is very unfair. Imagine a

child playing in a park with these needles that they pick up. They have four

rounds a day to clean. Parks and Recreation has been amazing. They

have Field Rangers and she just learned about them. They come out and

help them. The APD is spending hours that she is sure is not in their

budget to add to coming to this park. This is every day. They made videos

this week and have been threatened and there are guys in ski masks. She

stated that she doesn't care and still go to the park. Over the summer,

every weekend as she mentioned the last three times a day from Friday to

Sunday, different organizations rented out the park. That is great for the

community. They love that, but guess what, no one follows up. What

happens is you feed people with addiction or homelessness. The thing

they get with a food stamp card, they now sell to buy drugs. Now, they have

more drugs. This is what we have to see every day. No one is seeming to

care. They have events with loud music all night long in Stevens Park.

Kind of recruiting addicts and homeless. They are on 4th and 5th and Allen

or they are at Stevens Park. Where are the kids supposed to go. What

are the kids supposed to do? Where are they supposed to play? It is

becoming so overwhelming that it is becoming habit for the kids to watch

addiction. It needs to be addressed. The kids are getting their basketball

courts as she spoke to Ce Ce earlier. They don't have bathrooms where

the kids play in the parks of the community. It is really unfair. They are

getting pushed out. They are being told they are the nuisance. The kids

that are 17 to 25 are the problem, but nobody is helping. They really need

help. She sees funds going in and going out, but not where they need it.

Buildings are going up and it is getting frustrating. She is really good at

gathering people. She does not want to keep flooding city hall, but she will.

She stated that she needs help because it is really bad. She has pictures

and documents. She stated that she should not be giving mouth to mouth

and cleaning up needles. She does not get paid to do that. She does not

what makes it really unfair because they watch it and they live here. She

loves Allentown and will not ever leave Allentown, especially in this

condition. There are people that get paid to do these things and they are

not doing them. She needs that to be noticed and need people to help

them in the park. She will give it to Allentown Parks and Rec and the

Allentown Police Department. Because of them, it has been a little safer,

but we need the entire village to stand up and help us.

Mr. Dan Bosket, 523 - 525 N. Seventh Street, thanked Council for indulging

him again. He stated that he made the same appeal and talk at the CED

meeting. Is here on behalf of Community Action Development in Allentown

talking about a Youth Center Project on N. 9th Street between Gordon and

Liberty. They had a community meeting on September 7th to give an

update about the Youth Center Project. The meeting was held at the

Allentown Public Library. Some of the members of the audience that were

here this evening was actually at that meeting. They included residents

from Old Allentown Preservation Association Neighborhood because that

is the neighborhood where the school is located. They of course has youth

at the meeting. Ideally, the purpose of the meeting was to give an update

of where the project is and get some feedback from the public as well.

They actually closed on the purchase of the building on September 29th at

the Allentown School District. During the period of time that they were

conducting the closing, they were also submitting a grant request to the

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for a

demolition of the building. The building itself dates back to 1819. In its

current state, it is not usable. Renovating the building was determined to

not being an option. The only choice is to demolish the building and then

build new. They completed an environmental study as he said at the

previous committee meeting. There has been no red flags from the report

as of now. Of course since the building is vintage 1819 is going to have

lead and asbestos. They are well aware of that. They issued a request for

proposal to select a design firm to begin the design of the building. They

could not begin the design to they actually had control of the building. They

have a kickoff launch meeting with a successful design firm. Mirage

Design LLC is scheduled for this coming Friday. The CACLV Board

actually approved that design contract on October 10th. They of course,

will have to do a capital campaign. The gentleman that was up here earlier

was talking about the sewer system project. He stated that they don't need

that much money. They need a little bit less. The capital campaign can't

launch again until they have control of the building and now they are

creating a design for the building to be part of the capital campaign. Brian

Nester who is the CEO of Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to

chair the campaign for them. He stated that as they are aware, Community

Action is one of the largest nonprofits in the Lehigh Valley. They are

accustomed to doing large fundraising and capital campaigns. Just as a

note, the United Way was able to raise $22 million in one year as part of

their capital campaign. He is acutely aware of the fact that the ARPA funds

that still remains unspent could be designated for police and fire use.

Obviously, public safety is very important and he understands Council's

responsibility to provide public safety. He stated that they are hoping that

between the Council and the Mayor they will be able to cobble together

some ARPA funds that they could use to help with the Youth Center Project

which will benefit the youth here in the city.

Mr. Pas Simpson stated that as they heard Brother Dan speak those

ARPA funds. There was $57 million given to our city. He has not seen

anything that has been done to actually affect the benefit of the average

citizen done with that money. There have been many people who made

requests. They even had things passed and sat on for a year. Before all

that money is spent, how do they find out as citizens with what has been

done with the money, what is going to be done with the money, and what

they can do to make sure that money actually gets to the people that

matters.

Mr. Louis Holtzman stated that he is here to speak on behalf of the Arts

Commission as the Chair of the Arts Commission. He stated that Brendon

Jones is a member as well and a few others here in the audience that are

on the Agenda to be appointed today as well. They are here to talk about

the Public Art Committee Ordinance that is active. The Public Art

Committee in itself is not and has not been for a number of years by the

ordinance and how it should active or by board members on the committee

itself. They are simply asking to role that ordinance into the Arts

Commission because that is what has been done in practice. They are

working to continue to build the infrastructure of the Arts Commission and

the members Rules and Regulations and its ordinance that is a piece of the

puzzle. They are trying to push forward. They have been talking about it for

years and they have it tucked in nicely here. They still have the Public Art

Committee here are on the Agenda and pushes through a lot of the public

works that they have. There just literally nobody on the Public Art

Committee as the ordinance states other than the Arts Commission. He

stated that is the request and thank you for your time.

Ms. Betty Cauler, 2212 W. Tilghman Street, talked about the Budget that

the Mayor just put out. He said that the increases in taxes and garbage

fees will have a limited impact on the majority of Allentonians. She

believes it is not just disingenuous, but it is not true. The city budget for

2024 includes a 6.9 percent property tax increase that he said should not

be a burden for senior citizens because they received an 8.7 percent

COLA to their social security for 2023. She thinks what the mayor does not

seem to understand is that they had to make due in the last six or seven

years with zero to two percent increases. This is the first time they have

gotten a significant one in response to inflation. She doesn't think that he

realizes that it is a cost of living adjustment. That is because prices are up.

Prices are not going to go down. Now that they are up, they are not going

to go down. They get an 8.7 for 2023 and nothing is going to change.

Prices are not going to go down. What is the benefit to us seniors who live

on fixed incomes to get this rate increase in 2023 only to have it negated

by a 6.9 percent increase in property taxes and a $120 increase in

garbage collection rates in 2024. The social security administration is set

the 2024 COLA at 3.2 percent. They get one for the way prices are now

and next year it will be negative by the tax increase. The IMF has projected

the 2024 inflation rate at 5.2 percent. She stated that they are getting a 3.2

from the Social Security Administration. It is not keeping with inflation.

They also said the underlining core inflation is likely to decline more slowly.

Inflation return to target is unlikely before 2025. The majority of them over

65 live on fixed incomes and they also should have the benefit of a property

tax freeze or an assessment freeze. Actually they should have both. Once

they get to be 65, your taxes should be frozen. It shouldn't keep going up

because there is just no way that they can afford this and stay in their

homes. A lot of them like the previous person said would like to stay in our

homes. He also mentioned that the increase is not going to negatively

affect renters. As they will only see a weekly increase of 41 cents per unit,

per week. That is incredibly naïve because a friend of hers saw his

rent increase 20 percent this year. The biggest increase he has ever

gotten. That is not going to go down next year. It is going to go up, up, up.

When he says those kinds of things, that is just not going to happen. She

knows that the city is changing and allowing the downtown to become more

and more gentrified. She stated that 27 percent of the people that live

downtown are living below the poverty line and the city is letting all these

smoked glass high-rises go up and she does not know how many of them

are getting NIZ tax breaks or whatever other Keystone breaks they get and

it seems like it is not affordable housing. It is market rate housing. She

stated that we need more affordable housing in the city and it is time to

make the J B Reilly's of this city pay their fair share.

Ms. Kendall (last name inaudible), Mohawk Street, spoke about the

pedestrian bridge on Dixon Street that was mentioned earlier. She stated

that it is a really big safety issue and it really does need to be looked into.

She used to walk it herself in elementary and middle school and as soon as

she got to high school, it was destroyed and blocked off and she had to

take the LANTA bus to school because she lives in a district that is a

walking district and in order to get to Dieruff High School on the eastside,

she was expected to walk from her house on the southside. She would

take the LANTA bus and had to walk through the mud and a muddy

baseball field rather than walking over that bridge because it was block off

and she would carry extra shoes with her to change into once she got on

the bus because the shoes that she wore would get destroyed walking from

her house to the bus. To expect kids that don't have extra shoes to sit in

school with muddy cold shoes all day. It is not fair to them. She had to get

on the LANTA bus and witness a guy laying across the seat with his hands

in his pants with no shoes on as a high schooler. It is disgusting. Kids

should not be seeing that in the city. She thankfully have a car now and can

drive home from school and whenever she gets to the intersection of

American Parkway and Hamilton, there are homeless people walking

through the streets, knocking on her car window begging her for money.

She doesn't understand why it is not being taken care of. There are

homeless people everywhere. They want money for drugs. They are not

using it for the right purposes. She is literally scared that someone will

open her door one day and try to get to her. It is not safe and it is not good.

She would really appreciate if the bridge can be taken care of and the

homeless situation could be taken care of.

Contract Approvals: There are no contracts for approval.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: There are no minutes for approval.

Communications

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he has something, but will say it later.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that in regards to parking, he wants to remind folks

that visitors at City Council are urged to use the Government Deck next

door. If you do use the Government Deck, you can visit our Clerk, Mr.

Hanlon for the Chaser Card to pay for parking. That is for all City Council

meetings, up to midnight. He stated that he want to make sure everyone

remembers that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this evening he was getting into the shower, he

heard his doorbell ring. Obviously, he was getting read to come here. The

Rule of his house is that no one answers that door unless he is downstairs.

His wife looked at and thought it was political/politician time, she figured it

was probably one of them. She looked out and recognized that it was

obviously, their neighbor across the street. He came and done what he

had to do and now leaving, he was still talking to her. It was 20 minutes

later. Apparently, there has been a car in front of his house and he has

called many times on this. He stated that he is pretty sure what car is it.

About extremely loud music and the fact that it was parked in a no parking

zone and those corners at 16th and Tilghman are marked because of the

direction of sight that you can't see from Tilghman Street from 16th. He

called the Police Department, an officer came out. He stated that he is not

sure if the car was there when he came out, but the officer told him that he

should be arresting him for calling this in. He does not know about them,

but when he was a Police Officer, he did not talk to people like that. If that

is how we build bridges here, they better start building flat roads before we

worry about bridges. The gentleman, his neighbor has no reason to lie and

actually pro police said to him this is not how he should be treated and will

just make a complaint with the Chief and the Mayor. He stated that

allegedly because he was not there. The cop said you can do that, but they

are not going to support you because they are looking for your vote. He

stated that he plans to follow up a little bit more with his neighbor because

this is not how you treat people. He doesn't care if you are a cop or a

firemen or whatever you are. You don't treat people like that and then to

threaten that they should be arrested for making a complaint is just

unbelievable. A couple of months ago, he made a statement about a lady

that was bit by a dog and how she was treated from the that office. Do you

know, she never got a follow up phone call to apologize or anything. He

stated that we have a lot of problems here my friends.

Old Business: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

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

tentatively scheduled for October 31 at 5:30 PM.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa

The committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled on October 25th at

6:30 PM.

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

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

scheduled for October 25th at 5:30 PM.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Mota The Committee met this evening;

the next meeting is scheduled on October 25 at 6 PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal The committee has not met since the last

Council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for November 1st at 5:45 PM.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks

The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is November 1st at 5:15 PM.

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

Gerlach

The committee has not met since the last Council meeting; there are no future

meetings scheduled at this time.

Controller’s Report (3 minutes)

NONE

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that the budget came out recently and he has been going

through it page by page, line by line and he will do his best on what he considers

some analysis for the public and Council. He does know that the schedule that

Council is anticipating is rather compressed and that makes it difficult for him to do

the work that he likes to do. He still will do his best for Council and the public.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazer and stated that he looks forward for his

expertise in doing that. It is much appreciated.

Mayor’s Report (3 minutes)

Ms. Genesis Ortega stated that she is here on behalf of Mayor Tuerk to delivery the

Mayor's Report. As the Controller said, the big news this week was that the Mayor

released the 2024 Proposed Budget. In addition to that, last week they launched

their Inaugural Community Health Needs Assessments. She stated to Council that

anything that they can do to spread the word and encourage residents to participate

in the survey would be appreciated. This survey will be instrumental in helping us

shape the Community Health Improvement Plan for the City of Allentown next year.

It takes 10 minutes and it is on the city website at allentownpa.gov. The Second

Annual Employee Engagement Survey is now complete. Laura Ballek - Cole in the

office has fully processed the data and made it digestible for them to review. She is

making her rounds to departments heads to talk one on one about the findings and

she will be in touch with the City Clerk to get a date scheduled to present this data

at Council. Just so Council know, they received about the same response rate as

they did last year. There is a lot to dissect with this data and they look forward to

review that with Council. They also successfully completed the first two DEI

sessions to city managers which are on the topics of cultivating neuro divergent and

assessable and inclusive spaces as well as trauma informed care. The third one will

be held next week and that focuses on standard DEI language. They received really

positive feedback across the board about staff in these training sessions. They are

also looking forward to continuing that series with them. In terms of resident

engagement, the next City Hall at the Table is scheduled for next Tuesday, October

24th at Midway Manor at 5:30. If you can't make it, they have several happening next

month. Laura from the office has shared that with your office and like always they

encourage and welcome Council's attendance to speak with residents. Lastly, in

terms of upcoming events, Hallo weekend is not week and they start off with the

Coalition for Appropriate Transportation and will host a bike ride with Mayor Tuerk,

city employees and residents on Friday, October 27 at lunch time. Please feel free to

join if you are free. That evening is the city's trick or treat night from 6:00 PM to 8:00

PM. A reminder to all to turn your porch light on if you are giving out candy, be

cautious and keep an eye out for kids in costumes crossing streets while driving out

on the roads. That is really important. Saturday, October 28th is our Halloween

Walking Parade in downtown from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a pedestrian and kid

friendly event which means that like last year Hamilton Street will be completely

closed from Ninth to Sixth Streets. That evening is the Super Mario Brothers at

Midway Manor. This is the final movie for Movies in the Parks series which was

highly successful. On Sunday, October 29th is the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los

Muertos Event) in the Arts Park from 1 - 5 PM. This again is a repeat from last year's

which celebrates the Mexican Holiday that honors the deceased. She stated that

they are excited to offer these events to the residents and hope that they can come

out and join them as well. She stated that she knows that it is a bit early to say this,

but bare with her. Lights in the Parkway is just about a month away. They know a

lot of people get really excited about this. They are excited to continue this really

amazing Allentown tradition of the lights which starts the day after Thanksgiving

until the end of the year.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6264

Bill 89

Providing for the vacation of North Maxwell Street from the centerline of

East Turner Street to the centerline of East Linden Street in the Fifteenth

Ward of the City of Allentown.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 89 N Maxwell Street - Street Vacation Ordinance

N Maxwell Street - Street Vacation Report

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding North Maxwell Street from East

Turner Street to East Linden Street

Allentown City Planning Commission Action Letter for the Vacation of

N. Maxwell Street 09.12.23 signed

Letter from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission regarding North

Maxwell Street from East Turner Street - Vacation

N Maxwell Street from East Turner Street to East Linden Street

Report

N. Maxwell Street from E. Turner to E Linden Street - Mailing

Addresses

Ordinance #15950

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was sent favorably to Council. It is a partial

roadway that has not been used for ages and they want to take it off the city

map.

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

colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15950

15-6270

Bill 90

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Six Hundred Fifty Thousand ($650,000) Dollars from the

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

to support design and construction of the D&L Trail – Allentown Segment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 90 - D&L Trail DCNR Grant

Ordinance #15951

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they discussed it tonight and forwarded

favorably. It is just to support the design and construction of the D&L

Trail in Allentown.

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

his colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15951

15-6272

Bill 92

This ordinance corrects legislation previously passed placing the funds into

appropriate accounts. The bill will reverse Ordinance 15886, and

appropriate the ARPA money allocated for HDC-Mid Atlantic project to the

correct expense account within the ARPA fund. The original Ordinance

15886 was passed and allocated One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to the

2023 General Fund DCED Director’s budget. This does not allow for

proper tracking and oversight of ARPA funding. The original intention of the

Ordinance 15886 was to appropriate One Million $1,000,000 Dollars for

the 1528 West Hamilton St. Affordable Housing Project being developed

by HDC-Mid Atlantic. These funds should be placed in the ARPA civic

expenses account. 100% of the funds will be used to offset construction

costs of the project.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 92 - Corrects HDC Mid-Atlantic ARPA allocation

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that it was sent favorably, 2 - 0.

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

his colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15952

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anybody had any issues with the Consent

Agenda and want to remove the legislation.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she does not have any issues, but a quick

request. It is awesome that there are a lot of people being appointed to the

various commissions. She is glad to see the Commission on the

Homelessness is final on there. She does not see any for the Human

Relations Commission. It would be cool if they could get a list, a

spreadsheet that would say here are the Commission and here are how

many seats that are vacant, here are how many applications we received,

and a status. Because she is hearing concerns from some people on

various Commissions that they are not being filled. It is great to see there

are a lot tonight, but there are other Commissions.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will make that request to the

administration. He asked if they could make sure that happens, that would

be most helpful. He stated that he would have to concur. That would be

something important.

Ms. Michaela Boyer stated that she recently took over the duty of putting

this forward to Council. If they have any other request as well, she will be

happy to look into it. She does have that spreadsheet information available

to them.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Ortega and Ms. Boyer and asked if there

were anybody else. He asked if there were any comments from the public.

He asked if there were any comments on the items on here.

Mr. Michael Hanlon read the Resolutions under the Consent Agenda.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this be approved. The motion

carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

15-6326

R167

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 619 N.

Park St., 614 N. 5th St., 918 W. Chew St.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R167 HARB Resolution

614 N 5th St Final Review

619 N Park St Final Review

918 W Chew St Final Review

Resolution #30718

Enactment No: 30718

15-6327

R168

Jessica L.Ambler, Arts Commission, 1-3-2026

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R168 Jessica Ambler - Arts Commission

Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Jessica Ambler, Arts Commission,

1-3-2026

Resolution #30719

Enactment No: 30719

15-6328

R169

Victoria Beck, Arts Commission, 1-2-2027

Attachments: R169 Victoria Beck - Arts Commission

Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Victoria Beck, Arts Commission,

1-2-2027

Resolution #30720

Enactment No: 30720

15-6329

R170

Daniel Djuro Goiricelaya, Arts Commission, 1-2-2027

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 170 Daniel Djuro Goiricelaya - Arts Commission

Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Daniel Djuro Goiricelaya, Arts

Commission, 1-2-2027

Resolution #30721

Enactment No: 30721

15-6330

R171

Kyle L. Edwards, Arts Commission, 1-3-2026

Attachments: R171 Kyle Edwards - Arts Commission

Kyle Edwards, Arts Commission, 1-3-2026

Resolution #30722

Enactment No: 30722

15-6331

R172

Abigail Simmons, Arts Commission, 1-3-2026 (Replacing Max Weintraub)

Attachments: R172 Abigail Simmons - Arts Commission

Abigail Simmons, Arts Commission, 1-3-2026

Resolution #30723

Enactment No: 30723

15-6332

R173

Chris Giacobbe, Sheet Metal Licensing Board, 10-18-2028 (Replacing

Jeff Erb)

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R173 Chris Giacobbe - Sheet Metal Licensing Board

Chris Giacobbe, Sheet Metal Licensing Board, 10-18-2028

Resolution #30724

Enactment No: 30724

15-6333

R174

Kyle Ropski, Environmental Advisory Council, 1-5-2026

Attachments: R 174 Kyle Ropski - Environmental Advisory Council

Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Kyle Ropski, Environmental

Advisory Council, 1-5-2026

Resolution #30725

Enactment No: 30725

15-6334

R175

Carol Halper, Board of Ethics, 10-18-2026

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R175 Carol Halper - Board of Ethics

Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Carol Halper, Board of Ethics,

10-18-2026

Resolution #30726

Enactment No: 30726

15-6335

R176

Vicky Doulé, Commission on Homelessness, 10-18-2027

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R176 Vicky Doulé - Commission on Homelessness

Vicky Doulé, Commission on Homelessness, 10-18-2027

Resolution #30727

Enactment No: 30727

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6274

R177

Authorizes the Administration to Sign a Lease with the Allentown Police

Athletic League, Inc. for use of 2110 Park Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania,

18103 and of the building adjacent thereto (hereafter called the “Building”)

Attachments: R 177 Lease with the Police Athletic League (PAL)

R PAL Lease Approval

Resolution #30728

Mr. Jared Hanna, President of the Police Athletic League and joined by

Sergeant Leonard, along with some of their PAL kids. They are here for

the Lease to redo the barn. Some of you may know that it is a structure that

is next to the Police Academy and the Parkway. His understanding that it

was not separately deeded previously, but over the past several years it

used to be for horses and other activities per the Police Department. Over

the past several years, it has been used primarily for PAL kids, but has

been falling in disarray. With the passing of Jim Stanko a few years ago,

Sergeant Leonard along with some of the Allentown Police Officers and

some of the kids decided that they would like to redo this property. That is

why they are here for this Lease today. He turned it over to Sergeant

Leonard and the kids to explain what they are trying to do.

Sergeant John Leonard thanked Council for listening to them today and

providing this opportunity. The Allentown Police Department has been

using this building that has been adjacent to the Allentown Police Academy

for some years for our Youth Program. The Youth Program is a

transformative Youth Mentor Initiative aimed at fostering positive

relationships between law enforcement officers and the young individuals in

our community. This comprehensive program focuses on mentorship,

personal development, and civic leadership empowering our youth to

become engaged and responsible and compassionate leaders of

tomorrow. By leasing us this building, they would be able to make the

much needed repairs as it is falling in disarray and deteriorating with parts

of it being non operational at this time. Furthermore, by undertaking this

project, they will be bringing this aligned with their commitment to be

inclusive and assessable for all members of our community. Making the

building ADA compliant will improve access for people with disabilities

fostering more inclusive and equitable environment. He stated as they can

see PAL has been working with Butz Company who has been helping them

from the beginning of this process and these are some of the renderings of

what some of the buildings will look like when the project is complete. He

asked if anyone had any questions for them or would like to hear from any

of the kids.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if any of his colleagues had any questions about

this.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked has the lease been drawn up yet.

Sergeant John Leonard stated that the lease has been drawn up and

submitted.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is part of the packet.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if it was approved through the Solicitor's office.

Sergeant John Leonard stated that the Solicitor is the one who drafted it.

Once approved, it will go through Eden and back up the system for fire

approval.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were anybody else on Council. He

asked if there were any comments from the public.

Chief Charles Roca stated that he stands behind this program, not

because he is the Police Chief, but because he was a PAL attendee. He

remembers back in the 1980s, going to the Police Academy and being

mentored by senior officers that were there. One thing is that you look

behind him and there are a number of children that are here and the smiles

on their face when they learn about the relationship, not only with police

officers, but how to be leaders themselves. He stated that the mentor

program is stepped in doing that and breaking that cycle of violence and

breaking that cycle of division, but to combine it. The plans that are here

today that Sergeant Leonard put forth and Jared Hanna is the chair of the

PAL committee is a win/win for the city. Not just for the area, but for the

entire community. He invited many more people to learn about the PAL

program and take part in it.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she really would like to hear from at least one

of two of the children.

Mr. Charlie Shazecki (sp), E Columbia Street, stated that he is a student at

Allentown Central Catholic and came to the program when he was in sixth

grade and currently a junior in high school. He stated that the program has

changed his life in such a great way. He came into the program for a one

week summer camp when he was in sixth grade and here he is as a junior.

It is a very informative program. He agrees that he will not be the person he

is today if it wasn't for this program. He has met so many great friends.

Some of whom are now in college. He is still friends with them and talk to

them and see them. He stated that he thinks renovating this building will

help this program furthermore. They are doing some pretty cool things

already. This new building will make the things they do even better.

Ms. Anya Riviera stated that this is her first year attending Allentown PAL

program. This summer she ha learned a lot from her peers an officers.

Every day has been a learning experience for her. Joining PAL gave her

the confidence to run for student government. She stated that she has

amazing leaders who care for her future and influence her to be an active

leader in her community. She has become passionate about servicing her

community. Next month, they will be preparing Thanksgiving meals for our

local senior center. How amazing is that? She stated to Council that she

would kindly request for them to grant PAL a 20 year lease for their barn.

Assuring this space will allow children to continue to build leadership skills

and a great way to honor Detective James Stanko. She thanked them for

their time and said by the way, the kids that are all here are going to be

awesome leaders.

Ms. Jade stated that this is the first in the program and it is very fun. They

need to work together to make a better team. She enjoy coming out for the

summer. Her favorite part was learning new people.

Sergeant John Leonard asked if any other kid wants to say anything. He

said we have one of our PAL parents.

Ms. Caroline Velasquez, 365 W. Washington Street, stated that she is a

parent of two PAL with one graduate. He is now a Kutztown freshman.

She has a junior in Dieruff High School. She is also a mentor. She has

been in the PAL program since her son was in the sixth grade. She has

been a participate in a lot of activities that they do for the kids, not only just

for the kids, but the community. She has seen as far as the parks. They

have been going out to help and clean the parks. They have done all kinds

of activities in the schools. It is definitely a benefit for the kids, especially

during the summer where they have the opportunity instead of being at

home. They do have a lot of activities and learn a lot about the community

not as far as the police officers, but the other aspects for the EMTs. They

have different programs that come and they learn about different activities.

One of the activities is coming in and have the police officers that have the

courses. The EMTs, Fire Department and the learn about the different

aspects of not only the police officers, but also the other aspects of what

makes Allentown run. Definitely, it is a good program. If her daughter

could be here because she is at basketball practice, she would be here.

She stated that she definitely appreciates Council's time.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would like to speak on behalf of this and

he is certainly a big advocate of this. He gets to go down to the Academy

often. He used the gym down there and he can tell them that the building

that they are looking to lease from the city was in a state of disrepair and

the funds that they are trying to do that rehab is sorely needed. This will

benefit the Academy and a good portion of our society. These children will

grow up with a respect for law enforcement and all the emergency services.

He spends a lot of time down there watching them and the various

programs and a lot of sports and recreation. He highly encouraged his

colleagues to support this lease. He asked if there were anybody else from

the public that wishes to speak or on the dais.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that Council

Suspend The Rules to bring forward Resolution #177.

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30728

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30728

15-6316

R178

Approves one transfer: (1) $125,000.00 in Parks Maintenance for

$40,000.00 to be used to construct a Pole Barn located at the Fish

Hatchery to be used for storage as required by the State Regulations and

$85,000.00 will be used for upgrades to the windows and doors at the

West Park Band Shell.

Attachments: R178 Transfer Funds

$40,000 Will Be Used to Construct a Pole Barn Located at the Fish

Hatchery To Be Used for Storage As Required by the State

Regulations

Resolution #30729

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

his colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

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

Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30729

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-6347

Bill 93

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN TO AMEND THE

ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN TO ADD A NEW

SECTION THAT WOULD ESTABLISH A NEW “MIXED USE OVERLAY”

ZONING DISTRICT, AND THAT WOULD APPLY THIS NEW DISTRICT TO

LAND FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY THE ALLENTOWN STATE

HOSPITAL THAT IS SOUTH OF HANOVER AV., SOUTH OF E. ALLEN

ST., SOUTH OF WAHNETA ST. EXTENDED, GENERALLY EAST OF

MAXWELL ST. EXTENDED, NORTH OF RIVER DR., AND WEST OF

THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM BORDER, AS DEPICTED IN MORE DETAIL

ON AN ATTACHED MAP LABELED “EXHIBIT A”, AND TO ADD

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.

Attachments: Bill 93 Allentown Mixed Use Overlay Zoning

Legal Description of Proposed Mixed Use Overlay District (1)

Northridge - Allentown State Hospital Rezoning

Letter from Planning Department regarding ACPC Action Taken on Bill

#93 Northridge Overlay (New Bill)

Redline - Allentown Mixed Use Overlay Zoning Draft 8 2 23 and

Allentown Mixed Use Overlay Zoning Draft 10-4-23

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

REFERRED TO THE ALLENTOWN PLANNING COMMISSION

15-6354

Bill 94

Providing for the vacation of Skyline Drive from the East property line of

501 Skyline Drive to its Western terminus in the Fifteenth Ward of the City

of Allentown:

Attachments: Bill 94 Skyline Drive Street Vacation

Skyline Drive Staff Report

Portion of Skyline Drive Map - Street Vacation

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding Portion of Skyline Drive - Street

Vacation

Allentown City Planning Commission Action Letter for the Vacation of

N. Skyline Drive 09.12.23 signed

Letter from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission regarding Skyline

Drive Street Vacation

Skyline Drive from the East Property line of 501 Skyline Drive Report

Ordinance #15953

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 15953

15-6358

Bill 95 2024 BUDGET AND TAX RATE

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing the General Fund,

Administrative Order Fund, Risk Management Fund, Debt Service Fund,

Equipment Fund, and Golf Fund Budgets for 2024.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill No. 95 2024 BUDGET AND TAX RATE

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

REFERRED TO THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

15-6359

Bill 96 2024 SOLID WASTE

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Solid

Waste Enterprise Fund Budget for 2024 and amending Article 1131,

Municipal Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal by increasing the Solid

Waste Fee at Four Hundred and Ninety-Five ($495) Dollars.

Attachments: Bill No 96 2024 SOLID WASTE FUND AND FEE

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

15-6360

Bill 97 2024 LIQUID FUELS

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget

for 2024.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 97 2024 LIQUID FUELS

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

15-6361

Bill 98 2024 RENTAL UNIT FUND

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Rental Unit

Licensing Fund Budget for 2024 and amending Article 1759 – Landlord

and Rental Fee by maintaining the Residential Rental Fees.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 98 2024 RENTAL UNIT FUND

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

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6362

Bill 99 2024 STORMWATER FUND AND FEE

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 99 2024 STORMWATER FUND AND FEE

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

15-6363

Bill 100 2024 TREXLER FUND

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Trexler Fund Budget for

2024.

Attachments: Bill 100 2024 TREXLER FUND

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

15-6364

Bill 101 2024 ARPA FUNDS

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the American Rescue Plan Fund

Budget for 2024.

Attachments: Bill 101 2024 ARPA FUND

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

REFERRED TO THE VARIES COMMITTEES

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

15-6337

R179

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 141 N. 10th Street

Attachments: R179 HARB Resolution to DENY - 141 N 10th St

141 N 10th St Final Review

Resolution #30738

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

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 30738

15-6338

R180

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 316 N. 8th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 180 HARB Resolution to DENY - 316 N 8th St

316 N 8th St Final Review

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

public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6340

R181

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 932 W. Gordon Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 181 HARB Resolution to DENY - 932 W Gordon St

932 W Gordon St Final Review

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

public.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked what is going on.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6341

R182

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1410 W. Linden Street

Attachments: R182 HARB Resolution to DENY - 1410 W Linden St

1410 W Linden St Final Review

Resolution #30739

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

his colleagues or the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 30739

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that today was very positive and she loves seeing

kids here in City Hall. They are going to be the future leaders. It is good

when they come here with requesting good things for them. It was very

positive and she is really grateful for that and she was glad that Council

was able to let them speak. They were cute and very intelligent.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he agrees and had the opportunity to meet