435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Courtesy of the Floor

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

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

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

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

have the privilege of the floor, personal insults, attacks, name calling or other

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

be tolerated.

Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comments on items that are not on

the agenda. Public comment during consideration of ordinances, resolutions and

motions are limited by topic – your comments must be relevant to the subject matter

of the proposed legislation. Public comments are taken before

legislation.

council votes on

You are given the privilege of the floor to provide public comment; it is not a

question and answer session. State your position clearly and concisely for

consideration. If you speak on behalf of yourself, you have three minutes and if you

are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members present, you will be

given five minutes in place of everyone coming to the podium. Please address the

Council President not individual councilpersons or city staff. Refrain from insulting

or defaming staff, officials, and the public; refrain from

using offensive language,

cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking. Please be aware that

comments and/or behavior in violation of these rules will result in a forfeiture of all

remaining time and you will be asked to return to your seat.

Ms. Gerry Traupman, 407 S. 18th Street, stated that she is coming forward.

She lives on S. 18th Street and not too sure where to start with the city in

reference to Family Child Care Homes Services. If they are limited in

reference to the numbers that are allowed in each area. She stated that

there are four in our two block radius. She stated if you look on the

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, there are 51 in a one mile

radius and when she says family home child care, she asked do you know

what she means. She stated that this is a facility that the city allows stating

there are many licenses. She stated that is where she doesn't know where

to start to get some questions answered. She stated there is fire and you

have to go through the city for a permit. They have to get their Certificate of

Occupancy, but it is where a home and an individual resident can take care

of up to seven children. She stated like five to seven children. She stated

that she realized that this happened in all the years she lived in Allentown.

She stated talking about it she now lives next to one and just mentioning the

impact of five to seven children in a row home or a half of a double. It is like

they might as well be in your house. She stated that she understands that

kids are high energy. She stated that her inquiry she guesses is there are

four within a two block radius. She stated that three of them are associated

with the same childcare name. She stated like it is different names and is

the same individuals that will manage or run it. She asked is there a

restriction, what city department would she find out about those rules. She

asked would that be Zoning, Economic Development.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the best place to start is with Vicky Kistler's

team in the Department of Community and Economic Development. He

stated to Ms. Traupman if she provides her name and number to Mike

Hanlon, they will have someone from the Zoning office reach out.

Ms. Gerry Traupman stated she is just looking to educate herself. She

stated that she knows group homes are expected and certain things have

to be 1,000 feet (inaudible).

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated quite frankly she could have saved herself

tonight to have done that and called in.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated they like to see that she is here.

Ms. Gerry Traupman stated listen she will stay for the whole thing. It is all

good.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will make sure she gets an answer to

all her questions.

Ms. Gerry Traupman thanked Mr. Hendricks stating he has my information.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated give him your phone number.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated yup.

Ms. Gerry Traupman stated that she started with Zoning and was like, oh,

this is kind of good timing.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, stating they will get back to her.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is the only card he has.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated the only one. He stated thank you for being the

only one, anyhow. He stated that they will move on from here to Contract

Approvals.

Contract Approvals

15-7979

R128

Authorization Engagement of Professional Services with HT Lyons in the

amount of $19,740.00 for engineering services to develop the scope of

work, schematic design, and firm design/build pricing for the renovation of

the VAV system and duct distribution at City Hall and Public Safety

Building.

Attachments: R128 - HT Lyons

Resolution #31121.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok and asked anyone from the administration

that wants to expound on that.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated he thinks Sarrah McNeil is on the line and can

provide any additional details that Council has any questions do to the

contract, if they have any questions.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is a.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated go ahead, Sarrah.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is professional services purchase over

$10,000 in requiring Council's approval. She stated that they are utilizing a

CoStars Cooperative.

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

comments from his colleagues or any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31121

15-7980

R129

Authorization for Contract with Penn Credit Corporation for collection

services for past due accounts on behalf of the City of Allentown, accounts

will primarily be for the Bureau of Revenue and Audit, the Bureau of

Recycling and Solid Waste, and Emergency Medical Services. Three (3)

proposals were received, contract shall commence on November 8, 2025

and shall be for two (2) years with three (3) additional one (1) year renewals

beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R129 - Penn Credit

Resolution #31122.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP 2025 - 36, Collection

of Delinquent Fees. it was advertised on Public Purchase on August 8,

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

received three proposals. An evaluation team consisting of five members

conducted both technical and cost evaluations. The proposals are

evaluated based on IBE preference, ability to meet RFP requirements,

project approach, experience, qualifications and costs. She stated after

evaluating the proposals,the evaluation committee decided not to move

forward with oral presentations. The committee is recommending an

award to the top scoring firm Penn Credit Corporation.

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

questions or comments from his colleagues or any comments from the

public.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated she is sorry she did not have this question

initially. She stated that she just now Googled. She stated that this

organization and asked do we know if they have any lawsuits against them

in Pennsylvania. She stated that she sees they had one in Virginia.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated not that we are aware of. She stated that would

be legal that needs to look into that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it was concerning violations. The Fair Debt

Collection Practices.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked did you say Sarrah that you wanted to look into it.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that is something that legal needs to look into it,

but this has been our vendor currently. She stated that as far as she knows

they have not had any issues with them.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Ms. Gerlach when was the lawsuit? Does it say?

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated in Virginia and stated it was back in 2017.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that was a while ago.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated just wondering. She stated quick Google and

would say, yes.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31122

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

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31122

15-7981

R130

Authorization for Contract with WSP USA Inc. in the amount of

$200,000.00 to assist the City with developing its first Climate Action Plan

(CAP). The CAP process will include robust community outreach and

education, an inventory of the existing greenhouse gas emissions,

greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, prioritized emission reduction

measures, climate adaption strategies, and as outline of required

resources and funding mechanisms to implement the plan. The contract

term shall be for one (1) year. The contract may be extended for up to two

(2) additional six (6) month terms.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R130 WSP USA Inc.

Resolution #31123.pdf

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2025-25, Climate

Action Plan. It was advertised on Public Purchase on June 13, 2025.

There was a public bid opening on July 24, 2025. The city received seven

proposals. An evaluation team consisting of four members conducted both

technical and cost evaluations. Proposals were evaluated based on IBE

preference, ability to meet RFP requirements, prior experience, team

members qualifications, and cost. She stated after evaluating the

proposals, the evaluation committee decided not to move forward with oral

presentations. The committee is recommending an award to the top

scoring firm, WSP USA Inc.

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

comments or questions from his colleagues or any questions from the

public.

Mr. Kyle Ropski, 528 N. Berks Street, stated that he is here tonight on

behalf of the Allentown Environmental Advisory Council. He stated that he

came up a couple times this year focusing on getting them intuned with the

Allentown EAC's purpose statement which is to advise the city on

environmental issues, encourage sustainable design, and greenhouse gas

production, protect and preserve our natural resources, promote

environmental programs that benefit our community. The development of

an Allentown specific Climate Action Plan is directly inline with that

purpose. He stated that this Plan represents important steps forward for

Allentown and a long overdue return to the intentions laid out in Allentown

Vision 2030. The Living Chapter Principle One Plan for a resilient and

sustainable Allentown. The key next step one in that was to develop a

Climate Action Plan with the intention to measure our Greenhouse Gas

Emissions, establish clear reduction goals, prioritize strategies that not

only cut our emissions, but prepares us for the impact of climate change

which are going to come and going to be very real. He stated just as

importantly stating that this is specific to this one. This Climate Action Plan

will include investments in robust community engagement, ensuring that the

residents, businesses and institutions in our city has a voice in shaping the

solutions that we put forth. Climate Action is not only about natural

environment, it is also about protecting public health, strengthening their

economy and preserving quality of life for future generations by adopting a

plan, Allentown will join cities across Pennsylvania, including both

Bethlehem and Easton and taking proactive responsible steps to address

climate challenges and opening opportunities for funding, partnerships and

innovation. Importantly, the strategy that he identified through this Plan will

be fiscally responsible, helping the city save taxpayer dollars to improve

deficiencies, smarting infrastructure investments and access to outside

funding sources. He stated that on behalf of the Environmental Advisory

Council he thanked City Council and the administration for prioritizing this

work and recognizing that a strong Climate Action Plan is essential

meeting our shared responsibility to the current and future residents of the

city of Allentown. If they choose to approve this contract tonight, they look

forward to supporting the city and the community throughout this process.

He stated thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Ropski. He asked anybody else from the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31123

15-7978

R131

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

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

Marketing LP, ET&T, Recycling Equipment Corp., and SIV Ambulances.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R131 Cooperative Approval - 10.01.2025

Resolution #31124.pdf

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that these are all being purchased through

various Cooperative Contracts.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked any questions or

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

the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31124

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-7991 August 20, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: August 20, 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

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Chasers, if anybody needs any Chasers, Mr.

Napoli has them available. He stated to please stop up after the meeting.

Old Business

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she just has one. She stated that it is the

same thing as last time. She stated that she is just wondering about the

$8,000 allocation that they all agreed to for tents and tarps for the

unsheltered. She stated that she sees that the Conference of Churches

has a wish list and stated that she is wondering what is going on and stated

that last time they had the conversation here, they did not have any money

in the account. She stated that she doesn't know if that has changed. She

stated if maybe the account that it is coming from has changed stating they

have to get the Conference of Churches money so that they can get these

tents and tarps for folks. She stated that they should not have to go on

Facebook to do it, when we promised them money. She stated that she

believes it was specifically for the Conference because she remembers

Ms. Affa has said like she wanted it to go there and Council voted yes.

She stated that should be honored. She stated that she is wondering if it is

an update like how could Council get them their money like ASAP stating

cut them a check. She asked who can answer that.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated what he can answer is his understanding he

thought it was going for tents themselves so he actually put it into a 68

Account. He stated if they want to flip it to Other Contract Services for the

Conference of Churches is that would be an internal transfer and that the

Controller would need to lay out what type of invoice the Conference of

Churches need and then the check would be cut on the Council President's

approval.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated gotcha and stated so if it were kept internal

where the city were to just buy tents and tarps, how would that look. She

asked who does that. She asked who will buy the tents and tarps.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he did not know what they were going to do.

He stated that he had to transfer the money so he put it into an account for

tents. He stated that if you are going to give it to the Conference of

Churches, he is thinking it would have to go into a 46 Account and go to

them. He stated that he would ask the Controller what is needed.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked could we do that so that they have their

discretion. She stated that she doesn't think any of them are experts. They

could just buy what they need.

Mr Michael Hanlon stated that it is the body's call. He stated that is your

desire.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he would rather and asked could he jump in.

He stated that he would rather not make it for one item. The Conference of

Churches needs something and stated let them make the call and just help

them with the funding.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated on their wish list, they have way more than tents

and tarps. They have bug spray, they have sun block, they have sleeping

bags, they have multiple items that people would need after the eviction.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated ok and stated that he will work with the City

Controller to get something spent and see what. He stated that the

Controller isn't here tonight to solve it.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated alright, cool. Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, anybody else.

REPORTS

REPORTS Public Hearing: President Hendricks

A Public Hearing will take place Wednesday, October 15 at 6 PM to take

testimony on Bills 69 and 70 - the zoning and subdivision and land

development ordinances.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that a Public Hearing will take place

Wednesday, October 15 at 6:00 PM. He stated at that time, they will take

testimony on Bill 69 and 70 - the Zoning and Subdivision and Land

Development Ordinances with the intention to act on both Bills at the

Council meeting that follows.

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Santos, Gerlach

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

meeting is not yet scheduled.

Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli

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

meeting is scheduled for October 15th at 5:30 PM.

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos,

Napoli, Hendricks

The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa

The Committee met this evening to discuss Budget priorities; the next

meeting is October 15th at 5:40 PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota

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

meeting is scheduled for October 15th at 5:50 PM.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa

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

meetings scheduled.

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair

Hendricks, Mota, Napoli

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no

future meetings scheduled.

Controller’s Report

None

Mayor's Report

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked do you have anything that you would wish to

speak of.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he did not provide a Report so he will save it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Matt Tuerk.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): NONE

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there are a number of items on the Consent

Agenda. He stated that the appointment of Mr. Daigle to the Human

Relations Commission with the term to expire on 9/18/2028; the

appointment of Craig Beavers to the Human Relations Commission with

the term to expire on 9/18/2028; Travis Bonney to the Human Relations

Commission with the term to expire on 9/18/2028; Krissi Echevarria to the

Human Relations Commission with the term to expire on 9/18/2027;

Nikayah Hill to the Human Relations Commission with the term to expire on

9/18/2027; R137 is the appointment of Tinku (Arundhati) Khanwalkar to the

Human Relations Commission with the term to expire on 9/18/2026; Jose

Rivera to the Human Relations Commission with the term to expire on

9/18/2026. He stated that there are two Sewage Planning Modules at 930

W. Hamilton Street and at 600 West Hamilton Street.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked did anybody have any

request on those to be removed.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he would say Ms. Tinku has done an excellent job

all the time up to this point. He stated that he would absolutely recommend

her.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated alright, very good.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-7968

R132

Michael Daigle, Human Relations Commission, Term Expiration:

9/18/2028

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R132 Daigle (Human Relations Commission).doc

Mayor Tuerk HRC Appointment Memo 2025 - Michael Daigle (Term to

Expire 9-18-2028).pdf

Resolution #31125.pdf

Enactment No: 31125

15-7969

R133

Craig Beavers, Human Relations Commission, Term Expiration:

9/18/2028

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R133 Beavers (Human Relations Commission).doc

Mayor Tuerk HRC Appointment Memo 2025 - Craig Beavers (Term to

Expire 9-18-2028).pdf

Resolution #31126.pdf

Enactment No: 31126

15-7970

R134

Travis Bonney, Human Relations Commission, Term Expiration:

9/18/2028

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R134 Bonney (Human Relations Commission).doc

Mayor Tuerk HRC Appointment Memo 2025 - Travis Bonney (Term to

Expire 9-18-2028).pdf

Resolution #31127.pdf

Enactment No: 31131

15-7988

R139

Sewage Planning Module at 930 W. Hamilton Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 139 930 W. Hamilton Street - Sewage Planning Module.doc

Sewerage Planning Module - 930 W Hamilton.pdf

Resolution #31132.pdf

Enactment No: 31132

15-7989

R140

Sewage Planning Module at 600 West Hamilton Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R140 1 Center Square - Sewage Planning Module.doc

1 Center Square Sewer Planning Module 2025-07-25.pdf

Resolution #31133.pdf

Enactment No: 31133

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7987

R141

Authorizes the submission of the formal application to the Pennsylvania

Office of the Budget for a grant of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand

Dollars ($7,500,000.00) to support the Allentown Art Museum.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R141 - Allentown Art Museum RACP

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-7982

Bill 75

Amending the 2025 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Three Dollars

($26,703.00) from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant. These funds

are a pass-through grant that will support the Allentown Patriots Athletic

Association.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 75 - Allentown Patriots LSA Appropriation

Ordinance #16168.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that this will go your

committee Councilwoman Mota.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16168

15-7983

Bill 76

Amending the 2025 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) from the PA State Office

of the Budget RACP grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will

support the Da Vinci Science Center.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 76 - Da Vinci RACP Appropriation

Ordinance #16169.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this will also go to your committee, Ms.

Mota.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anybody wishes to comment from the public

on either one of those items.

Enactment No: 16169

15-7984

Bill 77

Amending Page 378 of the 2025 Equipment Fund Budget to provide for an

increase of Twenty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Ten and 00/100 Dollars

($27,910.00) from the General Fund Fire Department Equipment Account

for additional costs associated with Seagraves Pumper VIN #

1F9EB28T6SCST2052 and Seagraves Pumper #

1F9EB28T4SCST2051.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 77 - Equipment Fund Transfer Fire Pumper

Ordinance #16170.pdf

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16170

15-7985

Bill 78

Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental

appropriation from the unappropriated balance of the Trexler Fund in the

amount of Seventy-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Five Dollars

($77,805.00) and an appropriation from the Cedar Beach Improvements

fund in the amount of One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Four Dollars and

Ninety-One Cents ($1,684.91) to the Roosevelt Park capital budget of the

Parks and Recreation Department. These funds will be used to construct a

spray park and are a part of the 2024-25 Trexler Capital Project allocation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 78 - Roosevelt Park Allocation

Ordinance #16171.pdf

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16171

15-7986

Bill 79

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Seventy-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Nine

($72,869.00) Dollars from the Allentown Parknership to support

construction of a basketball court. This is a reimbursement from the

Parknership.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 79 - Stevens Park Basketball Court

Ordinance #16172.pdf

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 16172

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

NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they have one item on the Agenda which is

a Resolution to be given out and stated that he is going to pause the

meeting at this time and those people should show up. They were

scheduled for 7:30 PM. He stated that he is going to turn over the reins to

vice president Cynthia Mota.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated good evening and stated it gives her a great

pleasure to welcome the staff of WFMZ tonight and to congratulate them on

their Emmy Award in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of

Television Arts and Science. She stated WFMZ TV staff members were

nominated 19 Emmy Awards. She stated again, 19 Emmy Awards. She

stated the city and Lehigh Valley are fortunate to have the local station that

consist of such an exceptional talent. She stated that we are all winners

with excellent broadcast, journalism and television media. She stated that

they would like to thank WFMZ for having a Spanish Edition. She stated

that their Spanish speakers are especially fortunate for the work you have

done in bringing the news and highlighting the achievements of our

community. She stated that she knows a lot of them won and she is so

proud. She stated that she knows that and the reason they decided to do

this that she knows that a few of you guys are immigrants and said one of

them just came back from the Dominican Republic not too long ago, right.

She stated three years ago and won two Emmy Awards. She stated that

she wants to give him an applause for that. She stated that is really

amazing. She stated that they have a list of people that won: Jaccii Farris,

Chris Lundberg, Stephen Dean, Perla Lopez Baray, Leslie Lopez, Paloma

Freundt, Isaias Alberto, and Jenny McCain. She stated that the awards

cover a variety of categories from Crime, Justice to Societal concerns.

She stated that they thank them for their work and for making our

community a better place. She thanked them in Spanish. She stated let's

give them a round of applause. She asked Perla if she mind speaking and

telling Council a little bit about this award and stated love it. Love it.

Ms. Perla Lopez Baray thanked Council.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that this is a big thing, you know. She stated that

she is really proud.

Ms. Perla Lopez stated that she is going to give the mic back to them and

asked is it ok.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated it is ok. She asked state your name so that we can

put it in the record.

Ms. Perla Lopez stated her name and stated that she is the news anchor

and executive producer of 69 News in Spanish. She stated that this is part

of her team and named them: Isaias Alberto, photo journalist and editor;

Leslie Lopez and Paloma are reporters. She stated that they are bilingual

reporters in English and Spanish and they won these awards on

September 20th in Philadelphia and stated that they are very proud to be

here. Thank you so much. She thanked all the members of City Council,

the Mayor, the city of Allentown and our community of course. She stated it

is such an honor to be here, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month and

also this is a team effort. She stated that this is a team effort and this is not

only one person. She stated that they got these awards because they

worked together and that is what they do every single day. She stated

Isaias, Leslie Lopez and Paloma all collaborate and serve the community

with a lot of passion. She stated ever since they were little kids they

wanted to be journalist because they want to serve their community and

that's what we do. She stated that is why they are here to serve their

community. She stated thank you so much members of Council and stated

to our community here, thank you guys so much. It is because of stories

that you show with us that we are here. She stated that this is what we

share with you guys are well. Because it is not like what she said just them

or Perla, Leslie or Isaias alone. She stated it is a team and stated thank

you. She stated that they appreciate them very much and appreciate your

time. She stated thank you for waiting because they came just from work.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated she knows they did.

Ms. Perla Lopez stated thank you mayor. Thank you.

Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if they want to say a few words. She asked any of

them.

Mr. Isaias Alberto stated yes, he wrote his speech.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she loves it and this is your show Isaias. Go

ahead.

Mr. Isaias Alberto stated ladies first. Ladies first.

Ms. Leslie Lopez stated that she is very grateful and honored to be a part

of this community and be able to tell the community stories without the

community they would not be 69 News in Spanish. She stated thank you.

Ms. Paloma Freundt stated the same as Leslie stating that they are so

grateful that you guys trust us and let us be your voice on television.

Sharing your stories. She stated that they would not even have jobs if it

weren't for you guys. She stated thank you very much. She stated that it is

her biggest honor. She stated that to her means more than any award can

ever mean. The fact that you guys trust us every single day. She stated

thank you so much and thank you for the recognition.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated well deserved. She stated Isaias, now it is you.

Mr. Isaias Alberto stated that he practiced his speech. He stated that he

has two years here and learning English. Her stated that it is a challenge.

He stated that he tries his best everyday. He stated that he is honored to

receive this Proclamation from the City Council. He stated that they do

their best to inform the community about both the good and the bad news

with true commitment. He stated as a Dominican, he is proud that his

country has received this award as if it was its own. He stated thank you

from the bottom of his heart for appreciating their work. He stated God

Bless us. Thank you so much.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that is beautiful stating that was well said. She

asked if anybody wants to say anything from Council.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he sounds like Mota.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated yeah, Dominicans.

Mr Daryl Hendricks stated that he would like to add one of the most

important components of a free and democratic society is to be able to

report freely. He stated that you have done an excellent job in doing that,

especially serving the Latino community and stated that he thank them so

much for that. He stated that they as a body encourages that and continue

to do the great work you do. He stated much appreciated. Thank you.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated thank you. She asked anybody else. Anybody

else from the dais.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that Mike already cut his mic and stated that these

folks already heard it before. He stated that he is so proud of 69 News in

Spanish, especially since you heard their accent. Their beautiful accent.

He stated that the reporters report in English and in Spanish. They speak

beautiful Spanish and beautiful English stating that he just wants to

encourage and he is so glad that everybody here can understand what they

said and can hear their words said so beautifully. He stated that he wants

to continue to encourage people across the Lehigh Valley who are making

decisions about who to hire in key positions like these to understand that

we speak more than Spanish and speak English too. He stated that you

can report the news as well as in Spanish as well as you do in English. He

wants to encourage everyone making decisions about how we report the

news to give people a chance to tell their stories.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated exactly.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that every way they communicate the stories of our

neighborhoods are beautiful and give them a chance to do that. He stated

thank you again for always for your accents.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated definitely. She stated you know what, they are

breaking barriers. Just because you have an accent, some people believe

that you are less smarter. The reality is they won awards and just because

you have an accent stating there are plenty of us with Doctor degrees and

in reality an accent doesn't really show the person's intelligence. She

stated when you have an accent, that means you speak multiple languages.

She stated that she is so proud. She really am because you know what not

anybody can win an Emmy and you guys did. She stated so you guys, it is

time for pictures. She stated come on. She stated president, adjourn the

meeting and let's take pictures.

ADJOURNED: 7:03 PM