435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

Public Works Committee

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

6:15 PM

Council Chambers

Roll Call: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks

15-6109

Bill 75

Amending the 2023 General Fund budget to allow for a position name

change in the Department of Public Works, Recycling and Solid Waste, by

changing the SWEEP Officer position to SWEEP Officer Bilingual.

Attachments: Bill 75 - SWEEP Officer Retitle

Ordinance #15936

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that there are currently four Sweep Officers with

only one position being bilingual. That position has recently became

vacant due to retirement within the Bureau. This change will allow for

increases customer service to our residents and assist with our outreach

efforts within the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if this involves any monetary changes.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated no, sir. Just a title change.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any questions from his committee.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is not on the committee.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated then from the dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked is it a way that they can be paid more since they

have an extra skill which is speaking two languages.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that is something they can definitely work with our

HR team and see how that would be negotiated with SEIU.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they definitely should.

Mr. Mark Shahd stated that he does not disagree one way or the other.

That is something that they can definitely look into.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any comments from the public. He asked

Mr. Shahda for a Capital Projects update.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Natalie Santos, that this Bill

is forwarded to full Council.

3 - Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos and Daryl Hendricks

Enactment No: 15936

Yes:

Updates

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that they are delighted to gather around this

evening and provide them with the Comprehensive Update on the ongoing

Capital Projects within the Public Works Department. He stated that

commitment to improving our city's infrastructure and services are at the

forefront of our efforts. He stated that they are excited to show the progress

and plans with you all this evening. Presently, the Public Works Department

is managing 26 Capital Projects. He is happy to report that four of the

projects are ready for closure due to the successful completion. He stated

that they are proud of the achievements. It contributes significantly to the

enhancement of our city. Additionally, our focus remains on the six annual

projects that they are currently overseeing. These initiatives which include

the Cost Share Program with UGI and LCA. Curb and sidewalk

construction, shade tree revitalization in the Streets Program. Constituents

are the core to our ongoing efforts. Each project is essential in maintaining

and improving our city's infrastructure on a constant basis. They have in

place three capital accounts that are earmarked for emergencies. These

accounts are instrumental in addressing critical needs such as urgent

bridge repairs, roof maintenance, and essential renovation to city hall.

Turning our attention to ARPA funds, they are thrilled to inform them about

the three projects that have been made possible through its funding. First,

the stormwater lining projects is in full swing and is expected to include this

summer. Additional funds have been allocated for the Operating Budget

for 2023 - 2024 ensuring the projects continuity and effectiveness. The

second and third ARPA funding projects encompass the watermain and

filter replacement initiatives. These projects are on track for completion in

the Fall of 2025. The water main replacement project, initially a part of

Cycle 7 has undergone a strategic shift and now will be combined with

Cycle 8 instruction in 2024. Meanwhile the water filter replacement project

is scheduled to commence construction in Spring 2024. Within the diverse

range of projects, this significant portion falls under Traffic and Planning.

The School Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project backed by the TASA

Grant is designed to enhance safety around our schools. It involves an

installation of new school zone flashers and an RRFB at Fourth and MLK.

Currently in its final design and bidding phase, this project is set to

commence construction later this year. The traffic signal modernization

project funded through the MTF PennDot Grant aims to modernize our

traffic signal systems. This initiative includes installing a new traffic signal

at 15th and Highland and upgrading two existing signals to integrate within

an adaptive system. While still in the preliminary design stage, this project

holds immense promise for improved traffic management. Diving further

into their efforts, the American Parkway Traffic Signal Improvement Project

made possible by a Greenlight Go Grant seeks to revolutionize traffic along

American Parkway. This involves installing a traffic adaptive system with

GPA preemption from Auburn Street to Airport Road with pedestrian

enhancements. They are excited to announce that the RFP for the design

consultant is now active, moving us closer to bringing this innovative vision

to life. Stepping into the commitment of well-lit streets, the Mack Boulevard

lighting project supported by the MTF DCED grant is making strides. This

endeavor involves the installation of new streetlights along Mack Boulevard

spanning from Emaus Avenue to the Railroad Bridge. The design process

is being handled in house and the construction is set to commence later

this year. Lastly, the Hanover Traffic Signal Improvements Project funded

by MTFDCED Grant aims to enhance traffic management around Hanover

Avenue. This initiative includes installation of a traffic adaptive system with

GPS preemption from Albert Street to Wahneta Street alongside the

introduction of RFD at the Hanover and Linden intersection. Currently, in

the design phase this project underscores our commitment to safety and

efficiency. In conclusion, we are excited to share the progress and plans

for a diverse range of Capital Projects. These endeavors are a testament

to our team's dedication to improving our city and infrastructure. He stated

that they are grateful for their continued support and engagement as they

work together to create a cleaner and safer Allentown.

Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Mr. Shahda and asked if there were any questions

from his committee or he dais.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Zucal that she does not have a question

concerning this, but would like to ask Mr. Shahda about other things. She

received a few phone calls from different businesses complaining about

not receiving a notice or letter about construction on their streets. The main

complaint is about UGI has been working all over our city. Some of the

businesses are losing a lot of jobs, especially the restaurants because

when they are doing construction on their blocks, the people have no way of

going to get their foods. She asked if it is possible to do something about

it. Perhaps a letter to them ahead of time to know what has been going on.

They are losing a lot of money.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that he understands the situation. They are a part

of the utility companies process does consist of public outrage. They are

required to reach out to residents and homeowners, businessowners of the

work that is going to take place. He will follow up on that to make sure that

is happening.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that of course they want things to be fixed and all

know that UGI is all over fixing/working the streets and things like that. They

are minority owned and they are not making the money. It is important to let

them know ahead of time so that they can know their options.