435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Invocation

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

6 -

Present:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

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.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they are going to start with Courtesy of the

Floor. They are now going to take Courtesy of the Floor for any public

comment that's not related to any Agenda Item on this evening's Agenda.

He stated that the comments tonight during Courtesy of the Floor will be

forwarded to the appropriate departments or entities and someone will

follow up either privately or during a future City Council meeting with

outcomes. He asked Mr. Hanlon if they had any Courtesy of the Floor.

Ms. Betty Cauler asked could Becki go first.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated you want Becki to go first, ok, Becki Kiss.

Ms. Becki Kiss, Allentown, PA, stated that she is here because she was

not able to attend the Budget meeting, but did listen to some of the ideas

that you had and thinks they were pretty good. However, it was something

that she did not hear during that budget meeting was renegotiating the

contract with the Parking Authority. She stated so currently, the Parking

Authority maintains approximately 1,500 metered spaces on the streets in

the city of Allentown which brings in approximately $1.1 million just from

those meters. She stated then from tickets, the Parking Authority brings in

approximately $7.5 million. She stated that she noticed in the Budget that

in 2025, they paid the city $480 which Mr. Glazier graciously told us it was

more than likely for our salt. She stated that she did some more digging

and noticed that Philadelphia received $108 million from their parking.

Pittsburgh received $8.5 million from their Parking Authority and Reading

also receives a considerable amount. She stated that she could not find

Bethlehem's Parking Authority Budget online so she is not positive about

that. She stated that she just wants to throw it out there that possibly the

Parking Authority legislation could be re-looked at. She also went through

the city's budget for 2025 and notice that in the mayor's office,

memberships and publications is now up to $62,000 in 2025 which is up

from $482 in 2022 which given the fact that the mayor was in DC this past

week during the snowstorm, she finds that a little bit crazy. She also sees

the mayor's budget that civic expenses are at $70,000. She is not sure

exactly what these are, but that was 2025 which was up from zero dollars in

2022. She stated that she is not sure how to find what these memberships

and publications are, but when her job sends her to some kind of meeting

or conference or something like that, she is expected to come back and

give a PowerPoint presentation explaining what she learned while she was

there. What they discussed? What they talked about and she is curious if

the same is expected of these memberships, specifically the DC

conference of Mayors is a dues based organization based on the number

of residents you have in the city stating we pay $11,000 a year for him to go

and talk to other mayors in the area. She stated that she is curious what

kind of or what are we getting from it as taxpayers because these are

decent numbers here and considering they had a considerable snowstorm

last week, she is just curious where all this money is going. Thank you.

Ms. Betty Cauler, 2212 W Tilghman Street, stated that she just wants to

bring to Council's attention that the Reading Parking Authority which she

was told it is different from Allentown which doesn't matter. She stated that

they get $1.25 million. She stated actually they originally got $1.7 million in

2023 or 2021 it began. She stated when the parking funds were increased

and they just gave them a break because of their debt. They get $1.25

million now. She stated that they got a whopping $480 to the city of

Allentown. She stated that she wants to reiterate what Ms. Kiss said that

we really need to think about and stated that she does not know who is on

the board now. She stated that you might want to bring this up at a board

meeting because they do need to look at this. She did send something to

Michael which is Reading's Agreement so you can read over it and see if it

could be something that we could implement here because $408, that like

a slap in the face. She stated she means really. She stated and also

what's up with the snow removal. She stated that the city is a mess. There

are like two streets that are clean. She stated 5th Street and Hamilton

going past here. She stated that is about it. She stated if you drive

anywhere else and it is a nightmare. She stated that she knows that the

mayor extended the removal over the weekend and she doesn't know why.

She stated that we gave him his four percent increase. She wants to see

that it is going to something other than his cronies. She stated that she

doesn't know what they have to do with snow removal.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that we can forward that to that department.

Ms. Betty Cauler stated you can what.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that we can forward it to the Streets department.

Ms. Betty Cauler stated it is not the workers. You know it is not workers. It

is ridiculous. There is nowhere to park. She stated that she lives on

Tilghman Street which is an emergency route and the snow is four feet out

from the sidewalk, still. She stated that this is two weeks after the storm,

two freaking weeks. She stated that she doesn't know where she is

working on now. She asked do you guys know where they are working on

now.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated we don't.

Ms. Betty Cauler asked do you know where to Mayor Tuerk.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they can have someone get back to her with

that information.

Ms. Betty Cauler stated that she really appreciates someone getting back

because it's a nightmare. She stated it took her 25 minutes to get from 5th

Street to 5th and Chew home the other day because the streets where

there are two lanes, there are no longer two lanes because the snow is out

to here. She stated that it is ridiculous. Go with it somewhere to go

through. She stated that we have lots of big parks and big parking lots to

go. She asked can they do something about it. It really is a nightmare

driving around the city. Thank you.

Mr. AJ Ney, Turner Street, stated that he did not expect to be going on after

that. He stated that he is a homeowner and a former Parking Enforcement

Officer. He actually came to speak on behalf of the Parking Authority. He

stated that at the last City Council meeting and at many meetings here, the

parking issues were a consistent topic and often frustration is aimed at the

APA and claims they may be targeting people or making the city less

desirable. As a former APA officer, he just wants to express to everyone

here that through the entire training process and working as an officer

there, never once was he was asked to meet a quota or collect revenue or

target any individual or vehicle. He could say with absolute certainty that

every day that APA works to make our city safer and more accessible and

every ticket they wrote was about safety and accessibility. He stated that

there is so much more he can say about that. He stated that three minutes

is not enough, but he can come back to future meetings, but to address to

specific topics, he heard a complaint at the last meeting about street

cleaning and someone receiving a ticket after the street cleaner coming

through stating that he just want to express that it is important for people to

understand that there are other things to be done during those periods from

garbage collection to lights, painting tree maintenance and a perfect

example right now is snow removals. He stated that it is a very good

comment that brought up the streets are a mess. Streets have done a

great job clearing streets that aren't currently parked up. It is a very good

example of why that enforcement is so helpful to keep our city functioning.

He thinks they may be made a mistake in suspending that enforcement for

the week after the storm. It would have been more helpful to clear the

streets. The solution discussed at the last meeting to place enforcement

with street cleaners which is going to slow down the whole process. He

stated that he would argue a more effective measure might be to remove

the word Street Cleaning from the signs and just to express to residents it

is an important period not to park in order to help keep our streets clean,

organized and reset everything. He stated that another comment he

wanted to address is a statement that we need more parking in Allentown.

He actually wholeheartedly disagree. Our urban areas were built before the

car was invented. They are very walkable and decent and transit access

and we are blessed with the network of smaller streets that other cities

would kill for. He stated that this is not a problem they can build their way

out of. If they try to add enough parking, they will destroy our city in the

process. He stated that it is a simple geometry issue more than anything.

He implored this Council to instead go into every conversation about

parking with an understanding that not everybody in Allentown owns a car.

Not everyone needs to own a car and even if people do own cars, they

don't have the right to park anywhere and everywhere because parking

illegally does hurt other residents. They get lots of calls where people are

trapped in their houses and someone parked in front of their street. It can

be dangerous. Lastly, a comment he heard at the last meeting was what

do you want us to do from someone who was frustrated from parking. He

stated that he thinks that is the root of the issue and one of the thing that he

spent most of his time communicating with residents about when he was

out doing enforcement. He stated that we need to do better job of

explaining of what people should be doing rather than what they should be

doing. They should be ticketing their way out of this. The APA officers do

everything they can to avoid the ticket, but he does think as a city they will

do a pretty bad job of not explaining what people should be doing. There

are solutions to these problems, but it take some reasonable, rational

discussions to balance these ones. It takes a reasonable and rational

discussion to balance needs, wants, and demands. He looks forward to

discussing some of those alternate solutions that balance (inaudible).

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any others for Courtesy of the Floor.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is it.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok.

Contract Approvals

15-8202

Authorization for Contract with Bowman Consulting Group LTD. in the

amount of $379,369.93 to provide design services to upgrade five

outdated traffic signals along the 17th Street Corridor. Improvements will

include new controllers, video detection, GPS emergency pre-emption,

accessible pedestrian signals, ADA curb ramps, curb extensions where

feasible, and high-visibility crosswalks. The system will connect to the

Downtown Traffic Signal System via spread spectrum radio. Three (3)

proposals were received. Contract shall cease three (3) years thereafter

and may be extended for up to an additional two (2) one (1) year terms

beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R4- Bowman

Resolution #31204

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that they have Ms. McNeil

present.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated yes, this was done as RFP 2025-54, 17th Street

New Improvement Project. It was advertised on Public Purchase on

November 19, 2025. There was a public bid opening on December 17,

2025. The city received three proposals. An evaluation team consisting of

three members conducted both technical and cost evaluations. Proposals

were evaluated based on IBE preference, project understanding and

approach, experience, qualifications, timeline, references and costs. After

evaluating the proposals, the evaluation committee decided to move

forward with or presentations with the top two scoring firms. The committee

is recommending an award highest score vendor Bowman Consulting

Group.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any

questions or comments from the dais or any questions or comments from

the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31203

15-8203

Authorization for Contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. in the

amount of $215,733.00 to provide professional design and consulting

services for its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Demonstration

Projects. Services include designing the Jefferson Street Traffic Calming

Project with temporary markings, lane changes, flexible delineators,

high-visibility crosswalks, and “No Turn on Red” signs, as well as

supporting data collection and evaluation for the School and Park Speed

Cushion Project and High Injury Network Daylighting Project through traffic

counts, crash analysis, performance metrics, and community feedback.

Two (2) proposals were received. Contract shall cease two (2) years

thereafter and may be extended for up to an additional three (3) one (1)

year terms beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R5 - Michael Baker

Resolution #31204

Mr. Santo Napoli stated Ms. McNeil.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2025-55, Safe Streets

and Roads for All Demonstration Project. It was advertised on Public

Purchase on November 25, 2025. There was a public bid opening on

December 23, 2025. The city received two proposals. The evaluation

team consisting of five members connected both technical and cost

evaluations. Proposals were evaluated based on IBE preference project

understanding approach. The experience, qualifications, timeline,

references and costs. After evaluating the proposals, the evaluation

committee decided not to move forward with oral presentations. The

committee is recommending award to the highest scored vendor, Michael

Baker International Inc.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok, thank you. He asked if there were any

comments or questions from the dais. Anything from the public on R5?

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31204

15-8204

Authorization for single source Contract with Microsoft Corporation in the

amount of $110,500.00 for provides the ability for City staff to open tickets

directly with Microsoft for system support and work directly with an account

manager at Microsoft for escalation and resolution. This is considered a

single source as the City is fully integrated with Microsoft Office 365.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R6 Microsoft

Resolution #31205

Mr. Santo Napoli asked for some background, Ms. McNeil.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that the general service purchase over $10,000

which requires Council approval and it was done as a Single Source

Procurement as the city is fully integrated with Microsoft 365.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any comments or questions from the

dais. He asked if there were any questions or comments from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31205

15-8205

Authorization for Contract with Fisher & Son Company, Inc, Genesis

Turfgrass, Inc, Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc, Harrell’s, LLC, Nutrien

Solutions, and Siteone Landscape Supply, LLC at the unit prices identified

on the bid tabulation, for a total estimated yearly sum in the amount of

$231,900.00 for agricultural chemicals for the City. Seven (7) Bids were

received, one (1) was rejected, contract shall commence upon full

execution and cease December 31, 2026, with two (2) additional one (1)

year renewals beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R7 Turf Chemicals

Resolution #31206

Mr. Santo Napoli state Ms. McNeil.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as Bid #2025-53, Turf

Chemicals 2026. It was advertised on Public Purchase on November 18,

2025. The public opening was held on December 16, 2025. The city

received seven bids. One was rejected due to not including their bid bond.

It was determined to award to six responsive vendors for various parts of

the contract.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok, thank you. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues or any questions or comments

from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31206

15-8206

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

$40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services, for GT&E,

Shafnisky Electric Inc., and Witmer Public Safety Group Inc.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R8 Cooperative Approval - 2.4.26

Resolution #31207

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok, Ms. McNeil.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that they are just being procured through PA

Coast Net (sp), PA State Contracting COSTARS.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok and asked any questions or comments from his

colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31207

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-8215 December 30, 2025 City Council Special Meeting Minutes

System

Sponsors:

Attachments: December 30, 2025 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.pdf

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Minutes be approved. The motion

carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

15-8194

January 13, 2026 Special Meeting on Bill 1 2026 Budget Adoption

System

Sponsors:

Attachments: January 13, 2026 Special Meeting on Bill 1 2026 Budget Adoption.pdf

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Minutes be approved. The motion

carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Communications

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that City Council received the 2025 Allentown City

Planning Commission Annual Report from Jennifer Gomez, the Director or

Bureau of Planning and Zoning. The PA Municipal Planning Code requires

the Planning Commission to maintain a full record of its activities and

submit a written Annual Report to the governing body. That Report is an

attachment to the Agenda on the website. Also, for visitors of City Council

meetings, they encourage you to park in the government deck next door

and see our Clerk, Mr. Hanlon for a voucher to pay for your parking. He

asked if there was any Old Business.

15-8212

City Council received the attached report from Jennifer Gomez, the

Director of Bureau of Planning & Zoning. The PA Municipal Planning Code

requires the Planning Commission to maintain a full record of its activities

and submit a written annual report to the governing body. Attached is the

2025 Allentown City Planning Commission (ACPC) Annual Report.

Attachments: 2025 ACPC Annual Report.pdf

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

Old Business: NONE

REPORTS

Public Hearing - President Napoli

City Council received a request for the transfer of Liquor License Number R-21060 to

The Felix Restaurant LLC, 395 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard. We have scheduled a

public hearing on March 4 at 6 PM to take public testimony on the transfer. A

resolution will be on the council meeting that follows at 6:30 PM to allow City Council

to approve or disapprove the transfer.

Budget and Finance: Chair Pungo, Mota, Gerlach

The Committee met on January 28 and reviewed the budget process, finance reports

and committee priorities. The next meeting is scheduled for February 25 at 5:30 PM -

currently the agenda will include a review of the monthly financial reports and a

continuation of our review of the budget process.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Gerlach, Binder, Napoli

The Committee met this evening and discussed the Encampment Enclosure Bill. The

next meeting is scheduled for February 18th at 5:30 pm to review Bill 8 and also will

talk about some priorities that you need to. Thank you.

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Binder, Santos, Affa

The Committee met on January 28th at 5:30 PM to review committee priorities and

review a bill on tonight's agenda; the next meeting is not yet scheduled.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Pungo, Binder

The Committee met this evening and followed two items to the full Council; the next

meeting is not yet scheduled.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Mota, Santos

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

meetings scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Mota, Pungo, Affa

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

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

Gerlach

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

scheduled for March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM - it will be a public workshop meeting with

Lehigh County.

Controller's Report

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Napoli and stated that he has a Report for you this

evening which is Accounts Payable Weekly Check Review from January 3, 2026 to

January 30, 2026. This Report was just published today. On the number of checks

they reviewed in this period is 353. The dollar amount that they reviewed was a little

bit over $6.1 million. There were three wires in that time period for $171,000 and nine

manual checks for a little bit under $100,000. When an employee of the city is going

to take a trip and you need to fill out a number of forms, one is a TRA asking

permission and the second one is a TER detailing your expenses and TERs need to

be filed within five working days. A department took a whopping 181 days to and the

department was advised and reminded that they needed to follow the city's travel

requirement. The dollar amounts on the TER were correct. He stated that they

noted two overpayments in the garage. One for $5.38 and one for $109.95. In the

one instance, the vendor issued the refund and the second, the check was voided.

There were only two instances of checks that have an incorrect expense account

and that is probably a record in terms of how low it was. He stated that is good to

see. This was not necessarily garden variety questions. There were things that took

a lot of thought, but the departments were advised and journey entries were made.

There were 21 instances where invoices were not paid within a 60 day window. The

city does not have in the AIMS a date or dates the constitutes what late payment it is

so they have picked a number of 60 days with. It is really pretty lenient and there are

21 invoices that fell afoul with that. The bureau were advised with these issues and

the checks were released and all the departments were responded with a reason

why these were paid late and there were two instances of checks where the proper

documentation was not attached within Munis. The Bureaus were advised of the

issue and the proper documentations were scanned in and the checks were

released. He stated that is his Report, Mr. president.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated thank you to our Controller.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated a quick question. She stated she was reading through and

she is not going to name the department and stating that you don't.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he tends not to.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she noticed and will not either. It seems like

sometimes it is a reoccurring department. What, does training and asked what

could help maybe the staff in that department not continue to make some of these

mistakes. It says that there isn't a response from the one department that has the

highest number of instances. She asked is there like a way to alleviate this in the

future or.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that is a great question stating as you know what the

Controller does or can do is really advise. Occasionally, they can publicly shame

somebody. They try to avoid that. He really doesn't think that is good policy. He

really thinks it really comes down to better communication in terms of expectations

between for instance purchasing and the various departments in the city. He stated

that he would tell Council and the public that he thinks that Purchasing is really

stepped its game in terms of communicating expectations especially with regards to

P-Cards and making sure that information is in on a timely manner. They had some

success, but not perfect success. He stated that is the best he can tell them. That

might be a topic for Mr. Napoli's committee and the administration to take up, but

good question. Thank you very much.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Mr. Glazier.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked does he want to mention you have an event coming up. He

stated that he thinks next week.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated sure, on the 11th and the Controller's office has invited all

the departments to meet here in City Council Chambers to go over what we do, how

we do it and why it's important and they are going to go over things like the charts

of accounts when they get their own personalized chart account. He stated he

knows it is in the big budget book, but this makes it easy. He stated that they have

done it in the past and thought about doing it last year or the year before, but with

Munis coming in, they didn't want to put too much on plates so they are doing it this

year. He stated that you guys are all welcome. It is the 11th at 9:00. He might do

depending on Council's interest. A brief presentation workshop one evening at

some point in the future. He stated so you guys and the public get a better

understanding of some of the things that we do and what they will look for and why

it's important for and why it's important for proper and efficiency of the operation.

He thanked him for the question. Those operations will continue. He stated that

they

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok. Moving along, the mayor has not submitted any report.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it has been previous practice that the mayor needed to

submit a Report prior to saying anything at a Council meeting. He stated that he

doesn't know if that is going to continue under your leadership, Mr. president. He

stated that he is happy to provide a brief update on a couple of items if you are

interest in it. He stated an Ad Hoc Report.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that we will do that tonight and will come up with a Plan

going forward.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated really quickly, in the past month and the month of January.

He stated that he Reports on the happenings of the mayor's office. He stated that he

was great to meet with four of seven members of City Council and talk about what

goals look like for the year ahead and the four years ahead. He stated that he looks

forward to meeting with the City Councilmembers that he was not able to sit down

with individually. He stated that he was incredibly happy to see six of our seven City

Councilmembers show up for the Allentown State of the City Address what feels like

a month ago at this point, but he thinks it was a week ago. He stated it was a good

turnout from the community and gave him an opportunity to share his observation

on the city of Allentown with the members of Council. Long story short on the State

of the City is that the city is in good shape and got a long way to go to be in great

shape. The city is in good general condition and a very good financial condition and

the future is bright. He stated that he knows that Mark Shahda will be providing a

snow update or kind of a post mortem of the city's cleanup response to this most

recent storm. He stated that Winter Storm Fern is scheduled for the first meeting in

March. He stated that Mr. Shahda is working to prepare a complete analysis of the

lead up to the storm. The storm itself and our cleanup operation. He stated that he

does want to provide them with a what's going on right now answer. He stated that

they are continuing snow removal operations in District 9. He stated that there are

30 trucks working around the clock to remove snow from streets from 4th to 12th

and from Union to Chew Streets so that includes a lot of our denser neighborhoods.

Removal operations are challenging. He stated as Mr. Jordan mentioned when cars

are parked in the streets. It complicates our ability remove snow from that side of

the box. He stated getting residents to comply with the no parking regulations on

the street cleaning side is important. Those operations will continue. They do not

have the equipment or the capacity to remove snow from the entire city when

conditions persist like this. He stated that Mark will give them the fuller detail. He

stated that the good news is that looking ahead, they have above freezing

temperatures at least forecast for next week. Although, unfortunately the forecast

calls for a little more snow next week, but Mark will be providing from Public Works

will be providing a full update to you. Thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mayor Tuerk for the update.

15-8225

Controller's Report

Attachments: PCard Oct 25 Report. pdf

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-8182

Bill 3

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments

Amending the 2026 Grant Fund budget to accept Fifty Thousand Dollars

($50,000.00) in grant funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies through

Johns Hopkins University for the Love Your Block Grant.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 3- Love Your Block Grant Appropriation

Ordinance #16186

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there is anything from the administration on this.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he has some information. He stated that he

thinks most of that was provided in committee and he believes that it was

forwarded favorably. He stated that this has been a good thing for our city

for building community engagement. The first phase of the Block Grant

was focused on Franklin Park and some of the funding went to staff time for

a part-time employee and a vista employee. Some of the funding went to

do many projects in collaboration with a couple different community based

organizations. Phase II will fund additional staff time around neighborhood

engagement. THe focus is going to shift to the first and sixth wards. THe

purpose of the program is to build community engagement with neighbors.

There will be a more substantial investment through this funding in projects.

The projects will be focused on vacant lots in the first and sixth wards. It will

also focus on improving porches as gathering places for our neighbors. He

stated that they looking forward to active collaboration with City Council to

help get these dollars into public improvements around the first and sixth

wards and continue the work that they are doing in Franklin Park as well.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated thank you and stated Chair Binder, this was in your

committee and is there anything you would like to.

Mr. Jeremy Binder thanked Mr. Napoli stated as the mayor stated that this

was forwarded favorably. He wanted to say thank you to Mr. Daniels for

reaching out. He stated that it answered a lot of the questions that he had

in the previous committee meeting. He stated that was very, very helpful.

Thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any other questions or comments

from the dais. He asked if there were any other questions or comments

from the public regarding Bill 3.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16186

15-8181

Bill 4 Parks and Recreation Committee, Chair Santos

Amending the 2026 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Three Thousand One Hundred Twenty-Four Dollars and

Twenty Cents ($3,124.20) from H&P Construction, Inc. for the city providing

electrical hookup for the Bogert’s Bridge project.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 4- HPCI Invoice Appropriation

Ordinance #16187

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was in Chair Santos committee this

evening.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated yes, and it was forwarded favorably.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any questions or comments from his

colleagues or from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16187

15-8180

Bill 5 Parks and Recreation, Chair Santos

Amending the 2026 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars from DLNHC

(Delaware Lehigh National Heritage Corridor) as part of their Lehigh Valley

Greenways Implementation Block Grant for the Trail Water Fountain

Upgrade at Jordan Meadows Park.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 5- LV Greenways Grant Appropriation

Ordinance #16188

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was also your committee, Ms. Santos.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated that it was also forwarded favorably.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked any questions or comments from his colleagues or

the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16188

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Santo Napoli stated on our Consent Agenda, we have three items and

stated R9, R10, and R11.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that R9 is a Sewage Planning Module for 1324

S. Howard Street. R10 is the appointment of Kate E. Hartney to the

Planning Commission and R11 is the appointment of Krista V. Brown - Ly

to the Human Relations Commission.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok and asked if there were any questions or

comments. He stated go ahead Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she wants to make sure that they are all

good here. She stated with the two appointees to the various

commissions. She stated that there is no sort of conflict of interest. She

just see a familiar last name. She wants to make sure it is not a family

member.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that there is no relations to Mark Hartney who is

the city's Deputy Director for Community and Economic Development and

there is no relations. He stated that he thinks Kate can attest to that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated ok stating that you know of. She stated ok, cool.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is the Lehigh Valley you don't know.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated wonderful. Thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Ms. Gerlach for clarifying. He asked if there

were any other questions or comments regarding these appointments and

the Sewage Planning Modules. He asked if there were any questions or

comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

15-8191

Sewage Planning Module at 1324 S. Howard Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments:

R9 ANB Realty 16, LLC at 1324 S. Howard Street - Sewer Planning

Module.doc

Sewerage Planning Module - 1324 S. Howard Street.pdf

Resolution #31208

Enactment No: 31208

15-8208

R10

Kate E. Hartney, Planning Commission, Term Expiration: 2/5/2030

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R10 Planning Commission - Kate E. Hartney.doc

Memo from Mayor Matt Tuerk regarding Kate E. Hartney from the

Planning Commission.pdf

Kate Hartney Resume.pdf

Planning Commission List.xlsx

Enactment No: 31209

15-8207

R11

Krista V. Brown - Ly, Human Relations Commission, Term Expiration:

2/5/2029

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R11 HRC Appt

Memo from Mayor Matt Tuerk regarding Krista V. Brown - Ly to the

Human Relations Commission.pdf

Krista Brown - Ly Resume.pdf

Human Relations Commission List.xlsx

Resolution #31210

Enactment No: 31210

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-8184

R12

Approves the Allentown Parks Plan 2025.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R12 Park Plan.docx

Parks.pdf

Resolution #31211

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok. Any questions or comments from his

colleagues.

Mr. Jeremy Binder stated that he did want to say that he thanks Director

Tolino for the opportunity to meet with you and your team. He met at the

facility that is in Lehigh Parkway. He stated that it was eye opening to see

the place where the Parks Department is working out of. He stated that

there are a lot of challenges that he witnessed first hand in that building. He

thinks there is a lot of work to be done. He commend all of the staff and

what they have been doing, working through the various challenges in that

facility. He looks forward to future updates in the parks and how that can

impact residents. Thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Binder and stated go ahead Mr. Pungo.

Mr. Cristian Pungo stated no again, likewise it is great work. It is a very

substantial document for those who had not had a chance to read it. He

encouraged everyone stating they are still having meetings during the

Parks and Recreation Committee today. They are going to have some

meetings from Franklin Park. He stated that this is a great opportunity for

people who will provide their input for what you would like to see in

Allentown. Of course, there is a Plan, but there is always more than

necessary for the final stages of those Plans. He stated that he sat through

a couple of those early on and it is incredible. Everyone's input was taken

into consideration and it is your opportunity to mold the city and the parks

that we have so please take advantage of it.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated also very quickly Ms. Tolino, he mentioned at the

committee meeting and want to mention it now the engagement of your

team was really really good. He stated that he went to a few of the

meetings where you solicited feedback and engaged with our community.

It was very well done. The Fearless Fire one was really well done. He

stated that was my favorite. It was a great job by everyone on your team

and he is anxious to get this to the finish line and stated thank you. He

asked if there were any questions or comments from the public on the

Allentown's Parks Plan.

Mr. Kyle Ropski, 528 N Berks Street and chair of Allentown Environmental

Advisory Council, stated that he is speaking today in support of the

Resolution here affirming the passage of the parks plan. He stated as they

sort of referenced. He stated that it has been a lengthy process with a

robust community engagement portion in which many people in this room

has participated in. He stated that he is voicing his support in this. He

wants to emphasize this Plan is not only a vision for recreation, it is also

strategy for how Allentown prepares for the ongoing and emerging acts of

Climate Change. The extreme heat and heavier rainfall, flooding. And, as

severe weather events become more frequent, our parks will increasingly

serve as the city's first line of defense against these challenges. Our

naturalized areas in parks are where climate mitigation and adaptation

happens on the ground and this Plan intentionally designs them to serve

that role through commitments and expanding the tree canopy, preserving

and enhancing greenspace and increasing naturalized areas. This Plan

helps cool neighborhoods, reduce heat related illness and improve air

quality during extreme heat events. By prioritizing reptarium corral

restoration floodplain protection and green infrastructure. The Plan uses

Parks to absorb stormwater, reduce flooding and protects downstream

neighborhoods as rainfalls becomes more intense. In this way, this Plan

positions our Parks to protect residents every day, not only for places for

recreation, but as an essential environmental infrastructure working on

behalf of the city. The Plan recognizes parks as an essential environmental

infrastructure, places that manage water, store carbon, and support

biodiversity. Investment in greenways and trail connectivity and will also

support lower greenhouse gas emissions, by encouraging alternative form

of transportation, like walking and biking while improving access to nature

for residents across the city. By treating parks like public spaces and

climate access. This Plan strengthens Allentown's ability to respond to

environmental challenges, while improving quality of life today. The needs

of our current generation while preserving the ability of future generations to

meet their own needs. He urged their support for its passage and option.

Thank you. He stated that he also wants to reiterate Councilperson

Binders comments regarding the Parks and Recreation team. They did an

amazing job. They attended these meetings in the course of months and

he knows they are going to do a great job in actually adopting this Plan if

you choose to pass it here tonight. Thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Ropski. He asked if there were anymore

questions or comments from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31211

15-8216

R13

Authorizes the submission of a Formal Application for funding from the

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Multimodal Transportation

Fund Grant (MTF-PennDOT) Grant Services in the amount of

approximately Six Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Two

Dollars ($682,282) for the trail connection between Cedar Creek Park and

Trexler Park.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R13 - PennDOT Application.docx

Resolution #31212

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 31212

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

Mr. Santo Napoli stated regarding Bill 6, there was a request from the

administration to introduce and vote on Bill 6 in order to make timely

payments on an Equipment Loan through the Trexler Fund.

There is a request from the Administration to introduce and vote on Bill 6 and 7 this

evening - to make some timely payments. You will need 6 of 7 members to vote in the

affirmative.

15-8210

Bill 6

Amending the 2026 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental

appropriation in the amount of Twenty-Two Thousand One Hundred

Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($22,133.10) to the Parks and

Recreation Department to make the 5th and final payment towards the

Groundskeeping Equipment Loan. This is part of the 2025-26 Trexler

Operating allocation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 6 - Trexler Final Equipment Loan Payment.doc

Ordinance #16189

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they will start with Bill 6. This is a request from

the administration to introduce and vote this evening in order to make

some timely payments on Equipment Loan.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated can he say this. He stated that he goofed on the

Agenda. There should be another Resolution on here.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he did not have that.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it didn't appear and stated that this was his

mistake.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is actually for the parks, alright and

stated that you would need to make a Motion to Suspend the Rules.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that to be clear, it is a Finance question. It is

Parks financing.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is authorizes the submission of a formal

application for funding to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Multi Module grant.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated oh, this isn't the Groundskeeping.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated yup. This is for the trail connection. He stated

that this is the one (inaudible) sent up. He stated you can look at his.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated alright, thanks.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if they wanted to do a quick Suspension of the

Rules.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they will first start on Suspending the Rules.

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if you can explain the Resolution prior to your

decision on Suspending the Rules.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated let them know exactly what we are doing then we

can make the Motions.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that she believes that the printed copy doesn't list

the grant application as Resolution - R13, but online it does show it which is

what she is looking at. She stated that she thinks that is what they are

talking about, right Mike.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is not showing it on their Agenda. He

stated that you really don't have to Suspend the Rules and stated oh, does

it. Ok.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok, final verdict, are we Suspending the Rules or

not.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no. It appears.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that it is showing up on an Agenda somewhere

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

colleagues regarding R13.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that she can explain what it is. It is a request to

submit a grant to PennDot Multimodal connection between Cedar Parkway

and Trexler Park. This was identified in the Parks Comprehensive Plan.

The opportunity arose to submit this application and it is a short connection

and it connects to a previously existing PennDot investment at the corner of

Parkway Boulevard and Cedar Crest.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that if you are not familiar with this, it is a great

missing link. He stated that our phenomenal Trexler Park feels completely

disconnected from Cedar Parkway and this will help us bridge that gap.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated there are no sidewalks either so it is very difficult.

You can't get from here to there even though you can see it.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they know it is a very busy road to. He stated

thanks for the background. He stated again, any and said go ahead Mr.

Binder.

Mr. Jeremy Binder stated that if he is correct, the deadline for this is the

14th of this month so to take advantage of this, is that correct.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated yes, exactly.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked is there any other questions or comments from the

public regarding R13.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any questions or comments regarding

Bill 6. He stated just to be clear Ms. Patel, this is all from the Trexler Fund.

Ms. Bina Patel stated yes, correct.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any questions or comments from the

public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16189

15-8217

Bill 7

Amending the 2025 Risk Fund by transferring One Million Two Hundred

Ten Thousand ($1,210,000) Dollars from the General Fund unappropriated

balance to the Risk Fund for the payment of healthcare claims, drug

prescription benefits, and other employee medical costs for the remainder

of the year. The healthcare claim amounts are significantly higher this year.

Specifically, this is to cover final invoices from SEIU and Capital Blue

Cross that were not accounted for in the previous Risk Fund Transfer.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 7 Risk Fund Ordinance 1.30.26.doc

Ordinance #16190

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it had the same situation as Bill 6.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated ok and asked anything from the administration on

Bill 7.

Ms. Bina Patel stated yes, thank you. She stated that she has come to

them twice before for our Risk Fund Healthcare Expenditures are coming

in much higher than what we had expected. They already year to date at

$32.4 million for healthcare expenditures and they are requesting and have

a few more invoices that came in after the year was over and the total is 1.2

million and that's why she is in front of them today to request to increase the

budget.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any questions or comments from his

colleagues. He stated go ahead Mr. Pungo.

Mr. Cristian Pungo stated director Patel, this increase comes from anything

that goes above and beyond the General Fund balance from last year that

is supporting this, correct.

Ms. Bina Patel stated yes, correct.

Mr. Cristian Pungo stated that was his question, thank you.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any questions or comments from the

public in regards to Bill 7.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16190

15-8209

Bill 8

Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 400 Noise, Section 400-1

Definitions, revising the definition of Zoning Classifications, and Section

400-6 Sound levels by receiving land use, revising Table 1 Receiving Land

Use, to be consistent with the zoning classifications within Chapter 660

Zoning, adopted October 15, 2025, effective January 1, 2026.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 8 400 Noise - Revisions RE Zone Allentown.doc

Ordinance #16191

Mr. Santo Napoli stated any comments from the administration on this.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he thinks this is just a housekeeping, minor

clean up that they can discuss in greater detail during committee.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated fair enough, Ok.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Mr. Napoli.

6 -

Yes:

Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Santo Napoli, Jeremy Binder, and

Cristian Pungo

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 16191

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

There are none.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that we covered our meetings that are upcoming.

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 7:21 PM

15-6577

Reference Materials:

Council Rules

Procurement Code

Ethics Code