435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

6 -

Present:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Please observe the Rules of Council when addressing the body. A full copy of

Council Rules can be found on the city website at the bottom of the council agenda.

The city website also includes all the meetings and material for the agenda; videos of

previous meetings and livestreams the council meetings in real time.

If you would like to speak this evening, we are asking that you fill out a card – they

are on the back table - and provide them to the clerk before speaking. Include your

address.

Please address the Council President. You are given privilege of the floor to provide

public comment, it is not a question-and-answer session. If you are speaking 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.

Council will not entertain personal insults or attacks, name calling or other behavior

that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official business. Please address

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

insulting or defaming staff, officials and everyone present; refrain from using

offensive language, cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking.

Remove your hat and turn cell phones off.

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.

Chief James Spang, 435 Ridge Avenue, stated Mr. President, members of

Council and the administrative staff that are here. He is representing the

Riverfront Civic Association which is the area between the Jordan and the

Lehigh River and the downtown section of Allentown known as the wards.

They are seeing a lack of transparency in news releases coming from city

hall in regards to law enforcement issues. He asked may he ask a

question and the simple one is does the city have a Police product that the

press has access to.

Attorney Charles Smith stated to Mr. Spang that this is an opportunity for

you to state your concerns. It is not a question and answer session.

Chief James Spang stated that he did not know if they could ask a question

or not. He stated that is basically where he is heading. He stated that

approximately two weeks ago in the 400 Block of Railroad Street, they had

a firearm incident involving some kind of automatic weapon where

neighbors down on the scene reported over 12 rounds were fired of a rifle

type weapon. Numerous people were scared down there. The police did

respond, evidence was taken and it was no public report of this. Because

of the lack of having a real news media in the Lehigh Valley, they are

getting spooned fed news, not real news. The reason why he brought the

blotter up is in days gone by the press from The Morning Call will walk into

the police desk, read the blotter and ask questions about specific

complaints. They would report on it. Now, it seems that it is spoon fed.

Under Mike Moore, they used to get bulletins all the time. There was an

armed robbery, there was a shooting, shots fired. That stuff was reported

and the neighbors knew. He stated now here is triple concern. He stated

that they don't want people shooting up the neighborhood. They want to be

notified if something is happening in the neighborhood. By the time the 12

plus rounds story made it around the neighborhood, it was over 30 rounds.

That is what happens when you don't report the news. The incident

becomes word of mouth or becomes internet chatter. That is not only

dangerous for the citizens, it is dangerous for the police and dangerous for

the reputation of our community. Two weeks, no public bulletin and no

news release. He stated that they want to know why. He holds here a copy

of the Catasauqua Police Department Media Report which is about a week

up to date. They publish that they show every incident in Catasauqua.

Child custody issue happened on Second Street in Catasauqua on the 6th

of March at 17:20 in the evening. It identifies the incident. This should be

real time. He stated that we database all this stuff in a city-owned

computer paid by him and everybody in this room and paid by all of you.

That is a computerized record. It is automatically redactable. That you

don't give people's names out, unless they have been arrested and they are

on a public docket. That should be released to the community. The city of

Reading typed his address in and if he lived in Reading, he can find out

what happened within 24 hours. He encouraged City Council to look into it

under the Public Safety Committee and come up with guidelines to replace

the nonactive press in the Lehigh Valley with just community notifications

that would be given out in real time. People want to read it, they read it. If

they don't want to read it, they don't read it. He stated that he needs to

know what happens in his neighborhood. He stated that he appreciates

their time and good luck. It is a big project, but his thoughts go with them.

Ms. Diane Cheer, 141 E. Cumberland Street, stated that the garbage and

illegal dumping in parts of Allentown is sickening. Every day she takes a

walk in her neighborhood and there is now one more residential road

bordering a nature space that has become a dumping ground for garbage

and furniture that only two years ago was beautiful and clean. She lives on

the southside which boarders Salisbury Township. Our garbage and

dumping becomes their problem and vice versa. Trying to connect to the

Allentown EAC has been elusive. Salisbury EAC is more accessible. She

went to one of their meetings and discussed with them what might be

solutions to this problem. One member suggested a joint meeting between

Salisbury and Allentown to talk about it. Another suggested that

Allentown's cost for illegal dumping is too pricey for most residents.

Another felt that the answer lies in police crackdown which is impractical.

She thinks a long-term solution, possibly lies in an ongoing education

program on this topic in all school grades and continuing for adults in our

community. She is not speaking here about one of those education

programs funded by powerful people where the program serves as a front

to censor people's right to speak, act and think for themselves. These of

course have been popping up all over since 2020. She speaks as an

integral education program starting with the premise that most people

actually want to be considered a vital part of the community. show and

teach people everything they should be doing and why. The right images

and words are powerful. Instead of billboards saying don't trash Allentown.

Depict people from all walks of life properly disposing of trash and say

thanks for a beautiful Allentown. Advertising spaces, billboards, and entire

sides of buses are bought by those with the most money, but certainly

Allentown has some funds set aside for these spaces. Instead of seeing

so many spaces pushing a pharmaceutical product for children that is now

being called to be taken off the market due to its harm. Some of this space

could be used to send a message that is unquestionably good. The trash

problem only get worse. Cleanup programs are noble, but the source of the

problem remains. She stated that she hears people say people know

better than to dump their trash. Clearly, people do not know better.

Perhaps an education and an initiative could be a positive beginning.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked that Ms. Cheer please leave her email address

with Mr. Hanlon and stated that he will put her in touch with the Allentown

EAC.

Contract Approvals: The general idea for approving contracts is acknowledging that

proper procurement procedures were followed pursuant to the city code.

15-6759

R39

Authorization for Contract with Landmarks SGA, LLC in the estimated sum

of $65,000.00 per contract year to conduct architectural surveys of

properties within the existing historic districts and update existing property

inventories. The firm will also review the efficacy of the City’s historic

district ordinance and examine existing City policies, including the zoning

code and building codes, to make recommendations for continued

improvements to the historic preservation program. The scope of work will

also include assisting City staff with the enforcement of the historic district

ordinance and assisting City staff with public outreach and methods of

increasing public awareness of the historic districts. The firm will identify

opportunities to increase the historic preservation incentives and

investment within the City, work with staff to develop grant proposals to

support the City’s historic preservation efforts and provide general

assistance in implementing the City’s Historic Preservation Plan.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R39 - Landsmark - Updated

Resolution #30807

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

Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Mr. Hanlon that he might remember this. Either last

year or the year before that Council passed something for $50,000 where

they hired someone to do exactly just this.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he hates to tell him this, Council passed

something at the last Council meeting and there was a minor mistake on it.

He stated that this corrects the mistake.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he is referring to the Council passed something

either last year or the year before and forgot the name of the company.

They would survey and determine which houses need improvement within

the historic district. He stated that they definitely did something like that.

He thinks it was like $50,000. His question is why are they doing this

again. What was the result of the first thing they passed.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated let's get some clarification from the administration.

Attorney Charles Smith asked which agenda was it on.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it was on the last agenda and there was a

mistake on the bid tabulations and they thought it was such a mistake, it

could not squeeze by as a squiggle's error so they were doing a redo. It

was just at the last meeting.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she is here almost two years and does not

recall, but Mr. Zucal may be correct. She does not recall something exactly

like this. She stated that they have always had a HARB Consultant on

contract with them that have offered recommendations. This is the first

time that she is aware of. She stated that she could be wrong. They are

doing the property by property assessments, but they are also looking at all

the regulations and all the ordinances that they have for realignment. She

can look back, but unfortunately, they lost their HARB Planner. She can try

to look back to previous Council meetings or through one of the existing

staff that is still here to see if she can find that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Ms. Kistler you may be right. It might have been for

a consultant.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she believes it probably was.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this may be a little different. He stated that he

knows that they spent some money on somebody to determine

improvements or what should or shouldn't be in the historic district. He

stated to Ms. Kistler what she is saying is probably true.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he thinks Mr. Zucal is right. There was a

consultant hired. He remembers their being from New York City.

Attorney Charles Smith offered some clarification. He stated that he has

the agenda from a meeting in March 6th and it looks like this is essentially

a redo on what was then Resolution #32 which passed 7 - 0, but the

estimated sum has increased from $65,000 from $49,781 so perhaps that

is why it has come back.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated correct.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked what is the increase for. What is the difference for?

You said it was 49 something and now it is 65. What is the mistake?

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated it was just a mistake.

Mr. Sarrah McNeil stated that the cost proposal was read incorrectly when

revealing it and when the contract and they wrote the Resolution they

incorrectly wrote the dollar amount.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated fair enough. Thank you, Sarrah.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any other comments from the dais.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked would this include within this what items they

may be looking at. His understanding is and he knows that he has spoken

to him about it is one of the things that is not included in it is color. He has

been receiving complaints about some of the homes and the painting that

has been done where they totally painted their homes which stands out like

a sore thumb in the neighborhoods.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is something that they can send to committee

to discuss on a committee level. They are just addressing the procurement

here.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he was wondering was this going to be part

of this.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she does not know. They can look into the

actually terms within the contracts and get back to them on that.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that will be fine.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they can discuss it at committee. He just

thinks now it is tough to get those answers. It is worth a conversation.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he is fine with that.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there was anything else from the dais or

comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30807

15-6760

R40

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

amount of $233,336.00 to provide consulting and engineering design

services related to the D&L Trail: Allentown East Segment Design. This

was competitively bid, six (6) bids were received, however, one (1) bid was

rejected.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R40 - Michael Baker

Resolution #30808

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

comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30808

15-6761

R41

Authorization for Contract with Construction Masters Services, LLC in the

amount of $1,988,377.50 to construct/reconstruct ADA Ramps in

accordance with the Americans with Disability Act and remove and

dispose of sidewalk and/or concrete curb, located within the City limits,

along with incidental work as may be authorized and required by the

Contract Administrator. This was competitively bid, five (5) bids where

received, however, one (1) bid was rejected.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R41- CMS

Resolution #30809

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the dais.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mr. Shahda how many ramps are we talking about.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated 386 ramps.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the dais.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mr. Shahda how many ramps are we talking about.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated 386 ramps.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is a lot. Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked who pays at the end of this. If a property owner

is ordered that he has to replace sidewalks as a result of UGI working

there. He asked who actually pays the final bill for this?

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that if it is work being done under their Street City

Pavement Program, it will be the homeowners responsibility. For all

pavement costs that are done under the Utility Cost Share Agreement,

there is no curb and sidewalk requirement. This is money that is coming in

from both UGI and LCA to fund strictly the handicapped ramps. There will

be no enforcement of curb and sidewalk replacements under the Utility

Pavement part.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated only for the City of Allentown Streets Pavement

Program.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Shahda.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there was any comments from the dais or any

comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30809

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-6771

March 6, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: March 6, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

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

carried by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Communications

An Executive Session was held on March 6, 2024 for the purpose of considering the

purchase of real estate and matters related to the initiation and conduct of an

investigation.

Council’s office received a petition requesting an intermunicipal liquor license

transfer for City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC located at 950 Hamilton Street. The

Public Hearing on the transfer will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:15

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

voucher.

Old Business: NONE

REPORTS

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

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

scheduled for March 27th at 6 PM.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli

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

scheduled for April 10th, time to be determined.

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

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach

The Committee met on March 13th and forward items on this evening's agenda; the

next meeting is scheduled for April 3rd at 5:45 PM to review legislation being

introduced this evening.

Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota

The committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for April 3rd at 6 PM

to review legislation being introduced this evening.

Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal

The Committee met this evening, the next meeting is scheduled for April 3rd at 6:15

PM to consider Bill 13, the vacation of Type Street.

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

Gerlach

The committee has not met since the last Council meeting; the next meeting is

scheduled for March 27th at 5:30 PM.

Controller's Report (3 minutes)

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that there are three Reports and are on your agenda this

evening. Two are bank reconciliations and the three one is a petty cash account for

the Fire Department. He suggested that Council read them at their own

convenience. He would note that the petty cash account for the Fire Department

showed that everything was A OK.

Mayor's Report (3 minutes)

Ms. Genesis Ortega stated that there in no Mayor's Report, but if she can take a brief

moment to address Mr. Spang's comments during Courtesy of the Floor. She stated

that she wants the record to reflect that the Allentown Police Department and the

city's IT Department are working on a Crime Dashboard. That would address the

concerns that he brought up during his remarks during courtesy of the floor. It is a

public facing dashboard for neighborhood level crime statistics in the city. They are

currently working on that now. They have been working on that for a few months

now. They are hoping to release that shortly.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he appreciates that update. Thank you.

15-6779

Controller Reports

Attachments: Fire Petty Cash

Bank Rec

Bank Rec 2

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6614

Bill 7

Amending Article III, Retail Pet Shops, by prohibiting the sale of guinea

pigs by pet shops.

Gerlach and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 7 Guinea Pigs

Letter in Support of an Ordinance to Prohibit the Retail Sale of Guinea

Pigs and Betta Fish

Supports adding Betta Fish as Protected Species

Ordinance #15982

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal, this is your committee. He asked if

there are any Report or comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was presented, there were some speakers and

sent favorably to Council.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any comments

from the dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that during that conversation, the idea of adding

a Betta Fish came up. Some folks had expressed maybe they should do

that, but there are more of them here now. She stated that she will make

the amendment to add Betta Fish to this Ordinance.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that they will have discussion on that Motion.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated just that amendment right now, correct.

Attorney Charles Smith just what's in front of you.

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

regarding the amendment proposed by Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she will just explain. She stated that she

does not proclaim to be an expert on animal abuse, but they had some

experts here so she is going to trust their opinion. They trust expert

opinions all the time on things that they are not experts on. She stated that

so what they testified which she is sure they need to come back up, they

would share and it just seems like a good move.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any other comments from the dais

and asked if there were any public comment.

Ms. Liz Cabrera Holtz, Senior Campaigns Manager - World Animal

Protection and also an attorney who specializes in retail pet sales in the pet

industry. Many people are familiar with puppy mills and these dogs are

coming from these cruel mills. What people don't realize virtually all

animals sold in pet stores comes from mills. Also, that includes Betta

fishes. These fishes have no legal protections. There are no laws or rules.

The minimum conditions are for how these animals are bred, how they are

shipped to pet stores, and even how our states and counties regulate

stating that your dog has to be and you can't leave your dog out in the cold

all night when it snows. With betta fishes they don't have these types of

rules. That leaves them vulnerable to sever neglect and abuse. Pet stores

are also giving bad information to customers about betta fishes. As she

said to the committee that these fishes are sold in these tiny Tupperware

containers. To be clear, the pet stores are not saying you can go home

and keep a fish in a Tupperware container, but they are giving them bad

information and say they could keep them in a one gallon tank. In reality,

they need a 10 gallon tank. At minimum five gallons. They need filtration.

They need heating. They need live plants. They need caves and rocks to

swim around in. They are essentially treated and what she heard people

call betta fishes are living ornaments. Like an ornament that you hang on a

tree. They are not. They are living beings. They are fishes. They need

everything she just mentioned. Because they have the pet store industry

selling them in these small containers, people don't realize it. She has

small children and they see an animal, they natural want them. Parents

think that betta fishes are a good idea because they think they are really

easy to care with and that is not similar to the guinea pig problem. Again,

they are not. They are very difficult to care for. Because they are kept in

poor conditions where they are bred. They are kept in poor conditions in

pet stores and they are seeing these problems also happening at home.

They urged Council to banning the retail sales.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any other comments from the public

on the amendment.

Ms. Candida Affa asked if they are gold fish.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is different from a gold fish.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it is a fish that they consider a fighting fish.

Ms. Candida Affa stated a fighting fish. She stated that she agrees with

Mr. Zucal. She needs more information. Watching fish in fish tanks is very

pretty thing and she doesn't know what betta fish is. If they go into fish

tanks, are they eaten? She doesn't know enough about it.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated regarding the guinea pigs, any comments from the

dais on the original Bill, Bill #7. He asked if there were any comments from

the public.

Ms. Cheryl Petrillo, Hellertown, PA, took a moment just to thank Ms.

Gerlach and Mr. Zucal for sponsoring this and also going back almost a

couple years ago being the first city in the Lehigh Valley to initiate the three

tail pet sale ban. She commended them all on their humane leadership.

She thanked Mr. Hanlon for his patience with her and all her emails. She

stated that he has been very responsive and she appreciates it.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Ms. Petrillo and asked if there were anymore

comments or questions from the public.

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos, to add Betta

Fish to Section § 163-33 Prohibition on sale of dogs, cats and rabbits or guinea

pigs by pet shops under A.

3 - Daryl Hendricks, Natalie Santos, and Ce-Ce Gerlach

3 - Ed Zucal, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Yes:

No:

Absent:

Enactment No: 15982

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15982

15-6666

Bill 8

Amending the 2024 Trexler Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty-Four Dollars and

Seventy-One Cents ($8,634.71) from the 2023 Springwood Trust, Trexler

operating budget of the Parks Department to the 2024 Springwood Trust,

Trexler operating budget for the purpose of purchasing benches and the

installation of concrete pads at Trexler Memorial Park.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 8 Trexler Springwood 2023 Funds

Ordinance #15983

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated Ms. Santos, this is your

committee. He asked if there are any comments or reports.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated no comments. It was forwarded favorably.

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

from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15983

15-6667

Bill 9

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of One Million, Three Hundred Thousand ($1,300,000.00)

Dollars from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) grant for the

purpose of rehabilitating the historic Bogert’s Bridge, located in the Lehigh

Parkway.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 9 - PennDOT Grant Funds Appropriation

Ordinance #15984

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was also in Ms. Santos' committee. He

asked Ms. Santos does she have anything to report.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated that the committee also forwarded this favorably

to tonight's Council.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated great and asked if there were any comments from

the dais or from the public.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal that he chairs this committee and

asked if he had any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no, except it was sent favorably. He stated that it was

a good report by the Chief on why we need it.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any other

comments or questions from the dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15984

15-6668

Bill 10

Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from The Hartford

grant for the purchase of a fire extinguisher simulator.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 10 Fire Dept Hartford Grant

Ordinance #15985

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15985

15-6669

Bill 11

Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000.00) from Norfolk

Southern Rail, Safety-First grant. This grant is to purchase hazardous

materials related equipment for incidents that may occur as a result of a

railway incident along the Norfolk Southern railway that runs through the

City of Allentown.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 11 Fire Dept Norfolk Southern Rail Grant

Ordinance #15986

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this is his department as well.

Mr. Ed Zucal echoed his same comments as the previous Bill.

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

dais or any comments from the public.

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated that it was just that spill. That train derailment

in Lehigh County. She stated that she was wondering if this was a part of

that or for the future that they are on the lookout for. It is a break switch that

the government won't put in.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is a separate jurisdiction there. This is what he

would prefer to as preventive. It would allow the firefighters to train and be

able to have safety equipment available to them in an event something like

that happens.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there were any other comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15986

15-6670

Bill 12

Amending the 2024 Grant Fund budget to accept Five Hundred Thousand

Dollars ($500,000) from the FY 2023 Distressed Area Recompete Pilot

Program Phase 1 strategy development grant.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 12 - Recompete Phase 1

Ordinance #15987

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was in your committee, Mr. Hendricks.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was and forwarded by the committee, 3 -

0 for a favorable recommendation to the full Council.

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

from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15987

15-6724

Bill 14

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an appropriation in

the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) from the

Trexler Fund to the WPA Structures capital projects account. These funds

will be used to repair the stage and columns at Union Terrace Park. This is

part of the 2024-25 Trexler Capital Project allocation.

Attachments: Bill 14 Parks 2024 WPA Allocation

Ordinance #15988

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

Ms. Natalie Santos stated that this bill was forwarded favorably to today's

meeting.

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

dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15988

15-6725

Bill 15

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Nine

Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) from WPA Capital Project into

the Franklin Park Capital Project. These funds will be utilized for the

creation of a concept plan for Franklin Park as part of a grant application.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 15 Parks WPA to Franklin

Ordinance #15989

Mr. Santo Napoli asked Ms. Santos if there were any comments from the

committee.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated that the committee forwarded it favorably to

tonight's meeting.

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

dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15989

15-6726

Bill 16

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifteen Dollars

($23,915.00) from the 2023 United States Department of Justice Edward

Byrne Memorial JAG Grant that will be passed through from the Lehigh

County to the City of Allentown Police Department. These funds will be

used to purchase traffic equipment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 16 2023 JAG - Lehigh County Funds

Ordinance #15990

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal this was in your committee.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes. It was sent favorably and just so everyone knows

that the money is planning on to be spent on one of those digital boards

that says accident ahead, police activity. It doesn't really say what it is for,

but that's what they want to use it for.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated thanks for the clarification. Any other comments

from the dais or questions or comments from the public?

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15990

15-6727

Bill 17

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Three Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars

($385,000.00) from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and

Delinquency (PCCD) Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department.

These funds will be utilized for reimbursement of expenses for the purchase

of integrated fingerprint technology, license plate readers and integrated

gunshot technology.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 17 PCCD Grant

Ordinance #15991

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was also in Mr. Zucal's committee. He

asked if there were any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was sent favorably.

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

from the dais or comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15991

15-6728

Bill 18

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of One Million One Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand

Fifty-Four Dollars ($1,183,054.00) from the Pennsylvania Commission on

Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Grant to the City of Allentown Police

Department. These funds will be utilized for reimbursement of expenses for

the purchase of new city cameras, new in-car cameras for the entire police

fleet and new body-worn cameras.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 18 PCCD Grant 2

Ordinance #15992

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal that this was in your comment. He

asked if there were any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was sent favorably.

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

dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15992

15-6729

Bill 19

Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500.00)

from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial JAG

Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department for the purpose of funding

overtime pay of patrol presence in an effort to suppress violent crimes and

drug investigations in the Keystone Opportunity Zone in Allentown.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 19 Police JAG Grant Appropriation

Ordinance #15993

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal he is working overtime and asked if

there were any comments from his committee.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal he is working overtime and asked if

there were any comments from his committee.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal he is working overtime and asked if

there were any comments from his committee.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal he is working overtime and asked if

there were any comments from his committee.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, it was sent favorably.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any other

comments or questions from the dais or from the public.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to Mr. Zucal he is working overtime and asked if

there were any comments from his committee.

Enactment No: 15993

15-6730

Bill 20

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an increase of

Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) to the Capital Project

Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. These funds have been awarded as an

MTF-DCED grant and will be reimbursed when the project is completed.

The project includes the replacement of the existing rusted streetlights with

24 new LED luminaires and street light poles.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 20 MLK Jr Dr Lighting Funds

Ordinance #15994

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was in Ms. Gerlach's committee.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it was forwarded favorably to tonight.

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

the dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15994

15-6731

Bill 21

Amending the 2024 General Fund budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) from the Khan

Partnership for traffic signal improvements.

Attachments: Bill 21 Traffic Signal Contributions

Ordinance #15995

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was also in Ms. Gerlach's committee this

evening.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, it was and was forwarded favorably to

tonight.

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

dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15995

15-6732

Bill 22

City Council authorizes the City to enter into an Intergovernmental

Cooperation Agreement with the Redevelopment Authority of Allentown.

Attachments: Bill 22 RACA Intergovernmental Agreement

Ordinance #15996

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was in Mr. Hendricks committee and

asked if there were any comments.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was forwarded favorably by all

members of the committee.

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

dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that initially she was hesitant, but it does say if

there are any issues as long as the committee gives the city 60 days or so

they can pull out and not have this intertwined relationship with the city. She

stated that she will be supporting it.

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

questions or comments from the dais or from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15996

CONSENT AGENDA: There are no items.

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6723

R37

Establishes a Special Committee to provide a framework for

Understanding, Implementing and Evaluating Co-responder Public Safety

Models

Gerlach, Santos, Mota, Napoli and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: R37 Special Committee

Resolution #30810

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was in Mr. Zucal's committee and asked if

there were any comments.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was sent favorably and as the chief reported, it

will be a PILOT Program.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any other

questions or comments from the dais or from the public.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the whole idea here is to collaborate with everyone

so that it ends up being an effective program.

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

regarding the amendment on the floor. He asked if there were any

comments or questions from the public regarding the amendment.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they are back to the Resolution. He asked if

there were any other comments or questions from the dais on the

Resolution. He asked if there was anything from the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Ed Zucal, to have the

District Attorney's Office involved in providing testimony in all phases of this study

adding another Whereas.

WHEREAS, the Committee will take testimony from organizations inclusive of the

Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30810

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30810

15-6680

R 38

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 425 N. 10th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R38 HARB Resolution to DENY - 425 N. 10th St

425 N 10th Street Final Report

Resolution #30811

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this is Mr. Hendricks committee. He asked if

there were any comments.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was approved favorably by the entire

committee. His understanding was there was no contact made or no

response from the owner of this property.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mr. Hendricks for the background and asked if

there were any questions or comments from the dais or any comments

from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30811

15-6762

R 42

Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources for the design of Franklin Park. The City is asking for

$200,000.00 in grant funding with a match required – in-kind or cash.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R42 - Franklin Grant

Resolution #30812

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there was any background from the

administration.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that this is a grant application for a DCNR Grant.

It is the C2P2 grant and what they are trying to do is a design for Franklin

Park. This is just the first Phase in that process. They will attend different

community meetings, getting input and then starting the design. If they get

the grant, that is.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated fingers crossed. He thanked Ms. Tolino for the

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

dais.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he knows that they always get into this and it ends

up being more money and more money as they go along. He asked Ms.

Tolino if she had any rough idea. Obviously, if she thought about this, she

would have thought about a plan and what she wants to do with the park.

He asked her if she had any idea about what it might cost.

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that she can't really say because they have

committed to the community that they are not going to make any decisions

about their input. It really varies depending on what the community wants to

see there. They want to see more water features or a pavilion and that can

make the price more expensive. This grant is to find that answer out. So it

will be taken through the process and asking people what they want to see

and then giving the city a really solid number for what it will cost to do the

renovations. For most parks to redo them is a few million dollars. The city

can apply for another grant to help support that project once they get

through the design phase.

Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Ms. Tolino and Mr. Napoli.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he is just curious, what is the timeframe for the

community portion of it. Is it 60 days or 90 days to get that feedback?

Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that it is a really lengthy timeline to be honest.

Right now, it is submitting the grant to see if they get it. They won't know

until November and they will not be able to start work on any of it until next

year. Right now, they are soliciting feedback for a Concept Plan which they

will use to submit the grant. They have done that and she is attending the

meeting this week as well to get a little feedback to make sure that it is

included in the application, but none of the design won't happen until next

year, if they get the grant.

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

from the dais or any from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30812

Request to suspend the rules to introduce and vote on resolution 43.

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

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the Rules are Suspended and the

Resolution is before Council.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this is actually in Ms. Gerlach's committee. He

asked if there are any comments regarding this issue.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that the only comments that she will have is in

conversation with Mr. Shahda. Once the garage was brought in-house, it

went from a couple hundred to thousands of invoices. She stated that they

definitely need this to function.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Ms. Gerlach for the background. He asked if

there were any more comments or questions from the dais.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she agreed with Ms. Gerlach. When they

brought it in-house, they knew it would save and they also knew that they

would have more employees and more work. She stated that it is certainly

needed.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that it sounds based on the workload that it is

needed. He commended the team in the Public Works Department for all

of the work they are putting in and bringing this garage in-house and

increasing efficiencies for the city. There are some growing pains, but

they will get through the growing pains. This is one of them. He asked if

there are any more questions and asked Mr. Glazier if he had any

comments.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Napoli and stated just briefly he thinks that

they were all shocked with the increase in the workload. His office feels it

as well. he really thinks that Public Works need to do an accommodation

and decided that they can do this with a part-time employee and use that

money as smartly as possible. He stated kudos to them.

Mr. Santo Napoli agreed with Mr. Glazier. He asked if there were any other

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

questions or comments from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Ed Zucal, to Suspend The

Rules to introduce and vote on Resolution 43.

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Request to suspend the rules to introduce and vote on resolution 43.

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

by the following vote:

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

15-6769

R 43

Approves a transfer of $32,000 in Garage for a part-time Clerk 3 to assist

with entering invoices and ordering vehicle parts; due to high number of

invoices entry in the Garage.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R43 Transfer Funds

Due to High Number of Invoice Entry in the Garage a Part-time Clerk 3

is Needed

Resolution #30813

6 -

Yes:

Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30813

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-6763

Bill 24

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) from the National

Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Inc. (NSPCB). These

funds are a contribution to go towards the construction of Bogert’s Bridge

rehabilitation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 24 - Bogert's Bridge Donation - NSPCB

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

15-6764

Bill 25

Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

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

Society for the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania,

Inc. (TBCBSP). These funds are a contribution to go towards the

construction of Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 25 - Bogert's Bridge Donation - TBCBSP

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

15-6765

Bill 26 Refer to Community and Economic Development Committee

Amending §455-139B(6) of the Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance

Code, Article XVIII, Licensing Residential Rental Units, Owner and

Occupant duties, to remove the requirement that multiple disruptive conduct

reports filed within a twenty-four (24) time period count as a single

disruptive conduct report.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 26 - Disruptive Conduct Amendment

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

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if the police can be called to an address eight times in

one day and it only points as one. That defeats the whole entire purpose of

having the ordinance.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she agrees with Mr. Zucal. At 7:00 in the

evening they can be called and the folks there decides that they are going

to keep partying. Now, it is 11:00 and now half the neighborhood has been

disturbed and the police has to come again. It is using our police officers

two to three times.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that they will definitely flush that out in the

committee. This will go to Mr. Hendricks committee and they can continue

that conversation and have public comments as well.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that if they look at the language, it says it is

to remove the requirement that multiple disruptive conduct reports count as

a single disruptive conduct report. He stated that he would just take a real

hard look at the language. It may be actually tightening it up.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will study that more closely.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

15-6766

Bill 27

Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Seven Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Two Hundred and

Twenty-Eight Dollars ($779,228.00) from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share

Account grant for the purchase of a new fire truck.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 27 - Fire LSA Grant Appropriation

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

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

15-6768

Bill 28

Amending various sections of the city code by removing penalties

providing for imprisonment as a means of enforcement.

Gerlach and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 28 De-imprisonment

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

REFERRED TO THE RULES, CHAMBERS, INTERGOVERNMENTAL

RELATIONS AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE

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

NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 7:35 PM

15-6577

Reference Materials:

Council Rules

Procurement Code

Ethics Code

Attachments: Procurement Code

Ethics Code

Rules

Proclamation for Order of DeMolay

15-6802

Mr. Ed White thanked Mr. Napoli and members of Council and the

administration. It is his pleasure to be here. He is a senior DeMolay from

Allentown Chapter which meets in the Masonic Temple at 1524 Linden

Street in Allentown. The Chapter is sponsored by Allen Commandery

which is the Christian Masons that meet in that building and they meet in

the room. With him this evening he has two of the young men. A member

who is about to turn 17 who has been in DeMolay for four years and his

younger brother who has been in DeMolay for a few months. He introduced

Tony Martinez and his brother Aaron Martinez and with them this evening is

another member of the Advisory Council mom Ingrid Green will be taking

pictures. He stated that Aaron and Tony are representatives of Allentown

Chapter of DeMolay.

Mr. Santo Napoli welcomed Aaron and Tony.

Mr. Ed White asked Tony Martinez to tell the members of Council and the

public how you became a member of DeMolay.

Tony Martinez stated the way he became a member is his father is a Free

Mason for the Bethlehem Lodge and they had a talk about it. His father told

him about the fun activities that they will do and stated that he had nothing

else to do at that point. He joined just to have a great time.

Mr. Ed White asked why are you still involved and what have your learned.

What are a couple of things you have learned. He asked Tony where are

we going on Saturday.

Tony Martinez stated that it is fun. He stated he learned respect and

speaking. They are going to Reading.

Mr. Ed White stated that DeMolay has two degrees. The initial degree is

where they teach the seven cardinal virtues of the organization: filling of

love which is the love of parents, reverence for sacred things, courtesy and

comradeship, fidelity, cleanliness and patriotism. They do that in one

degree in which it is called the initiatory degree and then teach another

important lesson which is fidelity which is our fifth precept through a

DeMolay Degree which is basically a play which recounts the trial and

execution of Jacques de Molay who was the last Grand Master of Knights

Templar in France during the time of the crusades. He is a heroic knightly

figure and their name comes from Jacques de Molay. DeMolay is the

Americanized version of de Molay which means Jacques of de Molay

which is a place in France. They have been here since 1926. DeMolay

was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919, came to Pennsylvania in

1923. Last year, Council was able to help them celebrate the 100th

Anniversary DeMolay in Pennsylvania. In two years, Council will help them

celebrate their 100th Anniversary in Allentown. He stated that it is really his

pleasure to be able to help, mentor and teach these young men the values

of the organization and help them grow. He stated that he joined when he

was 14 so next year when he comes back he will have been in DeMolay for

50 years. He asked Tony and Aaron to pass out to Council flyers about

them which has contact information. He invited members of the public if

they have young men between the ages of nine and 21 to come up and

speak to a Councilmember afterwards and ask for a copy of this. The

phone numbers of two of the advisors are on this and they can reach out to

them and they will tell them about it and invite them to a fun activity. No

pressure. If you are interested and knowns someone that is interested then

they can come and join them and have fun and learn what these young men

have learned. He thanked Council for the opportunity and recognition. He

asked for a photo opportunity.