435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Invocation:

Proclamation to honor and pay tribute to Retired Assistant Chief Harold

Boyer.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that from the very moment he met Chief Boyer he had

respect for him. He takes everyone at face value. When he met Mr. Boyer,

he had a smile that you never forgot. He always had that smile and it made

him who was. He was one of the nicest people he ever met.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that his son Mark is here and Mark Boyer also

served on the Police Department and retired, served with distinction and

was a great role model for the community.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked her colleagues for honoring Mr. Boyer. She

stated that she did not know him in the same capacity, but knows when

someone is a trailblazer. The community deserves to pay homage to

people who paved the way for some of us to be on City Council, for people

to be Superintendents of school districts, teachers, and to be officers. If it

wasn't for Mr. Boyer, none of that would have happened. She thanked Mr.

Boyer's family. In the 60s as a Black man in the United States it wasn't to

easy. She thanked his family for being there with him and to encourage

him despite the odds.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Boyer's family for paving the way. The first,

wow, amazing. She stated that it is sad that she did not get a chance of

meeting him. Reading his resume and seeing what he did for Community

Policing for very impressive.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that her story with Mr. Boyer was on the Golf

Course. He demanded that she played on the same team as her because

she was beating him. He made her laugh and was warm.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that Chief Boyer was a legend here and a well

respected man. A trailblazer. He stated that he will work with Council to

ask his son on ways to further honor his legacy.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he never met him, but is appreciative of his

service. He thanked his son, Mark for attending tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there were three other former employees

that passed: Elmer Dorschutz, Jr, served 33 years in the Streets

Department, he was also a Police Reserve for 25 years; Debra Schmidt

who worked for many years in the Water and Sewer Department; and

Russell Hendricks who was a Firefighter for approximately 30 years.

Please keep them in your prayers.

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Mr. Pas Simpson, 215 N. 9th Street, unfortunately he is here again to talk

about Credible Messenger money. Since the last time he has been here

there were two murders, and someone was shot. There are 10 police

officers are on the beat. We are not supporting defund the police. Just

free the money that you voted on in November. Stop allowing out babies to

die. if not, please do not run in November.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they are not allowing babies to die.

Ms. Betty Cauler, 2212 W. Tilghman Street, stated that she is here to share

some good news tonight. At her hearing with Magistrate Judge Ronald S.

Manescu rescinded all four tickets when he looked at the pictures. He

asked the Parking Authority where is the sidewalk and asked how she was

imposing traffic. She stated that it is important for Council to know that the

citizens pay their salaries and for them to be up there. She stated that the

citizens voted them in.

Mr. Alan Jennings, 2128 Pennsylvania Street, stated that he wants to

strenuously object to the near absence of the commitment to housing in the

city and the plans for the use of the federal ARPA funds. Mayor Tuerk has

been in office for 16 months and the city does not have a policy on housing.

The housing stock surrounding the NIZ is the city's problem. If people that

can pay their bills won't live in that housing, demand is limited and with that

value, prices and with those circumstances no one will gain equity. He

talked about the dirt bikes, gun violence, and guys that don't take

responsibilities for their children. This isn't about race, ethnicity or class.

Contract Approvals

15-5790

R61

Authorization for Contract with Mohawk Contracting & Development LLC in

the amount of $2,735,000 to construct a pool facility at Irving Pool/Andre

Reed Park including utility services, admissions and restroom, pool

(including pumps, filters, spray features), pool deck (including drainage),

artificial turf sitting areas, fencing, site lighting and other work. The contract

if for one year; unless by mutual agreement an extension can be made for

an additional four, one year terms, multiple bidders.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R61 Mohawk

Resolution #30614

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if Council had any questions related to

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if Council had any questions related to the

contract.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Sarrah is on the line.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the city is offering a contract to build and construct

a facility. He is not sure why they would extend or agree to extend the

same service under the same contract under the same RFP. Once that

contract of building it is done, that should complete that project. If you are

going to ask them or another contract to do maintenance or repairs that

should be a separate RFP.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that it is to get the pool started and construct

everything. Once that is all done, it will be closed out. The only reason for

the extension terms is for delays for shipment of products that we use.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will be with no additional cost. It would be

a matter of whether it will be something that will interfere with the ability to

complete, they can extend that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he understands the first part, but the second part

has to go out for a separate RFP because you are asking for a different

service.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that they are asking for the whole project.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the contract is for the completion of the pool.

If they cannot complete it within one year, the city would still want them to

complete the pool, so they extend the contract.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is different he is ok with that.

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

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30614

15-5791

R62

Authorization for a contract with Radiation Detection Company for $182.00

to provide quarterly provision of 5 radiation monitoring badges and one

control badge for use by the Health Bureau Sanitarians doing lead paint

inspections for child lead poisoning investigations. This is below the

purchasing requirements, one quote is necessary.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R62 Radiation Monitoring

Resolution #30615

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is pretty self explanatory.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is under the Purchasing

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is pretty self-explanatory.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is under the Purchasing threshold. The

requirement for contract like this in front of City Council is a stipulation of

the prior ordinance.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that maybe it is something that they should

speak about and it might be adjusted.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she thought it was a mistake because it was

for $182.

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

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30615

15-5792

R63

Authorization for a Contract with Reinvestment Fund in the amount of

$196,645 to provide qualified planning and research organizations to

conduct a Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for the years

2023-2028. The study will enable to better understand housing and

housing-related service needs for low- and moderate-income persons and

households in order to prioritize needs, develop effective program and

policy responses, and coordinate the use of Federal, State and local

resources. The Contract term shall cease after five years; upon written

agreement, this contract may be extended for up to an additional three (3)

months, multiple bidders.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R63 Request for Council Approval - RFP 2022-44 Reinvestment Fund

Resolution #30616

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that based on the testimony, Mr. Jennings he

would

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that based on the testimony of Mr. Jennings

pointed out the lack of a housing plan or policy. They are proud to deliver a

contract for a housing strategy to City Council. Council appreciates and

the public appreciates they have to first budget for these things and go

through the Purchasing Procurement Procedures to get the best bidder.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any

questions.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if there is something written that delineates what

they would do better from than the previous organization that did the

housing study.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the purpose why the city is doing a more

comprehensive housing study is that it has been a passive situation.

Where we wait for community development developers to come to us to

initiate a strategy. As you can see here, there is no line of people asking

for ARPA money for affordable housing. If there was, they would have

created a plan. This will be a more granular and more in-depth

assessment of where we start. We are not developer of affordable

housing. We need a strategy and a plan.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is on the website now and they have

policy experts. Will they be making policy recommendations for us as a

city. She asked about a policy map on their website, will they be able to

click around and see. She asked if this should take a year.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated absolutely and Mr. Hartney was crystal clear in the

writing of the RFP that all of our ordinances will be reevaluated and will

come into alignment. Hopefully, it will be coupled with the zoning re-write

as well as the community needs assessment to look at ordinances that

make the most impact of the social determinant of health and also on the

housing stock and stability in our community. She stated yes, but also be

engaging Council for input during the housing study.

Mr. Mark Hartney stated that they are hoping to be having it done by the

end of the year. It might not be finalized, but hoping they will be able to

budget based off of the results we get from it.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked about the ARPA money to be allocated by the

end of 2024.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated correct. Keep in mind, some of the studies go a

little longer is when they can't get the input that they need or delays. They

are going to truly reach for the community for the input.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and asked if there were other

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

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30616

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-5779 March 15, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: March 15, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Communications

Mr. Michael Hanlon read: Pursuant to provisions of the city & ethics code,

City Council President Hendricks, Vice President Mota and Hanlon met

with Marci Lesko, David Lewis, Laura McHugh and Erin Connelly of the

United Way on March 16to explore options of allowing the organization to

distribute ARPA funds.

Old Business

REPORTS

Public Hearing: Council will hold a Public Hearing on April

19th at 6:15 PM in Council Chambers on Bill 1: Amending the

Zoning Code of the City of Allentown, Section 1319.07.B.5 of the Zoning

Ordinance by allowing ‘entertainment venue signs” for

structures that primarily provide for live entertainment uses for 500 or more

customers at a time, currently allowed on buildings fronting Hamilton Street

between 5th Street and 6th Street to include structures between 9th and

10th Streets.

Committee of the Whole: A Committee of the Whole has been scheduled

for April 12th at 6:00 PM to consider Bill 30, revisions to the

city’s traffic and parking code.

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach The Committee met

on March 22; a future meeting has not been scheduled.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa The

committee met on March 22nd; the next meeting is scheduled

for April 12th at 5:30 PM.

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

Napoli The Committee met this evening, the next meeting is scheduled for

April 19th at 6 PM.

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

March 22nd; the next meeting is scheduled for April

12th at 5:45 PM.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal The Committee met this

evening; a future meeting is not scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks The Committee met this

evening; there are no meetings currently scheduled.

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair

Hendricks, Mota, Gerlach The Committee has not met since the last council

meeting; a future meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Controller’s Report (3 minutes)

NONE

Mayor’s Report (3 minutes)

Mayor Matt Tuerk wished everyone a Happy Passover for the ones who are

celebrating out there. He talked about activities conducted by the Mayor's

office. On March 2, the Mayor's office read to elementary schools across

the city of Allentown for Read Across America Day. On March 7, he joined

Governor Shapiro for his budget address to the Pennsylvania General

Assembly. Allentown got a very nice shoutout during Governor Shapiro's

address. On March 17, the Mayor's staff coordinated the raised on the Irish

Flag and on Sunday, March 19 the Irish Day Parade. On March 23, they

held the second City Hall at the Table at Ritter Elementary. The next one is

April 27th at Dieruff. On March 28, they met with the president of the

Delaware Nation. On March 31, Council joined them for the Police

Promotion Ceremony. Later that day, they did a Flag Raising in

recognition for the Trans Day of Visibility. The City made a hire for the

Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Lucinda Wright. On April 6, the city will

be joining Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds for his State of the City

Address. On April 15, there are numerous East Egg Hunts across the city.

On April 22, the city staff will be celebrating Earth Day. On April 23, the St.

Luke's Half Marathon from 17th and Linden, running 13.1 miles and

finishing at J Birney Crum.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5749

Bill 16

Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars from the United

States Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Foundation for

a Healthy America (ABFHA) grant to the Mayor’s office Civic Innovations

Fund for a hybrid program in Allentown targeted towards childhood obesity

prevention, environmental health and sustainability.

Attachments: Bill 16 American Beverage Association Grant

Ordinance #15885

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there are any questions from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15885

15-5751

Bill 17

Amending the 2023 ARPA Fund by transferring One Million ($1,000,000)

Dollars from the ARPA Fund to the General Fund for the 1528 West

Hamilton St. Affordable Housing Project being developed by HDC-Mid

Atlantic. 100% of the funds will be used to offset construction costs of the

project.

Attachments: Bill 17 - HDC Mid-Atlantic ARPA

1528 West - Allentown CEDC committee-2

Ordinance #15886

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

the dais or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15886

15-5752

Bill 18

Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000.00) Dollars from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of The State Fire Commissioner

(OSFC) Grant to the Allentown Fire Department for the purchase of

Holmatro Mini Cutters.

Attachments: Bill 18 OSFC Grant

Ordinance #15887

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues or comments from the public.

This is a great addition and great use of our Fire Department.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15887

15-5753

Bill 19

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Ten Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and

Sixty-Two Cents ($10,435.62). This was the result of payment in lieu of tree

plantings from Indus Reality Trust, Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, and City Center

Investment Corp. Funds will be used for the purchase of new street trees.

Attachments: Bill 19 Shade Tree

Ordinance #15888

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

his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this was before Public Works tonight and it was

sent favorably.

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

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15888

15-5750

Bill 20

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of

Twenty-One Thousand Six Hundred and Seventy-Four Dollars and

Forty-Six Cents ($21,674.46) from the unappropriated balance in the Golf

Funds to the Golf Capital Projects fund. These funds will be used for

outstanding capital improvements from last year to enhance the golf

course.

Attachments: Bill 20 Golf Capital Funds Transfer

Ordinance #15889

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Ms. Gerlach if this was in her committee.

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

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

his colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15889

15-5754

Bill 21

Amending the 2023 General Fund by transferring Six Million Seven

Hundred Fifty Thousand ($6,750,000.00) Dollars from the ARPA Fund to

be allocated for Two Million One Hundred Thousand ($2,100,000.00)

Dollars for the Water Distribution Main Replacement and Four Million Six

Hundred Fifty Thousand ($4,650,000.00) Dollars for the Water Filtration

Plant Filters Upgrade.

Attachments: Bill 21 Water Filters ARPA Request

Ordinance #15890

Mr. Ed Zucal stated it was a meeting prior to the Council meeting. These

funds will help for the upgrades and save the taxpayers roughly $27 million

for over 30 years. It is a wise investment using ARPA Funds.

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

his colleagues.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked for clarification from what she remembers during

the presentation. This isn't new.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this is one of the original allocations. He

asked if there were any comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15890

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anyone have any issues with the Consent

Agenda and want to remove anything. He asked if there were any

comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-5764

R64

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 325 N. 9th

St. and 328 N. 8th St.

Attachments: R64 HARB Resolution

325 N 9th Street Final Review

328 N 8th Street Final Review

Resolution #30617

Enactment No: 30617

15-5793

R65

Authorizes the submission of the formal application to the Pennsylvania

Office of the Budget for a grant of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to

support Cedar Crest College.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R65 Cedar Crest College RACP

Resolution #30618

Enactment No: 30618

15-5810

R66

Authorizes the sale of Police K9 Dingo to his handler Police Officer Joseph

Krebs

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R66 K9 Transfer

Resolution #30619

Enactment No: 30619

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5766

R67

Approves two transfers: (1) $139,808.95 in Garage to Pay for the

December 2022 Invoice to the Contractor; (2) $20,961.00 in Finance –

General Support Services (Print Shop) to Increase Funds to Supplement

Contract C07-000025 for Canon Color Printer (21 months remaining on

Contract).

Attachments: R67 Transfer Funds

To Pay December 2022 Invoice to the Contractor

Increase Funds to Supplement Contract C07-000025 for Canon Color

Printer

Resolution #30620

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

his colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30620

15-5794

R68

Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development for the continued development of the Martin Luther King Trail.

The City is asking for $250,000.00 in grant funding with a 15% match

required – land appraisal or cash.

Attachments: R68 MLK Trail DCED

Resolution #30621

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he sees that these are time sensitive and

that is why they are here for a final vote this evening.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that R68 and R69 there is an application deadline,

and the administration is asking City Council for a Resolution to allow them

to make the grant deadline.

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

his colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30621

15-5795

R69

Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources for the continued development of the Martin Luther King Trail.

The City is asking for $650,000.00 in grant funding with a match required –

in-kind or cash.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R69 MLK Trail DCNR

Resolution #30622

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this is similar to the previous. He asked if

there are any questions or comments from his colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30622

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-5767

Bill 24

Providing for the vacation of Terminal Street from the centerline of Hamilton

Street to its South Terminus in the First Ward of the City of Allentown:

Attachments: Bill 24 Terminal Street Vacation

StaffReport and LettertoCityCouncil 3-15-23

Terminal Street Vacation Report

Letter from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission regarding

Terminal Street from Hamilton to its end - Street Vacation Petition

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding Terminal Street from Hamilton

Street to its end

Street Vacation- Terminal Street from Hamilton Street to its end

Ordinance #15892

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there were any comments from his

colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15892

15-5796

Bill 25

Amending the 2023 Trexler Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Four Thousand One Hundred and Ninety-Five Dollars and

Ninety-Nine Cents ($4,195.99) from the Springwood Trust portion of the

Trexler Fund’s unappropriated 2022 balance per General Trexler’s will.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 25 Springwood 2022 Appropriation

Ordinance #15893

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there were any comments from his

colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15893

15-5797

Bill 26

Amending the 2023 General Fund and Information Technology budget by

deleting the position of Systems Administrator III (15N); adding the

position of Sr. Help Desk Analyst (10N); deleting the position of IT Support

Manager (16N) and adding the position of Systems Analyst 3 (16N)

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 26 IT Reorg

Ordinance #15894

REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND

APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there were any comments from his

colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15894

15-5798

Bill 27

Amending the 2023 Trexler Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

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

to support the Romper Day Program.

Attachments: Bill 27 Romper Day

Ordinance #15895

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there were any comments from his

colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15895

15-5799

Bill 28

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars from the

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

to support a comprehensive Parks Master Plan.

Attachments: Bill 28 Parks Master Plan DCNR Grant

Ordinance #15896

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there were any comments from his

colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15896

15-5800

Bill 29

Amending the 2023 General Fund and Department of Community and

Economic Development budget by eliminating the CED Project Manager

(14N), adding a Housing Enforcement and Compliance Manager (14N)

Building Standards and Safety 10%, Rental 90%; changing a Clerk 3

(08M) to (1) Clerk 3, Bilingual Spanish Required, eliminating an Executive

Secretary (7N) and creating a DCED Office Manager (9N).

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 29 DCED Reorg

Ordinance #15897

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was brought to Council by Ms. Kistler

and thanked her for the heads-up. He asked is there were any comments

from his colleagues or the public.

Enactment No: 15897

15-5801

Bill 30

Forwarded with the recommendation to remove the provision that

allows parking in alleys.

Amending the Chapter 615, Vehicles and Code, of the City of Allentown

Code by increasing the distance a car can be parked from a curb from 6 to

9 inches, allow council by resolution to provide an exemption to parking In

front of a private driveway or alongside any street or highway excavation or

obstruction, or opposite the same under certain conditions, allowing

parking in alleys that are less than 20 feet wide provided there is a 12 foot

passage and the car is not parked on the sidewalk, allowing impounded

vehicles to be released if the owner is in compliance with a payment plan

and re-moving all imprisonment penalties.

Affa, Gerlach, Hendricks, Napoli, Mota and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 30 Parking Bill

Council Proposals APA

APA Response to Council Sidewalk-Alley Issues

Allentown Parking Authority Legislative and Policy Recommendations

Councilor Suggestions/Questions

Letter to Honorable City Counsel of Allentown - 3.22.23

Allentown Parking Authority Code

An Ordinance

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that the Board is very excited to advance these

recommendations. There are some that are missing that will be internal

recommendations. That is something that they are excited to get in front of

Council at the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he will be making an amendment and will be doing

it at the Committee of the Whole.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he wants to make a slight clarification and the

action the Board took. He wants to clear up and believes that the Board of

the Parking Authority has already begun the work of making these changes

to legislation. While the work that Council did the other week approving the

Transfers to begin that Parking Study. They are preparing that for an RFP.

Keep an eye out for that. While Council took action to support the initiative

that the Mayor's office put forward there has been work underway at the

Parking Authority. The governance of the Parking Authority has already

begun the work to make improvements. He stated that the administration

appreciates the prompt action in doing this and the result is that they will

see an immediate changes that result from the Board members of the

Parking Authority taking a harder look at the administration of the Authority.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he appreciates that clarification as he was

certainly a part of that and they are moving forward.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated definitely seeing this go to the Committee of the

Whole. Make sure for those of you who this has been your thing make sure

you show up to that once the date is announced. She remembered in 2015

she was out there complaining about the lack of residential parking in her

neighborhood, and it took a while, but eventually something happened. It is

great to see that hopefully soon on the city end we are doing what we can

do to work with the residents. Hopefully, the Parking Authority will adjust

their culture. There is a cultural issue. There is something up with their

training or lack thereof. There are internal policies that need to be changed

and structural changes. Hopefully, everything will mesh together and will

see something different from our residents. She hopes what doesn't

happen is before a lot of the issues that we are now seeing on the west end

and southside were already happening in Center City. She hopes things

leave the enforcement do not refocuses on just City Center and the

southside, eastside and west end lightens up and you don't get as many

complaints, and we are back in Center City dealing with the same mess

that we always been dealing with. She notices that now it is on the outskirts

and things are happening. It is reality and sometimes what it takes.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that it was announced earlier that

Community of the Whole has been scheduled at April 12 at 6:00 PM.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that Attorney Charles Smith beat him to it and it is

already on the calendar.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his colleagues

or the public.

Mr. Barbara Miller, 2119 W. Washington Street, asked for a full copy of the

changes. Will it be on the Allentown website? Will she need to visit the

Committee of the Whole when they meet to get the actual text of the

Parking Ordinance?

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he believes it should be on the website.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they are on the website and offered his

copy.

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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

15-5802

R70

Commits to a “fair and equitable” transition to clean, renewable electricity

for municipal operations as part of the City’s commitment to a Climate Plan

to mitigate Climate Change

EAC recommended this amendment:

WHEREAS, the Allentown Environmental Advisory Council has conducted

a greenhouse gas inventory for the City showing that 2018

non-transportation energy use accounts for 43.77% of the City’s carbon

footprint; and

Attachments: R70 Energy Conserve Final

GESA Program Recommendation of Allentown EAC

ELPC-ClimateCities_Solar-Toolkit

Resolution #30631

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his colleagues

or the public.

Mr. Kyle (no last name given), 538 N. Burke Street, gave his support to

bringing this to the conversation. The Guaranteed Energy Savings Act

(GESA) is the second item on the docket. The first step in that is getting an

Energy Audit done on all of our buildings. Our friends at Siemens Energy

has offered to do this completely free. No cost to the taxpayers at all.

They just have to provide a little information to them regarding their

buildings. The last time the city buildings had an Energy Audit was in 2009.

The last time we had a greenhouse gas emissions or carbon valuation to

the city was completed by a Muhlenberg intern before COVID even

happened. If we want to set reasonable achievable goals, we kind of need

to know where we stand.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any other comments.

REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY

COUNCIL

Enactment No: 30631

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE

Ms. Natalie Santos stated that her little brother, Matthew that goes to

Dieruff High School made honor roll this semester. She stated that she

wanted to publicly congratulate him.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is his alma mater. Congratulations.

Ms. Natalie Santos stated her alma mater too. He is very proud.

ADJOURNED: 7:38 PM

15-5720

Council Rules

Procurement Procedures

Code of Ethics

Attachments: Council Rules 2023

Contract/Procurement Procedures from the Code

Ethics Code