435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, December 17, 2025  
Invocation:  
6:30 PM  
Council Chambers  
Pledge to the Flag  
Roll Call  
7 -  
Present:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Courtesy of the Floor  
Please observe the Rules of Council when given privilege of the floor. A copy of the  
Council Rules can be found on the council agenda on the website. If you would like  
to speak, we are asking that you fill out a card – they are on the back table provide  
them to the clerk before speaking. Include your name and address. When speakers  
have the privilege of the floor, personal insults, attacks, name calling or other  
behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official business will not  
be tolerated.  
Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comments on items that are not on  
the agenda. Public comment during consideration of ordinances, resolutions and  
motions are limited by topic – your comments must be relevant to the subject matter  
of the proposed legislation. Public comments are taken before  
legislation.  
council votes on  
You are given the privilege of the floor to provide public comment; it is not a  
question and answer session. State your position clearly and concisely for  
consideration. If you speak on behalf of yourself, you have three minutes and if you  
are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members present, you will be  
given five minutes in place of everyone coming to the podium. Please address the  
Council President not individual councilpersons or city staff. Refrain from insulting  
or defaming staff, officials, and the public; refrain from  
using offensive language,  
cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking. Please be aware that  
comments and/or behavior in violation of these rules will result in a forfeiture of all  
remaining time and you will be asked to return to your seat.  
Contract Approvals  
R194  
Authorization for Contract with Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. in the amount  
of $49,920.00 to provide detailed consulting and engineering services for a  
feasibility study including cost estimates for the City of Allentown for the  
proposed MLK Trail Phase 3 Project. The project area is located on City  
owned property and right-of-way but potentially may require easements or  
acquisition of property. Three (3) proposals were received. Contract shall  
commence upon full execution and shall cease one (1) year thereafter.  
Upon written agreement from the City, this contract may be extended for up  
to an additional two (2) one (1) year renewals beyond the contract  
expiration period at the same annual terms of the initial term.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2025-38 MLK Trail  
Phase 3 Feasibility. It was advertised on Public Purchase on October 8,  
2025. There was a public bid opening on November 6, 2025. The city  
received three proposals. The evaluation team consisting of four members  
conducted both technical and cost evaluations. The proposals were  
evaluated based on IBE preference, ability to meet RFP requirements,  
firms experience, project plan and costs. After evaluating proposals, the  
evaluation committee decided not to move forward with oral presentations.  
The committee is recommending awards to the highest scored vendor,  
Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Sarrah McNeil. He stated that he wants  
to make a note that he is going to recuse himself on this vote. He stated  
that he has a family member who is employed by Barry Isett. He asked if  
there were any comments or questions, Mr. Zucal.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated just real quick, what are they are going to do different  
then the contract that Council approved last meeting for $200,000  
something.  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that she believes it is a different part of the trail.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that (inaudible) will come up and give you more  
details.  
Ms. Mandy Tolino stated that is correct. That is a different section. This is  
a section that goes near Auburn Cross with the new development across  
from the Parkettes, over there to across the river, connecting to Bucky  
Boyle. She stated that it is a completely different section of trail.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated alright, thank you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else or any comments from the public.  
6 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, and Santo  
Napoli  
1 - Daryl Hendricks  
Enactment No: 31188  
Recused:  
R195  
Authorization of Cooperative Contract for $118,775 for Multi Pro 5800  
GeoLink  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R 195 - 12.17  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you.  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this is just being purchased through a  
Sourcewell Cooperative Contract for the Golf Course.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from his colleagues or any comments from the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 31189  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
15-8139 November 19, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
December 3, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Communications  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated regarding visitors to City Council, we encourage  
you to park in the government deck next door and to see our city clerk for a  
Chaser to pay for your parking, thank you.  
Old Business  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that City Council passed a Resolution  
approving a transfer for Fire overtime at a previous Council meeting. The  
Transfer contained an error. The account mentioned, the transfer for going  
into premium pay for EMS. The account should have been for Fire  
Premium Pay.  
REPORTS  
Organizational Meeting:  
The next council meeting will be the Organizational Meeting and it will take  
place on January 5, 2026 at 6 PM where the newly elected councilpersons  
will be sworn in and the election of council leadership will take place.  
Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Santos, Gerlach  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli  
The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos,  
Napoli, Hendricks  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa  
The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair  
Hendricks, Mota, Napoli  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Controller's Report  
Jeff submitted four reports listed on the Agenda.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated thank you Mr. President. In light of all the  
business you guys have to accomplish this evening, he won't give them any  
Reports, but the Clerk mentioned that he forwarded four Reports to Council  
over the past few weeks. He stated before the end of the year, he assured  
them that he would forward some additional Reports and starting in the new  
year, he will have plenty of reports to report on to Council and stated thank  
you, sir.  
Mayor  
The mayor has not submitted anything.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazier. He stated mayor you have not  
submitted anything.  
Mayor Tuerk stated not tonight.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.  
Controller Reports  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
Bill 84  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing the General Fund,  
Administrative Order Fund, Risk Management Fund, Debt Service Fund,  
Equipment Fund, and Golf Fund Budgets for 2026.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues or any comments from the public.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there was that Motion up there if you want to  
ask for a minor change to the title. He stated see where it says notes. He  
asked if somebody likes to do that just for the record.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. He asked a change to the title.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated this would be a request for Common Consent to  
change the position of Council's proposed position that Council proposed  
budget, like you changed the name for the DEI and Sanitation titles last  
time around. You would change the name to Public Affairs and Policy  
Officer rather than Legislative and Community Engagement Specialist.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated alright, he will make that Motion.  
A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Cynthia Mota, to change  
the name to Public Affairs and Policy Officer rather than Legislative and  
Community Engagement Specialist.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated moving on to Bill 85.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he was going to say that you got to vote on  
Bill 84.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated on Bill 84.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is for.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he is sorry.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated just for the record he would say Bill 84 contains  
that. It contains a reduction of the tax rate. He would say a reduction of the  
tax rate. A no increase tax rate and take 1.5 million out of the Closing Fund  
and to account for that and part of the amendments on this Budget includes  
the $100,000 to the Health Department for the homeless, for the unhoused.  
He stated that you had multiple changes and sort of typos that you made in  
regards to the Solicitor's office and some other changes. He stated that  
you created the position of Deputy Director and changed the Senior HR  
Generalist position to Operations Specialist and you approved multiple  
changes in the CD department. He stated that those are all approved by  
you and all apart of the Budget. He stated just for the record. He asked do  
you want to vote on Bill 84 as amended. Are you ready for that? He stated  
Ms. Santos.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated as amended, correct.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is a Bill that contains all the  
amendments that you passed which includes your proposal to have no tax  
increase. He stated that this Bill as it stands in front of you has no tax  
increase.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated gotcha and let her and stated yes.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 85  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Building  
Code Fund Budget for 2026 for Community and Economic Development  
per Chapter 270 of City code for Building Fees.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments or questions from  
his colleagues. He stated seeing none and asked any comments from the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 86  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget  
for 2026.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 87  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Rental Unit  
Licensing Fund Budget for 2026 and amending Article 1759 – Landlord  
and Rental Fee by maintaining the Residential Rental Fees.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments or questions from  
his colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 88  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Solid  
Waste Enterprise Fund Budget for 2026 and amending Article 1131,  
Municipal Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal by increasing the Solid  
Waste Fee at Seven Hundred Forty ($740) Dollars.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 89  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Stormwater  
Fund Budget for 2026 and amending Article 393.15 – Stormwater Utility  
Fee by maintaining the Stormwater Utility Fee at Twenty ($20) Dollars per  
Five Hundred (500) square feet of impervious surface.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from his colleagues. He asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 90  
An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Trexler Fund Budget for  
2026.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 97  
Amending Chapter 455, Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance, Article  
III, Presales Inspection of Residential and Commercial Properties and  
Units, Sections 455-16 through 455-23 creating a commercial inspections  
program.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments or questions from his colleagues. He stated seeing none and  
asked if there was any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16180  
Bill 98  
Amending the 2025 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) from the PA DCED  
Local Share Account Grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will  
support the Baum School of Art.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from his colleagues. He asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16181  
Bill 99  
Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Three Million One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Eight  
Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars and Ninety-Seven Cents ($3,125,825.97)  
from the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) class action awards to  
offset the cost of any PFAS remediation systems the City is required to  
install under federal and state regulations. The 3M settlement payment will  
be made in ten separate installments through 2033. The first two settlement  
payments from 3M equal $2,659,283.88. Additionally, there will be two  
settlement payments from DuPont. The first payment equals $466,542.09  
and represents 95% of the Dupont settlement claim. The total from these  
sources thus far is $3,125,825.97.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues. He asked if there are any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16182  
Bill 100  
Amending the 2025 General and Building Code Fund Budgets to provide  
for a transfer of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) from the  
Building Code Fund to the General Fund. This transfer will allow the DCED  
Director’s Administration budget to pay the YMCA invoice for the early  
warming shelter opening.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from his colleagues. He asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16183  
Bill 101 contains provision to eliminate the 14 day provision between introduction and final passage to  
facilitate payment.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Mr. Zucal.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that when they transferred the $5.9 million a couple of  
weeks ago or a month or so ago that was for the same reason, correct.  
Ms. Bina Patel stated that it was for the same reason, but it is moving a  
budgeted amount from within the Risk Fund. She stated budget to budget  
transfer. She stated that this is taking money, actual cash from the General  
Fund unappropriated balance and transferring the cash to the Rish Fund.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated so he means like he said that was a month ago. He  
asked how is it and he is just blown away that the city under budgeted that  
kind of money.  
Ms. Bina Patel stated that she would not say under budgeted. The  
healthcare expenditures and stated that we are self insured and when they  
have a couple of high claims, they cannot predict what we are going to  
receive higher claims in a year. She stated that the city has some higher  
claims this year. She stated it is the second year in the row.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated he is sorry. He stated also isn't a lot of this has to do  
with the diet injections that employees have been getting. He stated that he  
understands they are between $10 - $20,000 a piece and you get around  
four a month, he thinks or one a week.  
Ms. Bina Patel stated that she does not believe that is accurate  
information, but again, some of it  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked what is the accurate information.  
Ms. Bina Patel stated that some of this is covered under HIPAA so she is  
not able to share that also, but not necessary all for weight loss programs.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the weight loss drug, unless it is for diabetes or  
whatever. It is a volunteer program. He asked is that fair enough to say.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated without violating HIPAA, they do cover the cost,  
some portion of the cost associated with the use of GOP1 drugs which  
helps people lower their weight and have a much healthier lifestyle. Yes, it  
is covered under the agreement that they have under employees.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked is that with the non-bargaining employees or is that  
with also all employees.  
Ms. Bina Patel stated with all city employees.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated thank you Mr. Hendricks.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked anybody else on the dais or any questions from  
the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Bill 101  
Amending the 2025 Risk Fund by transferring Two Million Five Hundred  
Thousand ($2,500,000) 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.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 16184  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that you got two items on the Consent Agenda.  
He stated that one is a Sewage Planning Module for the Police  
Department at 425 Hamilton Street. He stated that the other one is for  
work at 231 N. Fulton Street.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked do we know what that work is.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated pardon.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated the work.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this would just allow and if you pass this it  
and HARB has approved it. He stated that this would just allows building  
permits to (inaudible).  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he gets it.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon asked Mr. Hendricks if he wanted comments from the  
public or vote.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions or comments from  
his colleagues or comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
R196  
Sewage Planning Module at Allentown Police Department, 425 Hamilton  
Street  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 31187  
R197  
Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 231 N  
Fulton St.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 31190  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
R198  
Approves a $140,000 Transfer for the purchase of salt for treating streets  
during inclement weather and a transfer of $22358.75 in Finance for  
actuarial services.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from his colleagues on the dais. He stated seeing  
none. He asked if there were any comments from the public. He said  
seeing none and asked Mr. Hanlon to conduct the vote.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 31191  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral): NONE  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NONE  
NEW BUSINESS: NONE  
GOOD AND WELFARE  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he believes this is our last meeting of the year.  
He asked is that correct. He stated that he just wanted to wish two  
colleagues well. Their terms are ending and it was a pleasure serving with  
Mr. Zucal and Mr. Hendricks. He stated that he wants to wish them well.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated thank you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you very much.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated on behalf of the administration, he wants to thank  
both of them for decades of service to the city of Allentown prior to your  
time on City Council and your dogette pursuit of the good for the residents  
of the city of Allentown. He stated as he said even though they disagreed  
at times, he appreciates both of their willingness to look for common  
ground. He stated that he knows that neither of them would be withdrawing  
totally from public service and expects to see them helping and showing up  
for the city of Allentown for years to come. He thanked them and stated to  
enjoy some freedom on Wednesday nights.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated it was his pleasure. Thank you.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she would like to say a few words. She  
thanked them both, not only for their service here. You are both ex police  
officers so you have been serving this community for a long long time. She  
thanked them for that and for and knows they did not allows agree on  
things, but it is going to be weird for her to come here and not see Mr.  
Hendricks. For 10 years and as long as she has been on Council, he has  
been here. She stated that she wants them to know you have lost, we are  
losing two really good Council people and she hopes the ones that walk  
into their shoes can do the job they did. She stated good luck to both of  
you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Affa very much.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked the both of them for your service. She stated that  
she is going to be missing them. She stated that she doesn't know who  
she is going to be hanging around with. Every time there is an event,  
definitely. She stated that she wishes them both the best of luck.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you very much.  
ADJOURNED: 7:16 PM