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

council votes on legislation.

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 our

consideration. If you speak on behalf of yourself, you have three minutes and if

you are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members present, you

will be given five minutes in place of everyone coming to the podium.

Please address the Council President not individual councilpersons or city staff.

Refrain from insulting or defaming staff, officials, and the public; refrain from

using offensive language, cursing, and making noises while other people are

speaking.

Please be aware that comments and/or behavior in violation of these rules will

result in a forfeiture of all remaining time and you will be asked to return to your

seat.

Mr. Quinn Allen, Allentown, stated good evening once again. He stated that

he had someone come up to him a week or two ago about an issue with

the APA. He stated that he saw some pictures to where there was one car

and stated no, there were two different cars in the same exact area, parked

very similarly, but one person got ticketed and the other one didn't. He

stated that has got to stop and of course, he sees some videos where

there are people doing overnight patrolling and he thought that they put a

stop to that last year which was actually addressed at the mayor's debate

and stated thank you. He stated that he would like to know everything that

is going on with the APA and the public because things are not adding up.

He stated that he is going to be taking a deeper look into the APA to see

what the policies are as far as the payments of these tickets as well. He

stated if you are violating the 8th Amendment, he is going to come back

and will have a nice little chat and stated thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Allen.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado, 116 Church Street, Apartment 4, Catasauqua, stated

that she works at the Lehigh County Government Employment Center in

Allentown. She is working right now in Harrisburg. She stated that she

wants to give a brief explanation on how unemployment works. She is

listening to people saying unemployment was a different way and she is a

little disgusting. She stated that she works for the Employment Service

Center for 23 years and is still working there. She stated that she knows

the system very well. She just wants to make sure that it is understood. It is

a complicated system. She stated that if anybody has any questions, she

is here to answer questions. She stated that the system is built for anybody

that is unemployed of no fault of their own. They can get unemployment

benefits right away. If there is any separation other than no fault of their

own, they need to investigate. She stated by investigating means they

need to contact the employer, they need to contact the claimant and

conduct that investigation and provide due process to the claimant and to

the employer and make a bias determination to the complaint and to the

employer. If either party is not satisfied with the determination made, they

have the right to appeal. She stated that is how unemployment works.

They do not listen to the employer and the employer does not tell them how

to rule. She stated nobody tells them what to do. They rule under the

unemployment law. She stated either PA or federal law. She stated that if

it is a natural disaster claim. She stated those are the Rules. She stated

what she is hearing is kind of just very unsatisfying because they work very

hard to get those claims processed. She stated that if anybody wants to

contact them, there are plenty of ways. She stated that right now with the

new system, they added besides the calling the regular number, they

added chat, they added email, and they also have legislative requests.

She stated that if anybody is not satisfied because they can't get through

the system, they can go to the legislator and send a legislative request and

it will be processed. She stated like she said she is just a little disgusted

listening to people say that. She stated that it is easy to say this is what

Unemployment is doing because they are not satisfied with the outcome.

She stated don't point the finger at us.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mercado and stated go ahead Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Ms. Mercado you make a bias decision.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated yes, we do. It is a bias decision.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated bias or unbias.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated that she is sorry. It is a fair decision with due

process.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok, alright.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated she is sorry, sorry.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he knows someone is going through that and that

is why he is asking that question.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated that she is sorry, ok.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated hold on.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is ok.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated sorry she walked away.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is ok. He stated that she was looking at him

the whole time and asked is there something.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated no, no, no.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that you are ok. You are off the hook.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated that she gets stage fright. She stated that she

just focus on something like the flag or something. That is what it is.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mercado for advising them of that. It is

good to know what you do and what you offer out there and now, a lot more

people know it.

Ms. Marilyn Mercado stated that she didn't pick on him.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mercado. He asked if there is anybody

else, Mr. Hanlon.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated it looks like Hollis Williams.

Mr. Hollis Williams, 2854 Arcadia Avenue, stated that most knows him as

Honcho and is the founder of a local company called Elevation Demo right

here in Allentown. he stated that he is here today not just for himself, but on

behalf of many small business owners in the city who works hard to operate

with integrity and who depends on the city to operate with integrity too. He

stated that the problem August 27, 2024, he submitted a complete

application for a business license. He stated that his license was not

approved until the following year of February 10, 2025. He stated the

reason, backlog that he was told at the time. He stated during this delay,

he was not legally allowed to operate. He waited patiently. He stated that

he followed the Rules, but the city still chose to charge him interest on the

Business Privilege Tax as if he was approved and operating at the time.

He stated that is not just a clerical error, it is financial damaging. It is

ethically unfair and it sets dangerous precedents. He stated that you

cannot delay a licensed, hold someone back from earning a living and then

penalize them for not earning it. He stated that is unjust enrichment and it

hurts entrepreneurs, especially those trying to build honest community

focused business. He stated why the unjust, the situation raises serious

concerns about fair treatment due process administration accountability.

He was prevented from legally operating, yet penalized financially for a

period when he had no city approval to generate revenue. The city delayed

directly contribute to his ability to conduct business while interest charges

were incurring on tax time to active operations. He stated that this feels

like an act of unjust enrichment by the city and disregards to local taxpayers

Bill of Rights which guarantees fair notice and pure rights.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated our Finance Director is here tonight and asked

has he spoke to anybody in their office. In the tax office.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated that he was here today.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated if she could please respond.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated oh, yes.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she stated she spent part of the afternoon

trying to figure out what was going on for Mr. Williams. She commended

Mr. Williams for coming here. He has never had to come before Council

before. She stated that he shouldn't had to come to Council tonight. A

small group of Business Privilege License Applications apparently got

stuck in an Intergov glitch that weren't seen. She stated when they were not

seen, they kind of hung in a variance there. The glitch has been identified.

The glitch has been remedied, the process is moving. He was one of

those Business Privilege Licenses that was stuck. She stated that if you

look in the system and you see kind of what happens with the system

electronically, what she believes happened to him and she is still

investigating is that his Business Privilege and stated well, first of all when

the staff recognized that he was stuck, they took the fee that he paid in

2024 and gave him a 2025 license and applied that fee and said now, you

are good to go and you can operate your business.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated excuse me, stating he did not find that out until

today.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated right, he didn't find that out until today.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated that he was charged a billed, again twice.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the second part of it is that his Business

Privilege Tax Bill was sent out which is based on your income of the year

before. She stated that he didn't fill out the Zoning Survey for the Business

License or the Business Privilege Form. She stated of course, he got the

auto generated you are going to get a seven percent fee because you

didn't pay your Business Privilege. She stated that is an automatic

computer generated to a business. She stated to make a long story short,

although he denied doing any business, the system flag building permits

that he pulled which implied that he did business in the city.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated that it was never complete.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that it was never complete, but it was still a job that

you pulled a permit and that flagged the system to say work was done in

the city. She stated that what she would like to do is sit down with Mr.

Williams, hopefully tomorrow or at his convenience. He stated that his tax

return receipts would show the Finance Department that he did no

business in the city and those fees will all go away and they will issue him

as he wants in writing a huge apology for the fact that he was stuck in the

system. She stated that unfortunately, it feels awful because you have the

Finance Department, the Zoning Department, the Business Development

and Tax. She stated everybody is contacting you because the system is

saying you have an open file. She stated that they learned a lot about this

computer glitch. It has been solved. The other people stuck in the system

have been handled in the same way, but many of them did business in the

city without a business license and do have to pay business privilege tax.

She stated that is left to be seen by the tax return. She stated that it took a

while to figure out all of that out and he was here today. She stated that

they staff was all working on this and gave her the Report right before the

meeting.

Mr. Hollis Williams asked can he say one more thing about his business.

He stated that they are about building young men and restoring second

chances and giving back. He stated that if anybody that follows him on

Facebook would know that.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that he does, he does.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated that he is active in this community. He donates to

certain charities and does certain things.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is totally on you, but he is certain that they

are going to get it resolved and it will be resolved in your favor.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she promises that she will personally work with

Mr. Williams to resolve it. She stated that he has her card and her cell.

Mr. Hollis Williams stated thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there anyone else.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is all he has.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, and stated that they will move on to Contract

approvals.

Contract Approvals:The general idea for approving contracts is that the council

acknowledges that proper procurement procedures were followed pursuant to the

city code. Ask the Clerk to read the resolution. After staff explains the process, ask

for comments from the dais and the public before a vote.

15-7756

R66

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

amount of $161,037.03 to conduct a study to provide a condition

assessment and analysis of all signalized intersections as it relates to the

existing traffic signal features and overhead sign structure poles currently

maintained by the City. Three (3) proposals were received; however, two

(2) proposals were rejected. Contract shall be for one (1) year with two (2)

additional one (1) year renewal terms beyond the contract expiration

period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R66 - Michael Baker

Resolution #31060.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments.

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that she does and thanked him. She stated

that this was done as RFP #2025-12 Signalized Intersection Assessment.

She stated that it was advertised on Public Purchase on April 7, 2025. It

was a public bid opening on May 5, 2025. The city received three

proposals. Two of the proposals were rejected because they included cost

in their Technical Proposal. An evaluation team consisting of five members

conducted both Technical and Cost Evaluations. They were evaluated

based on their IBE preference qualifications, research plans, timeline

requirements and costs. She stated after evaluating the proposal, the

Evaluation Committee did not feel that Orals Presentations were necessary

and they are recommending an award to Michael Baker.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you very much. He 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: 31060

15-7757

R67

Authorization for Contract with Construction Master Services, LLC. in the

amount of $332,925.00 to secure a Contractor to construct/reconstruct

curbs, sidewalks, and drive aprons deemed as hazardous by the City,

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. Two (2) bids were received. Contract shall

commence upon full execution and shall cease three (3) months thereafter.

This contract can be extended for two (2) additional one (1) month terms

beyond the contract expiration period.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R67 - Construction Masters Services, LLC.

Resolution #31061.pdf

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that it was done as Bid #2025-20

Miscellaneous Curb and Sidewalk Replacement. She stated that it was

advertised on Public Purchase on April 22, 2025. It was a public bid

opening on May 20th. The city received two bids and department is

recommending awards to the lowest bidder.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Baraket 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: 31061

15-7758

R68

Authorization for Contract with Baseline Contracting Inc. in the amount of

$292,825.00 to secure a Contractor 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. Three (3) bids were received. Contract shall

commence upon full execution and shall cease on December 15, 2025.

This contract will not have any extensions as the funding runs out at the end

of 2025.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R68 - Baseline Contracting Inc.

Resolution #31062.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you.

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that this was done as Bid #2025-19 CDBG

ADA Pedestrian Ramps. It was advertised on Public Purchase on April

22, 2025. There was a pubic bid opening on May 20, 2025. The city

received three bids and recommending awards to the lowest bidder.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Baraket. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he just has one quick question. Why are we using

two different construction companies. Why can't the first construction

company do both of these? He stated that it has to do with curb and

sidewalk repair and replacement and asked is he right, Mr Shahda.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated yes. What was done was a separate bid and they

specialize in different things so the contracts for curb and sidewalks.

Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that they can bid on both if they wanted to deny

both, they can do that.

Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Ms. Baraket.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Baraket and asked anybody else. He

asked if there were any comments from the public.

Enactment No: 31062

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31062

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-7765 May 21, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes

System

Sponsors:

Attachments: May 21, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Communications: If you parked in the city lot next to City Hall, please see the City

Clerk for a voucher.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated for visitors for City Council meetings you are

encouraged to park in the government deck next door and just see our City

Clerk, Mr. Hanlon

Mr. Santo Napoli stated for visitors for City Council meetings you are

encouraged to park in the government deck next door and just see our City

Clerk, Mr. Hanlon

Mr. Santo Napoli stated for visitors for City Council meetings you are

encouraged to park in the government deck next door and just see our City

Clerk, Mr. Hanlon for a voucher to pay for your parking.

Old Business: NONE

REPORTS

Public Hearing - A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 18th at 6 PM on Bill 16.

RE: Bill No. 16 - 2025 Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance (Community Center)

Bill 16 - An Ordinance amending Section 660-6 to remove the limitation on the

preparation and provision of meals meant for only senior citizens within the

community center definition.

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Santos, Gerlach

The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled.

Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli

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

scheduled for June 11th at 6 PM to discuss the two resolutions - HARB denials being

introduced this evening, Bill 47, a request from Cedar Crest College to Rezone

2851-2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential (R-L) to

Institutional-Governmental (I-G) and to receive an update on the departments

Business Development strategies.

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 at this time.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting. There are no future

meetings scheduled at this time.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa

The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for June 18th at 5:45

PM to consider the two bills being introduced this evening.

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

Napoli

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; no meetings are currently

scheduled.

Controller's Report

The Controller has submitted reports on bank reconciliation for the month end date:

02/28/202 and a review of Fellowship contracts.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated thank you, Mr. President. He stated no Report this

evening, but very briefly as everyone knows they are switching over to the Munis

System and making adjustments to that in the Controller's office. He stated that

they have been reviewing the checks every week, but they have not done P-Cards

since the 15th of March. He stated well, this week they started reviewing P-Cards,

the first group will be from the 16th of March until the end of March and then they

will get back into their monthly routine. He really wants to say that this is a different

process than Eden and he and Jacqui greatly appreciate the help and support they

have gotten from Purchasing and from Finance and from Treasury to answering our

questions. Sometimes the same question multiple times and it will be phrased in

different ways and they know they are going to come down the learning curve on

this so keep your eyes open for the P-Card Reports. He stated that once again,

they certainly appreciate the support they gotten from Finance, Treasury and

Purchasing. Thank you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you, sir.

The mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.

15-7785

Controller's Reports

Attachments: Bank Reconciliation

Fellowship Contracts.pdf

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7711

Bill 46

AN ORDINANCE: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 27 DISCRIMINATION

AND HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION with updated provisions

expanding protected classes and prohibitions and establishing various

other regulations.

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

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 46 HRC.docx

Lehigh County DHR.pdf

City DHR Provisionsn.docx

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she would like to make an amendment to

the ordinance which includes four house cleaning changes and asked Mr.

Hanlon is that something you will read or something.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked do you want me to read them.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated sure. She is not sure if everyone read them

since it was the last minute addition.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they are included in your Agenda packet

and it is House Cleaning Changes: 406, Public Hearing 3, be amended to

read as follows; 3. At the public hearing, the case in support of the

complaint shall be presented by the Commission if the complaint has been

filed by the Commission, or by the Complainant or their attorney, if they are

represented. Both the Complainant and the Respondent may appear at the

hearing with or without counsel and testify. In addition, both the

Complainant and the Respondent may introduce the testimony of

witnesses and may submit documentary evidence. The Commission and

the parties shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence at the hearing.

The testimony shall be taken under oath and shall be recorded. Human

Relations Commission, D and L, change to read as follows:

1. The Commission is hereby vested with the authority to administer and

enforce the City of Allentown Human Relations Ordinance and shall be

given sufficient administrative and legal support from the City to carry out

its powers and duties.

2. Should the City of Allentown be designated as a respondent in a

complaint of discrimination, the Commission may retain outside legal

counsel to handle such complaint in its entirety on behalf of the

Commission. Outside legal counsel shall be required to agree to all the

City’s standard terms and conditions, including insurance

requirements. Notice of the engagement shall be provided to the Board of

Commissioners in writing.

There are two sections that appear to be holdovers of the County

ordinance and inapplicable to the City. I don't see any reason they need to

remain.

Conflict of Laws - Remove 4 and A - county holdovers.

Where a provision of this Ordinance is found to be in conflict with a

provision of any other ordinance of the County, or any regulation issued

under the authority of such ordinance, the provisions which establish the

higher standard for the protection of health, safety and welfare shall prevail.

The Commission, acting with the advice of legal counsel, shall make a

determination on all ordinance conflicts related to this Ordinance.

The City of Allentown Administrative Code is hereby amended to

add the following new sections 704 and 705: HUMAN RELATIONS

COMMISSION A. The Allentown Human Relations Commission was

established pursuant to 43 P.S. §962.1 of the Pennsylvania Human

Relations Act, by Ordinance No. 2024 - , and may be referred to as the

"City of Allentown Human Relations Commission" or the "Commission"

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated any other comments or questions from his

colleagues.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he will second it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated a second made by and stated ok.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated ok. Do you want to vote on the amendments?

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated on the amendment.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yeah we do. That's why it was.

Attorney Maria Montero stated that there is an opportunity for public

comment after the amendments have been made if anyone is interested.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated please do.

Attorney Maria Montero stated so after.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes. He will make certain to call.

Female Audience Member (No Name Given) stated that the question was

what exactly being changed. There was a lot of conversation and it is not

clear to them.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so Mr. Hanlon had read, but it was a lot. She

stated so what's being removed is county language since this was

borrowed from the county. She stated where it says conflict of laws to

remove 4 and A, county holdovers and stated that is why because we are

the city. She stated that she would welcome any other questions, if

someone else has read through this and has a level of skepticism because

she is always skeptical, but from just reading through, it does appear to be

just house cleaning changes. She stated that if she is wrong, please

someone out there make sure that we know that it is more than that. She

stated but, from what she is reading it is not anything like nefarious and not

trying to weaken the Commission or anything.

Female Audience Member (No Name Given) stated it was just clarity.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated oh no, she is.

Female Audience Member (No Name Given) asked are both deletions

house cleaning and asked is that what you are saying.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked do you want to come up to speak.

Ms. Carmen Bell, W. Walnut Street, stated that Ms. Gerlach said that there

were two deletions and just what to be clear that both deletions are

because of county language. She stated she is just asking for clarity here.

That's all. Thanks.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Bell. He asked anybody else from the

public.

The audience stated that you did not answer the question.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he does not want to put the Solicitor on the

spot, but Adam can explain it.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked can someone do it. She stated can Adam or

someone. Can a lawyer talk?

Attorney Adam Rosenthal stated the two deleted sections, one is a random

Number 4 and that is adding Administrative Code, Section 704 and 705,

Code 660. He stated that they are county numbers that they added in and

the other one is that the Human Relations Commission was established

pursuant to Ordinance #2024- and a blank which is not anything related to

anything we do here. He stated additional county language.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated so those will be excluded and will not apply to

this law.

Attorney Adam Rosenthal stated it is remnants from the county ordinance.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated and you are fine with that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is fine and glad people asked because

there is always a healthy level of concern.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated certainly and stated ok. He stated now he will

ask Council's Solicitor if she wants to speak to it.

Attorney Maria Montero stated oh, yes thank you. She stated that this

ordinance is very similar to the county's which was already passed. The

county's ordinance really is the law of the land and what they are doing is

right now going before Council it is an updated Ordinance. She stated that

they just had an opportunity to hear from Liz Bradbury who spoke about

when the Allentown Human Relations Ordinance went into effect. It was 61

years ago, in 1964 and she knows Ms. Bradbury had an opportunity to

speak, but they are aligning and updating our current ordinance. She

stated that if you look at the language of the Lehigh County ordinance and

you compare it to what it is now in the Allentown Ordinance, there is a

Section under 14, under Discrimination - Section G and this is the addition

that the Allentown Ordinance includes. It is illegal to discriminate or harass

a person in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation,

education, or healthcare based on their natural hair or hairstyle. She stated

as long as the natural hair or hairstyle poses no danger nor impedes job

performance and that is the addition to the Allentown Ordinance. She

stated that it is an added protection.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated and you see no issues with that.

Attorney Maria Montero stated no.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, thank you for your comments. Thank you all

for your comments and those explanations.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated on the amendment.

Attorney Maria Montero stated for the amendment.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok and stated that he will move on to the Bill

itself. He stated that those were the amendments and they were fully

passed and accepted and now they will be dealing with the Bill itself. He

asked if there were any further comments. He asked if there was anything

from the dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that the last thing is that she just wants to thank

everyone for signing on. Whenever she introduces something she is never

quite sure who is going to sign on so and it is great to see everyone signed

on to this. It is definitely during times like these where we need local

leaders to make sure that regardless of what is happening elsewhere, that

locally things are strong and put together and residents can county on their

local government. Regardless of everything that is happening. She stated

that she thinks that is what they are doing tonight. She stated thank you

everyone for showing that leadership.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. Thank you. He asked if there were any

other further comments from the public.

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Santo Napoli, that this Bill

be amended with Changes: 406, Public Hearing 3, be amended to read as

follows; 3. At the public hearing, the case in support of the complaint shall be

presented by the Commission if the complaint has been filed by the Commission,

or by the Complainant or their attorney, if they are represented. Both the

Complainant and the Respondent may appear at the hearing with or without

counsel and testify. In addition, both the Complainant and the Respondent may

introduce the testimony of witnesses and may submit documentary evidence. The

Commission and the parties shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence at

the hearing. The testimony shall be taken under oath and shall be recorded.

Human Relations Commission, D and L, change to read as follows:

The Commission is hereby vested with the authority to administer and enforce

the City of Allentown Human Relations Ordinance and shall be given sufficient

administrative and legal support from the City to carry out its powers and duties.

Should the City of Allentown be designated as a respondent in a complaint of

discrimination, the Commission may retain outside legal counsel to handle such

complaint in its entirety on behalf of the Commission. Outside legal counsel shall

be required to agree to all the City’s standard terms and conditions, including

insurance requirements. Notice of the engagement shall be provided to the

Board of Commissioners in writing.

There are two sections that appear to be holdovers of the County ordinance and

inapplicable to the City. I don’t see any reason they need to remain.

Conflict of Laws – Remove 4 and A – county holdovers.

Where a provision of this Ordinance is found to be in conflict with a provision of

any other ordinance of the County, or any regulation issued under the authority

of such ordinance, the provisions which establish the higher standard for the

protection of health, safety and welfare shall prevail. The Commission, acting

with the advice of legal counsel, shall make a determination on all ordinance

conflicts related to this Ordinance.

The City of Allentown Administrative Code is hereby amended to add

the following new sections 704 and 705: HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION A.

The Allentown Human Relations Commission was established pursuant to 43 P.S.

§962.1 of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, by Ordinance No. 2024 - , and

may be referred to as the “City of Allentown Human Relations Commission” or

the “Commission”.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16140

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved as

amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16140

15-7742

Bill 48

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

million Six Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Eight

Dollars and Eighty-Nine Cents ($1,698,288.89) from various Capital

Projects to Capital Project 2035 – American Parkway Traffic Signal

Improvements to complete the construction of installing traffic adaptive

system along American Parkway/Basin Street from Susquehanna Street to

Airport Road. This Ordinance is amending the previously approved

Ordinance No. 16114 to correct the account strings.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 48- Transfer American Pkwy GLG

Ordinance #16138.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will go to your committee Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he saw it tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will go to your committee Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he saw it tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will go to your committee Mr. Zucal.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he saw it tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is right. He stated that it was up for a vote

and was in your committee tonight.

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

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

questions from the dais. 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: 16138

15-7744

Bill 49

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an increase of

Three Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars ($384,000.00) to a newly

created capital account and Ninety-Six Thousand Dollars ($96,000.00)

from the unappropriated balance as a grant match for the Demonstration

project. These upgrades are low-cost temporary safety improvement

projects that will include installing speed cushions, round abouts, and line

painting at key locations throughout the City. The City was awarded a Safe

Streets and Roads for All Demonstration Grant and also includes the City’s

match portion.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 49 - SS4A Demonstration Grant

Ordinance #16139.pdf

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this was in Public Works this evening.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, this was also in your committee tonight, Mr.

Zucal.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was also sent favorably.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it also moved forward favorably to the full

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

colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 16139

CONSENT AGENDA: The Consent Agenda is for items that are considered ‘no

brainers’ – no need to have the administration explain anything the objective is to

vote on all the resolutions at one time if there are no issues. The President asks if

there is any request to remove any item from the Consent Agenda. If not, the clerk

will read the titles of the resolutions. The President will ask for public comments,

prior to

council voting on the bundle.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they have two items on the Consent

Agenda. He stated these are Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the

Historic District at 202 N 8th Street, 1548 Chew Street, and 419 N 9th

Street. He stated and R70 which is a Sewage Planning Module at

Republic Services and it just indicates that it is sewage capacity for the

project at 402 Basin Street.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, does anybody have any questions with

these being on the Agenda. He asked if there were any comments from

the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this be approved. The motion

carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-7759

R69

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts:

•

202 N 8th St. • 1548 Chew St.

419 N 9th St.

Attachments: R 69 Approval-HARB Resolution.doc

FINAL Review 202 N 8th St Replace Door.pdf

FINAL Review 419 N 9th St Windows.pdf

FINAL Review 1548 Chew Roof Replacement.pdf

Resolution #31060.pdf

Enactment No: 31063

15-7753

R70

Sewage Planning Module at Republic Services - 402 Basin Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R70 - Basin Street Sewage Planning Module.doc

402 Basin St Planning Module.pdf

402 Basin St Completeness Checklist.pdf

402 Basin St Planning Module.pdf

Enactment No: 31064

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-7763

R71

Authorizes the Administration to receive the ACIDA Real Property located

at 602 S 10th Street.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R71 - AEDC Property Donation

Exhibits (002)

Resolution #31065.pdf

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

his colleagues or any comments from the public.

This Resolution was approved.

7 -

Yes:

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

Affa, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 31065

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral) (To be Voted On): The Clerk reads the bill. The Chair of

the committee gives a report or recommendation on the bill, comments are taken

from the administration, if need be, the dais, and the public before a vote is taken.

15-7761

Bill 50

Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00)

from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP),

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to support the rehabilitation of Bogert’s

Bridge.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 50 Bogert's Bridge RACP Allocation

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

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

15-7762

Bill 51

Amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) from the Equipment Fund into

the Fleet Maintenance budget to account for repairs on city equipment that

exceeded the original budget amount. These unexpected repairs include

fire equipment, paving equipment, and tub grinder equipment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 51 Transfer Equipment Fund to Fleet Budget

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

15-7764

Bill 52

Amending Article 507 (Traffic Control Maps) of the Codified Ordinances of

the City of Allentown. The Administration is authorized to establish and

evaluate traffic regulations for a temporary period not to exceed 90 days.

This legislation makes the temporary changes permanent.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 52 - Traffic Control Map Amendment

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any

comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

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

15-7760

R72 This has been removed from the agenda.

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1550 Chew Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R72 1550 Chew St - HARB DENIED.doc

FINAL Review 1550 Chew Roof Replacement.pdf

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this will go to your committee, Ms. Mota.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated thank you Mr. President.

15-7781

R73

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 945 Turner Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R73 945 Turner St-HARB DENIED Resolution DRAFT .doc

FINAL Review 945 Turner Chimney Repair Legalization.docx

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you and likewise, this will go to your

committee, Ms. Mota.

Dr. Cynthia Mota stated thank you, Mr. President.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE