435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, July 24, 2024  
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  
Council Rules can be found on the council agenda on the website; copies are also on  
the back desk along with the agenda.  
When anyone has privilege of the floor, I will not entertain personal insults, attacks,  
name calling or other behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting  
official business.  
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.  
Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comment on items that are not on  
the agenda. Public comment during consideration of ordinances, resolutions and  
motions is limited by topic – your comments must be relevant to the subject matter  
of the proposed legislation. Public comments are taken before council votes on  
items.  
You are given privilege of the floor to provide public comment, it is not a  
question-and-answer session. If you are speaking on behalf of yourself, you have  
three minutes and if you are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members  
present, you will be given five minutes.  
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. Jim Bartholomew, 929 W. Turner Street, stated that this is the first time  
he has ever been to a Council meeting. He stated that he has lived on  
Turner Street for 40 years. He stated that he has an issue with the  
Allentown Parking Authority and it pertains to him trying to get out of his  
driveway. That is in the back and that is Russell Street. The property that  
boxes him in all the time is 930 Oak Street. They have parties every single  
weekend, Thursday through Sunday. They park on the aprons and he cant'  
get out. This has been an outgoing issue for 11 years and now he decided  
to escalate it. He has quite a bit of correspondence just from Sunday with  
Mr. Haney. He has many photos and he stated that he could not go above  
his authority and he would not ticket cars on the apron. He might want to  
reach out to Code. He stated that he looked up Code and it says here  
Amended 3/25/1996, Ordinance #13387 - no person shall park their  
vehicle at any time in front of/opposite to or in such position to block an  
entrance or exit by a vehicle from a garage or driveway. The only exception  
to this is on streets with widths of 20 feet or more where said vehicles are  
able to park on the apron to a garage and is able to be more than 50  
percent off the roadway and not parked on the sidewalk. He stated that his  
alley is 12 feet wide and the whole alley is posted, no parking. To his  
understanding, he thought the aprons were the city's right of way. He asked  
Council if they would like to look at his documentations and his photos.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Bartholomew that he can give those  
documents to Mr. Hanlon.  
Mr. Jim Bartholomew stated that he hopes that maybe they can resolve this  
issue with him and Mr. Haney. They have good repour. When he did call  
him, they did respond quickly and would ticket the cars that were parked in  
the middle of the alley and blocking his driveway and other driveways.  
They will not ticket a car that is on the apron. They say that is the private  
property of the property owner and the only way that can be resolved is if  
the property owner would be contacted.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Mr. Bartholomew did you leave your phone  
number of your card.  
Mr. Jim Bartholomew stated yes, he did.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will personally get back to him. He will  
talk with someone at the Parking Authority and will call him back.  
Mr. Jim Bartholomew stated that he will be 70 years old and just can't deal  
with this anymore. He stated that he works at the Farmer's Market and  
sees Mr. Hanlon at the Farmer's Market. He stated that he works for  
Dave's Vacuums and last Thursday he had to call someone to take him to  
work because he couldn't get his car out. He is not going to go through  
their gate and have a dispute because they are partying and they are  
drinking. He stated that is ok. He just wants to get out his driveway.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he understands and will do his best to  
resolve it for him.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he just have people that want to speak to a  
Bill.  
Contract Approvals  
15-7063  
R118  
Authorization for Contract with Yannuzzi Group, Inc. for an estimated yearly  
sum of $90,000.00. The intent of this invitation to bid if to secure a  
Contractor to demolish buildings and remediate the properties on an as  
needed basis and in accordance with the specifications referenced in Bid  
No. 2024-27. One bid was received; one (1) year contract that can be  
extended two (2) additional one (1) year terms, if pricing remains the same.  
Additionally, if necessary, the City reserves the right to extend the contract  
by three (3) months, in order to prevent a lapse in coverage.  
Attachments: R 118 - Yannuzzi  
Resolution #30884  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as Bid #2024-27. It was  
advertised on May 17, 2024. The public opening was held on June 17,  
2024. The city received one bid. After the department reviewed the  
proposals, they are recommending an award to Yannuzzi Group, Inc.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or  
comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30884  
15-7065  
R119  
Authorizes lease agreement with Friends of Allentown Parks for an office  
space located at 2700 Parkway Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18104.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R119 - Friends of Allentown Parks  
Resolution #30885  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais 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: 30885  
15-7064  
R120  
Authorization of Cooperative Contract(s) in an amount greater than  
$40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services. H.T. Lyons -  
Replacement of City Hall Air Handler #2, Samsara Networks, Inc. - 170)  
License For Vg-Series Gateways, Includes Support, Software Updates,  
Hosted Service, And Cellular Connectivity (13) License For Dual-Facing  
Dash Cam, Includes Support, Software Updates, Hosted Cloud Service,  
Shi International Corp. - Network Switch Order and Miller Sports  
Construction - Cedar Basketball Court Resurfacing and Bucky Boyle  
Basketball Court Resurfacing, Schaedler Yesco Dist. – Mack Boulevard  
Lighting & Musco Sports Lighting, LLC. – Jordan Meadows Mini-Pitch  
System.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R120 Cooperative Approval - 7.24  
Resolution #30886  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais 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: 30886  
15-7085  
R121  
Authorization for Contract with Spohn Ranch, Inc. in the amount of  
$977,861.00 to provide services of a qualified general contractor for  
Phase 2 of Jordan Skatepark. Jordan Park is located at 201 N. 6th St.,  
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102. This project involves the construction of a  
cast in place concrete skate park facility which will be utilized by  
skateboarders, scooters, and BMX riders. One bid was received; one (1)  
contract year that can be extended for up to an additional sex (6) months  
beyond the contract period.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R121 - Spohn Ranch.docx  
Resolution #30887  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30887  
15-7086  
R122  
Authorization for Contract with Bethlehem Landfill Company in the  
estimated amount of $2,954,870.00 for the first contract year, with a  
maximum CPI adjustment of five (5%) percent to be applied for contract  
commencement on 6/1/2025 and each year after the first-year term, to  
provide disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). There were three (3)  
bids; contract shall be for five (5) years beginning on the commencement  
date, June 1, 2025, and terminating May 31, 2030 and can be extended for  
up to an additional two (2) two (2) years beyond the contract expiration  
period at the sole discretion of the City.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R122 - Bethlehem Landfill.docx  
BLC  
errors on R122.pdf  
Resolution #30888  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes. He stated that he knows last year in the budget  
they put $60 or $80 aside for each taxpayer towards this. He asked the  
administration if they remember that so won't have to kill them this year.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the increase to the Solid Waste you guys got  
it down to $40.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked so what is this going to.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that what they did and he can asked Mark to  
explain it a little further. They split the contracts. They split the bid into a  
hauling contract and a disposal contract.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that was going to be his next question.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is based on hiring a consultant to assist with  
preparation and this was their recommendation. The first piece of this is  
the disposal contract which is the contract in front of you.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if they knew how much that is going to cost per se per  
person for taxpayer.  
Mr. Mark Shahda stated that they will have a better understanding once  
they have the bids for the collection.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated since this doesn't expire until June 2025 and asked if  
he is correct on that. Maybe they should hold off in voting for this until they  
have all the answers.  
Mr. Mark Shahda stated that he would advise for them to vote on it and  
approve of it this evening. The reason being during budget season to  
budget for it. They will have a better understanding of what the disposal fee  
is going to be and the collection fee. They talk about what the trash should  
be budgeted at for next year.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Mr. Shahda.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais 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: 30888  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
15-7067 June 5, 2024 City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes  
Attachments: June 5, 2024 City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
15-7068  
July 9, 2024 City Council Special Council Meeting Minutes  
Attachments: July 9, 2024 City Council Special Council Meeting Minutes  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Communications  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that city has received a petition for a Liquor  
License Transfer for Top Star Express at 2050 Tilghman Street to add  
beer and wine sales. There will be a public hearing on the transfer on  
August 21<sup>st</sup> at 6:15 PM.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that for visitors of the City Council meetings, you  
are encouraged to park in the government deck which is next door to city  
hall and see Mr. Hanlon, our Clerk for a Chaser to pay for your parking for  
this evening and for all Council meetings.  
Old Business: NONE  
REPORTS  
Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach  
The Committee met this evening; a meeting is scheduled for August 28th, time to be  
determined, to discuss the city's budget parameters with the Finance Department  
and Financial Advisor.  
Community and Economic Development: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli  
The committee met on July 17th; and forwarded some items on this evening's  
agenda. There are no future meetings scheduled at this time.  
Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Affa, Napoli, Santos  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is not  
yet scheduled.  
Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach  
The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for August 7 at 6:00  
PM.  
Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota  
The committee has not met since the last council meeting; There are no future  
meetings scheduled at this time.  
Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal  
The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for August 7 at 6:15  
PM.  
Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Mota, Napoli,  
Gerlach  
The committee met on July 17th; and forwarded some items on this evening's  
agenda. there are no future meetings scheduled at this time.  
Controller's Report (3 minutes)  
NONE  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that the interns are quickly wrapping up their projects and  
he believes they have an agreement to have them present their process flows at the  
August 7th meeting. The audit reports will come out shortly after that. He stated  
that these gentlemen work very hard. Jacqui did a great job directing them and he is  
sure that the findings will help the city run its operations in a much more efficient  
manner. He stated to stay tune.  
Mayor's Report (3 minutes)  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he will try to make it brief. He stated that one thing he  
wants to report on is that the city has participated yesterday in a kickoff meeting  
with the City Data Alliance. You may be aware that the city of Allentown has been  
accepted into a John's Hopkins led effort to build a data strategy for the city of  
Allentown to help them become a better data informed city. The kickoff begins and  
yesterday they are going to focus on the development of the data strategy as well as  
a resident impact project. He stated that he hopes to inform Council in the future  
about the dimensions of the Resident Impact Project. They also hosted a City Hall at  
the Table event at the Civic Theatre last night. He was happy to see Councilperson  
Hendricks join them. Those are excellent opportunities for members of the public to  
discuss whatever is on their minds. He believes last night they talked about parking,  
housing and litter. These are common topics and it is a great opportunity for you all  
to join us and meet with city residents to hear what's on their minds. The next one  
of those is scheduled for August 27th which is just before Fair week kicks off. They  
will be at Civic Theatre that night as well. He stated that they are looking forward to  
the week ahead. They are going to get started on Friday with a busy weekend,  
particularly for basketball fans. Friday night they will be showing Space Jam. It is  
Space Jam II. It is the LeBron James version. If you are a Michael Jordan fan, he  
has bad news for you. Space Jam will be showing at Valania Park on Friday night.  
They will follow that up with two basketball tournaments. The very big one is the  
Awesome Fest which is happening at Cedar Beach over Friday, Saturday and  
Sunday. It is accompanied by a football tournament as well. They are also hosting  
the Heritage Classic at Valania Park on Saturday and Sunday. He stated that he  
hopes they all can join them for those events that are run by other organizations.  
They are also working with the Puerto Rico Cultural Preservation Association on  
Sunday at 11:00 AM to do a Puerto Rican Flag Raising in recognition to the Puerto  
Rican Culture here in the city of Allentown. That will be followed by the Puerto Rican  
Parade which begins right after the flag raising and goes up to 5th Street he believes  
and terminates at Coca Cola Park when the Puerto Rican Cultural Preservation  
Association will host the Puerto Rican Festival. They are sensitive to issues that  
were experienced last year on Union Boulevard by some of the resident businesses.  
They worked to address those issues and be better prepared for the huge number of  
people that will be joining them on the eastside. He hopes that Council will be able  
to join them as well. It is hot so wear your sunscreen. He encouraged them to join  
them on August 5th, before the next Council meeting they will be celebrating Romper  
Day. He stated that he is sure all of them are familiar with the Playground Program  
in the city of Allentown. A huge and awesome opportunity for great young people  
across the city to get involved in physical activity over the course of the week during  
the summer. That all culminates at Romper Day which is the J Burney Crum on  
August 5th. That's a Monday. He stated that he hopes Council can join them for  
that. The following night is National Night Out which he doesn't know which number  
they will be celebrating here in Allentown, but it is always a great experience. He  
knows that they often see Councilperson Affa joining them at those events. It is the  
opportunity for neighborhood groups to engage with the Police Department and  
other public safety organizations. He stated that he hopes to see them there. The  
final thing he wants to note with the things upcoming is that the Safe Streets for All  
Safety Action Plan Map Project is open through the end of July. He encouraged  
them if they did not offer feedback on the needed safety improvements for our  
streets. There you can go to Allentownpa.gov/ss4a and record your concerns  
related to traffic safety. He stated that the final thing he wants to mention is just in  
response in a way to the conversation that they had last week and wants to address  
a pressing concern that they do obviously continue to face continued demand for  
our city services with limited staff. This is seen most acutely in our parks. He stated  
that the team is constantly working to address those issues. He stated that he  
knows there are some discussion last week and appreciates Councilperson Affa's  
outreach to our fire department, our parks department. He stated that he does want  
to remind them as they look forward to the discussion tonight that our team is  
stretched thin. Council did vote in the 2024 budget not to increase taxes and not to  
fund certain positions that would have put us in a better position to address those  
increased demands across the Lehigh Valley. He stated that they will have to revisit  
that and will address some of it tonight. That is something that he does want  
Council to consider and keep in your minds as we prepare for this next budget that  
there are very strong needs in our city. The city is changing and we must adapt to  
those needs. He thanked Council President Mota for your time and your continued  
commitment to the city of Allentown. He looks forward to working together to find  
solutions that would allow them to all serve our community better.  
15-7088  
Controller Reports  
Attachments: AP Check Review.pdf  
Bank Rec.pdf  
PCard Review.pdf  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-6952  
Bill 55  
Amending the 2024 Golf Fund, General Fund, and Trexler Fund budget to  
fund the Chief Maintenance Supervisor in the Dept. of Parks and  
Recreation to improve work efficiency and support operations at a level to  
accommodate additional responsibilities related to infrastructure projects  
and comply with maintenance standards expected from the Trexler Trust.  
Attachments: Bill 55 - Parks Chief Maint Supervisor  
Ordinance #16028  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that it was recommended favorably to full  
Council.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked what is the salary for the 13N.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is listed on the Ordinance for $73,149.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any other comments from the dais 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: 16028  
15-7004  
Bill 56  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One  
Hundred Seventy Thousand ($170,000.00) Dollars from Irving Pool  
Improvements capital project into Dixon St Bridge to use for design of the  
bridge and Jordan Skatepark for construction of Phase 2 of the park.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 56 - Parks Bonds Funding  
Ordinance #16029  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that this was in the committee this evening and it  
was also recommended favorably to tonight Council.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Santos and asked if there were any  
comments from the dais 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: 16029  
15-7005  
Bill 57  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of One Hundred Twenty Thousand ($120,000.00) Dollars  
from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources  
(DCNR) to support construction phase 2 of Jordan Skatepark  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 57 Parks DCNR Grant Funds  
Ordinance #16030  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that this was also forwarded favorably to  
tonight's meeting.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk extended a thank you on behalf of the administration, but  
also a couple of weeks ago he and Mandy were meeting with the users of  
the Phase I of the Skate Park who are a very passionate group of people  
who cares for the property and for the park. That is the symbol of a great  
park with a community that is built up around it. They are very excited about  
Phase II. He thanked City Council for continuing support for this great  
recreational activity that brings a community together in our city. He stated  
thank you very much.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mayor Tuerk.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16030  
15-7006  
Bill 58  
Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Seven Hundred Fifty ($750.00) Dollars from Keep PA  
Beautiful in their efforts to support a volunteer event by Giant/Martin Food  
Stores for supplies to conduct the volunteer event.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 58 Parks Grant Appropriation  
Ordinance #16031  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that this was also this evening and it was forward  
favorably to tonight's meeting.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16031  
15-7010  
Bill 59  
An Ordinance providing for the expenditure of certain monies received by  
the City of Allentown under Title I of the Housing and Community  
Development Act of 1976, as amended; The Homeless Emergency  
Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009; and Title II of the  
National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended; for the purpose of  
undertaking programs of housing and community development within the  
City  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 59 CED HUD New Account Setup  
Ordinance #16032  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was forwarded favorably by the  
committee, by all three members.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16032  
15-7018  
Bill 60  
Amending the Ethics Code Section § 36-6 Patronage, by prohibiting the  
hiring of anyone that has been engaged in remunerated political activity  
related to the election of City Officials.  
Gerlach, Hendricks, Mota and Mr. Zucal  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 60 Patronage  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16033  
15-7020  
Bill 61  
Amending the Ethics Code Section § 36-5 Nepotism, by prohibiting the  
hiring of an elected official’s spouse or domestic partner, child or stepchild,  
sibling or stepsibling, parent, or member of his or her household, of an  
elected official during the office holder’s term and requiting a specific time  
frame for the Human Resources to carry out the responsibilities of reporting  
such relationships already prescribed in the code.  
Gerlach, Mota and Mr. Zucal  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 61 Nepotism  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there is something already in the Code.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16034  
15-7055  
Bill 62  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Seven  
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00) from the Residential Street  
Construction capital account to the City-Owned Building Repairs capital  
account. This will transfer the unused funds from the Residential Street  
Construction project to the City-Owned Building Repairs capital account.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 62 Public Works Transfer  
Ordinance #16035  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it was voted on tonight and it was forwarded  
favorably to full Council.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16035  
15-7056  
Bill 63  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Eight  
Hundred Seventeen Thousand Dollars ($817,000.00) from the General  
Fund Unappropriated Cash Balance to the Administrative Order capital  
account. The debt will be paid back with 4.250% annual interest in full no  
later than May 31, 2029, pursuant to the Annual Debt Service presented in  
the annual report required will allow the Administrative Order (AO) fund to  
have the additional funds needed to complete the City’s requirements  
under the Concession Lease Agreement.  
Attachments: Bill 63- Public Works AO Fund Transfer  
Ordinance #16036  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that this was also forwarded favorably to  
tonight's meeting.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there were any  
comments from the dais or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16036  
15-7057  
Bill 64  
Amending the 2024 General Fund, Rental Fund, and Risk Fund budgets to  
accommodate the upgrading and retitling of positions to allow various  
departments to operate at a level more in line with the job responsibilities  
currently assigned, to support City functions. This will ensure that  
departments are operating more efficiently, inequalities are reduced,  
positions are correctly classified, and employees are appropriately  
compensated for the work they are performing based on a correctly  
classified position which enhances job satisfaction.  
Attachments: Bill 64 - Department Reorgs  
Non-Bargaining Unit Classifications and Pay Grades  
Bill 64- Department Reorgs.pdf  
Controllers Financial Review .xlsx  
A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Ce-Ce Gerlach, that this Bill be  
tabled until Budget time.  
6 -  
Yes:  
No:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and  
Candida Affa  
1 - Santo Napoli  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Dr. Mota that he would like to make a motion to table  
this until budget time which these are actually budget items anyway.  
Bill 64 was tabled.  
6 -  
Yes:  
No:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and  
Candida Affa  
1 - Santo Napoli  
15-7058  
Bill 65  
Authorizing the Lehigh County Board of Elections to place the following  
question on the November 5, 2024 ballot for the Allentown electorate that  
would amend the Home Rule Charter, Section 807, Revenue, to delete the  
Deed Transfer Tax from Section 807 (B).  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 65 - Deed Transfer Tax  
Deed Transfer Tax Residents and Investors V2.pdf  
Letter with attached Ordinance #16037 to Tim Benyo Authorizing the  
Lehigh County Board of Elections to delete the Deed Transfer Tax  
from Section 807(B)  
Ordinance #16037  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he will speak again. He stated that he spoke  
last week about this and the thought process he wants to make sure it is  
public. He spoke about the city's housing stock and how it has been  
neglected for decades. They really are in a position now where they really  
have to do something about the housing in Allentown. Whether it is  
blighted properties. Whether it is properties that are moving towards  
blight, but they also have to address homeownership. He stated that  
unfortunately he had a family vacation and wasn't able to do more data  
collection over the last few days. The month of June, for those of who were  
not here last week, 46 percent of the properties purchased in Allentown in  
June were LLCs and corporations. He stated news flash everyone.  
Homeowners are being squeezed out of this market. When they speak  
about how this will make attaining housing more expensive, he can't argue  
with that. It is going to end up being $250 for every $100,000 to the buyer.  
He stated that is a fact, but the buyers aren't even getting to these places  
because the LLCs and the corps are getting to invest. His thought process  
and he shared this publicly and will share it again because there are fresh  
faces in the room. He shared it with the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors  
Association. He shared it with other stakeholders. He stated that he can't  
sit by and continue to do nothing. If they do nothing, they are going to get  
nothing. He believes there is an opportunity to really address the housing  
issues in this city and to really help people when it comes to blighted  
properties that is an opportunity for us in the city to get these places  
rehabbed and get them in the hands of homeowners. He stated that they  
can do that with deed restrictions. He stated that they can do that by using  
realtors to get them in the hands of actual homeowners versus investors.  
They can actually look to address the next generation of blighted properties  
by creating a fa&ccedil;ade and a roof repair program. This will really help  
our residents who don't have the money for a small repair. Whether it is a  
roof repair, a fa&ccedil;ade repair. Those repairs are small today. When  
they are not done, they become very big in 10 years, 20 years. That's how  
blighted properties become blighted. People just throw up their hands and  
just can't do anything. It is a $30,000, $40,000 repair. He stated that they  
can address that by getting to it faster when it is only a $4,000 repair. A  
$7,000 repair. They can do revolving loan funds. They can get creative.  
The idea of this plan, and he is just speaking for himself and want to  
publicly state what he was thinking. If they bump up the deed transfer tax .5  
percent, the scenarios that have been run it would raise about $2.3 million  
a year. That would enable the city to have a reliable source of revenue that  
they can actually get some of this work done in the city. By addressing  
blighted properties, you are also indirectly addressing quality of life or  
indirectly addressing crime in those kind of situations. It is something  
where he believes not only they are getting because they can't control when  
a property goes on the MLS, they can't stop an investor from buying it. You  
can't. If the city of Allentown is focusing on the blighted properties then they  
can focus on making sure it reaches the homeowner through a deed  
restriction. Through different avenues and being creative. That is how we  
increase homeownership. If this city continues to become a city of  
investors and rentals, in 20 years, 10 years, 15 years it is going to continue  
to contribute to the issues that we are facing of quality of life, and those  
issues that are plaguing current homeowners. That is why he believes this  
is an opportunity to really address those issues along with affordability. He  
believes that they can use this reliable source for revenue for actually  
helping qualified homeowners get to the finish line at settlement. If they  
need some gap funding. If they need $4,000, $6,000 to get them that  
home, the city can help. He rather see that home with a family living there  
who owns a home versus another rental. He stated that they need rentals in  
the city and they are getting to a point where they will have too many. He  
stated that he knows him, but when was the last time any of them washed a  
rental car. They have to make sure that they don't become a city of rentals.  
He stated that homeownership is really important to him and he believes  
they can address that with a program that has a reliable source of revenue  
and they can actually use helping real people in Allentown live in Allentown  
and not have to rent and deal with rent increases. He stated that is  
something that he wanted to mention publicly. He has spoken with  
President Mota about it. He has spoken with Ms. Affa. He just wants to  
say it again, lastly is that they have to do something. It has been neglected  
for decades and our stock is crumbling around us. They know and see it.  
They just have to do something. He stated that he is looking at this as an  
opportunity to finally address some of these issues and make an impact on  
our residents and our city.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli and stated that she agrees with him.  
They need perhaps a housing committee to be able to work on this. She  
stated that she feels the same way. She knows that there was or that there  
is programs as the first - time homebuyer from Community Action. She  
doesn't know if they still have that. She asked if there is anyone from  
Community Action here. She stated that she knows there are a few  
programs. Seven years ago, they had a program where they will help.  
Public sectors would help employees purchase a home. She thinks that  
was $10,000. She doesn't know what happened with that. That was like  
seven years ago. She believes they need to bring this back. Maybe  
contact public sectors and see how they can help us out.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated they do still have a first time homebuyers  
program. It takes two weekends a month. They have it both in Spanish  
and in English. They help people who have never owned homes before to  
purchase their first home. They also have a weatherization program that  
goes into homes to help make them more energy efficient. They have a  
roofing program that will help homeowners to preserve the roofs in their  
house because that is the most costly expense that homeowners have is  
water getting into homes and they can't afford to repair it. They have many  
different programs to help the public, whether it is a homeowner or a renter  
who can refer their landlord to get these surfaces to make sure we are  
keeping people in their homes within the city or allows them to purchase a  
home within the cities in the Lehigh Valley.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Godshall to tell her about her first home  
program. She asked if she gets many people. Does the community know  
about it?  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that they are usually packed every time they  
have it. She stated that they can have about 100 people per class. They  
do seven of them per year. They do three is Spanish and four in English.  
They have them in different locations. Sometimes they have them in  
Allentown, Easton or Bethlehem. People from all three cities come to each  
of those cities, depending on where it is. They get a certificate at the end  
of having taken the classes that allows them to often get assistance from  
mortgage companies that they may get some down payment assistance  
because they took those classes. The first time homebuyer classes.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Godshall if they do a follow up. For example,  
once they get their certificate, how many of those people and/or community  
members go and buy their own homes.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that they do and have not seen a lot of  
purchases happening right now because of the high interest rates. They  
are getting their certificates. It is not likely that interest rates are going to  
go down significantly anytime soon. They are trying to encourage people  
that if they are going to purchase, they should purchase now.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Godshall has she worked with different  
businesses out there for more funding.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that they get funding from many different  
sources. This is for our first time homebuyers. It is a part of our Housing  
Counseling Program.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Napoli that she guesses they need more  
programs like that.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated absolutely. A lot of this always comes down to it is  
never reliable sources of funding. He stated that is why he was thinking that  
this would be an opportunity. He believes that if it passes, it should not go  
into the General Fund. He believes it should be a separate line item under  
our CED department and just focus on housing. The more programs the  
better. Like anything, it comes down to we can have great programs, but if  
we have no money how good of a program.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that is very true.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is the thought process and he thinks also that  
he wants to be clear, it is not affecting current homeowners. He stated that  
they are talking about our seniors who are living social security check to  
social security check. It doesn't affect them. It doesn't affect our most  
vulnerable folks who are living paycheck to to paycheck and keeping up  
with their mortgages. It only affects folks who are buying homes. It is  
something that he thought would be an opportunity to really make an impact  
in the real estate market and actually make it more lucrative in Allentown.  
He thinks as a property owner, residential and also with investment  
properties, he wants his home values to increase and he believes in  
attacking blight and attacking some of these issues could actually help  
everyone in the long run. It was what he was thinking and again, it comes  
down to they have done nothing about our housing stock for a long time. It  
is time we step up.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she agrees, but in a perfect world, if it passes,  
she hopes that they can do something about taxes too. She stated that she  
would not want to see a 10 percent increase for the taxpayer.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she has a question and is going way back  
somewhere in her little brain thinking that there was a program at one time  
where the city or whatever the program was offered them a certain amount  
of money or they could buy it for a dollar or whatever. When they got this  
money or got the help, they had to sign a contract that they had to live there  
for at least five years or seven years. She asked if they remembered any  
kind of program like that. She stated that she thought it was wonderful  
because once you live somewhere for five years, you have roots. She  
stated that is what our problem is. We need neighborhoods. We don't  
have neighborhoods anymore. It helps with schools because kids are in  
school. The next thing you know, you have a nurse living next door. We  
have firemen. She asked if that program still going on.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that they have a land trust and she is not sure if  
that is what Ms. Affa is referring to. She stated that CACLV owns the land  
and they own the home. The agreement is that they have to sell. If they do  
sell their property, they have to sell it to another low to moderate income  
person so that those homes stay affordable in perpetuity. She stated that  
CACLV still do have that. They still have a land trust.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked how do you purchase one of these homes.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that right now they only have a certain number  
that are already owned by people. If they move or sell, they have to sell to  
another affordable or another low income family. Now, if there are blighted  
properties within the city that they wanted to work with Community Action  
for them to put grant money to fix those homes up, they can also make them  
land trusts homes to make them available to low and moderate income  
people.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that is a good way. She was on the board and  
there is a lot blighted properties. That is a really good way.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated to keep them affordable.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that if he could add, what's at root here and part of  
what Council Vice President Napoli is speaking to is that there are actually  
fewer blighted properties than you think there are. The challenge that they  
have in the city of Allentown is a lack of inventory broadly speaking. They  
are just not producing that much housing. He knows that Councilperson  
Gerlach is sensitive to that as well. What Councilperson Napoli is  
suggesting that the establishment of a fund that they can then use to  
incentivize the production of additional housing. That is really what is at the  
root of the skyrocketing housing prices whether they are rentals or for  
homeownership. There is just not enough supply in the market. One of the  
challenges that they have here is there is just very few our Redevelopment  
Authority is rejuvenated, but they just don't have a huge supply of blighted  
properties that they can take possession of and then put into the market.  
Demand is so strong in Allentown, the small LLCs are acquiring properties,  
making the investments in them and then renting them out. They have to  
produce more housing in the city of Allentown. He knows that some of  
them were able to work through some of their proposed zoning changes.  
He stated that he looks forward to discussing that in the future. What they  
really need is the resource and the resources funding that they can then use  
to incentivize the production of addition housing. That is what is kind of  
propose with the increase in the deed transfer tax.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the only concern he has and most people would  
agree with him on this. Most people that are buying their first home are  
pretty young. They are just starting out and it doesn't sound like a lot, but  
that $2,500 or the $5,000 could be the difference of them buying or not  
buying a house.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that there are mortgage companies that they  
work with within their first time homebuyers program that will offer an  
incentive of $2,500 or various amounts for down payment assistance or  
closing costs for first time homebuyers. Once they have that certificate, it  
enables them to be eligible for that funding.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that your banks, lending agencies do, but not all do.  
Ms. Dawn Godshall stated correct.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated just to be clear, to pay an extra $2,500, it would be  
a million dollar home. If someone is buying a million dollar home, they can  
afford it. For the average home price, let's say the average home price is  
$150,000, we are looking at around 300 bucks. Again, the thought  
process is that we can help more people by having a reliable source of  
revenue to get them into homes. We can't stop who's buying the homes.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the public.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated yep, there are two speakers.  
Mr. Asher Schiavone, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association, stated  
since their last meeting he had conversations with members of Council and  
members of the administration. He worked with the city of Bethlehem for  
10 years in the Economic Development Department. He certainly  
appreciates the stress and what they are under to try to better the city. He  
certainly understands that side of it. They have had good discussions and  
dialogue about this bill and Zoning amendments and things in general with  
the city of Allentown. It is important to have that relationship going forward.  
He stated that their position is still against this referendum. He is not going  
to rehash some of the points that he did at the last meeting, but he does  
want to go over somethings that they were essentially concerned about. As  
far as the wording of the referendum. Looking at the last three times the  
deed transfer tax was up for referendum, November 2002 - Shall  
Subsection A and B of Subsection 807 of the Home Rule Charter be  
deleted to remove the restriction against Council establishing a new tax  
and allow Council to raise rates of the deed transfer, earned income,  
business privilege, occupational privilege, amusement devices and  
resident taxes above the respect of 1996 levels, 84 percent opposed.  
November 2004, shall Section 807B of the Home Rule Charter of the city of  
Allentown be amended to allow City Council by ordinance to increase the  
rate of the realty transfer tax beyond its 1996 levels, 67 percent opposed.  
November 2005, shall Section 807B in the Home Rule Charter of Allentown  
be amended to allow the city by ordinance to increase the rate of the realty  
tax up to an additional one percent, 70 percent opposed. He thanked  
Council for bearing with him. He stated that he is going somewhere with  
this. The proposed referendum now is in front of them. It is the Section  
807B, Revenue - The Home Rule Charter of the city of Allentown be  
amended to allow City Council by Ordinance to remove the deed transfer  
tax. There is no mention of the word increase at all. He knows that they are  
talking about just removing the deed transfer tax from the Home Rule  
Charter, but instead letting the voters decide on the increase which  
previous referendums have done, what they are now doing is allowing  
voters to say ok, we are going to unlock this deed transfer tax and going to  
give the power of the tax increase to the administration of the City Council.  
He stated that he wants to be clear that it appears that this wording is  
misleading. He found a voter walking into the voting booth and see this  
question, it sounds like he is voting to appeal a tax. It doesn't take into  
account all the conversations that have happened. The .5 percent, the  
increased tax, what do you plan to do with it. It doesn't factor all those  
considerations. He stated that he would like that to sit with them. He  
asked Mr. Hanlon does he get another two minutes since he is  
representing.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is Council's call. He thought if there were  
a number of people here and you were speaking for a number of people.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked are you speaking for a few people.  
Mr. Asher Schiavone stated for 3,000 members of the association. He  
stated that is as far as the wording and his comments on that. As far as the  
LLCs and the rentals, he is not going to argue with the numbers. It was  
looking over the past 18 months. Those LLCs are then going to and if they  
haven't increased costs as a result of the deed transfer tax increase, they  
will be willing to bet that they are going to pass this cost on the tenants. He  
stated that they don't think developers are just going to eat that cost. That  
is going to increase rental rates across the city. There has been  
discussions again, about raising the deed transfer tax 1/2 a percent. There  
has been conversations about affordable housing and blight. Even the  
General Fund mentioned as far as filling that gap. There has been no  
commitment to allocate in that funding to any program. They are talking  
about potentially raising $2.3 million on half of a percent increase for the  
city of Allentown but no plans to spend it. Again, it is increasing the cost of  
homeownership especially for low and moderate individuals and it is not  
helping to make housing more affordable. Just going back to the medium  
home sales in Allentown for $250,000. A one percent increase would  
result in an increase cost of $2,500 at closing. He stated that the deed  
transfer tax has been at one percent for the last 28 years and it seems like  
this is being rushed through. They are looking at misleading language.  
There is no specific purpose of where this money is going towards. Taking  
into an account the current housing market, it is really not a great time to do  
this. He stated that he would like to pose that question to them and going  
back to the wording. He thinks the residents deserves to know what exactly  
they are voting for and they don't think that the current wording of the  
referendum reflects the conversations that have happened.  
Mr. Sam Del Rosario, Associate Broker and small business owner, stated  
that he office and his branch is located in the city. He works hand and hand  
with a lot of the community. he stated that in fact he is an instructor from  
CACLV. He teaches the first time homebuyers seminar. One of the  
reasons why he is here today besides being asked by his membership.  
He is a member of the govern affairs committee. It is because of his  
firsthand knowledge of the housing market in Allentown. He stated that he  
does a lot of transactions here in the city. He works with the city and Vicky  
is fantastic and they have a great Building and Standards department.  
They work with inspections and some of the properties that are not in great  
shape. He commended the city just in general with the cooperation that  
they get whenever they do transactions. As both fluent in Spanish and  
English, he does deal with the community and one of the biggest  
challenges that he run into is just information sharing, understanding  
affordability housing issues. He stated that the biggest concern that he has  
about the referendum and of course, the voters will decide if they want to  
have that removed is exactly what he would reiterate what Asher said in  
making it clear if they remove that from the Charter, it could potentially be  
an increase in the deed transfer tax. He stated that he will give them some  
statistics, last year 50 percent of the homes in Allentown, specifically  
Allentown sold above ask price. Part of the strategy occurred as a result of  
selling and buying especially in our city, considering the inventory. The low  
stock as the mayor said. Many of the buyers are paying the deed transfer  
tax for both sides of the table. A lot of time the buyer is taking on the low  
inventory cost, the high prices, the unaffordability of some of the housing.  
Unfortunately, yes .5 percent may not seem like a big deal, but it is for his  
86 year old seller who is trying to move into a home and she now have to  
pay in that money all she has in retirement because we know baby  
boomers statistically don't have enough for retirement so every dollar  
counts. It doesn't matter if it is a $1 or $250. When it comes to  
transactions in the city and handling those blighted properties, they  
understand and he would say homeownership in general has to do a lot  
with quality of life which he has mentioned before. To Councilmember  
Napoli at a point they talked about this and about quality of life issues and  
ensuring that we want primary homeowners to buy in the city. Quality of life  
is going to be a big factor, not just affordability. They want to make sure  
they do that. With regards to money availability for affordability for first time  
homebuyers. This is why you need a professional realtor representing you.  
There are a ton of programs and a ton of actual homebuyer programs.  
There are renovation loans. There are home products that can help  
blighted properties and take equity and use that to help them fix the  
property. It is really important that we think about what we are doing here.  
Using a referendum and removing that and using that as a basis of revenue  
is unstable. It is market depend. Even if you pull it out, nationally, we are 2  
million homes less. That is what we sold. If we depend on this, we are also  
depending on the market to replenish that revenue source which could be a  
challenge. He stated that his point simply and he knows that he is out of  
time, let's take it into consideration yes, affordability is truly an issue and  
they want to make sure that they represent everybody's interests. Let's  
make sure we are transparent about it and that money gets allocated to  
where it needs to be to help our community and certainly will be an  
advocate for that 100 percent. There is no issue there.  
Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that she is a realtor and run a nonprofit, own a  
home, and a business. She stated that this will hurt us. The realtors have  
their own stress right now. Most of the buyers are being put on the cost of  
buyer fees from lawsuits. That's not a city problem, but it is a sales  
problem. It will affect you. If a buyer now has to worry about an extra fee for  
deeds and a buyer. She stated that she has seen people not get funding or  
not get a house for $25. You have to have certain stakes in the game with  
the funding programs. She stated that she works with several banks. They  
have to have certain. They can get $5,000 in grant money and be short  
$50 because of the deed transfer. There are certain banks that have  
certain rules. If the deed transfer cost is going to be too high, they might  
not get a PHFA or a FHA loan. Like her colleague Sam said, they have  
people that are on fixed incomes. These are the people that deserve and  
lived here all their lives and they deserve a chance to buy in Allentown. If  
you think that they landlords aren't going to put that cost. She stated that  
we went through this with Covid. How many times did she come up here  
saying the cost that they are getting, they are putting. They don't put the  
cost. They put the cost times three on to their tenants. She stated what do  
we have. We have people leaving Allentown, Allentonians. She stated that  
we have to think about the people. She stated that she knows that you  
came and spoke with the realtors. We have to be more involved. The  
people that we are helping build. When it comes to taxes, school taxes and  
county taxes. If the people that are selling the city. That's what we do. She  
stated that we are selling the city. Do you know how hard it is if you keep  
putting another problem on us. Here is a couple more fees. We have  
crime problems. We have homelessness problems. We have food  
scarcities. She stated that they are living stressed out. She stated that  
they are working it out and she loves what Sam says. The city is working  
hard, but they are fixing things that they didn't break. It is hard and she  
know all of them go through the stress, but if they are not the people that are  
affected at the table making the decisions. She stated that she is pretty  
smart and she read that thing five times and still did not understand it. It  
doesn't make any sense. She stated that Santo said a few things, but it  
doesn't align with what it said in the speech. It is not going to affect certain  
people. It is only going to affect those with no money. Then again, they are  
going to have only investors buying houses in our community and that is all  
they see. We have to start thinking about all the people. She stated that  
she can give at least 20 scenarios of people that didn't get their house  
because of a few dollars of funding. She has a list of banks, lenders and  
programs in our community that has funding, but it is very. It is a lot of rules  
and a lot of things and this could take somebody out of the park. Let's kind  
of think about it and think about the wording and think about who is going to  
be most affected. Once again, Allentonians. Investors have the money.  
Let's be for real.  
Mr. Santo Napoli asked Mr. Hanlon if there is any opportunity to work on  
this wording with referendum. He stated that it is a definite issue and  
asked are there opportunities to.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he would simply say this, it is the mayor's bill  
and when the bill is sent to the board of elections, they will do a plain  
English statement and they will send that language to you and they will have  
a public meeting and you could go up there and you can ask them to  
change the plain English statement, but it will explain what's in front of you.  
He stated that you will have a crack at it then. That is an open meeting.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he thinks Sam said it best. It is an opportunity  
for the voters to make a decision. If the voters do make a decision to  
repeal this item from the Charter, it then pushes the responsibility onto the  
administration and Council. They can visit that discussion with City Council  
within the budget process every year which we all encourage folks to do.  
To get more involved. He stated that he thinks this is taking a look at  
probably poorly wording component of the Charter and pushes the  
responsibility to City Council's which he personally thinks it is a good idea,  
but will leave it up to the voters. To Mike Hanlon's point, the Bill will be  
cleaned up before the ballot.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it will be a plain English statement.  
Mr. Shane Fillman, 120 S. 22nd Street, stated that these gentlemen were  
very excellent. He appreciate and concur with everything they said. Not to  
be redundant, but just to touch on something you mentioned Santo. He  
lived downtown as they are aware for 30 years and owned multiple  
properties downtown and it was extremely active in the community, both  
with Old Allentown Preservation Association sitting on that board for well  
over 20 years and also the HARB (Historical Architectural Review Board)  
with the city of Allentown. One thing he would say living right downtown and  
dealing with the quality of life issues that a lot of other people are facing  
and that he dealt with everyday. When you talk about getting control of the  
housing stock and trying to create more home ownership, he fully agrees  
and that has been a very slippery slope for a number of years and the city is  
probably approaching 70 percent. It is well over 60 at this point. One thing  
that is extremely effective and basically alienated by previous  
administrations was the Redevelopment Authority, Karen Pooley was an  
excellent and very knowledgeable super smart lady that acquired a lot of  
deplorable buildings in Old Allentown which is your biggest partner  
downtown. They basically encumbrances about 1,500 homes. Without Old  
Allentown, there really would not be much going on with J B Reilly. That is  
the anchor downtown. Peter Lewnes is doing a great job on Seventh  
Street. Without a doubt, even though he doesn't live there anymore, Old  
Allentown is the anchor of this city. That is something that definitely needs  
to be protected and cooperated with. In regards to and he knows there is a  
housing shortage, but one of the things that have been exceptionally  
productive and helped in Allentown over the course of its inception since  
1978, were actually de conversions. Some properties are definitely  
overpopulated. Parking is a major issue and it only gets worse as times  
goes on. He thinks that was something that was very successful that really  
a lot of people in Old Allentown were investing their own money in  
properties based upon seeing those types of things. They see scaffolding  
going up. They see fa&ccedil;ade restorations. Old Allentown, did over  
130 fa&ccedil;ade projects in their history so far. One of the things about  
the deed transfer tax, you mentioned about people buying. That is only part  
of it. As the gentlemen mentioned, it is also selling too. When someone  
buys a house, the median home, it is not difficult to spend $300,000. At  
that point, both the buyer and seller are each paying $6,000. That is a lot of  
money. Of course, the lifetime of its ownership of the property. They are  
paying a decent amount of taxes in the city which one of the biggest  
struggling components of Allentown is the school district. People are  
paying a lot of money for their taxes and then when they go to sell their  
property, they get dinged again. He stated that he is completely opposed  
of increasing the property transfer tax. He thinks it is wrong and it is no big  
plan here for how that money is going to be spent. He stated that should be  
definitely worded correctly that people understand what they are voting for.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked can he make a motion to send it with no  
recommendation.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked what would that do.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the motion would let the people decide. He stated  
that he thought they were going to vote yes or no.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that a yes vote goes on the November ballot.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16037  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any comments from the dais.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
15-7069  
R123  
Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 820 Liberty  
St.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R 123 HARB Resolution  
Pre-Review 820 Liberty Street - Fire danger entire rear (FINAL)  
Resolution #30889  
Enactment No: 30889  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-7009  
R115  
Approves the submission of the Action Plan to the United States  
Department of Housing and Urban Development.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R115 HUD Action Plan  
Resolution #30890  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais, the  
administration or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30890  
15-7078  
R124  
RCDC HUD Action Plan Amendment  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R124 - RCDC HUD Action Plan amendment  
Resolution #30891  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that she has a quick question. What exactly  
does environmental work and remediation consist of.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated whenever you go through Land Development  
process, you have environmental studies. When an organization has a plan  
that is approved by us and approved in the HUD federal funding  
mechanism, if you hit a snag, maybe you hit an underground oil tank,  
maybe you hit some DEP contaminated soil or anything that throws a  
monkey wrench to your proposal you have to go back to HUD and make an  
amendment that says you need a little bit more money to complete the  
project as proposed. The environmental assessment had an environmental  
snag which they re-approached HUD with this amendment.  
Ms. Natalie Santos thanked Ms. Kistler.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Kistler. She asked if there were any  
comments from the dais.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated a quick question following up on Ms. Santos  
question, and asked is this for the childcare for the church at 9th and Turner  
or is it for their new property at the Liberty Bell Church.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that this is for the childcare.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated childcare, ok.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais 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: 30891  
15-7081  
R125  
Authorizes Lead Grant Application  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R125 - Lead HH Grant Application  
Resolution #30892  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais 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: 30892  
15-7066  
R126  
Approves one transfer: (1) $19,000.00 in CED required to purchase a  
Viken Detection Machine (Detects Lead Paint).  
Attachments: R126 Transfer Funds  
Required To Purchase A Viken Detection Machine (Detects Lead  
Paint)  
Resolution #30893  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were comments from the dais or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30893  
15-7077  
R127  
Authorizes and Approves the Engagement of Brown McGarry Nimeroff  
Attorneys at Law, to Provide Legal Services to Allentown City Council  
Pursuant to the Allentown Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code to  
provide legal services in an action adverse to the Mayor of Allentown,  
and/or the Mayor’s Administration.  
Mr. Zucal, Gerlach and Mota  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R127 Engagement of Brown McGarry Nimeroff Attorneys at Law  
Allentown City Council Engagement Letter  
Resolution #30894  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he is going to mention something quickly.  
When this all started, one of the big reasons that they did this was the  
alleged issue of morale with our city staff and how their morale was being  
impacted by the decisions of the administration. He just has to say that the  
fact that a half hour ago they tabled something and not even listened to  
what they had to say and what our controller had to say. Whatever alleged  
morale the administration has inflicted on them, we just doubled it tonight  
and he wanted to say publicly that he is really disappointed that they find  
$20,000 to sue the mayor on a process that they bungled, yet we can't even  
hear discussions about how we can treat our employees better and serve  
our residents better. He just finds that to be an issue and just wants to say  
publicly, he was disappointed. He will obviously be voting against this.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais or  
the public.  
6 -  
Yes:  
No:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and  
Candida Affa  
1 - Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30894  
15-7087  
R128  
Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic  
Development for the improvements of Andre Reed Park. The City is asking  
for $250,000.00 in grant funding with a 15% match required – land  
appraisal or cash.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R128 - DCED Grant Application Andre Reed Park.docx  
Resolution #30895  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30895  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral)  
15-7080  
Bill 66  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Two Hundred Thousand ($200,000) Dollars from the  
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development  
(DCED) to support improvements to the Rose Garden including stone  
repairs at the stairs and gazebos and an upgraded Rose Garden #2  
pavilion.  
Rose Garden Grant  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 66 - Rose Garden Grant  
Ordinance #16038  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or any  
comments from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
Enactment No: 16038  
15-7070  
Bill 67  
Providing for the vacation of South Ruhr Street from the centerline of Willow  
Street to the centerline of Hill Street and Hill Street from the centerline of  
South Saint Lucas Street to the centerline of South Ruhr Street in the  
Eighteenth Ward of the City of Allentown.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 67 South Ruhr Street from the centerline of Willow Street  
Staff Report Planning Vacate S. Ruhr St. Hill St_.pdf  
S Ruhr Hill St Vacation Report  
Letter from Jennifer Gomez regarding ACPC action on Vacate Portion  
Of Hill Street Portion of Ruhr Street  
LVPC Draft Review Ruhr Street and Hill Street Vacation petition  
Allentown  
South Ruhr Street from Willow Street Report  
South Ruhr Street from Willow Street to Hill Street Mailing Labels  
Ordinance #16039  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated that he is here today because he applied for  
this vacated alley or vacated street. He stated that he is the petitioner who  
requested the proposed street vacation on Hill Street and Ruhr Street. He  
wants all property owners bring awareness of the property and  
maintenance responsibilities of the area, if granted. Are all the owners  
entitled to the vacation street would need to add it to their deeds in order to  
be granted that vacated street. He stated that the reason he mentioned it  
is because at the first meeting he was told under the ordinance they are  
entitled of 50 percent of that vacated street. If they are entitled to 50  
percent of the vacated street, he also wants them to be responsible of  
cleaning, maintenance and everything else that is all involved. He did all  
the motions and applied for this, but they are entitled. They don't have to  
apply for it, they automatically get 50 percent. His problem is if he has  
done all the maintenance, and all the cutting and all the picking up garbage  
and all the McDonald's bags and everything else that he needs and replace  
the blades on his lawnmower and one person out of the whole neighbors,  
only one of 10 said they are entitled, but they don't know no English. He  
stated that he doesn't know what he is reading. He has a problem with that  
because they did not maintain it like he did. He understood that it was  
vacated. He read what the law states and what the Ordinance says about it  
and it is why he applied for it. If your ordinance is saying you are entitled of  
it. He wants to be entitled of maintenance and clearing the area. It is only  
fair. The two easements will be PPL and Verizon. He has taken a photo  
and the PPL easement is a way from the 20 feet of this property of the  
vacated land. He doesn't know if they need an easement for PPL, but if  
they do, maybe they can look into it. He wants to make sure if they sign off  
on it or Council votes on it that he is going to give them all the rights, but  
while they are waiting for a signature for that easement if they don't need it.  
It is why he is here also to explain to them. Will there be anything added to  
the Ordinance 2556 due to this vacated street? The reason he says this is  
because this ordinance has been around since 1930 he believes. If there  
anything added to it, he wants to make sure that he gets some type of  
writing of that ordinance in order to apply on this on his deed. If you vote on  
it, he will have to need all the paperwork to this in order to add it.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Cartagena she wants him to know that they  
are going to have a meeting and this will be referred to Chairperson  
Gerlach. You will also have an opportunity to speak on behalf of this  
property.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena asked if it will be a separate meeting.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that there will be a separate meeting.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will specifically be for one of the items. In  
that group which is a group of three of their members will make a  
recommendation wither favorably or unfavorably. He stated to Mr.  
Cartagena that he will have an opportunity to go over the details again.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated or unfavorably.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that it is August 7th.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated no problem. He thought this was the final  
procedure. He already went in front of Zoning and the Commission and  
they said come here. He figures what's next is to add it to the deed, if you  
vote on it.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it is just an introduction tonight.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated then that is fine. He is not going to waste his  
time or waste Council's time.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that at the same time, she is glad that he is here.  
You do have concerns. She wanted him to know that there will be a  
separate meeting. And, Ms. Gerlach is listening to you.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is definitely here and do believe the  
meeting is August 7th. Hopefully, you are able to make that meeting as  
well.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated that he is also going to attach photos to this  
meeting so that they can look at it and get to understand of where he is  
coming from and the work that he did to the two vacated streets called Hill  
Street and Ruhr Street.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota suggested that if he has any materials or any information,  
he can always contact Mr. Hanlon and he can give them the materials  
ahead of time.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated beautiful. He would be glad to do that and  
stated that he appreciates their time. He stated that they have seen his  
face before and don't forget him when it is time to vote.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated before you leave, you can give Mr. Hanlon your  
information and maybe Mr. Shahda from Public Works can also reach out  
to you and explain some of your concerns.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that they will have a mailing list and will send it to  
him. There are no objectors so things are on your side.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated no problem. He is glad to hear that and stated  
that they made his day. He stated Public Works, that is Mr. Shahda and  
stated that he is going to talk to him. He stated to Mr. Shahda that he  
wanted to meet him anyway. He appreciated Council's time and stated  
that he is glad to see them.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she heard that he be cleaning that place a lot.  
You keep it clean.  
Mr. Jose' Cartagena stated that he helps a lot and also help the senior  
citizens in his area. He wants everybody to be clear. A lot of these senior  
citizens they need help. He is one of the guys that pick up the trash and  
bring the garbage to their house and bring them water and they all love him  
there. He doesn't need a pat on the back. He knows what they did for us  
and that is why he is giving back to them.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Cartagena and stated that she heard about  
him.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the city needs more of him.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE  
Enactment No: 16039  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NEW BUSINESS: NONE  
GOOD AND WELFARE  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he wants to extend an appreciation to Council  
for their flexibility and willingness to listen to arguments prior to the vote that  
they just did to send the deed transfer tax bill to the voters. It is a fantastic  
display of how City Council should behave. You had some arguments and  
worked through issues and then you vote. He is incredibly disappointed  
and wanted to echo what Council Vice President Napoli's disappointment  
in the way your behaved in regards to the bill for  
reorganization/reclassification. They did a significant amount of work and  
presented it to you. They worked to emphasize efficiency. They worked to  
address workload among city staff. They presented a plan that would allow  
them to remain competitive in the workplace and to retain our employees  
and it shows financial prudence. And, you didn't even listen. It is not just  
disappointing to him. It is disappointing to his staff and demoralizing to his  
staff. If they will permit him, he would also like to allow Ms. Kistler to  
express her concerns related to your decision to not hear anybody out and  
just table it with no discussion.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that tonight they tabled a 100 percent grant funded  
position for the next three years. They eliminated the idea that they can  
take a Community Housing Specialist position and turn it to a Street  
Community Health Paramedic. She stated that she doesn't think that they  
did that because they wanted to do that. She stated that she thinks they did  
that for other reasons. She can't speculate what Council's other reasons  
are or if it is the relationship between this administration and this Council.  
She will tell them that there is nothing more demoralizing then to work for  
your entire career to bring them grant after grant after grant and stated  
come on, she has been here how many times. So has Mr. Shahda, So has  
Mandy Tolino, trying to bring money into the city and now, we are not going  
to spend it and not going to do that until January. She stated that she  
doesn't know why they are not going to do that because it doesn't make any  
sense to her. All she can say is that he is right and Mr. Santo Napoli is right  
when he says how much they have come full circle into a divide and in  
honesty, tonight she would venture to say a month ago Mr. Shahda had  
positions approved outside of the budget. Tonight, Mandy had positions  
approved outside of the budget. She stated that she thinks that's an effort  
to divide them and it won't. She stated that they are not going to pit against  
each other to compete for what you agree with and what you don't agree  
with. She stated that they had a Grants Sustainability Manager who talked  
about hundreds of thousands of dollars. They have written a grant for $20  
million and are in the top 22 in the nation and we keep asking our people to  
do more and more and more work. She stated believes her, she gets it.  
She hundred percent gets that the city is facing a budget deficit and it is  
tight. But, to see we create fake news over those numbers. To see that we  
take that paramedic position and say it is going to cost way more next year  
than it is ever going to cost makes her feel within a city, we have become  
what is going on in the nation and you see what that has done. That is what  
this is doing here.  
Ms. Bina Patel asked if she could speak as well. She stated that she  
wants to echo what the mayor has said and Ms. Kistler stated. The  
administration had worked very hard. She stated that they came to them  
united. The positions you said bring them at the budget time. She stated  
that they did. The last two years, they were in the budget then you did not  
approve them. These are the employees. The garage was brought  
in-house. It is saving the city money, but you are not realizing that you  
approved the Public Works position and that is adding the invoices to the  
ERP System and the finance staff who is helping to approve those invoices  
with the Controller who is also verifying them. The other service  
departments, the Law Department who is helping them. She stated that  
they all came to Council as one unit united saying that this is what is  
needed to sustain us. She stated that they are working. Her Risk Bureau,  
the Benefits Manager is working 10 hours a day. That position was in the  
budget, this bill. It wasn't approved. Now, what. Let her keep working 10  
hours a day. She asked can they tell her how to get the work done and  
keep the morale up. She stated if they have a better solution then what they  
are united have presented, she is willing to listen. She stated to  
Councilperson Zucal presented numbers and she offered at the last  
meeting that she does not agree with it. She has a one on one meeting to  
discuss this and nothing was done. She stated that you asked Mr.  
Controller to go over the numbers and provide his feedback. You did not  
give him an opportunity to explain. The controller came to her, and they  
went over the numbers and agreed. They spent hours to simply so they can  
explain to Council how it is done. She stated that Council did not give them  
a chance. Everything Council asked them to do, they take it to heart and  
spent hours working at it and the complaints that the taxpayers bring to  
them. She stated that they spend hours and do their work daily diligently.  
They are government workers and understand that. How many hours they  
can keep working without recognizing. With the staff, she stated that she  
feels horrible tonight that they didn't even listen to what they had presented.  
She had provided all the numbers to the mayor. If you have looked at  
everything. The overall changes are saving the money in the future. It is not  
costing anything to the city. It is saving the funds and Mr. Controller had all  
of the details. You didn't even respect the Controller because you asked  
him to look into this and he worked on it. He has the numbers for you. She  
stated that she is really disappointed. She doesn't know what to go back  
and tell her staff. She stated that they were here tonight. They were behind  
her. They are the ones that are working hard. She stated that she is here  
and they are here because of them.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Patel.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier asked if he could weight in for a second.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked is this is how we are going to do it from now on.  
This is how we are going to do it? When they as Councilmembers give a  
vote, they going to hear about people's disappointment. This is how the  
rules are going to be for now on? They are going to beat us then down for  
now on? It was tabled. She stated that they followed the Rules.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that you are the presiding officer. This is  
under Good and Welfare. You are here to listen to Good and Welfare. He  
asked Dr. Mota in her estimation is this Good and Welfare or commenting  
on what Council.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she believes that this is commenting on what  
Council just voted for.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated well, this is your meeting.  
ADJOURNED: 7:58 PM  
15-6577  
Reference Materials:  
Council Rules  
Procurement Code  
Ethics Code  
Attachments: Procurement Code  
Ethics Code  
Rules