435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, December 4, 2024  
6:30 PM  
Council Chambers  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated let's continue. This was wonderful. She thanked  
Mr. Zucal and thanked the young kids that were here. Thank you for the  
amazing job.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she would like to acknowledge and  
congratulate our Chief Charles Roca on receiving the CIT Law  
Enforcement Award. CIT stands for Crisis Innovation Team. The CIT  
program enforcement award recognizes a Sheriff, a Chief or a member of  
Law Enforcement, Executive Staff or active supports the CIT program in  
their community. Chief Charles Roca serves as a champion and advocate  
for the CIT Program within the Police Department and the board of  
communities. He actively promotes community engagement and  
initiatives such as town hall meetings where residents can voice concerns  
and suggestions regarding mental health issues and law enforcement  
practices. Additionally, the Chief encourages officers to participate in  
outreach programs fostering positive relationships with local mental mental  
organizations and community leaders. By championing these efforts, the  
Chief cultivates a supportive vibrant where law enforcement and the  
community work together to address mental health crisis, effectively,  
compassionately and ensuring the success and sustainability of the CIT  
program. Both internally with the police department, and externally with the  
community. Through his leadership and commitment, he has helped to  
ensure that law enforcement officers are being equipped to respond to  
mental health crisis with empathy, compassion, and effectiveness.  
Ultimately, promoting the safety and wellbeing of both individuals in crisis in  
of the community. She stated that their Chief Roca got the award from the  
state and stated thank you and congratulated him.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated and now we have Councilman Zucal and he will be  
giving out a few Citations.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked President Mota and stated well he has been on  
Council for seven years and think that this is only the fifth time he has given  
out Proclamations because he thinks that they have to be well earned. He  
shared a story with them. On two Sundays ago, on November 24th, he was  
invited to the Oath with is the Operation Against the Homeless to help  
serve meals to the homeless. When he arrived there were all these young  
gentlemen there. Gentlemen that would normally be out there chasing girls,  
but instead they were there helping to feed the homeless. He wants to tell  
them and he is not easily impressed, but he spoke to the Clerk the very  
next day and all he could do is brag about he guys. These guys, if this is our  
future, we are going to be ok. He stated to the Coach he sees that he  
brought the next line up with him here. Thank you for bringing him. He  
read the Proclamation to the Penn State Lehigh Valley Men's Basketball  
Team.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that he just wants to say thank you to Council  
and the Mayor for this recognition. He stated that it is not just about him. It  
is the hardworking men and women of the Allentown Police Department  
who do the good work that reach out to the vulnerable populations that are  
out there. He stated that they are going to tell people to do the right thing  
and bring professional police services to the forefront. He stated thank  
you.  
Invocation:  
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  
Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked for the Solicitor and stated that the Ms. Montero,  
the floor is yours.  
Attorney Maria Montero stated that a lawsuit has been filed and Council is  
aware. Typically, Council does not comment on pending litigation.  
However, attendees have the right to speak during the Courtesy of the  
Floor. She stated that they all ask that everyone present to abide by those  
Rules.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Attorney Montero. 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. Just a Note doesn’t have to be read:  
Council Speaking Rules: Members and others given the privilege of the  
floor will address the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer will extend  
the courtesy to the Councilperson(s) responsible for introducing legislation  
the opportunity to speak first. Each member will have the right to speak  
twice on any subject. No Member will be allowed to speak more than twice  
on any subject without permission of the Presiding Officer. No Member will  
speak more than three (3) times on the question without the unanimous  
consent of all the Members present.  
Ms. Carol Gallagher, 1122 Linden Street, #2, stated that she has known  
Candida about 40 some out years now. She stated that she moved out of  
the area for quite a while and when she moved back somewhere in the  
early 80s, they became friends and she was also her employer at her bar at  
12th and Chew for many, many years. She was a very kind woman, a very  
decent woman, and not once would she say that she would have been  
prejudice of any kind. They had a very diverse crowd behind the bar. She  
stated that she also participated there. She stated that she really enjoyed  
her time with her. They are still friends. Not once has she ever heard her  
say any racial slurs at all.  
Mr. Dennis Carrigan, 4145 Primrose Drive, stated that he is friends with  
Candida for about 54 years. He met her in 1968 and they became good  
friends. They remain friends. He went for her at her bar. Never once would  
he would think of her being prejudice. It is just not like that. It is not her. He  
stated that he has nothing, but nice things to say about her and she has a  
lot of nice things to say about people. She is very kind and will do anything  
for you. He stated that is not her. He stated that they have been friends for  
so long and he just knows her.  
Ms. Celeste Surrell, 1230 W. Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, stated she met  
Candida in 2018 when she relocated from California. She stated that  
Candida has been very helpful with her family. They go to lunch and dinner.  
They always talk. If she had problems regarding her landlord, she helped  
her. She made sure someone came to check the property and the  
problem was resolved. She was very upset to hear on the news everything  
she was hearing. She stated that Candida is a dear friend of hers and  
never heard any kind of racial slurs from her. She stated that she is a  
good person. She really helped the family when they moved here.  
Ms. Phyllis Alexander, 109 Kingfisher Lane, stated good evening everyone.  
She stated that she saw the suit, the description of the discrimination suit in  
the paper this morning. So she thought she would stop by and offer her  
comments and thoughts about this. Just because she reads something in  
the paper, she is clear that she does not have the whole story. She only  
have what she read, but what she does know is Tawanna is meticulous,  
thoughtful, cautious, careful and she would not file a complaint that is  
frivolous. She encouraged them to think about what are their next steps.  
She stated that she hopes that they are thoughtful, considerate, thorough  
because this is an opportunity to model to the city what you should do when  
accused when there are allegations of discrimination. She stated that you  
can double down. You can get defensive or you can decide to be curious  
and thoughtful and really examine all of the points that are being made and  
to really try to figure out how this city can be its best. She stated that she  
hopes they are thoughtful about their next steps. She stated and lastly, she  
was formerly the Director of the Human Relations Commission and she can  
tell them for a fact that being nice has nothing to do with whether or not you  
will behave in a way that is discriminatory.  
Ms. Robin Riley-Casey, 217 N. Ott Street, stated that she is a previous  
Human Relations Commissioner. Many of them that are sitting behind that  
table was on the Human Relations when she was there. She stated Daryl  
Hendricks, Cynthia Mota, Ce Ce Gerlach and at that time Tawanna has  
always remained professional. In fact, she loves to be behind the scenes,  
not in front. She is meticulous. She is organized. Many of the Ordinances  
that had to do with LGBTQIA in the city of Allentown had to do with her  
support and her amazing ability to get things done through all the  
particulars of city government. She stated what she knows about Tawanna  
as a professional, not personally is that she always maintained clear  
boundaries between her role in the city of Allentown and her relationships  
outside of that. She always cared for the city and this community in its  
totality. Not whether you were Black, Brown, White, Asian, Latino, Queer,  
Straight, Christian, Muslim. That is who she is. She stated that she  
doesn't know all the facts at all, but what she does know is when a friend of  
yours or a professional colleague calls for you to stand with them, don't tuck  
your tail and run and stated that is what she does know. And, all the  
niceness. We all thought everybody was nice up until the day of the  
election. She had so many allies up until the day of the election. It is really  
funny how it works out. What she can tell them, in terms of Tawanna  
Whitehead she would stand with any member of this community regardless  
to make sure the business of the city gets done and gets done equitably  
that stated that is why she is here. Thank you.  
Mr. Michael Surrell, 2404 S 2nd Street #A, stated that he is a 72 year old  
Vietnam War Veteran. He stated that he is a Black man. He came out  
here 10 years ago from California. He was forced to move, had to move  
into a row house because he was not allowed to live in his RV which was  
his wife and three children drove out here. The rowhouse that he moved in  
was in bad shape, basically. He had no choice because his kids had to  
go to school. He went into a burning building and saved a little girl. He had  
injuries to his lungs. He could not breathe. He had third degree burns to  
his lungs. At his home one day, his sister came to the door and there was  
a woman with her, Ms. Candida Affa. She came in the house and  
introduced herself and looked around and started seeing the condition of  
the home he was living in and the black mold and everything. It was just  
terrible. He called out to everyone in this city for help. Everyone and every  
call he could possibly make and got no response. He stated that Candida  
came into his home and said this isn't right. He said that he has to move  
because he can't live here. It is detrimental to the health to himself and his  
children. The landlord took him to court. He did not pay rent that month  
because he had to save money to move. He is a Vietnam Veteran on a  
disability pension. He had to go to court and Candida went to court and  
backed him. She helped him. He won that case and it turned out the  
landlord owed him $900 after he turned in all his paperwork. After that  
because a reference she gave he was able to get into a home. He stated  
that Candida invited him, his wife and his three children to her home where  
they sat and ate. They went to the pool, pool party. They all got in the pool  
together and had a great time. His children are so happy, relieved and  
thankful for Candida. She brought his youngest son here and he wanted to  
be an Allentown Police Officer. He came up in here and it was a different  
mayor and you guys have really prettied it up in here. He decided he  
wanted to go into city government here because of this woman. Now,  
people get angry and say things and sometimes they take them so far out  
of whack it is unbelievable because of their reputation he has been  
hearing. At 72 years old and he comes from a hard life, he knows racism  
and know prejudice very, very well. This woman is not prejudice. She is  
not racist. People get angry and say things. We all do. We all make  
mistakes. He stated that Candida Affa is a great person and a great  
woman.  
Mr. Jaime Ortiz, 245 N. 12th Street, stated this wonderful lady Candida Affa  
for the past 20 years he has known her and lived and grew up on the same  
block as her, coming from a Hispanic poor family not once has she ever  
made any racial slurs towards them, treated them any other way. She  
treated them as normal humans. He stated not only that, she is his landlord  
too. Any problems or issues that he has with her, she helps him out. Last  
year, he stated that he was unemployed for three to four months and he  
brought it to her attention and she helped him and did everything she could  
to make sure he got on his feet and told him don't worry about paying the  
rent and don't worry about this and don't worry about that. He didn't have a  
license or car or nothing and every step of the way, she was there with him  
every step of the way. She picked him up and they studied and driving.  
They did the whole nine yards. She knows his grandparents for maybe 30  
plus years and they are Hispanic. He stated that she is an amazing  
woman. These accusations that are going around about her, in his opinion  
are false. No one has to go through what she is going through at all. He  
stated that he doesn't believe that she is racist or anything at all. He stated  
that she is a wonderful woman and he loves her.  
Mr. Don Ringer, 1801 Liberty Street, stated that he has known this lady for  
about 40 years. They both in the tavern business about the same time.  
They have always done well with each other. He always respected her.  
She always respected him, except for the time she throw him out of  
Chambers one time and that was it. She had people of color working for  
her for a number of years and that doesn't sound like a person that is racist.  
He stated that he doesn't think there is a racist bone in her body. He stated  
that they will be discussing this and asked to give Candida the benefit of  
the doubt. She is a great and wonderful person. He would never say  
anything bad about her.  
Contract Approvals  
R203  
Authorization price increase of 10% or more for an existing Contract over  
$40,000.00, that was previously Bid and Awarded under City Policies, with  
James Duncan and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $31,965.00 that was  
previously bid for urban planning consultant to support the City of Allentown  
Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance  
(SALDO) updated, and other City planning and zoning initiatives. The  
original contract was for $256,150.00, the addition would bring the contract  
to a new total of $288,115.00.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any comments from the dais.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this basically has to do with a lot of contracts, not  
just this one. He just doesn't understand how people submit plans for a  
contract that they don't have more concise numbers. They are constantly  
doing Change Orders for these contracts. Someone needs to step up their  
game here.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Zucal and stated go ahead Ms. Gerlach.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated on similar lines, is this the second Change  
Order that has to do with the Zoning rewrite and asked when will this thing  
be done.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that basically this started pre-Covid. Covid  
suspended the work for a while. Now, we were determined to have as  
much community engagement as they could. They had no idea that they  
will receive this amount of community engagement. They have had  
discussions with community groups. They have had contractors. They  
have had citizens. They have had property owners. They have had  
developers. They have had everyone. Coming in recently, they have had  
colleges and universities as well as nonprofits. She is hoping that this  
second round of community engagement will be the final round and they will  
be bringing them a product that they have taken into consideration of every  
stakeholders opinion and given them the best product. Because they are  
taking all that community engagement, it extended the life of the  
professionals who are doing the research behind putting this together to  
make sure we have no spot zoning which is illegal and to make sure they  
are taking the best route forward in this. Again, the reasons for the Change  
Orders was when this was bid, this was pre-Covid which was much  
cheaper then than it is now. She stated that she is hoping that this is not  
only our final, but you will have a product early 2025 to vote on.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Kistler and asked if there were any other  
comments.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he would like to add that he has been part of  
these meetings since Covid and it has been a long process. It's been an  
arduous process. It is something that is obviously important to the city.  
This is a monumental task and he gotten to learn a lot about Zoning through  
all these Zoom calls and Teams calls. He has been to some of the  
community meetings that was had throughout the city. To Ms. Kistler's  
point, it has been a process that has turned into something bigger than any  
of us expected. He stated that it is a good thing because, the end product  
will reflect that. The amount of feedback that they have taken back from  
these consultants has been substantial and they are working hard to give  
that final product. He wanted to mention that along the way he has been  
part of it and it has been really substantial and very expressive. It is  
something that they all will be proud of when it is finished.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli and asked if there were any other  
comments from the dais or the public.  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that she just wants to make one additional  
comment as well. This wasn't for them changing their pricing. This was for  
additional work that was incurred. She just wants to make sure that is  
clear. That was not something that was identified or could have been  
identified at the beginning when they bid their pricing. It was for additional  
work that was not identified when the original bidder was done and then the  
contract has been extended along the years that this has gone on. It just  
wasn't something that was missed on the contractor's end or Purchasing  
end. This had to do with work that had not been identified originally.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Baraket and 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: 30966  
R204  
Authorization for a change order in the amount of $1,920 with Canon  
Solutions America, Inc. to supply Maintance and lease agreement for  
signature /approvals PA state contract #4400015954 for a Colorwave  
3500 two roll print engine plotter. The original contract was for $63,723.16,  
the addition would bring the contract to a new total of $65,643.16.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that she is going to say the same thing kind of  
for this one and the next one as these are Change Orders as well. When  
these contracts are identified at the beginning of the contract, they don't  
know what's said is the cost or the supplies, the cost of overages, the  
monthly lease cost. Those costs are set and those costs don't change.  
What we don't know is the usage is going to be. What supplies are going  
to be needed. What overages they are going to have throughout some of  
these contracts are three year contracts. Some are five year contracts.  
Those things are the unknown. That is where the contract Change Orders  
came in for this one and for the next one. It is because if we think we are  
going to use a certain dollar amount within supplies of overages and it  
goes over that, they cut needs to come back to request the additional  
funds. For this one and the next one, it does have to do with needing  
additional support supplies and the print volume being over what was  
originally anticipated when they set the contract up.  
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: 30967  
R205  
Authorization for a change order in the amount of $6,500.00 with Canon  
Solutions America, Inc. to supply printers and multifunction machines along  
with support and maintenance of the equipment. The original contract was  
for $145,224.86, the addition would bring the contract to a new total of  
$151,724.86.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Ms. Baraket that she knows she will explain.  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that she has no other additional comments.  
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: 30968  
R206  
Authorization for Contract with Golf Car Specialties, LLC in the amount of  
$101,410 Yearly totaling $405,640.00 for four (4) years to furnish (lease)  
new motorized golf carts for use of golf patrons at the Allentown Municipal  
Golf Course, located at 3400 Tilghman Street, Allentown PA. One bid was  
received, contract shall be for four (4) years with two (2) additional one (1)  
year renewals beyond the contract expiration period.  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that this was done as Bid #2024-45. It was  
advertised on Public Purchase on October 18, 2024. There was a Public  
Bid Opening on November 15, 2024. The city received one bid which is  
from Golf Car Specialties and the city is recommending an award to sole  
bidder.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated his question is that there is only one bid. He  
asked is that unusual.  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated not typically for this type of bid. It is not  
something that it is a ton of. She did look at who downloaded the bid.  
There were others out there. It was downloaded by Golf Car Inc., Golf Car  
Specialties and Golf Car Services as well as 27 other bidders. Those  
were the ones that stood out to her based on their names. They chose for  
whatever reason chose not to. They might not provide leasing options  
which is not an unusual thing that they don't provide leasing options.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Baraket.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hendricks and asked if there were any other  
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: 30969  
R207  
Authorization for Contract with Linde Gas & Equipment, Inc in the  
estimated yearly amount of $45,000.00 to furnish and  
supply various industrial gases for various departments within the City of  
Allentown. One (1) bid was received, contract shall be commence upon full  
execution and cease December 31, 2025, with two (2) additional one (1)  
year renewals beyond that contract expiration period.  
Attachments: R207 - Linde Gas  
Ms. Jessica Baraket stated that this was done as Bid #2024-49. It was  
advertised on Public Purchase on October 25, 2024. There was a public  
bid opening on November 20, 2024. The city received one bid and the  
department is recommending an award to the sole bidder.  
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: 30970  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
November 20, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes  
System  
Sponsors:  
Communications  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he would like to mention for visitors that are  
attending City Council meetings, they are encourage to park in the  
government deck next door to city hall. He stated to see the Clerk, Mr.  
Hanlon for a Chaser ticket that will pay for your parking.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli. She stated Executive Session on  
December 4, 2024 City Council held an Executive Session with the City  
Solicitor to discuss three Lehigh County Common Pleas matters and one  
US District Court Eastern District matter. Randy Fey and David Howells v.  
The City of Allentown, ET.AL. Case Number 2024-C-1296. Jose Angeles  
and Liselot Rodriguez v. The City of Allentown, Et.AL. Case Number  
2023-C-978. Serfass Construction v. The City of Allentown, Case Number  
2023-C-1654. Council also discussed a spoliation request. The session  
was held pursuant to section 708 of the State’s Open Meetings  
Statute.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated those that are in favor say, I.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated I.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated I.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if they are discussing.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he believes that they should ask Ms.  
Montero about the procedures.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated her apologies, Ms. Montero.  
Attorney Maria Montero stated that Motion that was made should be read  
so that everyone understands what the Motion is and it is open for debate  
after the Motion is made and seconded.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated let's talk about it and stated that they are allowed to  
talk about it.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if that can be read again.  
Mr. Santo Napoli made a Motion to temporary suspend the litigation  
between the administration and City Council on the investigation and the  
FLEO Contract that is scheduled for a Hearing tomorrow and work with the  
administration, City Council and both Solicitors to develop and expedite an  
independent investigation.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated since they have a contract with an attorney, what  
happens with that. She stated that Council has a contract that she  
supposed to handle this. She asked if they are in breach of contract if they  
do this.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he would say they are paying the bills for the  
attorney. He stated that they are doing that.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other feedback.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he believes the reason that they are going into  
litigation tomorrow is that they been unable to come to a resolution with the  
administration.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked is there an explanation as to where this is  
coming from. Tomorrow is the court date, right. She stated that she knows  
he had some reservations and regrets. Council had multiple votes on this.  
Tomorrow, a judge will here both sides and she trusts that the judge will  
make a decision based on hearing both sides. She trusts a judge. Let a  
judge figure this out. She stated that she thinks it is a male so this is what  
he does. This is not out of his ballpark. Where they tried to do the whole  
negotiate. They tried this. Let a judge make a ruling. It might not be in our  
favor, if you want the investigation to continue. She stated that you might  
be happy with the result. You actually might be setting yourself up to have  
an unfavorable situation, depending on what the judge says. If everything  
that some people on Council and all the concerns that some folks on  
Council such as yourself Mr. Napoli are true, then the judge will definitely  
rule against use going forward with the investigation. There is nothing to  
worry about.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he briefly just say that this was introduced  
back in September of 2023. They voted on it early October 2023 and here  
we are 14 months later and Council hasn't done what they were supposed  
to do for the folks that same to Council and said we want your help. This is  
an opportunity and he looks at it as an opportunity to reset. To find a way to  
move this along in a more expeditious way. He believes what is going to  
happen with what you mentioned tomorrow isn't going to mean it is going to  
be an answer tomorrow. It could be months of more back and forth. He  
wants to finally move this forward. He stated that is why they can reset and  
move it forward in a way that will serve the folks they are trying to serve in a  
much faster way.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this would have been settled a long time ago had  
the mayor had not refused or the mayor refused to cooperate with Council.  
At his own admission here, in Council Chambers he asked Council to vote  
7 - 0 to do this investigation. Once Council did that, he blocked it. He  
stated it is not us that is delaying this. It is the administration. That is why  
they are going to a Hearing tomorrow because there is no resolution.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is not uncommon when there are two  
parties that cannot come to a resolution to have an outside arbitrator,  
mediator, and in this case a judge to help expediate that along. She stated  
that it is not uncommon. That is what they got here. They got the  
administration saying one thing. Many of them on Council are saying  
something different. She stated to your point, we have been at this for  
months and have yet to do an investigation because the administration, the  
hold up was they wanted someone from the administration to be on the  
selection committee. That is not going to change. They are still going to  
want that. She stated that they still are going to feel how they feel. Let's  
have a judge make his ruling and work with that. That is also legally will  
have a judge saying this is what you can and can't do. This is what should  
happen. She thinks that would help them in terms of any future legal  
litigation or anything because it s a ruling from a judge. Be that tomorrow,  
be that a month from now. Sometimes quick is not always best.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the public.  
A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Daryl Hendricks to temporary  
suspend the litigation between the administration and City Council on the  
investigation and the FLEO Contract that is scheduled for a Hearing tomorrow  
and also work with the administration, City Council and both Solicitors to  
develop and expedite an independent investigation.  
4 - Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli  
3 - Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, and Ce-Ce Gerlach  
Yes:  
No:  
OLD BUSINESS  
REPORTS  
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES: Committee of the Whole:  
President Mota – At December 11, 2024, there will be a Special Council Meeting to  
review the Administration Budget Amendments. Council will conduct a Public  
Hearing on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to take  
public testimony on the request of the Transfer of a Liquor License Number R-15779  
for Radhe Krishna Mart, Inc., 1234 – 1246 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103. The  
license would allow beer and wine sales as a convenience to its customer.  
Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Community and Economic Development, Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Affa, Napoli, Santos  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting, there are no future  
meetings scheduled.  
Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
Water and Sewer Compliance Meeting, Chairperson Gerlach  
The Committee will meet on December 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers.  
Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Mota, Napoli,  
Gerlach  
The committee has not met since the last council meeting. There are no future  
meetings scheduled at this time.  
Controller’s Report  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he has no Report tonight, but they do have some  
coming down the pike in the next couple of weeks.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mr. Glazier when will Council get the Bill for the mayor's trips  
that Council has been asking for for about six weeks.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated excellent question sir. Most trips are paid for on P-Cards.  
They are working on the August one now. They will not that the Democratic  
Convention that they might have been concerned about was in August. There are no  
Bills for that trip paid by the city. There were no Bills in July and as soon as he gets  
September he will duly inform them. He forwarded correspondence to the Clerk to  
advise Council of July and August previously. Once again, when September comes  
across, he will take a quick peek because he can see what charge is what and he will  
let them know.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Mr. Glazier.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Glazier.  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
Bill 107  
Amending the Environmental Advisory Council by allowing nonresidents  
who have a significant property or business interest in the City to serve on  
the Council at the discretion of City Council in order to encourage the  
broadest participation authorized under the Home Rule Charter.  
Mota, Napoli and Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked if they settled out how this is going to be worded.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Ms. Montero is going to work on the  
language and then you are going to amend the Code in a general way  
because your advisory boards have the exact language in it.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked if tonight they table it.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no, you will just pass it.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated we will just pass it.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated and will change it later on. She asked if there were  
any other 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: 16070  
Bill 108  
Amending Chapter 393 Neighborhood Improvement, Section § 393-9  
Maintaining Property, by adding a requirement that dumpsters in the  
public-right-of-way be covered when not it use to prevent unauthorized use  
or scattering of contents.  
Administration, Gerlach, Mota and Napoli  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 108  
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: 16071  
Bill 110  
Amending the 2024 Risk Fund by transferring Six Million Five Hundred  
Thousand ($6,500,000) Dollars from the General Fund unappropriated  
balance to the Risk Fund for the payment of healthcare claims, drug  
prescription benefits, and other employee medical costs for the remainder  
of the year. The health care claim amounts are significantly higher this year.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 110 Risk  
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: 16072  
Bill 111  
Amending page 462 of the 2024 Federal Grants Fund budget to accept  
Seventy-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-One Dollars and  
Eighty-Eight cents ($77,281,88) from the FY 2024 General Fund  
Department of Community & Economic (DCED) Director’s Bureau budget  
for the SPARK program administration.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments from the dais.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he just wants to mention that he will abstain  
from the vote. He was a recipient of the program.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli. She asked if there were any other  
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: 16073  
Bill 112  
Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 532 Special Events,  
Sections 2-14 by updating the language around permitting and fees and  
amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 270 Fees, Section 62  
Special Event by increasing certain special event fees.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she would like to make an amendment that  
all references to church and/or churches be changed to religious institutions  
or institution.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the public.  
A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos, that all  
references to church and/or churches be changed to religious institutions or  
institution.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16074  
7 -  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16074  
Bill 113  
Amending the 2024 Grant Fund budget to accept Fifty-Thousand Dollars  
($50,000.00) from Bloomberg Philanthropies through Johns Hopkins  
University for the Love Your Block Grant.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
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: 16075  
Bill 114  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Nine  
Thousand One Hundred Forty-Five Dollars ($9,145.00) from Irving Pool  
Improvements capital project into Fountain Park for installation of a mural  
on the pool house building.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
A motion was made by Cynthia Mota 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: 16076  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that there are five items for the Consent Agenda.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon went over the appointments of the five individuals.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated just in case Christina is watching, she would like  
to thank Christina and anyone else for holding them accountable and stated  
her accountable. Holding the mayor and all of them accountable and the  
result is right here.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
A motion was made by Cynthia Mota 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  
R208  
Riley Kreuzer, Commission on Homelessness, 12/05/2028 (filling a vacant  
seat)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 30971  
R209  
Mary McGonigle, Commission on Homelessness, 12/05/2028 (filling a  
vacant seat)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 30972  
R210  
Ann Elizabeth Bebout, Arts Commission, 1/06/2027  
System  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 30973  
R211  
Sherri Brokopp Binder, Commission on Homelessness, 12/5/2027  
(replacing Ellen Denizard)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 30974  
R212  
Christina DiPierro, Commission on Homelessness, 12/5/2027  
System  
Sponsors:  
Enactment No: 30975  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
R213  
Appointment of Four Police Officers contingent upon the candidate  
passing physical and psychological examinations as stipulated in the  
Police Civil Service Rules and Regulations and obtaining and maintaining  
a valid state certification from the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers  
Education and Training Commission.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments.  
Assistant Chief James Gress stated that he has before them four  
applicants for final approval. The first one is Hector Jimenez. He is local  
from Allentown. He is 40 years old and from the Civil Service list. He is a  
graduate of the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute. He will need to  
attend the Allentown Police Academy in the beginning of January. He is  
currently employed by Waste Management here in Allentown. The second  
one is Mr. Kyle Hutter. He is from Yonkers, NY. He is a family of First  
Responders, Police and Fire. Some in New York and some in this area.  
He is 24 years old. He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State  
University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He would also need to attend  
the Allentown Police Academy. He currently works for a local security  
company doing Dignitary Security. The third gentleman is James Williams  
from Sinking Springs - Berks County. He is 28 years old from the Civil  
Service list. He is a graduate of the Wilson High School in the city of  
Reading. He is currently the manager at the McDonald's inside the truck  
stop on I-78. He did very well on the written test and did well on the agility  
test. The last one is Ahzarudin Mohammed. His nickname is Scotty and  
from Ozone Park, NY. He is 23 years old. A graduate of Vaughn College  
in Queens New York with a degree in Criminal Justice. He currently works  
for a local HVAC Company. Assistant Chief Gress stated that he will also  
need to attend the Allentown Police Academy in January. He reminded  
Council of the Academy graduation on the 13th of December at the  
Scottish Rite at 3:00 PM. He invited everyone to attend.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Assistant Chief Gress and asked if there were  
any comments from the dais or any comments from the public.  
A motion was made by Cynthia Mota that this Resolution be approved. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
6 -  
Yes:  
No:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Candida Affa, and Santo  
Napoli  
1 - Ce-Ce Gerlach  
Enactment No: 30976  
R214  
Approves two transfers: (1) $113,596.69 in Parks and Recreation –  
Aquatics for Several Factors Came into Play for Temp Wages and FICA  
Going Over Budget. The season started earlier and extended longer than  
anticipated due to weather and other factors. The Irving Pool Project Was  
Completed Earlier Than Anticipated Which Also Increased Staffing Needs;  
(2) $27,000.00 in Golf Course for Funds Needed to Correct Negative  
Balances that were created due to the Golf Course Superintendent  
Position Being Vacant for the Summer Months.  
System  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
This Resolution was approved.  
Enactment No: 30977  
A motion was made by Cynthia Mota 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: 30977  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral)  
Bill 115  
Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of One Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand One Hundred  
Twenty-Nine Dollars and Twenty Cents ($177,129.20) from the Municipal  
Police Officer’s Education & Training Commission (MPOETC) to the City  
of Allentown Police Department for tuition and salary reimbursement from  
Act 120 Training.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  
Enactment No: 16088  
Bill 116  
Providing for the vacation of the Eastern 10’ wide strip of North 14th Street  
right-of-way from the North right-of-way line of Tilghman Street to the South  
right-of-way line of Green Street in the Eighth Ward of the City of Allentown:  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE  
Enactment No: 16089  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NONE  
NEW BUSINESS: NONE  
GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE  
ADJOURNED: 7:30 PM  
Reference Materials:  
Council Rules  
Procurement Code  
Ethics Code