435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, January 15, 2025  
6:30 PM  
Council Chambers  
Invocation:  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated good evening, welcome to the City Council  
meeting. Our city is hurting and the best way to bring us together is through  
prayer. She stated that she knows that they asked Pastor Holmes to lead  
our city in prayer so that we can begin this healing process. She asked  
Pastor Holmes if she can take the podium. She stated let's all stand,  
please. Let's bow our heads in prayer.  
Pastor Kari Holmes stated Father God, we thank you for your presence in  
here and in us and with us in our city and our town. She stated that we ask  
you to rule and reign over our business today. It is your business. It is your  
earth and we ask you to give us unity among ourselves. Give us  
camaraderie among ourselves. Give us your mind on the matters that we  
are meeting with today, in Jesus name, Amen.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Pastor Holmes.  
Pledge to the Flag  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that they would like to  
announce on January 13, 2025, City Council held an executive session with  
Council Solicitor to discuss one Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas  
Matter, City Council for the City of Allentown v. Mayor Matthew Tuerk, et. al.  
– Case Number 2024-C-2896; and discussed with Council Solicitor  
next steps in a law-firm led investigation. On January 15, 2025, City  
Council held an executive session with APD Chief Roca to provide Council  
with information on public safety matters, specifically, the incident that  
occurred in city hall on Friday, January 10th. The Allentown Police  
Department is working in tandem with the FBI on this incident. Again, the  
police department is working in tandem with the FBI on this incident.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated for any residents or visitors to City Council  
meetings, they encourage them to park in the government deck next door  
and see our Clerk, Mr. Hanlon for a Chaser to pay for your parking for  
Council meetings.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Napoli.  
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 stated 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. Also, Courtesy of the Floor we have to  
remember to remove our hats.  
Mr. Pas Simpson, 215 N. Ninth Street, recently we have seen an uptick and  
a disturbance in our city. He stated that he won't victimize the victim again  
because she asked for them not to ask for certain things. They do want to  
make sure, they point out that there is a culture somehow of discrimination  
that is plaguing our city. It has gotten to be so bold that it has really just  
plagued City Hall. Not, just in these meetings that we have arguments back  
and forth over policy, but to the point it has affected someone's personal  
safety. This city has a responsibly to provide safety for its citizens to not  
just give language about DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), but to truly  
include its citizens. You cannot spell community without unity. He stated  
that they have done very well of dividing each other, pointing fingers, and  
finding reasons to be more and more hateful. He stated that our city needs  
to heal. It starts with this administration and each and every one of you  
behind that desk. He stated that they get to make decisions, policies,  
procedures that make people like himself get to go home and feel safe. It  
would allow the women in our city to not look over their shoulders and  
wonders who is protecting them. To allow more and more people to feel  
like this could be home, but how can this be home when we are not  
welcomed. How can this be home where at any moment anything can  
change. He stated that they watched policies get passed by this board and  
sat on for two years. He stated that they don't know what is going to  
happen next. We do know that we need change. He asked what are they  
going to do.  
Mr. Don Ringer, 1801 Liberty Street, stated thank you and he guesses he  
does not have to mention his address. He just wants to say and he  
understands the value of prayer, but somebody has to be held accountable  
in this city for what the hell is going on right now. It is ridiculous what is  
going on right now. He asked where is our mayor tonight. This is an  
important meeting. He asked is the mayor here. Does anybody see the  
mayor?  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated we have the Chief.  
Mr. Don Ringer asked did anybody see the mayor. He doesn't even show  
up tonight. It is unbelievable. Secondly, he has watched Chief Roca and  
supported him when he became Chief. He stated that he really did and  
considers him a friend, but he has failed this city. He stated that they need  
somebody here to help. Officers are going into 7 Elevens and Wawa's  
today and being yelled rapists. Is that right for the Allentown Police  
Department. You know most officers in this city, a lot of officers are great  
officers. He stated don't get him wrong, but somewhere along the line this  
is going bad. Very bad. He is calling the removal of Chief Roca from the  
Allentown Police Department or at least a suspension until this is rectified  
right now. He said something doesn't make sense to him about the things  
he was told and the answers they are getting now. He stated something is  
not right. He can tell them another thing a lot of officers in Allentown, they  
don't want to work for Chief Roca. They really don't.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Mr. Ringer that it is important not to shame the  
staff and city employees.  
Mr. Don Ringer stated he is sorry Cynthia. He is also getting away from the  
Police Department. This mayor should be removed too. He is not a  
leader. He never was a leader. He stated that we need a leader in this  
city right now. A leader would show up here and defend the city or defend  
himself. He doesn't even have the guts to show up. He stated that  
something is wrong in this city and it needs to be addressed very soon.  
Mr. Enrique Moreno, 333 N. Franklin Street, stated that he explained to  
someone and all the situation is not only for him. It is for everyone in the  
city. He has lived here for almost 28 years. Almost 30 years, but he  
doesn't know what they needed for Allentown. Everything is changing. For  
all the years and he doesn't know what sign for residents. Each one is  
politics. Council President who can work and take care some of the  
issues. All residents like his person or somebody else. He doesn't say  
everybody so they can work together. He stated they feel the  
discrimination with the Parking Authority and the Sweep Cleaner and  
personnel in Allentown. He stated that they have so many issues. All the  
people can come in here and if they can get signing for all the residents in  
his neighborhood. He lives by Wawa. The Parking Authority last year, they  
agreed they were not going to put tickets at 11:00 at night. People call him  
to work every night and about time he finishes his work at 2:00 in the  
morning. He works at the Fire Department in Bethlehem and come over  
night and he sees enough for him. People they don't find any parking. He  
can record all the street and you tell him they can't find parking. He stated  
that he accepted it. You can't find any parking in the town, right. It is not a  
big deal that people are coming. They pay more taxes. They make a  
business. They need to take care why these people come and bother  
when the people are working, living and finding in the morning and you see  
12:00 in the afternoon you see a lot of parking. Overnight, it is full. It was  
not happening in 2003, in 2004, nothing happened like this. He asked how  
can they fix this. If somebody comes and tells him about his personal  
helmet and they can go together. They can go together and find out.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota suggested to Mr. Moreno that he gives Mr. Hanlon your  
phone number and also your name. She asked him to write it down and  
she will be calling him personally.  
Mr. Enrique Moreno stated that he doesn't want to bother nobody or keep  
coming back. He stated that they have to be flexible sometimes because if  
it something error, it is he accepted it.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that you can't find parking in the evening.  
Mr. Enrique Moreno stated that the Parking Authority and the Sweep ticket  
with the city hall is got word back and came to him and talking to him like  
it's his mother. He told the person working for the city to relax. He stated  
first of all you have to talk to him nice. He stated that he will leave his  
information.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she will contact him tomorrow.  
Mr. LeRan Odeleye thanked Council for giving him this opportunity to talk  
and he is glad she update what happened regarding the incident where  
somebody put a noose on the table of the worker here in city hall. It is like  
every time one turns around there is always a case of an African American  
in the high ranking locator of the city been sacked. He is beginning to  
wonder is there a problem or a city or something that affects African  
Americans that are in the ranks of the city. He stated that it is getting very  
concerning. He is trying to reflect that every time someone turns around a  
high ranking African American and the member of the city workforce is  
been sanked. It has been let go. It is beginning to get concerning that  
someone gets very brazen to walk into a secure building and into a secure  
office to place a hanging noose on the desk of their coworker. Something  
just has to be done. He is glad that they mentioned they got the FBI and the  
local authorities involved. What is the next line of action here? Because  
we can't afford to let things like this keep happening. He stated threatening  
the life and the livelihood of an African American in this city.  
Pastor Myria Bailey Whitcomb stated good evening and appreciates this  
opportunity. She stated that she doesn't live in Allentown, but she is a  
Black woman and there was something very disturbing to hear that a noose  
was placed on another woman's desk. She stated that what really disturbs  
her is how is it possible that someone could be that bold and feel that they  
can actually place a noose on someone's desk and there is no reprimand  
or they are allowed or excused away. What happens to the woman's  
feelings of working around her coworkers and not knowing who did what,  
but still trying to trust people to do her job. Who stands behind her? Who  
makes sure that she is ok? Who affirms her and other Black women as  
well? The noose has such a historical reference to it that it goes way back  
to slavery and then to use those tools in 2025 as though we haven't grown it  
says to her then there is a problem in this system. And, so, where do we fix  
the problem in the system. What are the answers? It all can't come from  
the community. The community complains, but yet, this has been a  
complaint that has going on for a long time. When do we get to actually  
moving on the complaints and actually making reform and changes that  
everybody can live with and that everybody can feel as though they are  
important in a city. What they see, what they do, how they feel that there  
are people that are concerned about them. It really makes no sense,  
honestly that we haven't moved forward and we haven't gone further than  
this. This is 2025, really? And, this isn't the first time we heard of this. If  
leadership is going to be on boards. Leadership is going to be  
recognized, and then leadership is going to have to be responsible to at  
least try to come up with a document that looks like you are working on it.  
That may have suggestions and as community members who live it, what  
should be on there. It can't come from the leadership because you are too  
high up, but it needs to be spoken about from the people who are  
experiencing it every day. There are experiences that we don't get to hear  
of because they are not the type of folk that are able to come and speak for  
themselves. She stated that she just came to mention that and to say that.  
The women, especially, the Black women need to be protected.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he believes the rest are here to speak on  
Bill 4. He stated that Ms. Blanco is going to have to tell him that is the  
case. Ms. Elizabeth Polanco will speak on the Trust Act. He asked is that  
the Immigration Legislation.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated to Ms. Blanco, Mr. Hanlon is asking if you are  
speaking on the Immigration.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the Rules are that under Courtesy of the  
Floor, you can speak to items that aren't on the agenda and since the  
Immigration Bill is on the agenda, that is Bill #4, you will have to wait until  
that time to speak.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota spoke in Spanish to explain the process to Ms. Elizabeth  
Blanco. She stated next.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he doesn't have anybody else.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that now they are going to have the election of  
President and Vice President. She asked if there were any nominations  
for President.  
Election of President and Vice President  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other nominations for President  
and stated none.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that at this time he will accept nominations for  
Vice President of City Council.  
A motion was made by Ed Zucal to nominate Daryl Hendricks as Council  
President  
5 - Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli  
2 - Natalie Santos, and Ce-Ce Gerlach  
Yes:  
No:  
Election of President and Vice President  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that Ms. Affa nominates Cynthia Mota and  
asked if he has any other nominations for Vice President for Council. He  
stated seeing known. He stated that they are now going to move to  
Contract Approvals.  
A motion was made by Candida Affa to nominate Cynthia Mota as Council Vice  
President  
7 -  
Yes:  
Contract Approvals  
15-7441  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
R1  
Authorization of Cooperative Contract(s) in an amount greater than  
$40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services, for H.T. Lyons,  
Inc.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R1 Council Cooperative Approval - 1.15  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the first Contract was pulled. They are at  
R2.  
Resolution Pulled  
15-7440  
R2  
Authorization for a Contract with TCW Building Maintenance, LLC in the  
estimated budgeted sum of $85,000 per contract year for on-call, on-site  
Overhead Door replacement, repair, inspection and maintenance, at  
various City owned and/or operated facilities. One (1) bid was received,  
contract shall be for one (1) with four (4) additional one (1) year renewals  
beyond the contract expiration period.  
Attachments: R2 - TWC  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon. He stated Mr. Roca.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that he believes Sarrah is on Teams.  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as Bid #2024-54. It was  
advertised on November 14, 2024. The public opening was held on  
December 16, 2024. The city received one proposal. After the  
department reviewed the proposal, they are recommending an award to  
the Sole Bidder, TCW Building Maintenance, LLC.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil. He asked if he has any questions  
or comments from his colleagues.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated just one quick question, he thought they already had in  
place a contract with Overhead Doors.  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that contract is set to expire and they didn't want  
to renew. They did have a contract that was active, but they did not want to  
renew that.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok and stated thank you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there anybody else on the dais. He asked if  
there were any comments or questions from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30996  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
15-7448 December 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes  
System  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: December 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Communications  
Old Business  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if they had any communications.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated you received nothing for Old Business Mr.  
Hanlon.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no.  
REPORTS  
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES: (Note future meetings will be  
established after committee assignments are made.)  
Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach  
The Committee has not met since the last Council meeting, there are no  
future meetings scheduled.  
Community and Economic Development, Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli  
The Committee has not met since the last Council meeting, 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 met this evening; there is one item on the regular Agenda  
concerning the Fire Department. There are no future meetings scheduled  
at this time.  
Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal  
The Committee met this evening, there are no future meetings scheduled.  
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 thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated congratulations on  
your election. He stated that he has this evening a brief Report on the  
P-Card Review for the month of August of 2024. You might say, gosh, it's  
January and you are jut getting to August. He stated that he agrees with  
them. The number of P Card Statements reviewed for this period was 69.  
The number of documents in that review was 644. The total dollar amount  
was $252,591. Over a year ago, the city brought the city garage back  
in-house and it that resulted in a significant increase in the number of  
documents reviewed in P-Cards every month. Prior to the garage being  
in-house, they might do 400 invoices in a P-Card Statement. This P-Card  
Statement had 644 so you can see the amount of work on the accounting  
side that bringing the garage back in-house has created. It probably keeps  
the Clerks in the garage very, very, very busy. The garage is working  
towards finding more efficient ways of paying their bills. Maybe getting the  
vendors to send a monthly statement, individual invoices attached. He  
stated that they can pay them on the normal check run and that takes the  
pressure off P-Cards. There will be fewer invoices here. His office will still  
deal with the same amount of invoices. The garage will still deal with the  
same amount of invoices, but will be able to pay in a more timely manner  
and they have the chances of holding this report as the volume will be  
decreased. He stated that he hopes that will be fully implemented this  
calendar year. All P-Card invoices are supposed to be entered in a three  
day which is the close of the period that unfortunate doesn't happen. Once  
again, evidence of the fact that they just completed the August Report. He  
stated that September will be done shortly, by the way. There were 46  
entries that was entered after 10 days. There were 30 invoices that was  
less than 30 days. Between 31 and 60 days, there were 14 invoices  
outstanding and over 60 days, there were two invoices outstanding. While  
they made some improvement there, once again, things that are over 31  
days slows this process down. Really anything over 10 days slows this  
process slows it down. Sometimes, there are reasons. There are  
problems that need to be worked out, but not in all these cases. Beyond  
that, they had one finding within an inadequate segregation of duties.  
Somebody who expended the money was also part of the approval  
process. They advised the administration of the issue and going forward  
the responses going forward, the employees banner signatures will be  
required on those receipts. The signature on the receipt would provide the  
approval of the P-Card transaction itself and that information will be  
attached to Eden. They had one invoice where freight was paid twice.  
The department was advised and seeking a refund from the vendor. There  
were some travel invoices that had tax, that the tip was paid in a  
percentage greater than 20 percent. The department was involved and  
they calculated the tip on the amount including the tax when the well  
accepted custom is to tip on the pre-tax amount. There were 24 invoices  
where the wrong expense account was used. The departments were  
advised and journal entries were created to correct those issues. One of  
the problems, that they are going to run into reviewing these statements so  
late is that the year closes at the end of February. He stated when they do  
the December Statement, on February 26th, and people need to make  
journal entries, they may not be money in the accounts where they need to  
make them to. They will still note it and expect it and a performance will  
significantly improve for next year. Another issue they have occasionally is  
credit card fees. If you come to the city you want to pay your bill, the city will  
charge a convenience fee. other vendors do that as well. Currently, that is  
against city regulations. They don't want to pay credit card fees. If you run  
into that situation and really what the department needs to do is get a  
Requisition and put out a PO. He stated sometimes you can do that.  
Sometimes you can't. Sometimes companies change their policies and  
decide, oh, now we are going to charge a credit card fee where they have  
not done so in the past. These fees do not get refunded. The city points  
them out. He stated that he s not honestly sure what the solution is Mr.  
President, you need to just be accepting these things or departments need  
to create a list of vendors that charge fees so that the departments are  
aware in advance and can use Purchase Orders. He stated that is his  
Report this evening.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazier.  
The mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda.  
Controller PCard Review  
15-7449  
Attachments: Controller PCard Review.pdf  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-7406  
Bill 118  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred  
Nineteen Dollars and Forty-Three Cents ($737,219.43) from LCA for the  
purpose of construction ADA handicap ramps and for the milling and  
paving of streets under the City’s Utility Paving Program.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 118 LCA Cost Share Agreement  
Ordinance #16090  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon. He stated that this was in your  
committee, Ms. Gerlach.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, it was and it was forwarded favorably to  
tonight's Council meeting.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the dais or  
comments or questions from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16090  
15-7407  
Bill 119  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the Ferber  
Company for traffic signal improvements.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill119 Traffic Signal Contribution  
Ordinance #16091  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Ms. Gerlach that this was also in your  
committee.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is for a project over at the southside. It is  
coming from a developer and it was forwarded favorably.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments, questions from the  
dais or any questions 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: 16091  
15-7412  
Bill 120  
Amending Part I Administrative Legislation, Chapter 80 Personnel  
Policies, Section 13 Holidays and Leave Time, Subsection A Holidays by  
updating the list of paid holidays for full-time non-bargaining employees to  
include Juneteenth National Independence Day.  
Administration, Mota, Napoli, Affa, Gerlach and Santos  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 120 - Paid Holiday Amendment.docx  
Ordinance #16092  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was in your committee this evening, Mr.  
Napoli.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was forwarded favorably out of the Human  
Resources committee.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments or questions.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated in light of everything that is going on, she  
definitely want to recognize and acknowledge Dr. Mota and asked who  
initiated this.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she signed off on it, but it was not her initiation.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated whoever did, she is glad that this is happening.  
She also do think it is important because Juneteenth does recognize the  
official end of enslavement of humans in America. It also recognizes that  
while it is important and needs to be acknowledged, slavery still exists for  
punishment of crimes. She knows that there are some members of  
Congress who are working to change that. She also thinks it is important,  
especially with everything going on, sometimes people can feel like oh, you  
are just doing that to look a certain way and be symbolic and meanwhile  
you got all this other stuff happening and she hopes that isn't the case. Isn't  
it weird to honor Juneteenth and then have a culture within a building that  
doesn't exactly mesh.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there were any other  
comments. He echoed what Ms. Gerlach said. He also signed on to this to  
move this forward and hopefully things will change. He asked if there were  
any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16092  
15-7421  
Bill 121  
Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Forty-One Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two Dollars and  
Fifty-Seven Cents ($41,242.57) from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  
Department of Community and Economic Development grant. These funds  
will be utilized to support the Bomb Squad and ensure disposal of  
fireworks.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 121 - Fire DCED Grant Appropriation.docx  
Ordinance #16093  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that this was in your  
committee, Mr. Zucal.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was and it was sent favorably to regular Council.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any other  
comments or questions from his colleagues. He asked if there were any  
comments or questions from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16093  
CONSENT AGENDA  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-7429  
R3  
City Council hereby authorizes the additional expenditure of $50,000 and  
authorizes the transfer of $50,000 in City Council Budget for Payment for  
Legal Services for Brown Nimeroff LLC for expenses related to the  
'investigation' from Account #000-01-0101-0001-46 to Account  
#000-01-0101-0001-44.  
System  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R3 Transfer Funds  
Payment for Legal Services from Account 46 to Account 44 (City  
Council)  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions, comments from the  
dais.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that when this initially started, this investigation, the part  
that started when Council sued the mayor, they approved a $20,000  
allowance for that part of that investigation lawsuit. Now, because they  
are planning to go a different route, some say that this is going to be more  
cost effective. He stated that they are now increasing this already at  
$30,000. More money to the taxpayers and they have not even begun to  
start Plan B. He stated that he will not be voting for this.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any other  
questions or comments.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that on the off chance that this did not pass, this  
is essentially paying Ms. Brown for her services. She asked is she correct.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated correct and can he say this, he doesn't have the  
bills in front of him. Most of this bill is up to the litigation. A little part of it is  
the post litigation discussion. He stated if that makes sense to you.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it was pre-litigation.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that previously, they do not have enough money,  
Mr. Zucal when they were involved stating you know what I mean. There are  
additional funds for the work that Ms. Brown did with Ms. Montero to work  
with the Solicitor's office.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they don't know how much is post litigation.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he sent Jeffrey the bill.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked President Hendricks and Mr. Zucal and stated  
from what he can determine with Mr. Hanlon's help and Ms. Whitehead's  
help and Ms. Montero's assistance, the total cost of your Counsel so far is  
over $65,000. There may be some smaller bills coming to represent the  
time after the court date where she has worked with Council on in working  
with the administration. Those bills have not been sent yet nor to the best  
of his knowledge that firm giving any idea what those bills will amount to.  
He stated really, as Michael said the transfer is really recognizing that you  
need money to pay for bills that you already incurred to this point in time.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Glazier.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if he could just follow up on that. He stated it is  
definitely more than $65,000 because the investigator's bill alone is more  
than that. He stated as far as for the attorney, she has to be paid for what  
she did. That is his issue here. He doesn't know how much or they don't  
have a factual number on how much post litigation it is.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he is going to ask Council's Solicitor.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Ms. Montero sent them that.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated you asked for them to respond.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he will ask the Solicitor to weigh in if she  
thinks he is misspeaking at all. That is to be determined. He would expect  
the rate of increase would be significantly less than preparing for litigation  
as she counsels and advises your guys. He stated that they won't know  
until they know.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they already asking for $50,000.  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated $50,000 plus $20,000, takes you to $70,000.  
You have a little bit of a cushion there and yes, conceivably you are going to  
need a little bit more money to make her whole.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked Mr. Glazier.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if everyone is good with that answer.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated boy does she have questions and concerns  
when it comes to the investigation and the new route that some folks on  
Council would like to go down. She stated similar to Mr. Zucal, if someone  
is doing work, they need to get paid. She stated it's like Mr. Curtis needs  
to get paid. This attorney needs to get paid since she did work. It is not  
her fault that there was a shift amongst some folks on Council. She stated  
that she will be voting yes.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach. He asked if there were any  
questions or comments from the public.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that if he must say before she speaks, no disrespect,  
he will vote yes because up until this point they need to pay her and also  
negotiate after that.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio, South Allentown, asked has this already been said that  
you guys decided to move to a law firm to do the investigation or are you  
guys still debating on.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is still under consideration. That has still  
not been decided as of yet.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that her question is how is this being voted on  
because she thinks it is unethical and it should really be illegal that people  
who are being investigated are even voting on this investigation that are on  
the Council. You guys should really excuse yourselves from here and let the  
people who are not being investigated do the decision. It is a complete  
conflict of interest. The ones who are being investigated should really  
excuse yourselves from voting on this.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Ocasio. He asked anybody else from the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30997  
15-7450  
R4  
Approves the following transfers: Fire - $207,269.86; EMS - $139,929.12;  
Public Works - $18,669.15; Mayor’s Office - $18,491.69  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R4 Transfer of Funds.doc  
Fire Transfer.pdf  
Mayor's Office Transfer.pdf  
EMS Transfer.pdf  
01.10.25 PW Budget Transfer .pdf  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there are any questions or comments from his  
colleagues or any questions or comments from the public.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated R5.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated he guesses.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she intended to introduce a Resolution  
calling on the police and the DA to work with the FBI concerning the noose  
hate crime. What she defines as a hate crime and the FBI defines as a  
hate crime, but Council learned since that the FBI is already working with  
the APD. She stated that she hopes that they can continue to have a level  
of transparent communication so they all know what's going on.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30998  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral)  
15-7437  
Bill 1  
Amending the 2024 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of  
Five Hundred Sixty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-One Dollars and  
Thirty-One Cents ($567,951.31) from the unappropriated balance of the  
General Fund. The reason for this transfer is due to an audit that was  
conducted on the Liquid Fuels funding from 2016-2020. During that audit, a  
finding was presented that paving of more than one inch had to get prior  
approval from the Department of Transportation, and that was not done.  
This was not found in previous audits and corrected once we were made  
aware.  
Attachments: Bill 1 Liquid Fuels Transfer  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments or questions from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE  
15-7438  
Bill 2  
Establishing a Latino Advisory Council to advise the Mayor and Council on  
issues relating to Latino affairs.  
Mota, Affa, Hendricks and Gerlach  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 2 Latino Advisory Council  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments or questions from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND  
APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE  
15-7439  
Bill 3  
Establishing a African-American Advisory Council is to advise the Mayor  
and Council on any relating to African-American issues.  
Mota, Affa, Gerlach and Hendricks  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 3 African-American Affairs Advisory Council.docx  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments or questions from the public.  
Rev. Kari Holmes stated good evening and speaking on behalf of the  
organization the Rising Sun Initiative which has its headquarters here in the  
beautiful city of Allentown. She stated good evening and thank you for the  
time to speak before you this evening. She stated that they trust that they  
will be able to move forward with this particular initiative and Bill in a way  
that it is a positive solutions oriented group of individuals that can get  
ahead of concerns. One of the biggest things that everyone can agree on  
from every background and every ethnicity and race is that communication  
beats noncommunication and prior solutions coming forward from the  
community that it closest to the concerns is certainly something that they all  
agree on. She thanked City Council and thanked Mr. Hendricks as the  
newly installed president before them again for taking the time to look at  
this Bill as a solutions oriented, community oriented, option that gives them  
an opportunity to get back to communication and as they are looking  
forward to celebrating Dr. King very shortly in just a couple of days. He  
talked about the beloved community. The urgency of now. It is certainly  
something they need to embrace at this time more than ever. She stated  
whatever our thoughts, whatever our transgressions, missteps, or  
misspeakings might have been, we are taking another breathe today. She  
stated that as a woman of faith, she believes that indeed like Dr. King said  
that we will get to that mountaintop, but we have to talk to one another, grow  
together, provide solutions, we have to forgive and be strong and even  
when it is time, we need to make our demands, but hope that this resolution  
will find both a place in your hearts, and a place in the dais that it is  
something that will go forward to be the best for our entire community. She  
stated Happy New Year and thank you once again Councilmembers and  
the President of City Council.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Pastor Holmes. He mirrored what her  
comments were. He stated that he knows himself and other members of  
this Council feels very strongly the very same way and look forward to  
working with you.  
REFERRED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND  
APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE  
15-7422  
Bill 4  
An ordinance of the Council of the City of Allentown Pennsylvania requiring  
the city to obtain and maintain a welcoming city rating and work towards a  
score of no less than three stars from welcoming America; codifying the  
city's practices related to the provision of city services without regard to  
refugee or immigration status and requiring city council to advocate for the  
adoption of similar practices and policies by other municipalities; providing  
for the repeal of inconsistent ordinances; providing for the severability of  
the ordinance; and providing that the ordinance shall take effect in  
accordance with Pennsylvania law.  
Gerlach and Santos  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 4 New Immigrants and Refugees  
R17 Welcomingdraft  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that you had some folks that signed up to speak  
to this.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were comments or questions from the  
public.  
Ms. Elizabeth Polanco stated thank you for the opportunity and gave her  
name. She stated that she is a United States citizen and also an immigrant  
from the Dominican Republic. She stated that she believes this law and  
act must pass so that immigrants are protected and they feel confident in  
life, safely in the city. That they feel safe going to the hospital, school, and  
the police department. This city must not share the immigration status of  
the people. This is accordance with laws that already sit such as when with  
a judge. She stated thank you so much and thank you for the opportunity.  
She spoke in Spanish stating she has people speaking Spanish too.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Polonko.  
Mr. Josie Lopez state hey City Council and this is her first time doing this.  
This is specifically about this Welcoming Policy. She stated that we need  
to be able to keep families together in Allentown. If we believe in that, then  
they need to codify a policy that says that. There has been a lot of reason  
why public trust has been eroded within city hall, specifically with this  
Council. Words are simple not enough. She stated that we need to have  
codified policies to keep federal agencies working with themselves and  
keep tax dollars in the city away from them. Something she realized this  
week is the saying that there ain't power like the power of the people  
because the power of the people don't stop. A lot of things happen this  
week and a lot of people are in this room because they showed up  
because they believe in things. A lot of other things move forward perhaps  
in other areas because the power of the people decided to pick up their  
phones and notify things and agitate in the right places. Hopefully, you will  
hear enough from the citizens. You will know that Allentown is a majority  
minority city. A large portion of our citizens don't even speak English. She  
stated that we need to protect them. ICE is not welcomed here. Allentown  
should be a welcoming city. Not a city that endorses hate in any of its  
forms and through any federal agency that breaks apart families and  
encourages hate. She said let's be a welcoming city, right and stated we  
want that. She stated that we want to welcome and be supportive in paper,  
not just by language. She would say that she would happily be more  
interested in supporting someone vocally for mayor of City Council that  
would be vocally supportive on codified paper supporting immigrants in this  
city.  
Mr. Jon Irons, resident of Bethlehem and a Lehigh County Commissioner,  
stated that he is here to speak in favor of Bill 4. The Welcoming City Policy  
codification. He thanked Councilwomen Gerlach for introducing this  
legislation and bringing this conversation to the floor. He stated that he is  
also an immigrant. He stated that he was born in Ecuador and moved here  
when he was an infant. There is a couple of things he wants to address  
with this Bill, one, is that this is an opportunity for this body to be proactive.  
To get ahead of issues that likely is going to be coming down the pike,  
given the rhetoric and the plans of the incoming presidential administration.  
Currently, he has seen this Council working reactively. You have lawsuits,  
you are suing the mayor, you are dealing with Equal Opportunity  
Complaints, you dealing with Whistleblower cases. He stated that 10 years  
ago, they had a Galarza Case that a man was unjustly confined in Lehigh  
County jail at an Immigration Detainer and in response to all of those  
things, it is unfortunately that our bodies act reactively. We wait until there  
are cases. We wait until there is pain. We wait until there are complaints.  
We wait until there is a room full of people asking for desperate changes  
rather than being proactive. In this moment, they have an opportunity to  
codify some policies to make some very targeted structural changes to  
how data is managed in the city that would get ahead of complaints, and  
pain and potential liability for the city and the county in the next incoming  
next four or five or 10 years or how long we are going to be dealing with this  
type of anti-immigrant sentiment in our federal government. It is not unique  
to republicans. The other thing this Bill does, it addresses an issue with  
data management. In his professional capacity, he is a data manager. He  
thinks about this in his capacity as the County Commissioner and the fact  
that municipal governments are vulnerable to hacking. Municipal  
governments also hold a great deal of sensitive on or residents in our  
database. He stated that they share that information with law enforcement,  
we share it with third party providers and contractors at different times and  
decisions about very sensitive information and talking about information on  
national origin, language and you could include information on sexual  
identity and gender identity. These pieces of information are very  
important. He stated that the city should do everything it can to protect that  
information from possibly being leaked. One way to proactively do this is  
to codify policies that they are not going to share this information except for  
legally necessary and have some sort of impact on offering city services  
that provide support to people. He stated that he really wants to think about  
these two things, being proactive and protecting or data. The last thing this  
ordinance does is provide a sense of security for himself and other  
immigrants who are gong to be potentially talking about this. He stated that  
they need to see their bodies working together. He stated that they need to  
see governments across Lehigh Valley coming together to protect our  
valuable and cherished immigrant community. This will give you the  
opportunity to be the first municipal body to take real action on this in the  
Lehigh Valley and be a leader on this. He stated that f they do, he will  
absolutely follow them. They already working at the county to work on  
similar things. This will not happen in a vacuum.  
Ms. Sharon Finnegan, Shantz Road, stated that she was looking earlier  
today and Lancaster, Pennsylvania did this already. They prevent local  
police and any city officials from inquiring a person's immigration status,  
unless it is required by state or federal law or court order or reasonably  
necessary in a criminal investigation. The importance of that is that people  
have to feel safe. She stated that we have seen the ugliness that happens.  
It is important that people: immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees can feel  
comfortable seeking city services. Reporting crimes if anything happens.  
She urged Council to pass this.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is it.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there anybody else that wishes to speak on  
this topic.  
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked what date is that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated January 29th.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no, we were looking at February 5th at 6:00 PM.  
He stated that is Wednesday, right.  
15-7442  
Bill 5  
Amending the 2024 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental  
appropriation from the unappropriated balance of the Trexler Fund in the  
amount of Eighty-Five Thousand Four Hundred Sixteen Dollars and One  
Cent ($85,416.01) to the Jordan Skatepark capital budget of the Parks and  
Recreation Department. These funds will complete the construction of  
Phase 2 of the skatepark and is part of the 2024-25 Trexler Capital Project  
allocation.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 5 - Capital 2024 Skatepark Allocation  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments, questions from the public.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated that he has been here for over 50 years and stated  
that this is his home. He loves it and wants a lot of things done that are not  
being done, especially the nonsense that is going on upstairs. It's crazy.  
Racism has no place in Allentown. If anybody that is a racist in this time of  
living is crazy to him.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Mr. Blount he understands.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated that he wants to ask some questions pertaining to  
the parks. He asked how is this money divided or is it  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that you know what, this is going to be  
discussed at detail at a future meeting. He said if Mr. Blount would like to  
be here, he doesn't know and asked Ms. Tolino could she.  
Ms. Mandy Tolino stated good evening and for the Trexler money, most of  
the money goes towards operating to funds some salaries and things like  
mulch and what not, but for the capital money that we are gong to get, there  
is a certain percentage every year. In this instance, this is a project that is  
already happening and we had a deficit. They know in order to complete a  
project, they had to use some of that money. In this intent, this is how we  
made that decision. For some other parks, how they make the decision on  
where to spend the money. Right now, they are working on a Parks  
Comprehensive Plan and it includes many public meetings and a survey.  
She stated that she is hopeful that they are gong to have some really good  
results from that and use that as a guide really based on community  
feedback and how they spend their capital money and where they spend  
their attention.  
Mr. Dan Blount asked when is this meeting that you are talking about. He  
asked when is it going to come to fruition.  
Ms. Mandy Tolino stated the comments and plan meeting. The next one is  
in February. She stated that she can send the whole list. There are  
multiple opportunities to get involved over the next year.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mr. Blount if the city had his address.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated yes.  
Ms. Mandy Tolino stated yes, she has it.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated that the community wants to honor a few people from  
our part of the city.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this isn't the time to bring that up.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated that he thought it was about Parks with the  
Department of Parks and Recreation Committee.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is about this Bill.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated oh, just the Bill.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would be glad to speak to him after the  
meeting f you wish.  
Mr. Dan Blount asked who is the head Parks.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that that this is just an introduction to the Bill.  
Mr. Dan Blount stated ok.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will give Mr. Blount a call to speak to him  
about that. He stated thank you and does anybody else have any questions  
or comments on this Bill.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-7444  
Bill 6  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Ninety Thousand ($90,000.00) Dollars from the  
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development  
(DCED) to support improvements to upgrade the final pavilion at Rose  
Garden #1.  
Attachments: Bill 6 - Rose Garden Grant  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any questions or  
comments from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-7443  
Bill 7  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of  
Twenty-Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventeen Dollars and Six Cents  
($24,417.06) from Irving Pool Improvements capital project into Jordan  
Skatepark for construction of Phase 2.  
Attachments: Bill 7 - Parks Skatepark Transfer  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from on Bill 7.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-7445  
Bill 8  
Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an increase of  
Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) to the newly  
created capital account for the design of the traffic signal upgrades at 17th  
and Linden Street, 17th and Turner Street, 17th and Chew Street, and 17th  
and Walnut Street intersections. This project is part of the Pennsylvania  
Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal  
Transportation Fund Grant (MTF-DCED) that the City was awarded. This  
will fund the design for upgrades to the four intersections on 17th Street.  
The City was awarded $250,000 as part of the MTF-DCED grant that is  
reimbursable, and the $75,000 is considered the City’s match that is  
required per the grant agreement.  
Attachments: Bill 8 - MTF-DCED 17th Street  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE  
15-7446  
Bill 9  
Amending the 2025 General Fund budget by transferring $150,000.00 from  
the Health Bureau, Administration program to a new Health Bureau,  
Unsheltered Coordination Services program to fund the Unsheltered  
Services Coordinator position (11N), with a total annual salary of $68,987.  
Attachments: Bill 9 Unsheltered Services Coordinator.doc  
Unhoused_Services_Coordinator_Job_Description_FT.docx  
Homeless Services Coordinator Job Description.pdf  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked and asked if there were any questions or  
comments from the public.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there is somebody here to speak to that.  
Ms. Jennifer Swann stated that she lives in Allentown, 19th and Congress.  
She stated that she appreciates that very much needed position is being  
considered. Her only comment is that the salary seems a bit low. She  
stated that she has given Michael Hanlon, the City Clerk documents that  
she had with a similar position and the range of funding in that position.  
She realizes that the city's money is important, but she would like them to  
get someone who is qualified and willing to stay. She state that if we pay  
people a low salary or offer them a low salary, there are chances that they  
won't get the kind of person they want and the other side of that is if they  
have continuous turnaround with this position as people come in and move  
to a better paying position, they may end up fulfilling the goal of this which is  
to have a talented person work with the homeless and continue to do so  
until the homeless are no more. She stated apologized and said  
unsheltered s the proper word. She stated that she has given them and  
appreciates Council's time. She has given them just one sample of a  
range of salaries for a similar position. She wants to take that into  
consideration. Here other comment is that she appreciates the benefits,  
but benefits are usually not more than half of the salary. She wondered if  
considering those positions, some of that money might be transferred into  
the salary to make it more in that range. She thanked Council for their time.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks suggested that she attends the meeting in the future  
when they discuss in more detail.  
Ms. Jennifer Swann stated that she does not know when that will be, but  
she is sure.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will be in February. He stated that he  
does not know the date yet.  
Ms. Jennifer Swann thanked Council for their consideration.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anybody else on this Bill.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that the city had a Homeless Coordinator before  
in the CED department. She asked would this person be dong the same  
thing that person used to do. She stated no, yes oh, you are gong to have a  
meeting in February and that's when all the questions will be answered.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there will be more details at that time.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that she is just wondering because she said that  
the cost of this position and that position and stated that she just wanted to  
know and just look at both job descriptions to see why the huge jump from  
what that person got paid to this one. She asked how do we find out the  
date of that meeting.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is online. If you go online under Allentown  
City Council. It is always listed, the meeting dates.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio stated that it is on the same website, ok. She stated  
alright. Thank you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Ocasio and asked anybody else.  
REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
COMMITTEE  
15-7451  
Bill 10  
Authorizing an investigation by an outside agency under Section 210,  
Investigations, of the Home Rule Charter: :Allentown City Council hereby  
approves the engagement of Duane Morris to conduct such investigation  
and make such recommendations set forth and that City Council’s Solicitor  
work with the solicitor’s office to take all necessary action to implement this  
ordinance.  
Affa, Hendricks, Mota and Napoli  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 10 Investigation.doc  
Ordinance #16094  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this meeting will take place on January 29th  
at 6:00 PM.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Council needs to take comments before the  
referral.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he has a comment from the dais. He stated dais  
first. He stated that maybe this is a question that the Solicitor has to  
answer. He asked if he is allowed to make a motion at this time since it  
hasn't be voted on yet to go to committee. Just the Rules has been  
Suspended at this time or must he wait until the meeting on the 29th.  
Attorney Maria Montero stated to Mr. Zucal right now, it is just referring it to  
the committee so there is no official action taken yet. Procedurally,  
because it wasn't on the agenda eight days before, there was a Motion  
made to Suspend those Rules. Right now, it is being referred and on  
January 29th, that's when you can make any official action.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok, thanks for the clarity.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Gerlach.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she also has a clarifying question. She  
stated that she does understand that they will have an at length  
conversation on the 29th and she understands that at length conversation  
will be about Duane Morris, a law firm. She stated that she needs  
clarification if they are all in agreement that this is the direction that they  
want to go. Not necessarily Duane Morris, but hiring a law firm with the  
cost associated with that or if they are still open to hiring possibly an  
investigator, if not the same, but another investigator who has a different  
skill than an attorney. Does having this meeting on the 29th that is  
specifically on Duane Morris Law Firm does that pigeon hole us to only  
going down that route. She would like an answer if anybody could answer.  
She stated that she doesn't know. Maybe the attorney or the president of  
Council or someone. She stated that she is not set on this.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would think that anything could happen  
on the 29th, but perhaps our Solicitor could weigh in on this.  
Attorney Maria Montero stated that as with all the other Bills that were  
introduced, it is still information and things can change before the final vote  
and so on January 29th, it is the opportunity to see if it is the Bill you would  
like to move forward and vote on to talk about the details, especially  
moving forward in the investigation if that is what Council wants to use a  
law firm or other methods and if it does after the comment period through  
and it's on before Council and the majority of Council voting for that, four  
individuals.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked on the 29th, are we expected to make a final  
vote that evening to either hire or not hire Duane Morris or amendments or  
motions. She asked is that the be all to end all on the 29th.  
Attorney Maria Montero stated to her understanding the way you are putting  
forward ordinances is that you are required to give two weeks notice and  
she believes that is the goal of the individuals who put this forward.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Attorney Montero for those answers.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, anybody else.  
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON JANUARY 29TH  
AT 6:00 PM  
Ms. Barbara Redmond asked what happened to the old investigation. She  
stated that you s, then we are going to get someone new on top of that to  
come in. She stated that she doesn't understand what they are doing.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they hope to do that. They hope to come to  
a resolution.  
Ms. Barbara Redmond stated that the money coming from the citizens  
don't have money to be spending and wasting money. She asked what did  
he do or what's wrong and why can't he be the person that does the  
investigation. She stated that they all agreed with it in the beginning. She  
asked what happened. Is it because the fact that you all are mentioned in  
the lawsuit. The new lawsuit that is out. What is going on? What  
happened that you changed your mind?  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that what happened is that they got tied up in  
the courts and they would be spending a lot more money and a longer time  
to get a resolution. That is part of the problem.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated point of order. She stated that she believes  
Council doesn't do a dialogue with members of the public.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok.  
Ms. Barbara Redmond stated ok. She stated that she doesn't understand.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that this is not a question and answer session.  
She stated that is what Dr. Mota always says. She stated just a point of  
order if she is wrong.  
Ms. Barbara Redmond stated that her point is that she does not  
understand. She stated that you get a law firm and the law firm has Rules  
and Regulations. When you hire a law firm, a law firm is for the person who  
is hiring them. She stated that you will be hiring that person. That person is  
going to be bias to whatever you all want to hear. When you have a law  
firm, a law comes in and talk to the employees. It is confidential between  
the lawyer and the person. If the mayor decides that he does not want to  
release that information, the lawyer is going to be bias. Why can't a  
consultant company come in and do a thorough investigation. Why do you  
need a lawyer? Is anyone friends with this company? Does anyone knows  
this company? She stated and another thing, the people who were  
included in these lawsuits are you all going to be eliminated from voting  
because she feels like there is a conflict of interest to pick another law  
company when people are involved in it. The people who are involved in  
lawsuits should not be a part of the lawsuit and a rephrased stating picking  
and choosing what firm you are going to have. You are talking about this  
one firm. What other firms were mentioned? What other firms are  
mentioned?  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks suggested to attend the meeting on the 29th. You can  
ask those questions or make those statements.  
Ms. Barbara Redmond stated that she will, but hope that they are not going  
to have one law firm that you wanted or already selected. It is not fair to the  
community. She stated that she will definitely be in that meeting.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there anybody else.  
Ms. Kari Holmes stated to Mr. Hendricks that she wanted to ask if there is  
a feasibility to offer a community dialogue of invited the community back  
maybe prior to the meeting that is scheduled or for instance, if the and she  
wants to make the suggestion because there is a lot of speculation around  
this and she believes they are not making the distinction as clear as it  
needs to be to the community that these are different lawsuits and different  
pieces of litigation in addition to what City Council has adopted and  
agreed to address with the mayor. That is something separate and  
different than the other concerns that have been presented regarding City  
Council members. That does not mean that the concerns of your  
constituents you heard them this evening regarding reusing yourself and so  
on should not be considered. She stated that it would be helpful to either  
have a meeting prior to the one you are going to have on the 29th or  
possibly a half hour of explanation. Maybe at that time, you don't take  
comments from the community, but you explain some of the nuances.  
Obviously, a lot of this stuff is discussed on Facebook, there are round  
about conversations on social media, but you also have your constituents  
quite honestly may not know when the meetings are. They may not be  
understanding the rhetoric or the rhetoric itself may not be clear as to what  
the particular litigations are, who are involved in them and who will be  
adopting them to move them forward. For instance, again, she would just  
offer that as a suggestion as a way of communicating if the meeting is at  
7:00 then invite the public to a listening session at 6:30 PM or maybe you  
will have comments at 6:00 PM. She stated then you will explain what  
exactly is about to take place at 7:00 PM so they have an opportunity to  
clearly understand . She stated that she is sure Council can hear this  
evening while people have heightened concerns, there are also a number  
of concerns as issues that are very and said she does not what to say  
convoluted because they are connected, but Council can give some clarity  
for them as constituents as to what is happening where and if indeed,  
anyone should not be recusing themselves then they would be able to give  
a sold basis as to why. Again, creating that place of dialogue and  
understanding with your constituents and stated that she hopes they will  
consider that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will certainly meet on the 29th and  
those questions will be raised and stated that the mayor had absolutely  
nothing to do with Council's decision about whether they are moving  
forward or how they are moving forward. It is done by Council and Council  
alone.  
Ms. Kari Holmes stated that she understands that, but does believe that  
Councilwoman Ce Ce Gerlach, your peer made a good point that it is here  
tonight may not avail them with the opportunity to hear from you as  
president of City Council or your peers as to what has been done in a  
positive direction. She stated that she believes the community is saying  
we want to hear what you have done so far and she believes they are in a  
position to share that with them, but tonight at the City Council meeting may  
not be the place to do that. On the 29th, you have to move things forward a  
well. She stated that it might be a need for and she knows that City Council  
works hard and you have your own families.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that on the 29th, they can discuss it in full length.  
Ms. Kari Holmes thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated that is helpful.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is appreciated.  
Ms. Karen Ocasio asked was there an RFP for this. How was Duane  
Morris chosen so quickly. She asked was there an actual RFP done.  
Because wasn't there a concern with what was his name, Scott Curtis.  
How quickly things moved. She stated, oh, we are not answering. That's  
right. She stated that was her questions because she doesn't remember  
seeing an RFP and how they got chosen so quickly. She stated that she  
just wants to know how that process went. She stated that if they can get  
the clarification on that as well.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Ocasio. He asked if there were anybody  
else. He stated again, this will be referred to the Committee of the Whole  
on January 29th at 6:00 PM.  
A motion was made by Santo Napoli that this Ordinance be Suspend The Rules.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
4 - Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli  
3 - Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, and Ce-Ce Gerlach  
Yes:  
No:  
Enactment No: 16094  
Enactment No: 16094  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NEW BUSINESS  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she has a thing because she is already  
sensing what is going to happen over this next year. She stated that the  
reason she did the Point of Order is because we have got some tough  
conversations to have in the next year, especially the next couple of months.  
It is tense. People are afraid and the reason she did the Point of Order  
again, is because when that is what Council decided hat they are not going  
to do a Q & A and not going to turn it into a debate and the power  
dynamic comes into play and tone of voice. She just wanted to point that  
out that if they are going to because there are plenty of times came up  
there and she wanted to respond, but if they are going to respond then let'  
switch up the Rules. If they are not, if they can just do that. Just not  
respond. She stated that it stinks for the person that's up there asking the  
question and they are just staring at them, but if that is what they are going  
to do the she would just encourage all of them to do that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach.  
GOOD AND WELFARE  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated yes and stated thank you so much to all the pastors  
that came here at 6:00 PM and stood outside praying for the city. She  
stated that it was beautiful. She thanked Pastor Kari Holmes for doing this.  
She stated that she knows that Pastor Holmes called a lot of pastors here  
in the community. She stated that it was great because she saw many,  
many pastors such as Constantino. He was here. She stated so many.  
She stated she just wants to say thank you so much for praying for the city  
of Allentown. She stated that she really believes that they are going  
towards the right direction this time around and stated thank you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mota.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated Mr. President.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated Ms. Gerlach and stated he is sorry, Ms. Affa.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated yeah, let's not get us confused. She took the time  
to thank Ms. Mota for our two years and your work as president. She  
stated that she knows how hard and people don't see the back of what they  
all do. The conversations with Mike ad the day in and day out. She stated  
how much time Ms. Mota has spent leading them and she did one hell of a  
job. She stated that she is great with the community and give them  
information and call them and let them know what is happening. She stated  
that Ms. Mota is making all the right decisions and thanked her. She stated  
that it is hard work being president of Council. She wished Mr. Hendricks a  
lot of luck.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Affa.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Affa and stated he too commend Ms.  
Mota for the great job she did this year and stated that he is looking for to  
this year and working with her.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated definitely they are going to work together.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you. He stated thanks for all you do.  
ADJOURNED: 7:58 PM  
15-6577  
Reference Materials:  
Council Rules  
Procurement Code  
Ethics Code  
Attachments: Procurement Code  
Ethics Code  
Rules