435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Saturday, November 4, 2023

9:00 AM

Council Chambers

Roll Call

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated good morning everybody. He and his

colleagues would like to welcome them all to what he believes is the first

Saturday morning meeting of our Council. Probably in the history of it to

discuss the budget. He thanked them and stated that he is glad to see they

have many citizens interested in their government and what they do. He

asked everyone to raise for the salute to the flag.

7 -

Present:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6388

Budget Information

Attachments: Budget Amendments Nov 4

Mayor proposed amendment 2024

Budget Response

Prop tx increase cost by assessment

10.31.2023 Finance Budget Overview_

Information Systems Budget Documents

PW Council Questions

HR 2024 BUDGET 1ST QUESTIONS

DRAFT -Deputy Director of HR - Job Description - August 2023

HR COORDINATOR 2024

Law Department

Building Code Professional_Proposed - Copy

Health Director

DCED

Parks and Recreation

High Level Overview.10_31_2023

Response to Council

2024 Police Department Budget

10 Duties of the Deputy Chief of Administration

Attorney Charles Smith stated that they handled Bill 96, correct Mr. Hanlon.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Council amended Bill 96. You have a few

other motions that you were going to consider to amend various Budget

Bills. If Council does all that stuff, he is assuming they will need to Suspend

the Rules and go and Adopt the Budget at the end of the meeting.

Attorney Charles Smith stated prior to Adoption. He stated as he

understands it that there was going to be a Motion to adjust the budget

concerning certain personnel positions.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is correct.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his

colleagues.

Ms. Candida Affa asked if any of the Directors are able to speak. Like the

Chief of Police or Vicky or anyone will be able to speak on this.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they have a counter proposal that they would

like to talk through when the time is appropriate.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that it will be after Council and that includes the

public for them to speak.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated to be clear, the amendment will bring the tax

increase to what.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated zero. That will result in a zero increase.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the Controller can weigh in on this. If it

passes, they think it will be $400,000 to the good and will not need a tax

increase.

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if the City Council done the math. He stated that

they saw the one five percent decrease and it show $1.1 million price tag.

He has not seen the impact from any of the lines you are recommending.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the Controller has verified those numbers.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he did a quick and dirty yesterday. He

discussed it with Mr. Hanlon. He stated that he made some assumptions

and totaled up the personnel changes and he is pretty accurate there, but

may be off a bit in terms of how the $190,000 or the $130,000 for the

Human Resources Director fits in there. Personnel: for overtime, his

understanding is that Fire made a specific offer and he took that into an

account and the requested 10 percent deduction was on overtime without

the Fire Department. You come roughly $400,000 or $350,000 or

somewhere in there. He made a suggestion if they get to this point. These

are some very targeted reductions. If these should pass, it would make

things very challenging for the departments and the administration going

forward. His advice would be essentially you need a reduction in expenses

of about $2.9 million. it would be to say that they want the administration

reduce expenses by $2.9 million. The expenses essentially equals

revenues without a tax increase and let them find out to put the pieces

together because that is what they do. As opposed to micromanaging it up

here and maybe finding out some of the pieces are really not going to fit

very well. He stated that as they go down this path, please consider that.

Of course, consider the administration's counter proposal.

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

comments from the public.

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if it will be appropriate for them to purpose.

Ms. Maria Ocasio stated that she is the chairperson of the Allentown EAC

and is here today and these comments for their reference was submitted

prior to this meeting. She wanted to talk about the Sustainability

Coordinator position. Something that was not mention on what you are

saving. The reason she is doing so is because the Sustainability

Coordinator will help the city lower its costs through implementing more

sustainable practices and by bringing more money to the city in federal,

state, and county grants as well as philanthropic resources. She stated that

these comments were submitting prior. In May 2020, the Western

Pennsylvania Energy Consortium led by the city of Pittsburgh signed a new

contract with direct energy to provide 100 percent renewable energy

through 2021 and that saved the city and the WPEC members about

$700,000. She stated why she thinks that the city of Allentown needs that

here is there are literally millions of dollars currently available that the city

does not have the capacity to apply for. They have as Allentown EAC

members made several recommendations and unfortunately, there is very

little progress that was made because they do not have the capacity to do

so. In addition to reducing the cost for the city, the Sustainability

Coordinator would drive progress and multiple environmental justice funds

which we are in the inner city, we are an environmental justice area. This

will include things like tree equity, energy equity, water equity, and food

justice, air quality, etc. which again, if you are in the inner city you know that

we are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. You know we tend

to be on the heat island as opposed to our suburban counterparts and

need natural methods to cool it down. She stated that she is largely

imploring them to keep this in the budget. It will again, save them in the

future and something that is worth their while and will pay for itself. It gives

them the opportunity to further the partnership and strengthen the

committee through working with nonprofits like Community Bike Works,

Promise Neighborhoods, Community Action LV, Monoxin Parkson.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the IT team will make a slight adjustment to

the podium to reduce the echo picking up.

Mr. Glenn Hunsicker asked the Controller if he had the numbers that the

Mayor is calculating on. It would be advantageous for the Controller to

submit his calculations to the full Council and to the public. He would like to

see how Mr. Glazier calculated this.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he read the proposal from Council when it

was released a couple of days ago. Through the ongoing discussions over

the past few weeks and months, he appreciates where Council is coming

from and the desire to reduce the financial burden on our residents. That is

why they are in total agreement with reducing the increase in trash fee from

$120 to $40. It is what led him and his team to put their heads together and

sharpen their pencils to come up with something that would reduce a

potential tax increase. The administration's initial budget of $147 million to

the General Fund was built on a 6.9 percent tax increase. That would have

been an average of $53 per household across the city of Allentown and it

would be more significant in some neighborhoods than in others, but on a

whole about $53 per residential households. They took it back and look

where they can make some adjustments consistent of what Council was

recommending, but preserved the fundamental integrity of the budget which

was a budget that was designed to improve public safety in the city of

Allentown and improve the quality of Public Works and the cleanliness of

our city and lead to healthier outcomes to all of our residents. A budget that

was designed to ensure there is equal access and equitable access to city

services. He read through some of the proposed changes the

administration is making. He then asked if Chief Charles Roca can speak

briefly, Vicky Kistler from CED to speak briefly, and then Lucinda Wright,

our Equity and Inclusion Coordinator to speak briefly. He went over what

the administration is proposing as a response to Council's desire.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will be limited to the time limits that is

set.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Council has a copy in front of them.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he will read through it quickly for the benefit of

the people in the room. He went over the initial recommended cuts to what

is proposed to Council and what was delivered and printed to Council and

results in a savings of $76,105. He went over elimination of positions and

vehicle, MWI middle shift, lighting upgrades in the parks, drinking fountains

in the parks, office equipment for the Parks administration and self

watering planters, Community and Economic can save $17,900 by

correcting a previously budgeted erroneous electrical expenses, delaying

the improvements to a bathroom in Alliance Hall, Police suggested a

savings of $49,296 by eliminating one of the recommended Telecomm

Technician Positions. Fire is proposing to reduce its overtime budget by

$250,000, IT can shift a payment of Munis Software upgrade to 2025 and

save $55,980, Finance found a correction to the Trexler Trust budget

Transfer fee of $12,000. Law has offered to reduce its expenditures on

training and professional development by $9,185 and the administration

will shift the purchase of two vehicles from the Equipment Fund to the

Rental Fund. The total impact of those cuts are $752,158 which will allow

the administration to drop that budget increase to .33 mills which

represents approximately a 4.57 percent increase. It is a substantial

reduction from where they initially proposed. He asked Chief Roca to

speak briefly on the consequences of either cut on public safety.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked for clarification. She asked is it 4.57 percent or

on the paper, it is 4.35.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he made an adjustment. It is the 4.57 percent.

Chief Charles Roca stated to Council good morning on this Saturday. He

thanked them for the opportunity to speak with Council and members of the

public. He stated that policing is very near and dear to his heart and one of

the things he wanted to do when he became Chief was to bring their level

of professionalism, service, and equity throughout the entire city, not just for

benefits and things like that, but for the most vulnerable. This current

budget unfortunately in his mind aligns itself with defunding the Police. You

look at how it impacts them. It impacts them by taking away a valuable

overtime dollars which they have to respond to incidents. He can't sit here

before Council and tell them an incident of catastrophic nature not going to

occur. They have experienced it in the past, multiple times. With him to

manage is his team. His Captain, his administration. Without them, it

creates a void of leadership and it also degrades from individuals in the

current collective bargaining unit from becoming Captains. He stated that

they have to think about succession planning. One thing he heard very

strongly throughout the year is the loss of upper management within the city.

They can think of individuals, directors, others that have left the city and

went to other townships, boroughs, cities and locations throughout and out

of state. You have to ask yourself why. One of the things is that the upper

management has to feel appreciated, as does our workers. Through the

Collective Bargaining Agreement as he mentioned in his budget, they had

the increases that are mandated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

That is great, but what about the managers. What about the people that

work day in and day out to make sure that the Commend Oversight is there

for the community. He stated that they talk about how that impacts us. He

read some stats and stated that Mr. Zucal asked the other day what the

crime rate drop was. He has some clarity on that. For violent

crime/homicides, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, they are down four

percent from 2022. For Part I Crime overall, they are down 18.8 percent

from 2022. Compared to the three year average for violent crime, they are

down 5.8 percent. For the total Part I Crime compared to the three year

average, they are down 6.3 percent. That takes Boots on the Ground

Policing. That takes Command Oversight. That takes what they are trying

to achieve in the city of Allentown Police Department in which to empower

the Commanders. He is not a micromanager, but he has oversight of the

department and the impact that they have so they can police their growing

city. He stated that the city is not without challenges, but we have a very

resilient city. For them to be able to move forward, it is important that they

do that. The Tech Teams, the Police Department has the ability to work

with the fine staff there and they have a very definite high demand on their

time. Patrol vehicles install, Fire department vehicle install, EMS, the

loading of radio equipment. These are all items that are important that they

have to need to hear. What you are essentially doing is saying, you know

what to the Captains, you are not valued as much. For him as the Chief of

Police, let's show them that we value and respect their efforts. Just as we

do our every day police officers.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that they all can agree that this has been a

challenging year. It has been a year of divide. Unfortunately, she thinks that

some of that comes from the fact that they all don't come together for

common solutions. She has to tell Council that this team in the front row

and knows they call it the Mayor' budget, but it is really our budget. They

are not looking at the fact that many of the department are coming to

Council this year under budget. She stated that they hear Council. They

know that they are the stewards of tax money and they are the stewards of

tax money. She stated that they are not on different teams. She stated that

many of them have come to Council with the budget savings that is going to

carry into the next year. They have worked diligently to fill vacancies, to

provide service. Week after week, we have people standing at the podium

telling us and telling you what they did not get. She stated that they are

trying to address that and the phone calls that they get and pass on to them

about service that is missing. They are trying to do that by keeping the

people that they have. They are a business in this community and every

business needs people right now. They are trying to retain the really good

ones they have, while staying under budget, while delivering the services

that make the constituents happy. They have a lack of communication and

a lack of partnerships that has been rampant and some of that comes from

the fact that key positions in this city have not been stable or filled and they

are working diligently to do that. She is getting closer in DCED than she

ever been before to full staffing, but it costs money. It cost that money to do

the things they want to do after hours addressing issues in the middle of the

night at the nuisance properties. Going to places where they don't just

provide the service and leave, but they try to provide that quality of service

to stay and follow up and make sure a person has a place to go after a fire

and to provide what they are telling them you want. She stated that they are

working very hard. When they saw the divide, they came back with this

plan of cuts. They get there is a tax increase into this. They are hoping that

they can move more and raise more and do more so they don't have to

continue to do that. She stated that they have to come to the table together

to resolve the issues. She stated that she does not know if they can give

anymore than what they just put before them and still meet the needs of the

people at the podium.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Kistler.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he would like to ask Lucinda Wright who is the

Equity and Inclusion Coordinator to talk a little bit about the importance on

the office of Equity and Inclusion.

Ms. Lucinda Wright stated good morning City Council and thanked them for

the opportunity to speak this morning. She stated that she was born and

raised in the city of Allentown and understand the importance at a higher

level. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a crucial aspect of modern

organizational culture and a society at large. While HR departments

traditional handle certain aspects of DEI initiatives solely regulating these

responsibilities so HR can have limitations and here is why: broader

organizational impact. DEI initiatives should not be seen as a mere

compliance issue. They are about fostering an inclusive culture which

needs to be integrated across all levels and all departments of an

organization. Placing this responsibility solely in HR may limit the extent

and influence as well as the collaboration needed to imbed these values

throughout the entire organization. Strategic integration is an important

part of DEI and more than just HR policies and compliance training. It

requires strategic integration into the organization's core values and all

operations. To be effective DEI needs to influence hiring practices,

training, leadership development and the overall company's culture. While

HR does play a significant role, the scope extends beyond HR. Community

and stakeholder engagement is a vital piece to this work. DEI efforts often

extends beyond the internal workings of an organization. She stated that

the community engagement and partnerships and public perception

matters in this work. These involve collaborations and outreach efforts that

would extend beyond the traditional scope of HR functions. You hear a lot

about tree equity, food insecurity and HR functions are internal specific

functions. With that, ultimately HR departments do play a critical role in

implementing and supporting DEI initiatives, true success in this work in

achieving diversity, equity and inclusion requires a comprehensive

organization wide approach that involves leadership, various departments

and a cultural shift that goes beyond HR. Diversity in the city of Allentown

did not begin when they developed the office of Diversity, Equity and

Inclusion.

Mayor Matt Tuerk thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated that he knows it is up

to Council, but thought it was invaluable to hear the Controller on the

proposed amendments by Councilperson Zucal. He stated that he does

not know if Mr. Glazier has thoughts about what he just heard from the

Mayor's office.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mayor Tuerk and President Hendricks. He is

not going to weigh in on the merits of either proposal, but asked about their

values. If you think that the city is here, the employee are here, and you are

here, he is here and the Mayor is here to provide services to the citizens

and quality services. He stated that they spend here at Council some time

hearing from the public when the city falls short. Some people are shy

about telling them that and other people are definitely not shy about telling

us when they don't measure up. If you want to be able to provide those

services. and Fire has not been an issue, but clearly they are making a

major commitment down the road to better staffing the Fire Department.

That does not seem to be an issue. But, if we want things like cleaner

parks, our IT systems to function properly and the city is going into a major

ERP transition. it is very technical and needs to be done right. If it doesn't,

everybody here, everybody there, his office and the public are all impacted

if they can't get this right. They got to weight what it's worth, provide the

services at the level in which they expect and how much you are willing to

pay for them. Many years in Chicago, there is a one-term Mayor Jane

Byrne. Jane could not get the streets plowed of snow. She was a

one-term Mayor. What that shows how important basic city services are to

what people feel about their government. He stated that they do a good job

and no matter what happens with if you take the amendments that Mr. Zucal

proposed or the Mayor's counter proposal, they will always do the best job

possible, but he knows that with a little more staff that is competitively

compensated given the very challenging markets that are out there that the

employees of the city of Allentown will do an even better job and make us

all proud.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anybody from the public that did not have an

opportunity to speak.

Ms. Tinku <span class="cf0">Khanwalkar stated that she is a resident of

the city of Allentown, past Chair of the Allentown EAC. Today, she is here

to speak as a resident of the city of Allentown. She really supports the

suggestions that have been made by the Controller that we let the city's

administration figure out how to achieve the goal without giving them very

specific positions that need to be cut. Let them figure it out. Because one

of the positions that she believes would be cut during the current proposal

from City Council is the Sustainability Coordinator position. That is a

position that the city cannot afford to do without. It is a position that pays

for itself over and over again. As the chair of the Allentown EAC

mentioned, there are billions of federal dollars out there. Some of which

they were able to access, but a lot of which is still out there. They don't

have the resources to go out and get that money for ourselves. She stated

that they have community organizations that they could be working with to

improve the lives of the city residents and businesses which they do not

have the resources to do, but a Sustainability Coordinator will be able to

pull together programs with outside grant money and leverage the

wonderful community based organizations that we have here in the city and

really do some good work for the city. It is a position that pays for itself.

Based on her own knowledge and experience and the experience of the

other fellow members on the EAC, she can assure them that this position

will pay for itself. She stated let's be smart about what positions we end up

with eliminating and what positions you end up keeping in. it will not be

smart to eliminate this position. Every single person she has spoken to

and she has spoken to about 30 different people and have wholeheartedly

supported keeping this position in and this includes leaders in the

community based organization and residents from all around the city. She

stated that she can provide contact information of Sustainability

Coordinators and Managers in cities that are smaller than ours that have

this position and are very glad they do. People like Joel Hicks who is the

Councilman at Carlisle Borough said one of the most important things at

Carlisle Borough did was to appoint a director of Sustainability -

Community and Economic Development for their Borough. He is bringing

in so much grant money and tracking progress on goals and making the

connections to community that the borough needs to have happening and

to a large extent so do we. She stated that they need to have that

happening to and they need this position. She thanked Council and stated

that she really supports what the Controller has said.</span>

Captain Christopher Diehl, Police Officer, with the city of Allentown for the

last 20 years. He stated that he is in his 21 year. He wanted to listen to his

Police Chief Charles Roca speak. He stated that there is something that

needs to be said here. He stated that Wednesday he sat here in full

uniform and listened to everything and knew what the proposed budget

was. In that proposed budget there was an increase of salary and an

adjustment from Captain from where they are currently from an 18N to a

20N. The reason is because they are redlined. They are not eligible for

any type of raise. He stated that last year City Council voted for them not to

be redlined any further. On December 7, 2022, at approximately 1730

hours at a Special Session, amendment 15-519 there were proposals of

budget amendments and Mr. Hanlon read over everything where it said that

redlined employees would get adjusted. That was specifically Captains. It

is right here. He has the document. He waited as well as the other four

Captains with the Allentown Police Department this past year. They

discussed it in many meetings. He stated that they said they will get the job

done. The mayor is aware of this as well. That is why he supported them

by moving them from an 18N to a 20N so that they would be no longer

redlined. Redlining is simple, they get no increase unless there is an

increase across the board for managers positions. In collecting

bargaining, they will get a contractual raise. The Assistant Chiefs have a

step increase because they are not redlined. The Captains have been

redlined for the past three years now. They have gotten zeroes. He doesn't

need to go into what the economy looks like at this point. It is tough for

everyone. He is only asking for what Council voted on by a vote of 6 - 0 in

that amendment last year. That is what he is looking for himself and the

four other Captains. To move forward and to continue to allow to bump

them to that 20N position on the pay scale.

Mr. Jose stated that he is here to speak about the DEI position. His basic

knowledge of it is for a company or organization to reach its full potential,

DEI has to be free flowing. When you hear the letters HR as a community

member, they hear culture keepers. They don't mix. When you hear HR,

you hear this is what it is and what it is always going to be. He stated that

HR is the keeper of secrets. This is where the most trauma and harm

happens because they have to hold it all. When you hear DEI, It got to be

free flowing and be able to interact. No one should be scared of the person

doing the DEI at work. If you look at the person who is doing the DEI work

right now in our city, change is coming. Please don't interrupt the change

before it happens and not be scared of the change. It is going to happen

one way or another and putting this under HR is going to be harmful. If we

are going to be leaders in our community and the city is going to lead this,

do the right thing. Stop limiting the change.

Mr. Pas Simpson thanked Mr. Zucal for being bold and asking for no kind

of tax increase. He supports the Controller in asking if it will be something

that the administration looks over. he stated that they can't afford a tax

increase as a city. As citizens, we can't afford a tax increase. He sees Mr.

Hunsicker cry at the podium because with a tax increase we are not getting

any kind of revenue increase. As a city, your leadership should start with

being more creative than taking more from the people. Every time the city

has a tax increase, you increase the people that can become homeless,

increase the number of people that are going to be victims of violence. He

stated that poverty is violence. Your tax increase also increases the

violence that is being committed on our people. When you think about it,

there are things that you can do together creatively and other ways to get

grants. Some of you own businesses. He stated that they know that

businesses have to bring in revenue, but the only revenue that you have is

increasing the taxpayers burden cannot be. The reason it cannot be is

because as you see the amount of money leaving, you also going to see

the amount of violence increasing. He stated that he does not care how

many police they put on the street, it is not going to stop the violence

because if he is hungry, he is going to rob them. He stated that is how we

think. He stated that if he has to feed his babies versus doing anything else

and he knows because before he had the actual wherewithal knowing how

to make more money, he would have robbed any one of them in front of the

Chief because his babies had to eat. He stated don't put anyone in that

desperate situation because you have not taking the time to be more

creative and think about how it impacts each and every individual. He

stated that they can't move this into HR. HR limits on how she would be

able to move, think and groove. He stated that the city already has an

investigation going on about our current racial discrimination. He said we

can't afford that either. He suggested that Council make wise decisions

and think about who it really affects. The little people.

A couple came to the podium and stated that they are here to talk about the

Warming Station. He asked is this the right time.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no. It is not. It is not a subject on the Agenda.

That will come up later.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they do have a line item in the Budget for

the Warming Station. They are not being affected by this. She asked if Mr.

Hendricks was saying this because it will be ARPA.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes, at that point.

Mr. Kyle (last name not given), 528 N. Burke Street, spoke in support of

making sure the city includes Sustainability Manager position in the budget.

He is overly emphasizing the cost effectiveness to this is through the roof.

The money the city can bring in is unbelievable. He stated that the city

does not have the vehicle to facilitate that right now. Sustainability is all

about meeting the needs of the community. The current generation is

preserving the future generations to meet their own needs. He stated that

there is a looming storm cloud of impacts caused by the climate crisis that

are coming. It is not just physical impacts that they will have to pay for like

more expensive energy. It is also crushing state and federal regulations

that are coming. He stated that it is important to get the ball rolling and

setting up projects that are generally tied to the long term so they have cost

savings coming in the long term. The future of Allentonians will have to foot

the bill of all of this.

Mr. Dieter Scheel stated that he has been in Allentown about four years.

He stated that he has a company names Solid Waste Solutions and that

has taken 15 years of efforts and working on college campuses to work on

solid waste sustainability issues. One of the problems that evolved out of

all of that was his observation in the schools that the partners don't talk to

each other. He has a sneaky suspicion that it is not just on college

campuses, but also in cities. When he wrote the Solid Waste Solutions

Master Plan for the schools, he would have to go to all the various

departments to find out what they were doing and how they were handling

things and how they were washing dishes and how they were serving food,

etc. When he went in to talk to various departments, the directorships of

the universities, the facility managers. He stated that they don't talk to those

people. They only talk to these people. Why don't you talk to those guys.

They have nothing to do and they don't want them there. He has a sneaky

suspicion it is true in cities as well. Department A does not talk to

Department B. A Sustainability Director would then be the person that

talks to all the departments. On college campuses, the people are helping

to save their job, not get creative with ideas. He wrote about 30 Master

Plans and been on 50 college campuses. Everywhere from MIT to Hawaii

to UCF. He stated that UCF is the largest college campus in the United

States. He stated that they found millions of dollars in savings, but unless

everybody voted it did not get done.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his

colleagues.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this is his first budget process and it has been

as advertised and very difficult. He stated weighing the needs of

everyone, mainly the residents. He stated that is who we focus on. He

stated that he comes from the retail world. He has been a retailer his whole

life and in that world there is a term called Shrinkflation. Shrinkflation is

companies who don't want to raise prices to give you less. Less diapers in

the box, less razors in the box, less chips in the bag, but they don't raise

prices. That is how they can make it work. Some companies do that and

some companies go the other direction. They raise the price of the

diapers. There is no one out there that has figured out how to neither. It is

either give less or charge a little more. He stated that he sets up

employees for success every chance he gets to make them achieve their

goals and make them feel good about what they are doing and why they

come to work everyday. He gets why they are talking about a zero percent

take increase. He would love to do that and go back to what they normally

would do on Saturday. It is not fair to the employees. He stated that the

city is basically hamstringing them. Putting in a position where they may

be set up for failure. He stated that the city is looking at a situation and it

happens in the real world, outside of municipal government where folks just

say enough is enough. I'll go somewhere else. At that point, what are we

really doing here? He asked if they are really putting themselves in that

position that is going to hurt residents more down the road. He spoke to

residents with fixed incomes, and older folks.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Ce-Ce Gerlach to Adjust the

Budget in the following manner that there will be no upgrades, added positions,

changed titles Pursuant to Memo 1 which was presented to Council by the Mayor.

And all funds, except for the following: Inspectors Certification Program, one

new Telecom Technician position in the Police Department, 12 Firefighters,

Financial Analyst, Sweep Officer in Solid Waste, and the MW to a Step 11M and

neutral fiscal changes such as: Arborist are authorized. Other changes: Moving

the Front Desk Receptionist with a three percent salary increase to the 2023

position and Equity and Inclusion Coordinator three percent increase in the 2023

position from the Mayor's office to the Department of Human Resources. Transfer

$130,000 budgeted to Human Resources Consultant into the 02 Account for the HR

Director. In the Mayor's office: Continue the 2023 positions into the 2024

budgeted with an appropriate three percent increase. The Communications

Manager, the Special Assistant to the Mayor, Executive Assistant to the Mayor

will remain with no neutral changes. Funding the Managing Director's position

at the request of the Mayor to $1. A 10 percent decrease in all overtime budgets

in the General Fund, resulting in a $655,000 savings. Also, a five percent

decrease in Accounts 20 through 68 in the General Fund with a savings of

$1,130,402.00, adding up to a savings of with a net profit of over $400,000.00.

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

2 - Candida Affa, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

No:

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that none of them considered themselves to be experts

when it comes to divvying out funds that are provided to both the community

and organizations. This is kind of what we have come up with and obvious

you will get your say. This was the best plan that we thought was the most

benefit for everyone.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she will eventually get to an amendment.

The concern she has with this is that it essentially sets up once again all of

their worthy nonprofits to compete for a very minuscule amount of money.

Money that won't have a great impact. We are talking that they will get

$100,000, $200,00, $300,000. That is cool that they will get a little

something. They will keep the lights on. They will do a backpack drive.

That is great that they will be able to do something small. She is reading

the ARPA language. ARPA is about doing big things. ARPA is about

changing systemic issues that have plague our community for decades, for

centuries. She stated that $300,000 to an organization or $500,000 for an

organization is not going to do that. It will help them keep functioning. They

can hire a grants person. It will help them. She is not going to argue that,

but it will not make that significant change in Allentown. She stated that

they have heard and was surprised to not see in this configuration that they

heard from two entities that have came. One has or both have been

coming for over a year. Ripple is requesting $1.5 million. The Community

Center for the Youth is requesting another $1.5 million. She stated that she

does think that they owe those two items individually a vote. They have

been coming and they had other people. They had baseball stadium come

and Council entertained them and voted yes or no. She stated that Council

owed those two entities a vote on them specifically rather than throwing

them in a group and saying good luck.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Cynthia Mota to make an

Amendment to make the ARPA funding in the following allocation: $10 million to

public safety buildings; $1.3 million from the 2024 positions noted above; $1.3

million from the 2025 positions noted prior; $2.2 million for Community

Reinvestment Funds into the appropriate CED account and allow CED to

distribute funds to organizations working with the city, nonprofits such as Casa

Guadalupe, the Boys and Girls Club, the Ark Foundation, Promise

Neighborhoods, SELF, the Warming Station, Feathers, Ripple, CALV, the Caring

Place, etc. and any other nonprofits serving the residents of Allentown.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if they were voting on just Ms. Gerlach's

amendment.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that this is on the Motion to Amendment

made by Ms. Gerlach. He stated that Mr. Zucal makes a Motion and Ms.

Gerlach made a Motion to amend that. The issue before you if you want to

accept the amendments offered by Councilperson Gerlach.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that a simple way to look at it is that Ms. Gerlach

is replacing what Councilperson Zucal said with $1.5 million to Ripple, $1.5

to the Community Center, $1.2 million to community groups and $8 million

to Public Safety. Ms. Gerlach wants that instead of Mr. Zucal's proposal.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that as well as the $1.3 million for the 2024

and $1.3 million for 2025 positions. He stated that he believes that she

retained that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that a Motion made by Ms. Gerlach, seconded

by Ms. Santos. He asked if anybody else is in favor.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Council needs to take public comment.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked for public comment.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Ms. Mota if she wanted to comment.

Mr. Joseph Welsh, Executive Director of Lehigh Valley Justice Institute -

555 Union Boulevard, stated that there are a couple of things to keep in

mind with Ms. Gerlach's amendment which he rise in support of. A budget

is a list of priorities. It establishes what we value as a city and more

importantly what they don't value. Covid money was meant primarily to

address urgent needs in our community in as Ms. Gerlach's said in a big

way. Any true fiscal conservative knows that municipal buildings really

belong in the capital budget so they are paid for over time by the people

that are using them over time. To Mr. Napoli's point, here's how you keep

the chips in the bag and keep the price the same. You put the municipal

building projects in the Capital Budget. You take the Covid money, and you

use it to address the needs, the two extraordinary women have brought

before you. The Ripple Project and the CALV Project on the Youth Center.

How desperate is that Youth Center needed, he stated that their study last

year on mental health in the schools revealed that one in nine children in

middle and high schools of Lehigh County have attempted suicide and that

comes from the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. An anonymous self reported

survey. That is a crisis that needs a big step to address it. That is what

Community Action has brought before you. They are a trusted partner that

you have worked with many times before. He stated that he knows that

there are concerns on will she bring the Project to completion. Yes, she will

because she is a tremendous community leader. She leads an

organization that she has grown. She has grown that organization. This

past week, four hundred people showed up for the Annual Dinner. That is

more than ever in the history of that organization going back to the 1980s

has shown up for the annual event. You got the talent here. Please use it.

He mentioned back in committee that there is a biblical imperative here

and it comes from Mark - Chapter 10 verse 14 when the children was being

brought to Jesus and the Disciples were pushing them away, Jesus

responded as we learn in verse 14, but when Jesus saw it, he was very

much displeased and he said unto them suffer the little children to come

unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of God. He left

Council with an interpretation that in a more modern realm. John F.

Kennedy's closing line from his 1961 inaugural address, Let us go forth

from this time and place to leave the land we love, asking his blessing and

his help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must surely be our

own. He stated that with Council's vote on this amendment do God's work.

Ms. Phoebe Harris, Allentown School Board and the NAACP, stated that

she is coming here for CALV. Like the gentleman said our children in the

Lehigh Valley and she is going to Allentown because that hit home. She

said when her son was in high school, he tried to commit suicide his senior

year, twice. She stated that 18 to 22 year old's is when you have to look

out for them when the children are doing that. She stated that her son is 22

and she thought she was good. She was wrong. Last week, he was

committed again. She stated that they need this Community Center like

yesterday. It is a game-changer for our school district because we are

changing and what they are changing with the new Superintendent and

going forward and changing a lot of things and making sure our children

are finally going to be the whole child will be educated. The whole child.

Along with that, we need partners to ensure that the whole child is educated

and given those resources that are needed that they don't have in their own

homes. She stated that they are asking Council to give that money for that.

Also, with the extra money you have with ARPA, the NAACP went to the

mayor this year for the Convention. She went to the NAACP Convention in

1983 and one of the things that happened and it was in New Orleans. She

got to meet at that time the candidate for Vice President George H W Bush

and he said that open doors are fine, but open minds are important for both

sides of the dialogue. That was the 80s when they met. Tip O'Neill and

Ronald Reagan used to talk to each other. She stated that now, we are so

polarized. She got to meet him as an 18 year old. She stated that they

asked the mayor for the money, and he said he will give it. She stated that

all they asked for was $5,000. She stated that they did not get it. He said

no later on. She is asking with the ARPA funds when they ask for those

things she does not know who is the one to say yes or no, but it should be

taken out of the mayor's hands and given to another committee. Because

at least that way, they have a fair chance for when they ask for money,

someone will be able to give it to them and they can put a proposal in.

Mr. Julio Guridy thanked them for enduring a meeting such early on a

Saturday morning. It is actually better than a Saturday night. Looking for a

27 percent tax increase. The amendment exceeds the amount of the $2.2

million that you actually wanting to allocate for Community Services. Ms.

Gerlach is asking for $1.5 million for Ripple and $1.5 million for the

Community Center, $1.3 for Community Reinvestment Funds and some

other. That exceeds the $2.2 million that is being proposed for the original

amendment for every organization. Although he is with the Housing

Authority, he is making sure that they mentioned Casa Guadalupe which is

another organization and wants to make sure Council things about those

issues and other community organizations that also needs support from the

city.

Ms. Gracie stated that she has been a long-time resident of 25 years. She

stated that she is 25 years old. She stated that prior to 2019, there was

never a housing fund in the budget of Allentown which states the Housing

Fund was created in 2019 to increase the capacity for community

development through assistance and financing, technical support, and

encouragement for the creation and preservation of affordable housing for

household at or below 80 percent of the area median income in the city of

Allentown. In 2019 and in further years, it was at $300,000, the Housing

Fund and only increased by $3,000 in 2021 and the last of the fund is back

down to $300,000. According the public city of Allentown budget, in 2023

the funds are being used for the Housing Study which is designed to

address the city of Allentown needs, assessment and strategic plans for

housing needs. Now, whether between revenue and expenditures, the Golf

Course Fund within the city of Allentown budget for years has been well

over $1.5 million and has only increased over the span of a few years.

Meanwhile, according to the city of Allentown budgets, there are no

proposed budget for the Housing Fund for 2024. She stated that she does

not envy Council's position and the fact that there is a full house here this

morning reflects the love and concern for Allentown. She stated that she

has been attending community gatherings. The meetings are resident

centered because they believe the solutions of the problems that affect our

neighborhoods may be found among our neighbors. She stated that they

have been resolving some issues and developing future actions for others.

The issue of affordable housing has dominated their talks in recent months.

Families are feeling unheard and desperate for an affordable place to live.

She stated that everyone in this room can believe in one point. Every child

deserves a warm place to sleep at night and have their basic needs

satisfied. That is something the Council has the power to accomplish

today. There are numerous needs in the community, yet we are in a

housing crisis with no viable solutions for unsheltered families. Working

families are being priced out of the market. This one - time investment will

provide permanent housing for 12 families and will have a long-term

impact. This investment will be revolutionary and believes that low income

housing is another way to address public safety which is what Council has

been speaking about this morning. Now, there are resources that are not

necessary to keep the city thriving, especially when there is a major

contrast between 40th Street and Ridge Avenue. In closing, there is a

quote that says when your values are clear to you, making decisions

becomes easier. When the community is asking for funds to create

affordable housing, she expects from her city a change to be made.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated one point for clarification, the Housing Fund is in

fact fully funded at $300,000. The $300,000 that is there will be used to

fund the results of that Housing Study. It doesn't pay for the Housing Study.

The reason it is in the budget this year at zero is because there is no

additional increase to that Housing Fund. The $300,000 remains there. It

doesn't detract from Gracie's point. He stated that they do need to invest in

Housing in the city of Allentown.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk for that clarification.

Ms. Dawn Godshall stated that she stands before them today to discuss a

vital initiative that is close to our heart and critical to the well being of our

community. She is here to request their support in securing $1.5 million in

funding from the remaining ARPA dollars to help them build a Youth Center

in the city of Allentown. She understands that there might be some

misconceptions about the organization. Yes, they are a large nonprofit, but

would like to clarify that the need for this funding is as significant as any

other community project. Telling Council in the previous meeting that they

have no debt was not an attempt to tell them that they have no need. Telling

them that they have no debt was to stress the fiscal responsibility. Unlike

corporations or some other organizations, they don't make widgets that

generate revenue with each sale. The mission is to serve their neighbors

and make a positive impact in the lives of the community. This means that

the fiscal model is different. She stated that they rely on the generosity of

others to fund the critical projects that they undertake. They have to ask for

and raise funds in order to complete the projects in our scope. This Youth

Center is one of those Projects. The Center is more than just a building. It

is a safe haven for their young residents. A place for learning, growth and

recreation. By investing in this facility, they are investing in the future of the

community. It will be a place where children and teenagers can thrive, learn

and develop a central life skill. A place where families can find resources

and support. It is an investment in the betterment of our city. She

emphasized that while Community Action is fiscally responsible and

efficient in the operations, the cost of this Project goes beyond the current

resources. She stated that they need Council's support to make it a reality.

With $1.5 million in ARPA funding, they can make an impact on this $20 -

$23 million Project and bring this venture to fruition. She urged Council to

consider the long-term benefits of investing in the city's youth by investing in

this Youth Center. She stated that the communities future leaders and

innovators will merge from your support and resources that they will receive

within these walls. By approving this funding, you will not only be helping us

construct a physical building, but also building a brighter future for our city.

The data given by the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute on depression and

suicide was dark. Please invest in our kids now so they don't end up

homeless in the Ripple Center later. She thanked Council for their time

and consideration and looks forward to their support in making this vision a

reality for the community. She stated that she prays that together they can

create a better future for all of our children and residents.

Ms. Sherri Brokopp Bender, Executive Director - Ripple Community Inc.,

asked everyone who is there on a Saturday morning in support of this

project, just raise your hands. She thanked Council for their careful

consideration and the request of support of the project at 1547 Chew

Street. This project is a remarkable opportunity for our community. It will

create 12 units of safe, healthy and deeply affordable housing for our

families that are struggling with homelessness. It will create a community

space where our residents and neighbors can gather in a place where they

can feel truly welcome. She stated as a Community Psychologist she can

tell them the importance of those spaces. They allow our residents to come

in, trade in their isolation and loneliness which are fatal for connection

which is healing. Housing a community space and thirdly a medical respite

space overseeing by our incredible partners at Valley Health Partners that

will save lives, 12 - 20 lives, if you want to do the math each year of people

who are homeless, allowing them to access life saving medical care that

they would otherwise be denied just because of their lack of housing. She

shared the why of this project and why it is important. She shared what they

are going to be doing. She stated that she would like to share briefly how.

How did we get here? First, we got here with the support of our partners

and our neighbors. She stated that before they ever close on this property,

they went to the West Park Civic Association to share the hopes and plans

for this building. She has to say that the conversations were met with

overwhelming support. It was humbling. Not because of what the project

would do for the community, but because it will breathe life into a beautiful

historic building and allow it to continue to serve the community going

forward. This is a partnership that have been born from partnership

beginning with the donation of the church and evidence of our incredible

work our partner organizations that are standing along side them and

lending their support. She stated that they have been proactive at every

step including meeting early and often with HARB, Zoning and others that

have been immensely helpful as they have navigated this process. With the

help of the construction team, they built a solid plan that provided these

funds are in place will allow them to move these families into their new

homes in 18 months. She stated that she wants to be clear on what they

are asking them today is a one-time capital investment. This is not a need

that they will have today and have again tomorrow or next year. It is a

one-time need for capital funding so that we can do this work and reap the

benefits. They are asking as leaders today to support this effort so when

they are all asked what did they do when they learned that their families

were sleeping in cars outside of our schools because they had no better

options. She stated that when they are asked what did they do when they

saw a crisis of homelessness ballooning up in every corner of our

community, can say here is what we did. We invested of ourselves and of

our resources. We took advantage of the opportunities that we were given.

We found our courage and put in the work and made the choices that made

our cities a place where everyone, all of our neighbors can have a

foundation of safe and stable housing where they can put down roots in the

community and build good lives for themselves and their families.

Mr. Seth Campbell, Physician Assistant and Program Director for Valley

Health Partners Street Medicine, stated that he take care of folks who are

currently unsheltered, staying on the streets, and suffering. In his role he

tries to reconcile the patient provider relationship and tip the scales of

authority into his patients favor. There are many beautiful people here,

including yourselves that showed up today. He would argue, the most

beautiful people he has ever met was his patients. They would be here

today to advocate for Ripple. That is why he is here to advocate here for

Ripple and that you support them and their housing initiatives. He stated

that his patients could not make it because they don't have the

transportation to get here and they are currently attempting to stay warm

and survive outside. He stated please give them an opportunity to find

housing.

Ms. Kim Schaffer, Executive Director - Community Bike Works, stated that

they are in the Franklin Park Neighborhood. They share that neighborhood

with Ripple and she is here to strongly support the neighbors at Ripple.

RCI has been an incredible resources to the families of the Franklin Park

Neighborhood and the city of Allentown and at Community Bike Works.

She stated that the need to know when their families are facing housing

insecurities or homelessness or have teens who are in trouble, they know

they can call on RCI and they will help. They have housed their families and

seen the life changing results from helping a mother and her daughter and

families with housing. That is safe, decent and affordable. She stated that

they know that Ripple is at capacity. She stated that they can't help our

families. They are at capacity and Allentown would be a much stronger city

with their ability to do more. She stated that they know her as the Executive

Director of Community Bike Works and she has been for 11 years now.

Before that, she was a Senior Staff Member at the National Low Income

Housing Coalition in DC. For 10 years, part of her experience in that role,

they are so fortunate to have an organization like Ripple in the city. They

are a model organization with outstanding leadership who has done so

much good work for the city of Allentown and the Franklin Park

Neighborhood and cities around the country would fall over themselves to

have an organization as strong as RCI. They have a once in a generation

opportunity to invest in the Housing Insecure Families of the City of

Allentown and hopes that they will put their trust in Ripple to make that

difference.

Mr. Pas Simpson stated that this is an opportunity to make a huge

difference. He stated that $1.5 million to Ripple is a huge difference. The

reason is that one out every five students in Allentown School District is

homeless or hungry. Now, $1.5 million to the actual Youth Center is a huge

difference because we are not just investing in today, but also investing in

our future. He said he was blessed and grew up in New York City and his

mother was a welfare mom. She lived two blocks away from a Community

Center. That Community Center allowed him and all three of his brothers to

graduate from a Prep School. That Community Center allowed him to be

the first Black child to ever go to Moravian Academy and break the color

barrier. That Community Center saved his life because when he was

getting in trouble, when New York was too much in the 80s, he was able to

dribble a basketball and start to read. He was able to dribble a basketball.

His brother that was not good at basketball was able to get into hockey.

His youngest brother is a professional juggler and travels the world as a

professional juggler because a Community Center was put up in the

neighborhood. Someone decided that it was enough to invest in the youth

and give the some kind of hope. He stated that the city does not have that.

He stated that the city does not have a Community Center where the kids

can go to. The city does not have a Community Center where the parents

can congregate. Our city does not have a space that does not provide the

necessary relief from the consistent violence that is around us because

poverty is violence. He stated that they are not just talking about gun

violence. Poverty is violence. You have a chance with this ARPA money to

address poverty right now and put an investment for poverty in the future by

giving these kids hope. He stated that he knows how great CACLV is or

CALV is because when he comes up here every week or every two week

for over five years fighting for the same Credible Messenger money when

he was stuck, Dawn came to his aid. When he had to fight, he never had

to call them twice. They are always going to find a way to work with us.

These are great community partners. He has seen people come through

Ripple and had two families that he knows, not only land on their feet, but

were able to lift others up because of what happened at their stay at Ripple.

When we make these investments, make sure we make these investments

for not just the short-term, but for long-term investments that allow our

babies to continue to thrive. This is a one time investment. He stated that

the city only got this ARPA money one time. What are you going to do with

this one-time. This is the time you make that real impact. He stated that he

doesn't know if those numbers were right. He did not calculate or pull his

calculator out, but $1.3 million needs to go to community organizations. He

stated that $1.5 million has to go to Ripple, $1.5 million has to go to the

Community Center and figure out the rest later. You got to invest in the

people, if you want the people to invest in you.

Ms. Julie Ambrose, Greater Valley YMCA and Mr. Mike Macharsky -

Allentown Branch Senior Program Director were at the podium and Ms.

Ambrose stated that the Greater Valley YMCA - Allentown Branch is

seeking $75,000 annually whether through the budget or the ARPA funds in

support of an investment in our 2023 - 2024 Warming Station which opens

in 12 days on November 15. Prior to 2018, the city of Allentown tried to run

a Warming Station for our residents. Many of the most residents in need to

have a warm place to stay during the winter months and that was being

done at Fountain Park in the pool house. Thar project was very

problematic for the city and had to close. In 2018, when no other local

organization was able or willing to fill this crucial need, the Y stepped up,

mobilizing the station in less than 10 weeks. Since this time, the Y has not

only operated the station, but made improvements to the program, services

and facilities investing other $500,000 in the facility while also partnering

with Valley Health Partners Street Medicine Program on site weekly at the

Station with Treatment Trends on site weekly at the Station as well as

serving supper meals to guest seven nights a week. She stated that they

are the only program in the city to serve free supper meals to adults. All of

the foundational funding partners from the original five years of operation

have renewed their commitment to the Station, except the city of Allentown.

Lehigh County, City Center Allentown and First Presbyterian Church have

all increased their support. The city is the only partner who has not

renewed their commitment despite conversations since Spring. She

stated that their increase ask for support emanates from an exponential

increase in mental health issues with our guests which can sometimes lead

to violence. She stated that they seek additional support to add more

security and a case worker, specializing in mental health to our staffing. In

order to address these needs and best help the guests, the residents the

Station has become a safe place for adult men and women in need of

support and help and these are the tools they feel they need to make this

possible. They maintain continuous collaborative work with Ripple

Community Center, with the Lehigh Conference of Churches and the

Branch Executive Director had collaborative conversations with Bethlehem

Emergency Sheltering as well. She state that they know several of the

board members have discussed this essential need with many

Councilmembers and appreciative of their consideration and shift action

given their eminent opening timeline. She stated that they are very grateful

for the willingness to support this ask.

Ms. Andrene Brown Nuwell stated that she is here to speak on behalf of her

neighborhood. She stated 18102 and live on 16th and Turner Streets. She

stated that she wants to talk about the impact on collaboration and what

that is done to her community. Because of the collaboration of Community

Action, Ripple, Allentown School District and the city of Allentown, they

were able to impact over 140 students this summer. That is what

collaboration did to that neighborhood. If it was not for the direct support of

Community Action, and the direct support of Ripple allowing them to have a

space to be able to conduct that summer camp, those would not have

housed, they would have been on the streets, they would have not been

safe and God know what would have happened. The impact that the

Community Center and the affordable housing having in her neighborhood

would be major. It would keep the kids off the streets, help with the

homeless issue. She stated again, she lives on 16th and Turner. Right

across from West Park and Allen High School. She walks her dog in the

park and see the homeless people in the park and do the best that they can

as a community and come together and collaborate on how they can

support those families. Again, the students that are there, she stated that

they know some of the things that are spoken about that is happening at

Allen High School. It is a good school and they are great students there.

They just need support and if they have this Community Center and where it

is going to be based in that neighborhood, it would have major impact not

only on the quality of life for students, for their safety and also their

education. If they build this affordable housing, it is helping the same

students. Forty students that were in the summer camps were housed at

the Sixth Street Shelter. They brought them back and forth and she cannot

tell them what those kids were going through on a day to day and they

made sure that they treated them just as everyone else, protected them and

gave them a safe space and made sure they were fed and they really

realized that they belong. If Council makes this additional collaborative

investment, as they have done before she knows that it will do a great work

for the city. It will. She thanked Ms. Gerlach for making the Motion

because as you can see if community partners are standing here and not

asking for money for themselves. They are asking for money for these

initiatives , you know it will have an impact. She thanked them for the

Motion and stated she prays that they make the decision in their favor.

Mr. Christopher Gaffro (sp) stated that he is in support of Ripple's

Community Center. He was not intended to be here today, but he thought

about the things that he had to deal with today and realized that none of that

will cause him to experience homelessness. Hearing them speak on

Wednesday's meeting that this is our money and we should be here on

Saturday to help impact the decision. He thought it was important to be

here. He stated that Sherri does a great job talking about what it does.

The other component to that is that it supports 12 families that most of

which will have children. Those children will not be sleeping in cars. They

will not be couch surfing. They will not be changing school district over and

over again as they go through their daily lives in unstable places to live.

The respite center will eventually save lives as people will be able to

experience medical treatments that they could have otherwise been not

treated. He appreciated the amendment and stated that he does not envy

Council's decision on this difficult job.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that she is a resident for 45 years. She stated that

is how old she is. Born and raised here and went to school here and was

part of the prisoner pipeline. The first to be arrest at Central Elementary

School for acting out. She asked does she come as a resident or speak

as a Director. She can be two people, but is only one person. Ripple will

build 12 houses and Community Action is going to build a Youth Center.

Those are the columns, but this is her right here, right now. She stated that

she supports housing and supports the Community Center. She has been

there and came to meetings. It is going to take five years. What happens

to the organization that takes care of the problems now. Who helps build

housing now. She stated that they are solving the problems now. It is unfair

and stated to Ms. Gerlach that she was really surprised out of all people to

hear her say because they are a trusted partner they should get more

because they have the resources to get more. She stated that she felt so

colonize and oppressed by that sentence because she could do more, if

she had more. She can only take care of what her finances can take care

of at the Ark. She stated that when that man was going to cry, she almost

lost it. Seniors are dying. Seniors make up 12 percent and their suicide

rate is 18 percent because they can't afford to live. The Ark serves 350

people minimum a week with no rent money, no CDBG funding, with no

partnerships. That is what they fund. Not to say they don't have partners

and sometimes they don't get other donations. She stated that they, the

Ortiz Ark Foundation team services 300 seniors, youth, and homeless.

They have 38 homeless individuals who use our office as their residents.

On occasion, they sleep in the Ark. She stated that her husband sleeps

over with them because they can't have homeless people sleeping there.

Imagine when a mother and four kids come to you and she is sleeping

outside. How do you live with yourself when you don't have a budget. She

stated that the Ark Foundation has to be considered. She respected

Andrene. The organizations that are everyday boots on the ground. The

other day she called Chief Roca and had the police pick up 40 pounds of

marijuana from her house. The Jessica people say she is should have put

that back on the street and flip that and made some housing, but they

turned the money over. Those are the things that they do regularly. She

asked do you know what 40 pounds of marijuana. She stated that she has

pictures just in case they don't. It is a lot on the street and could have

helped a lot of lives. They are helping spot crime, keeping the community

safe, helping people understand financial stability, and picking up the

pieces while people figure it out. She stated that they deserve to be

acknowledged. Not only as an organization, but as residents. It was a

comment made at a Real Estate event the other day that the people in the

residents are winning the battle. The audacity to think that was a bad thing.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she wants to clarify just in case anyone is

hesitant. The numbers add up. They have $8 million for the public safety

building, $1.3 million for the 2024 positions, $1.3 million for the 2025

positions, $1.5 million to Ripple. The decrease is in the Community

Reinvestment Fund. That would go down to $1.2 million and $1.5 million to

the Community Center. The numbers add up.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he has a couple of comments. When he reads

about what they are going to hear about, the Community Recovery Funds,

he is not against it. He is against taking something that they can't figure out

and just offloading it to CED. He could not imagine doing that to a

department that he just told an hour ago that they are not going to support

with any extra support. It is just too much for them to handle. If the city is

going to handle it, they should handle it, i

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos to Amend the

Amendment to allocate $1.5 million to Ripple so they can continue to house

people since housing is a human right; $1.5 million to the Community Center

since the organization that will be running it is a trusted partner with the city and

they have a proven record of working with the city and making their initiatives

come to fruition. She stated that we have no reason not to trust that they will do

right by the money because they have done right by the money in the past with

CDBG funds; $1.3 million and positions from 2025 and 2024 and keep the

Community Reinvestment Fund for organization that might pop up such as

Alliance for Building Communities. They need about $700,00 so they can fill the

gap to build affordable housing. She wants to decrease it to $1.2 million for the

Community Reinvestment. A couple million decrease for Public Safety buildings

to go from $10 million just down to $8 million for the Public Safety building.

They still would be able to offset some of the loan that we would have to take

out.

2 - Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Natalie Santos

Yes:

No:

5 - Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, and Santo Napoli

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they served the best part of the community.

They are both very deserving organizations.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that they are back out at the original Motion.

This is a Motion to Amend. They are going back to make an amendment

and he believes it was a second.

Ms. Candida Affa stated yes.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that now you have to do the process.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that there is a Motion on the table to take that

$2.2 million and split it into $1.1 million each for Ripple and the Community

Center.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she wants to make sure of the numbers

because everyone made sure that her numbers added up. So let's make

sure that these numbers are adding up. $1.1 million to Ripple, $1.1 million

to Community Action's Community Center, $10 million towards public

safety, $1.3 million towards 2024 positions (noted above), $1.3 million

towards 2025 positions (noted above). She asked what does that bring

them up to?

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that is it.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that it will bring them to $14.8 million.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it should together bring it to $14.8 million.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that you are taking what is $2.2 million. The

initial Motion had $2.2 million going into a Community Reinvestment Fund,

essentially to be applied to

the determinations to be made by CED and this takes it and allocates it. It

goes $1.1 million here and $1.1 million there and no Community

Reinvestment Fund. That is being proposed in the amendment.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked about public comment.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he thought everyone spoke.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated not on this one.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked they did.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated not on this one.

Mr. Pas Simpson stated that this is crap. He stated that Council is not

giving them what they wanted and then you are saying that you are giving

us what you wanted. He stated that the city had $56 million, $56 million. He

stated to Ms. Mota if she votes for this she loses them. You cannot do that.

He stated $56 million and you gave nothing to us. Nothing, nothing. They

got absolutely nothing. He stated $56 million and you said that you are

going to give $1.1 million here and $1.1 million there. Piecemeal this. He

stated that $56 million for over a year. He stated that they came in every

two weeks and did everything she asked and brought people from other

counties. They did everything you asked and you gave us nothing and then

you act like you are given us something because you are giving them less

than what they asked for. You didn't even give what they asked for. You did

not give no one what they wanted. The only thing you did was possibly

piecemeal the police again, but if you are talking about public safety, public

safety is bigger than police. Even the chief has told you that. Even the

Chief has said that he needs help. It is more than just police and you just

said screw you to the community if you vote this way. He stated that they

are going to tell them that they have no value. He stated that he is going to

show that he has no value by stop doing his work. He does it for free. Out

of his own pocket. Most of the things he pays for are out of his own pocket.

He is currently in debt for paying for things out of his own pocket to make

sure things are safe here. He stated that Council still has not met them and

still try to shut him up. He stated that they don't do anything that matters and

act like this is cool. It's not. It's not. It is not ok. You are not giving them

what they wanted and heard them all come up here. Not one of them said

they want Council to give $10 million to the police. Not one of them. Not

one of them. Not one of them said that they will give to the police. They say

find some of that money somewhere else, but stop screwing them over and

act like your helping them. Stop acting like you are doing us a favor. He

stated that they voted them in and Council continues to ignore what they are

saying. You ignore their passion. And, more important at most times you

shut them up because you don't want to hear them. He stated that they cut

them off because it is ok, you bully them because you have power, but you

have yet, not once addressed what we are talking about. He stated that if

they vote for this, half of them will come out next week. He stated that he

will put out a post and campaign against every one of them who votes that

you don't care about them.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that this is not a Q&A. She is asking on

behalf of the Ortiz Ark Foundation itself, Fine Feathers, Onedos, and all the

nonprofits that make up the community. She asked if they are telling them

not to show up, what they do does not matter. She stated that is what they

are saying. Council is saying that she is not going to take off guns from the

kids. That is what she did this morning. This morning she went to a house

where a man is abusing drugs and beats his wife. She stated that she is

not doing that next week. She gives out food that would normally gets

wasted and they save. She did not know the impact that it had on climate.

She stated that she is a worker bee. She is not going to have her food

bank on Monday. She is going to say that Daryl Hendricks made a Motion

to cancel the food bank because she funds it. Not because you decided

the budget or take safety. She is not asking them. She is stating that they

said and did not even think that she did not even factor them into the

budget. At least she can say that Zucal and Ce Ce said well we will give

them a crumb or a half of the pie. She stated that you said we don't even

belong on the budget. Why should she continue and the rest of the folks

she likes and don't like because it is a known fact that her and Promise

Neighborhoods are not BFFs because she feels that they deserve

because whether they do a little bit or a lot a bit. You do a bit and it helps

each one of them sleep at night. She promised if they knew the hits that

people want to do and show up at y'all houses and they have to say, listen

that is their job. Let's not do it. Let's not pass out the staff that lives in the

city address that they had to block this morning. Where do they live and

where do they go. She stated that they do those things. It is not things that

they address on a daily basis because they are doing their job. You just

said and she does not have to share their address with the guys that live on

the street who thinks that you don't care about their mom, who can't afford

her social security check this week and sated that she gives her food

because she did not make ends meet and provide their medical insurance

through Aetna and do their paperwork through partnerships. She stated

that Council just said to her and her team that she had to go outside and

they said don't go, stay there, you don't know what is going to happen next

and if you are not part of the conversation, you are not part of the

conversation. She stated that Council keeps having conversations about

them, for them and about them. That is what you said. She stated that she

wants to be clear on Monday, when his numbers go up in crime, make sure

that $10,000 was spent and next year is going to be a lot more because

they are saying gloves off. Let the city do what they want to do and let the

kids run a muck. Let them disrespect and let these gangs fight. She stated

that she will not pass out Narcan. not stopping domestic abuse, not giving

out food banks, not showing up at fires, not showing up at parks because

these are the conversations that you just had that they don't matter. Even if

they would have said a crumb, she would have respected that, but you just

said F y'all. You are going to give it to this one and that one. It is going to

take five years. Who is going to take care of the Youth Center kids until

then. She stated five years. Guess what, Daryl Hendricks and his address

that is who is going to take care of them.

Ms. Andrene Brown asked if there is $10 million that the city is putting

towards public safety, correct. She stated that she does not think they are

thinking about it the right way because public safety has to do with

everything that these nonprofit organizations do. When the suggestion was

made to allocate $2 million from that, it was still going towards public

safety. She stated that Council was not looking at that. If the suggestion

was made to say ok, let's not do $8 million, let's do $9 million and put $1

million there and allocate it to the nonprofits that are engaging in public

safety. Why wasn't that suggestion even made? Why two nonprofits are

able to negotiate and come up and take a cut, but in public safety and the

work that they do can't take a cut of $1 million. That funding supposed to

come from somewhere else. She stated that they are allocating it to public

safety. She stated to take a look at the budget right now. The

organizations have made a sacrifice. She stated that they are asking for

Council to reimagine what public safety looks like and reimagine the work

that they do that is actually public safety and allocate at least the minimum

of million dollars from there and put it into the community so they can

continue our work in public safety because that is what we do.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks requested for his amendment to be pulled and

continue this meeting for a later date regarding the ARPA funding.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she is not going to pull the amendment. She

believes they need to fix it today and do it today. None of them are going to

change. She stated that Ms. Brown made a good point. She stated that

she is listening to that point. She stated that they have been doing this for

almost three years now. Three more days or three weeks is not going to

make a difference. She stated that she was steadfast on these buildings

because she knows it is needed. Now, she made a statement for $1

million. She stated that she may consider that. This is why we can't hold it

up and seven of us continue talking about the same thing. She stated that

Council is listening to the public and what she has to say and it is not going

to do us any good to table it and go talk about it. She stated that they have

to make the decision today. She is willing to knock off the $1 million from

public safety and put it into public safety. If we are giving $1.1 million, $1.1

million and then the Ortiz Organizations and whatever and they can come to

Council in the next couple of weeks and do it. Rather than giving it to the

Public Work department.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Candida Affa to make it

$1.1 million and $1.1 million to Ripple and to CACLV, $5 million to Police and $5

million to Fire.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that there was an initial operation feedback application

in the very beginning and nobody followed it. Is there a way since you are

our Counsel for an application to be created that folks can use to apply.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that exactly what Ripple did. They gave the city

everything that they are going to do.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, but they had their own application. He stated that

he does not believe that the city has an application.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked would it be something similar to the CDBG.

Mr. Michael Hanlon suggested what Ms. Mota said and should be run

through a process in DCED. He has never seen Council sit here and

distribute funds.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they should not be responsible.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that they don't have the expertise to do that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he is ok with that.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they are the experts at it with CDBG funds

and knows who is most vital at it.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is trying to work with Ms. Affa. She

wants to make sure she got this math right. If they were to reduce the

public safety building down to $9 million and stated she hates to do this, but

wants it to work. If Council were to play around with this configuration and

say hypothetically do $1 million to Ripple, $1 million to the Community

Center, Council would have the $1.3 million and $1.3 million for the back

positions. That would bring them to $13.6 million which they still will have

money left to then be put into a Community Reinvestment Fund like $1.2

million.

Ms. Candida Affa stated just dropping the $1.1 million to $1 million for both

of them. She stated $1 million to Ripple, $1 million to the Community

Center and knock $1 million off for public safety.

Attorney Charles Smith suggested that Council reassess and figure out

where they are right now. He asked if they are suggesting the $1.2 million

go into the Community Reinvestment Fund.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, $9 million for the public safety buildings, $1

million for Ripple, $1 million for the Community Center, $1.3 million for back

positions, $1.3 million for back positions and $1.2 million for the

Community Reinvestment Fund.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that can be done, but they have to

procedurally get there.

Mr. Michael Hanlon suggested that Council pull their seconds and start

fresh.

Attorney Charles Smith stated for Council to go back to the original Motion

and then do a Motion to Amend.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated and change the Motion then.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that the last Motion he has in front of him

was the $1.1 million and the $1.1 million. That was a Motion to Amend. He

asked who made that one. Pull those and now you are back to the $10

million for public safety buildings, $1.3 million 2024 ARPA positions, $1.3

million 2025 positions and $2.2 million for Community Reinvestment

Funds. He stated that someone would need to make a Motion to Amend

that to be $9 million for public safety buildings, $1.3 million 2024 ARPA

positions, $1.3 million 2025 ARPA positions, $1 million Ripple, $ 1 million

Community Center, and $1.2 million to remain in a Community

Reinvestment Fund to be administrated by DCED.

A motion was made by Candida Affa, seconded by Ed Zucal for an amendment

for $1 million. Willing to knock off the $1 million from public safety and put it into

public safety. Give $1.1 million, $1.1 million and then the Ortiz Organizations

and whatever and they can come to Council in the next couple of weeks and do

it. Rather than giving it to the Public Work department.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that she wants to be clear because it is hard to

hear in the back. She stated $9 million to public safety, $1 million to

Ripple, $1 million to the CACLV, $1.2 million to community, $1.3 million for

2024, $1.3 million to 2025 to the ARPA positions. The only other whisper

in the back of the room was the CDBG process has never been done and

they come to Council and do a pitch, but it has. DaVinci came, the

baseball field came and there was no application. The CDBG has very

strict guidelines, she knows that and Vicky works really hard and will say

she does not need to add that. She stated that is one and two, that is not

an easy process so if they go by those guidelines, that is not the same

guidelines as ARPA. DaVinci got their funding and everyone did. She

stated that would be a little unfair to them. She stated that they will take the

$1.2 million because something is better than nothing, but if they are going

to say fair, they should not be doing calculus when everybody else was

putting in shapes and circles. She stated that is a little unfair. She stated

that she does have presentations and all of that and Council is the experts.

You guys live in Allentown, you are elected officials, and hear the public

regularly. You know who shows up and who doesn't. Whether you feel that

you should make the decision or not, that might be ok if you want to or not,

but the process should not be as difficult as the CDBG funding because

that is not easy. If you are going to go with that it means the ones who

already gets it will have a higher stake because they already know the

process. When those that are out here that never got it like Ark and Fine

Feathers and many others, it is going to make the process. You just went

like this to the scale and balance it. It is just something to consider where

you are fine, but think about the process because it should be fair to all

people.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to speak to Vicky and her office and see what

they can do to make it most equitable for the application process. What is

most important here is the city will have the money to give out to other

agencies.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that is very important. Whether it is a crumb or

something, they spend equity and she knows that they have to hear some

of that.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if she could make a friendly amendment to take

out the specific language if CDBG is part of that Motion language, take out

that specific language just to say that Council will work with the CED

department to determine an equitable and inclusive process.

Attorney Charles Smith stated application process. He stated absolutely.

It does not have to mirror the CDBG application. He stated that Council

can borrow pieces of it. That works.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated definitely standard. The point has been made

that it has not been standard.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he trusts Ms. Kistler knows best on how to

do this and help with her expertise.

Attorney Charles Smith asked has that Motion been made.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Ce Ce Gerlach to Amend

for $9 million for public safety buildings, $1.3 million 2024 ARPA positions, $1.3

million 2025 ARPA positions, $1 million Ripple, $ 1 million Community Center,

and $1.2 million to remain in a Community Reinvestment Fund to be

administrated by DCED.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Ce-Ce Gerlach, for an

Amendment to take out the specific language if CDBG is part of that Motion

language, take out that specific language just to say that Council will work with

the CED department to determine an equitable and inclusive process.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he believes that is all they have on business

today.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Attorney Smith can explain it. He stated that

Council can make a request to Suspend the Rules and vote on the Bill.

Attorney Charles Smith stated to bring it back to where they are in this

meeting under Rule 23 of the Rules of City Council, Budget Amendments

should be acted on prior to the meeting at which the Budget is adopted,

unless four Councilpersons waive this rule. If you intend to adopt the

Budget as amended today, then you have to pass a Suspension of the

Rules by a four person vote. Then you can vote on it today. Just to clear a

path of adoption, if that is where you want to go.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is where Council is going.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there are any comments from his colleagues

or the public.

Mr. Michael Hanlon suggested that he reads the first Bill.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that Council is back on the Agenda.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Cynthia Mota, to Suspend The

Rules

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6400

Budget Memos

Attachments: Budget Memo 1 - Personnel Changes 10.25.23 BP

15-6358

Bill 95 2024 BUDGET AND TAX RATE

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing the General Fund,

Administrative Order Fund, Risk Management Fund, Debt Service Fund,

Equipment Fund, and Golf Fund Budgets for 2024.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill No. 95 2024 BUDGET AND TAX RATE

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that will be as amended.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was any public comment.

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

amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6359

Bill 96 2024 SOLID WASTE

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Solid

Waste Enterprise Fund Budget for 2024 and amending Article 1131,

Municipal Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal by increasing the Solid

Waste Fee at Four Hundred and Ninety-Five ($495) Dollars.

Attachments: Bill No 96 2024 SOLID WASTE FUND AND FEE

Mr. Ed Zucal stated good morning and stated that the first item of concern

is the trash fee.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they believe residents should not pay more than

what serves this cost in anticipation of an increase.

Attorney Charles Smith asked if they could just restate what the amount of

the reduction.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the difference in the anticipated cost would have

been $80. This is like a savings account for the city for the future.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that as he understands it, it is to change the

fee increase from $120 to $40.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is correct.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his colleagues

or the public.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the administration appreciates Council's work

to come up with a number that makes sense. They initially proposed $120

increase to prepare themselves for what will certainly be an increase in the

trash collection fee in 2025. They understand Council and glad to work with

them and come up with this number that would keep the Recycling and

Solid Waste Fund solvent through 2024 and minimize the impact on our

residents. He stated that he appreciates Council and the administration is

in full support on this proposal.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.

Mr. Glenn Hunsicker stated that he is getting a little emotional. You know

seven years ago the city borrowed $4 million. This kind of advertisement of

raising it $120 is ridiculous. Nobody does that. He has to respect the

Mayor, but who are the people that do this. Come out without doing their

numbers and say they want to raise this kind of money. Where are these

numbers coming from? Let the Solid Waste people do a dog and pony

show. If they need the money, let them prove that they really need it. The

Yard Waste Center has a tower. Is Verizon? Is it a positive or negative?

When you look in the budget is it income coming in or outgoing. The Waste

Management Contract is down from last year. Go out for an RFP.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hunsicker and asked is there anybody

else that wishes to comment.

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

public.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that this Ordinance

be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

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

amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6360

Bill 97 2024 LIQUID FUELS

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget

for 2024.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 97 2024 LIQUID FUELS

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

public.

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

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6361

Bill 98 2024 RENTAL UNIT FUND

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing and adopting the Rental Unit

Licensing Fund Budget for 2024 and amending Article 1759 – Landlord

and Rental Fee by maintaining the Residential Rental Fees.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 98 2024 RENTAL UNIT FUND

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

public.

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

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6362

Bill 99 2024 STORMWATER FUND AND FEE

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 99 2024 STORMWATER FUND AND FEE

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

public.

Mr. Jeremy, 1552 W. Turner Street, asked for clarification if Council can

just repeat what the actual ARPA decision is and his understanding at the

end of today, is that done. It is not going back or have to be voted on

again.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that it could be vetoed.

Mr. Ed Zucal suggested Mr. Jeremy come up afterwards.

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

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6363

Bill 100 2024 TREXLER FUND

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the Trexler Fund Budget for

2024.

Attachments: Bill 100 2024 TREXLER FUND

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

public.

Ms. Phoebe Harris, Allentown School Board, stated that she is coming to

them about the Trexler Fund because they are going back to the Dieruff

field. The Trexler Fund, that Trust is part of all that park. She heard a lot of

people say that the Andre Reed Park, that they should be using the old

park they use for football practice and things of that nature. She heard

someone also say that they had buses that were coach buses that they use

to transport the children. That was during 2020 and 2021, when they could

not get First Student Transportation during Covid. They had no choice, but

to use coaches. They had to pay for that. The field that they use, the other

field that they use is on a dump. It is on a dump. They could not use that

field. It is a dump. That ground is constantly shifting. She stated that is

why she came before them with other School Board Members to ask to

help with them getting the Andre Reed Park as a stadium and all the things

that she presented to them and stated yes, Mr. Mayor, the Allentown School

District administration knew she was coming. They has two busloads of

football players, soccer players, and come to speak to them all because

the administration knew she was coming and supported that decision to

come speak to you and let you know what was going on. With the Trexler

Fund money, they are asking them to look at that for being able to do

something with Andre Reed Park to give the eastside, finally equity. It is

not fair that those children have to play at J Birney Crum, when they don't

have a field of their own. She stated that is wrong. She stated that they are

competing and you have to remember that. They are competing with

Charter Schools that just got $20 million from LVHN, $10 million for

facilities and $10 million for scholarships. She stated that they did not give

it to them. They gave it to them. She stated that they are asking Council to

please, please consider that. She stated to City Council and the Mayor.

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

motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6364

Bill 101 2024 ARPA FUNDS

An Ordinance of the City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, and

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the American Rescue Plan Fund

Budget for 2024.

Attachments: Bill 101 2024 ARPA FUND

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