435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated please observe the Rules of Council when

addressing the body. A full copy of Council Rules can be found on the city

website. Courtesy of the Floor and Public Comment Rules: If you would

like to speak this evening, we are asking that you fill out a card –

they are on the back table - and provide them to the clerk before speaking.

Please address the Council President. You are given privilege of the floor

to provide public comment. This is a time to present comments, it is not a

question-and-answer session. If you are speaking on behalf of yourself,

you have three minutes and if you are speaking on behalf of a group that

has several members present, you will be given five minutes - the idea

being the entire group does not come up and make the same type of

statement. Please be sure to state your name and address for the record

and fill out a card. Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public

comment on items that are not on the agenda; Council will take all

comments under advisement and have the appropriate officials get back to

you if necessary. If you have materials for Council, please distribute it to the

Clerk. Public comment during consideration of ordinances, resolutions and

motions is limited by topic – your comments must be relevant.

Council will not entertain personal insults or attacks, name calling or other

behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official

business. Please address council as a body. Refrain from using offensive

language, cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking.

Act with decorum. Remove your hat and turn cell phones off. Please be

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

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

seat. He stated that on Saturday, November 4th, there were certain

comments made and threats made. That action will no longer be tolerated.

If any such happens, you will be removed.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that Mr. Hanlon has chaser tickets. He stated that

residents are urged to park in the government deck, next door, and Mr.

Hanlon has chaser tickets that would reimburse them for parking during

Council meetings.

Contract Approvals

15-6424

R193

Authorization for Contract with Penn Mount Stone, LLC in the amount of

$90,902.00 to provide masonry repair and preservation of the WPA era

retaining wall located along Park Drive for the City. This was competitively

bid and two (2) bids were received, however, one bid was rejected.

Attachments: R193 - Penn Mount Stone, LLC

Resolution #30741

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he believes that Ms. McNeil is available.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as Bid #2023-41, and was

advertised on September 25, 2023. The public opening was held on

October 24, 2023. The city received two bids and one was rejected. After

the department reviewed the proposal, they are recommending an award

to Penn Mount Stone, LLC.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any

questions from his colleagues or comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30741

15-6425

R194

Authorizes lease agreement with Lenni Lenape Indian Association for a

commercial property located on Fish Hatchery Road, LR 39-109, known as

the Bieber Dwelling.

Attachments: R194 - Lenni Lenape Indian Association

Resolution #30742

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this Lease exceeds five years so it is

required to bring before Council so that is why it is presented.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked what is the amount of the Lease. The annual

lease payment.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that it is currently at a $1 a year. That is our

Parks Department decided that. She stated that she believes it was

Mandy.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that is the Museum of Indian History on Fish

Hatchery Road.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any

questions from his colleagues or comments from the public.

Gentleman asked what is the lease covering for the property. What is

being conducted on the property.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is a museum.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that most of the Lease Terms are for $1. The

party is responsible for maintenance of the building. It is the older building

out by the Fish Hatchery.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is a museum and kind like a heritage

area and that is the reason why it is something to benefit the community.

He asked if there were any other comments.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30742

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-6426 October 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: October 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-6434

November 1, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: November 1, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Communications

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if there was someone from IT. He is having

network issues and not able to retrieve documents for the rest of the

meeting.

Old Business

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that in regards to the external outside investigation, the

Clerk received the RFP and the committee will be meeting before the next

Council meeting on December 6th to review it and then it will be going out

for bids.

REPORTS

Public Hearing Announcement: Council will consider for possible adoption an

Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Allentown to add a new

section that would establish a new "Mixed Use Overlay" Zoning District that would (i)

apply to approximately 195 acres of land formerly occupied by the Allentown State

Hospital that is South of Hanover Ave., South of E. Allen St., South of Wahneta St.

extended, generally East of Maxwell St. extended, North of River Dr., and West of the

City of Bethlehem border as shown in more detail on the map that accompanies the

proposed Ordinance, (ii) allow a variety of uses, including residential, commercial,

recreational and institutional uses, as well as selected industrial uses on a portion of

the tract, and (iii) add certain definitions to the Zoning Ordinance.

City Council will consider the foregoing at a Public Hearing on Wednesday,

December 6, 2023, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown,

PA 18101. Copies of the full text of this Ordinance are available to any interested

party for examination and copying at cost at the City Clerk's Office or for inspection

during regular business hours at the offices of this newspaper and t he Lehigh

County Department of Law. City Council may adopt this amendment to the Zoning

Ordinance at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM on December

6, 2023 immediately following this Public Hearing.

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa

The committee met this evening; the next is scheduled for November 29th where the

committee will consider the zoning petition for the former state hospital property;

and on December 6th to consider Resolution 202 that is being introduced this

evening - a HARB denial at 213 N. 11th Street.

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos, Zucal, Napoli

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Mota

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal

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

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks

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

meetings scheduled.

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

Mota, Gerlach

The committee has not met since the last Council meeting; there are no future

meetings scheduled at this time.

Controller's Report (3 minutes)

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he has two quick reports tonight. Number 1, is the

bank reconciliation for the month of July. An issue the Controller's office noted that

was in Parks and Recreation, deposits were not going to the bank within three days.

Some of the deposits were held longer and that presents a possible risk. The

department was advised and along with Finance will work to make sure that in the

future all deposits make it to the bank in a very timely manner. The second report

that he would like to make this evening is about Light in the Parkway. He stated that

he sent it out to Council last week. He totaled up the expenses for Lights in the

Parkway and the revenue and while it is his opinion that a General Fund Program

cannot turn a profit because that is not the nature of the General Fund. If you want

something to show a profit, it should be an Enterprise Fund. At any event, he can

say that the revenues from Lights in the Parkway exceeded the expenses of Lights in

the Parkway by approximately $55,000. That is certainly good news and he is sure

the Special Events folks are going to do a great job on Light in the Parkway this year

as well.

Mayor's Report (3 minutes)

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that last month he delivered an ambitious 2024 budget with

proposed improvements with the way they do a lot of things in Allentown. It was an

investment in better community engagement, in cleaner streets, in a sustainable

future, in safer neighborhoods, and in the people of Allentown. He based a budget

on what he has been hearing from residents for the past two years. At places like

city hall at the table, at courtesy of the floor, in his every day life traveling

throughout the city of Allentown. He stated that budget hinged on a 6.9 percent

property tax increase and the feedback has been clear. He stated that he heard

what Council said. Now, is not the time for an increase of that size. They are all

here tonight because they believe they can help the city that they love to do better.

When he ran for office, he committed to things like keeping our residents safe,

fostering economic growth, to maintaining clean parks, ensuring effective public

services to keep Allentown running. He stated that they have to protect the

residents individually, but also as a community. Disinvestment is fundamentally

unfair to neighborhoods. That has been the story of Allentown for a really long time

now. He stated that the city is still dOffing out from previous administrations

decisions and the consequences of those decisions. It is hard on our residents and

it is hard on our employees. That is why later tonight, in the spirit of compromise,

he is going to bring something different to them. He stated that he will ask them to

join him later in making an investment in this city that will be just for all of the

residents.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.

15-6451

Controller Reports

Attachments: Bank Rec - Nov 14 Report

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6385

Bill 102

Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of One Million Four Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Five

Hundred and Thirty-Seven Dollars ($1,453,537.00) from the Pennsylvania

Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Gun Violence

Investigation and Prosecution Grant for the reimbursement of expenses for

the purchase of new city cameras, new in car cameras for the entire police

fleet and new body worn cameras for the Police Department.

Attachments: Bill 102 PCCD Grant

Ordinance #15955

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that this was in your

committee Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that it was voted favorably.

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

colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15955

15-6386

Bill 103

Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Twenty-Two Thousand Three Hundred and Forty Dollars ($

22,340) from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne

Memorial JAG Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department to utilize

the funding for batteries to be used for speed control signs, solar panel kits

and license plate readers.

Attachments: Bill 103 JAG Grant Appropriation

Ordinance #15956

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was also in your committee, Ms. Affa.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that it was voted favorably, 3 - 0.

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

his colleagues or comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15956

CONSENT AGENDA: There are no items on the consent agenda.

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-6338

R180

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 316 N. 8th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 180 HARB Resolution to DENY - 316 N 8th St

316 N 8th St Final Review

Resolution #30743

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Ms. Mota that this was in your committee.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that it was 3 - 0 and it was a denial.

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

his colleagues or comments from the public.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated just to be clear, he asked Ms. Kistler if they have

the wording correct on that.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated yes.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he just wants to make sure. Yes, it was a

denial.

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

his colleagues or comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30743

15-6340

R181

Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 932 W. Gordon Street

(originally a denial)

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R 181 HARB Resolution to DENY - 932 W Gordon St

932 W Gordon St Final Review

Resolution #30744

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this also was in your committee Ms. Mota.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that the vote was 3 - 0 and approved with the

condition of work in front of the property.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked Council if they would like him to read the

potential amendment.

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

his colleagues or comments from the public.

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

amendment or comments from the public.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that this

Resolution be 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

Enactment No: 30744

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Resolution 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

Enactment No: 30744

15-6427

R195

Police Officer Appointments

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R195 - Appoints 2 Police Officers

Resolution #30745

Assistant Chief James Gress stated that there are two applicants

Emmanual Cintron. He is off the Civil Service Competitive List. He is 32

years old, completing his degree at the Northampton County Community

College, he is a graduate of Freedom High School from Bethlehem. He is

not Act 120 Certified. He will be attending the Police Academy beginning

in early January. In his prior employment, he worked for the

Lehigh/Northampton Transportation Authority. The second one is Gregory

Gold. He is also from the Civil Service Competitive List. He is 28 years

old, a Saucon Valley High School graduate. He does not have Act 120

either. He will be attending the Academy in early January as well. His prior

employment, he worked as a landscaper, but also a military veteran.

Currently, list in the National Guard since 2018.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Assistant Chief Gress. He asked if there

were any comments or questions from his colleagues or comments from

the public.

6 -

Yes:

No:

Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, and Santo

Napoli

1 - Ce-Ce Gerlach

Enactment No: 30745

15-6428

R196

Authorizes the sale of Police K9 Remi, to His Handler Talden Cashatt

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R196 K-9 Remi Sale

Resolution #30746

Chief Charles Roca stated that the Resolution that he has in front of Council

today speaks to one of the K9 partners that he grew up in the department

as well. He stated that K9 Remi is somebody that began his career with

Officer Talden Cashatt, who is present with his family and the rest of the K9

team. He acknowledged them and thanked them for being here tonight.

Canine Remi began his partnership with Talden Cashatt on May 8, 2015.

For eight years of service, they had been doing excellent work in the Police

Department, helping out the patrol, helping out the investigations on

different cases. Over time, Remi is currently 11 years old. He has been

through a lot. He did have a surgery previously and they are saying their

prayers for him. Remi pulled through and that speaks to the dedication of

the K9 team that they have in the Allentown Police Department. He invited

Officer Cashatt to come to the podium just briefly and give a little rundown

about Remi.

Officer Talden Cashatt stated that Remi has been here for eight years. It

has been a great career and they had a great time. They are very much

looking forward to retirement. It was always a hope and dream to be able

to retire together. Things have worked out. That is going to be a possibility

to have that happen. He stated that they are very grateful for the community

support that they had over the years and the support of the Administration.

His coworkers over the years, made the ride very enjoyable and the

experience is something that he will always treasure. People always say,

when you are a dog lover and you experience the relationship of having

your house dog. That is one amazing relationship, but when you go to the

next level and you become a Handler and responsible for this individual

every day and you spend countless hours with him every day and go

through the things that they have gone through in the past eight years, puts

your relationship on a whole different level. He has been an amazing asset

to the community, an amazing family member, and a great bestfriend to

him.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Officer Cashatt for his service and your

partner's service.

Chief Charles Roca summed it up by saying thank you to his family who are

here tonight and also to the K9 team that is here. It is about family. It is

about bonding. It is about comradery. It is just not about the Allentown

Police Department. It is about serving our community. He thanked Council

for the opportunity to talk about this Resolution this evening. He stated that

he will take any questions, if Council has any.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Chief Roca and asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues or comments from the public.

Mr. James Whitney took the opportunity to thank Talden Cashatt for his

service to our city. He has served our city with compassion, with bravery,

and he gotten a chance to get to know him and his family a little bit. He

stated what an absolutely incredible Police Officer he is and he thinks the

reason for that is what a wonderful man, husband and father he is. The way

that he loves his family, is what he will be remembered for. He thanked

Officer Talden Cashatt and stated that it has meant the world to he and his

wife to have somebody like Talden keeping Allentown safe and he thanked

him for his service and thanked Remi as well.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Whitney for his comments. He asked if

there were any other comments.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30746

15-6429

R197

Approves the submission of the formal application for the local share

account grant on behalf of the Police Athletic League (PAL) to support the

renovation of its facilities.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R197 PAL Local Share Grant Application

Resolution #30747

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that this and many of the following Resolutions are

required for the local share account which is a statewide grant program that

community organizations can apply for. For investments in capital assets,

for programmatic support, etc. The city has to act as a pass through for

those grants. He stated that the city is hosting the applications. They need

the Resolutions from City Council in order to forward them to the state. You

will see a few of those. There are a few the last time as well.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk. He asked if there were any

questions or comments from his colleagues or comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30747

15-6431

R198

Accepts the funds awarded by the Department of Homeland Security under

the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)

program to fund 12 new firefighter positions.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R198 SAFER Grant Acceptance

Resolution #30748

Chief Afrain Agosto stated that this is a grant that was awarded to the Fire

Department.

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

his colleagues. He stated that he welcomed this and appreciates the work

Chief Agosto did to get this grant through. He stated that this will be a big

benefit for the citizens of this city for fire safety and public safety overall. He

asked if there were any comments from the public.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that this grant was awarded due to the incredible

work by the fire administration, but he wants to offer appreciation and

thanks to Congresswoman Susan Wild who helped secure these funds for

public safety in the city of Allentown.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated absolutely. So noted.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30748

15-6432

R199

Approves the submission of the formal application to the Pennsylvania

Department of Community and Economic Development for $250,000 from

the Statewide Local Share Account Fund (LSA) that will support the

replacement of Central Firehouse.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R199 Central Fire LSA

Resolution #30749

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is kind of self explanatory. He asked if

there were any questions or comments from his colleagues or comments

from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30749

15-6430

R200

Approves the submission of the formal application for the local share

account grant on behalf of Resurrected Life Community Development

Corporation (RCDC) to support the rehabilitation and renovations of its

facilities.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R200 RCDC Local Share Grant Application

Resolution #30750

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mayor Tuerk if he wanted to comment on that.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is similar to a LSA Grant. This one in

particular is an application by RCDC on Ninth and Turner that extends

some investments that were previously made by the state. The hope is that

LSA will fund that as well.

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

his colleagues or any comments from the public.

Mr. Eddie Aviles, Eddie Cares, stated the last part that Mayor Tuerk said

giving more money for Ninth and Turner. He asked is that what he

understood. He asked for Gregory Edwards.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is a grant from the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania. It does not come from the city of Allentown.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated that it is still trying to get that man some more

money. He asked if the mayor seen his church. He asked why are we

trying to get him more money. He asked if Mr. Hendricks seen the

condition of the church.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no, he has not.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated to Mr. Hendricks that tomorrow they will meet and

see the condition of the church. Then they will take a drive to Gregory

Edwards house and see the condition of his house. He stated before the

city gives him anymore money, you will see what they are are talking about.

Let's do that.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that no one gave him any money. This is an

application.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated that this is what we are going to do for the

community. He stated that Mr. Hendricks will meet him and go to see this

man's church and then go see his house.

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

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30750

15-6421

R201

Approves two transfers: (1) Fire – $220,000 in EMS for Premium Pay; (2)

$11,250.00 in City Council for Granicus for a one-time fee for Boards and

Commissions – Setup & Configuration in the amount of $2,250.00.

Boards and Commission Online Group Training in the amount of $0; and

New Subscription Fees for Boards and Commissions in the amount of

$9,000.00, the total cost will be $11,250.00.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R201 Transfer Funds

City Council for Granicus for a one-time fee for Boards and

Commissions – Setup & Configuration in the amount of $2,250.00

Allotted Premium Pay Was Used and More Is Required Due to Shift

Vacancies

Resolution #30751

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions from his colleagues

or comments from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 30751

Two suggested proposals to suspend the rules, introduce and vote on a motion to override the mayor's

veto; motion to reconsider the General Fund budget and amend what passed with the Mayor's proposal.

1. Resolution to override the Mayor's Veto.

2. Reconsider the General Fund Budget and amend it to reflect Mayor Tuerk's second version at 2%.

Attorney Charles Smith asked Council to be clear what Rules they are

Suspending. The Rules require five votes to override a veto. Council is not

Suspending that.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that the Rules permits reconsideration of an

ordinance following a veto and Council may override the veto by passing a

Resolution, but it requires five votes. He stated that he doesn't know if they

want to Suspend that.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that he believes what Mr. Zucal is asking is to

Suspend the Rules to put this item on the agenda.

Attorney Charles Smith stated to place this on the agenda in terms of

timing. Suspend the Rules to put it on the agenda.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Ce-Ce Gerlach, to Suspend The

Rules.

15-6436

R203 Overrides Mayor’s Veto

Gerlach, Mota and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: R203 Veto Override

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

comments or questions from his colleagues or comments from the public.

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked Mr. Hendricks if it is worthwhile to read the text of

the veto statement. He stated that he is not sure the public had an

opportunity to hear the rationale behind the veto.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is on the agenda. It is on the website.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated ok. He stated that he would only add as

commentary that obviously when the mayor chooses to veto the decision of

a City Council, that is not something that they take lightly. His choice to

veto Council's decision to proceed with amendment that in his belief would

cause damage to the city was the rationale behind the vetoing and the

motivation is to ask City Council to reconsider. Before Council is the veto

legislation which he hopes that they will elect no to override so they might

have further discussion on how they can adequately meet the needs of the

residents of the city of Allentown.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Tuerk.

Ms. Paulette Kish, 1028 E. Chew Street, stated that as a poor child

growing up, she remembers a statement made if you live in the area, you

pay taxes. For years in the city, it is crazy that there are not taxes raised.

That is how a city maintains itself. Allentown has been going down, down,

down, and down and she does not know if it is political reasons to say they

did not raise taxes. In the meantime Allentown is losing. There is no

reason not to pay taxes. She stated that she thinks it was Benjamin

Franklin that said that you die and you pay taxes. She stated that is what

you do and this city has gotten so far behind that we have to pay a six

percent to catch up. She commended Mayor Tuerk on saying no taxes.

How can you sustain a city and you got to get to a level where everyone can

meet the tax needs. She stated that for Council to say they are going to

veto no taxes when all these things in the city. Every time she ask for

something in the city, it is they don't have the money . They don't have the

money. They don't have the money. If you have a level of taxes that you

can sustain, it makes sense. She stated that she is now a middle class

person who wants to stay in the city because she loves the things, but

things aren't just not getting done. The eastside Allentown park is awful.

Finally, they are getting a pool after 10 years, but they can't have the

pavilion and can't fix the tennis courts. They can't do many things in the city

because you do not raise taxes. That is just ridiculous to her. She stated

that Council has to come together with the Mayor is to compromise to meet

all the needs of the people in the city and get to a level that says no taxes. It

is not even reasonable if you want a city to sustain itself. She stated to

please consider some kind of Resolution that you can some how get

together that the residents can get a sustainable level so as her mom as a

poor woman raising two children could pay her taxes. She could pay her

taxes. She knew that had to be done. Not at seven or eight percent,

because for years, none have been paid. She asked Council to please

consider a compromise and not say no tax increase. It makes no sense if

you live in the city and want to maintain the level that all residents: middle

class also want to live in and enjoy everything.

Ms. Tinku Khanwalkar, 208 N. Marshall Street, stated that she is a resident

of the city of Allentown. She is also a member of the Allentown

Environmental Advisory Council, but she is here today to speak as a

concerned resident of the city. She stated that her message is basically

the same as the person there before her. She stated please, let's not

follow in the steps of the federal government and the inability to

compromise and do the right thing for the city. Overriding the mayor's veto

today would signal that City Council is unable to compromise even a little

bit. Despite the compelling comments that were submitted by the

Allentown Environmental Advisory Council for the November 4th meeting, in

which the City Council's 2024 budget modifications eliminated the position

of Sustainability Coordinator and gave some really strong comments on

why that is not a good idea and other cities smaller than Allentown have

gotten these positions filled and are benefitting greatly, reducing their

costs, bringing in more money, saving themselves from having to raise

taxes as much down the road and developing a more sustainable city as a

result. They are not able to do that because the city does not have that

position. City Council likely denied having that position and she believes at

some extent it is because they do not have a City Council member

attending the EAC meetings and hearing about all the wonderful things that

the city could be doing with such a Sustainability Coordinator position. City

Council is required to have such a person attending the Allentown EAC

meetings. The ordinance that was approved by this City Council back in

2021 required a City Council liaison to the Allentown EAC. Precisely, they

believe for this reason. Because these kinds of really significant things are

being missed because they don't have someone from City Council listening

to the conversations, understanding what the EAC is talking about, and

making the right decisions. The people of Allentown has actually spoken

on November 7th, the majority of them voted to pay all of Council more, to

pay the Controller more. The residents are willing to incur appropriate

expenses. Let's do the right thing for the city now and for future generations

and include a Sustainability Coordinator for the city. She stated that the

city deserves it, the children and grandchildren deserve it.

Ms. Enid Santiago, S. Jefferson Street, thanked Council for being here

today and listening. There is a such thing as a check and balance and she

remembers at a meeting at 9:00 AM in the morning half the city decided to

stop by and you heard every single last person that stood up here, including

a senior citizen that was almost in tears because he could not afford

another dollar. She stated that they have to understand that the city is

having the water raised next year, the trash raised next year. She stated

that she does not know who does not pay taxes here, but she pays taxes.

She remembers a few years ago, the 27 percent tax increase that they just

received. She stated that they need to understand that this is not the time.

She stated that she stood in line with the Salvation Army last week and

signed up 40 additional families to their food bank. Not the ones that were

already in line, 40 additional families to a food bank. She stated that she

needs everyone to stand strong and understand there is a check and

balance for a reason. You made a decision. You made the right decision.

Another dollar could break a family. Incomes are not going up. What do

you think is going to happen to the renters. Right now, there is no rent

control in the entire state of Pennsylvania. A landlord that is going to get a

$30, $40, $50 or $100 tax increase is going to raise the rent $100 or $200

a month. She stated that they are seeing this right now. She could only

imagine what is going to happen. She stated that she does not want any

more people being unsheltered in the city. She stated that she knows that

is not a problem of the city, but it is. When they are knocking on the doors

of the nonprofit because they don't have a place to go. She stated that she

had no answers. She stated that they have no more answers. They have

nowhere to put these people anymore. She stated that she recently took in

three little girls, and their sister. That is four people. She stated that she

already has her grandmother living with her because she can't afford to live

on her own. How many more families need to live like this in the city. It

sounds like a few people that want taxes raised. She suggested a Go

Fund Me to go ahead and donate any money they feel they have extra in

their pocket. She stated that people like her don't have that. She stated

that they don't have an extra dollar. She stated that she does not have

another 50 cents. She is applying for LIHEAP this year for the first time in a

decade and there are more just like her. She stated so please stay strong

and stated that she is asking them to stay strong and if another $7 is not

going to break somebody's pocket, why are we talking about it here today.

It should not matter. She stated please, say no and we cannot have

another tax increase.

Mr. Deiter Krechie (sp), N. Marshall Street, stated that he has been living

there for three or four years. He took a look at what the city is doing on

budgets and salary increases. This young lady that was just here was quite

right. The poor in the city can't afford a tax increase. How can you afford to

sit here and get a two and a half time increase in your salary. He asked if

they budgeted that. Where is it coming from. These people right now can't

afford a tax increase. He stated to Ms. Affa that the last time he was here

said that the last tax increase was 27 percent. He asked her, is that what

you are shooting for in three or four years? You are going to kick the ball

every year and every year, until one day this woman and her constituents or

her friends are going to be nailed with 27 percent. He asked is that what

you are shooting for? He asked what is wrong with 2.5 percent a year. He

stated that Council's salary increase of 2.5 times and you can sit here and

look into these people's eyes and say, I got mine, did you get yours. He

stated that is not how it works. You got to be honest and open with

everybody. He stated that if they want that kind of salary increase, you got

to make sure that these people may not get a tax increase this year. When,

next year? Five percent the year after that. It will be seven, to eight, to nine

percent. He asked if the city has programs to help these people. He

stated that he lives on the west end and don't mind paying a few dollars

more. He stated that he is not rich, but he doesn't mind because he can

afford it a little bit better than the folks that the young lady was just talking

about. He stated that you guys increased your salaries by two and a half

percent. Where is the money coming from folks. It is not a lot. It is

$90,000 total from $36,000. It does not break any banks. He stated that

the gall to sit here and vote yourself that increase and look at these people

and say you are not going to have a tax increase next year, but wait until we

raise it for you with 20, 15, and 30 percent. That is not how businesses

operate. He stated that they take money from the public to spend. Are you

spending it right? Are there programs for these people? There are

programs that take it from the public.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks commended everybody for the increase you voted for

his Councilmembers and himself. He stated that understand this, none of

them will be getting that increase, unless or until such time they run again,

and win. There will be no money in the budget for increases for Council. At

a minimum, not for at least two years. He stated that his colleagues work

extremely hard and put a lot of hours in. It was a fair and honest increase

that was given. He stated that they will not see it, unless they run again. He

stated some of his colleagues won't see it for four years and only if they run

again. He stated that those three members that were most recently

elected, will not get that for four years.

Ms. Candida Affa also added that Council did not vote it in, the citizens

voted it in. She stated that they are the ones that voted for Council to have

the raise.

Ms. Barbara Miller, 2119 W. Washington Street, stated that she apologizes

coming before them not appropriately dressed, but she did not have to

change when she got home because she spent the whole day doing

volunteer clean up mowing and weed-whacking at the Union West End

Cemetery. She stated that it is Ms. Affa's favorite cemetery. She stated

that her reason for addressing Council is that she ask them not to override

the mayor's veto. The tax increase that he is asking for a senior like her on

limited income, but not in financial distress, obviously. She stated that she

can handle that. What she would not be able to handle would be a failure to

do a tax increase which will start to undermine the city's services that she

really depend on. She stated from what she sees, they get real value for

the money from the city and the city employees. She truly believes this tax

increase is modest, appropriate, and necessary. She thanked Council for

listening to her and asked them not to override the mayor's veto, but rather

adopt the budget with a modest increase that he asked for. Although, that

increase is not going to hurt someone like her, she would look for ways as

a citizen of Allentown to help the folks in her city who feels that it would help

them and try to help them get the services they need to be able to live their

lives the way they need to.

Ms. Betty Cauler, 2212 Tilghman Street, stated that she was going to

congratulate them on their raise, but she guesses she won't. She gave a

shoutout to Ms. Affa and Mr. Napoli for the $9,500 donations for the FOP

PAC for your campaigns. Now, it makes a lot of sense why the two are you

are the only two that voted no on the budget amendments. The budget the

you passed two weeks ago did not include a tax increase. She stated that

you can get rid of Lights in the Parkway. She stated that she can care less.

You can get rid of the 4thh of July fireworks. She stated that it has been

sh*tty for the last few years. What she cares about is the gentrification of

the downtown and the increased cost of everything from gas and groceries

to interest rates which affects her as a senior. She is basically living on

credit. Sure, she can swallow a tax increase, but she is living on credit.

Some day the piper is going to come calling for her and it is not going to be

pretty. If the tax increase was going to address the problem of

homelessness which is going to be caused in large part of all those

beautiful highlighted, smoked glass high-rises that you are putting up

around the city in the NIZ and the Keystone Opportunity Zone which means

their taxes are cut. If it was going to address food insecurities and

affordable housing for the 27 percent of the city that lives at or below the

poverty level. If the increase was going to nonprofits with boots on the

ground taking up the slack with city services, then she would be all for it, but

it is not going to that. It is going towards things like a Sustainability Czar

which she would like to know what that is. A new Arts and Cultural

Coordinator. Is that necessary? And, those workers that are still fortunate

enough to have generous life sustaining pensions and benefits. she

apologized to Chief Roca that she is bringing up the police. She was just

looking at their hiring people. She stated that the starting salary $66,445 a

year. Average three year salary of a patrolmen, $96,000. Major medical,

vision, dental, prescription plans. She stated $75,000 basic life insurance

policy. Holiday, sick, vacation, personal, military and funeral leave. The

pension plan after 20 years with no minimum age requirement, post

retirement health coverage at 75 percent. Shift differential, holiday pay,

longevity pay, clothing allowance and on and on. People in the public

sector no longer have pensions. She does not know how many people out

here still have a pension. When she brought up to the mayor for the

seniors, the prospect of putting a freeze on property taxes and

assessments for people over 65. He basically blew her off. She stated

that she hopes that they vote to override the veto because even though she

is living on credit, she can't afford anything else. There are a lot of people

who can't.

Mr. Pas Simpson asked that this City Council stated with what they voted

on in the beginning and override this veto. Unfortunately, one out every five

students in Allentown School District is homeless and hungry already. They

can't afford a tax increase. There are so many working homeless people in

our city right now. They cannot afford a tax increase. There are ways to get

more money. He stated that the city can be more creative, apply for

federal funding, by putting together groups, organizations. There is state

money that they can apply for. He stated that the city can't afford any more

taxation. The city has to be a little more creative by putting more burden on

the people that is already burden. We cannot increase violence. Poverty

is violence. If you increase taxation, you are increasing poverty. He stated

that someone said 27 percent of our city lives under the threat of violence.

That is poverty. He stated that is before you start to shoot at us, before you

start to not protect us, before you let us down. He asked as much as they

may or not think they need a two percent tax increase, we can't afford a .5

percent tax increase. He stated that they can't afford a .1 percent tax

increase. He stated be creative and work within other budgets. Use

federal money, use state money, learn to work together in collaboration.

Collaboration is key. If they work together in other ways, the city can apply

for other money. He stated but, please don't take another dollar from us.

Mr. Eddie Aviles, Eddie Cares, stated that they care talking about raising

the budget. He stated that he spent his day yesterday, family of four, a

family of six with four kids. Nine, eight, seven, a five year old girl and the

mother is pregnant, the father is in car. They have been in the car for over a

month. No help. They been to every resource in the city. He is the last

person they called for help. He ended up putting them in a hotel. He stated

that he did not get any resources from Broken Promises or your buddies

that you are travelling to Puerto Rico with. They haven't helped him. They

never gave him a can of soup for Puerto Rico and you are out there trotting

around on his island. The day before on a Friday, a woman goes back to

her tent and finds an overdose body in her tent. He stated that he takes

care of Gordon Street everyday. There is a whole 60, 70 people living in

the woods right now, he has about 15 people living in cars and stated to

Mayor Tuerk and you want to talk about raising taxes. Shame on you.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Mr. Aviles to address him.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated that he is the elephant in the room. He stated that

he likes looking people in the eyes.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no, you look at me and speak to me.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated that we have a problem here and have a City

Council members doing outreach in another country. He doesn't care if you

are doing it for your nonprofit or not. You work and was elected to do

service here, not out there.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated stop the bullying.

Mr. Eddie Aviles stated that he is being straight up with you. He asked

what are you doing in Puerto Rico.

Ms. Cynthia Mota told Mr. Aviles to mind his own business.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked the officers to remove Mr. Aviles.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz, Ortiz Ark Foundation, stated that she is going to read a

statement.

Mayor Matt Tuerk asked Council to hold until we have another police officer

in here, please.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz asked Mayor Tuerk is he insinuating that she is going to

do something that you need a police officer. She stated that together they

can improve opportunities for our youth, prepare people for jobs of the

future, preserve the quality of life, strengthen public safety and ensure the

quality of housing for Allentonians. She stated Mr. Allentown Mayor Tuerk's

campaign. She stated today she is asking them to remember that quote

that he campaigned on. Remember, the Allentonians. She stated that she

will give Council the same facts she gave last time, but will get deeper. A

dozen of eggs costs $4.25, per pound of chicken is $1.83 to $3.69, ground

beef is up to $7.00 a pound, a gallon of milk can go from $4.21 to $8.00,

depending on your neighborhood, especially in the low income areas

where the prices are higher. The price of butter is $4.81 a pound. A loaf of

bread can average from $2.42 to $6.00, depending on your neighborhood.

Chocolate cookies are considered a luxury, begins at $5.00 to $15.00.

Coffee that the average American drinks very much is $6.00 a pound,

American cheese is $4.66 to $8.77. Bacon which is an American staple

for breakfast is $6.96 to $27 a pound. When you say $6.00 is minuet, it is

not. The average senior lives on an income from $721.00 to $1,100.00 a

month. The average rent in Allentown is $950 for a room. Last year and

this year, the total of seniors dying went from 11 percent to 50 percent due

to suicide. She stated that 18 percent of our seniors are committing

suicide. A water increase, a school tax, a county tax, is killing people. She

stated that Pas Simpson says that poverty is violence. It is beyond

violence. Her food bank went from serving a humble 60 people in a park,

to 350 to 500 people. She stated that she has to separate bags to feed

people. She filled out this week alone, for leaders and individuals like you,

welfare, food stamps, LIHEAP applications like Ms. Santiago said. It is not

easy for people to live. People are killing themselves for suicides because

they are stressed. She stated that the youth see the dismay. They have

nothing to look forward They are living in houses with six to seven families.

Could you imagine? She stated that Council said last week there were

some threats and she has received many calls. Her intention was not to

threaten anyone on City Council or the city. She stated that those are the

actions that they do everyday. Those are the fires they put out. she wasn't

saying that she was going to post addresses or intentionally harm. What

she is saying is that the people like Pas said, when they get scared and

they have to make decisions, these are the things that they are preventing

in the community and it needs to be acknowledged because, 1: they don't

get funded; 2: if the money keeps and the poverty keeps and the scarcity

and the hunger keeps, the city will be like the zombie apocalypse fighting

for our lives and it is going to get scary. She stated that they are seeing it

now with the people in the homeless camps are killing each other. The

kids are fighting within their own homes because cousins supposed to be

cousins. Not living in the same houses. She stated that they need Council

to understand not getting bullied by lunches and fancy dinners and

promotions and things like that. That is not an accusation, that is facts.

She stated that the citizens voted for Council and trusted in you. She

stated that they didn't all vote for them, but need them to think about the

citizens and the struggles that they are going through. It is not easy and

very hard.

Ms. Connie Santos, 827 Jefferson Street,

Ms. Connie Santos, 827 Jefferson Street - Allen Garden Apartments,

stated that they, the citizens of Allentown, especially those of them that rent

are struggling at this time. She stated that her rent just increased by $300

a month. She is retired, gets a pension and social security. She is working

full-time, but is 68 years old and not going to do that forever. How is she

going to afford rent, utilities and these things she knows next time, next

lease renewal is going up again because they have to cover all of these

increases. She stated that she knows someone who just had her rent

increase by $400 a month who is a single mother of three children. This

person struggles on a monthly basis. Fighting eviction every month. She

has to decides whether to pay her rent or does she put food on the table.

She doesn't know how many times she supplied food to that household.

She doesn't know how many times she paid the RCN bill because she

works from home so that she can continue to work. She stated that she is

working, but working to support two people. There are three children in this

home. The decision was made. She is like many, many other citizens of

this city that she knows. She is going to leave this state in the beginning of

next year because she can't afford it here. She is going where it is more

affordable living and it breaks her heart because the people are extremely

close to her.

Ms. Karen Ocasio, NAACP - Allentown Branch, stated that her voice is a

little horse. She stated that she has been sick this past week. She stated

that the NAACP gets a lot of calls from people that are in need and

resources are very limited on what they can do. There is a woman that is

being evicted from her home even though she paid a whole years worth of

rent because her house now has mold. She can't find another place to go

in this city because the rents are so expensive. She is on a fixed income

and no one has been able to help her with anything. She stated that she

wants to speak on her own behalf and this is not a pity party at all, but like

the previous person said, they are living on credit. She stated that her dad

this past week and had to put it on credit. That is another expense. She

stated that her mom is on a fixed income. She is on disability after working

so many years for Lehigh Valley Hospital. She stated that she can't afford

to move out on her own because she can't afford an apartment in this area

or a home because people are coming with cash offers and she can't

compete with that. She stated that she is a single mother and don't have

anybody else to fall back on and now she has to help her mother who is a

newly widow. She reminded Council of the people that actually vote in this

city. It is the majority of the people who are on the west end. It is not these

people in need. While people are worried about voting, our people are

worried about getting food on the table or how they going to meet that rent

or that light bill or the water bill or the sewer bill. How are they going to feed

their kids. How are they going to put shoes on their kids feet. For the first

time since she was 10 years old, they will go to one of the drives to get a

turkey because this year, they can't afford it because how expensive

everything is. That is the type of thing that they are enduring in this city.

She stated that they can't afford another tax increase. She stated that they

had 27 percent just a few years ago, in 2019. She stated that they can't

afford that tax increase. This is about the people. This is about the

community and that is what Council should be focused on. She stated that

is why they were all elected in these positions to worry about the public, but

if Council is not worrying about the public then they have to vote them out

and that is just what it is. She stated that please do the right thing and stick

the no increase because it is detrimental for the community.

A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Ce-Ce Gerlach, that this Resolution

be Suspend The Rules. 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 Resolution be approved. The

motion carried by the following vote:

4 - Cynthia Mota, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Natalie Santos

3 - Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

No:

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that a motion was made to consider the

override and adoption of the budget that the mayor's budget at two percent.

The Motion was made by Mr. Napoli and seconded by Ms. Affa.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked to restate this and asked if the Motion is to

reconsider the Bill that the mayor voted to bring it in front of them and have

the mayor address his proposal.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated yes.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he can address the two percent that he

forwarded to City Council.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if Council has to vote on that if that was a

Motion.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, it has to be public comment.

Ms. Ce Ce asked Attorney Charles Smith if Council has to vote if there was

a Motion made. Should they entertain the Mayor's two percent increase

memo. She stated that it was seconded. There is a Motion on the floor.

Do they have to vote to entertain this.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that Council has to entertain comments prior

to voting on it. He asked if they can state the Motion.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if he needs to restate.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that the Motion to reconsider the General Fund

Budget and amend it to reflect Mayor Tuerk's second version at two

percent.

Attorney Charles Smith asked if there were any comments from the dais or

from the public, then vote on it. He stated then he will entertain comments

from the Mayor.

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

Attorney Charles Smith stated that it should be procedurally consistent.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that the reason that she is going for this is

because she thinks Council needs to listen to the Mayor again. Two

percent, she understands everyone's concern. She stated that she is not in

favor raising taxes. No one is. The woman that was up here earlier said

which is true, we will always pay taxes and if they don't right now everyone

is saying we can't, we can't, we can't and this isn't the right time. When is

the right time? What is going to happen next year? Someone talked about

the 27 percent and that increase was because the city did not have a tax

increase for 13 years and now, the city has not had one in five years. She

stated that her fear is that if they don't negotiate and consider this two

percent. She believes in the beginning and now he has cut a lot of that fat

off. These are the things that they are concerned about with the upgrades

and so forth. He went to the drawing board and now her concern is public

safety, the paramedics, public works, and the roads. Things that can be

affected if they don't raise the two percent. She stated that if they don't

raise it this year, she is going to be sitting here next year and the year after

and the year after and have to listen to the same thing over and over and

over again. So many of the citizens complained on the 27 percent and

said quote on quote and this was in the paper, why can't we do it in

increments. This is an increment. This is two percent. She stated that her

fear is, what about next year. She stated that they might come next year

and it might be worse. What is going to suffer? Your services are going to

suffer. The paramedics were there within two minutes to save that man's

life. Things are things that you taxpayers, property taxes, not county, not

school. Just your property taxes is what you are concerned about. She

stated that this is what you should get for that. You should get the best

police department, the best fire department, the paramedics should be

there when you have having a heart attack and the roads. These are the

things that your property taxes have to pay for. She asked how are we

going to do this if we never raise the taxes. She stated that she doesn't

see the economy being much better next year. Then they are going to sit

here the same way and hear the same things, but next year, it might have to

go up to four percent or five percent. This is the reason that she believes

the two percent is something that is negotiable. She stated that she thinks

that they need to negotiate. They just can't sit here and say no for

absolutely no reason. She understands the plight of so many people, but

telling them that if they don't raise the taxes now, when do you think we

should raise the taxes. She stated to someone in the audience, don't raise

your finger at me up there. Be polite.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that a number of people in the public have

alluded to the fact that when and if we raise taxes, they don't do so in a

vacuum. She stated that if they knew that the cost of water wasn't going to

go up by hundred dollars. If they knew that the school taxes and know they

go up every year. If they knew that wasn't going to happen and the sewer

rates weren't going to increase by 11.6 percent. If we knew that one or two

bedroom apartments in the city of Allentown didn't increase by 41 percent.

If a studio apartment in Allentown did not cost $1,611, then two percent

raise in taxes would be ok. Unfortunately, a two percent increase in taxes

is happening combined with everything else so that a two percent increase

actually feels like more to the average person. She stated that if they look

at the MIT calculator, the living wage in the Lehigh Valley for two adults and

two children is a little over $38,000 a year. For one adult and one, stating

that would have been her household growing up, $34,000, almost $35,000.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage in the

Lehigh Valley is $27,000. That means the average person in the Lehigh

Valley and in Allentown does not earn a living wage or does not earn

enough to survive. She stated that she will not be supporting this tax

increase. She stated that they heard that if they did not support a 6.9

percent increase, it would be devastating. That it would cause damage.

Then when they were presented with a 4.57 percent, they were told if they

did not pass that it would be devastating and cause damage. Now, they

are being told that a two percent increase if Council doesn't pass that

would be devastating and cause damage. What would really help her, is at

some point from the administration to get some specifics. Not just, hey, if

we don't raise taxes by two percent fire trucks aren't going to show up. No,

no, no. How many shifts will be decreased. How many uniforms will not be

purchased. How many potholes will not be filled. How many lights will not

be strung up? She stated to get those specifics because what is not clear

to her is at 6.9 percent increase, it was going to be devastating and cause

damage, but nothing specific on how the damage will be caused and

specifically how it will be devastating. Not just a general statements of what

might, could and possibly happen. That would just be helpful to really get

those. She stated that the way that she would envision it is perhaps the

administration has done this, picking a specific department and showing

them that if Council does not do this two percent tax increase, how that

specific department will be affected at a micro level and therefore affect the

services of residents. She stated that they have not been shown that.

Maybe some of them have when they met with Matt. She stated that she

has not. She stated that it would be helpful to get that. The city has million

dollar skyscrapers, beautiful buildings that have went up, Council has been

told that this development supposed to help everything. It is supposed to

help the economy, but here we are talking about raising taxes on residents.

She stated so again, something is not working. She stated that she looks

forward to having the administration present very specific ways that not

passing a two percent increase will affect the services, not just general

statements.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that Ms. Gerlach stole mostly what he was going to say.

However, he has something else. What he is very concerned about is the

fact about how the Steps Program is being manipulated to incur raises for

people that aren't even allowed to have them. When that Steps Program

was introduced about four years ago, it was to bring a lower guy that was

hired. He stated a janitor that was hired 20 years ago, making $22 an

hour. The janitor gets hired tomorrow, is making $32. The purpose of the

Steps Program was every anniversary year, they would go up a Step so

that at some point, they would be pretty much be closer together. That is

not what was done here. He stated that the administration manipulated the

Steps Program and that's why the city needed a 6.9 percent, a 5.47

percent, and some of the reason why the Mayor is asking for a two percent.

He stated yes, sometimes taxes have to be risen/allowed. However, he

used examples with 13 positions that are red lined positions. He stated that

he checked his facts with people. The purpose of a Red Line is that you

are at the top of that Step. The only way you can get raises is either

through a cost of living percentage which is already instituted when you

take that position or percentage. He stated that he checked with the best.

He stated or the percentage that you allow at Budget time. Other than that,

the only way they can go up is if they go to a different position. He gave an

example of a Sergeant to a Lieutenant. He stated that they are not in the

Steps. He is just using that as an example. He stated that the mayor is

using some of them.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that if they are not in the Steps, then you should

use an example in the Steps.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok, the Captain of Police which is in the two percent as

well which technically they are not legal to get the Step increase.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that is correct.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that you have it in your two percent proposal.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated the administration is suggesting that City Council

take action to retain institutional knowledge that exceeds 80 years.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is not what he is talking about. He is talking about

properly presenting a Budget that is factual. Not what you would like

Council to do to keep personnel.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she thinks that the community is going to

suffer. She stated that Mayor Tuerk has spoken to her numerous times

saying that this house that cost $80,000, they will be pay $6.00. She stated

that Mayor Tuerk has given her different numbers that with all due respect

does not make a lot of sense. She stated that what she can tell him, she is

there in the community and sees people suffering. She stated that $6.00,

$10.00 is a big difference for a lot of people. She stated that they see

inflation going up and everyone knows that. At the same time, we don't see

the salaries going up. She stated that she is disappointed. She stated that

she does understand that the city needs money. At the same time, we just

came out of Covid and have to be mindful of that and still getting people

right now that still don't have a job. Due to Covid. Things are not getting

better. She stated that they did not listen to the community.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked his colleagues for their efforts and working for

this budget. What they have before them is a compromise between this

body and the administration. While none of them are completely pleased

with the final product, it is in the best interest of those people most affected,

the taxpayers of our growing and diverse population. The reduction in the

trash fee is substantial and will in most cases offset the modest two percent

increase. Again, he commended his colleagues for their diligence in

lowering it from the amount which was originally proposed at $120. This

will offset almost everybody's increase at two percent. Without this slight

increase, he believes the city will place great pressure on the bureau heads

to continue to deliver service at a level that the citizens have come to

expect and desire. This compromised budget strongly supports EMS

technicians, along with a proponent for police command. He stated that he

values the emergency services as most of the citizens do. He encourage

his colleagues to vote yes, to accept this compromise. It is reasonable.

Water fees are going up $100. That is a 25 percent increase compared to

previous years. He stated that they as a city are asking for a two percent

increase. He stated that is not unrealistic.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated just to be clear, this is for the Motion to override

and they will have an opportunity to speak again on.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated Council already voted against the override.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that the override was voted on. He stated as

he looks at the Motion that is in front of Council, it is really a Motion to

reconsider and amend to reflect Mayor Tuerk's second. He stated that he

thinks they should hear from the mayor because that is part of it before you

vote. It is not broken down should Council reconsider it and then let the

mayor's proposal you made it a bundled Motion. He thinks Council should

hear from the administration because if they vote on it, what you are voting

on is that they should reconsider it and accept the two percent. He stated

that is the question that is in front of them.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that the reason he asked is because he wants to

hear from the administration first before making his comments. He stated

that he wants to hear what they have to say.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that given the way Mr. Napoli framed his

Motion, he thinks that is appropriate.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he wants to make more comments after they

hear from the administration. He thinks that the reason he voted for that is

that he wants the public to hear what he has proposed. He stated that it is

important.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the Controller wanted to weigh in too.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anyone on the dais that did not have an

opportunity to speak that wishes to.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that he will speak afterwards. He wanted to make

sure that he had the opportunity.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated that he wants to toss

a little bit of context out there. He stated that he took a look at last year's

budget, the 2023 budget as they know has a five year projection in the

back of it. If you look at the projected 2024 budget, the administration at

that point was projecting that they might need an eight percent property tax

increase and expected to use $5 million of ARPA money to balance the

budget. The $5 million of ARPA money is gone away. That has been

repurposed to other useful things. What is before them now to consider is

a much lesser tax increase. He stated that he is not advocating on what

they should do, but he is saying that the fact that the city needs a tax

increase is not new news. It is old news and projected last year and

nobody, nobody should be surprised by that. He stated God speed in their

deliberations.

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

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she prefers to listen to the Mayor before the

public.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he wants to be considerate of everybody's

time. There is a lot to say here. He hears what everybody offered in

defense of against the override. He thinks a lot of people made fair points

in kind of both directions and sometimes in the same direction as weird as

that might sound. He stated that he is taking to heart what Ms. Mota said

that the administration did not listen. He stated that he takes a little

exception to that because they have listened a lot. The idea that a seven

percent increase, he totally understands. He stated that they know him by

now that he gets excited about things that they can do as a city. He

believes a lot in the 870 so people who puts on that seal everyday and puts

that badge on everyday or suit up in turnout gear everyday to serve our

residents. He believes that are capable of doing. They are phenomenal

groups of people that he gets to work with everyday. They go above and

beyond for a really long time they have been asked to do more with less.

He stated that he gets excited about what they can do. He stated that when

he proposes a seven percent increase, he did not say it was going to

devastating if they were not able to do it. He stated that he thinks a seven

percent increase was ambitious. It was look at the amazing things and

these incredible things that these people can do with we fully support them.

The feedback from City Council as he said told him pump the breaks. Bring

it back a little bit. This isn't something that we can afford this time. He

worked out what he could, found some places to remove things, things

were particularly galling to certain members of Council and certain

members of the public. He does not ever remembers referring it as an Arts

and Culture Czar. He stated that Coordinator. He stated that they cut

positions that they absolutely belief will add value and bring our community

together, but they could not pay for it right now. He put together a 4.57

percent increase that would fund some of the positions. Not everything that

they initially proposed. Some things that he though would do a lot of good

for our residents. That is something that they discussed on Saturday, the

4th and Council elected instead to go with a budget that included a zero

percent increase. Cut all the new proposed positions, with a couple

exceptions and commanded the administration to cut five percent from

every line from Account 20 to Account 68. He stated rather than going

through the exercise of showing exactly where those impacts would be

Councilwoman Gerlach, he elected to work with our team to come up with

something that he believes would be a compromise to listen to what people

were saying. They listened to what people on the street was telling them.

They listened to what they all were saying and listened to everybody. He

stated that they heard that although some of those they could make further

cuts and get down to tow percent, there were some things that were

critically important. Investment in public safety, retaining experienced

officers and supervisors in the Police Department that will help them deliver

quality police services to our residents. An investment in an Equity and

Inclusion position, but dialed that back. They went with an additional Traffic

person to make our streets safer for all of our residents. They added back

the Sustainability Coordinator, not a Czar because they knew it was a

position that was important to many Council people to the members of the

public. He stated that the administration believes it is a position that can

add revenue in the long run. He stated as Mr. Simpson mentioned, he

thinks the city needs to get creative about how to find money to support the

good things that they want to do. He stated that he hears them loud and

clear, Pas, but this idea that there are funds available at the federal

government level or the state government level is a fantasy. They are not

just dollars around to support the things that they have to do as a city. He

stated that their job as a city is to provide public safety services. It is to

support the firefighters. He stated that the city was lucky to get a Safer

Grant that Council just voted on that will create 12 new firefighter positions

and will keep out city safer. That is absolutely fantastic. Those grants are

exceedingly rare. The city does not have a grant to help them buy the rock

salt that doubled in price. They need to keep the streets clear when they

have snow events so people can walk to wherever they need to walk to get

the critically needed supplies so that people can get to dialysis when they

are suffering from kidney ailments. It won't do anything and they don't have

a grant to buy new uniforms for our police officers that have gotten 30

percent more expensive. There is no grant out there for pool chemicals so

the young people have a place to swim when the heat indexes exceeds

100 degrees. He stated that they are getting creative and what he

proposed to Council here is yes, the addition of increased Captains that he

believes maintains that critically needed institutional knowledge that

Council well appreciates as someone who retired from the Allentown

Police Department. He stated that they appreciate how important it was to

have someone that knew what they were doing that had your six. He stated

that is important for them. He stated that they know how important it is in

this environment in the Lehigh Valley where paramedics are getting picked

and plucked from everywhere to go and work for places like Cetronia or go

and work for some of the suburban ambulance companies. He stated that

the city wants to pay the paramedics a wage that would encourage them to

stay in the most difficult and the most challenging and most rewarding

public safety environment in the Lehigh Valley. They are asking for an

increase for a Sustainability Coordinator that they think could add money

for the traffic position that he believes will make the streets safer and

offering in exchange for that a cut of pretty much what they asked to cut. He

stated that they took off the middle shift at Parks which means the city won't

be able to keep the bathrooms open like they like to keep them opened.

Throughout our Parks across the city from Roosevelt Park to Ithaca Play

Lot to Midway Manor to Andre Reed Park. He stated that they cut things

like improvement to the IT team that would help them retain the positions

that again, the folks that put the badge on and put that seal on with a giant

heart on that seal because they care a lot and they are willing to work hard

for less than what they can earn in the private sector, but only so far. There

is only so much you can push them to do before they break. He stated that

is why the administration is asking for position increases. No one is here

to get rich. He stated that the administration is cutting a lot of that stuff that

he considered important. They are also proposing to cut things like the

Managing Director position that they all agree that the city needs in the

Mayor's office to facilitate management of the city to do better. They are

willing to cut $250,000 out of the fire overtime budget even though they

know they will be coming back to Council asking for it. He stated that they

are willing to cut expenses like training for the law team, expenses like

Munis which they just had a kickoff of this amazing IT system that is going

to help them be a more effective and efficient user of city resources, but will

push that expenditure back into 2025. They will cut things like self watering

planters in the parks, minor upgrades to some of the parks like drinking

fountains, LED lighting in Bucky Boyle down in the first ward. Things like IT

switches that will hopefully resolve your IT problem, Mr. Napoli stating he is

not sure what is going on there. They will make elimination of vehicles to

get there because they know exactly of a burden this is. It sucks that

people have to and he said excuse his salty language, but it sucks that they

are asking people to pay more. None of them wants to do that because

they know exactly the situation that people feel. He stated that he was

down at the Syrian Club this morning on Second Street and he saw the line

of people and talked to a lot of those people who was there for the first

time. There are coming from a lot of different places. Folks from New

Jersey who just moved to Allentown and were at the food pantry. It is a

terrible feeling to ask them to pay more, but he feels a lot worse telling our

residents that they have to cut back on those services. He stated that he

does not know the shape of it yet. His hope is that City Council will

understand the need to make this smaller investment now so they can

continue to do all those good things because there is Ms. Santiago

mentioned the need for the various different city services for the people that

are struggling. Those are the types of things that they want to support, but

when it gets down to providing for the essential services, the things that

they absolutely have to do is to make a choice between those essentials

and those things that some people think are non-essential. That is what the

two percent increase means that all of them, all of them every single one of

them pays a little bit more so life in the city of Allentown is better for all of

them. That is what the whole idea behind the property tax is. It is the

closest thing that they have in the city to a progressive tax. This is the idea

behind it. A tax is a small increase, but he knows they will all feel at very

different levels. it is important on what Ms. Affa wanted to and a few of the

residents that this is not going away. Everything is getting more expensive

and he appreciates LCA showed up with the tax increase and they have to

raise the LCA fee, the increase in the garbage fee in the city of Allentown.

Everywhere around them, things are getting more expensive. He stated

that the neighbors in Bethlehem is proposing a 2.6 percent increase. It is

getting more expensive to run the city. Things are more expensive. There

are more people here than ever before. The quantity of things demanded

is getting more expensive. If they don't do this now, they are going to have

to do it again in the future. That is going to happen and the administration

will ask for them to vote on it too. He thanked everyone for giving him a

moment to talk. It is longer than he normally go on, but this is important. It

is a hard decision and asked Council to join him in making that hard

decision for the benefit of all the residents.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.

Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mayor Tuerk for that information. He stated that

it really boils down to four things regarding this two percent. He stated that

he has the Sustainability Coordinator which most of them agree will bring in

more revenue and maybe become budget neutral at some point. An

increase for Police Captains. He gets that. For what he understands,

Lieutenants wind up making more then them and that does not make sense

to him. His assistant managers don't make more than his managers. That

is understandable. He stated that EMS is really important to him. He

knows that they do a tremendous job in the city of Allentown. They have a

more challenging job then our neighbors and surrounding municipalities. It

is a tough job. He stated that they wonder why some folks leave Allentown,

whether it is the city or school district for our suburban neighbors. It is

tough here. It really is tough and for them to compensate the EMS workers

is not a stretch for him. They deserve it and voters did tell them something

last week. They agree that folks should be compensated properly. EMS is

definitely a department that needs that help. Lastly, the traffic control. He

stated that they had tragedies in the city of Allentown over the last couple of

years and all he keeps hearing from everyone is we need to do better when

it comes to pedestrian safety. He stated that here is a Traffic Control

person and he is guessing they are going to be involved with replacing

signs, doing more pavement markings, crosswalks, and school zones. He

stated that these are all the things that they want. He stated that we say we

want these things, but at budget time, they say they don't want that. They

can't have both. He gave a speech a couple of Saturdays ago about

Shrinkflation. He stated it again, in the business world there are two ways

to tackle what they are trying to accomplish, either you get less and pay the

same or you pay a little more and get what you are used to. To this day

and nothing changed in the last two weeks. There is no door number 3.

No one has figured out another option. He does believe that the EMS

department deserve the support and it goes back to the budget. When he

looks at the budget and it is his first one. Almost 75 percent of this budget

are workers. It is people and they are here for one reason. They are

serving residents. He stated that they are serving all of them, all of us and

for Council not to support them just doesn't in the long run doesn't get them

to where they need to be in the city. In his world, he supports his

employees like crazy because they get him to where he wants to be. They

bring revenue in. They take care of business. They get him what he needs

for his business to survive. It is investing in people and that is basically

something that he heard from the administration. A majority of this two

percent is to serve residents. It is to help people. He stated that he thinks

it is really important. He believe the Controller has chimed in from time to

time and has made it clear that a zero percent increase is negatively going

to impact this city. He stated that the Controller is someone he finds is

independent. He does not work for the administration and does not work

for Council. He is someone who understands the city's finances almost as

well as anyone. The fact that he mentioned this a couple of times tells him

that it is a concern, if they do end up going zero percent. He stated that he

does fell for seniors. He has done some research and luckily he knows that

Harrisburg is upping the income requirements. So seniors can make a

maximum income of $44,000 to collect rebates. The rebates have also

gone up. He stated that he has some documents here if someone wants

them at the end of the meeting. For seniors that are on that line, that are

struggling, there are resources out there to capture more rebates from the

state and Harrisburg. He said it is important, but it was not like that a year

ago. He thinks that they have it with seniors. He stated lastly, if they do

zero percent, they do zero percent, but he knows enough to know that in

September, October, November of 2024, Council will be doing a lot of

Transfers. A lot of emergency Transfers and the monies are going to come

and it will put us in a really bad position for 2025. He stated that they are

setting themselves up for a really tough spot, a year from now. The one

thing he takes out of this and he knew it was going to be tough and

everyone told him it was going to be tough. It almost feel like we are the

last ones. Other entities already raised fees. LCA came out and other

folks came out. It feels like we are the last one and everyone is like no, we

can't take anymore. It is not out fault that we are here in this moment. It is

almost like, we as a city supposed to take a hit on the chin because what

everyone else did out there. He stated that the challenges are no different.

What LCA is doing and what everyone else is doing. He stated that they

have the same challenges as the city and the same as a household. What

you are going through in your household is what the city is going through. It

comes down to we will make a decision and say listen, either we pay a little

bit more and continue on what you are getting with what residents are

expecting to get or dial it back a little bit. What he heard from the

administration, he dialed back a lot of things. He does appreciate the fact

that he was able to compromise. It is good governing. He stated what he

saw was dialed back and tells him that he got to the bare bones. To him,

EMS, Traffic Safety, and again, thinkin about the tragedies over the last

couple of years. The Police Captains and the knowledge that they want to

retain in the city. These are not issues that they will call fluff or what they call

pork in Washington. It is real stuff and residents are going to feel everyday

of the year. It is important and he gets what people are going through. He

has information for seniors. At the end of the meeting, they are welcome to

come up and get them.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was a comment from the public.

Mr. Michael Hanlon suggested that on a reconsideration, you only get one

bite at the apple and it is tonight. He is thinking that it would be wise to

reconsider the Bill without the mayor's proposal, get it on the table, and if

the mayor's proposal doesn't pass at least you can flip that to a future

meeting. If not, he stated that the mayor can introduce a new Bill. He

asked is it a Chuck or an Adam question.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that Council has to withdraw the Second on

the Motion. You have to do a Motion to Reconsider should they Reconsider

it.

This Resolution was approved.

Attorney Charles Smith asked if they want to reconsider and want the zero

percent Budget back in front of them.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes and they need public comment.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that Council can certainly take public

comment on that issue.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that at this point, is there any comments from

the public.

Mr. Victor Martinez, 1125 Colorado Street, stated that he owns a business

and employs 26 people. All of those people live in the city of Allentown. All

of the people will be impacted by a tax increase. The property that he owns

where his company is a very expensive property because it is a big piece

of property where he has to have the antennas and the office of his radio

station. He stated that tax increase will not mean just a couple of dollars for

him. It will mean hundreds of dollars for him. He understands what doing a

tax increase means because he is going to feel it and his staff is going to

come to him wanting him to give them a raise, but if they don't learn from

the past, we will make the same mistake again. He stated that some of

them were here for the 13 years that you did not raise taxes. He stated that

they were part of the problem and came in 13 years later and stuck them

with a 27 percent tax increase. He stated that they are doing it all again

and it is never a good time to raise taxes. No one ever wants their taxes to

be raised. Next year, the School Board is going to raise our taxes again,

the water is going to go up again, the electricity is going to go up again.

Next year, it will not be ok to raise taxes. The following year either. The

following year either. It will never be the right time to raise taxes. He stated

that he have not heard anyone proposing, ok, let's not raise taxes this year,

but let's do it in two years or in three years which means if they wait another

five, six, seven, or eight years, they will be back at square one with another

20 percent, 30 percent tax increase all at once. He stated so while he

doesn't want his taxes and his staff taxes being increased, he will Second

what the Councilwoman said and take it in the chin and take two percent

this time and give him another one or two percent next year. Next year,

everything is going to go up again. Instead of waiting five years and having

to pay it all at once at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 or 27 percent. He suggested to

put the big boys pants on and realize just like all of them have to pay more,

the city has dozens of vehicles running 24 hours a day. Gas is more

expensive. He stated that we have contracts and whether we like them or

not, we have to pay them. That is an increase of a $3 million in our budget

to fulfill those contracts. He stated that he is a business owner and knows

how that works. He asked where are they going to get those $3 million to

pay those contracts. He asked where are we going to get the money to

pay the $4, $5 a gallon that it takes for the police, the fire, the EMTs to pay

the gas. He does not want his taxes and staff taxes increased, but he

doesn't want Council to come to him in five years and tell him that now you

are going to stick him with a 10 or 20 percent tax increase. Let's

compromise and put our big boy pants on and try to work something out.

Maybe two this year and another two in another two years and do it a little

bit at a time instead of all at once.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the discussion is to pull the Bill out of

committee. It is not a tax increase. That would be the next discussion.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is the discussion at this time. They are

pulling the Bill back to zero.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that her intention is to vote yes because she

supports the zero percent tax increase.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated excuse me.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that something is up.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mr. Hanlon to repeat so we all understand it.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the only thing that you are doing is taking

that Bill that you passed with no tax increases, Bill 95. The only Bill that the

Mayor vetoed . You are now reconsidering that, putting that in front of you

to act on at a future date if you don't do anything or nothing. If you don't do

this, it is dead in the water and then the mayor has to introduce another Bill

on December 6. You are getting away from that headache.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that her intention is to vote yes because she

supports that the zero percent tax increase and if that two percent memo

were to fail, she would want the revert button budget, the budget that

Council would go back to be that zero percent and not the 6.9 or some

other random number. She stated that is why she is voting yes. Not

because she supports the two percent. That is where she is coming from.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Candida Affa, that this

Resolution be 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

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that someone should explain the Mayor's

amendments. There is a copy on website and copies here if you want it.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that in the simplest possible form, the amendment

proposes to because they are amending the zero percent budget. They

are saying add back the Captains raises of about $12,000, add back the

upgrades for the paramedics, add back a Sustainability Coordinator, add

back the MWII in Traffic, remove the five percent cut across the board,

remove the 10 percent cut the original amendment. He asked Mr. Hanlon if

he had the amendment. He stated that they are adding back the 10

percent that you cut from all overtime, five percent across the board.

Reverse many of those things, but then in exchange they will cut out and

continuing to remove the majority of the personnel changes. His proposal

is rather than making the five percent cut and the 10 percent cut to overtime

that they take $250,000 out of Fire overtime, that they would move the HR

Director salary to permanent wages. He stated that might have already

been done in your amendment. That we took the $130,000 out of the

Consulting line for the HR Director and moved it to permanent wages. He

thinks that they are proposing to continue with the elimination of the

Managing Director's salary of $126,984. They have the removal of an

erroneous electric expense in CED of $11,500. The removal of Training

and Professional Development in Law of $9,185. The removal a Munis

payment of IT of $55,980. The removal of the and you already took out the

HR Consultant, but the upgrades to alarms in parks and basically cutting

the 46 Accounts down $147,000 and $846. Cutting the 68 account with

Parks self-watering planters at $15,000. Cutting the 72 Account which is

the equipment account of $246,900 and that includes a CED bathroom

upgrade at Alliance Hall. He stated sorry, Health Bureau. Public Works

removal of a Master and Pole Install on Hanover Avenue. Parks reduction

and equipment and IT switches and reduction in equipment and finally in

the Finance Department and correction of the Trexler Trust Transfer fee.

Moving two vehicles from CED to the Rental Fund and eliminating a Public

Works vehicle and eliminating a fire command SUV. He stated that he

thinks that covers it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that and the combined personnel reductions.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the combined personnel reduction he

believes totaled to approximately $986,000.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is before us now.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Mr. Napoli proposed it and Ms. Affa

seconded that.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that this is for the approval of that two

percent budget.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated compromise budget.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that is what is in front of you right now.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes or no.

Attorney Charles Smith asked Council if they want to entertain.

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

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated some of them know her and she is back. She

stated that she moved back here October 2nd. She has been reduced to

be able to afford, maybe a one or two bedroom with a shared bathroom

and bath. She can't find one. She owned a house in Old Allentown that

was restored. She and her husband restored five properties in Old

Allentown under Daddona. There is no affordable housing in this city

whatsoever. She stated that a best friend of hers and someone that

Candida knows is paying close to $1,200 for a hovel. It is less than 500

square feet. It is owned by the former no show Senator's brother. The rent

has gone from $840 to $1,125. He pays for heat. He pays electric. He

pays everything. This is not acceptable. It is not acceptable that she, who

owned and restored houses in this city cannot find a place to lay her head.

No one can afford $1,125 for a room with a shared bathroom and a shared

kitchen. It is ridiculous. Why is it such a push for a Sustainability

Coordinator. Does it have anything to do with Karen Tuerk.

Attorney Charles Smith and Ms. Chambers if she is speaking out in favor of

or against the two percent compromise budget.

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated that she does not pay real estate taxes. She

is speaking for whatever Ce Ce says to tell them the truth. She stated that

Ms. Gerlach is the only person in Chambers that she trusts. She stated that

if she says yeah, then she is going to say yeah. She stated that she does

not own any property. She can't afford an apartment.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that he just was asking because that was in

front of Council.

Mr. Pas Simpson stated that he asked that they stick to that zero percent.

He knows that there is some new faces in the room today and some

familiar faces. Nothing of them were here on that Saturday morning that is

asking for this current increase. He stated that they spent hours in this

room and had people come in at 9:00 in the morning. People came

straight from work. People did not sleep. People were here until 3:00 or

2:00 in the afternoon as they listened why they should not raise the taxes in

this city. He stated as he said before, poverty is violence so any increase

is an act of violence. It is an act of violence against the population. He

agrees with the mayor that there are nicks and crannies and little things that

they can't get grants for. There are larger things that they can't get grants

for and then they can re-appropriate those dollars. They can re-appropriate

dollars that they can apply for grants in different spaces. They don't have to

continue to put burden on the people, if they actually work together.

Collaboration, unlike what the mayor says does get you to the federal level.

It does get you to the state level. All federal and state dollars that are out

there when groups come together to do greater. He stated that they can

take those monies and he is speaking of his organization Big Happy

Consultants. He stated that he does get five minutes. He is also a

business owner and also run a nonprofit so he also knows how to count

dollars and cents. It don't make dollars and it don't make sense if we are

raising the taxes when we haven't made anyone safer. What is going to

wind up happening and our police are already asked for Credible

Messengers. As they been hearing that for five years. He has been at the

meetings for five years saying the same thing. Those people that could

have been on the streets from help, still won't be on the streets for help and

we will now have more people on the streets because an increase causes

more people to be homeless, causing more people to be hungry. As you

may try to balance out your conscious, let's balance out that there has been

a 41 percent rent increase over the last few years. As you increase and

somebody said something is going to increase every year. Things are not

going to go up 11 percent every year. The water is not going to go up

every year. It did not go up last year at this point. The school taxes are not

going to go up at the same level. He suggested they stop and pay attention

to the people that are hurting the most because if you don't those are the

people that will hurt you the most. You can keep raising the top and

dragging the bottom and thinking everyone of us is safe in the middle. It is

crazy.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Kari Holmes handed in a card.

Ms. Kari Holmes stated that she was born and raised in the city of

Allentown. She loves the slogan, a city for all. She stated to President

Hendricks that it is necessary to add another voice to the fact that this city

for all and the last time she was here at a City Council meeting, the mayor

told them as a community that city services would suffer, if you made a vote

to investigate very serious claims of discrimination. Claims that cry out that

they are not all being equal in Allentown. She thinks very much so to you

colleagues, Councilwoman Gerlach's point. We hear these drastic things

that are going to happen if we don't have an increase. She stated that they

don't hear about this increase benefiting us all. Because the fact of the

matter is they all don't feel like when they step out of our house if we live on

Ridge Street or we live on Chew Street or we live on 4th Street that we are

getting the same city services that those of us who live on Cedar Crest

Boulevard are getting. It is not that we feel that our roads and streets and

our neighborhood shouldn't be safe. It is also letting you know that we must

as a city and you must as city officials do a better job in appointing the

dollars that are being allocated. It cannot look like you are not just looking

out for those that you feel that can vote you back in and to keep your seat to

continue and causing them to feel that they are ignored. It is necessary that

Council and the Mayor are going to agree on anything, there must be at

least five meetings. They should be mandatory. She invited Mr. Hendricks

to make them mandatory in Allentown, east, north, south, east and west and

in Center City Allentown to carry the people that voted them in and the

people they vowed to represent all of them to hear their voices, not just

when it comes to City Council and not when it comes a time when you can

bang your gavel and say quiet down, be quiet because the fervor in this

room is about the fact that even when you pass a budget which we will be

very boisterous about. They are going to come back and say it must

represent all of us. The hires that the mayor is presenting do not represent

all of us. They already let them know that they believe a number of them

that the fires that he has made are not representing all of them. She stated

that they also believe as community leaders: Black, Brown and all of them

that the city budget is not addressing all the needs of all of our children.

The city budget is not addressing all of the needs of all of our community

organizations. It becomes necessary for them to hear them deeply. To

hear all of them deeply because it will come to pass that all of them will vote

and not just the points of interest or the individuals of interests of one of

other seats that you represent of your colleagues. It is so very important

that even though and she truly believes that you, President Hendricks

believes this and it needs to be represented as she is closing up that the

votes that you receive and each and every person they know make these

calculations for the seat you are sitting in. They will be supporting by

certain individuals, but when you took that oath to be a City Council

member, President Hendricks you took that oath to represent all of us. Not

just those who voted for you. If the mayor does not conduct those meetings,

she urged City Council to make them mandatory before our budgets are

passed so they will have at least five meetings to ensure that the

community is heard as all.

Mr. Jeremy Bender, 1553 W. Turner Street, asked if Council voted to not

override the veto and this fails, this motion you are on right now does that

mean at some point on the 31st of December propose a new amendment.

It goes back.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the city has no budget. He stated that the

city starts anew.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that from their understanding they don't pass a

budget then they just don't have a budget. They have until December 31 to

get a budget passed.

Mr. Jeremy Bender stated that it won't default. He stated that it was not

clear from all that was going on.

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated that she would like to ask why is such a push

for a Sustainability Coordinator. Does this have anything to do with this

being a position for Karen Tuerk.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that you can make a comment. You cannot ask

questions.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that is inappropriate. His wife is employed by

Muhlenberg College.

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated sorry, you are out of order.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ma'am, please address me. You can make

comments. You cannot ask questions.

Ms. Valerie Chambers stated that an Environmental Science Lecturer is

not needed in a smart budget. She asked if every time an employee gets

redlined, will they be promoted to a new grade. Is this something that all

employees be afforded.

Ms. Jessica Ortiz stated that first she wants to apologize, especially to Mr.

Hendricks. She stated that she allowed her trauma to be her response, but

this is very, very near and dear to her heart. It is not about her. While she

went out outside to calm down, she called her daughter because they made

a comment about rent rebates. Currently at the Ark, they have 38 seniors,

just seniors not on the disabled list from 2022 who have not received their

funds. She stated 56 from 2023. She stated if they want to talk, let's get it

right. There are 24 percent of homes which are cost burden. If you don't

know what that means, she will tell them like a realtor. That means 24

percent of homes from the city of Allentown have been foreclosed on in

2023. That is what we are talking about. That is what they are talking. She

stated that they are talking building buildings for noncitizens. She stated

that they are talking about making development for noncitizens. They are

talking about raising rents. Last year, and she said it over and over again,

this year their landlord at the Ark and she is a homeowner raised the rent

from $1,200 to $1,900. Again, they funded themselves. Her mortgage

which individuals helped her work it out today to see the tax increase and

how it was affected and how it continues to affect. She even got on the

phone today to talk to lenders to see the big impact. She stated that her

mortgage is going to go up $220, depending on the numbers you guys are

doing. You know what is $220. It sounds like six percent, but when you put

it all together and you amount the amounts of escrow, that's how much an

individual who lives in Center City like herself who bought her house for

$40,000 with a six percent interest loan. When you put the water up and

the sewer up, this is the amount because Allentown's debt has unstability.

What they are requiring of citizens of Allentown who owns a home with

mortgage companies she hears the no, but she is saying as a professional

is that they have additional funds in the escrow accounts. She stated each

one of them owns a home. She stated call your mortgage and ask them

because she keeps hearing the no, the no. She stated that she is not

going to continue to respond with the trauma, the attacks and the bullying

and things that other people shouldn't be able to say. You can call your

mortgage. That is how much hers is going up. She stated that she is not

saying theirs, but her house that she bought for $40,000 for six percent

that's how much her note going to go up.

Ms. Susan Samuel, 2415 W. Tilghman Street, stated that she is originally

from New York City and a business owner and started that first 24 hour

childcare which she was looking to bring here. She found herself in a

situation where she did a lease with an option to purchase property and

then which when it came time to purchase the property, the landlord then

did a bamboozle on her and tried to raise the purchase price $70,000 and

kick her out. Here she is having to retain an attorney behind this. At the

same time as a business owner in which for the city of Allentown, they do

backpack giveaway because they are a not for profit organization and have

provided 150 backpacks to children in the city of Allentown. Families that

need it all year round. Not just at the school year, all year round. She stated

that they have been doing it for three years and each year it has gone up.

You are talking about taxes now, that's putting her in a predicament

because she is looking for a location. She stated that she is fighting a

property where she invested $30,000 to fix it up and now the owner where

she was paying $1550 a month is trying to raise it to $1,900 and kick her

out and keep everything that she put in there. Everyone says New York is

expensive, but she is literally looking to take everything back to New York

because of what's going on now. She stated now, the city is proposing this

tax increase. She stated that she is a businesswoman and she does not

see how she is going to make it to even survive while still fighting to live

and not be on the street and at the same time look for a location for the

facility, but has been providing support to families. She stated 150 already

this year they have helped children and families. The name of the

organization is It Takes a Community to Raise a Child.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if it takes anybody else. He asked if there were

any further comments from his colleagues.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that Mr. Zucal had something about the steps

not being right. She remembers at some point that Council tried to fix that

to make sure that were here last time were making more. She asked if

they are saying that is going to get messed up.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated what he initially said was that at the time the 6.9

percent was presented to us. Most of those upgrades were upgrades that

involved the steps. A guy at Step 18 was going up to a Step 20 and getting

an $8,000 raise. The Step Program was intended ever, ever to give raises

at Budget Time. It was to elevate people as they were here in time.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated for clarification, the proposals in the original 6.9

percent budget included a number of reclassifications. He stated that Mr.

Zucal is talking about an 18 to a 20. To be clear, the HR team and the

budget team and the department team evaluated the positions on what the

positions are doing and recommending the Classification Increase. Those

are all off the table at this point.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is another way to manipulate the Steps Program.

He gave another example and stated the Inspectors, and these are

numbers that he does not have memorized. He stated say they are Step

15 and they will go up to a Step 18 as they complete those certifications.

There is a thing that the job description is changing. That is fair.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she has one question. She stated to the

administration, Mayor Tuerk you were able to list pretty specific items with

the two percent increase that would be cut back. You listed some

specifics. She asked if you can list the same specifics if it were to go

down to zero percent.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they will have to cut additional items. They

might not cut those same items and you might come up with a different list

of things. There is a complexity to budgets. As an example, because they

chose to eliminate the Fire Administration positions, they also eliminated

the Fire Command SUV. Those things go together. If City Council elects

to do a zero percent tax increase, they will figure it out.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so you will figure it out.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they have to figure it out somehow. A zero

percent increase is not going to be an additional and they have to come up

with another $765,000 that they have to figure out. They have to look at

things and think about how often they collect any number of things that they

could get a call for. He is not going to say who it was, but someone called

him about a dead deer on the sidewalk in front of their house. They were

able to make a call and get that dead animal collected within hours. They

don't have that same flexibility when they have to reduce services. It has a

tangible impact on the quality of life for neighborhoods and residences. If

City Council continues with and you have right now the Bill that says five

percent cuts across the board and they will figure out how to make that

work and that is what you will see next.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that her understanding if they were to pass a

zero percent and say no to the two percent increase that you can even do

that in January. You would not have to come back right now. You staff will

have time to really drill into the numbers and determine what that would look

like at a zero percent increase.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated from what he understands the existing Bill says to

them consistent with what Controller Glazier said. Don't micromanage

them. Let them figure out how to make the cuts. If they have to make a five

percent cut across all items, they are going to focus on the things that they

don't need to do to continue to operate as a city government. The primary

thing they do is plow the streets, sweep the streets, cut the grass in the

parks, respond to fires, respond to 911 calls, make sure the paramedics

show up, and inspect apartments. He stated that he can keep listing all the

things that they do and provide administrative support for those things.

There is a lot of stuff that they are obligated to do. He stated that they do a

plan review. He stated that they have mandated as a City Council years

ago that the people mandated. They inspect apartments. There is a lot of

stuff that they have to do that they can't turn off. There are contracts they

have that they can't turn off. They have to go to the things that they can turn

off. The programs that they all enjoy. It sounds Grinchy, Mr. Zucal and it

sounds, the fireworks and he does not know exactly how she describe them

Ms. Cauler. It sounds terrible, but those are the places that they are forced

to turn if they have no other option. That is where the revenue increase that

they are asking for allows them to provide or attempt to maintain levels of

service that we come to expect for Allentown residents he believe deserve,

including a flu vaccine for Mr. Zucal.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she appreciates that. She stated that it

would have been cool knowing that a lot of them didn't want a zero percent

increase, just like you were able to give some specifics for two percent. If

you would have maybe had some specifics of the zero percent, knowing

that there are at least some of them up here are aiming for. She asked

about the chemicals in pools, how many less chemicals you are able to

buy. How much less salt? The specifics, how much many cots will not.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he can give her specifics on Public Works for

instance. Some departments started that effort. He stated that Mark

provided them with things like a Traffic Engineering Consultant that they

would be cutting it down to $15,000. It allows for less work to be done to

make our streets a little bit safer. Line painting for the streets. He stated

that they have a line painting contract that they budgeted $160,000. They

cut that back to $120,000. It has an impact. Those are just some

examples. He asked the team and stated that he believes in a small

increase and how they can do better for all of the residents. If Council

elects to stick with zero percent, they will take it back and figure out how to

get that five percent cut across the board. Again, it will mean and

Councilperson Napoli alluded to that. They will be showing up hat in hand

in September and in October of next year because there are practical

realities in regards to police overtime. There are practical realities

associated with fire overtime. He stated that sometimes his team beats

him up for it. This is a consequence of a zero based budget. He stated to

the team, this is what they are actually going to do and it doesn't give a ton

of latitude to project what the future holds. He stated that Vicky is in his ear

often about the consequences of a major snowstorm. Let's say you pass a

zero percent budget, they make the cuts, and they have a devastating

snowstorm in January. The first thing they are going to do is come back to

them with a transfer request to say hey, this screwed up the whole budget

and they have to allocate differently for the rest of the year. Those will begin

as soon as they don't have things that don't go according to plan. The two

percent allows them again to provide the level of service that they both

believe the residents deserve. It is really hard, He knows it and they know

it. They talk to many of the same people. They been through the same

experience and know what it is like. It is hard. He knows what it is like.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated no comments.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated they can comment. He stated that he knows what

it is like. It ain't easy. The consequence is that we have to reduce the

things that we do and that means that all the calls that they get about traffic

at 14th and Highland or the bright light at 19th and Highland or the dead

deer on Jefferson Street or the neighbor who has the accumulating trash for

a Sweep Officer. All that stuff slows down because our team upstairs is

trying to do more with less. They are fraying at the edges and even though

they are coming and working on Saturdays, there is a point in which they

say that they don't what to come and work on a Saturday. They want to go

to North Whitehall and want to work four days a week for more money and

they walk. What the city is left with is less experienced which slows

everything down and deeply unfair to our residents. He stated that he truly

understands the situation that all of the residents face. He stated that $6 is

$6, right. That is not nothing. That is breakfast at McDonald's for a kid. It

is $7.89. He stated that he knows how much it is. It gets you part of the

way for breakfast at McDonald's. That has an impact. That is real, right. It

is real across the board for everybody. He stated that when they pay taxes

they are looking at Mr. Martinez mentioned that the more taxes that his

business will pay. The taxes that business pays is the taxes that someone

says about the green tinted windows and the skyscrapers in the NIZ. The

additional taxes that they pay goes to where it is needed. It goes to help all

of our residents. It is not just a tax on residents. The increase in property

tax is paid by all property owners in the city of Allentown. The greater

numbers are paid by the higher valued properties. He stated that is why he

calls it a progressive tax. That means if you build a $100 million building in

downtown Allentown, and you are paying $50,000 in taxes and the city is

asking you to pay another two percent of $50,000 is another $1,000. That

$1,000 goes to support services in the places that need it the most. That is

what the challenge is here. He stated that he over-did the answer to the

question. He does think deeply about this.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she appreciates the Mayor's comments.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any other comments by his

colleagues. He mentioned as Mr. Martinez pointed out so much. He stated

that if they don't do it now, when? If they don't raise taxes incrementally,

they are going to be left two or three years down the road raising much

more significantly. The other thing that they are already obligated to do is

to fulfill the contracts from working employees. Non-bargaining unit is

getting a three percent raise next year. That alone is more than what they

are asking for the budget increase of two percent. Otherwise they are

going to continue with increased costs with decreased revenue. It won't

look nice down the road. He commended the administration for their

compromise. They went from seven, to almost six, down to two percent

and cut a lot out of that. He strongly recommend his colleagues to vote for

this. It supports those things most important to them. He stated that EMS

was at the scene of that gentleman tonight who is here in person within five

minutes walking here. That is incredible. That happen on October 26. He

asked if anybody else.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that someone else came up earlier today and

complained about our parks. Our parks are our treasure. She stated that

the city has the most beautiful parks. She complained what a mess they

are. The director as Council if they can put more staff on so they can clean

up. It takes them days to clean up with people coming from out of state in

New Jersey and New York and mess up our parks. It takes them days. Our

bathrooms have to be redone. You cut that out of the budget. That is just

one thing. Just the parks. She stated that Council is going to listen to when

they come up there during Council and complain about the weeds that you

are calling Sweep and they are not there for two weeks. These are the

things that you need to want. These are the things that you are expected to

have. These services when you need them. Protect out parks. She stated

that they cut that out and not going to do it. The city only has a couple of

pools open. They would love to open all the pools. She stated that they

can't afford it. How are they going to afford the lifeguards. She asked how

are they going to afford all of these things. As Mr. Martinez said, if they

don't do it now. You talked about 13 years ago and she doesn't think any of

them were here for 13 years. She stated that the city has not raised the

taxes for five years. That is five years the city has not raised them and the

Mayor is talking about what is going to happen in two more years. That is

seven. Before you know it, it will be up to13 years and a 27 percent

increase. It is going to happen. it is not, not going to happen. She stated

that if they don't raise the amount a little bit here and a little bit new year, it

is going to happen. What happens with the State Hospital. They are

practically putting a village up there. She stated that the Lehigh Valley is

expanding like crazy and they are the only one that has a housing market.

Florida, if you go to almost any state and all the rents. She stated that her

cousin in Florida, $400 it went up. Everybody has the same problem, but

what they need to do is what happens when the State Hospital Project at

Northridge is in full bloom in five years. The city is going to need more

patrols, better roads, traffic lights, and what happens when the Waterfront

and all that. She stated that the city is expanding. She stated excuse me.

If you wan to have Council by yourself. Go out and have Council by yourself.

With the Waterfront, if our city is growing and we want more for our city, we

are going to have to raise taxes. It is never not going to happen. This is

only two percent. Imagine what it is going to be next year and the year after

and the year after if we don't do the two percent and possibly a percent or

two next year or whatever. Mr. Martinez nailed it when he said he does not

want to pay a higher percentage in four or five years. She thanked the

ones that listened and the ones that weren't rude.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was anybody else.

Attorney Charles Smith asked for Council to restate the Motion.

Mr. Michael Hanlon read the Motion. The Motion is to amend Bill 95 for the

General Fund Budget that the Mayor vetoed with his two percent proposal

that he reviewed. He stated that is the proposal that is in front of you and it

is on the webiste.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated just so that they are clear, a yes vote means that you

don't approve of the two percent. He asked if he is correct.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that a yes vote means that you approve of

the two percent.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated as amended.

Attorney Charles Smith stated if you are in favor of the two percent

compromise budget that will be an affirmative yes vote. He stated that is

why he asked the Clerk to clarify.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that means we have no budget and Council will

be back at the table at some point and renegotiating for such. He thanked

them all and stated that they will move on.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that they still have a Resolution to deal with.

A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Candida Affa, that this

Resolution be amended. The motion failed by the following vote:

3 - Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

No:

4 - Cynthia Mota, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Natalie Santos

15-6435

Veto Message

Mayor's second proposed adjustment

Attachments: Veto Message

BP-Final-2 Percent Reductions One Page Summary

2 Percent Reductions One Page Summary_revised 11.7.23 4.00pm

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

Budget Amendments - Nov 4

Mayor's 2% Proposal Final

Councils Adopted Budget Amendment

Veto Message

Ordinance #15964 Bill No. 95 2024 BUDGET AND TAX RATE -

Budget Amendments Final Action

Enactment No: 15964

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral) : There are no ordinances for introduction.

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

15-6433

R202

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 213 N. 11th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R202 HARB Resolution to DENY - 213 N. 11th St

213 N 11th Street Final Review

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

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

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 30757

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 9:23 PM

15-5720

Council Rules

Procurement Procedures

Code of Ethics

Attachments: Council Rules 2023

Contract/Procurement Procedures from the Code

Ethics Code