435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Invocation:

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

Pledge to the Flag

Roll Call

6 -

Present:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Ms. Dawn Godshall, 523-525 N. Seventh Street, thanked Council for the

work they do every week. She is appreciative of the fact that Council

reconsidered their position on the Credible Messenger and doing a PILOT

Program. She regrets that there are groups in the community that do not

get along. It is important as a communtiy that we have to get along with one

another.

Ms. Betty Cauler, 2212 Tilghman Street, brought in her neighbor's mirror

and stated that their cars were hit from 23rd all the way to 19th Street. That

is because of the Allentown Parking Authority. It is very dangerous to park

on that street.

Ms. Gomez, 164 W. Gordon Street, stated that citizens in the town are

hurting financially and mentally. Majority of everyone that she has spoken to

are dealing with the Allentown Parking Authority on a daily basis. She

started a Petition from people that had enough of the Allentown Parking

Authority. She saw the Allentown Parking Authority give a ticket to a

Constable car.

Mayor J. William Reynolds, City of Bethlehem, stated that it is great to be

back. He worked in the Allentown School District for 13 years. He thinks of

Allentown as his second home. He thanked the Mayor and the city. They

announced the three-city coalition between the cities of Allentown,

Bethlehem and Easton to work on housing, homelessness and

sustainability. They want to advocate to work together for different regional

solutions and partnerships and how to work together.

Mr. Pas Simpson, 215 N. Ninth Street, stated that he loves what Mayor

Reynolds said. Permanant solution, we need the public sector to match the

passion of the work of the nonprofits. He stated that poverty is violence,

and the city is not addressing the issues. They have been fighting for three

years to get Council to invest in the people. The Allentown Parking

Authority is a form of violence.

Mr. Julio Moreno, 333 N. Franklin Street, stated that he has lived for 23

years in Allentown. He talked about the Parking Authority and tickets. He

works with merchandise, and he will have his bags in his hands with

insurance, and inspection and one of the stickers came off because of the

climate. He stated that Parking Authority officer pushed him, the police

was called and cameras were there. They gave attention to the Allentown

Parking Authority and not him.

15-5725

Privilege of the Floor and Courtesy of the Floor

Attachments: Privilege of the Floor and Courtesy of the Floor

15-5724

Courtesy of the Floor - Petition to Limit Allentown Parking Authority (Ms.

Gomez' Handout)

Attachments:

Contract Approvals

15-5691

Courtesy of the Floor - Petition to Limit Allentown Parking Authority

(Ms. Gomez' Handout)

R49

Authorization for Contract with H & K Group, Inc (Coopersburg Materials,

Div of Naceville Materials, JV & Easton Quarry, Div of H & K Group, Inc.),

New Enterprise, and PMG SM PA LLC, d/b/a SealMaster at the unit prices

identified in the bid, for a total estimated sum of $1,927.647.50 to furnish

and/or deliver and/or apply road materials, including but not limited to

geotextiles.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R49 Road Materials

Resolution #30600

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

concerns from his colleagues or the public.

Mr. Glenn Hunsicker asked if this is the country road the city had a couple

of years ago.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated no, it is not Mr. Hunsicker. This is for asphalt.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30600

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-5699 February 15, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: February 15, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Communications: Order of DeMolay

Mr. Ed White spoke on how Order of DeMolay International was founded in

1919 in Kansas City, Missouri and he joined back in 1975. The Allentown

Chapter was founded in 1926 and gave a history of Order of DeMolay.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks commended Mr. White and thank him for his work.

Old Business: NONE

REPORTS

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

The Committee met last Wednesday, reviewed the CAFR, the monthly finances, and

forwarded a few items on tonight’s agenda; a future meeting has not been

scheduled.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa

The committee met last Wednesday and forwarded items on this evening’s agenda; a

future meeting has not been scheduled.

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

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; a future meeting has not

been scheduled.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Mota

The Committee met this evening; the committee will meet prior to the next council

meeting on March 15, time to be determined.

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; a meeting will be

scheduled prior to the council meeting on March 15th, time to be determined.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks

The Committee met this evening, a meeting will be scheduled prior to the council

meeting on March 15th, time to be determined.

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

Mota, Gerlach

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; a future meeting has not

yet been scheduled.

Controller’s Report (3 minutes)

Mr. Jeffery Glazier went over the Accounts Payable Weekly Check Review for the

time period 12/31/2022 - 1/27/2023, reviewing 414 checks which represented 641

documents for a total amount of $4,435,000. The Controller's office did 10 manual

checks in the amount of $123,000 and five wires for $1.5 million. He went over the

findings. The benefits will be handled differently. Risk will handle things.

Mayor’s Report (3 minutes)

Mayor Matt Tuerk talked about the happenings in February and items of note: Good

news: the city posted summer labor positions; presently have 29 positions posted to

the city's website; Closing the third and fourth floor counters for intense Intergov

Training; Continuing with CED and encouraged Council to look at the Facebook

Page. The city is spotlighting small businesses; The fire department was paid a visit

from the person that was rescued from the trench. He talked about the Annual Fire

Annual Report. The first opportunity to get the plows out and getting it cleared.

Unfortunately, there was an officer - involved shooting. The mayor's office had City

Hall at the Table soft launch. In February, the city recognized a few different groups:

Amazing event of the Dominican Heritage Day, Black History Month and a celebration

at Symphony Hall. They are beginning the celebration of Women's History. The

Executive Raptors are in the playoffs. City Hall at the Table will take place again on

March 23rd at 6:00 PM. St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising with Irish Dancing on March 17

and March 31st celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility. He stated that Ms. Patel

prepares a Finance Report for the Budget and Finance Committee. He encouraged

Council to take a look. Real Estate taxes came in one percent higher. The General

Fund expenditures came in one percent lower.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if any of his colleagues have any questions or comments

for the Mayor.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5659

Bill 6

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of funds

within the Skatepark Development Capital Project in the amount of

Twenty-One Thousand Three Hundred and Fifty-One Dollars and

Seventy-Two Cents ($21,351.72). The purpose of this transfer is to

purchase new lighting to be installed by the Parks and Recreation

Department.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 6 Skate Park Equipment

Ordinance #15875

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was in the committee this evening, how

the committee did not have quorum. He stated that Council will discuss

and vote at this time. He asked if there were any questions.

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

from his colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Candida Affa, that this Bill

be pulled from committee and voted on it tonight.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15875

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15875

15-5658

Bill 7

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Five

Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($595,000.00) from the Pools and

Spray Park project fund and Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) from the

Auburn Cross Trails project fund to the Irving Pool Improvements fund to

provide the necessary funding to complete construction.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 7Irving Pool Transfer

Ordinance #15876

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there was no quorum.

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

from his colleagues or the public.

A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Candida Affa, that this Bill

be pulled from committee and voted on it tonight.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15876

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15876

15-5655

Bill 8 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably 3-0.

Amending the Part Two General Legislation, Chapter 298 Flood Control,

Article VIII Existing Structures in Identified Floodplain Areas, Section 38

Improvements, Part E by repealing it in its entirety.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 8 Flood Control Amendment

Ordinance #15877

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Ms. Kistler if she wants to comment on this.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that it is to clarify language to make it less

ambiguous.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is just a clarification to make it less

ambiguous. He asked if there were any further questions, comments, or

concerns from his colleagues or hte public.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15877

15-5656

Bill 9 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably, 3-0.

Provides for the expenditure of certain monies received by the City of

Allentown under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of

1976, as amended; The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid

Transition to Housing Act of 2009; and Title II of the National Affordable

Housing Act of 1990, as amended; for the purpose of undertaking

programs of housing and community development within the city.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 9 DCED ESG Accounts

Ordinance #15878

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was in Ms. Affa's committee and

forwarded favorably to the full Council. He asked if there were any

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

5 - Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, and Santo Napoli

Yes:

Absent:

Abstain:

1 - Cynthia Mota

1 - Ce-Ce Gerlach

Enactment No: 15878

15-5606

Bill 10 Public Works, this evening

Providing that a section of Ann Street on the east side of Allentown

between East Maple Street, South Albert Street, East Walnut Street and

South Bradford Street, be called “John Snyder Way.” This was initially

introduced as a resolution, the committee had no issues changing the

name of the street, which needs to be done by ordinance. There are no

property owners impacted by the legislation. Public Works is fine with the

change.

Hendricks, Mota and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments:

Bill 10 Renaming the Street Surrounding Ann Street between East

Maple, South Albert, East Walnut and South Bradford Streets John

Snyder Way

Dedicating City Assets

John Snyder Way 1

Ordinance #15879

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was sent favorably, 3 - 0.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is 3 - 0 to the full Council. He asked if

there were any questions or comments from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that Mr. Snyder was a very valuable person when it

came to the youth over on the eastside. This is very fitting and a nice way to

honor him.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal and concurred with that reading and

his extensive volunteerism on the eastside and support in the whole area.

He asked if there were any questions or comments from the public.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15879

15-5660

Bill 12 Motion to pull from committee to vote on, was introduced last

council meeting

Amending the 2023 Fire Department Uniforms budget to provide for a

supplemental appropriation of funds received from the Federal Emergency

Management Agency to provide for the purchase of 8 complete sets of

NFPA 1971 approved turnout gear for our new recruits. This ensemble will

include a turnout coat, pants, helmet, one pair of boots, two pairs of gloves,

two hoods, and an individual face piece which is properly fit-tested.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 12 - Fire Uniforms

Ordinance #15880

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is quite obvious necessary equipment.

He asked if there were questions or comments from his colleagues or the

public.

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

pulled from committee and voted on it tonight.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15880

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 15880

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if anyone had an issue with the Consent

Agenda and wants to remove the legislation. He asked if there were any

public comments on it.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

15-5680

R50

Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 1550-52

W. Chew, 1118 W. Turner, 735 Oak and 937 North Streets

Attachments: R50 Certificate of Appropriateness

735 Oak Street Final Review

937 North Street Final Review

1118 Turner Street Final Review

1550 52 Chew Street Final Review

Resolution #30601

Enactment No: 30601

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5648

R47 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably, 3-0

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1024 W. Chew Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R47 HARB Resolution to DENY - 1024 W Chew St

1024 W Chew Street -Final Review

Resolution #30602

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

concerns from his colleagues or the public.

Ms. Jessica Cancel, owner of 1024 W. Chew Street stated that and her

question is she understands why they don't want the initial report. It was

made differently, and they submitted that. Are there any other avenues that

she can get it approved.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will have the Director of Community and

Economic Development address your question.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she believes it was denied

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she believes it was denied because it does

not meet the design guidelines. She stated that she is sure if Ms. Cancel

reaches out to the staff and there are other options, they will be willing to

work with her to resubmit. In order to meet the design guidelines, the vent

has to move. She does not think the owner is willing to move the vent.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that she has no options available to her other

than those made available to her.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30602

15-5623

R46 Budget and Finance Committee, forwarded favorably with the caveat

that the committee work with the administration to lessen the need for

transfers by considering threshold levels and getting the transfers done

proactively - transfer approval before expenditure.

Approves 17 transfers: $1,267,922.34 in Fire Administration & Operations

Correcting 2022 Negative Personnel Balances - $87,917.84 is available

within the Fire Admin Program, $987,258.59 in Information Services for All

Expenses for the Project were Charged to the Original Account Given of

001-07-3000-2119-76; $391,909.27 in EMS Correcting 2022 Negative

Personnel Balances; $358,894.65 in Police Operations Correcting 2022

Negative Personnel Balances; $63,904.50 in PW – Fleet for No Personnel

Wages Were Budgeted in the New Garage Program in Nov – Dec

2022/$51,494.16 is available within the program; $33,852.37 in Police

Academy Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022; $33,182.43

in Traffic Planning Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022;

$16,405.66 in Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022;

$13,592.44 in Trexler Grounds Maintenance for Permanent Wages,

Temporary Wages, Premium Pay & FICA were underbudgeted in 2022 in

the Trexler Account; $9,000.00 in Public Works for the Funds Needed to be

Transferred So They Are Available in the Correct Account – Public Works;

$8,862.91 in CED Director – Administration Correcting Negative

Personnel Balances for 2022; $8,000.00 in Public Works for the Funds

Needed to be Transferred So They Are Available in the Correct Account –

Public Works; $7,613.86 in Mayor for Longevity & FICA Were

Underbudgeted in 2022; $6,765.00 in Human Resources Needed to Cover

Tuition Reimbursements and Certificate Bonuses; $5,851.80 in PW – Tech

Services Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022; $5,556.12 in

HR Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022; $5,259.96 in Public

Works – Office of Compliance for Temporary Wages & Premium Pay

Were Underbudgeted for 2022.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R46 Transfer Funds

Solid Waste

Public Works

Information Services

Needed To Cover Tuition Reimbursements and Certificate Bonuses for

2022

Longevity & FICA Were Underbudgeted in 2022

Temporary Wages & Premium Pay Were Underbudgeted for 2022

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $33,182.43

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $5,851.80

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $33,852.37

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $5,556.12

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $8,862.91

Permanent Wages, Temporary Wages, Premium Pay & FICA Were

Underbudgeted in 2022 in the Trexler Account

Correcting 2022 Negative Personnel Balances

Correcting 2022 Negative Personnel Balances $391,909.27

No Personnel Wages Were Budgeted In The New Garage Program in

Nov - Dec 2022

Correcting Negative Personnel Balances for 2022 - $87,917.84 Is

Available Within the Fire Admin Program

Resolution #30603

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

concerns from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mayor Turek and Ms. Patel, how does this happen.

We have each department come here and give their budget and we have

$1,267,922.34 in negative balances that we have to correct. How can we

not know how much we have to pay for college credits.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that the budget was approved by you, and it wasn't

the amount of the budget that was approved was not in the correct account.

She stated that they had to transfer funds. Unfortunately, at the end of the

year, we had change in personnel and the remedy of what we are going to

correct is that there will be frequent meetings. At the end of each quarter,

we will have a department and budget team to have conversations when

they are progressing in the year and anticipate where they are moving the

funds.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that if it was him and his checking account and

spending the money before he had it in there, it would probably be looked

at as writing a bad check.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that she does agree with him. The budget was

approved, but the amounts were incorrect. She stated that they will monitor

it better going forward.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that we have to do better. It really makes the city looks

bad.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this came up at the Budget and Finance

Committee and Ms. Patel and the committee worked together to help

make these changes. She is aware that the departments need to meet

more. He got some feedback from the Controller.

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

or the public.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30603

15-5693

R51 This is a new resolution to be voted on.

Approves one transfer: $189,500 Budget & Finance For An Error When

Entering the 2023 Budget - The Financial Advisory Expense & the NIZ

Electronic Report Contracts for be 46 not 42.

Attachments: R51 Transfer Funds

An Error When Entering the 2023 Budget - The Financial Advisory

Expense & the NIZ Electronic Report Contracts for be 46 not 42

Resolution #30604

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this is more of a clerical.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is no financial impact.

Ms. Bina Patel stated that the incorrect account was used in budgeting.

Contract Services are paid out of Account 46. When they were preparing

the budget, it was paid out of Account 42.

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

his colleagues or the public.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30604

15-5420

R165 Budget and Finance, forwarded with the caveat that forensic audit

be changed to external audit and that consideration be given to having the

Controller do a performance audit for better initial understanding of the

process - committee wanted to hear from the prime sponsor,

Councilperson Zucal.

Authorizes expenditure of funds for an independent forensic audit of the

use of overtime and sick/leave time across all city bureaus and departure

pay-outs

Affa, Gerlach, Hendricks and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments: R165 Forensic Audit

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

concerns from his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the only comment is that he is asking for an

external audit because he wants it to be independent. That way Council will

get the correct numbers. One of the things that is striking to him and one of

the reasons he is asking for this is the last actual departure payouts. He

wants the public to know what agreements or deals were made to have

those people leave. Not the reason for them to leave, but the financial part

of it. He referred to R46 as to one of his reasons.

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

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that his only concern externally is the cost involved

of getting someone external. We have a Controller that can contribute

some information and at least prepare it in a way to bring down some of

the costs. At that standpoint, the city can save some money there.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he agrees with him, but his concern is the

independence of it.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that the Controller is as independent as they

come. He is not external, but was elected independently. He stated that he

is not beholden to Council or beholden to the administration. He stated that

Council needs to get a better understanding of what they are looking for.

He suggested that they sit down with the administration first. Having an

understanding of the agreements and the processes will go a long way to

answering the processes and the Controller's office can take a look at a

piece of it.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was anybody else on Council.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if they would like to consider the amendment first

to change Forensic Audit to Certified External Auditor.

Mr. Santo Napoli asked if you do external, does that excludes the

Controller. Is that an option?

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that is part of his amendment.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is a certified external auditor.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked how much will that cost for an external certified

auditor to do this type of thing.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that has to be determined when the RFP is sent.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if it is like $50,000 or $100,000 or $10,000.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he can't answer that question.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mr. Glazier if he had an idea of what that would

be.

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that if Council removes the term forensic from it,

you probably will drop your costs significantly. He stated that beyond that,

he cannot give them a number. You are casting a really broad net there.

He suggested that they talk to the administration first, because they may

not need to spend this money at all.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that what's before Council is R165 which

according to Legistar authorizes expenditure of funds for an independent

forensic audit of the use of overtime and sick/leave time across all city

bureaus and departure pay-outs. Allentown City Council desires to engage

a forensic auditor. He asked if Mr. Zucal making a Motion that forensic

auditor be changed to external auditor. He asked if anybody seconded that

yet.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated not yet.

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

his colleagues.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this vote is strictly the wording.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this Motion will change Forensic Audit to

Certified External Audit.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

Mr. Pas Simpson stated that hearing the Controller say that he is external

already and he is not beholden to any one of you two parties, the Council or

the Mayor's office. When the Controller makes a report is it open to the

public to see. If it is open to the public to see, why are we spending more

money. He stated that the city does not pay for the things we need already.

Why spend money, if he can do it for free and make it public notice.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that you are not at the stage yet, you are just

changing verbiage in here.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that if this Motion was to pass, it would have

the effect of amending just the language that would ultimately come before

you.

Attorney Charles Smith stated procedural someone could make a motion

to amend that language to not exclude the Controller.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that Council had an Executive Session. Is the

intent to make the information that they were told in Executive Session to

the public so they can get those numbers and figures.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated once the audit is complete. It would be public

information anyway.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that all this Resolution does is authorize the

expenditure of the funds to craft an RFP. This simply authorizes Council to

expend funds to craft an RFP.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it authorizes Council to do that. They may decide

down the road if they meet with the administration not to do it. If the Mayor

is willing to meet with them.

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated always.

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

language be changed from Forensic Audit to Certified External Auditor.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30605

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if it is going to read the Forensic Audit to be

changed to Certified Forensic Auditor City Controller.

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is adequate.

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

A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Candida Affa, that this

Resolution to have the language include the City Controller.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30605

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments, concerns or

questions from his colleagues or the public.

Ms. Pas Simpson asked if you meet with the mayor and get the answers

that you need, do the answers then become public. At the end of the day,

we still need to know.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that since the Controller gives the report, that is

something that the Controller can provide. He asked Mr. Glazier if he

agrees with that.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that public information is public information and

nonpublic information is nonpublic information.

6 -

Yes:

Candida Affa, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, and

Santo Napoli

1 - Cynthia Mota

Absent:

Enactment No: 30605

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-5698

Bill 13

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an appropriation of

Three Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Six Hundred ($398,600.00) Dollars

into a new capital fund account. This money was awarded as a DCNR

Grant for Phase 2 Construction of the Jordan Skatepark.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 13 Skate Park DCNR Grant

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

MEETING

15-5696

Bill 14

Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 163 Animals, Article I

Animal Control by updating the language in Sections 1, 3-7, 13-15, 18, and

21-23.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 14 Animal Control Amendment

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING

15-5697

Bill 15

Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of The State Fire Commissioner

(OSFC) Grant to the Allentown EMS Department to upgrade equipment.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 15 OFSC EMS Grant

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):

15-5695

R52

Authorizes expenditure of funds to draft an RFP for a credible messenger

program.

Gerlach and Santos

Sponsors:

Attachments: R52 Incredible Messenger Funding

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE

Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that tomorrow is Read Across America today and

there are opportunities across the many public schools in the city of

Allentown to read to kids. It is deeply appreciated by the kids. There is a

signup Genius, and he is happy to share the link for Council or any member

of the public to get them signed up to read to the kids. They are the future

of our city.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk and stated that it is very

important. Children need to develop good reading skills.

ADJOURNED: 7:57 PM

15-5720

Council Rules

Procurement Procedures

Code of Ethics

Attachments: Council Rules 2023

Contract/Procurement Procedures from the Code

Ethics Code