435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
Public Works Committee  
Wednesday, March 1, 2023  
6:15 PM  
Council Chambers  
Roll Call: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks  
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:  
Mr. Mark Shahda stated that the Public Works Department was  
approached to do a street dedication in memory of Mr. John Snyder.  
Engineering reviewed the request and Public Works has no objections.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any objections from the neighbors of any  
kind.  
Mr. Mark Shahda stated that is correct.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any questions from his committee.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this roadway that is being renamed has no  
addresses or no residential or commercial buildings.  
Mr. Mark Shahda stated that there would not be any change of address  
required at the properties.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that was part of his concern.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any questions from the public.  
A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Natalie Santos, that this  
Ordinance be forwarded without recommendation. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
3 - Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos and Daryl Hendricks  
Enactment No: 15879  
Yes:  
Updates  
Mr. Mark Shahda talked about the Garage stating that the city is three  
months since they took over operations. He stated that he is here tonight to  
say how things are progressing. What they accomplished so far and what  
still needs to be done and staffing levels. He talked about bringing the  
garage in house in December 2022 was necessary and a much needed  
change because the level of service and costs. The number one goal is to  
provide better customer service. There was one position that remained  
vacant. Now there are 12 union and three management positions. They  
are able to maintain the PA inspection license. The state inspections were  
always outsourcing and emissions. They secured towing contract with  
Ross Towing. They are trying to finalize a contract for mechanical and  
body repair. They received 10 responses and they hoping to have this bid  
finalized shortly. They are looking for ways to streamline buying parts.  
Another open house will be held for vendors. He talked about getting  
quotes for a JPro Scanner to decrease costs. The scanner will check the  
diagnostics of the vehicles, troubleshoot issues and reduce downtime. The  
cost savings are doing state inspections and emissions in-house. The city  
will save $25,000 annually by making a small investment. The 2023 budget  
was approved for $5.15 million. Year to date, 37 percent of the budgeted  
amount. He talked about larger purchases or costs: Fuel, parts and  
repairs. He introduced the management team: Dan Steckel, Chris Bianco,  
and Justin Kahler. He gave a shoutout to all the city departments listed.  
With all the collaboration and hard work, they are able to have a successful  
transition within a 30-day period. He gave a shoutout to Ms. Gabrielle  
Heiney instrumental and making all this happen behind the scenes.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked the team for doing the job that they are doing and  
stated that he would not have expected anything less than that. He asked if  
there were any comments from his committee members.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated job well done. Please continue the great work.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that she did not have any comments at the  
moment.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if there were any comments from the public.  
Mr. Glenn Hunsicker thanked Mr. Zucal for putting this on. A year or so you  
had a committee formed and they are trying to get updates and updates.  
Finally, the city came through, you came through and Mr. Shahda came  
through. He stated that so far it is a half decent job that was not as difficult  
as everybody thought becaue of the times and getting people back into the  
system. He asked if they are funding properly and everything approved in  
the budget.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes, everything is approved. He asked if there were  
any other comments from the public.  
Adjournment: 6:25 PM