435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, May 17, 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. Pas Simpson stated that the city had more shootings. Someone was

shot on Tilghman Street Bridge and had to drive themselves to the hospital.

The summertime is coming. You have to do something. You are sitting on

$1.5 million that has been approved since November. How many people

need to be shot? How many people need to die before you decide to do

something. One person is dead, and another person shot. It is going to

get more dangerous. It is Police Appreciation time. They can't do it by

themselves. Who is coming to an unsafe city? Who is coming to a place

where someone get shot on a bridge? Who is coming to a place where

you get shot at a new development? Who is coming to our city if we don't

do something different.

Contract Approvals

15-5895

R88

Authorization for Contract with AW Trucking School, LLC as the primary

and IEC US Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a) Sage Truck Driving Schools) as

secondary in the estimated sum of $90,000.00 per contract year to provide

CDL Training for Class A Commercial Driver’s License as required for

some City of Allentown work activities. The contractor must be able to

provide this training to selected employees and provide all needed

assistance in obtaining a CDL; , multiple quotes, the contract is for three

(3) years; and can be extended for up to an additional two (2) one (1) year

terms beyond the contract expiration period at the City’s sole and absolute

discretion.

Attachments: R88 CDL Training Services

Resolution #30639

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if someone from the administration wishes to

speak to this.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2023-10. It was

advertised on March 3, 2023. On April 3, 2023, the public opening was

held and the city received five proposals. The Evaluation Committee held

both technical and cost evaluations. The proposal was evaluated on the

ability to meet the RFP requirements and after all evaluations were

conducted, the committee decided not to hold oral interviews. The

committee made the recommendation to award based on the firms

qualifications and overall score. The committee is recommending to award

to AW Trucking as the primary vendor and they are also a minority owned

business and stage as a secondary vendor.

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

questions from his colleagues. He stated that it is kind of self explanatory.

The need for the training is obvious. He asked if there were any questions

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: 30639

15-5896

R89

Authorization for Contract with PA Fire Recovery Service, LLC (PAFRS) to

enhance recovery of all reasonable costs of responding to emergency

incidents. Customers will pay PAFRS fifteen percent (15%) of all monies

collected on their behalf through the billing efforts of PAFRS. This

percentage is for incidents collected on from the Incident Report Date and

for a period of 6 months after. If an incident is collected on that exceeds

said condition, the Customer will pay PAFRS thirty percent (30%) of the

monies collected on their behalf for incidents that fall under this period. The

City shall receive the funds that are collected minus the fees for collection.

The City of Allentown believes that the cost of providing emergency

services should be borne partially by the individuals insurance companies;

multiple bids, contract is for one (1) year and may be extended for up to an

additional four (4), one (1) year renewals..

Attachments: R89 Cost Recovery Services

Resolution #30640

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP2023-08 and was

advertised on Public Purchase on March 10, 2023. On April 10, 2023, the

public opening was held and the city received three proposals. The

Evaluation Committee held both technical and cost evaluations. The

proposal for ability to meet the RFP requirements and after all the

evaluations were conducted, the committee decided not to hold oral

interviews. The committee made the recommendation to award based on

the firms qualifications and overall score. The committee is recommending

on award to PA Fire Recovery Service, LLC. They are a small business.

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

his colleagues. He asked is this the first that the city will be utilizing this

service.

Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated yes, that is correct.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions 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: 30640

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-5880 April 12, 2023 Special Council Meeting

Attachments: April 12, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-5900

April 26, 2023 Special Council Meeting

Attachments: April 26, 2023 Special Council Meeting

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Communications: NONE

Old Business

Mr. Ed Zucal asked Ms. McNeil appropriately two months ago Council

approved the Resolution to disperse funds for an outside audit. What is the

status on the RFP for that?

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that she is not on it.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that she is not on the line.

REPORTS

Special Committee: A Special Committee is scheduled for June 7th at 5:30 PM to

deal with Bill 47, the initiative, and Resolution R87 which recommends an

expenditure of 21M in ARPA funding for city capital and physical infrastructure and

housing related issues

Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach

The Committee met and forwarded items on this evening's agenda; the next meeting

is not yet scheduled.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa

The committee met and forwarded some items on this evening's agenda; the next

meeting is scheduled for May 24th at 5:30 pm.

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

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

Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Mota

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

Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal

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

scheduled.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks

The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for June 7th at 6:15

PM.

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. Jeffrey Glazier talked about the Accounts Payable Weekly Check Review for

4/1/2023 to 4/28/2023. The Controller's Department review 389 checks and 705

documents. The total amount of the checks were $5.4 million. There were 11 manual

checks reviewed for about $3.9 million. He talked about the city bringing the Auto

Repair back in house. He discussed the P-Card and more invoices because of parts.

He went over the Controller's office findings.

Mayor's Report (3 minutes)

None

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Ms. McNeil is back on and asked if Mr.

Zucal was referring to the Parking Authority's RFP.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no. He is referring to the outsided

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Ms. McNeil is back on and asked if Mr.

Zucal was referring to the Parking Authority's RFP.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated no. He is referring to the outside audit RFP.

Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if he means the Resolution that Council passed.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated yes.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Resolution was passed at the Budget and

Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Napoli discussed it and the Mr. Glazier

coughed up one of his interns to review overtime. He stated that he and

Mr. Hendricks just met the interns just recently. The Controller was going to

pick up parts of the audit that he could. There was no RFP issued.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated what needs to be done is to give a list to the Clerk that

he is seeking. He can meet with Ms. McNeil.

15-5915

Controllers Reports

Attachments: Accts Payable April

Bank Rec - Feb

Bank Rec - Jan

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5829

Bill 31 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably

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 31 - HUD New Account Setup

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated for the record, they took off Bill 31.

This Bill was withdrawn by the administration.

15-5837

Bill 39 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably

Amending the 2023 General Fund budget to allow for a position title

change in the Health Bureau, changing the Sanitarian position to

Environmental Health Specialist, needing no additional funds.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 39 Environmental Health Specialist Title Change

Ordinance #15906

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

his colleagues.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked what is the reason for the name change.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that they are not receiving any applicants for

Sanitarian. She stated that they asked some of the younger folks in the

college programs and they perceived it to be a position that worked in the

sanitary sewer. The new curriculum is called in Environmental Health and

that is what their degrees are being issued in. By changing the name title,

they are hoping they can get applicants to fill the two vacant Sanitarian

positions right now.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that Mr. Zucal was not present for that meeting.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated no. It was in Committee.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it does make sense. He asked anybody

else of his colleagues. He asked if there were any comments from the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15906

15-5857

Bill 41 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

favorably

Amending the 2023 General Fund budget to allow for a position name

change in the Department of Community and Economic Development,

Building Standards and Safety changing the Building Inspector Supervisor

to the Review Coordinator needing no additional funds.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 41 Position Rename Review Coordinator

Ordinance #15907

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were 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: 15907

15-5838

Bill 44

Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer in the

amount of Four Hundred Twenty Thousand ($420,000) Dollars from the

Trexler Fund to the Jordan Skatepark and WPA Structures capital projects

accounts. These funds will be used for Phase 2 of the Skatepark in Jordan

Park, project manuals for the repairs to Lehigh Parkway Phase 4 and

repairs at Union Terrace Park.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 44 - Skatepark and WPA Transfer

Ordinance #15908

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it was forwarded favorably.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were 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: 15908

15-5861

Bill 45 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably

Amending § 5-16 Amendments after adoption. C. Rules and regulations on

transfers, (3) Intrafund transfers by changing the threshold for Council

approval of transfers at a public meeting from $5,000 to $10,000.

Napoli and Hendricks

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 45 Transfers

Transfers - Resolutions Report

Ordinance #15909

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that is was forwarded favorably. The committee

did update that all Transfers over $5,000 shall be forwarded to the

Controller for review.

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

his colleagues or the public.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that what Mr. Napoli is referring to is a

suggested amendment at the request of the Solicitor's office and the

Controller. This is for clarification purposes

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that his job is to review the Transfers, but he does

not have a veto power. This language was an attempt to clarify. That is a

procedure item that needs to be forwarded. He stated that he would send

Council or the administration a memo detailing his concerns.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that would certainly be the wise thing to do. He

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

public.

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

amended to reflect (3) Intrafund transfers. Subject to the above limitation, the

Director of Finance shall have the power within a given account to authorize the

transfer of any unexpended balance or any portion thereof, provided such

transfers do not exceed $5,000 $10,000 and the City Controller signs off on the

transfer. Transfers that exceed $5,000 $10,000must be approved by a majority of

Council by resolution at a public meeting. signing off on an appropriate form

submitted to the Clerk's Office. After approval, the transfers shall be distributed to

the public as an agenda item and be made part of the minutes of said meeting.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15909

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments other than what they

just made. He asked if there were any comments from the public.

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved as

amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

Enactment No: 15909

15-5862

Bill 46 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably

Amending § 5-21 Contracts. (1) For the award of contracts or the

engagement of professional services by adding a 10,000 threshold for

council approval of professional contracts.

Hendricks and Napoli

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 46 Professional Contract Threshold

Professional Services Resolutions

Ordinance #15910

Mr. Santo Napoli stated that this was also forwarded favorably from the

committee. This occurred when Council had to approve a contract for

$182. That is why this was added and being voted on tonight.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any other 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: 15910

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there are two items on the Consent

Agenda. Does anyone have any issues with the Consent Agenda and

wants to remove the legislation?

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the HARB submission is basically the HARB

Board approved the plans for the reconfigure and replace front steps;

install railings. It was made favorably by HUD. She stated that the Sewage

Planning Module showed capacity at the development at 939 Hamilton

Street.

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

his colleagues or the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this be approved. The motion

carried by the following vote:

7 -

Yes:

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

Santos, and Santo Napoli

15-5892

R90

Certificate of Appropriateness: 346 N. 8th St.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R90 - HARB Approval346 N. 8th Street

346 N 8th Street Final Review

Resolution #30641

Enactment No: 30641

15-5876

R91

Sewage Planning Module – 939 Hamilton Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments:

R91 - Sewage Planning Module at 939 Hamilton Street - Sewage

Planning Module

Sewage Planning Module - Entertainment Venue (939 Hamilton

Street)

Resolution #30642

Enactment No: 30642

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5828

R81

Approves the submission of the Action Plan to the United States

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R81- 49 Action Plan HUD

This Resolution was withdrawn by the administration.

15-5881

R92

Approves one transfer: $75,000 in CED for Artwork is in Dire Need of

Repair and Maintenance.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R92 Transfer Funds

Artwork Repair and Maintenance

Resolution #30643

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated basically prior to her starting in DCED, they

engaged in an art maintenance study and also had money allocated on the

line for art Acquisition. The results of the study are in. They identified the

pieces of art that are in most dire need of maintenance. They are

transferring the Acquisition money to the maintenance account to start

remediating the issues identified in the report.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were 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: 30643

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-5891

Bill 48 Public Works, this evening

Providing for the vacation of Cumberland Street from the centerline of

South 6th Street to the centerline of South 5th Street, the vacation of South

Virginia Street from the centerline of Cumberland Street to the centerline of

Susquehanna Street, the vacation of South 6th Street from the centerline of

Cumberland Street to the centerline of Susquehanna Street, and the

vacation of South Fair Street from the centerline of Cumberland Street to

the North Property line 1029 South 6th Street in the Twelfth Ward of the City

of Allentown:

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill48 Vacation of Cumberland Street

Cumberland Street from the centerline of South 6th Street Map

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding West Cumberland Street from S.

Sixth Street to Susquehanna Street South Sixth Street

Letter from Mark Hartney regarding Petition to Vacate Segment of W.

Cumberland Street and other Nearby Street Segments

Letter from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - West Cumberland

+ Other Streets Street Vacation Petition Review

West Cumberland Street from S. Sixth Street to Susquehanna Street

South Sixth Street Map

Brian Borzak 10-31-22

Staff Report

Vacation

Cumberland et al

6th and Cumberland Mailing List

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

his colleagues or the public.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

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

15-5893

R93 Community and Economic Development Committee, Chair Mota

The resolution was forwarded with the recommendation that the denial

be changed to an approval (3-0). Someone would need to make the motion

below at the council meeting.

"I make a motion to amend the resolution from a denial of the application to

an approval of the installation of the tile due to the unique circumstances

associated with the application. In this particular situation reversing the tile

would cause more damage to the historic resource and it would become

an economic hardship."

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 616 N. 6th Street

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R93 HARB Denial - 616 N 6th St

616 N 6th St Final Review

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

his colleagues or the public.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 30651

15-5894

R94 Community and Economic Development Committee, forwarded

with the recommendation changing the denial to an approval, someone will

need to make the motion below.

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 828-30 W. Turner Street

"I make a motion to amend the resolution from a denial of the application to

an approval and retain all the provisions listed in the resolution."

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R94 HARB Denial - 828 - 30 W Turner St

828-30-W-Turner-St_Final-Review

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

his colleagues or the public.

Ms. Betty Cauler stated that she wanted to talk about this because

Blackstone is the developer. Blackstone has a very bad history. In 2019,

they were called out from the UN for devastating consequences for many

tenants in countries around the world. Blackstone and its subsidiaries

undertake aggressive evictions to protect its rental income streams.

Shrinking the pool of affordable housing in some areas and affectively

pushing low- and middle-income tenants from their homes. She knows this

apartment complex they want to build. It is seven stories at Eighth and

Turner. There is a historic house next to their plot. They don't even own it,

but basically what to have it demolished so that they won't have a little

crook there. The Historical Architectural Review Board denied their

application to demolish the building. She is hoping that Council will uphold

that denial and send it to the committee of Community and Economic

Development. She hopes the committee deny it to. They say it is market

rate apartments.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that is correct. He stated to Ms. Cauler to keep

in mind that she will have an opportunity to speak to it at the committee

level which he believes will be June 7th.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated no. It is actually next week at 5:30 PM.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if Council had more information.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that you will have more information at the

committee meeting. This is for a demolition. It will be discussed at the

committee meeting.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked for more information on Blackstone. A quick

Google, they are bad.

REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Enactment No: 30652

NEW BUSINESS: NONE