435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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, Joshua

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Courtesy of the Floor

Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules

Mr. Charles Smith stated that Courtesy of the Floor is an opportunity to

make comments It is not an opportunity to question Council or question the

administration. This is an opportunity to state what's on your mind for the

consideration of Council.

Ms. Paulette Kish, 1028 E. Chew Street, stated that she has been a

resident of Allentown for 72 years, living on the eastside of Allentown. It

which was a wonderful area. She was a Health and Physical Education

teacher at Dieruff High School and they used to park by Irving Park for

classes in the spring summer and fall. The issues are the loitering at Andre

Reed Park, the construction of the park itself and the State Hospital

construction. Right now, the eastside of Allentown is going down and

looking like a war zone with the State Hospital. She is a paying taxpayer

and everyone she knows under these circumstances are looking to leave

because the eastside of Allentown is being neglected.

Mr. Laudenslager, 721 W. Cumberland Street, stated that he is addressing

the Lights in the Parkway traffic planning. He stated that last year the city

had 15th and S. Jefferson Street backed upped in both directions. Where

do people supposed to park since parking was restricted.

Contract Approvals

15-5056

R75

Authorization for Contract with Kleinfelder, Inc. for an estimated $35,000

per contract year, to provide on-call independent consulting engineering

services, competitively bid, one proposal..

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R75 Kleinfelder

Resolution #30433

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated R75 was done as RFP 2022-14. It was

advertised on Public Purchase. It was accessed by 34 vendors with one

response. The evaluation committee made of five people evaluated the

proposal and it was scored based on the RFP requirements. After all the

evaluations were computed, the committee is recommending an award to

Kleinfelder, Inc. The cost of the contract is $35,000. We have successfully

done business with this vendor before.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it is an on-call contract for an estimated $35,000.

Suppose we use them one time? How much of that $35,000 do we get

back?

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that the reason it is estimated right now

because we are working in collaboration with the surrounding

municipalities. This is an Engineer that we have on standby with us to help

with the 537 Plan. The 537 Plan is the Plan working throughout the Lehigh

Valley which is our I&I and right now LCA and the surrounding

municipalities are working on the 537 Plan. We have a portion of that and

wan to work on a retainer. Our Engineer working on a retainer can move

that 537 Plan forward. If we don't use all of those funds, those funds will go

back to the General Fund. We will stay at that $35,000.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other questions from the dais or

the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30433

15-5057

R76

Authorization for a change order, with Potocnie Enterprise, Inc., d/b/a

Overhead Door Company of Allentown for the estimated amount of

$15,000 as a result of a more than normal usage of their services, for

call-outs, equipment replacement and other items, contract expires in

August.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R76 Overhead Doors

Resolution #30435

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30435

15-5058

R77

Authorization for Contract with Wyoming Electric & Signal, Inc. in the

amount of $551,247.00 to the Contractor would provide traffic signal

improvements to the existing downtown Traffic Signal Improvement

Modification Project, Phase 1A. This project was competitively bid, two (2)

responses were received.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R77 Wyoming Electric

Resolution #30436

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mr. Lightner and Ms. Shahda if the city ever

used this company before and if it was successful.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated that the city has.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30436

15-5059

R78

Authorization for Contract with Mercury Associates, Inc. in the amount of

$64,930.00 to quantify the cost of insourcing the City’s fleet maintenance

operations versus the continuation of outsourcing the operations, and the

appurtenant cost benefit of either option. This was competitively bid, two

(2) proposals were received.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: R78 Mercury

Resolution #30437

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions.

Mr. Joshua Siegel commended Mr. Zucal for working on this project and

making sure we get a good cost assessment to determine if this is

feasible. Once this is awarded and they continue to do the work, what is

the estimated time for them to complete the project? Do you have a rough

idea on how long it will take for them to make that estimate?

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that this one was 14 weeks.

Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that roughly in time for budget season.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated yes, that is the plan to have it in time so they

can prepare for budget.

Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that makes him happy.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other questions from the dais or

the public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30437

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-5066 May 4, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes

Attachments: May 4, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Communications: Proclamation for Olivia Sullivan for Jordan Park Cleanup on Earth

Day

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this does not minimize what you have done

in any shape. You have set a great example. He stated that he is

disappointed that we don't have anybody in our city who can step up and

take on this opportunity. He truly hopes that in the future some young

people will do that. You set a great example for them and your parents are

to be commended because they have set a great example from what you

have done.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that she would like to say that she always like to

acknowledge the parents. When we have a young lady like this that her

resume is unbelievable. It goes back to good parenting and you have to be

very proud. She stated that she likes to always applaud the parents

because this child does not grow up to be who she is.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she emailed this picture to the Clerk, Mr.

Hanlon. She stated that Olivia Sullivan will get it soon.

Old Business: NONE

REPORTS

Special Council Meetings: Council is scheduling three special council meetings

relating to ARPA funding. On May 25 at 6 PM, Council will discuss and present

categories they find important for ARPA funding and take public testimony on these

and any additional areas. On June 7 and June 9th at 5:30 PM Council will discuss and

take testimony on specific allocations for the categories. We ask vested interest to

contact the Clerk to give testimony or provide documents; the office will also be

reaching out to specific vested interests that have been before us and those

suggested by the Administration to provide testimony The plan is to have a workable

proposal ready by June 15th that has been driven with participation with a broad

swath of the community as possible. We are open for other suggestions as well; feel

free to send you comments to the Council President, Vice-President, and City Clerk.

Controller's Report

Mr. Jeffrey Glazier gave a brief Report on Accounts Payable for April 2 - 29. The

Controller's office reviewed 312 computer checks, 13 manual checks and the total

count of documents was 496. Of those documents, 13 had issues for about two

percent. They did 26 wires and 13 of those wires had issues with 50 percent. The

city pays for parking on the deck for employees and gets billed per employee. On

one of the most recent invoices, they noticed that two employees were no longer

using the deck. They might have been on Family Leave. The Controller's office

pointed that out and determined that it had gone on four months prior. They

overpaid the Parking Authority $600 for parking that the city was not using. Another

issue of interest, if an employee is going away on a conference or for training,

depending on the situation they may get an advance to help them with expenses.

Those advances should generally come only two to three weeks in advance the

conference. The city had two travel advances that were issued. One was issued

nine weeks in advance, one was issued 10 weeks in advance and the risk here is that

somebody may get sick or the conference may get cancelled and then you have to

recoup the money. Those checks were voided and they will be reissued in a more

timely manner. They had some issues with wires where 13 had to either be returned

or rejected because either the description of the wire was incorrect or the date of

the invoice on the wire was incorrect. This is important for an audit trail. You need

the correct information.

Mayor's Report

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that the Mayor provided a written copy. The city itself

continues to make improvements in delivering the city's best products that we can.

They had the Allentown Police Department's Commendation Ceremony. The mayor

would like to thank Ms. Mota, Mr. Zucal, Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Siegel for attending

today. The Lenape Trail rededication on Friday, May 14. The mayor was joined by

members of the Delaware Nation raising the flag in front of city hall. The following

Saturday, the city rededicated the Lenape Trail to the Lehigh Valley with the help of

the museum and the Indian culture and PBS39. The Transportation improvement

plan is taking place with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. They are in the

comment period right now and the mayor is requesting and asking Council for the

opportunity to provide comments you should. If you want to provide comments,

provide to Mark Shahda or Irene Woodward. This is where the money in from the

Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The comments end on May 31st. At the last

Council meeting, the mayor had mentioned that our team have interviewed

candidates for the position of Public Works Director. They are very excited to report

that they have made a selection to bring a person forward for Confirmation. It is

their hope to bring this person to Council on June 1st at the City Council meeting.

Last week, the following Council recommendations were issued and a Press Release

went out detailing the availability of the ARPA funds and the administration's desire

to make the funds flexible. The administration received good coverage. The

Tilghman Street Bridge Party takes place on May 26th from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM.

The Executive Charter School is the organization that is hosting this party.

15-5082

Controller Reports

Attachments: Accounts Payable Check Review 4.2 to 4.29

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-4923

Bill 13

The Zoning Map is hereby amended to change the land area shown on the

map entitled “Exhibit A”, having Tax Parcel I.D. Nos. 640636238192,

640636345357, 640636348459, 640636444722, 640636447004,

640636432866, 640636431821, 640636339796, 640636338629,

640636625261, 640636415274, 640636115157, 640636108387,

64063529480, and 640635181690, to be within the R-MH Medium High

Density Residential District.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick stated that this is not a land development plan

before you. In the process they are asking for permission to come forward

with a land development plan. Neighbor concerns, traffic concerns. The

Panning Commission and City Council and Public Works concerns would

be addressed. We can't even present a proposal. We don't have a land

development before you. We have a request to modify zoning. They still

have to go through all the phases. This is the first baby step.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Attorney Fitzpatrick and asked if there were any

other questions from the dais.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated before he gives his vote, he has concerns, but

some have been alieved by knowing that it has to go through Planning and

more steps before this. It is difficult because we also need additional

housing in the city. We have a lot more people moving in here. He would

vote yes and hopefully they will get everything approved in a respectful

manner and something that we can live with.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he will vote because this is just a first step.

Anything that goes beyond this can also be voted down. As a preliminary

start, he does not see any problems with this.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she will vote yes because this is just the

beginning. There are more steps that need to happen. She is hoping that

in the need it can be affordable for our citizens.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15809

15-5029

Bill 28

Providing for the vacation of Pine Street to the centerline of North Front

Street to its East Terminus: Petitioner: Lehigh River Development Corp. II,

LLC

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 28 Pine Street - Street Vacation

Pine Street Vacation Report

Staff Report - Pine Street vacation

ACPC Action - Pine Street

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding Pine Street from N. Front Street to

the East

Pine Street Labels

Ordinance #15810

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions or any explanations.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was before Public Works tonight and it was sent

favorably to Council.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15810

15-5036

Bill 29

Amending the Codified Ordinances, Part Two, General Legislation/Fees;

Article Seven, Billing for Emergency Medical Services; Section 270-53 (B)

Ambulance Service, by increasing the Special Event stand-by per hour fee

(includes 2 Paramedics and 1 ambulance) from $100 to $160; and

establishing a Special Event stand-by (per hour) for 1 Paramedic and 1

ambulance) at $96 to recoup the cost of the services provided. .

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 29 EMS Standby Fees

Ordinance #15811

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was before his committee and it was

moved forward with a favorable recommendation unanimously.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions form the dais or the

public

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15811

15-5037

Bill 30

Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Thirty

Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Two Dollars and Eighty-Nine Cents

($30,292.89) as a transfer of funds from Capital Project 1228 – Paper

Recycling Transfer Facility to the Recycling and Solid Waste Fund, closing

the Paper Recycling Transfer Facility Capital Project and re-purposing the

funds by placing them in accounts to cover costs for crack sealing, seal

coating, line painting and paving at the Drop Off Center and Yard Waste

Site; to provide additional costs ($8,000 price increase) for the conveyor

on the cardboard baler being purchased this year and to provide for the

purchase of rolling carts for the drop off center to alleviate lifting and

making it safer for the employees.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 30 Capital Project

Ordinance #15812

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that this was before the Public Works Committee and it

was sent forward with a vote of 3 - 0.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15812

15-5067

Bill 35 Request to vote on this tonight and eliminate the 14 day period

between introduction and final passage.

Amending the Codified Ordinance, Part One, Administrative Legislation,

Chapter 80 Personnel Policies, Section 4, Recruitment Procedures

changing the age for hiring temporary/seasonal from 16 to 15.

Attachments: Bill 35 Seasonal Employees to 15

Ordinance #15813

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

Mr. Charles Smith suggested that Council revisit Bill 35. He does not

believe it went to committee. The purpose of the initial vote was to

eliminate the 14 day period between introduction and final passage and

then there was to be a second piece to vote on the substance.

Ms. Cynthia Mota apologized.

A motion was made by Cynthia Mota, seconded by Candida Affa, to eliminate the

14 day period between introduction and final passage for Bill 35.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15813

7 -

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 15813

CONSENT AGENDA

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

15-5063

R79

Zaleeae K. Sierra, Council of Youth, Term Expiration: 08/20/2023

Attachments: R79 Appointment Zaleea K. Sierra - Council of Youth

Zaleeae K. Sierra, Council of Youth, 08-20-2023

Resolution #30438

Enactment No: 30438

15-5064

R80

Shavon Smith, Council of Youth, Term Expiration: 08/20/2023

Attachments: R80 Appointment Shavon Smith - Council of Youth

Shavon Smith, Council of Youth, 08-20-2023

Resolution #30439

Enactment No: 30439

15-5065

R81

Travon S. Atkins, Council of Youth, Term Expiration: 08/20/2023

Attachments: R81 Appointment Travon S. Atkins - Council of Youth

Travon S. Atkins, Council of Youth 08-20-2023

Resolution #30440

Enactment No: 30440

15-5060

R82

Certificates of Appropriateness for work in the following addresses in

Historic Districts: 38 N. 15th Street,1118 W. Chew Street, 43 N. 17th

Street, 430.5 N. 10th Street, 1446 W. Linden Street, 318 N. 8th

Street,1448 W. Linden Street

Attachments: R82 Resolution for Certificates of Appropriateness - 7 projects

HARB Final Reviews 7 Projs May 2022

318 N 8th_Final Review

430.5 N 10th_Final Review

1118 Chew_Final Review

1448 W Linden_Final Review

1446 W Linden_Final Review

43 N 17th_Final Review

38 N 15th_Final Review

Resolution #30441

Enactment No: 30441

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5044

R83

Approves one transfer: (1) $26,231.18 in the Street Department to Cover

the Cost of paving Lova Lane and S. Poplar Street within the Twins

Devonshire Development.

Attachments: R83 Transfer Funds

Paving Lova Lane and S. Poplar Street

Resolution #30442

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the

administration.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that this is for the paving that the street is

being dedicated back to the city. The city does not do the paving until

everything is done. We are waiting for UGI to finalize their utilities. Once

that is done, we will do the street paving.

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the

public.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30442

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-5054

Bill 32

Amending the 2022 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000.00) Dollars from the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of The State Fire Commissioner

Grant, to the Allentown Fire Department for the purchase of high-quality

Thermal Imaging Cameras and Accessories.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 32 OFSC GRANT

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

15-5055

Bill 33

Amending the Codified Ordinances, Part Two, General Legislation/Fees;

Article Seven, Billing for Emergency Medical Services; Section 270-52

Policy by clarifying some confusing language and applying more

consistent application of EMS billing practices.

Attachments: Bill 33 EMS PAYMENT POLICY

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

15-5062

Bill 34

Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Fifty

Thousand ($50,000) from Capital Project 1912 – Traffic Signal

Modernization to Capital Project 20000 – Traffic Signal Adaptive System

to provide the additional funds needed to complete the Downtown Traffic

Signal Adaptive System project installation and the construction inspection.

Attachments: Bill 34 CAPITAL PROJECT 2000 TRANSFER

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

15-5068

Bill 36

Amending the Part Two General Legislation, Chapter 388 Moving Permits

by repealing it in its entirety.

Attachments: Bill 36 MOVING PERMIT REPEAL

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any questions from the dais or the

public.

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

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 7:19 pm

15-4437

Council Rules

Home Rule Charter

Contract Procedures

Attachments: HOMERULE June 2021

Council Rules March 2021 Edition

Contracts (4)