435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, June 15, 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. Dan Bosket, 523 - 525 N. Seventh Street, stated that he was curious.

He attended the groundbreaking for Valania Park last week. He drove by

once and then again today just to make sure that he saw it. The larger

shade trees that were already there were actually cut down. It is kind of

odd that you are creating more greenspace, but then you take it away.

Was there a reason the larger shade trees were taken out?

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he had an opportunity to speak with Ms. El

Chaar before the meeting and she explained that they could not be kept

because of the plans. She tried, but there was no possible way to do it. He

stated that he is disappointed himself because those trees or any tree at

that age is hard to replace.

Mr. Dan Bosket stated that he grew up in that neighborhood at 5th and

Union Streets. He is assuming some of those trees were there when he

was younger.

Ms. Natalie Santos asked Mr. Hendricks if he knew if they were going to be

replaced by new trees.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he believe they will. He stated that the city's

ordinance call for it. When a tree is taken down, it has to be replaced. It

may not be in the same location. It is because of the way of the design of

the park is at this time. They were not able to keep them. That is what he

was told. He doesn't believe they will be the same size when they go up.

Ms. Aline Rodriguez Gonzalez, 1645 W. Linden Street, stated that she

wants to petition for a three way stop sign at the intersection at West and

Linden Streets by William Allen High School. Also, speed limit signs for

school hours for 15 MPH. In the eight years that she has lived here, she

has witnessed numerous accidents that have happened because coming

out of the alleyways from people who live there and people that are

crossing. We can't see people coming out of the intersection. We also

have people coming up from Linden Street since the last traffic signal is on

15th Street. There is no other one until 17th Street. They try to come from

15th Street all the way down to make it through the last light on 17th Street.

They are speeding and it is causing numerous accidents. Two weeks ago,

there was a devastating accident and it flipped the car over onto the

sidewalk almost entering a porch to a home. It would be add more safety

for the neighbors that live there as well as the students that are coming out

of the school because they are coming out at various times during the day.

Even in the summer when they have summer school or programs as well.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they will send that to the Public Works Department.

He stated you can talk to Mr. Shahda about her concerns and he will work

with you.

Contract Approvals: NONE

Minutes of Previous Meeting

15-5122 May 25, 2022 City Council Special Meeting - ARPA Discussion Minutes

Attachments:

May 25, 2022 City Council Special Meeting - ARPA Discussion

Minutes

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

15-5130

June 1, 2022 City Council Special Confirmation Hearing Minutes - Public

Works Director

Attachments:

June 1, 2022 City Council Special Confirmation Hearing - Public

Works Director

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Communications

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that pursuant to our Ethics Disclosure provisions,

Councilperson Zucal in an email on June 2nd noted he had a brief

conversation with members of the Syrian Arab American Club in regards to

the Iron Pigs and their potential for our ARPA. The only question that was

asked of Mr. Zucal was did the vote take place last night his answer was no

and they ask that, if possible he update them when it will appear next.

(Conflict of Interest: Mandatory disclosure. Officials and employees who

have had communications of any kind with individuals or entities seeking to

do work for the City, or seeking to receive government funds, must disclose

those communications to the City Clerk prior to the government taking

action in designating who will conduct the service, receive the contract or

receive the funds. Such disclosure will take place on an electronic or paper

form or process to be prepared jointly by the Administration and Council.)

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was not required for him to do the disclosure

because the Syrian American Club is not asking for any money. The only

reason why he disclosed it because the term the IronPigs used.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked Ms. Mota a question that posed to the Council

Solicitor Smith about having these public conversations. We know that

some of us have disclosed or revealed that we had conversations with

organizations and people that are interested in receiving funding. Mr. Zucal

did not even know that he did not have to. She asked if there is a way that

Council can really press this. She stated that they are getting close to

making allocations. From an ethical standpoint. Do we have a list of all the

disclosures.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that the procedure in place is that they

decided to make disclosures via email to the City Clerk. He stated that he

is sure Mr. Hanlon maintains a record of that. He asked is that accurate

Mr. Hanlon.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is accurate. He stated that they are

referred to Communications so there is actually a public record.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if the administrations disclosures are also a part

of that.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that whatever he receives he has given Council.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked how can they push the issue. How can we know

that the administration and Council are all very transparent of who we had

conversations with.

Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that is really difficult. If you are transparent person,

you will disclose it. Who will be there next to you to hear that conversation?

It is all up to the individual to make sure that the person is honest enough

and is open enough to disclose that conversation.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated 100 percent. They are not going to go around

and giving people lie detector tests. She does think it is important

whatever could be possible at the Solicitor's level to ensure and help

people that don't know how as be as transparent. Help facilitate that.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that it has been a while since he looked at

that. He asked if he could go back and review the procedure and give

Council a report. That is probably the best way. He does remember when

they made that disclosure requirement, they are in some way on the honor

system. He stated that they will see what remedies are in place in the

event of a violation.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated only if it is the will of Council. If she is the only

one concerned the.

Attorney Charles Smith stated that he is happy to review that.

Ms. Candida Affa stated that Ms. Gerlach is right. This is legislation we

passed. Are there consequences if Council finds out that someone was

having these conversations and not disclosing. This isn't just, we should do

this. This is legislation that we passed.

Attorney Charles Smith stated right. He asked for a chance to review and

he will provide Council with an overview of the requirements and what if any

remedies there are in event that someone failing to need their

responsibilities. Rather than getting it wrong, he will take a look.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Affa, Ms. Gerlach and Attorney Smith.

Old Business

Councilperson Affa plans to make a motion to untable Bills 39 and 40, refer them the

council’s special meeting on ARPA funding on July 13 and to discuss expanding

council’s suggested categories to include tourism and entertainment.

No Motion Made by Councilperson Candida Affa

15-5103

Bill 39

Amending the 2022 ARPA Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

Million Five Hundred Thousand ($1,500,000) Dollars to Da Vinci Science

City, LLC.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 39 $1.5m ARPA to Da Vinci

15-5102

Bill 40

Amending the 2022 ARPA Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One

Million Five Hundred Thousand ($1,500,000) Dollars to Coca Cola Park for

COVID-19 Safety Improvements.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 40 $1.5 M ARPA - COCA COLA PARK

REPORTS

Special Council Meetings: Council held a special meeting on June 8th on ARPA funds

and has scheduled another meeting for June 22nd at 5:45 PM to take testimony on

from experts regarding homelessness.

Budget and Finance: Chair Siegel, Hendricks, Santos

The Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. The next meeting is

scheduled for June 22 at 5:30 PM.

Community and Economic Development: Chair Gerlach, Siegel, Mota

The Committee met on June 8th and referred one item on tonight's agenda; the next

meeting is scheduled for July 20th prior to the council meeting to discuss the HARB

denial being introduced this evening.

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos, Hendricks,

Siegel

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Parks and Recreation: Chair Affa, Gerlach, Santos

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

time.

Public Safety: Chair Hendricks, Zucal, Affa

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

meetings scheduled at this time.

Public Works: Chair Zucal, Affa, Hendricks

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

time.

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategy: Chair Mota, Zucal,

Gerlach

The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; we are going to schedule

a meeting to review the changes to council's rules.

Controller's Report (3 minutes)

NONE

Mayor's Report (3 minutes)

NONE

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5098

Bill 37 Public Works

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

Hundred Nineteen Thousand Five Hundred and Two ($119,502) Dollars

from Capital Project 2005 – Jefferson Street Road Diet and Flasher to

capital project 1225 Traffic Signals – Upgrade Various.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 37 Capital Project Transfer

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

Mr. Ed Zucal stated only from the committee. It was send favorably to

Council from the committee.

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: 15818

15-5099

Bill 38 Parks and Recreation

Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Six Hundred Ninety ($ 690.00) Dollars from Hijinx Brewing

Company toward the construction of Phase 2 of the Jordan Skatepark

project.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 38 HIJINX BREWING COMPANY DONATION

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

Ms. Candida Affa stated that it moved favorably with a 3 - 0 vote to

Council.

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: 15819

15-5101

Bill 42 Community and Economic Development

Amending the 2022 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental

appropriation of Eighteen Thousand ($18,000) Dollars from the PA

Department of Health, Prescription Drug Monitoring/Overdose 2 Action for

continued support of the part-time Opioid Prevention Administrative

Coordinator position.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 42 PA DOH OPIOID Grant

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked Ms. Gerlach.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that this will allow for the continued data

collection for the opioid use. It was forwarded favorably to Council.

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: 15820

CONSENT AGENDA

Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if anybody had any issues and want to take

something off the Consent Agenda. She 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

15-5116

R92

COUNCIL OF YOUTH

Natalie Santos

Term Expiration: 12/31/2022

Attachments: R92 Appointment Council of Youth - Natalie Santos

Resolution #30451

Enactment No: 30451

15-5070

R93

Sewage Planning Module at 2955 Ithaca Street Development - confirms

there is capacity for this project.

Attachments: R93 2955 Ithaca Street Subdivision - Sewage Planning Module

Sewer Planning Module - 2955 Ithaca Street

Resolution #30452

Signed 2955 Ithaca Street Sewage Planning Module

Enactment No: 30452

15-5071

R94

Sewage Planning Module at 1014 Sumner Avenue Land Development -

confirms there is capacity for this project.

Attachments:

R94 1014 Sumner Avenue Land Development - Sewage Planning

Module

Sewer Planning Module - 1014 Sumner Avenue

Resolution #30453

Signed 1014 Sumner Avenue Development Sewage Planning Module

Enactment No: 30453

15-5139

R97

Certificates of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 23 N. 12th

St., 319 N. 8th St., 506 N. 5th St.,1015 Oak St., 428 N. 6th St., and 118 W.

Turner St.

Attachments: R97 HARB Resolution June 15

HARB Final Reviews-June 2022

Resolution #30454

Enactment No: 30454

RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):

15-5072

R95

Approves five transfers: (1) $114,500.00 in Community and Economic

Development to reallocate funds for hotel stays for COVID unsheltered and

COVID funding for Hispanic Organization for Rental Assistance from

Account #700-01-7620-0235-40 (Other Services & Charges), Account

#700-01-7620-0211-50 (Civic Expenses), Account

#700-01-7620-0205-50 (Civic Expenses) to Account

#700-01-7620-0235-50 (Civic Expenses), Account

#700-01-7620-0211-40 (Other Services & Charges, Account

#700-01-7620-0205-40 (Other Services & Charges); (2) $32,500.00 to

hire a fleet maintenance consultant to look at the cost involved with bringing

the fleet maintenance operations back in-house; (3) $31,598.00 to rebuild

and install motor for the elevator in the Public Safety building; (4)

$20,454.00 to cover the cost of the summer intern program run by the City

Controller’s office; (5) $9,750.00 to cover the costs of two vaccine

refrigerators and two vaccine freezers for the Allentown School District; (6)

$8,500.00 to cover the required additional Traffic overtime for PPL Events

and Special Events.

Attachments: R95 Transfer Funds

To Cover Cost of the Summer Intern Program Run by the City

Controller's office

Hire Fleet Maintenance Consultant

Elevator Repair in the Public Safety Building (Door Motor Needs to be

Rebuilt and Installed)

Cover the Costs of 2 Vaccine Refrigerators and 2 Vaccine Freezers for

the Allentown School District

Traffic is Required to Work Additional Overtime for PPL Event and

Special Events

Reallocate Fund for Hotel Stays for COVID Unsheltered and COVID

Funding for Hispanic Organization for Rental Assistance (1)

Resolution #30455

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

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the last one, number 6. Who are we paying the

traffic overtime to? He stated that he is going to assume the police.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that the overtime is for the street workers.

They have to set up the streets and the cones for traffic.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked how many events did that $8,500 cover.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that it is covered from now to the end of this

quarter.

Mr. Mark Shahda stated with the increase amount of special events, he

foresees another transfer happening later in the year. There are demands

for events. They do not really have any other alternatives to cover the

overtime costs.

Mr. Ed Zucal asked if PPL contributing to any of this.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that PPL has a set amount that they contribute

to the city every year. That said amount that the city gets every year is

required in the contract through the agreement. There is not an additional

funding from PPL to cover that cost.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he does not know if that is a good plan.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that PPL and Special Events cannot do traffic

patterns.

Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he understands that. What he is saying is if they

give you $8,500 for 60 events and they are having 100 events. That is

another 40 events that we are paying for.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that it is not for the lack of not trying. The city

had the conversation with PPL and we are still having other conversations

with them. They know that they have to do something with the upcoming

events in the future years. That is a conversation that the city had and will

continue to have conversations with them until we get to a point.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Zucal and Mr. Lightner and asked if there

were any questions from the dais.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked why doesn't PPL pay this. She asked about

Item 1 for the hotels stays for the unsheltered COVID. Where are we

numbers wise because COVID hopefully is on the down swing.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that he does not have the exact numbers, but

can get that to Council as far as how many were placed in hotels over the

last year. He stated that they can get those numbers for Council. It is still

occurring and they are still having COVID cases and the city still has to

provide that shelter for them right now. The funding is there from the

COVID dollars from CDBG. As long as we have the funding there and

there still is a need, we still going to meet those needs.

Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that Mr. Lightner may not be able to publicly

state this because it is a purchase. Are we going to buy that hotel? Are we

looking at buying any hotel?

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that it is not in Allentown proper. He stated

no. He stated that the city talked to hotel owners and had that conversation

with them, but there is nothing on the market. Even if we were going to do

that we have to have an operational plan on who is going to maintain that.

The city is not looking at options. We have to look at the fact of operational

costs and who is going to maintain it. Right now, there is nothing on the

market for us to consider.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Ms. Gerlach and Mr. Lightner. She asked if

there were any other questions from the public.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked how is the city responsible for paying for the

refrigerators and freezers for the school district.

Mr. Garry Ritter stated that the funding is grant funded. It is from

immunization grants that the city received from the state. The city is

working closely with the school district to catch up the hundreds of kids that

are behind in their immunizations that includes COVID and any of the

regular required back to school immunizations. Currently, they were able

to establish three certified VFCs (Vaccine for Children Clinics) at three

schools. It is Allen, Dieruff, and Central. They are working to get clinics in

South Mountain and Harris Morton. Those units will go to those schools to

assist the school nurses.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Mr. Ritter, you are saying that it is grant

funded.

Mr. Garry Ritter stated that it is all grant funded.

Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hendricks and asked if there were any

questions from the public.

Mr. Dan Bosket, 523 - 525 N. Seventh Street, stated that on item #1 on the

transfers his office gets a lot of calls looking for rental assistance. He

asked if they are transferring funds that will be paid out through HAO.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that is correct.

Mr. Dan Bosket asked for individuals and must it be a COVID related

homeless situation.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated right now, it could be both. It could be COVID,

but also it is not a lot of funding. We are having HAO to actually run that

program.

Mr. Dan Bosket asked if there is a process or procedures or better to get

in touch with HAO to find out what the process is.

Mr. Leonard Lightner stated that the city has the process written out so he

can talk to Maria Quigney. She can get him the information and connect

him with HAO.

7 -

Yes:

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

Siegel, and Natalie Santos

Enactment No: 30455

15-5132

R96

Cancels the July 6, 2022 Council Meeting

Attachments: R96 Cancels July 6th Council Meeting

Resolution #30456

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: 30456

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public

comment prior to referral)

15-5083

Bill 43

Providing for the vacation of North Peach Street from the centerline of

Cedar Street to its North Terminus in the Eighth Ward of the City of

Allentown:

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 43 Peach Street

Peach Street Staff Report

Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding N. Peach Street from the

intersection with W. Cedar Street to the intersection with Sumner

Avenue

ACPC Action - Peach Street

Staff Report Vacation of Peach Street Staff Report 01.27.22

Peach Street from Centerline of Cedar Street to its North Terminus

Letter from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission regarding N Peach

Street - Street Vacation

REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

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

public.

15-5134

Bill 44

Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to allocate Sixty-Two Thousand

Six Hundred Twenty-Six Dollars and Fifty Cents ($62,626.50) from the

unappropriated balance of the Golf Course Fund to the Golf Grounds

Maintenance budget and Golf Capital Projects budget.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 44 Golf Course

REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

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

public.

15-5135

Bill 45

Amending the 2022 General Fund Budget to appropriate Twelve Thousand

($12,000) Dollars from the unappropriated General Fund balance to Parks

Maintenance General Fund account. Funds are needed to cope with the

rising costs of heating oil, fuel, and other petroleum-based lubricants.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 45 Parks Funds 6-15-22

REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

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

public.

15-5137

Bill 46

Amending the 2022 Trexler Fund and Capital Fund Budgets to provide for

a transfer of Fifty Thousand ($50,000) Dollars from the Trexler Fund to the

Capital Fund to provide the additional funds needed to complete the

Valania Park Capital Project.

Administration

Sponsors:

Attachments: Bill 46 Valania Fund 6-15-22 - FINAL

REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

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

public.

15-5131

Bill 47

Renaming of the alleyway, Frederick Street which is located at the rear of

the Patriots Building “Moonie Trexler Way”. The request is from Allentown

Patriots.

Administration, Affa, Hendricks, Mota, Mr. Siegel and Mr. Zucal

Sponsors:

Attachments:

Bill 47 Renaming of the Alleyway on Frederick Street to Moonie

Trexler Way

Bill 47 Moonie Trexler Way

REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

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

public.

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

15-5140

R98 CEDC, Chairperson Gerhach, forwarded favorably

Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed style of

windows at 617 N. 6th Street

Attachments: R98 HARB Resolution to DENY - 617 N 6th St

617 N 6th Final Review

REFERRED TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

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

public.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE

ADJOURNED: 7:02 pm

15-4437

Council Rules

Home Rule Charter

Contract Procedures

Attachments: HOMERULE June 2021

Council Rules March 2021 Edition

Contracts (4)

Ethics, Code of (7)