435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, September 7, 2022  
Invocation: Council President Mota  
Pledge to the Flag  
6:30 PM  
Council Chambers  
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. John Rowley, 2949 Parkway Boulevard, stated that he wants to bring  
Council up to date on the seven year history of the Rose Garden  
Association has had with the three mayors and several public officials. The  
first meeting was in October of 2016 and was very productive. The Rose  
Garden Association met with representatives of traffic safety. Three things  
occurred: three crosswalks were put in, battery operated speed signs  
were put in, and timing lines were marked on the street to see the speed of  
people going by. A year and a half after that, a letter was sent to Mayor  
Pawlowski indicating that battery signs are not consistent. Right now, there  
are four signs and three of them do not work at all. The batteries run out  
and needs to be replaced frequently. The fourth one is just flashing. From  
2018 - 2020 motorcycle policemen were watching the speeding on  
Parkway Boulevard using those timing lines. The solar powered speed  
signs that were requested was installed on Chew Street, not on Parkway  
Boulevard. In March 2021, Mayor O'Connell had the electronic speed  
flashing installation would take place by the end of the summer with  
PennDot approval. They heard from Michael Becker that time and  
equipment was used and it was a very complicated setup in a measure  
period of space and they can tell the speed. On March 11, several  
citations and warnings were issued. Now, the equipment is broken and it  
has to be repaired. He is not sure how it is setup or if it is even practical.  
He wrote to Mayor Tuerk and suggested using the timing lines and  
explained that the solar speed signs should get installed on Parkway  
Boulevard. That is after five years. On February 2022, Mr. Varughese said  
that a technician is checking battery operated signs weekly. He will also  
put signs in the middle of the road at crosswalks saying yield to  
pedestrians. The signs are still not working and he does not think they are  
practical. On June of this year, Michael Boyer stated that they have all the  
necessary parts and temporary permits from PennDot to install the  
temporary radar speed board within a week. He stated that he is not sure  
what a temporary speed board is. That is not nearly what was requested  
seven years ago. They also suggested that they will install pedestrian  
flashes at the crosswalk. The request was either for a solar power or  
hardwire signs that work.  
Mr. Joshua Siegel is now present at the meeting.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mr. Rowley to give his name to Mr. Hanlon and have  
Mr. Shahda check into that. A lot of those things do depend on PennDot's  
approval. Since they are there already, it might be a matter of getting them  
updated.  
Mr. John Rowley stated that he believes that in 2017, Mayor Pawlowski got  
the approval. Otherwise how would they end up on Chew Street instead of  
Parkway Boulevard.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated good argument.  
Mr. John Rowley stated that he does understand that.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked Mayor Matt Tuerk if he had something to say.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he prefers that Mr. Rowley let his  
administration check it out. He asked him to provide his contact  
information.  
Contract Approvals: NONE  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
15-5286 August 17, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes  
Attachments: August 17, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from Council on the  
minutes. Any comments from the public?  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Communications: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation  
Old Business  
Councilperson Siegel will be making a motion to remove Bill 39, ARPA funding for the  
Da Vinci Center and Bill 40, ARPA funding for Coca Cola Park, from the Special  
Committee and place them on the agenda of his Budget and Finance Committee  
meeting on September 28th.  
Bill 40  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that he would like to make a Motion to remove Bill  
40 from the Special Committee and place it on the Agenda of the Budget  
and Finance Committee meeting on September 28th.  
A motion was made by Joshua Siegel, seconded by Candida Affa, to remove Bill  
40 from the Special Committee and place it on the Agenda of the Budget and  
Finance Committee meeting on September 28th.  
4 - Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, and Joshua Siegel  
3 - Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Natalie Santos  
Yes:  
No:  
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  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that these are being asked to be referred to  
Committee to expedite the issues. He asked what happened to the  
process.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated as they know originally she understood the  
process and jumping ahead of the line. In the situation with Coca Cola  
Park and the IronPigs, and after listening to Mr. Cunningham speak about  
branding in Allentown and how important the IronPigs are to us. They are  
the only ones that have a deadline. They have to have this approved and  
done and start work already in April. Because of that she believes  
personally as a Councilwoman does not want to be the Councilperson that  
saw Coca Cola Park and the IronPigs leave the city of Allentown. It is very  
important and in the beginning she agreed with both of them. Now, she  
thinks they have a time limit on this. It is not Coca Cola Park. It is not the  
Pigs. It is Major League Baseball that is holding us hostage here in which  
she is very upset about. In the long run she does not want to take the  
chance that they lose the Pigs out of Allentown.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated to follow up on that it is his understanding that they want  
the money because of Covid loss. It went from improvements being  
demanded by the Major League Baseball Association to Covid loss.  
Which is it?  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated with all due respect Mr. Zucal, they did lose  
money during Covid. They were shutdown for two years as a result of the  
pandemic which cost them money as it relates to ticket sales. It is a  
justifiable expense under the Guidelines and Provisions of the federal  
legislation. It is obviously also a result of the Major League Baseball's  
standards being imposed on teams across the country. They imposed it  
on the Trenton Yankees as well. That team did not make the investment  
and Trenton has lost the Minor League Baseball Team as a direct result of  
that. He echoes the concerns and he and Ms. Affa spoke about this earlier.  
It is a time constraint thing. He stated that he respects the process and  
they had many public hearings, but this one giving the nature of potentially  
losing a tremendous economic and cultural asset is a worthwhile  
investment and people are welcome to vote against it. He stated that is  
why he is bringing it forward.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she echoes the confusion because her  
understanding was not only would there be a public process in which  
people would come forth and provide pubic testimony. Mike Hanlon called  
us all up and asked what our priorities were. Some people said  
immigration, some people said cops, some people said homelessness.  
What was the purpose of all that? It seems as though we are right back to  
where we were. We had experts from the community come in. We had the  
Chief testify. We had all these people testify. For what? to be right back  
to where we were. We learned from the community that homelessness is a  
huge issue. We learned from the community that public safety is a huge  
issue. Rather that is cops. Rather that is Credible Messengers. Either  
way, public safety. We learned from the community that having something  
for the youth to do are a huge issues. Yet, here we are once again with  
these two items that would come before us and they were going to be  
before us tonight. She doesn't for the life of her understand why these two  
items out of all the money that is left from ARPA that these are the first two  
items that we decide to allocate funds to. Not the unsheltered, not gun  
violence prevention, not affordable housing, not a youth center. Why these  
two items? It is a county owned stadium. County owned. The county's fund  
balance is much larger than ours. She believes that the threat of them  
leaving is being made so that we rush and allocate this money. They are  
not going to leave. The county is going to make sure they don't leave. The  
county is not going to allow the IronPigs to leave. It is that simple. In terms  
of DaVinci, she was impress by the fact that Lin came and had a response  
to some of the concerns that she had and people in the community has  
had. To even forward these to a committee now without and again she will  
say if we have $28 million left and she knows that the city has spent $25  
million on gun violence prevention, homelessness, broadband and all the  
things that are affected people's day to day lives and we happen to have an  
extra $3 million then sure, let's go for it. We can't say that right now. She  
stated that she feels that it is not in the best interest of the community for  
them to do this. She stated that she does not understand why they are right  
back to where they started. Why did we go through everything thing. It was  
pointless. It put people through the ringer once again.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that Council is taking them one at a time.  
This is on Bill 40 on Coca Cola Park. Just try to keep it somewhat  
organized.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she understands and they are all in  
agreement with all the things that they are going to spend the money on. It  
is not to say they are going to take money from gun violence or from a  
shelter or for any of those things. Like the Solicitor said, this is one of the  
first. She stated that she does not want to roll the dice and say, oh, they are  
bluffing. Do you want to be the Councilperson that lost it. She stated that  
she is sure the mayor doesn't want to be the mayor that lost the Pigs here  
in Allentown. She stated that they don't want to lose them. She is not willing  
to roll the dice. One million dollars to the Pigs is only a part of the money  
they are going to spend on homelessness and a youth center. She stated  
that she is all for it, but she also thing that they can spend $1 million on this  
only because Major League Baseball is holding them hostage. She  
doesn't want to roll the dice and lose something that they worked so hard  
for through these years with the representatives that worked so hard to get  
them here. They will leave. They left Trenton. It is not something she wants  
to roll the dice on. We are going to address all of those. It is just that they  
have a timeline here and whether we give them the money at the end or  
give them the money at the beginning. She does not want to take the  
chance. We can give them it in the beginning and address all the other  
things.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments.  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that they should be clear that public policy should  
not become a zero sum gain. He agrees with Ms. Affa that there are a  
number of priorities that we are going to address and we are going to  
address them. He also want to make sure that they invest in anti-violence  
programs, Credible Messengers, and violence prevention. It is a  
worthwhile investment and they should have that discussion. Allocating this  
money does not come at the expense of that investment or that priority. To  
be clear, the IronPigs is more than just a stadium. They spent $3.78 million  
on youth and recreation programs. They are heavily invested in making  
sure our kids in the city get access to youth sports programs, get to play on  
the field. They are not some Insolated team or Insolated entity that doesn't  
do anything for the community. They spend considerable money here in the  
city that generates additional tax revenue and generates employment. It  
would be a tremendous loss to lose them as an asset and a cultural  
amenity. We do not need to shape the discussion as an either or. There is  
$18 million left in ARPA funds. This minor allocation leaves a significant  
pot of funds left for them to discuss as a community. There is a lot of  
consensus for once on Council about where a lot of that money should go in  
terms of investing in youth and anti-violence and public safety. We are  
going to be able to spend a lot of that money and come to a strong  
consensus. He stated that he thinks that this is a worthwhile investment.  
People are certainly welcome to feel otherwise. We are a deliberative  
body and we will deliberate. There is a sense of urgency with this. The  
shovel ready project in that sense and that is why we should move. People  
are welcome to disagree. He makes this fully known that he is a public  
official subjected to scrutiny and judgment. He welcomes both comments  
and critiques. He stated that he believes firmly in this.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other questions.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that as much as some folks might not want to  
sleep and are afraid that the stadium might shutter. As much as this is a  
belief that this is urgent and must be done immediately. So is the  
unsheltered community. That is urgent as well. She does not want to know  
that they could have houses a 100 more people or 50 more people if we  
would have had 1.5 million extra dollars. If this passes through committee  
then that is what happens, but for her she just when they pass the regular  
budget, we have these thick books with tabs and a comprehensive  
overview on how our money is being spent or what the proposal is for  
spending our money. We know how everything links together. We don't.  
We can hope that we spend money on these other items. We don't know  
that we are. She feels that it is in poor judgment to even talk about  
spending $1.5 million and for the next item another $1.5 million when we  
don't know the full picture.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there are any other comments from the dais or  
the public.  
Bill 39  
A motion was made by Joshua Siegel, seconded by Candida Affa, to remove Bill  
39 from the Special Committee and place it on the Agenda of the Budget and  
Finance Committee on September 28th.  
4 - Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, and Joshua Siegel  
3 - Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Natalie Santos  
Yes:  
No:  
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  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that he would argue the same sentiment that  
these are shovel ready projects with tremendous economic and social  
value. DaVinci in particular, we heard a lot of testimony about both their  
commitment to racial equity in their hiring, educational exposure and 50  
percent of our youth lives in a one mile walking radius of this facility. In  
terms of investment, this one absolutely meets all of the standards we care  
about whether it is economic development, cultural competency, equity in  
the way that we reach out to our community, job creation for working class  
folks and citizens. It hits all the metrics and exceeds them. Bringing this  
one again, DaVinci is a shovel ready project. We all have been to the  
groundbreaking and we know that it is right around the corner and they  
need additional assistance to keep that project in a timely manner.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she would like to keep in mind this $1.5  
million and $1.5 million does not necessary say we are going to ok $1.5  
million and $1.5 million. It may be a $1 million to the Pigs and $500,000  
here. It is going to depend on us as a body how much we are going to  
give. Right now, it is a discussion and she is not committed to $3 million  
and split it. She wants them to know that they are stepping in front of the  
line because it is important that they keep the Pigs here in Allentown. She  
stated that what they decide to give them is just the committee. Keep that  
in mind because a lot of people are saying, oh my. It may not be $3 million.  
There is some discussion, but important to know that she truly believes they  
need DaVinci and the Pigs and a lot of the things that we have like Mr.  
Cunningham said. We need branding. Easton has Crayola and there are  
so many different places. Bethlehem has Musikfest and they have the  
casino. We have the DaVinci Center and a AAA team. One of the biggest  
stars in Phillies players were just here last week and a lot of people went  
just to see him. It is really important for our tourism and our entertainment.  
It is one of the categories that we spoke about. It is one of the five. The  
reason for it is that they need the money to start the projects in April. Be  
aware that it might not be $3 million.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he would like to comment that the city is already  
giving to DaVinci. He believes it was $5.6 million back in the beginning.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the city is an applicant for a HUD Loan that  
DaVinci. The city is simply a pass through for a loan that DaVinci received  
from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked Mayor Tuerk if it was a loan. The city did not give  
them any money.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it is a loan from HUD.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he would have to asked the other former Mayor to  
come back.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is going to vote no, but she does  
appreciate the fact that when Ms. Erickson came here there was at least  
some attempt to answer some of the questions about hiring Allentown  
residents. She hopes by the time the 28th rolls around and we have a  
more in-depth conversation and the people are actually allowed to speak  
and give their input that she might be able to then also have some metrics,  
goals on how will this happen. How will we ensure that most people  
working there are Allentown residents. What relationships are being  
established right now between DaVinci and LCTI and which ever entity that  
would ensure that our people are ready, not just to serve popcorn, but  
actually have the good paying sustainable jobs. Those are the questions  
that she has, but very detailed. Not just we are going to try the PPL Center.  
Everyone says they are going to try. It would be great to have tangibles.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she agrees. She asked if there are any other  
questions or comments from the dais.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he thinks both of these projects will enrich  
the educational environment for our youth and keep them off the streets.  
For that matter and those reasons he thinks they are both important  
projects. They both being shovel ready. He thinks it is time to move these  
up and take action on them. Whether that be positive or negative. That will  
be for debate on the 28th.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other comments from the dais or  
the public.  
REPORTS:  
Special Committee Meeting (Mota, Hendricks, Siegel): Chairperson Mota - Council  
had a Special Meeting on August 24 at 6 PM. Those bills are tentatively scheduled  
for a vote in October, most likely the October 19th council meeting.  
Budget and Finance: Chair Siegel, Hendricks, Santos  
The Committee met on August 24 and forwarded some items on this evening's  
agenda. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 28.  
Community and Economic Development: Chair Gerlach, Siegel, Mota  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is  
scheduled for September 21 at 5 PM.  
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 has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is  
scheduled for September 21 5:30 PM.  
Public Safety: Chair Hendricks, Zucal, Affa  
The Committee has not meet since the last council meeting; the next meeting is  
scheduled for September 21 at 5:50 PM.  
Public Works: Chair Zucal, Affa, Hendricks  
The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for September 21 at  
6:10 PM.  
Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategy: Chair Mota, Zucal,  
Gerlach  
The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no future  
meetings scheduled.  
Controller's Report (3 minutes)  
Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he will give the first of the interns audit reports. This  
one has to do with starting a business in the city of Allentown. They worked with  
Revenue and Audit, Zoning, Building Standards and Safety, Health, Recycling and  
Solid Waste and Fire. He commended the staff of all the departments for being  
helpful and supportive and really helping the interns turn out a good product that  
they are proud of doing and also something that will benefit the city of Allentown and  
the people that are starting businesses going forward. He went over the highlights  
that is loaded in Granicus. He stated that they use a Teams spreadsheet, but once  
they start using Intergov, he is not sure they will continue to use the Teams  
spreadsheet. Until they do, it is a commitment to make it a better tool. He will report  
on the other audits when they become available.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that Dieruff went down from a team from Stroudsburg. The  
next day Central Catholic gutted out a victory. The best part of all those things is  
seeing a huge number of people out engaging with each other in the city of  
Allentown and building community and engaging with both their cities and their  
neighbors. He would like to focus on the recent announcement of a grant to the city  
of Allentown for parks planning by the Department of Conservation and Natural  
Resources and funds for our Phase II of our Jordan Skate Park that is going to allow  
us to begin construction on that project. He stated that today he had to speak at a  
Press Conference in front of Dieruff High School on the death of a member of the  
Dieruff Community, a member of our Syrian American Community, and a member of  
the Eastside Community due to a fatal automobile accident. A pedestrian was struck  
on Irving and for him for a week in which they hosted the Great Allentown Fair and  
saw thousands of people from across the Lehigh Valley come to the City of  
Allentown and enjoy each others company. It had him thinking about the awful  
things that happened in this city over the past week. That includes losing a life. A  
man was shot dead on the southside last Thursday night. There was another near  
fatal shooting at Fifth and Cedar. On Monday, on Labor Day, the city responded to a  
fire on Mohawk Street on the Southside that left 15 people without shelter. He  
thanked God for the Red Cross coming to help them. He stated that they responded  
to that fire with fewer firefighters than they should have. In order to respond to a  
fire like that you would want to see much more firefighters. We just don't have the  
same firefighter force presence in the city of Allentown to respond to these types of  
challenges. Thankfully the city's firefighters are imminently capable and well trained  
and was able to knocked down that fire with no loss of life. The effort to slow traffic  
down in the city of Allentown that would result in fewer deaths of pedestrians is  
going to be possible by investing further in our police department who is responsible  
for enforcement. One thing that they heard overwhelming over the past couple of  
days has been the need to further enforce traffic laws in the city of Allentown to  
make sure our streets are safe. We can't do that. We are trying other things. We  
are pushing for legislation at the state level that would allow for local use of radar  
that would improve our ability to enforce traffic regulations. They are investigating  
investments like Mr. Reilly spoke about on Parkway Boulevard to create speed timing  
indication just to let people know how fast they are going. They are investigating the  
installation of red light traffic cameras to cite people who run red lights. More than  
anything else, man power is at the core of it. He knows that they had an ongoing  
discussion here at City Council about the need to continue to invest in manpower.  
There are a few things on the agenda tonight that address the need to hire more  
police officers to serve the needs of our community. He stated that his heart is  
heavy today in Allentown as we see this continued decline in public safety in our city.  
He took a minute to speak, not just to Council. He hopes that they will speak to  
members of our community, but to two members of our community. He encouraged  
everybody to just slow down. There is nothing so important that you have to speed  
down Irving Street and take a life. Respect the traffic signals. Respect the speed  
limit. Come to a complete stop at Stop Signs and be aware of pedestrians and  
cyclist in the streets. It is just not worth it.  
15-5287  
Controller's Report  
Attachments: 2nd QUARTER 2022 SUMMARY OF PENSION CASH FLOWS  
Starting a Business  
CL - SAB  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-5214  
Bill 57  
Public Works  
Providing for the vacation of North Lumber Street from the centerline of  
Clay Street to the centerline of Whitehall Street in the Eighth Ward of the  
City of Allentown:  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments:  
Bill 57 North Lumber Street from the centerline of Clay Street to the  
centerline of Whitehall Street  
900 Block of N. Lumber and Refwal Street from Clay Street to Dead  
End  
Letter from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - 900 Block of N  
Lumber and Refwal Street from Clay Street  
Report to the City Clerk and Allentown City Planning Commission - N  
Lumber Street from Clay Street to Whitehall Street  
Staff Report - N Lumber and N Refwal Street from Clay Street  
Letter from Vicky Kistler regarding Allentown Planning Commission  
decision on 900 Block of N. Lumber and Refwal Street from Clay  
Street  
Lumber Refwal Labels  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that it was passed favorably 3 - 0. She asked if there  
were any comments from the administration, Council or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Enactment No: 15834  
15-5194  
Bill 50 Budget and Finance, recommended favorably  
Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a total transfer of  
Five Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-Seven Dollars and Fifteen Cents  
($5,597.15) among Capital Projects with the final outcome being the  
closure of Capital Project 2028 – Police Academy Road and Parking Lot  
and Capital Project 2209 Mack Pool. These Capital Projects are complete  
and have been reconciled by the Finance Department.  
Attachments: Bill 50 CAPITAL PROJECT CLOSE OUTS & TRANSFERS  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated it was forwarded favorably to Council for a final  
vote.  
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: 15835  
15-5197  
Bill 54 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably  
Amending the Administrative Code, § 5-15 City Council action on budget,  
by changing the definitions of the Mayor’s Proposed Budget to comply with  
current and amended provisions of Home Rule Charter - that the budget  
shall be submitted on or before 75 days prior to the ensuing fiscal year  
pursuant to the Charter rather than 60 days (housecleaning measure).  
Mota and Mr. Zucal  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 54 Budget Bill  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that it was forwarded favorably.  
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: 15836  
15-5260  
Bill 64 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably  
Amending Part I: Administrative Legislation, Chapter 5 Administration of  
Government, Article IV Financial Procedures, Section 25 Temporary  
investment of funds.  
Attachments: Bill 64 Investment Policy Ordinance 8-17-22  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that it was forwarded favorably to Council for a  
final vote.  
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: 15837  
15-4588  
Bill 92 Public Safety, Recommended Unfavorably 2-1 - wait until  
alternative penalty is found. Needs an amendment to change sections to  
reflect codification.  
Amending Article 531, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Section 531.99  
Notice of Violation; Waiver (H) by deleting a provision that states that in  
default of payment of fine and costs, someone could be imprisoned not  
more than ten days.  
Gerlach and Mr. Siegel  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 92 Deletes imprisonment provision for non-payment of penalties  
Stopping, Standing and Parking  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he would like to make a Motion to Table  
until such time that his colleagues on the Parking Authority comes up with  
an alternative plan to replace imprisonment. There is no rush to this. No  
one has been imprisoned in the recent past.  
5 - Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Joshua Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Yes:  
No:  
2 - Ed Zucal, and Ce-Ce Gerlach  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Mr. Michael Hanlon asked if Council was ok with the Consent Agenda.  
Does anybody want to take anything off?  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
15-5279  
R127  
John F. Gross, ACIDA, 1-1-2027 (Reappointment)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R127 ACIDA - John F. Gross  
John F. Gross, ACIDA, 1-1-2027  
Resolution #30486  
Enactment No: 30486  
15-5280  
R128  
Santo Napoli, Blighted Property Review Committee, 1-1-2026  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R128 Blighted Property Review Committee - Santo Napoli  
Santo Napoli, Blighted Property Review Committee, 1-1-2026  
Resolution #30487  
Enactment No: 30487  
15-5281  
R129  
Christian Brown, Planning Commission, 6-3-2025 (Reappointment)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R129 Planning Commission - Christian Brown  
Christian Brown, Planning Commission, 6-3-2025  
Resolution #30488  
Enactment No: 30488  
15-5282  
R130  
Christian Brown, Blighted Property Review Committee, 6-3-2025  
(Reappointment)  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R130 Blighted Property Review Committee - Christian Brown  
Christian Brown, Blighted Property Review Committee, 6-3-2025  
Resolution #30489  
Enactment No: 30489  
15-5311  
R130B  
Trent Sear, Zoning Hearing Board, 09/06/2026 (Alternate)  
Attachments: R130B Zoning Hearing Board - Trent Sear (Alternate)  
Trent J. Sear - Zoning Hearing Board  
Resolution #30490  
Enactment No: 30490  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-5291  
R131  
Police Officer Appointments  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R131 Hiring Two Patrolmen  
Resolution #30491  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the  
administration.  
Assistant Chief James Gress stated that he will give a little background on  
the applicants. We have two before you for approval Merveille Mvindu is  
30 years old and a Bill 66 applicant which means he is already Academy  
certified. He comes to us from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He  
came here ago 15 years ago, had an interest in law enforcement, got a  
degree from Bucks County Community College in Criminal Justice and  
graduated from our Academy in 2019. He currently works for the Sheriff's  
office. He stated that the Police Department would like to bring him  
onboard. The other is Steven Bettys. He is a 40 year old applicant of Bill  
66. He is a graduate of Montgomery County Community College and  
graduated from the city's Academy in 2010. He also works for the Sheriff's  
office.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Assistant Chief James Gress and asked if there  
were any questions or comments from the dais.  
Mr. Joshua Siegel stated that it is usually Police then Sheriff's office.  
Assistant Chief James Gress stated that our retirees we send there way.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the public.  
6 -  
Yes:  
No:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Joshua Siegel, and Natalie  
Santos  
1 - Ce-Ce Gerlach  
Enactment No: 30491  
15-5292  
R132  
Approves the submission of the formal application for the local share  
account grant on behalf of Lehigh Valley P4P Boxing, Inc. to fund facility  
repairs to assist in the continuation and operation of their successful youth  
enrichment boxing program.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R132 Local Share Grant Application  
Resolution #30492  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the  
administration.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he does not know if anybody had the  
opportunity to join some of our firefighters in visiting the Boxing Gym. It is a  
heart lifting experience. There are kids getting off the streets using boxing  
to get them on the right path. He was able to visit on a hot day in June and  
was drenched with sweat about time he left there. Not because the sweat  
and the humidity in the air, but because he was in numerous selfies  
because of the boxers. They are really good kids, really good projects and  
hopefully that this application will be supportive by the Commonwealth.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any  
questions or comments from the dais.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she comes from a boxing family. Her cousin  
Sunni from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It took so many kids off the streets. In  
the basement of his home and he had no grants or nothing like that. He  
showed not to be bullies. He took them in and one was a schoolteacher. It  
is going back several years, but she used to go and watch the matches and  
how he was able to teach these young men. Boxing is a way for especially  
for a lot of inner city kids to get the anger out and it is a sport. He had four  
Golden Glovers. One was his son, Erick Affa. They take them to the  
Golden Gloves, they can go to the Olympics, they can become pros. This  
is something that she truly believes in. Boxing is one of the sports for inner  
city kids and women. She stated that she is all in favor of this.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that one thing he learned from talking to these kids  
is that they look at an L not as a loss, but a learning opportunity. It is very  
encouraging to hear that. The teaching is strong there. It is a fantastic  
program.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he had the experience of always visiting the  
gym with the firemen and he too believe that since it was right down the  
street where he grew up. It is a very needy neighborhood and it is helping a  
lot of the children in that area and teaching them the skills of life in addition  
to boxing. It is very important and he fully supports this.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she also agrees with him. It is important to  
make sure our youth is active and this is a great way. She asked if there  
were any comments from the dais or any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Enactment No: 30492  
15-5293  
R133  
Approves the submission of the application to the U.S. Department of  
Transportation for grant funding for a minimum of two hundred thousand  
dollars ($200,000.00).  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R133 Dept of Transportation  
Resolution #30493  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the  
administration.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he wants to provide a little background on  
this. This is the first grant application that they will be making under the  
new bipartisan infrastructure law. This will fund safe streets and roads.  
Given the incident yesterday it is of utmost importance in the city of  
Allentown to improve pedestrian safety. It would fund Planning efforts to  
create safe streets and roads for all under the bipartisan infrastructure. He  
stated that they are hopeful that this is the first many grant applications  
under that law.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Enactment No: 30493  
15-5294  
R134  
Authorizes the Submission of the Formal Application to the Pennsylvania  
Office of the Budget for a Grant of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to  
support the DaVinci Science Center Downtown Allentown Project.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R134 RACP Da Vinci 1  
Resolution #30494  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the  
administration.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he knows that there was a question that was  
asked by a member of Council on why we needed three separate  
Resolutions for DaVinci Projects. It is because these are for three  
separate grants applications. We need a Resolution for each of the  
following three Resolutions.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked Mayor Tuerk if this is a $2 million grant that  
DaVinci is getting.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they are applying for the grant.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that they are applying. They don't know if they are  
going to get it. She asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Enactment No: 30494  
15-5295  
R135  
Authorizes Submission of the Formal Application to the Pennsylvania  
Office of the Budget for a Grant of Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000) to  
support the DaVinci Science Center Downtown Allentown Project.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R135 RACP Da Vinci 2  
Resolution #30495  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated this is a separate Resolution for a separate grant.  
This is the same Project.  
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: 30495  
15-5296  
R136  
Authorizes the Submission of the Formal Application to the Pennsylvania  
Office of the Budget for a Grant of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to  
support the DaVinci Science Center Downtown Allentown Project.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R136 RACP Da Vinci 3  
Resolution #30496  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that this is a separate authorization for the  
separate grant for the same Project.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked how long would it take for us to know if these  
grants were approved. Do you have any idea?  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that they don't. Typically, HUD can go anywhere  
from months to many months.  
Mayor Tuerk stated that these are Pennsylvania.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that she is sorry.  
Mayor Mathew Tuerk stated that one of them is the Redevelopment Capital  
Assistance Programs. One is under another program line. The  
anticipation is that grants will be awarded in this fiscal year.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that it is important for us to know because they are  
asking for $1.5 million from the City of Allentown. There is $12 million that  
they may be getting. It would be important for us to know.  
Mayor Mathew Tuerk stated that they are expecting to receive these grants.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Joshua  
Siegel, and Natalie Santos  
Enactment No: 30496  
15-5274  
R137  
Approves two transfers: (1) $39,000.00 from CED - HUD to move funds  
from the 40 to 46 for new Contract Services for Jordan Skatepark; (2)  
$16,950.00 from Parks and Recreation since the Golf Course is in need of  
the VC 60 attachment with double roller and carbide tip blades to remove  
thatch on greens and tees and improve drainage.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R137 Transfer Funds  
Jordan Skatepark  
Golf Course iVC 60  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments from the administration.  
Mayor Mathew Tuerk stated that these are small investments in order to  
improve the services for the Skate Park and well recognized Allentown  
Municipal Golf Course.  
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: 30497  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral)  
15-5298  
Bill 66 Parks and Recreation  
Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an appropriation of  
the donation of Twenty Thousand ($20,000.00) Dollars from Friends of the  
Allentown Parks into the Bogert’s Bridge capital project account. These  
funds will be used for design and construction of Bogert’s Bridge.  
Attachments: Bill 66 Bogert's Bridge  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments from the dais or the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-5297  
Bill 67  
Refer to Budget and Finance Committee  
Amending the 2022 General Fund Budget by transferring Fifty Thousand  
($50,000.00) Dollars from the CED General Fund and additional One  
Hundred Twenty Five Thousand ($125,000.00) Dollars be appropriated  
from the General Fund balance to General Systems Management account.  
The purpose is to have funding in place for requests for proposals to 1.)  
Upgrade the City’s website, and 2.) Allow for prospective regulations to be  
posted on Granicus to allow for a public comment period before  
regulations are considered to be adopted.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 67 General Fund Budget  
Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mr. Hanlon and asked if there were any  
comments from the dais or the public.  
REFERRED TO THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE  
15-5299  
Bill 68  
Parks and Recreation  
Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of funds  
from the General Fund to Project 2202, Jordan Creek Greenway Trail  
(JCGT) in the amount of Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars to be used to  
provide additional funding for construction and/or construction inspection of  
the Jordan Creek Greenway Trail.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 68 Jordan Greenway  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-5300  
Bill 69  
Parks and Recreation  
Amending the 2022 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a deposit of One  
Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-Three Dollars and Seventy-Three Cents  
($1,263.73) of donation funds from Homebase Skate Shop to help  
contribute to the cost of construction for our Skate Park. These funds would  
be placed in the Jordan Skatepark capital project.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 69 Jordan Skatepark  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
REFERRED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE  
15-5301  
Bill 70  
Public Safety  
Amending the 2022 Equipment Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of funds received from Phase-4 of the Cares Act to provide  
for the purchase of an ambulance.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 70 EMS Ambulance  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  
15-5302  
Bill 71  
Public Safety  
Amending the Part One: Administrative Legislation, Chapter 19 Civil  
Service Rules by updating the policies in Sections 19-5 and 19-6.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 71 Police Employment Amendment  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any comments from the dais or the  
public.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he will review this, but a quick note from the  
Assistant Chief Gress, what language are we moving or adding to expedite  
the hiring process.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that we are removing some of the language in  
19.5A where it has after as amended that to certification then adding out of  
state applicants must contact the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  
Municipal Police Officer Education Training Program and obtain full waiver  
form, complete assessment test, and obtain their Municipal Police Officers  
Certification prior to application. That is the first section. The second  
section under Recruitment, we eliminate the first part of it and add, in the  
event that the mayor determines that there exist conditions affecting public  
safety which requires the appointment of certified police officers without  
competition. The mayor shall request in writing that the board in  
accordance with the Rules conduct recruitment for the purpose of filling  
request number of police officer positions. The process for the  
appointment for certified police officers without competition and these  
Rules shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the process of the  
appointment of police officers in accordance with the Civil Service  
Examination and grading requirements in these Rules. It is adjusting that  
initial verbiage. In the first part, the Police department will get applicants  
for the Bill 66 which their police certification did not transfer over to what is  
required for a Police Officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is  
clearing up that language as well and also allowing the mayor to state that  
we need to hire these Police Officers.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if in the first part are you trying to changes that are not  
required by MOPEC. The first part you said you want to make it that it is  
not required for Allentown officers. He asked is he clear on that.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that is for out of state applicants.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated correct. Is that not a MOPEC requirement that we can  
supersede?  
Chief Charles Roca stated that it is not a specific MOPEC requirement. It  
is for the simple fact that they have to get fully certified before they will be  
able to apply for the Bill 66. Let's say they are a Police Officer in another  
state and they come into Allentown to test. Their police certification might  
not carry over because they might need some additional training. Before  
they can apply under the Bill 66, they would need to get that verification of a  
waiver and a full certification and as it says here, obtain a municipal police  
officer certification prior to applications. When they complete their  
application packet, we have it right there and they can be hired. They  
would not have to go to the academy. We can get them right in, do the  
training and get them through the process and they can get on the road.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that they will talk about it because he is a little confused  
on it.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that he will explain it better.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked how much time will that save.  
Chief Charles Roca stated a boatload of time. Just having the officers able  
when the submit for Bill 66. Of course that is the full process of hiring with  
the background and everything. Minus the written test and the physical  
agility test. We still delve into their background as we do with any  
candidate that comes through the competitive process. It saves time and  
the Police Department is able to get that officers right out onto the road.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota asked if there were any other questions from the dais.  
She asked if there were any questions from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NONE  
NEW BUSINESS: NONE  
GOOD AND WELFARE  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he has a question for the Mayor. He stated that it  
is a rumor that he heard and he is just trying to the verify it through the  
sources that the city is not planning on having a Halloween Parade this  
year.  
Mayor Matthew Tuerk stated the city canceled the October 9th Halloween  
Parade. They are planning an October 28th Halloween Celebration.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked is there or is there not a Parade.  
Mayor Matthew Tuerk stated no parade. There is a celebration.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks commended the city's Fire Department. This past  
Monday at the sever fire that occurred on the southside as the Mayor  
stated. He, the Mayor and his colleagues were at a recent ground breaking  
for the new Emergency Services Center and this fire just reinforced the  
reason and the need for such a building. He knows that one of the  
firefighters ended up in the hospital. Fortunately, he talked to Firefighter  
Warmkessel on Tuesday morning. He was only there to observe and he  
suffered exhaustion as did several of them. As the Mayor said too, this is a  
difficult time when we don't have sufficient manpower on the date to do the  
fighting. They were certainly overwhelmed at that time. Fortunately, no loss  
of life. There was one serious injury, but again, he wants to give kudos to  
the men in uniforms, the Firefighters.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she would also like to read an email that she  
got this morning. It says we the people of Allentown owes our first  
responders a debt of gratitude for their services. As Dan points out in his  
article this man and woman short-staffed responded. Two men first on the  
scene don't wait. They take action knowing that their team is responding to  
back them up and tackle this huge fire. Fire, Police and EMS all  
responded with manpower during the holiday weekend. He extended  
thanks to them from their community. We appreciate their readiness to  
tackle whatever arising under the worst conditions. She stated that she  
loves getting emails like this. The community is very appreciative. She  
stated that while many of them were having fun, they were out there saving  
lives.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that since they really did not get a chance to talk  
about Bill 92. She has kind of been at this for a year. It is obviously  
something that she is passionate about not incarcerating people for unpaid  
tickets. It was tables again tonight. It has been 21 days since the Parking  
Authority was here. Has there been any communication about what they  
have been working on?  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated yes, he has been communicating with them.  
What they are working on right now, it is going to take a little bit more time.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if they gave a ballpark. A year or a month.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it all depends on the state. That is all he is  
going to say. These things do not happen quick.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she was just looking at the minutes of the  
last meeting on the 24 and she did not see anything.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will keep her advised of it. He can have  
them speak to her personally.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that would be wonderful. She thanked Mr.  
Hendricks.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that in another words Mr. Hendricks, something is  
being done. They are working on it.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated absolutely.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that when they have a conversation she would like  
to be involved.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated sure.  
ADJOURNED: 7:41 PM