City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 41 items
- 1 Invocation:
- 2 Pledge to the Flag
- 3 Roll Call
- 4 Courtesy of the Floor Please observe the Rules of Council when given privilege of the floor. A copy of the Council Rules can be found on the council agenda on the website. If you would like to speak, we are asking that you fill out a card – they are on the back table provide them to the clerk before speaking. Include your name and address. When speakers have the privilege of the floor, personal insults, attacks, name calling or other behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official business will not be tolerated. Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comments on items that are not on the agenda. Public comment during consideration of ordinances, resolutions and motions are limited by topic – your comments must be relevant to the subject matter of the proposed legislation. Public comments are taken before council votes on legislation. You are given the privilege of the floor to provide public comment; it is not a question and answer session. State your position clearly and concisely for consideration. If you speak on behalf of yourself, you have three minutes and if you are speaking on behalf of a group that has several members present, you will be given five minutes in place of everyone coming to the podium. Please address the Council President not individual councilpersons or city staff. Refrain from insulting or defaming staff, officials, and the public; refrain from using offensive language, cursing, and making noises while other people are speaking. Please be aware that comments and/or behavior in violation of these rules will result in a forfeiture of all remaining time and you will be asked to return to your seat.
- 5 Contract Approvals: NONE
- 6 Minutes of Previous Meeting
- 7 February 4, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
- 8 February 18, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
- 9 Communications Chasers – If you parked in the city lot next to City Hall, please see the City Clerk for a voucher.
- 10 Old Business: NONE
- 11 REPORTS President Napoli: City Council will be holding two Special Meetings in April - Parking Authority on April 8 at 6 PM and ANIZDA - on April 22nd at 6:00pm. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers. Budget and Finance: Chair Pungo, Mota, Gerlach The Committee met on February 25 the next meeting is scheduled for March 25th at 5:30 PM. Community and Economic Development: Chair Gerlach, Binder, Napoli The Committee has not met since the last meeting; the next meeting will be scheduled on March 18th, at 5:15 PM. Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Binder, Santos, Affa The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no future meetings scheduled. Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Pungo, Binder The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 6 PM to review the EAC annual report that has been submitted and a presentation of the city's sustainability program. Public Safety: Chair Affa, Mota, Santos The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled at this time. Public Works: Chair Mota, Pungo, Affa The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 5:30 PM to review legislation, the city's snow clearing policies, Administration and Committee priorities, and entertain an initial discussion on creating a volunteer program for snow shoveling for elderly folks, clean-ups and what not. Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Napoli, Mota, Gerlach The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there is a meeting scheduled tomorrow, March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM - it will be a public workshop meeting with members of Lehigh County administration along with their board of Commissioners. Controller's Report: The Controller has submitted a Bank Reconciliation Review for the month end date: 12/31/2025. Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he has an Accounts Payable Report, a Weekly Check Review and is for the period of 1/31 to 2/27/26 and this Report just came out today so it is hot off the press. During this period, the number of checks and wires that were reviewed were $487. The total dollar amount was at just shy of $8,200,000. The number of manual checks reviewed was six for about $82,000. He stated our first finding is during the check review, we identified one check for $729.92 that was addressed to a different political entity then Allentown (i.e. it was not our check to pay). He stated that they advised the department, they contacted the vendor, confirmed the invoice was not for Allentown and the check was voided. They recalculated another departments payment sheet and identified one payment for $80 that did not agree with our calculation. The re-calculated amount was $40 and the check was voided and reissued in the correct amount. He stated that we know a petty cash reimbursement weakness, he stated ideally, petty cash be replenished very quickly. In this instance, some of the invoices were from 2024 and he is just getting around being reimbursed in 2026. The department was advised, the best practices to replenish petty cash within three months of the expenditure and it most certainly within the same fiscal year is also reiterated. The department acknowledged the advice to subscribe to do better. He stated that we don't handle a whole lot of petty cash these days. He stated since the introduction of P Cards maybe they can see six, seven or eight reimbursements in the course of the year and he thinks that is pretty much a good thing. P Cards really makes things much more efficient. There were eight invoices that had the incorrect expense account used. The departments were advised of the issue and enter journal entry corrections. There were 19 invoices where they deemed them to be an untimely payment or that we need more than 60 days. The departments were advised and advised the reasons for the time lag and moved forward from there. They had four invoices and the documentation was not attached in Munis. The departments were advised, the documentation was attached and the department was able to complete its review. He stated that is my Report, sir. Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mayor Tuerk and the Controller, Mr. Glazier. He stated moving along, Mayor Tuerk you had mentioned you had a Report. Mayor: The mayor has not submitted anything. Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he doesn't have a written Report to submit, but he likes to share some thoughts with you if that is ok. He stated 1, welcoming to Read Across America Week in Allentown. He is going to start off on an incredible positive note. Read Across America Week is always the first week in March. There are opportunities for you as City Council people to read to Allentown School kids. He stated that he thinks it is still an opportunity this week to go to any of the Allentown School Districts elementary schools. It does two things, one for you it is an incredibly life affirming moment to sit down and read to second graders who are just like the vibrancy of the city of Allentown. It would be a great way for you to start your day. It makes you feel incredibly good, but it is also really important for young people. He stated when they have an opportunity to see an elected official, like a City Councilperson because it gives something to talk about. It makes them feel seen and that is one of the most important things we can do for young people in Allentown in 2026 is recognize that they are there and they care about them. He stated that he encouraged them to do that. He stated that he thinks it is still time this week and we can connect directly with the Allentown School District. He stated that they also take readers any much week in the year. Don't just do it during Read Across America Week, reach out and make yourself available. The kids will deeply appreciate hearing from their City Councilperson. He stated depending on the grade level they have really interesting questions for you. Second graders are probably going to ask about your favorite color, but the fifth graders will show up and want to know what you are doing to help people in Allentown. He stated if you are ready for a range of good questions. He wants to give a brief trip Report o the meeting on the 18th. He stated that he told them a little about initiatives that they had underway here in the city of Allentown to make the city a better workplace. He stated that was coming off his trip to Los Angeles for the US Conference of Mayors Leadership meeting. He stated during that meeting he was able to do two things he wanted to share with you. 1. He shared Children Health and Human Services for the Conference. They advocate for federal support through cities like Allentown related to the Children Health and Human Services. He wants to give them a sense of what they face right now. He is not asking for political advocacy, but wants them to understand that there are significant impacts facing the City of Allentown as a result of likely cuts to federal funding or changes to federal funding. The two that were significantly on his radar were the elimination of the ACA subsidies which will leave people in Allentown and the city's across America uninsured or having to have to make choices about whether to purchase health insurance or pay other significant bills or essential bills. The impact that has on city's is when people go uninsured, it hits our emergency medical services. The normal doctor's visit shows up in an ambulance for us. It is something that they must be aware of and he urged them to your legislators and at least let them know how important healthcare is to the residents that we serve. The other one is of note now is related to the SNAP benefits and the administration of SNAP. He stated that the big, beautiful bill, HR1 passed in July 2025. It will change the way that states are sharing costs related to SNAP Benefits. It is going to push a significant burden to states. He stated that will result in likely in the reduction in SNAP benefits being made to residents and cities like Allentown and food as you well for anybody who is going grocery shopping, the increase in the cost of food has a significant impact on families budget and facing food insecurities impacts a person's ability to fully participate in the life of the city so those are two of the issues that he will particular focused on at that leadership meeting. They also received a Report on the Road to Housing Bill in the Senate. The House of Representatives Housing Bill where they have two Bills that are passed at are to go out for the creation of production of more affordable housing in a city like Allentown. There is a reconciliation that needs to occur between clean the House and the Senate pass. There are Bills and the city is supportive of anything that will help us build more housing units. He stated you will know when you talk to residents in the city. This is one of the most significant issues that we face in the city is the creation of more affordable housing so there are positive notes that there is progress being made. He stated that he was able to receive a Report. He stated that another thing quickly, that trip to Los Angeles and the thing is having a leadership role with the Conference of Mayors provides to the city of Allentown is access. They were invited to join a workshop on AI in local government posted by Google. He stated that he is still putting thoughts together related to that, but there are and if you have not seen a City Council people impact on AI on the way that you serve our residents. He stated that you likely will or already seeing it and you just don't realize it yet. He stated that people are turning to AI in lots of different ways to help them better understand how to operate in the city and they need to be aware of that. He stated that he will be looking forward to working with City Council over the next few months. He may be asking them to develop legislation on how they can regulate ways they use AI as a city. He is asking them if nothing else to at least start thinking about how AI will affect our residents and taking steps that they can take. He stated final thing, he just wants to end on a note of partnerships over the past couple of weeks. He stated that he was lucky enough to attend a roundtable hosted by St. Luke's with Attorney General, Dave Sunday where they talked about the impact and things that they can do to improve access to mental health and reduce the impact on their criminal justice system. Later, he was able to attend the State of the County Address by new County Executive Siegel. They are going to see him tomorrow. He was happy to see Council represented at the State of the County Address and heard some encouraging things from Executive Siegel on ways that they can collaborate to meet the needs of our residents. He was also happy to see and stated that this is still developing, but this is a during a meeting with President Judge Reichley. They also had Council Representation and were able to talk about things that they might be able to do to assist residents in the city of Allentown as they try to navigate life. The point being that we have new faces in leadership roles and partner organizations and they are showing up and interested in assisting the city of Allentown. He stated that he is glad to see Council at the table for that and looking forward to continuing those partnership opportunities alongside you so those are the thoughts that he had and appreciates the opportunity to share and he is happy to answer any questions. Mr. Santo Napoli thanked Mayor Tuerk and stated that we are going to move along to Ordinances for Final Passage.
- 12 Controller's Report
- 13 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):
- 14 Bill 9 Amending the 2026 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Sixteen Thousand One Hundred Thirty-Six and 55/100 ($16,136.55) Dollars from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Grant to the Allentown Fire Department to purchase 1¾” fire attack hoses and nozzle compliments.
- 15 Bill 11 Amending the 2026 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Four Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($480,000.00) from the Trexler operating budget into the WPA Capital Project account and Trexler Monument Capital Project account. These funds will be utilized for the repairs of the Lehigh Parkway staircase and flagstone around the General Trexler monument.
- 16 Bill 12 Amending the City Code Part II, General Legislation, Chapter 633, Water, Article V, Water Service and Charges to add Section 633-53, Water and Sewer Rebate – by creating a sliding schedule of water and sewer rebates.
- 17 CONSENT AGENDA
- 18 R30 Jeff Glazier, Planning Commission, 3/5/2030
- 19 R31 Christian Brown, Planning Commission, 3/5/2030
- 20 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):
- 21 R32 Sherri Brokopp Binder, Allentown Housing Authority, 3/5/2031
- 22 R33 A RESOLUTION OF CITY OF ALLENTOWN, COUNTY OF LEHIGH, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING THE INTERMUNICIPAL TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE NUMBER R-21060 TO THE FELIX RESTAURANT LLC, 395 S. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18103
- 23 R34 Approves the submission of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report to HUD.
- 24 R35 Allowing the city to allocate CHDO funds from the federal 2021 HOME grant to Community Action of the Lehigh Valley to offset the costs incurred for the project located at 136 S 8th Street.
- 25 R36 Approves the following transfers: $144,723.75 DCED Transfer – Allowing the city to allocate CHDO funds from the federal 2021 HOME grant to Community Action of the Lehigh Valley to offset the costs incurred for the project located at 136 S 8th Street. $22,786.79 DCED Transfer – The positions of 144-003 Senior Planner and 525-002 Planner were created on 11/06/2024 by Ordinance #16060 and were not part of the original 2025 position budget model.
- 26 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public comment prior to referral)
- 27 Bill 13 Amending the 2026 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250,000.00) from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Resurrected Community Development Corporation.
- 28 Bill 14 Amending the 2026 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley.
- 29 Bill 15 Amending the 2026 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Two Hundred Ninety-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars ($296,878.00) from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Museum of Indian Culture.
- 30 Bill 16 Amending the 2026 Grants Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) from the State Office of the Budget, Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RAC-P). These funds are a pass-through grant that will support The Baum School of Art.
- 31 Bill 17 Amending the 2026 Grant Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Seven Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($775,000.00) from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant. These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Allentown Art Museum.
- 32 Bill 18 Amending the 2026 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($55,000.00) from a completed Capital account for the redesign of traffic signal upgrades at 17th and Linden St, 17th and Turner St, 17th and Chew St, and 17th and Walnut Street intersections. This project was mostly funded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant (MTF-DCED). This will transfer the unused funds from a completed capital project to the correct account for these services.
- 33 Bill 19 Amending the 2026 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Forty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Five Dollars and Thirty-Nine Cents. ($45,295.39). This was the result of payment in lieu of tree plantings from Allentown School District, QR III LLC, 309 E Hamilton ST LLC, The Waterfront Development Corp, North Sixth St Properties OP LP, Executive Education Charter School, and East Penn Properties LP. Funds will be used for the purchase of new street trees.
- 34 Bill 20 Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 660 Zoning, Article 5 Uses, Table 660-4 Use Table and Section 660-38 Manufacturing & Industry Group, adding the use category Data Center Use; and Article 14 Measurements & Definitions, Section 660-135 Terms Beginning with “D” and Section 660-149 Terms Beginning with “R”, adding the definition of Data Center, Data Center Accessory Use, and Renewable Energy.
- 35 Bill 21 An Ordinance Relating to city responses to people who are homeless living outdoors and setting standards and procedures for remedying unsafe conditions and protecting the rights and property of homeless individuals living on public property.
- 36 Bill 22 Amending the 2026 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 (OSFC) Grant to the Allentown Fire and EMS Department for the purchase of equipment.
- 37 RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):
- 38 NEW BUSINESS: NONE
- 39 GOOD AND WELFARE
- 40 ADJOURNED: 7:03 PM
- 41 Reference Materials: Council Rules Procurement Code Ethics Code