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City Council

April 16, 2025 ·6:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 50 items

  1. 1 Invocation:
  2. 2 Pledge to the Flag ▶ jump to 0:24
  3. 3 Roll Call ▶ jump to 0:48
  4. 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 is 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 our 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. ▶ jump to 1:20
  5. 5 Contract Approvals ▶ jump to 64:24
  6. 6 R41 Authorization of Cooperative Contract(s) in an amount greater than $40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services, for Versalift East, LLC, Whitmoyer Ford, Inc., CDW, Inc., Abel Recon, LLC, Kimball Midwest, Auto Zone Stores, LLC, NAPA, Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, and Miller Flooring Company. 15-7636 approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:45
  7. 7 R42 Authorization for an Agreement of Sale with Allentown Rescue Mission in the revenue amount of $536,000.00 for the sale of City own property located 325 West Hamilton Street. Two (2) bid was received. However, one (1) bid was rejected due to not including a 10% bid bond. 15-7635
  8. 8 Minutes of Previous Meeting ▶ jump to 66:06
  9. 9 February 5, 2025 Special Council Meeting - Act on Immigration Status Bill 4 Minutes 15-7617 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:19
  10. 10 April 2, 2025 City Council Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan Meeting Minutes.pdf 15-7653 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:36
  11. 11 April 2, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes 15-7639 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:54
  12. 12 Communications ▶ jump to 67:17
  13. 13 Old Business: NONE
  14. 14 Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Santos, Gerlach The Committee met on April 9and forwarded an item on tonight’s agenda; there are no future meetings scheduled. Community and Economic Development, Chair Mota, Hendricks, Napoli The Committee met on April 9 and forwarded a bill on this evening’s agenda; the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23 at 6 PM. Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos, Napoli, Hendricks The Committee met on April 9 and forwarded two items on this evening's agenda. One of those which they already voted on. There is no future meeting scheduled. Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa The Committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 6:15 PM. Public Safety: Chair Affa, Zucal, Mota The Committee met this evening. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 5:30 PM. Public Works: Chair Zucal, Gerlach, Affa The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is not yet scheduled. Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; no meetings are scheduled currently. Controller's Report Mr. Jeffrey Glazier thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated there are four reports on the agenda for this evening. One is an Accounts Payable, one is a P-Card, one is a bank reconciliation. He stated that he is not going to report on those this evening. He stated that you guys can take a look at it yourselves or the public can take a look at those Reports by accessing them from the Controller's website. He stated that they report on them all the time. He stated what he does have for them this evening is an audit of the city's Tuition Reimbursement Program. He stated that he is going to talk about this for a little bit because it is a little bit different. He is going to say that there are a number of other audits coming down the pike in the next two or three weeks. Once again, different from the basic P-Card or Accounts Payable stuff. He stated not that some isn't interesting mind, but this is a little bit different. It gives them a little bit broader picture about how they do things in the city. They basically have three programs with tuition reimbursement. Non-bargaining employees, municipal employees like SEIU, and then Firefighters have their own program. Police are handled a little bit different. Part of those folks are non-bargaining, but the officers get a lot of continuing education through the Police Budget. He stated so they don't see much of that. Once again, the audit is conducted in accordance to the generally accepted governmental auditing standards, and utilizes an approach that includes staffing interviews, reviewed of documents, and reports from examinations. The committee selected for this reimbursement was from all of 2023 and 2024. He stated that they may remember that in the last Accounts Payable Report, they noted that they made an issue of a tuition reimbursement because it was over by $1,550 and that check was corrected and the reimbursement to the applicant was corrected, but they looked at that and thought they haven't looked at this for a long, long time and that issue generated this complete audit. He stated so in 2023, there were seven people non-bargaining that applied for reimbursement. In 2024, there were five. He stated that they noticed that there was non compliance with AIMS 66-03 to leave a city employment, educational reimbursement for non-bargaining unit employees who voluntarily or involuntarily release of employment before a full calendar year had transpired following the completion of the course for which they had received reimbursement or return total education reimbursement to the city. In 2023, they have identified two non-bargaining who left the city prior to one year to the end of the course and did not return the tuition reimbursement. The total uncollected was $9,587.50. Consideration should be given to billing the employees. The administration should track the payments and ensure compliance. The administration responds - they agree to formulate a process to track and bill appropriately by the end of 2025. They are currently considering the time it will coincide with the rollout of our new personnel management or the new SEIU contract, the exact timing and change is due to unforeseen circumstances. He would tell them if somebody leaves, it is pretty hard to call the money back because there is really no payroll to deduct because maybe you got two weeks notice. It is heartening that the administration has acknowledged the issue and will work to a good solution in the future. If it is in the PPM, he thinks that needs Council approval so you guys will get a bite of that apple. Non-bargaining tuition reimbursement amount errors - per an administrative email dated 12/15/22, in 2023 non-bargaining staff reimbursement was increased from $2,900 per annum to $5,250 per annum. Employees were eligible to seek reimbursement for tuition, registration fees, and lab fees. Books and other required course materials not covered by course tuition fees are the employees responsibility and will not be reimbursed. He stated that they note the following: one non-bargaining employee for 2023 requested and received tuition of $4,337.50. The received documentation totaled $3287.50. The paperwork indicated an error in addition on the submission form that resulted in an overpayment of $1,050. That employee is no longer active with the city and that would have been referenced in the prior one where someone left prior to a year or also referenced. One non-bargaining employee for 2024 was reimbursed for a total of $5,500. The maximum yearly is $5,250. This is an overpayment of $250. That employee is still within the city's employed so he is looking for resolution there from the administration. One non-bargaining employee for 2024 was reimbursed for a credit card service charge of 53.13. As a matter of fact, the city does not reimburse for credit card service charges whether it would be something like this or even we go out and by materials for city usage. One non-bargaining employee for 2024, was reimbursed for a payment plan of $25. He stated that they know the tuition reimbursement are generic and not specific to the bargaining unit and does not include the provisions required for the actual reimbursement amounts which may vary by bargaining unit. We recommend that the overpaid tuition reimbursement be collected. The administration should reiterate and be trained, the tuition reimbursement approvers of the proper policy. Consideration should be given advising the tuition reimbursement form and tailoring it to each bargaining unit. The forms should include the provisions requirements and the maximum reimbursement amount. The administration agrees with the recommendations and by the end of 2025, he is sure that those responsible for overpayments were collected and the appropriate tuition reimbursement form revisions are included. They will also note that this is supposed to be a reimbursement. You supposed to pay first and then, get reimbursed. From the documentation they received, it is not also clear that happens. Sometimes it looks like the city actually paying for the tuition and nobody getting the reimbursement. He stated that they are asking for better documentation that this is actually a reimbursement for those people who are applying. He also note that there is a class grade information. Some people supply it, but not everyone does. They are asked that that be dealt with. He stated that those are the highlights. Once again, they are on the website and you guys can have a moment to take a look and read them. He stated that this was the first time the new HR Director got to respond to an audit. It took a little bit of time for Mr. Velazquez to do it, but he gave good responses that were thought out and certainly shows the administration willingness to tackle this problem so this program goes forward without these hiccups. He stated that if you have any answers, he will be happy to answer them. He stated thank you Mr. Glazier. Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated very good. Thank you Mr. President. Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it was much appreciated. The mayor has not submitted anything for the agenda. ▶ jump to 67:54
  15. 15 Controller's Reports: Bank Rec, Check Review, PCard Review, Tuition Reimbursement 15-7671
  16. 16 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 78:26
  17. 17 Bill 29 Amending the African-American Advisory Council by clarifying and adding a section on selecting members stating: Council and the Mayor must make every effort to ensure the board reflects the community it has been created to serve. Appointments to the board should prioritize African American community leaders and city residents. . 15-7599 approved Pass ▶ jump to 79:06
  18. 18 Bill 30 Amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of One Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($185,000.00) from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support a feasibility study of MLK Trail Phase 3 (Parkettes to D&L Trail on Riverside Dr) and construction of either Phase 1 or 2 of MLK Trail. 15-7601 approved Pass ▶ jump to 84:33
  19. 19 Bill 31 Amending the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the Trexler Escrow Unappropriated Cash balance in the amount of One Hundred Eight Thousand One Hundred Five Dollars and Seventy-Five Cents ($108,105.75) to the MLK Trail capital account of the Parks and Recreation Department. These funds will be utilized for the construction of Phase 1 of the trail and is part of the 2024-25 Trexler Capital Project allocation. 15-7602 approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:32
  20. 20 Bill 32 Amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars ($46,766) from the Department of Justice for 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant to the City of Allentown Police Department to utilize the funding evidence workflow management system and portable weighing scales. A portion of this funding is appropriated as a pass through to Lehigh County. 15-7605 approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:24
  21. 20 Bill 29 Amending the African-American Advisory Council by clarifying and adding a section on selecting members stating: Council and the Mayor must make every effort to ensure the board reflects the community it has been created to serve. Appointments to the board should prioritize African American community leaders and city residents. . 15-7599 amended Pass ▶ jump to 83:40
  22. 21 Bill 33 Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 270 Fees, Article V Community and Economic Development Fees by revising the permitting and plan fees, reducing the permits per project to a single permit that covers all fees and updating language in the code. The intent is to streamline the permit application process and improve both customer service and administrative efficiency by consolidating all required permits into one comprehensive permit, simplifying the application and approval process. 15-7604 approved Pass ▶ jump to 87:18
  23. 22 Bill 34 Amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of One Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($132,800.00) from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department. These funds will be utilized for reimbursement of expenses for the purchase of case management software, mobile devices, program analysis, unit apparel and additional Community Intervention Specialist. 15-7606 approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:16
  24. 23 Bill 35 Amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Eighty-Five Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($85,900.00) from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department. These funds will be utilized for reimbursement of expenses for the purchase of portable breath testing devices, impaired driving simulator kit, trailer and training for officers. 15-7607 approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:14
  25. 24 Bill 36 Amending the 2025 General Fund, the 2025 Trexler Fund, the 2025 Risk Fund, the 2025 Equipment Replacement Fund, the 2025 Solid Waste Fund, the 2025 Liquid Fuels Fund, the 2025 Stormwater Fund, and the 2025 Golf Fund by appropriating funds from the un-appropriated balances for the rollover of encumbrances for the prior year commitments. 15-7609 approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:56
  26. 25 CONSENT AGENDA approved Pass ▶ jump to 90:47
  27. 26 R43 Abigail Goldfarb, Commission on Homelessness, 4/17/2029 (Reappointment) 15-7610
  28. 27 R44 Erlinda M. Aguiar, Human Relations Commission, 4/17/2028 15-7611
  29. 28 R45 Kyle Ropski, Shade Tree Commission, 4/17/2030 15-7612
  30. 29 R46 Leslie Hartzell, Planning Commission, 4/17/2029 15-7613
  31. 30 R47 Richard M. Larish, Noise Hearing Board, 4/17/2030 (Industrial Representative) 15-7646
  32. 31 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):
  33. 32 R48 A Resolution to protect and grant refuge to members of the LGBTQ+ community and people fleeing states with anti -LGBTQ+ laws, declares Allentown a safe and welcoming haven for the LGBTQ+ Community and urges County and sSate officials to support aforesaid legislation 15-7650 approved Pass ▶ jump to 50:56
  34. 33 R49 A Resolution Calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to raise the minimum wage and grant local wage control. 15-7649 ▶ jump to 95:13
  35. 34 R50 Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the renovations/upgrades of Ithaca Park. The city is asking for $97,617.55 in grant funding with a match required – in-kind or cash. 15-7648
  36. 35 R51 Approves the submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the construction of Phase 2 of the Martin Luther King (MLK) Trail. The city is asking for $1,000,000.00 in grant funding with a match required – in-kind or cash. 15-7647
  37. 36 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public comment prior to referral) ▶ jump to 106:23
  38. 37 Bill 37 Amending the 2025 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 (RACP). These funds are a pass-through grant that will support Cedar Crest College. 15-7640 ▶ jump to 106:27
  39. 38 Bill 38 Amending the 2025 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 Police Athletic League. The $400,000 awarded in LSA funds will be used to rehabilitate the existing PAL Community Youth Education Center located at 2110 Park Drive in Allentown. 15-7641 ▶ jump to 107:01
  40. 39 Bill 39 An Ordinance providing for the expenditure of Six Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($654,775) in Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and One Million Six Hundred Thousand One Hundred Twenty-One Dollars and Twenty-Three Cents (1,600,121.23) in HOME Investment Partnership Program, unspent funds for the January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 grant years, for housing and community development programs pursuant to the approved Consolidated Plan, appropriate Federal Law and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. The monies are received by the City of Allentown under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1976, as amended; The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009; and Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended; for the purpose of undertaking programs of housing and community development within the City. 15-7643 ▶ jump to 107:27
  41. 40 Bill 40 Amending the 2025 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 training equipment. 15-7644 ▶ jump to 107:52
  42. 41 Bill 41 Amending the 2025 Golf Fund budget by upgrading one Maintenance Worker 2 (M08) position with a salary of $43,950 to Greenskeeper (M16) with a salary of $53,358 to better align with skills necessary for the position within a very competitive labor market. 15-7645 ▶ jump to 108:18
  43. 42 Bill 42 Amending the Civil Service Board Rules governing the Appointment and Promotion of Police Officers and Fire Fighters by adding the following under Grading Procedures, c: All raw scores that end with .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. All applicable veteran preference points shall then be added to the whole number. In the case of a tie, raw scores shall be used as a tiebreaker, with the original unadjusted scores used to determine who will place higher on the eligibility list. If there is a still a tie after comparing raw scores. The date and time of the submission of the application shall be used with the earliest submission date and time ranking higher on the list; and adding under Oral Examination: 3) The oral examination shall be conducted by a three-person oral examination panel approved by the Board. The oral examination panel shall consist of the Chief of Police or his/her designee and two (2) current Allentown Police officers holding the rank of Lieutenant of higher. The Civil Service Board may engage in an outside vendor to conduct the oral exam. In the event an outside vendor is selected by the Civil Service Board office and approved by the Civil Service board to conduct such oral exams for the position of Sergeant and Lieutenant, the make-up of the oral examination board shall be made by the selected vendor who will be conducting the oral exam, with the approval of the Civil Service Board. 15-7652 ▶ jump to 108:38
  44. 43 Bill 43 Amending the 2025 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 (RACP). These funds are a pass-through grant that will support Phoebe Ministries. 15-7642 ▶ jump to 108:59
  45. 44 RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee): ▶ jump to 109:23
  46. 45 R52 Establishing a Special Committee for reviewing and developing Community Policing and collaborative efforts the Police Department is currently involved in to create a strategic plan going forward that builds partnerships between police, community members and organizations to address issues and opportunities. 15-7651 ▶ jump to 109:26
  47. 46 NEW BUSINESS: NONE
  48. 47 GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE ▶ jump to 110:38
  49. 48 ADJOURNED: 8:20 PM ▶ jump to 110:42
  50. 49 Reference Materials: Council Rules Procurement Code Ethics Code 15-6577