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City Council

December 18, 2024 ·6:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 61 items

  1. 1 Invocation:
  2. 2 Pledge to the Flag ▶ jump to 0:24
  3. 3 Roll Call ▶ jump to 0:42
  4. 4 Courtesy of the Floor Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules Please observe the Rules of Council when given privilege of the floor. A copy of Council Rules can be found on the council agenda on the website; copies are also on the back desk along with the agenda. When anyone has privilege of the floor, I will not entertain personal insults, attacks, name calling or other behavior that is inconsistent with the purpose of conducting official business. 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. Courtesy of the Floor is meant to provide public comment 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 items. You are given privilege of the floor to provide public comment, it is not a question-and-answer session. If you are speaking 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. ▶ jump to 1:04
  5. 5 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.
  6. 6 Contract Approvals ▶ jump to 4:12
  7. 7 R215 Authorization for Contract with Bridge Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $62,309.00 for the purchase of a pedestrian bridge structure for Dixon Street for the Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation. One (1) bid was received, contract shall be for one (1) year with an additional six (6) month renewal beyond the contract expiration period. 15-7402 approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:31
  8. 8 R216 Authorization for Contract with Court Record & Data Management Services, Inc. in the estimated yearly amount of $85,000.00 to convert physical records into digital formats. The goal is to create accessible, searchable, and secure digital versions while preserving the original content. Seven proposals were received, contract shall be for one (1) year with one (1) one (1) year renewal beyond the contract expiration period. 15-7403 approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:00
  9. 9 R217 Authorization for Contract with Grace Industries, Inc. in the amount of $117,830.40 for the installation and repair of the Dixon Street Pedestrian Bridge. Seven (7) bids received, one (1) was rejected due to not submitting their bid and submitting their financial records. Contract shall be for one (1) year with an additional six (6) month renewal beyond the contract expiration period. 15-7404 approved Pass ▶ jump to 8:26
  10. 10 R218 Authorization of Cooperative Contract(s) in an amount greater than $40,000.00 to provide the City with various goods/services, with Lobar Associates (over seen by Gordian) and General Recreation, Inc.. 15-7405 approved Pass ▶ jump to 9:30
  11. 11 Minutes of Previous Meeting ▶ jump to 9:47
  12. 12 November 6, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 15-7411 approved Pass ▶ jump to 9:53
  13. 13 November 20, 2024 City Council Special Meeting Minutes 15-7388 approved Pass ▶ jump to 10:08
  14. 14 Communications ▶ jump to 10:22
  15. 15 Old Business ▶ jump to 11:10
  16. 16 REPORTS ▶ jump to 12:36
  17. 17 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 26:47
  18. 18 Bill 90 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown adopting the American Rescue Plan Fund Budget for 2025 in the amount of of One Million Three Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty-Eight Dollars ($1,332,228) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget.” 15-7257 approved Pass ▶ jump to 27:14
  19. 19 Bill 91 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the Stormwater Fund Budget for 2025 in the amount of Seven Million Six Hundred Seventeen Thousand Three Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($7,617,319) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget.”and amending Article 393.15 – Stormwater Utility Fee by maintaining the Stormwater Utility Fee at Twenty ($20) Dollars per Five Hundred (500) square feet of impervious surface. 15-7258 approved Pass ▶ jump to 27:51
  20. 20 Bill 92 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of Twenty-Four Million Two Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-One Dollars ($24,255,251) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget.”and amending Article 1131, Municipal Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal by increasing the Solid Waste Fee to Six Hundred and Five ($605) Dollars. 15-7261 approved Pass ▶ jump to 28:30
  21. 21 Bill 93 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the Rental Unit Licensing Fund Budget for 2025 in the amount of Three Million Two Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-Two Dollars ($3,002,762) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget" and amending Article 1759 – Landlord and Rental Fee by maintaining the Residential Rental Fees. 15-7262 approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:16
  22. 22 Bill 94 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the Building Code Fund Budget for 2025 for Community and Economic Development per Chapter 270 of City code for Building Fees. in the amount ofTwo Million Nine Hundred Sixty Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-Four Dollars ($2,960,524) is hereby made to the Building Code Fund as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget and that Chapter 270, Community and Economic Development Fees Ordinance of the City of Allentown, and the same is hereby amended establishing the Building Fees outlined therein. 15-7263 approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:51
  23. 23 Bill 95 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown adopting the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget for 2025 in the amount of Four Million Three Hundred Ten Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Five Dollars ($4,310,285) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget.” 15-7259 approved Pass ▶ jump to 30:22
  24. 24 Bill 96 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown adopting the Trexler Fund Budget for 2025 in the amount of One Million Eight Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Seven Dollars ($1,878,947) as more fully detailed in Exhibit A, “City of Allentown 2025 Budget.” 15-7260 approved Pass ▶ jump to 30:52
  25. 25 Bill 97 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the General Fund, Administrative Order Fund, Risk Management Fund, Debt Service Fund, Equipment Fund, and Golf Fund Budgets for 2025 and adopting a tax for general revenue be levied for the fiscal year, beginning the first Monday of January, A.D., 2025 at the rate of Four and Four Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-Eight Ten-Thousandth (4.4528) mills on improvements and Twenty-Three and Five Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Six Ten-Thousandth (23.5376) mills on land. Council acted on proposed amendments that are contained in Budget Memo 2. An additional proposal related to a position change has been submitted by the Administration - to change the name of the Equity and Inclusion Coordinator to the People and Culture Specialist. There is no change in salary, paygrade, or step. This is simply a title change. 15-7264 approved Pass ▶ jump to 31:49
  26. 26 Bill 103 Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 270 Fees, Article VIII Parks and Recreation Fees by increasing multiple golf course fees in the City Code. 15-7285 approved Pass ▶ jump to 32:56
  27. 26 Bill 97 An Ordinance of the City of Allentown establishing and adopting the General Fund, Administrative Order Fund, Risk Management Fund, Debt Service Fund, Equipment Fund, and Golf Fund Budgets for 2025 and adopting a tax for general revenue be levied for the fiscal year, beginning the first Monday of January, A.D., 2025 at the rate of Four and Four Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-Eight Ten-Thousandth (4.4528) mills on improvements and Twenty-Three and Five Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Six Ten-Thousandth (23.5376) mills on land. Council acted on proposed amendments that are contained in Budget Memo 2. An additional proposal related to a position change has been submitted by the Administration - to change the name of the Equity and Inclusion Coordinator to the People and Culture Specialist. There is no change in salary, paygrade, or step. This is simply a title change. 15-7264 approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 31:54
  28. 27 Bill 109 Amending Part II General Legislation, Chapter 525 Solid Waste, Article I Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal, Section 2 Authorization of City contractor(s); scope of work by updating the rebates and penalties portion as well as the language of the ordinance. 15-7322 approved Pass ▶ jump to 34:04
  29. 28 Bill 115 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of One Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand One Hundred Twenty-Nine Dollars and Twenty Cents ($177,129.20) from the Municipal Police Officer’s Education & Training Commission (MPOETC) to the City of Allentown Police Department for tuition and salary reimbursement from Act 120 Training. 15-7380 approved Pass ▶ jump to 34:46
  30. 29 Bill 116 Providing for the vacation of the Eastern 10’ wide strip of North 14th Street right-of-way from the North right-of-way line of Tilghman Street to the South right-of-way line of Green Street in the Eighth Ward of the City of Allentown: 15-7370 approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:27
  31. 30 Request to introduce and vote on this at this meeting. approved ▶ jump to 35:46
  32. 31 Bill 117 Amending the 2024 Grants Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00) from the State Office of the Budget, Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Da Vinci Science Center Downtown Allentown project. 15-7408 approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:47
  33. 32 CONSENT AGENDA approved Pass ▶ jump to 39:25
  34. 33 R219 Patty Scheirer - Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), 12/18/2027 (Real Estate Broker) 15-7394
  35. 33 Bill 117 Amending the 2024 Grants Fund to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00) from the State Office of the Budget, Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). These funds are a pass-through grant that will support the Da Vinci Science Center Downtown Allentown project. 15-7408 approved Pass ▶ jump to 37:38
  36. 34 R220 Lauren A. Nyemscek, Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), 12/18/2027 (Real Estate Broker Alternate) 15-7395
  37. 35 R221 Robert Hammond, Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), 12/18/2027 15-7396
  38. 36 R222 Heidi Westerman, Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), 12/18/2027 (Building Inspector Alternate) 15-7397
  39. 37 R223 Samantha M. McLean, Zoning Hearing Board, 12/19/2027 15-7400
  40. 38 R224 Approval of Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: 620 N 6th St. 15-7409
  41. 39 R225 Sewage Planning Module at 38 - 40 S 8th Street 15-7416
  42. 40 R226 Sewage Planning Module at 1401 Green Street Development 15-7417
  43. 41 R227 Sewage Planning Module at 445 – 447 N 7th Street 15-7415
  44. 42 R228 Sewage Planning Module at 116 N 5th Street 15-7418
  45. 43 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 39:42
  46. 44 R229 A Resolution of City of Allentown, County of Lehigh, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approving the intermunicipal transfer of liquor license number r-15779 to Radhe Krishna Mart, Inc., 1234 – 1246 Lehigh Street, Allentown, Pa 18103 15-7366 approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:04
  47. 45 R230 Approves a modification recommended by the Allentown Parking Authority Board to the agreement of sale of the 1001-1007 W. Hamilton St. property removing the parking requirement to promote development and adjust allocation of price proportionally. 15-7413 approved Pass ▶ jump to 41:57
  48. 46 R231 Approves 6 transfers: 1. $189,357.49 EMS Premium Pay and Temp Wages 2. $122,282.45 Fire Premium Pay 3. $135,000.00 Public Works Air Handler Transfer 4. $552,000.00 Police Operations Premium Pay 5. $13,402.40 IT Dept Perm Wages deficit in Mail & Print Program 6. $70,000.00 Risk Fund Transfer for Bridgeworks security upgrades 15-7399 approved Pass ▶ jump to 50:24
  49. 47 R232 Allentown City Council will hold one regularly scheduled Council meeting on January 15th at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers with the intention to elect a president and vice-president of Council at that meeting. 15-7414 approved Pass ▶ jump to 51:07
  50. 48 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public comment prior to referral) ▶ jump to 51:24
  51. 48 R230 Approves a modification recommended by the Allentown Parking Authority Board to the agreement of sale of the 1001-1007 W. Hamilton St. property removing the parking requirement to promote development and adjust allocation of price proportionally. 15-7413 approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:34
  52. 49 Bill 118 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen Dollars and Forty-Three Cents ($737,219.43) from LCA for the purpose of construction ADA handicap ramps and for the milling and paving of streets under the City’s Utility Paving Program. 15-7406 ▶ jump to 51:27
  53. 50 Bill 119 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the Ferber Company for traffic signal improvements. 15-7407 ▶ jump to 51:54
  54. 51 Bill 120 Amending Part I Administrative Legislation, Chapter 80 Personnel Policies, Section 13 Holidays and Leave Time, Subsection A Holidays by updating the list of paid holidays for full-time non-bargaining employees to include Juneteenth National Independence Day. 15-7412 ▶ jump to 52:12
  55. 52 Bill 121 Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Forty-One Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two Dollars and Fifty-Seven Cents ($41,242.57) from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development grant. These funds will be utilized to support the Bomb Squad and ensure disposal of fireworks. 15-7421 ▶ jump to 52:43
  56. 53 RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee): ▶ jump to 53:15
  57. 54 R233 Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 523.5 N 6th Street 15-7410 ▶ jump to 53:19
  58. 55 NEW BUSINESS: NONE ▶ jump to 53:48
  59. 56 GOOD AND WELFARE ▶ jump to 53:51
  60. 57 ADJOURNED: 7:24 PM ▶ jump to 54:34
  61. 58 Reference Materials: Council Rules Procurement Code Ethics Code 15-6577