City Council

Council Chambers

Agenda — 13 items

1. 1 Roll Call
2. 2 Courtesy of the Floor ▶ jump to 0:16
3. 3 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):
4. 4 R117 A Resolution Affirming the City of Allentown’s Commitment to Equitable Use of Public Spaces, Protection of Human Rights, and Compassionate Approaches to Addressing Homelessness 15-7059 ▶ jump to 41:00
5. 5 ORDINANCES FOR REVIEW:
6. 5 R117 A Resolution Affirming the City of Allentown’s Commitment to Equitable Use of Public Spaces, Protection of Human Rights, and Compassionate Approaches to Addressing Homelessness 15-7059 ▶ jump to 41:09
7. 6 Bill 64 Amending the 2024 General Fund, Rental Fund, and Risk Fund budgets to accommodate the upgrading and retitling of positions to allow various departments to operate at a level more in line with the job responsibilities currently assigned, to support City functions. This will ensure that departments are operating more efficiently, inequalities are reduced, positions are correctly classified, and employees are appropriately compensated for the work they are performing based on a correctly classified position which enhances job satisfaction. 15-7057 ▶ jump to 71:34
8. 7 Bill 65 Authorizing the Lehigh County Board of Elections to place the following question on the November 5, 2024 ballot for the Allentown electorate that would amend the Home Rule Charter, Section 807, Revenue, to delete the Deed Transfer Tax from Section 807 (B). 15-7058 ▶ jump to 161:55
9. 8 Deed Transfer Info 15-7074
10. 9 Discussion: Park Issues 1. Defining the Problem Canal Park - overcrowding, litter, swimming alcohol consumption Fountain Park – overcrowding, litter, swimming alcohol consumption Jordan Park-Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption Trout Creek-Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption Lehigh Parkway- Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption Bucky Boyle – LU gating of waterfront, put up gate around area. Issues tie up police resources. Parks crew spending 2 full days a week picking up litter and collecting trash which takes resources from other services. 2. City Regulations/Procedures City’s Park regulations – what the city has on the books: a. No alcohol https://ecode360.com/36438943 b. No fires https://ecode360.com/36438942 c. No speakers https://ecode360.com/36438948 d. No swimming https://ecode360.com/36438958 3. Proposed Solutions Parks Actions taken to date: Additional rules signage is on order. At Fountain a dumpster has been placed, as well as a port-o-potty. A grant has been received by the City from Fish and Boat to look at Canal and come up with safety solutions. Park Rangers are equipped to approach small groups and educate about things like parking, no grilling, no alcohol, and other park rules. Permits are revoked for field rental that result in excessive trash. Councilperson Gerlach has forwarded the following links on park ambassador programs that other municipalities have. https://youtu.be/QLgb89SOT7s?si=wAc2fllyox1XJ4fS https://downtownventura.org/park-ambassadors/ https://www.cityofberea.org/657/Public-Safety-Ambassador-Program https://www.lakewoodoh.gov/accordions/parks-ambassador-program/ https://www.longbeach.gov/park/news/new-park-ambassador-program/ More Police Officers in Park – what are the stats, are they writing citations- examine data Enforcement of codes including parking should take priority prior to closing parks. Contact Sate Rep to determine their responsibility for boat ramp and river. Limit number of vehicles in on week-end – estimated to be around 50 cars? Access only for residents/charge or prohibit non-residents. Have someone at a booth that allows residents only in. Permits for use of Canal Park/residents only. What authority does the city have in regulating access to waterways. Grant to study issue. 4. Course of Action ▶ jump to 194:51
11. 9 Bill 65 Authorizing the Lehigh County Board of Elections to place the following question on the November 5, 2024 ballot for the Allentown electorate that would amend the Home Rule Charter, Section 807, Revenue, to delete the Deed Transfer Tax from Section 807 (B). 15-7058 ▶ jump to 181:19
12. 10 Park Information - Codes and Pictures 15-7073
13. 11 ADJOURN