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April 3, 2024 ·6:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 56 items

  1. 1 Invocation: ▶ jump to 0:03
  2. 2 Pledge to the Flag ▶ jump to 0:24
  3. 3 Roll Call ▶ jump to 0:44
  4. 4 Courtesy of the Floor Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules ▶ jump to 1:00
  5. 5 Contract Approvals ▶ jump to 3:13
  6. 6 R44 Authorization for Contract price increase of 10% or more for an existing Contract over $40,000.00, that was previously Bid and Awarded under City Policies, with A B E Doors & Windows, Inc. in the amount of $20,000.00, to cover future Risk claims in 2024. This was previously bid for time and materials contract for on-call, on-site Overhead Door replacement, repair, inspection and maintenance, at various City owned and/or operated facilities. The resulting agreement shall include all labor, equipment, licensing, materials, tools, travel and all other items necessary to complete orders on an “as needed” basis. Services will include but not limited to emergency repairs, preventative maintenance, general repairs, and repairs to springs and tracks, as well as door replacements when necessary. 15-6787 approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:09
  7. 7 Minutes of Previous Meeting ▶ jump to 5:25
  8. 8 February 21, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 15-6786 approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:32
  9. 9 March 20, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 15-6803 approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:47
  10. 10 Communications Executive Session: Council held an executive session this evening at 5PM to review potential litigation issues that relate to council’s investigation. Council’s office received a petition requesting an intermunicipal liquor license transfer for City Center Hospitality Ten, LLC located at 950 Hamilton Street. The Public Hearing on the transfer will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:15 PM. Chasers: If you parked in the city lot next to City Hall, please see the City Clerk for a voucher. ▶ jump to 5:59
  11. 11 Old Business: None ▶ jump to 6:55
  12. 12 REPORTS Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach The Committee met on March 27th at 6 PM; the next meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 5:30 PM. Community and Economic Development: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli The committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for April 10th at 5:45 PM. Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Affa, Napoli, Santos The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; there are no future meetings scheduled at this time. Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach The Committee met this evening, the next meeting is not yet scheduled. Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota The committee met this evening; the next meeting is not yet scheduled. Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal The Committee met this evening, the next meeting is not yet scheduled. Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Mota, Napoli, Gerlach The committee met on March 27th at 5:30 PM, the next meeting is not yet scheduled. Controller's Report (3 minutes) NONE Mayor's Report (3 minutes) Mayor Matt Tuerk stated since the last City Council meeting, they were thrilled to welcome the US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to Allentown. He was here in part to celebrate the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act which has dramatically changed the fortune of many Allentonians and has improved our economy. He thanked Councilperson Mota for being able to join them for part of the visit where he held a round table at Sacred Heart Hospital. He looks forward to future visits from administration officials. In the future, they encourage the administration officials to bring checks with them. He stated that is always appreciated. Earlier today, they held a press conference celebrating the improvement in Allentown's bond rating. He thanked Mr. Hendricks. He stated that the administration has the utmost respect for former and current Council Presidents. He thanked Mr. Hendricks for joining them at the press conference. They are absolutely thrilled to report to City Council that Moody's upgraded the city of Allentown's credit position. In part because of their confidence in the city's leadership, particularly our financial leadership driven by Ms. Patel and her team deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their capable and stable stewardship of our city's budget and finances. He recognized the work that City Council has done to support our team and the development of that budget. The other major factor that would contribute to the improvement of our credit rating is the strength of the local economy. The city economy is doing very well. Jobs are being added, wages are increasing, the city is in good shape economically in Allentown and in the Lehigh Valley. They are continuing to work to make investments to get more Allentonians into the labor force and accessing good jobs in the Lehigh Valley. He is incredibly hopeful for a re-compete grant from the Economic Development Administration. Overall, incredibly good news. Imagine if your credit score was in the 800s. That is where they are headed in Allentown. The really great thing and the thing that they should understand as Council people is when they are faced incurring debt to make improvements to our fiscal plants here, whether it is improvements to the public safety building to take care of our police officers or building a new central fire station. It will lower the cost of incurring debt which will improve the city's ability to invest in other things they do in the city. It is incredibly good news. On Saturday, he was talking to Councilperson Santos. Her stepbrother was disappointed that he could not get all the candy he wanted at the Bucky Boyle Easter Egg Hunt. Good News! The Mayor's office is coordinating with the Police Athletic League to host an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at Jordan Park at noon. He stated that he doesn't think they have a City Council division, but they are welcome to hunt for Easter Eggs as well. He stated to City Council and all of his fellow Allentonians to take care and looking up at the sun. The solar eclipse is on the way. He understands there will be some celebrations across Allentown. He stated to take care of their eyesight and make sure you are using approved glasses. Whatever they look like and let him know how they look. He stated that concludes his report and is able to take any questions Council may have. ▶ jump to 7:03
  13. 13 Controller Reports 15-6829 ▶ jump to 8:46
  14. 14 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 12:56
  15. 15 Bill 13 Providing for the vacation of Type Street from the centerline of South Eighth Street to its West Terminus in the Third Ward of the City of Allentown: 15-6697 approved Fail ▶ jump to 13:43
  16. 16 Bill 23 Amending Section § 5-21 Contracts, E (2) to read as follows:: The selection process shall be based on the objective criteria contained in the RFP and shall be conducted by a Selection Committee composed of the Director of Finance, Department Head, Bureau Manager, and any other staff deemed appropriate except in the case of an investigation authorized by ordinance under Section 201 of the Home Rule Charter wherein the ordinance shall authorize a selection committee. 15-6749 amended Pass ▶ jump to 15:49
  17. 17 Bill 24 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) from the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Inc. (NSPCB). These funds are a contribution to go towards the construction of Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation. 15-6763 approved Pass ▶ jump to 18:31
  18. 17 Bill 23 Amending Section § 5-21 Contracts, E (2) to read as follows:: The selection process shall be based on the objective criteria contained in the RFP and shall be conducted by a Selection Committee composed of the Director of Finance, Department Head, Bureau Manager, and any other staff deemed appropriate except in the case of an investigation authorized by ordinance under Section 201 of the Home Rule Charter wherein the ordinance shall authorize a selection committee. 15-6749 approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 17:43
  19. 18 Bill 25 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) from the National Society for the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc. (TBCBSP). These funds are a contribution to go towards the construction of Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation. 15-6764 approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:11
  20. 19 Bill 27 Amending the 2024 Fire Department budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Seven Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty-Eight Dollars ($779,228.00) from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account grant for the purchase of a new fire truck. 15-6766 approved Pass ▶ jump to 22:44
  21. 20 Bill 28 Amending various sections of the city code by removing penalties providing for imprisonment as a means of enforcement. 15-6768 approved Pass ▶ jump to 25:11
  22. 21 CONSENT AGENDA approved Pass ▶ jump to 26:01
  23. 22 R45 Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts: • 112 N. 11th Street • 1109 W Turner Street • 1142 Emmett Street • 1515 Linden Street • 240.5 Hall Street • 403 N 8th Street • 1021 Linden Street 15-6777
  24. 23 R46 John Stribula, Civil Service Board, 3/21/2028 15-6772
  25. 24 R47 Walter Felton, Civil Service Board, 3/21/2028 15-6773
  26. 25 R48 Yuvette Hailey, Civil Service Board, 3/31/2028 15-6774
  27. 26 R49 Nancy Wilt, Board of Parks and Recreation, 1/20/2026 15-6775
  28. 27 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 27:19
  29. 28 R31 Council recommends ARPA funds not appropriated be directed to towards offsetting any potential tax increase and used for critical infrastructure projects. Proposed Amendment: Amend the resolution to take the 1.2M from community reinvestment and place it into the general fund to be used for recommendations from the housing study. 15-6671 withdrawn ▶ jump to 27:36
  30. 29 R50 Police Officer Appointments 15-6797 approved Pass ▶ jump to 110:56
  31. 30 R51 Authorizes the submission of the City’s application for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency 2024 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00). 15-6798 approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:19
  32. 30 R31 Council recommends ARPA funds not appropriated be directed to towards offsetting any potential tax increase and used for critical infrastructure projects. Proposed Amendment: Amend the resolution to take the 1.2M from community reinvestment and place it into the general fund to be used for recommendations from the housing study. 15-6671 amended Pass ▶ jump to 98:33
  33. 31 R52 Authorizes the participation in the 2024 cohort of the Pennsylvania Blueprint Communities program. 15-6792 approved Pass ▶ jump to 115:30
  34. 31 R31 Council recommends ARPA funds not appropriated be directed to towards offsetting any potential tax increase and used for critical infrastructure projects. Proposed Amendment: Amend the resolution to take the 1.2M from community reinvestment and place it into the general fund to be used for recommendations from the housing study. 15-6671 approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 108:22
  35. 32 R53 Approves two transfers: (1) $15,000.00 in Building Standards & Safety for the Nuisance Property Appeals Board’s Legal Counsel Fees; and (2) $13,000.00 in Information Systems Needed to Replace the Current Mail Center Unit (Current Device Will Be End of Life in 2024. 15-6785 approved Pass ▶ jump to 116:32
  36. 33 R168 Authorizes the Administration to sell the City-Owned Real Property at 1001 1007 W. Hamilton St, Allentown PA, identified as Tax Map Parcel No. 549699283455. This includes the amendment made at the last council meeting: and that the buyer not take possession of the property until adequate facilities for the police department are available for occupancy. 15-6795 tabled Pass ▶ jump to 141:56
  37. 34 R55 Approves the expenditure not to exceed $300,000 for the purpose of engaging a firm to examine procedures related to hiring, terminations, discipline, promotions, compliance with civil rights and discrimination statutes and the Charter’s provisions of a merit based personnel system, and review of salary adjustment for city employees since January 1, 2022 in terms of compliance with the city personnel code as well as other state and federal employment statutes. 15-6808 approved Pass ▶ jump to 148:24
  38. 35 R56 City Council recommends the Mayor conduct a systematic study of the deployment of electric or hybrid vehicles prior to making any changes to the vehicle fleet. 15-6807 approved Pass ▶ jump to 165:39
  39. 36 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public comment prior to referral) ▶ jump to 165:58
  40. 37 Bill 29 Amending the 2024 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 items related to training, safety and equipment. 15-6788 ▶ jump to 165:59
  41. 38 Bill 30 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Sixteen Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty One Dollars And Ninety-Nine Cents ($16,951.99) from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of The State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) Grant to the Allentown Fire Department for the purchase of Hydra Ram forcible entry tools. 15-6789 ▶ jump to 166:36
  42. 38 R55 Approves the expenditure not to exceed $300,000 for the purpose of engaging a firm to examine procedures related to hiring, terminations, discipline, promotions, compliance with civil rights and discrimination statutes and the Charter’s provisions of a merit based personnel system, and review of salary adjustment for city employees since January 1, 2022 in terms of compliance with the city personnel code as well as other state and federal employment statutes. 15-6808 approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 153:50
  43. 39 Bill 31 ADOPTING FUND BALANCE POLICY FOR THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN Reminder: code this up 15-6790 ▶ jump to 167:11
  44. 40 Bill 32 Amending the 2024 General Fund, the 2024 Risk Fund, the 2024 Solid Waste Fund, the 2024 Stormwater Fund, the 2024 Equipment Replacement Fund, the 2024 Golf Fund, and the 2024 Housing Fund by appropriating funds from the un-appropriated balances for the rollover of encumbrances for the prior year commitments. 15-6791 ▶ jump to 168:09
  45. 41 Bill 33 Amending the 2024 ARPA Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars from Ripple Community Inc. to the Revenue Replacement category of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) award for HVAC systems. Ripple Community Inc. will receive One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars in funding from the CDBG HOME-ARPA program as indicated in DCED’s resolution to amend the 2021 One Year Action Plan allocation. 15-6794 ▶ jump to 168:43
  46. 42 Bill 34 Amending the 2024 General Fund and Information Systems budget to accommodate the reorganization of two positions: Amend the General Fund budget by deleting the position of Systems Analyst 2 (14A) with the salary budgeted in the amount of Seventy-Six Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-Six ($76,466) Dollars; and creating the position of Office Manager (09A) with the salary budgeted at Sixty-One Thousand Four Hundred Ten ($61,410.00) Dollars. 15-6796 tabled Pass ▶ jump to 174:06
  47. 43 Bill 35 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Fifty-One Thousand One-Hundred Ninety-One Dollars and Twenty-Seven Cents ($51,191.27) from the Gordon Street Bridge capital account to the Bridge Repairs capital account. This will transfer the unused funds from the completed Gordon Street project to the general Bridge Repairs capital account. 15-6800 ▶ jump to 174:57
  48. 44 Bill 36 Amending the 2024 General Fund budget to accommodate the reorganization of positions in the Department of Public Works: upgrade one (1) Engineering Aid 3 (currently M13) to an Associate Engineer 1 at a proposed S12 paygrade; upgrade one (1) Associate Utility Engineer (currently S14) to an Associate Engineer 2 (title change only); and upgrade one (1) Public Works Administrative Manager (currently S14) to a proposed S16 paygrade. 15-6801 ▶ jump to 175:30
  49. 45 RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee): ▶ jump to 184:13
  50. 46 R57 Approves the Submission of an amendment to the 2021 Action Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. 15-6793 ▶ jump to 184:15
  51. 47 R58 Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1515 Linden Street 15-6778 ▶ jump to 184:44
  52. 48 R59 A resolution of the City Council of the City of Allentown, Lehigh County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting the South Whitehall Township Act 537 sewage facilities plan (Public-to-Public System Transfer) 15-6799 ▶ jump to 185:06
  53. 49 NEW BUSINESS: NONE ▶ jump to 185:37
  54. 50 GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE ▶ jump to 185:46
  55. 51 ADJOURNED: 9:04 PM ▶ jump to 185:50
  56. 52 Reference Materials: Council Rules Procurement Code Ethics Code 15-6577