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March 6, 2024 ·6:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 42 items

  1. 1 Invocation: ▶ jump to 0:26
  2. 2 Pledge to the Flag ▶ jump to 0:46
  3. 3 Roll Call ▶ jump to 1:05
  4. 4 Courtesy of the Floor Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules ▶ jump to 1:19
  5. 5 Contract Approvals: There are four contracts for approval – R25, the Clean Team was tabled pending getting more information on the contract. The general idea for approving contract pursuant to the legislation passed by council is you are approving a resolution acknowledging that proper procurement procedures were followed pursuant to the city code. Ask the Clerk to read the resolution. The Purchasing Agent, Sarrah McNeil, who is on TEAMS, will explain the proposal. After staff explains the process, ask for comments from the dais and the public before a vote. ▶ jump to 3:32
  6. 6 R25 Authorization for Contract with Allentown Rescue Mission Clean Team, LLC for an estimated sum of $349,127.38 to provide maintenance services for the City’s Central Business District for year one with a possible 3% CPI increase yearly. This estimated sum includes costs for Special Events Assistance, snow clean up, and special cleanup project on an as needed basis. The estimated sum for the 5-year base contract is $2,132,098.62. This was competitively bid through the RFP process. 15-6665 approved Pass ▶ jump to 26:06
  7. 7 R32 Authorization for Contract with Landmarks SGA, LLC in the amount of $49,781.00 to conduct architectural surveys of properties within the existing historic districts and update existing property inventories. The firm will also review the efficacy of the City’s historic district ordinance and examine existing City policies, including the zoning code and building codes, to make recommendations for continued improvements to the historic preservation program. The scope of work will also include assisting City staff with the enforcement of the historic district ordinance and assisting City staff with public outreach and methods of increasing public awareness of the historic districts. The firm will identify opportunities to increase the historic preservation incentives and investment within the City, work with staff to develop grant proposals to support the City’s historic preservation efforts and provide general assistance in implementing the City’s Historic Preservation Plan. On November 30, 2023, the City advertised a solicitation for a Historic Preservation firm to conduct architectural surveys of properties within the existing historic districts and update existing property inventories. The firm will also review the efficacy of the City’s historic district ordinance and examine existing City policies, including the zoning code and building codes, to make recommendations for continued improvements to the historic preservation program. The scope of work will also include assisting City staff with the enforcement of the historic district ordinance and assisting City staff with public outreach and methods of increasing public awareness of the historic districts. The firm will identify opportunities to increase the historic preservation incentives and investment within the City, work with staff to develop grant proposals to support the City’s historic preservation efforts and provide general assistance in implementing the City’s Historic Preservation Plan. On January 25, 2024, the public opening was held for which the City received three (3) proposals, which were distributed to all committee members via Teams for evaluations. The Technical evaluation was held on February 5, 2024, all committee members were present. The proposals were scored based on the following: IBE Preference (10 Points), Approach & Methodology (45 Points), and Ability & Capacity (45 Points). The cost proposals were opened on February 5, 2024, and distributed to all committee members via Teams for evaluation after the completion of the technical evaluation. The Cost evaluation was held on February 14, 2024, all committee members were present. The committee members discussed the cost proposals (10 Points). The committee made the decision not to move forward with oral interviews. The committee decided to award based on the firm’s qualifications and overall score. The committee is recommending award to Landmarks SGA, LLC. The Contract term shall commence upon full execution and shall cease one (1) year thereafter. Upon, written agreement, this contract may be extended for an additional two (2) one (1) year terms beyond the contract expiration period. 15-6721 approved Pass ▶ jump to 28:36
  8. 8 R33 Authorization for Contract with CDR Maguire. Inc. in the amount of $172,365.88 for the Construction Inspection for the Bogert’s Bridge Rehabilitation, bid through the state as a result of a PennDOT TASA Grant. This contract is the product of a solicitation published and advertised by the State. 15-6717 approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:33
  9. 9 R34 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 James Duncan & Associates, Inc. in the estimated amount of $63,055.00 that was previously bid for urban planning consultant to support the City of Allentown Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) updated, and other City planning and zoning initiatives. On April 29, 2020, both parties entered into an agreement that the contractor would urban planning consulting services for the City of Allentown. At this time, the department is looking to extend the contract to have more Community Engagement and Meetings due to this starting during Covid-19 they were unable to hold as many as they planned to due to the restrictions. After that they would also like to have a “Year-One Ordinance Tuneup” to review and discuss everything and revise where needed. Contract Sum: $193,095.00 Requested Increase: $ 63,055.00 (Estimated) New Contract $256,150.00 The current contract expires March 29, 2024 and a two (2) year extension is being requested. 15-6719 approved Pass ▶ jump to 31:39
  10. 10 Communications:Chasers: If you parked in the city lot next to City Hall, please see the City Clerk for a voucher. ▶ jump to 32:01
  11. 11 Minutes of Previous Meeting: NONE ▶ jump to 31:56
  12. 12 Old Business: Council President Mota Notes: Resolution Number 30791 was passed on February 7th – there was an oversight in the first Whereas of the resolution; if there are no questions the Clerk can make the adjustment to reflect what was in the lease that was attached and discussed at the council meeting as follows: Original: WHEREAS, the City of Allentown is desirous of leasing the property, located at 1126 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103 to Muhlenberg College for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2033, with a one (1) ten (10) year renewal option. Change to this: WHEREAS, the City of Allentown is desirous of leasing the property, located at 1126 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103 to Muhlenberg College for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2033, with a one (1) ten (10) year renewal option followed by one (1) nine (9) year eleven (11) month renewal term. ▶ jump to 35:10
  13. 13 Bicentennial Park - Muhlenberg Lease - modification to refer for specifically to conditions of the lease Original: WHEREAS, the City of Allentown is desirous of leasing the property, located at 1126 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103 to Muhlenberg College for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2033, with a one (1) ten (10) year renewal option. Change to: : WHEREAS, the City of Allentown is desirous of leasing the property, located at 1126 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103 to Muhlenberg College for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2033, with a one (1) ten (10) year renewal option followed by one (1) nine (9) year eleven (11) month renewal term. 15-6754
  14. 14 REPORTS Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach The Committee met on February 28th; the next meeting is scheduled for March 27th, time to be determined. Community and Economic Development: Chair Hendricks, Mota, Napoli The committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for March 13th at 6:00 PM. Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Affa, Napoli, Santos The Committee met on February 28th; there are no future meetings scheduled at this time. Parks and Recreation: Chair Santos, Affa, Gerlach The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for March 13th at 5:30 PM. Public Safety: Chair Zucal, Hendricks, Mota The committee has not met since the last council meeting; the nest meeting is scheduled for March 20th at 5:30 PM. Public Works: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Zucal The Committee has not met since the last council meeting; the next meeting is scheduled for March 20th at 6 PM. Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Mota, Napoli, Gerlach The committee has not met since the last Council meeting; there are no future. meetings scheduled at this time. Controller's Report (3 minutes) Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that he has the P-Card review for November with 96 P-Cards and 557 documents. The total amount of the statement was a bit over $223,000. They started looking at the aging P-Card invoice entry into Eden. There nine invoices or 60 days. There were 32 between 31 and 60 days. December was better and January is much closer to being on-time. In terms of the findings, they identified one. If you are traveling there are two pieces of information that need to be submitted. One is a TRA which ask for permission and the second one is a TER where you file after and make sure all the expenses that have been accounted for. He went over a TER where the TRA was never submitted and the travel was completed in November. The TER was not submitted until January. The department and Purchasing were advised and told to do better. Gift cards were purchased on a P-Card. Gift cards should be purchased through Purchasing. Visa cards have processing fees. Amazon gift cards have no processing fees. His office general falls into the camp of let's not have processing fees. He went over the Accounts Payable Report from the 3rd of February to the 1st of March. He stated that there was one check that was written for a civic contribution that his office believed could have been an ethics violation. The Controller's office referred it back to the department and suggested to have the Solicitor weigh in on this. The check was voided and he doesn't know if an opinion was solicited. Another department a check went out with an expense to the wrong account. The check was made out to a commercial establishment. It was expensed to the 40 account. Contributions to nonprofits. Further research determined that check should not have been cut in the first place and it was voided. The next gift card audit is finishing up and you may see that at the next meeting. Mr. Ed Zucal asked what was the amount of the gift cards you were able to buy. He asked was it$2,200. Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that it was $2,450. Mr. Ed Zucal asked were they $100 cards, $50 cards. Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that they may have been $50 cards. Each city volunteer gets a card as a show of appreciation. Mr. Santo Napoli stated while he agrees with the premise on finance charges and fees, he does commend the administration for choosing Visa cards. That money ends up staying local and helping out restaurants and helping our mom and pops, helping local residents versus an Amazon card that supports a billion that lives in Seattle. He gets what the Controller is saying about the fees. He is with him from a numbers guy, but he does commend them for going that route and it is the hope that the majority of those Visa cards end up staying in our area. Mr. Jeffrey Glazier stated that Mr. Napoli's point is well taken. Mayor's Report (3 minutes) Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he is so glad to be back after a recess. He is going to refrain from making any comments on statements that were made tonight that were and he just doesn't believe warrants comment. He do want to mention things that happened in the last couple of weeks that he is incredibly proud of here at the city of Allentown. One and you know this well because you were one of the folks who helped organize it. They held the Dominican Flag Raising on February 25th in recognition of our Dominican community here in the city of Allentown in a packed room. They were under the 168 occupancy limit for the room, but it was very well attended and just a tremendous reflection of the quality of the Dominican community here in Allentown. He thanked Ms. Mota for helping organize that event and for doing beautiful decorations in Allentown City Hall. Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that they were featured in The Morning Call because of the beautiful decorations and cultural items. It was really amazing. She thanked everyone that showed up from Council. Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that it was incredibly pleasing to see so many faces from City Council. he stated that she did set a high bar and took the opportunity to mention that they will be hoisting the Irish Flag on March 15th here at city hall just prior to noon. He is hoping that any City Council member will want to join them for that. He stated that Ms. Mota did set a high bar for the Hibernians in terms of decorations. He was also happy to see members of City Council join them for a visit from the Pennsylvania DCED Secretary Rick Siger who came to Allentown to talk about the Main Street Program in Governor Shapiro's budget which will be incredibly helpful to our downtown as they continue to revitalize. It is always a great occasion when you can welcome members of the governor's administration to our city. It shows a level of commitment that will help the city in the future. They are also lucky to hear that day a buyer for PPL Tower was announced. He was able to meet with the developer in question. A little later in the week and he was pleased to have a good conversation with them about their future plans for the Tower and for the north building. They can count on that iconic landmark of our Center City to continue to guide visitors to Ninth and Hamilton for years to come. He made a quick note of congratulations to a few of the youth basketball teams. From Lucinda back there, the city basketball league recognized a couple of champions here from the city of Allentown. Executive won the Minor Girls Division and Minor Boys Division was won by We Different which is another local team. He also wants to recognize the Executive Education Academy Raptures for their Championship which they see on Saturday. Fantastic achievement by a bunch of local kids. Tomorrow is the basketball championship for the Cadet Girls and the Cadet Boys at South Mountain and he believes the game starts at 6:00. They also have their Police Athletic League Championships on March 9th which is Saturday at 9:00 AM that would be on the eastside at Dieruff. He stated that there is one other item that he wants to bring to Council's attention over the next few weeks. Obviously, the St. Patrick's Day parade. He hopes to see them all out there. He stated that they are welcome to join them. He hopes to see folks on the side of the road asking them for candy and staying involved. He is sure to see Imani out there. He hopes to see everyone come out for a truly fantastic celebration of the Joy of Life here in the city of Allentown. That is Sunday, March 17th. On March 18th, if you could be there, there is a commemoration of the building at Community Services for Children. A recognition of Senator Pat Browne for his contributions. That will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 18th at the corner of Sixth and Linden. He stated that concludes his report and will be happy to answer any questions they may have. Ms. Cynthia Mota thanked Mayor Tuerk and asked if there were any comments from the dais. Mr. Ed Zucal asked about the Dominican Republic thing, a big shout out should go out to Mr. Guridy as well. He started over 32 years ago. Ms. Cynthia Mota stated yes, 32 years ago and he was also featured. She stated that she did make a comment because he did call her stating that he was at work. She thanked Mr. Zucal for calling her. ▶ jump to 41:42
  15. 15 Controller Reports 15-6755
  16. 16 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 53:42
  17. 17 Bill 5 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably. Amending Part I Administrative Legislation, Chapter 5 Administration of Government, Article IV Financial Procedures, Section 21 Contracts by updating the language in Part A; Requiring Council approval of items under cooperative purchasing agreements. 15-6604 tabled Pass ▶ jump to 54:14
  18. 18 CONSENT AGENDA: THERE ARE NO ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda is for items that are considered ‘no brainers’ – the objective is to vote on all the resolutions at one time if there are no issues. The President asks if there is any request to remove any item from the Consent Agenda. If not, the clerk will read the resolutions. The President will ask for public comments, prior to council voting on the bundle. ▶ jump to 64:18
  19. 18 Bill 5 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably. Amending Part I Administrative Legislation, Chapter 5 Administration of Government, Article IV Financial Procedures, Section 21 Contracts by updating the language in Part A; Requiring Council approval of items under cooperative purchasing agreements. 15-6604 withdrawn ▶ jump to 62:39
  20. 19 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On): ▶ jump to 64:25
  21. 19 Bill 5 Budget and Finance, forwarded favorably. Amending Part I Administrative Legislation, Chapter 5 Administration of Government, Article IV Financial Procedures, Section 21 Contracts by updating the language in Part A; Requiring Council approval of items under cooperative purchasing agreements. 15-6604 approved Pass ▶ jump to 63:55
  22. 20 R35 Sewage Planning Module at 25 – 27 North 10th Street 15-6748 approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:11
  23. 21 R36 Authorizes the confirmation of the City to serve as the Local Project Sponsor of the Center Square Redesign at 7th St Hamilton St to be eligible for discretionary funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation up to two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000.00) with no match required. 15-6753 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:00
  24. 22 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public comment prior to referral) ▶ jump to 66:14
  25. 23 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 ▶ jump to 66:15
  26. 24 Bill 14 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an appropriation in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) from the Trexler Fund to the WPA Structures capital projects account. These funds will be used to repair the stage and columns at Union Terrace Park. This is part of the 2024-25 Trexler Capital Project allocation. 15-6724 ▶ jump to 66:35
  27. 25 Bill 15 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a transfer of Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) from WPA Capital Project into the Franklin Park Capital Project. These funds will be utilized for the creation of a concept plan for Franklin Park as part of a grant application. 15-6725 ▶ jump to 66:56
  28. 26 Bill 16 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Twenty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifteen Dollars ($23,915.00) from the 2023 United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant that will be passed through from the Lehigh County to the City of Allentown Police Department. These funds will be used to purchase traffic equipment. 15-6726 ▶ jump to 67:12
  29. 27 Bill 17 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Three Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($385,000.00) 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 integrated fingerprint technology, license plate readers and integrated gunshot technology. 15-6727 ▶ jump to 67:33
  30. 28 Bill 18 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of One Million One Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand Fifty-Four Dollars ($1,183,054.00) 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 new city cameras, new in-car cameras for the entire police fleet and new body-worn cameras. 15-6728 ▶ jump to 67:58
  31. 29 Bill 19 Amending the 2024 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500.00) from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department for the purpose of funding overtime pay of patrol presence in an effort to suppress violent crimes and drug investigations in the Keystone Opportunity Zone in Allentown. 15-6729 ▶ jump to 68:19
  32. 30 Bill 20 Amending the 2024 Capital Fund Budget to provide for an increase of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) to the Capital Project Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. These funds have been awarded as an MTF-DCED grant and will be reimbursed when the project is completed. The project includes the replacement of the existing rusted streetlights with 24 new LED luminaires and street light poles. 15-6730 ▶ jump to 68:38
  33. 31 Bill 21 Amending the 2024 General Fund budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) from the Khan Partnership for traffic signal improvements. 15-6731 ▶ jump to 69:01
  34. 32 Bill 22 City Council authorizes the City to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the Redevelopment Authority of Allentown. 15-6732 ▶ jump to 69:26
  35. 33 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 ▶ jump to 70:17
  36. 34 RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee): ▶ jump to 71:11
  37. 35 R37 Establishes a Special Committee to provide a framework for Understanding, Implementing and Evaluating Co-responder Public Safety Models 15-6723 ▶ jump to 71:13
  38. 36 R 38 Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 425 N. 10th Street 15-6680 ▶ jump to 71:35
  39. 37 NEW BUSINESS: NONE ▶ jump to 71:56
  40. 38 GOOD AND WELFARE: NONE ▶ jump to 72:04
  41. 39 ADJOURNED: 7:42 PM ▶ jump to 72:07
  42. 40 Reference Materials: Council Rules Procurement Code Ethics Code 15-6577