[0:00] Good evening. The meeting will now begin. If we could all please stand for the invocation.

[0:21] Thank you.

[0:44] I

[0:48] am going to suspend the rules and I'm going to move resolution R48 to the front of the agenda tonight.

[0:55] Mr.

[0:58] Hamlin, if you'd conduct a roll call, please.

[1:01] Okay, I do the roll call.

[1:03] Mr. Zookal, president.

[1:04] Miss AFA,

[1:11] Mr. Zookal, Mr. Napoli.

[1:12] Here, Ms. Santos.

[1:14] Here.

[1:14] Mr. Gorillac.

[1:15] Here.

[1:15] Ms. Moda is absent.

[1:18] Mr. Henryx.

[1:19] Here.

[1:21] Hey.

[1:22] Ms. Montero is on the phone.

[1:26] Very good.

[1:29] R48.

[1:33] Okay.

[1:34] Okay, is suspension of the rules?

[1:37] I think you should get something from Ms. Montero,

[1:40] because you might have to do courtesy of the floor first.

[1:44] I hand on that.

[1:47] Thank you, right.

[1:51] Please return to table four.

[1:53] Okay, Ms. Montero,

[1:55] so Mr. Hendricks has requested suspension of the rules.

[2:00] And I guess the question is,

[2:01] is courtesy of the floor?

[2:04] Does it always need to be the first item of business?

[2:07] No, it could be conducted after the resolution is read and then discussed in vote at all.

[2:17] Okay, request to suspend the rules and place R48 at the beginning of the agenda by common consent.

[2:25] Yes, yes.

[2:26] Okay, thus R-48 is a resolution, let me get to it.

[2:39] R-48 is a resolution to protect and grant refuge to members of the LGBTQ plus community and people fleeing states with anti-LGBTQ plus laws to Claire's Allentown is safe and welcoming haven for the LGBTQ community and urges the county and state officials to support the legislation.

[3:02] And all council persons are sponsoring the legislation.

[3:15] Okay. Any comments from the Dias?

[3:23] Ms. Gorilla?

[3:24] Sure, yeah.

[3:29] So I'm definitely interested to hear.

[3:32] Looks like we've got some folks here in the public to hear their comments.

[3:38] But I'm just would like to thank my colleagues for voting for signing on

[3:44] to the resolution and I don't been here for like five years. I can't really recall many

[3:51] things that we all can agree on. So it's great to see that we can all agree on this. We've

[3:57] all read it and that we all agree to the language of it. We all agree to, it's a statement. We

[4:03] all agree. We understand that a resolution is a statement. It's not a law. And yeah, thank you.

[4:10] So this should be, you know, a pretty straightforward vote for tonight.

[4:16] Okay. Thank you. Anybody else?

[4:22] Okay. I will take comments. Mr. Allen, you have several.

[4:26] Yep. Yep. Amelia Conway.

[4:37] Good afternoon, Council. My name is Amelia Conway and I'm here today to speak in favor of Resolution 48.

[4:42] I'm a trans woman and I receive my transition-related care in Allentown.

[4:46] What's often missed in the headlines and clickbait news stories is the personal impact of transition.

[4:50] The lives made whole thanks to gender-affirming care, which is the big part of this resolution

[4:55] and being a welcoming city for LGBTQ residents.

[4:58] Access to this treatment.

[5:00] Not quite literally, made my life into one worth living. It was the antidote to the dysphoria

[5:04] or gender misalignment that had plagued me since puberty. For over 10 years, I had suffered

[5:09] in silence, an alien in my own body, night spent wondering why I had been born at all,

[5:15] and I tried to run from it. I tried to be the perfect son. It would have been easier. I didn't

[5:19] want to be trans. Being trans meant giving up the beautiful lie that I had been living my

[5:24] entire life. It meant embracing a painful truth and living that out in its place. But I

[5:29] I will say this, transitioning has been the single best thing that has happened to me in my life.

[5:34] It has been one of the most difficult things that I have done, simply because it has forced me to confront my insecurities.

[5:40] It has forced me to embrace who I am inside, and it has also forced me to be able to take a leadership role within my community.

[5:46] These are things that on my own, I would have no business doing.

[5:50] I simply would have listened to the powers that had that all dictated to me, said who I'm supposed to be, what rules I'm supposed to follow, and just embrace this identity.

[5:59] but the thing is that that wasn't me.

[6:02] I was acting year after year after year and it was exhausting.

[6:06] I'm fortunate because I'm 27 years old,

[6:09] I started transitioning when I was 23.

[6:11] And so I was able to actually have some effects in my body

[6:14] that did not, that could go against the needle puberty

[6:18] that I've been more born into.

[6:21] Unfortunately, that needle puberty, you know,

[6:23] it stuck with me.

[6:24] And there are some, my saying that's got me through transition

[6:26] is you do the best you can with what you have

[6:28] with where you're at. And that has been my philosophy just moving forward. And things aren't always

[6:33] going to be perfect. That doesn't mean we don't try. And I'd like to bring that same mentality here.

[6:38] There is a lot of chaos and craziness going on in the news right now as we can all tell. And this is

[6:43] a good first step forward to being able to make a stand for people like me. Because to be true,

[6:49] like there's threat to this care all across the country. Arizona recently,

[6:53] plan, parenthood, suspended care for even minors as well as adults.

[6:57] And I can tell you that missing a dose can be quite destabilizing, but being able to

[7:03] have access to this care has been literally life changing.

[7:07] So tonight, I really do urge you to please pass this resolution because it means a world

[7:13] to me as someone who receives their care in our own town.

[7:16] Because at the end of the day, trans rights are human rights, and it isn't just a matter

[7:22] protecting trans people, it's protecting our right to be and become the best versions of our

[7:26] selves we can be. Thank you. Thank you.

[7:48] Hi, hello. My name is Robin. I receive gender

[7:51] affirming care at the Southside LVHN clinic. I'm also a volunteer and a number of organizations in

[7:57] Allentown and the community organizer. I'm grateful that the council is poised to pass a resolution

[8:03] to further protect our queer and trans community. I hope we view this as a start and a beginning and

[8:08] not an end goal. After all, Alentown has been a leader in anti-discrimination protection

[8:13] since the passing of the first LGBTQ plus non-discrimination ordinance in the state. I learned

[8:18] just a day ago that some groups are also here to be urging the city to consider raising

[8:22] them in one wage. These issues are not separate. No one can reasonably live in Alentown for

[8:27] $7.25 an hour. All our communities are struggling, but I've directly seen an increase in querying

[8:33] trans people struggling to make rent afford food and pay utility bills. I hope this council

[8:38] consider how to change this. We cannot truly be a haven for anyone if we do not

[8:43] create, continue to create more equity in all areas. We have slum words like

[8:47] hymen charging exorbitably high rent placing our communities in even more

[8:51] financially precarious situations and then who have the guts to ask on house

[8:56] people living intends to relocate. We need so much more. This is life or death for

[9:01] our communities and I'm so glad we're here to take this step but I urge the council

[9:06] to pass this resolution and continue to think about what more we can do for queer and trans people.

[9:11] Thank you so much.

[9:12] Thank you.

[9:21] Chris Brownway.

[9:28] Good evening, Honourable Members of the City Council.

[9:31] Thank you for allowing me to speak.

[9:32] My name is Christa Brownway and I serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Bradbury

[9:36] Sullivan LGBT Community Center, which proudly serves and advocates for the rights, health,

[9:42] and dignity of LGBTQ plus individuals and families in our community.

[9:47] I'm here tonight to urge you to support the resolution for

[9:52] Alan Town to be safe and welcoming Haven for the LGBTQ plus community.

[9:55] This resolution will affirm our city's commitment to keeping the LGBT community.

[10:00] LGBTQ plus health care safe, accessible, and free from discrimination or government interference. Across the country, LGBTQ plus communities, especially transgender and non-barionary individuals are under attack. State legislators are advancing laws that ban gender affirming care, criminalized providers, and strip away fundamental rights. These actions not only jeopardize lives, but also send a chilling message that LGBTQ plus people are not worthy of care, safety, or belonging.

[10:29] We cannot allow that message to take root here, not in our city, not in Allentown.

[10:34] In the city of Allentown, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to lead with compassion and justice.

[10:40] A resolution in support of LGBTQ plus people is more than symbolic.

[10:46] It is a statement that our city values health equity recognizes the diversity of our residents and

[10:50] refuses to be complicit in harmful systems.

[10:54] LGBTQ plus people deserve to access the care they need, whether it's mental health support,

[10:59] gender affirming treatment, HIV prevention, or reproductive health care, without fear, shame,

[11:04] or barriers. In 2024, statewide LGBTQ plus health needs assessment, 40% of all respondents

[11:11] identified the need for access to affirming care. Affirming health care services save lives.

[11:17] It improves mental health outcomes and builds a stronger, more resilient community for all.

[11:21] This resolution would publicly affirm that LGBTQ plus residents are seen, supported, and protected.

[11:27] It would signal to health care providers, institutions, and policy makers that our city stands firmly on the side of dignity and inclusion.

[11:35] And it would help to ensure that no one in our community is left behind simply because of who they are, who they love, or how they express themselves.

[11:42] I urge this council to adopt this resolution that protects and affirms LGBTQ plus people.

[11:46] In doing so you will help safeguard the health and well-being of some of our city's most vulnerable and most vibrant residents.

[11:53] Thank you for your time, your leadership and your commitment.

[12:09] Oh, Liz Bradbury.

[12:10] I

[12:16] am the chair of the Lehigh County Human Relations Commission and the CEO of Keystone Equality, the statewide LGBT political organization.

[12:27] I'm so encouraged that all seven of you have signed on to this important right-to-care

[12:33] resolution at a time when the very fundamentals of democracy are being challenged by the

[12:39] hateful actions of the Trump administration.

[12:42] You are the voices of hope.

[12:45] Kareen Goodwin and Councilwoman Santos asked me to craft the language of this resolution

[12:51] so that it could be clear, direct, and something we could all get strongly behind, so that the

[12:57] language really would assert policy to protect the health care rights of LGBTQ plus people,

[13:05] especially transgender people in Allentown, and I'm proud to have done so. All municipalities

[13:10] can use the language and pass this resolution, which of you is old enough to remember the height

[13:18] of the AIDS epidemic. The year was 1990, 35 years ago, and Candida, you were at the very

[13:25] We held to fight and advocate and plead for the tiniest bit of recognition by the U.S.

[13:31] President Ronald Reagan wouldn't even say the word AIDS until four years into the epidemic

[13:37] and wouldn't even address it until two years after that.

[13:41] As our dear friends were dying every week, and Udina, we're championing the rainbow gains

[13:48] so that fact could pay for the funerals of our cherished friends.

[13:52] We felt and were so powerless.

[13:54] we were so powerless. The government had turned its back. All we could do was

[14:00] blend trees along the High Creek to honor the dead. Who among us? Who among our

[14:05] comrades? In our fight against AIDS, what have imagined Candida that today you

[14:11] would be a member of Powerful Longtime member of Allentown City Council as an

[14:16] out lesbian? Who would have imagined that the federal government today wouldn't

[14:21] just not be talking about LGBT health care rights, but actively trying to bar LGBT people,

[14:27] especially transgender people, from even being able to access fundamental health care

[14:33] at all, even criminalizing doctors who were providing our people care, who among the angels

[14:41] of the ones we lost would have imagined that a powerful local resolution that would protect

[14:51] the health care of LGBT people, especially including trans people, would come into your hands today

[14:57] for which you have the power to sponsor.

[15:00] Councillor and vote. Through you, Candida, and each of those of you who have stood up to sponsor this resolution, all of you, especially Councilwoman Natalie Santos, who wasn't even alive during the AIDS epidemic, but who had the moxie to bring this resolution forth. You all can make it so that our community doesn't have to feel powerless like it did 35 years ago. Because of your support today, you are a great city council.

[15:29] So this is the best of government in action.

[15:33] You're knighting together to stand up for what is right.

[15:37] This is why I'm proud to be part of the city of Allentown.

[15:42] Proud that you have put your actions ahead of deluded empty words and

[15:47] for the rights and protections of the city's citizens without a single step back.

[15:52] Thank you very much.

[15:53] Good

[16:03] evening,

[16:10] Councilmembers. Thank you all for sponsoring this resolution. It really sends

[16:15] a message that's important to our community. My name is Karin Goodwin. I'm Executive Director

[16:21] and Founder of Eastern Pennsylvania Trans Equity Project. I leave High Valley based on profit

[16:26] with a mission of supporting and empowering transgender, gender expansive and intersex

[16:32] Pennsylvania's. Last week, I had the honor of speaking to the Human Resources Committee

[16:38] about a number of facts and statistics related to the importance of ensuring that transgender

[16:44] people have access to affirming care here in this city. I provided information about how

[16:51] people are fleeing other states and coming to Pennsylvania, including Allentown, to seek

[16:57] life-saving care.

[16:59] I spoke about how prosecutors in other states are pursuing and charging those people and

[17:05] their health care providers with crimes, while in other cases they're trying to revoke

[17:10] parental rights of those who are seeking life-saving care for their children.

[17:16] And I spoke about how those same prosecutors have gone after organizations like the Trans

[17:25] Sullivan Center for referring people to gender-affirming clinics and care.

[17:31] I'm not going to bore you with statistics today.

[17:35] Instead, I'm going to give you an update on what's transpired in just the last seven days.

[17:40] Over the last week, the number of anti-transgender bills introduced across the country has increased

[17:45] to an astonishing 854.

[17:49] In the past week, Pennsylvania health care providers and networks, including those based

[17:55] here in the Lehigh Valley, have taken action to scrub their websites of any information

[18:00] related to providing transgender-affirming health care.

[18:03] In the past 48 hours, a major health care provider in Arizona and others across this nation

[18:11] have joined UMPC here in Pennsylvania and pre-compliant with the Trump regime's executive

[18:17] of orders, even though they have been stayed by the courts.

[18:21] And in the past 24 hours, the regime in Washington has launched a tip line that is encouraging

[18:28] people to report medical providers if they offer gender affirming treatment to transgender

[18:34] people, care that's not only life-saving, but is also 100% legal.

[18:41] people's lives are at stake, and now is not the time to be shy, now is not the time

[18:48] to be reticent, now is the time to reinforce and update the city's non-desgravementation

[18:55] ordinance for the 21st century, now is the time to ensure that the city's human relations

[19:00] committee is fully staffed, now is the time to take action to present, to protect transgender

[19:06] gender and queer people who are living in and seeking life-saving care in Allentown.

[19:13] Now is the time to stand up for what is right.

[19:16] I look forward to your positive vote this evening.

[19:19] Thank you.

[19:29] Dietrich.

[19:36] Hi, good evening.

[19:37] I wanted to speak tonight in support of protecting the rights of LGBTQ members of the city.

[19:42] Queer and trans people are losing their rights at a federal level rapidly, terrifyingly fast.

[19:48] and we have to attempt to protect those rights in this city now before they're completely stripped federally.

[19:54] Trans youth are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and gender affirming health care.

[20:00] This is literally life saving. It keeps people alive. I urge everyone here, and it seems like you all will, to vote in support of this resolution. Protecting queer and trans people is the absolute bare minimum we can do. And if nothing else, this resolution sends a message that the city supports its trans and queer community members and that in and of itself is worthwhile. Thank you.

[20:32] So

[20:40] I'm reading Christine and it looks like Horton's scene, so it's definitely Christine.

[20:51] My handwriting is not fantastic.

[20:53] Hello, my name is Dr. Christine Hartigan.

[20:56] I'm a licensed psychologist.

[20:58] I practice in Allentown providing transgender affirming care.

[21:02] So I'm so happy to see that this has come across this resolution.

[21:07] I also provide continued education and I help other clinicians become competent in providing care to the community.

[21:14] I was here back in 2017 to speak in favor of the conversion therapy ban for youth.

[21:20] And I hope that the council will continue that legacy sounds like it goes back even farther than that of protecting this community.

[21:28] As everyone has said, the care that we provide has been under threat recently.

[21:33] and we need to know that we can keep providing this life-saving care to our

[21:37] clients. Gender affirming care is not a new concept and we have standards that

[21:43] are on the international level that we follow to make sure that we're giving

[21:47] our clients the best care that we can. The standards of care originally came out

[21:51] in 1979. They're most recently updated in 2022. There is a lot of research

[21:57] backing up, doing this care, and then it's safe and effective and life-saving for clients.

[22:04] Additionally, psychologists also follow APA's guidelines for psychological practice.

[22:10] So we have a lot of research backing up what we do, and we know that limiting access to this care

[22:16] is incredibly detrimental to individuals, especially transgender individuals. It can lead to

[22:23] increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance use,

[22:27] and has several people have already mentioned

[22:29] even suicide.

[22:31] So this is life-saving care, then we know it works.

[22:34] And I hope that you all vote to pass this resolution.

[22:38] Thank you.

[22:47] Sheree's Capri.

[22:50] Good try.

[22:54] Hello there.

[22:55] My name is Saris Capri.

[22:57] Saris or Saris.

[22:59] I live in Bethlehem, but my last position,

[23:02] my last employment was in Allentown,

[23:04] and I received gender from in care in Allentown.

[23:07] I have only known that I was a trans woman for about six months and I was trying to think

[23:13] of what I could provide to convince this council of passing this legislation, but it seems

[23:19] like you all don't need that much convincing, which is great.

[23:24] The experience, they say it takes a village to raise a child.

[23:29] when I was a child I didn't know that I was a trans child. I want to convey how

[23:36] isolating the experiences. I was told by my parents and my grandparents and most

[23:44] of the people that I was raised around that I was supposed to be a boy. I move

[23:51] forward and my parents say oh you're just not trying hard enough let me send you

[23:56] to in all boys high school. There's this disconnect that builds and builds. You make it into this

[24:04] high school and you feel completely disconnected from the people who are supposed to be right

[24:09] there next to you having the same or similar gender experiences. I know this isn't something

[24:16] that happens to everyone, but I'll say from my personal experience, my parents saw me hanging

[24:20] out with people who weren't gender conforming and they were like, I don't like those people.

[24:25] I'm going to try and make you go with other people.

[24:31] This influence continued throughout my life, the influence of the community pushed me

[24:38] to not come out until the point in my life that I'm currently at.

[24:43] I think this community is incredibly important and it's something that I've really appreciated

[24:50] about out on town.

[24:52] I didn't mention, but I grew up on Long Island, the town that I went to high school in just recently passed a ban on...

[25:00] Any trans people, trans children, playing on sports teams, they can find any school district

[25:05] this is Nassau County I'm talking about. So, to come from an environment like that into

[25:13] a community like this where there are multiple organizations established community organizations

[25:19] that support trans people, that support LGBTQ people, they say that it takes a village

[25:26] a child, and they also say that it takes that transition is kind of like a second puberty.

[25:34] I'm incredibly grateful to have the LGBT support in this community, the organization.

[25:41] And I think that in order to make this town, the strongest town, it can be, and to look

[25:48] the barbarism of the current administration directly in the eyes and say no, we will not

[25:54] change. I think those should be all in town's top priorities right now, in resisting fascism,

[26:03] and I think passing this legislation is a great first step. Thank you.

[26:24] Thank you. My name is

[26:25] State Representative Josh Siegel and I want to commend all of you for bringing this very important

[26:28] resolution forward and I do recognize that unanimity on council especially in this day and age is not easy

[26:34] so I applaud all of you for coming together to speak one voice. I think it's more important now than ever

[26:39] than our local legislative bodies lead by example.

[26:42] We know that help and any degree of tolerance respect and dignity is not going to emanate

[26:46] from the federal government.

[26:48] We see administration in DC that I think is animated by chaos, cruelty, and corruption.

[26:53] And frankly, we've seen this tale as old as time.

[26:56] The goalposts of hate always shift, but the goal remains the same, frankly, which is to

[27:00] distract from a deeply unpopular and divisive agenda.

[27:04] There is no constituency for tax cuts for the rich or slices to Medicaid.

[27:08] And so in order to distract from that, we find a vulnerable group of people and we put

[27:12] a target on their back.

[27:14] I stand before you tonight as the son of an out-game man and a brother of a transistor.

[27:19] And I want to make sure that families like mine and Allentown know that they're loved,

[27:22] they're respected, and they're welcomed.

[27:24] It has never been they, them, versus you.

[27:27] It has always been us, versus the wealthy, versus the elites, versus the oligarchs, it

[27:31] is us, versus musk.

[27:32] And resolutions like this help counteract that narrative.

[27:35] I don't think that life is a zero-sum game to try to elevate and acknowledge the hardship

[27:40] of one community does not diminish or disrespect or disregard the hardship of another.

[27:45] Our trans and our LGBTQ community are hurting, they're suffering, and resolutions like

[27:50] this are so important.

[27:51] As a state legislator I can tell you, I've introduced legislation at the state level to create

[27:56] a shield law around gending a firm in care in Pennsylvania and protect our healthcare

[27:59] providers from out-of-state prosecutors.

[28:01] Those bills will never see the light of day because our Republican Senate won't move them.

[28:06] Last year we passed the Fairness Act which would have ensured that folks seeking housing or employment in Pennsylvania could not be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

[28:17] We passed that through the House, it cannot run in the Senate because they will not take it up.

[28:21] Even our Constitution still defines marriage as between a man and a woman despite the fact that over a decade ago the Supreme Court ruled that the law of the land was love is love.

[28:30] It is more important than ever now that our local bodies, our counties, and our cities

[28:35] speak with one voice to push back on this hateful narrative that the reason for people's

[28:41] hardship in life is that trans kids want to belong and play sports with their friends

[28:45] nothing could be further from the truth or that the reason that someone else is suffering

[28:50] is because we want to make sure that everybody can participate in this economy and gain access

[28:54] to housing.

[28:55] We can do both.

[28:56] We can build an economy of abundance where everybody has access to good jobs and health care and housing and we can make sure that everyone no matter who they are or what they choose to identify as or who they love can access it all the same.

[29:09] So I applaud you for this courage tonight for being a beacon of hope in a world full of darkness.

[29:14] It's time that this body leave by example and you are doing that tonight as one voice and I commend you.

[29:20] Thank you.

[29:32] Good

[29:40] evening, members of the council. My name is William Grecky. I am returning from last week to essentially restate my piece as my opinions on the matter have not changed.

[29:49] And I would like to give my perspective to anyone who was in present.

[29:53] I'm a lifelong member of Allentown. I've lived there my whole life.

[29:56] graduate of Billing 21 class 20.

[30:00] Item 22, valvictorian, currently employed by the Da Vinci Science Center, as you can tell by my fashion statement today, I came here right after work. I'm currently teaching an afterschool science class at Trexor Middle School, which has a young trans woman in it. Over the course of the last three months, I've watched her confidence increase in class in someone adjacency to reuse of HRT. The provider idea I know, but I presume it is a healthcare organization within our valley.

[30:28] And I just want to say I am impressed and happy to hear that all of you have sponsored this resolution.

[30:35] And I hope that we continue to sponsor resolutions like this and pass bills like this in the future.

[30:42] As we said by my fellow members of the public, this is a great first start.

[30:46] Let's keep going from here and sparking the confidence of hundreds of thousands of young people in our school system and that live throughout the city of Valentine.

[30:55] Thank you.

[31:24] I'm here in favor of the bill as well, but while we're fighting for these race, we also have to make sure that these race are implemented in the city of Allentown just a few weeks ago.

[31:35] My friend, Danny Negron, was fired after being here for 19 years.

[31:42] The reasons why is because someone who is known to be a liar against other employees in

[31:48] the city of Alissa made up lies about my brother, Danny Negron, who is a transgender

[31:52] man.

[31:55] This organization, this administration is not for the LGBTQ plus community.

[32:01] They use this as a platform to get votes and I want everybody to open up their eyes because

[32:08] this is just an agenda, more of an agenda on his end and on the end of this

[32:12] administration. I can tell you of countless people before Danny and a grown

[32:17] who were part of the community, who there has been another supervisor that's

[32:21] sitting here today that was discriminating against this person during the

[32:24] time that they were FMLA. They were on FMLA and I can tell you because that was

[32:27] that representative, that HR representative that was handling that case. So while

[32:31] we're fighting for rights across the country, we have to make sure that we take

[32:34] care of home first and let's start getting the people out who don't need to be here who are

[32:40] using the community for both and both for the right people. Thank you.

[32:57] Okay. Mayor, you wanted to

[33:00] speak? Yeah, if I have it, please give me the opportunity. So I have a few things I want to say,

[33:05] but I think that I think it was Amelia who said it very, very well and I think it's an incredibly

[33:10] helpful context for everything that we do here and correct me if I'm wrong Amelia, but you said

[33:15] But you do the best you can with what you have and where you're at, that accurate, you got it?

[33:22] We have a responsibility that City of Valentine's create a safe clean and healthy environment

[33:28] that promotes the well-being of all our residents and gives our folks an opportunity to get ahead.

[33:34] You know, and certainly this community knows that safety is more than just physical safety.

[33:39] We're talking about more than public safety.

[33:40] We're talking about psychologically-safety.

[33:43] We're talking about emotional safety, and that's what you have in front of you now is an opportunity to provide for more than simply the public safety, but towards the emotional safety of a community of people here in Ellison.

[33:57] I asked, created a message earlier today about an estimate of the number of transgender people that live in Ellison.

[34:06] and I think that estimates across the country are that anywhere between one and two percent

[34:10] of the population identifies as transgender, which would make the number here in Allentown

[34:16] and the thousands.

[34:17] But there are thousands of people that you and I represent who are looking for safety.

[34:24] And that's our fundamental duty as city leaders.

[34:28] You heard it many times that this is a time it's marked by uncertainty.

[34:31] and rapid change, Corinne points out a number of things that have changed just in the past seven days.

[34:39] And we now have to stand up and provide clear guidance to the people that we serve

[34:45] and a clear message to let them know that they can find safety in the city of Allentown.

[34:52] We have a responsibility to create an environment where people feel like they're truly blown.

[34:57] I don't know.

[35:00] Discussion of inclusivity, and welcoming is more than, as many people said tonight, just words. It has to be more than that. It has to be action as well. I want to especially thank Councilwoman Santos for your leadership in this. I have a definition of leadership that I picked up from, I think it was Marshall Gans that talked about leadership being the accepting the responsibility to empower people to

[35:29] to achieve shared value in times of uncertainty.

[35:34] And I think that you brought this resolution

[35:37] to a city council with no support.

[35:39] And your leadership led to seven members

[35:42] supporting that resolution.

[35:44] So I thank you for that.

[35:46] I don't want to applaud you for doing that.

[35:49] And many people did tonight as well.

[35:51] It's also led to, we looked at the five,

[35:54] really five bullet points that you put out there

[35:57] as policy and have started a craft policy now at the City of Allen's townland that would

[36:03] prohibit criminal prosecution or administration penalty against individuals and

[36:09] you have more detail there but against individuals who are seeking gender affirming

[36:15] health care that would prohibit city personnel from imposing penalty or criminal prosecution

[36:22] on individuals who are coming from states where this type of health care has been criminalized,

[36:30] and a policy that declines requests and seeks not to facilitate the collection of any

[36:39] information related to gender-forming health care. So that policy is underway. You've

[36:45] even in advance of council passing the resolution urging us to adopt policy, we're beginning

[36:52] coming from, and we can see how important that is.

[36:57] I think that Liz made a very good point that it's now up to us to not turn our back on

[37:05] a community, particularly in times of crisis.

[37:10] This is a group of people here in this room, and there's many, many, many hundreds of other

[37:15] people in the city of Allentown and in the Lehigh Valley who are looking for that stability

[37:20] right now we're looking for safety and you are now committing to safeguard and support

[37:27] every individual and you're recognizing validating those inherent rights and I want to thank you for

[37:32] that. I do want to say a couple things though. First, and Corinne mentioned the Human Relations

[37:39] Commission, there are a lot of people that I'll turn and address you all, there's a lot of people in

[37:44] this room who are residents of the city of Allentown and all you have to do is put it in

[37:50] application to the Human Relations Commission, and we'll consider that application.

[37:55] We have, I think, seven vacancies on the commission right now, and I think there's a single

[38:00] nomination in front of Council tonight to fill one of those vacancies, but there's many

[38:05] more vacancies and very few people are willing to raise their hand and say yes, I will serve.

[38:10] So, I will happily entertain anybody's application who's here tonight.

[38:15] I want

[38:22] to also thank Councilor Representative Siegel, and I think that should be a message

[38:28] to everybody here as well, is that representation matters at all levels of government.

[38:35] It's not just the cities who are here to be the ultimate check on administrations that

[38:40] are systematically removing the rights or individuals.

[38:43] We have to make sure that we have protections at the state level as well.

[38:46] so I'm grateful that Councilman Siegel has stood up and done what he can to protect folks.

[38:54] We've heard so many beautiful stories of people who feel more seen, who feel more

[38:58] part of a community. After having received care, I'm going to make sure that you can continue to

[39:03] receive that care legally here in the state of Pennsylvania and all the time we'll stand up and

[39:09] protect you, but I'm going to make one more ask of you and that you don't just advocate

[39:16] at a local level.

[39:17] That we ultimately as a city have responsibility, the policies that we enact have to be consistent

[39:23] with the laws of the city of Hamilton, and that's up to city council to pass legislation that

[39:28] creates new ordinances.

[39:30] So continue to advocacy for laws that protect your rights at the city level.

[39:34] continue that the city has to follow the laws of the state, so you must also advocate at the state level to not just support the type of legislation that Councilman Siegel is pursuing, but also fighting against legislation that would systematically dismantle your rights that you see in a Republican-controlled Senate.

[39:56] The state has to follow the rules of the

[40:00] United States. And that's where we also must continue to work, and make sure that nobody takes away your existence and your right to be a human being. So it's somewhat on city council, but it's a lot on you and it's a lot on us as well to continue to be involved. With that said, I want to thank you again, council of incentives and thank all of city council for taking up this resolution and for supporting our administration in

[40:29] and making sure that all of our residents feel safe

[40:33] and that their well-being is promoted

[40:35] in the city of Hamilton.

[40:36] Thank you.

[40:37] Thank you, Mayor.

[40:44] Danny, good girl.

[40:55] Hello, everyone.

[40:57] Okay, so I see that you guys are talking about the LGBT

[40:59] and so on.

[41:01] Let me just tell you guys real quick

[41:01] that I've got three minutes, right?

[41:03] So I've been reporting corruption and so on

[41:05] and everything, right?

[41:06] So about the city, because I had pros

[41:09] with access to bathrooms, uniforms and fit me right because I don't have a curvy

[41:15] or whatever, sexy body or something like that. So it was hard for me to find clothes

[41:19] my size, even shoes. So I had problems to get accommodated so I could perform my job safely

[41:26] and be productive and make changes to this city and clean up this event, nasty neighborhoods.

[41:32] But anyways, so when Matt Tork started an office, I was able to email him and so on so I've

[41:38] been emailing him, his administration, everyone up in human resources, everyone in his office.

[41:45] I've been reaching out to everyone and anything and everything for years.

[41:49] And when he started in office, he did a darn thing.

[41:51] But he and his management got me fired in the worst way.

[41:57] I got a sexual harassment case on my name, which I never did because I do respect women just

[42:03] because I'm a transgender.

[42:04] I mean that I want to slope up every female that's in my path.

[42:07] So I had reached out to him, I reached out to everyone to the point that whenever they

[42:11] seen me in City Hall it was Q's of being a lawyer, so I was watching these cameras here

[42:17] every time that I would come here and speak out of the wrong doors.

[42:25] So anyway, so I've been reaching out to Matt in his administration, he has done anything.

[42:29] He's not for the LGBT, he's not here for the Latinos.

[42:32] I'm Puerto Rican, I'm 50 years old and because of them, I lost my medical, I lost my mental

[42:37] health.

[42:37] I lost my, everything, my dignity, who the hell is going to hire a 50-year-old trans man?

[42:44] Okay, so he says that he has a trans child or something.

[42:48] Okay, so he should have been compassionate and he should have investigated what was really going on.

[42:53] And I gave him names, I gave him where, how, why, and I gave him everything.

[42:58] The details of everything and everyone that was corrupt in the city that has abused me for years.

[43:07] To the point, I got multiple injuries and all that stuff because I had any initiations

[43:10] because people, these employees thought that I was a joke of the day.

[43:14] But anyway, so I just want to say that Matt's work is done here for the LGBT community.

[43:19] Okay?

[43:20] And like I said, as him having a child that's transgendered as he says, he should have been a little

[43:24] bit more compassionate and underserved that these people that have reported him to all the

[43:29] ones that have been abused me for years, okay?

[43:31] So his job to do as a leader as somebody that protects us all including the community

[43:36] And all hasn't done that anything I got like I said fired in the worst way I lost everything and anything now

[43:42] They put a block on my unemployment. I can even get my unemployment because they don't want to release the block

[43:46] And I did it every pain is that because I have sweated blood cleanings

[43:50] It's filthy alleys. I know other city employee would touch and so to this day they don't do none

[43:55] But I was the one that was cleaned all this syringe

[43:59] infested areas, so he is not for the LGBT community nor Latino, so do not. I'm telling you, if you choose this guy, he is going to destroy his own, because he destroyed me, and I was one of the people that had reached out to him.

[44:12] So he's no good. Thank you for your talk.

[44:37] Okay, well Quinn Allen here of what's really going on in America anyway as I said

[44:45] last time if you passed this bill protect the procedures for anyone 18 and over

[44:53] because quite frankly you should be minimum of 18 to half

[45:00] We have any kind of procedure, any other medical procedure.

[45:06] If you're under 18, if it's, if someone is under 18, they should go see a therapist and, and what things out, because usually, it's.

[45:32] I'm not going to have a break like that.

[45:36] Go on, sir.

[45:37] Anyway,

[45:41] so, so yeah, under 18, I would say, let the adolescents work things out, and when they become 18, they will have.

[45:52] more informed decisions because there were kids who were regretting the

[45:59] decisions throughout this nation, thousands, tens of thousands and one of them is

[46:07] a national news right now, Chloe Cole.

[46:17] Yes, so yeah, I've been keeping an eye on

[46:23] this issue for a long time and I so but yeah but you know what I will treat

[46:34] everyone as a human being Danny knows it thank you and so

[46:46] yeah that so my

[46:48] position hasn't changed so but so yeah 18 and over do whatever you want it's

[46:56] your body, you're an adult, you do whatever you want. When you're under 18, you know, any

[47:05] other medical procedures usually have to go through adults anyway, like parents and doctors

[47:14] is installed, so I'll leave that.

[47:17] Thank you.

[47:19] Oh, how can you care when here's big band?

[47:22] Okay, I'm not banding.

[47:24] Kelly, Kelly, Kenny.

[47:26] Kelly, Kenny.

[47:35] Yes, good evening.

[47:36] My name is Dr. Kelly Kenny.

[47:38] I am an emeritus professor of higher education

[47:41] from Kittstown University.

[47:42] I spent 34 years there and another six years

[47:46] at DeSales University.

[47:48] So effectively December 31st.

[47:50] I retired after 40 years in higher education.

[47:55] I am extremely appreciative to the Council for this resolution and for your support of

[48:03] this resolution.

[48:04] And I speak on behalf of countless numbers of students coming to this area from all over

[48:14] the country and wanting to know LGBT students wanting to know that they're going to have

[48:22] a safe and comfortable college experience if they are here for college at our two local

[48:31] institutions, Cedar Crest as well as Mulemberg, but then the other local institutions of

[48:38] Cookstown, Moravian, Lafayette, Lehigh, and even

[48:43] DeSales University.

[48:45] So again, I'm extremely appreciative on behalf of all college

[48:49] students and their families quite honestly who want to know

[48:52] that when there's students come here for four

[48:56] year or even a graduate level experience that they're

[48:59] going to be in a safe and welcoming environment.

[49:03] So thank you all once again.

[49:05] Thank you.

[49:21] I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out and mostly everyone's already said it but thank you council persons and folks for your leadership and

[49:29] for sight seeing what's happening nationally and knowing that it is the responsibility of local bodies of government to respond during times of crises.

[49:42] We might not be able to do sometimes it, I feel helpless sometimes where it's like what do we do you see all this craziness with different groups of people being under attack and sometimes it feels like what can you do well we're in a position where

[50:00] We can try to do something. We might not be able to change the world, but maybe we can change

[50:06] talent town. Maybe we can help folks in talent town. So I hope that that's what this resolution

[50:12] does in conjunction with internal administrative policy change. That at least people in

[50:18] talent town will know that they are a little bit safer because they live here. The quote,

[50:26] I just kept thinking of when people were speaking, is Assad a Shakur, is, it is our duty to fight for our freedom.

[50:36] It is our duty to win. We must love and support one another, and we have nothing to lose but our chains, and I think that

[50:43] That quote applies to the situation, so thank you.

[50:48] Thank you.

[50:49] Thank you.

[50:54] Mr. Hanley, please conduct the vote.

[50:56] Ms. Napa.

[50:59] Yes.

[51:00] Ms. Girlock.

[51:02] Yes.

[51:03] Mr. Napoli.

[51:04] Yes.

[51:05] Ms. Santos.

[51:06] Yes.

[51:07] Mr. Zookoff.

[51:07] Yes.

[51:08] Mr. Hanrenks.

[51:09] Yes.

[51:10] Mr. President passes six out.

[51:11] We're

[51:31] going to take a five-minute break for those who are here for other items.

[51:35] Please remain if you wish the league, and we're more than welcome to it.

[51:38] Madam, Mr. Halisowski.

[51:45] John Halisowski, I worked with the city and I retired in 2005.

[51:50] One of the last members in the O'Neill pension.

[51:54] The pension was closed on, and around 1980, there are new members.

[51:58] No new members coming in.

[52:00] I'm not sure how many members are left.

[52:02] I'm not sure how much money is left in the pension fund, but I think it's a considerable amount.

[52:09] And with the way things are going now, and we haven't gotten an increase in 20 years that I'm gone,

[52:20] I'd like to say petition council to give us last remaining only members an increase.

[52:29] what happens I don't know how many people are in there left probably less than a hundred and I know there's got to be about

[52:34] $10 million or something like that and I'm not sure the number figure it but what happens when the last one of us dies

[52:42] Does the city take that money? I mean I would

[52:47] Hope you give us old timers a

[52:51] Increase

[52:53] That's it. That's all I want to say. Okay. That's

[52:58] We'll have to look at that being the finances here and those are something they can think about

[53:03] Boy, what's that? I said there's someone here from the finance department and perhaps that'll be something

[53:08] I can't hear that good anymore. This the city rule my ears. President Hendrix the I think

[53:14] Contra controller glacier would know this that the op-ed the board is a public meeting and

[53:20] You should probably attend to one of those op-ed board meetings and

[53:29] I think I think what I know only meeting years ago and then with the pandemic and I have problems at home with my wife and stuff.

[53:38] The first chance I got to come out at night.

[53:41] So I come out.

[53:42] What are the meaning?

[53:44] You know, I know the last time when I was on the board, I got an increase for the retirees.

[53:50] John, you know what?

[53:51] It took me years.

[53:53] Mr. Glazer will help you with that and give you that information, okay?

[53:58] Thank you.

[53:59] Thank you.

[54:00] Thank you.

[54:04] Latisha Santos.

[54:06] What's he?

[54:07] I don't know.

[54:07] He worked with Joe.

[54:10] You were wonderful.

[54:11] Hello.

[54:12] How many teachers answers?

[54:13] And I'm homeless.

[54:15] I don't want to live in a, in a tent city, and I know we all had to chip in to clean, but

[54:22] We also need garbage cans for all the tents and for the party.

[54:28] And I got learning disability and I need help with a lot of stuff and

[54:33] shape the name and that I can't read and write that give me paper that I don't understand it.

[54:41] So it's hard for me to have a home.

[54:44] I got a victory.

[54:45] I don't know that I have a paper that I have to send something or whatever.

[54:51] But it's just important that it can call me so I want to get my home back and help the community for the

[55:00] For the high port of parties, garbage can have everything cleaned up. And we also need help with the poor people, the homeless, because I live in those tents and we need help. And especially with the people that got disability like me, I can't read all right. And I need the most help too. And I have focus that I want to be with, and I can't. And I need a home for my babies.

[55:30] Okay, the reason that we're here is because we are seeking for guidance for people like her.

[55:37] A person that has a learning disability, we want to know that this should be some type of, you know, funding for education.

[55:46] Or let's say that you are at the agency and you're asking for guidance because she can really write.

[55:57] That's one of the things that is lacking, I'm going to stay working, and that's one of the main things that's lacking as a stay worker.

[56:04] So because of a learning disability, she draws her housing, now she's homeless.

[56:09] And she feels that they should be somewhere that she can go, that, you know, to get started.

[56:14] So that's what we're here, which we're here to show, to say, what can we do?

[56:20] Mr. Hendricks, go ahead, this is a rule.

[56:24] We don't normally engage with the public, but I think it's very important and your story is very important.

[56:30] They just recently opened the 1528 building on Hamilton Street, and some of those apartments are specifically for individuals with disability.

[56:40] I would encourage you to contact them.

[56:42] and you had to write it down for me.

[56:45] Okay, but there are people there to help you.

[56:50] So we're going to find the information for that $15.28.

[56:54] Is there like a phone number?

[56:55] Is there an address?

[56:57] It's on the side of the building.

[56:58] Yeah.

[56:59] Right.

[57:01] The very newest bill in the open up is supposed to be very,

[57:04] very nice and it is specifically rooms for disabilities.

[57:08] Thank you.

[57:08] Okay.

[57:09] Yes.

[57:10] Okay.

[57:10] Thank you.

[57:19] Carmen

[57:26] Bell.

[57:28] I'm a town plus ten resident.

[57:31] So I'm very buoyed by the passage of the resolution for LGBTQ plus rights.

[57:38] That gives me hope.

[57:39] In a time when our community is being set upon by the federal government,

[57:45] that does not seem to clearly understand the constitution or the idea of due process.

[57:51] I'm troubled though by what our readers say and I know that words matter and so for me I just want to get some clarity about something that was published on WFMZ about two weeks ago.

[58:06] It involves the incident where the news was left on the desk of a city employee and eventually the city employee was recently charged with putting that news there herself.

[58:16] And so the report says to the President of Council, does this cast in your mind any doubt

[58:24] on previous allegations of discrimination in City Hall that have been made by other

[58:29] employees?

[58:30] And the President of Council responds, it absolutely does.

[58:35] I do not believe that there is any racial animosity among the employees of this city, that

[58:40] it is not widespread whatsoever, and I believe that the investigation results will bear that

[58:45] out.

[58:45] So I'm confused by that, that there is this statement that there was no widespread racism in the city of Allentown and that this investigation about whether or not the said employee perpetrated this bad act herself will somehow prove that there's no racism in the city of Allentown.

[59:07] So we could just have some clarity about that, because I was confused by that statement. That's all I'm looking for.

[59:13] I'd be more than happy to speak to you alone privately about that, I'm not going to speak

[59:17] now about that.

[59:18] I ask why you won't address that now because this is a public newspaper, a public statement

[59:26] that was made and published where the whole city and others across the nation could read

[59:32] it.

[59:33] So I'm just asking for clarity.

[59:35] You're a leader in the community, you're running for re-election, you represent the city

[59:40] if Allentown, and I just need to have some faith in the people who are going to represent

[59:44] me that they are not closing their mind to what may be other bad acts that are happening

[59:50] in the city of Allentown. And that is the reason why I'm here tonight.

[59:54] Again, this is not the place to bring that up.

[59:56] And what time, when, when, when do we address this, the

[1:00:00] President of the city council about a public statement that they have made, if not during the city council meeting, courtesy of the floor. I made a statement at the time based on the evidence that was presented, and I'll stand by that. So I'm just to be clear, and then I'll see my time. That what you're saying is based on the fact that someone has a ledge to have committed a bad act. That means that there was no racism that's happening

[1:00:29] in the city of Alantam based on the allegations, based on the alleged act of one person,

[1:00:36] all other employees who have made that allegation are not to be believed.

[1:00:40] But this one, is that what we're saying?

[1:00:41] I'm not going to argue if you heard tonight.

[1:00:44] This is not the forum to talk about this.

[1:00:48] Thank you.

[1:00:51] I find that answer completely unsatisfactory.

[1:00:54] As the President and the City Council, I would expect this would be more responsive and

[1:00:58] that you would address the statement that you made.

[1:01:01] Thank you very much.

[1:01:02] Thank you.

[1:01:12] Sharon.

[1:01:13] Been again?

[1:01:20] Hi, Sharon.

[1:01:21] Been again out in town.

[1:01:23] It was very heartening.

[1:01:25] You hear the support for the last Rule 48 resolution.

[1:01:30] But I was a little confused at the, you know, there was absolutely a wonderful support in the

[1:01:35] room.

[1:01:36] People are excited and everybody wants to clap.

[1:01:38] And it's allowed tonight.

[1:01:39] And my confusion is when there are situations and instances where there's a lot of support

[1:01:46] in the black and brown community in particular, told to sit down, shut up, quiet, stop clapping,

[1:01:55] stop everything.

[1:01:57] And it just seems like a very odd, unbalanced use of the rules.

[1:02:03] So, and then in the context of what Carmen Belger said, it's kind of fitting.

[1:02:10] So I don't understand why clapping is, when it's black and brown, clapping is shut down.

[1:02:16] People are told to be quiet, sit down.

[1:02:19] If it's anybody else in the white community or people need to have private conversations

[1:02:23] in the middle of a meeting, if they're white, it seems to be okay.

[1:02:28] Thank you.

[1:02:49] I agree with Carmen Bell and the other lady who spoke up, when I saw the newspaper article, I was very upset about what was said because we cannot be judged by what one person does and does not do.

[1:03:02] Like I said, you're innocent until you're pooping guilty, however, to make that statement that we all, the entire, all in black and brown employees were lying.

[1:03:16] That's what it's, it appeared to, and the news article that you were saying, that what they were saying is not true.

[1:03:22] What they're saying is true, and we have evidence that it's true, and I just want to let you know what was said.

[1:03:27] with said wrong you were wrong you are out of character and you're supposed to be a leader and you should act like a leader if

[1:03:34] You had something to say ship in no comment. Thank you

[1:03:46] So

[1:03:50] other people filled out cards for resolution 49

[1:03:56] So then you would speak at that time when they're doing resolution

[1:04:10] I'm just speaking to the cards that I have, people handed in cards they want to speak to resolution 49 somebody wants to speak to a bill on the African advisory board that would happen at that time but

[1:04:23] we're moving on to contract approvals R41 R41

[1:04:32] is a cooperative authorization of corporate contract greater than 40,000 to provide the city with various goods and services

[1:04:41] for a version of a lot of these.

[1:04:43] We went from where Ford, able,

[1:04:46] Recon, Kimball Midwest, AutoZone,

[1:04:51] Hail Trailer Break, and Miller Flooring Company.

[1:04:55] They're all on the cooperative contracts.

[1:04:58] Okay.

[1:05:00] Anybody to speak? Asparagus. No, just. Okay, as it is, are any questions or comments from my colleagues. Just quick question. I saw forward and I didn't bring the actual document up. Is that a re still we're not moving towards electric vehicles anymore, right? This is for some. We have the grant that was allowing us for to make electric vehicle pilot is frozen at the moment. Right.

[1:05:30] By the administration, we're fighting that, but I think the contract with Whitmer or Ford is it for electric vehicles?

[1:05:37] Okay, just like a regular truck, right?

[1:05:40] Okay, thank you.

[1:05:43] Okay, any comments from the public?

[1:05:47] Seeing none, Mr. Hanlon, conduct the vote.

[1:05:49] Mr. Gorillac.

[1:05:50] Yes.

[1:05:52] Mr. Napoli?

[1:05:53] Yes.

[1:05:54] Miss Santos?

[1:05:55] Yes.

[1:05:55] Jizouka?

[1:05:56] Yes.

[1:05:56] Mr. Hanricks?

[1:05:57] Yes.

[1:05:57] and Ms. Apa.

[1:06:00] Yeah.

[1:06:02] Mr. President, I have six years and no days.

[1:06:04] Thank you, Mr. Allen.

[1:06:07] Minutes of previous meetings.

[1:06:09] Okay, we've got three sets of minutes, the first set.

[1:06:19] Mr. Napoli.

[1:06:20] Yes.

[1:06:21] Santos?

[1:06:22] Yes.

[1:06:22] Is your circle?

[1:06:23] Yes.

[1:06:23] Mr. Hendrix?

[1:06:24] Yes.

[1:06:25] Ms. Apa?

[1:06:27] Yes.

[1:06:28] Ms. Girl.

[1:06:29] Yes.

[1:06:37] Yes, Mr. Zuckel, Mr. Enrichs, Ms. Appa.

[1:06:42] Yes,

[1:06:45] Mr. Napoli.

[1:06:46] Yes.

[1:06:48] Mr.

[1:06:55] Zuckel, Mr. Enrichs, Ms. Appa.

[1:07:02] Yeah.

[1:07:03] It's going to be a lot of work.

[1:07:05] Yes.

[1:07:06] It's your napoli?

[1:07:07] Yes.

[1:07:08] I'm a Santos.

[1:07:09] Yes.

[1:07:11] Brandon, that's a key to the news.

[1:07:13] I know.

[1:07:13] Okay.

[1:07:17] Communications.

[1:07:18] Council held an executive session this evening to discuss a confidential personnel matter.

[1:07:26] Also, I'd like to remind visitors of City Council that we encourage you to park in the government

[1:07:32] next door to City Hall, and to see our clerk, Mr. Mike Hanlon, for a chaser to pay for your parking.

[1:07:38] Thank you.

[1:07:42] The administration received two bids for the city owned property at 325 West Hamilton Street.

[1:07:49] One bid was rejected.

[1:07:51] The Allentown Rescue Mission was the bidder.

[1:07:56] Reports from committee.

[1:07:58] Just a brief correction or clarification, Allentown Rescue Mission was the successful bidder.

[1:08:04] It's a successful bidder.

[1:08:05] Yes.

[1:08:08] Reports from committees, budget and finance, Chairman and Mr. Napoli.

[1:08:13] Thank you.

[1:08:14] The committee met on April 9th and forwarded an item on tonight's agenda.

[1:08:19] There are no future meetings scheduled.

[1:08:20] Thank you.

[1:08:21] Thank you.

[1:08:23] Community and economic development.

[1:08:26] Chairperson on that is Ms. Moto.

[1:08:28] She's not here tonight.

[1:08:30] I'll speak for her.

[1:08:32] the committee met on April 9th and forwarded a bill on this evening's agenda.

[1:08:37] The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd at 6 p.m.

[1:08:43] Human Resources Administration and Appointments, Chairwoman Miss Santos.

[1:08:49] Thank you.

[1:08:50] The committee met on April 9th and we forwarded two items on this evening's agenda, one of those,

[1:08:56] which we already voted on, and there are no future meeting schedules.

[1:09:00] Thank you.

[1:09:02] Parts in recreation.

[1:09:03] Chairwoman Miss Gorillac.

[1:09:05] I guess, thank you.

[1:09:06] The committee met this evening.

[1:09:07] The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 6.15 p.m.

[1:09:11] Thank you.

[1:09:12] Thank you.

[1:09:13] Public safety.

[1:09:15] Chairwoman Miss Affa?

[1:09:17] Yeah, the committee met this evening.

[1:09:19] The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 5.30 p.m.

[1:09:22] Thank you.

[1:09:23] Chairwoman Mr. Zucko.

[1:09:26] Public works.

[1:09:28] Chairwoman Zucko.

[1:09:28] The committee has not met since the last council meeting and the next meeting is not yet scheduled.

[1:09:33] Thank you.

[1:09:34] Rules, chambers, intergovernmental relations and strategy.

[1:09:39] That is my committee.

[1:09:41] The committee has not met since the last council meeting.

[1:09:43] No meetings are scheduled currently.

[1:09:47] Controllers report.

[1:09:49] Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:09:52] There are four reports on the agenda for this evening.

[1:09:58] one is an accounts pay.

[1:10:00] People, one is a p-card, one is a bank reconciliation. I'm not going to report on those this evening. You guys can take a look at it yourself or the public can take a look at those reports by accessing them from the control which website. We report on those all the time. When I do have for you this evening is an audit of the city's tuition reimbursement program. I'm going to talk about this for a little bit because it's a little bit different. I'm going to say that there are a number of

[1:10:30] other oil, it's coming down the pike in the next two or three weeks, once again different from the basic

[1:10:36] P-card or accounts payable stuff. Not that that stuff is an interesting mind you, but this is a little bit different and gives us a little bit broader picture

[1:10:43] about how we do things in the city. We've basically three programs for tuition reimbursement, non-bargaining employees, municipal employees like SCIU, and then firefighters have their own program.

[1:10:58] Police are handled a little bit differently.

[1:11:01] Part of those folks are non-bargaining, but the officers get a lot of continuing education

[1:11:07] through the police budget.

[1:11:09] So we don't see much of that.

[1:11:14] Once again, the audit is conducted in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing

[1:11:18] standards and utilizes an approach that includes staff interviews, review of documents, and

[1:11:25] reports and examinations.

[1:11:26] The period selected for this reimbursement was from all 2023 and 2024.

[1:11:33] Now you may remember that the last accounts payable report, we noted that we made an

[1:11:41] issue of a tuition reimbursement because it was over by $1,550 and that check was corrected

[1:11:50] in the reimbursement to the applicant was corrected.

[1:11:54] But we looked at that and we thought, you know, we haven't looked this in a long, long time, and that issued generated

[1:12:02] this complete audit.

[1:12:07] So in 2023, there were seven people that are non-bargated that applied to reimbursement. In 2024, there were five.

[1:12:14] We noticed that there was non-compliance with AIM66-03 relief of city employment, educational reimbursement for non-bargated unit employees,

[1:12:25] who voluntarily or involuntarily leave city employment before a full calendar year has transpired.

[1:12:33] Following the completion of a course for which they have received a reimbursement will return the total education reimbursement to the city.

[1:12:43] For 2023, we identified two non-bargaining who left the city prior to one year from the end of the course state and did not return the tuition reimbursement.

[1:12:54] The total uncollected was $9,587.50.

[1:12:59] Consideration should be given to building the employees,

[1:13:02] administration should track the payments

[1:13:04] and ensure compliance, the administration responds.

[1:13:08] We agreed to formulate a process to track and build appropriately

[1:13:11] by the end of 2025.

[1:13:14] We're currently considering the time that will come inside

[1:13:17] with the rollout of our new personnel management

[1:13:22] or the new SCI contract, the exact time

[1:13:25] and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

[1:13:30] I will tell you that if somebody leaves,

[1:13:32] it's pretty hard to call the money back

[1:13:33] because there's really no payroll to deduct

[1:13:37] because maybe you've got two weeks notice.

[1:13:41] It is heartening that the administration has acknowledged

[1:13:44] the issue and will work to a good solution to it in the future.

[1:13:49] And if it's in the PPM, I think that needs council approval

[1:13:53] So you guys will get a bite of that apple.

[1:13:56] Non-bargaining tuition reimbursement amount errors.

[1:14:00] Perl administration's email dated 12, 15, 22, in 2023,

[1:14:06] non-bargaining staff reimbursement was increased from $2,900

[1:14:11] per annum to $5,250 per annum.

[1:14:16] Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement

[1:14:18] for tuition, registration fees, and lab fees.

[1:14:21] Books and other required course materials not covered by course or tuition fees are the employees responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

[1:14:30] We note the following.

[1:14:32] 1-9 bargaining employee for 2023 requests you then received tuition of $4,337.50.

[1:14:40] The documentation, the receipt documentation totaled $3,287.50.

[1:14:45] The review of paperwork indicated an error in addition on the submission form that resulted in an overpayment of $1,050 that employees no longer active with the city.

[1:15:00] And that would have been referenced in the prior one, where somebody left prior to a year, or also referenced. One non-bargaining employee, who for 2024 was reimbursed for a total of $5,500. The maximum yearly is $5,250. This is an overpayment of $250.

[1:15:23] $1 than employee still within the city's employee, so I'm looking for resolution there for the administration.

[1:15:31] One non-bargaining employee here for 2024, it was reimbursed for a credit card service charge, a $53.13, as a matter of practice, the city does not reimburse for credit card service charges, whether it be for something like this, or even when we go out and buy materials.

[1:15:50] for the usage. One non-bargaining employee for 2024 was reimbursed for a payment plan

[1:15:57] fee of $25. We know that tuition reimbursement forms generic and not specific to the bargaining

[1:16:04] unit and does not include the provisions required, nor the maximum reimbursement amounts,

[1:16:10] which may vary by bargaining unit. We recommend that the overpaid tuition reimbursement be collected,

[1:16:17] The administration should reiterate and

[1:16:20] retrain the tuition reimbursement approvers of the proper policy.

[1:16:25] Consideration should be given to revising the tuition reimbursement form and

[1:16:29] tailoring it to each bargain and unit.

[1:16:32] The forms should include the provisions requirements and the maximum reimbursement amount.

[1:16:38] The administration agrees with the recommendations and by the end of 2025,

[1:16:44] will ensure that those are responsible or over payments are collected and that appropriate

[1:16:52] tuition reimbursement, former visions are included.

[1:16:56] We also know that this is supposed to be a reimbursement, i.e., you're supposed to pay

[1:17:01] first and then get reimbursed.

[1:17:03] From the document, the station we receive, it's not always clear that that happens.

[1:17:09] Sometimes it looks like the city is actually paying for the tuition and nobody's getting

[1:17:14] reimbursement. So we're asking for better documentation that this is actually a reimbursement

[1:17:23] for those people who are applying. I also note there's lack of class grade information.

[1:17:28] Some people supply it, but not everybody does. We're asking that that be dealt with.

[1:17:35] And those are the highlights. You know, once again, they're on the website you guys have

[1:17:43] can take a moment to read them.

[1:17:47] This was the first time the new HR director got to respond

[1:17:54] to an audit and it took a little bit of time for Mr. Velasquez to do it, but he gave

[1:18:01] good responses that were thought out and certainly show the administration's willingness to tackle

[1:18:09] of this problem, so this program goes forward without these hiccups.

[1:18:15] If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

[1:18:20] Thank you, Mr. Glader.

[1:18:22] Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:18:24] Much appreciate

[1:18:26] it.

[1:18:26] We're going to move on to ordinances for final passage, Bill 29.

[1:18:32] Bill 29 amends the African-American Advisory Council by clarifying and

[1:18:36] adding a section on selecting members.

[1:18:38] And

[1:18:43] I also note that there are some changes to the proposal here submitted by Ms. Holmes.

[1:18:53] And at this time, would like to make a motion that they be read and put into the bill itself rather than sending it back to committee that we do it all tonight.

[1:19:05] So I would ask for someone to second my motion to do just that.

[1:19:09] I'll do that.

[1:19:10] All right.

[1:19:11] Seconded.

[1:19:12] Mr. Hanlon, if you would.

[1:19:14] Okay.

[1:19:15] Do you want me to read the amendment?

[1:19:17] Yes, please.

[1:19:18] Okay.

[1:19:19] So the amendment would take out the section that mimics the Latino Advisory Committee and add

[1:19:26] the section that says the list of African-American organizations that may nominate or select applicants

[1:19:32] for the African-American Affairs Advisory Council for nomination by the mayor will include

[1:19:37] but not be limited to the following African-American business organizations, and they include African-American

[1:19:45] business leaders council, Black woman, connected Lehigh Valley, African-American community organizations

[1:19:51] and nonprofits, they include Promise Neighborhoods, Cohesion Network, Global Hope International

[1:19:56] National Lehigh Valley black church housing alliance the right

[1:20:00] passing, Sun initiative, Allentown, NAWACP, Mark Luther King and Corretta Scott, King Memorial

[1:20:07] Project to the Lehigh Valley, Power Lee High Valley, Respected Life Community Development

[1:20:12] Corporation, and then another category, is African-American Lead Youth Services and Programs,

[1:20:18] Boys and Girls Club of Allentown, Euthan Teen Renovations, James Lawrence Freedom School,

[1:20:23] the Thrive Hub, Fine Feather Foundation, then another category is African-American Churches,

[1:20:28] faith-based organizations, St. James, M. Ham, E. Zion, Zion's Church, Union Baptist Church,

[1:20:36] Living Spring International Center, Resurrected Life Community Church, Restoration Temple,

[1:20:42] Rehoboth Church, Black Christian Churches, and Ministers Alliance, Another Category, African

[1:20:47] Own Businesses, Service Space, Achieving Coaching, and Consulting, or in Resilience, Resilience,

[1:20:54] LLC, Lehigh Valley Black News Network, and another category, African-American

[1:21:00] Own Businesses, Retail, Slash, Brick and Mortar, Be Skinful House of Glam,

[1:21:06] Banks, Beauty Bar, Michigan Premium, Block, Quizzis, Handles, The Culture,

[1:21:13] Colonel, Napa by Choice, CCJ Snacks, VIP, The Next Level, Barbershop,

[1:21:23] and

[1:21:23] And that's it.

[1:21:25] Thank you.

[1:21:28] Any questions, comments from my colleagues?

[1:21:32] Ms. Gorillac?

[1:21:34] I think this might be from his homes.

[1:21:36] So if there is, this is a very extensive list of entities

[1:21:46] where most leaders would be involved.

[1:21:51] But like, for example, that one gentleman I had emailed you about,

[1:21:54] I don't think he's involved in any of these.

[1:21:57] So, I mean, I'm reading the language that says, but not limited to, so therefore this

[1:22:02] gentleman can apply and go forth and serve, hopefully.

[1:22:08] Man?

[1:22:13] Yeah, go ahead.

[1:22:13] I'm going to open it up.

[1:22:15] In response to your colleague's assessment and question, I'm affirming that absolutely yes.

[1:22:20] And also, I'm able to say that I did reach out to that gentleman and had a brief conversation

[1:22:25] with him, and I think the language with the assistance of Mr. Mike Hanlin, Councilwoman

[1:22:32] Cynthia Moda, and Councilwoman C. C. Gerlott, we were able to have that language reflect what

[1:22:40] would be obviously most amicable to both the community that it represents, and also not

[1:22:45] too limiting, so that individuals would obviously be involved, invited, and feel very welcome

[1:22:52] to be a part of it, so thank you.

[1:22:54] Thank you.

[1:22:59] I can come back with that comment.

[1:23:00] Any other questions, comments from my colleagues?

[1:23:04] Any comments from the public?

[1:23:08] Seeing none, Mr. Allen.

[1:23:09] Okay, on the amendment, Mr. Hendricks.

[1:23:12] Yes.

[1:23:13] Miss Apha,

[1:23:17] Miss Gorillac.

[1:23:18] Yes.

[1:23:21] Mr. Napoli.

[1:23:22] Yes.

[1:23:22] Miss Santos.

[1:23:23] Yes.

[1:23:24] Mr. Duke.

[1:23:24] Yes.

[1:23:25] Mr. Smith, I have six shades and no names.

[1:23:28] Okay, and now the bill itself.

[1:23:33] Any comments from my colleagues?

[1:23:34] Any

[1:23:37] comments from the public?

[1:23:40] Okay, no, Mr. Henry.

[1:23:41] The bill itself has amended Mr. Hendricks.

[1:23:45] Yes.

[1:23:45] Miss Affa.

[1:23:48] Yes.

[1:23:48] Miss Garlock?

[1:23:50] Yes.

[1:23:51] Mr. Napoli?

[1:23:51] Yes.

[1:23:52] Miss Santos?

[1:23:53] Yes.

[1:23:54] And Mr. Zuri.

[1:23:55] Yes.

[1:23:56] Mr. President, I'm 68 and I'm 8.

[1:23:58] Thank you.

[1:24:00] Bill 30.

[1:24:01] Bill 30, amended 2025.

[1:24:04] Capital project.

[1:24:05] to provide for supplemental appropriation of 185,000 dollars from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for

[1:24:13] sported feasibility study of the MLK trail phase three.

[1:24:17] Thank you. Ms. Guaralacto's was in your committee?

[1:24:21] I guess it wasn't. It was forwarded forwarded favorment as you were seeing.

[1:24:25] Thank you. Any comments from the Dias?

[1:24:31] Any comments from the public?

[1:24:34] Thank you, Mr. Hanlon.

[1:24:35] Mr. Hanlon, Mr. Hanlon, conduct the vote.

[1:24:36] Ms. Affa.

[1:24:40] Ms. Groloch?

[1:24:41] Yes.

[1:24:42] Mr. Napoli?

[1:24:43] Yes.

[1:24:44] Ms. Santos?

[1:24:45] Yes.

[1:24:46] Mr. Zucco?

[1:24:47] Yes.

[1:24:47] Mr. Andrews?

[1:24:48] Yes.

[1:24:49] Mr. Andrews.

[1:24:50] Mr. Andrews.

[1:24:51] Thank you, Mr. Hanlon.

[1:24:52] Bill 31.

[1:24:53] Bill 31 means the Trexor Fund by authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the Trexor Esco

[1:24:58] go and appropriate a cast balance.

[1:25:00] In the amount of $108,105.75, and the funds will be used for the construction of phase one of the trail. And it's part of the 2020-24-25 Drexler Capital Project allocation. Thank you. And this also was in your committee, Ms. Kierlock? Yes, and it was also forwarded favorably to tonight's meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Any comments, questions from my colleagues?

[1:25:29] Seeing none, any comments from the public?

[1:25:33] Seeing none, Mr. Hanlon, please can I ask the vote?

[1:25:35] Ms. Girlock.

[1:25:36] Yes.

[1:25:39] Mr. Napoli.

[1:25:40] Yes.

[1:25:40] Ms. Santos.

[1:25:41] Yes.

[1:25:41] Shazookl.

[1:25:42] Yes.

[1:25:42] Mr. Hendricks.

[1:25:43] Yes.

[1:25:44] Ms. Adler.

[1:25:46] Yes.

[1:25:47] Ms. Adler.

[1:25:48] Ms. Adler.

[1:25:49] Ms. Adler.

[1:25:54] Yes.

[1:25:54] So supplement appropriation of $46,766 from the Department of Justice or to find a workflow management system at affordable weighing scales for the police department.

[1:26:09] Thank you, Mr. Hanlon.

[1:26:11] And this was in your committee acting tonight as Chair, Mr. Zookle.

[1:26:16] And it was said favorably.

[1:26:17] favorably. Thank you. Any questions or comments from my colleagues? Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:26:24] Seeing none, Mr. Hanlon, please connect the vote.

[1:26:28] Mr. Napoli. Yes. Miss Santos. Yes. Mr. Zuckel. Yes. Mr. Hendricks. Yes. Miss Appa.

[1:26:36] Yes. And Miss Gorillac. Yes.

[1:26:39] Let's try to have six days in their days.

[1:26:41] Thank you. Bill 33.

[1:26:43] Bill 33, amendments part two, General Legislation chapter 270, fees, Article 5, community and economic development fees to include plan review, and you can consolidate building permits and update the language of the city code.

[1:27:00] Thank you, and this was in your committee, Mr. Napoli, correct, of which you are a member?

[1:27:06] Yes, it was forwarded favorably to the full council.

[1:27:09] So, thank you.

[1:27:11] Any comments or questions from my colleagues?

[1:27:15] Any comments from the public?

[1:27:18] Seeing none, Mr. Hanlon, please connect the vote.

[1:27:20] Ms. Santos.

[1:27:22] Yes.

[1:27:22] Mr. Zoko?

[1:27:23] Yes, Mr. Hendricks.

[1:27:24] Yes.

[1:27:25] Ms. Apah.

[1:27:27] Yes.

[1:27:28] Scarloch?

[1:27:29] Yes.

[1:27:30] And Mr. Napoli.

[1:27:32] Yes.

[1:27:33] Mr. President, that's six years and no names.

[1:27:35] Thank you.

[1:27:36] Bill 34.

[1:27:36] Bill 34, amendments to 2025, general fund budget to provide for supplemental appropriation of $132,800 and it's to the police department on

[1:27:51] reimbursement of expenses to purchase case management software, mobile devices, program analysis, unit of pair on additional community and funded additional community intervention specialist.

[1:28:01] Thank you, Mr. Hanley.

[1:28:04] This was your committee tonight, Mr. Zookle.

[1:28:06] Yes, and it was sent here probably.

[1:28:08] Thank you.

[1:28:09] Any comments?

[1:28:10] Questions from my colleagues?

[1:28:13] Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:28:16] Seeing none, Mr. Hanley, please connect the vote.

[1:28:19] Mr. Zookle.

[1:28:20] Yes.

[1:28:20] Mr. Ann Ricks.

[1:28:21] Yes.

[1:28:22] Ms. Affa.

[1:28:24] Yes.

[1:28:25] Ms. Grilla.

[1:28:26] Yes.

[1:28:27] Mr. Napoli.

[1:28:28] Yes.

[1:28:29] Ms. Santos.

[1:28:29] Yes.

[1:28:30] Yes.

[1:28:30] President, it's excused and amazed.

[1:28:33] Thank you.

[1:28:33] Bill 36.

[1:28:35] Bill 36,

[1:28:39] Bill 35, amendments to 2025,

[1:28:44] general fund budget for supplemental appropriation of $85,900 for the purchase of portable

[1:28:51] breath-tacing devices, breath-testing devices, and pair driving simulator kit and a trailer

[1:28:57] in training for officers.

[1:28:59] Thank you, Mr. Hanlon.

[1:29:01] Mr. Zookl in your committee?

[1:29:03] Yes, thank you.

[1:29:03] This was also the committee on the same paper.

[1:29:06] Thank you.

[1:29:07] Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:29:10] Seeing none.

[1:29:11] Any comments from the public?

[1:29:13] Seeing none, Mr. Hanlon, please conduct the vote.

[1:29:16] Mr. Hanoverks.

[1:29:17] Yes.

[1:29:18] Ms. Athah.

[1:29:20] Yes.

[1:29:21] Ms. Grillock.

[1:29:23] Yes.

[1:29:23] Mr. Napoli.

[1:29:24] Yes.

[1:29:24] Ms. Santos.

[1:29:25] Yes.

[1:29:25] and Mr. Zooquilp.

[1:29:27] Those external preparations.

[1:29:28] Yes, Mr.gehter and Mr. Zooquilp.

[1:29:29] Thank you.

[1:29:30] Bill 36.

[1:29:32] Bill 36 Aman's various funds by appropriating funds

[1:29:37] from the inappropriate balances for the Rowl over

[1:29:40] of Compass's from the prior year commitments.

[1:29:46] This was in your committee, Mr. Napoli?

[1:29:48] Yes and it was for it, it's favourable.

[1:29:49] Thank you.

[1:29:51] Questions or comments from my college?

[1:29:53] Seeing none, any comments from the public?

[1:29:55] So, see you not Mr. Handler, please be enough to vote.

[1:30:00] Ms. Ava.

[1:30:04] Ms. Gorillac. Yes. Mr. Napoli. Yes. Ms. Santos. Yes.

[1:30:09] Ms. Zughal. Yes. And Mr. Hendricks. Yes.

[1:30:12] Ms. Grayson, I have six years and no days. Thank you. Consent agenda. Yeah. A few items. The appointment of Abigail Goldfarb to be

[1:30:23] Commission of Homelessness or Linda Aguar to the Human Relations Commission. Kyle Robsky to the Shatree Commission. Leslie Hartzel to the

[1:30:32] planning commission, and Richard Larry's to the noise hearing board.

[1:30:38] Thank you.

[1:30:39] Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:30:44] Seeing none.

[1:30:45] Any comments from the public?

[1:30:47] Seeing none.

[1:30:48] Please conduct the vote, Mr. Handle.

[1:30:51] Ms. Gorilla.

[1:30:52] Yes.

[1:30:53] Mr. Napoli?

[1:30:54] Yes.

[1:30:55] Ms. Santos?

[1:30:56] Yes.

[1:30:56] Mr. Zookoff?

[1:30:57] Yes.

[1:30:57] Mr. Hendricks?

[1:30:58] Yes.

[1:30:59] And Ms. Affa?

[1:31:01] Yes.

[1:31:02] Mr. President, I have six years of no days.

[1:31:05] Thank you.

[1:31:12] R-49.

[1:31:14] R-49 is a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to raise the minimum wage and grant local wage control.

[1:31:29] Any comments?

[1:31:31] Questions from my colleagues.

[1:31:32] Mr. Girlade.

[1:31:33] Yeah, just once again, I'd like to thank everyone for signing on to this.

[1:31:38] I mean, as State Rep Seagal said, you know, you never, it's hard to get things out of committee in Harrisburg, but I think it is important for local bodies to, again, make statements of support.

[1:31:55] We've got a working class city and our working class city deserves to thrive.

[1:32:00] So thank you for signing on to this.

[1:32:05] Okay, anybody else?

[1:32:07] Any comments from the public?

[1:32:09] You have a number of speakers that would like to speak to this.

[1:32:13] Okay.

[1:32:14] Just a very quick comment.

[1:32:16] So I think that your resolution is calling on the state legislature

[1:32:20] to raise the minimum wage, which I think is absolutely commendable.

[1:32:22] I believe there's an additional component to the resolution

[1:32:24] that calls for reduction in preemption.

[1:32:27] for those of the that don't know preemption is when the state tells local

[1:32:32] municipalities that they can't do certain things. And I think giving the

[1:32:35] Alentone City Council power to establish a minimum wage for the city of

[1:32:40] Alentone is good policy. I think that the state would make a further comment that

[1:32:46] as long as the City Council is issuing commentary related to elimination of

[1:32:51] preemptions is a lot of other things that we'd like to see the state eliminate in

[1:32:56] in terms of preemption, particularly around gun laws.

[1:32:59] So I thank City Council for making this statement

[1:33:02] to our state legislature and encourage you to do more of it.

[1:33:05] Thank you.

[1:33:07] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:33:08] So we have Susie, the last name.

[1:33:22] Good evening.

[1:33:22] Thank you for letting me speak, President Mayor and controller.

[1:33:26] My name is Miss Susie.

[1:33:28] I cook for the public school system.

[1:33:31] And I've been a member of SEIU,

[1:33:33] workers united for 26 years, which is our union here in Allentown.

[1:33:38] I'm speaking in support of the HB1150, the bill that will raise the minimum wage to 15 per hour and

[1:33:46] lift the preemption to communities like Allentown, that they can make a livable wage.

[1:33:53] I'm speaking in support of the resolution to call on the PA legislation to pass this HB1150.

[1:34:01] My brothers and sisters in union are not making a livable age, $10, $13 an hour, they don't have health care.

[1:34:10] My mother has worked in food service all of her life and still works in food service at the age of 76.

[1:34:19] I have been, she's been an absent parent on my life working under these low wages, works

[1:34:29] every holiday, works every birthday, works every Christmas graduation, weekend, works all

[1:34:35] the time. She finally got two weeks vacation because she had breast cancer. Imagine getting

[1:34:42] two weeks off because you might die. That's kind of sad. The livable wage has

[1:34:50] been in a crisis for a long time. The community as family families are

[1:34:56] dying under the financial starvation of these low

[1:35:00] And unlivable wages where they're at. This is why we, you, I'm so glad that you're practical. Common sense, you've executed that tonight. Thank you for having this on the agenda and letting me address the concern with everything around this. And this is why we should support it. And as I tell the students that I feed, it's a no-brainer. So thank you so much for your common sense. And I yield the rest of my time.

[1:35:29] and thank you for your attention in this matter.

[1:35:32] Thank you.

[1:35:38] Anybody else wish to speak to this?

[1:35:41] I'm Yip.

[1:35:42] Bob Regina.

[1:35:44] Stella, I'm still here.

[1:35:51] Hello, my name is Regina Padilla, and I'm Tom Resonant.

[1:35:55] I would like to share my portion of reality.

[1:35:58] I'm not fond of sharing information regarding my finances,

[1:36:03] but today I do find it necessary.

[1:36:05] I work for a local nonprofits

[1:36:07] with absolutely fuels my soul,

[1:36:09] but I earn $29,000 a year. I pay $1050 a month for housing, which is over 56% of my income,

[1:36:16] and that doesn't include the utilities that I pay. While I feed people for a living, I struggle

[1:36:21] to feed myself. I used to receive snap benefits of $227 a month, but now it's been cut to $23.

[1:36:30] $23. That is a dollar for every year I've been born. I'm currently seeking a second job because full

[1:36:35] time work simply isn't enough to make ends meet. This isn't just my story, it's a story of thousands

[1:36:41] of my fellow residents in Allentown. People who strive each and every day yet fall short. That's

[1:36:47] why I'm encouraging you to back a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour. The minimum wage should not

[1:36:52] be set to $7.25. In addition to being outdated, it's absolutely impossible to live on. A minimum wage

[1:36:59] of 15 is not demanding luxury. It's about rent, groceries, and simply being able to

[1:37:05] break each month. That's what the luxury of $15 offers. Some people will tell you that

[1:37:11] an increase in wages will hurt businesses, but the fact is when workers earn more money,

[1:37:15] they spend more money in their own communities. They support businesses right here in

[1:37:19] Allentown and they have a chance to thrive, not just survive. The people impacted the most

[1:37:25] By low wages are women, people of color and immigrants, the backbone of our workforce.

[1:37:30] We want and deserve more.

[1:37:32] I'm asking you to be bold to lead and to stand up for workers like me who do the right things and cannot get ahead.

[1:37:38] That's why I'm encouraging you to back this resolution that tells Harrisburg to raise the minimum wage to 15 and give control of future wage setting back to the city of Allentown.

[1:37:47] Thank you.

[1:37:48] Thank you.

[1:38:01] I wanted to speak today in support of the raise the resolution. The current minimum wage

[1:38:07] is not livable. I think we all are aware of that. My personal experience is I'm a type

[1:38:13] one diabetic and my health care needs total over $6,000 per month just for diabetes, not

[1:38:20] counting the two other chronic illnesses I have. With a minimum wage job, there is no possible

[1:38:26] way I could cover those expenses. I'm lucky enough to have Medicaid, but we'll see how much longer

[1:38:32] that lasts. But a lot of people don't, a lot of people don't have access to health care,

[1:38:38] and regardless of that, they should be making enough money to have that, to have access to housing,

[1:38:43] health care, and food. And not only does having such a low minimum wage restrict people's access to

[1:38:52] human rights. It also negatively impacts the economy because when people aren't making money to

[1:38:57] even afford their rent, they're certainly not spending money at local businesses. So I really

[1:39:03] urge you all to vote yes on this resolution. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:39:12] Quinn.

[1:39:21] I have been in work for since I was 19, consistently to make a living for myself.

[1:39:29] And I will say every time wages increased, so did the cost of everything else.

[1:39:38] On top of that, every time wages increased, the employers, the upper management,

[1:39:47] always wants less people on the floor, leaving one or two people to take care of 20 to 40 customers in line.

[1:39:57] and

[1:40:00] And I'm working that even today as a side job, which CC Garlic knows about, knows that place.

[1:40:13] And on top of all that, and let's take a look at California right now. They increased minimum wage on fast food employees to 20 bucks an hour. And many people

[1:40:30] many businesses either let people go or shut down the entire businesses they got a phone call

[1:40:38] then very next day after the implementation of the $20 an hour and called off the entire

[1:40:45] crew and say, say, you don't have a job anymore because I can't afford to pay that. So California,

[1:40:56] people, many Californians lost their jobs because of that.

[1:41:03] And this has been

[1:41:05] consistent. Even five little years ago when businesses were so desperate to

[1:41:12] get employees due to the COVID, they increased their wages on their own to

[1:41:21] 15 bucks an hour, 15, 20 dollars an hour at McDonald's. And so my big Mac meal

[1:41:31] went from $7 to like $10. Why? Because they were paying more. Could they

[1:41:40] afford to pay the employees better? Oh yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. But that

[1:41:46] doesn't mean greed will stop. And I'm sure that the government is making a lot more money

[1:41:54] in taxes because of those increases between the bias and the employees paying and the big

[1:42:03] corporations, so that's all I got to say about that.

[1:42:10] Thank you.

[1:42:12] That's it.

[1:42:14] Okay, Mr. Hanlon, if you would, could you talk to the vote?

[1:42:17] Okay, on the resolution.

[1:42:20] Mr. Napoli.

[1:42:21] Yes.

[1:42:23] Mr. Santos?

[1:42:24] Yes.

[1:42:25] Mr. Zuckel?

[1:42:25] Yes.

[1:42:26] Mr. Henryk's?

[1:42:27] Yes.

[1:42:28] Saffa?

[1:42:29] Yes.

[1:42:31] Emma's Verlach.

[1:42:32] Yes.

[1:42:33] For example, six years into an A's.

[1:42:35] Thank you.

[1:42:39] Part 50.

[1:42:40] Part 50 approves the submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

[1:42:44] Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the renovations of Ithaca Park.

[1:42:51] Any comments, questions from my colleagues?

[1:42:56] Seeing none.

[1:42:57] Any comments from the public?

[1:42:59] Seeing none, Mr. Hanley, please conduct the vote.

[1:43:02] Miss Santos.

[1:43:03] Yes.

[1:43:04] Yes, Mr. Zuckel. Yes, Mr. Henry. Yes, Sampa.

[1:43:10] Yes, Girlock. Yes, and Mr. Napoli. Yes, Mr. President, that's a huge image. Thank you. R-51.

[1:43:19] R-51 approves a submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

[1:43:24] Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the construction of phase two of the MLK trail.

[1:43:33] Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:43:36] Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:43:43] Just a question, if I may, to know where the plans for phase two would be listed, is that on the site for the city?

[1:44:06] Also to know or to request that those plans which you know are however they're made public

[1:44:16] that they are shared widely with the community especially because large amounts of funds go to

[1:44:22] that area and I'm expressing that especially because as many of you probably know that was the area

[1:44:30] before gentrification of a number of black owned businesses homes in the African American

[1:44:36] community formerly known as Lawrence Street. So our community would continue to have a

[1:44:42] great interest in how that's developed. And I know a lot of times the developments happen

[1:44:47] and then their made public or the decisions are then made public afterwards. So I would just like

[1:44:53] to know any ways that those could be made more public. One suggestion might be for someone like

[1:44:59] So

[1:45:00] If we move to here at City Council on a fairly regular basis or tries to me, if those could be shared at the front information desk, and if that can also be put on the social media. And then I also want to commend, you know, obviously when those things are shared that way, it's very helpful to us, the interesting and involved community, because it gives us an opportunity to see it, even if we're not already linked into those committees. So thanks very much for your attention to the many times that that has been done.

[1:45:28] Thank you for your comments, Ms. Kalino is here and did hear them and I'm sure she will follow through on that.

[1:45:39] Anybody else?

[1:45:42] Mr. Hanlon, connect the vote.

[1:45:44] Mr. Zugal. Yes, Mr. Henryx. Yes, Ms. Afa. Yes, Ms. Gorilla. Yes, Mr. Napoli. Yes, Ms. Santos. Yes, Ms.

[1:45:56] I've succeeded in new days.

[1:45:58] Thank you.

[1:45:58] R-51.

[1:46:10] We did R-51.

[1:46:15] Again, that was R-51.

[1:46:17] Oh, I'm sorry.

[1:46:18] We're on to you.

[1:46:23] Order this is for introduction.

[1:46:25] This is for introduction.

[1:46:26] The first one is in amending the 2025 grant funds

[1:46:30] to provide for a supplemental appropriation $1 million

[1:46:32] from the state office of budget, redevelopment assistance,

[1:46:35] capital project funds are passed through grant

[1:46:39] for a seat of press college.

[1:46:42] Good.

[1:46:42] Any comments from the public?

[1:46:48] Seeing none, this will go to, I believe, Ms. Moura.

[1:46:54] Right.

[1:46:58] Not here tonight.

[1:47:00] Bill 38.

[1:47:02] Bill 38 amends the 2025 grant fund budget

[1:47:06] for a supplement appropriation of $400,000.

[1:47:11] Funds are passed through grant

[1:47:12] that will support the police athletic league.

[1:47:16] Thank you.

[1:47:17] Any comments from the public?

[1:47:19] Seeing none, this will go to Ms. Athos committee.

[1:47:24] Yes, thank you, President.

[1:47:26] You're welcome.

[1:47:27] Bill 39.

[1:47:28] Bill 39 is an ordinance that provides for the expenditure of federal funds for the purpose

[1:47:34] of undertaking programs of housing and community development.

[1:47:41] Okay.

[1:47:41] Any comments from the public?

[1:47:45] Seeing none, this will likewise go to Ms. Moda.

[1:47:52] Bill 40.

[1:47:52] Bill 40 amends the 2025 general fund budget for the supplement appropriation of $15,000 from the commonwealth

[1:48:00] to the Allentown Fire and EMS department for training women

[1:48:05] Thank you, Mr. Hanlon any comments from the public?

[1:48:09] Seeing none this will go to your committee

[1:48:13] Councilwoman Miss Affa

[1:48:15] Yes, thank you. That's great

[1:48:17] Bill 41 Bill 41 to mention 2025 got fund budgets to accommodate a reorganization within the fund any comments from the public seeing none

[1:48:30] This will go to your committee miss Grilla. Thank you

[1:48:37] Bill 42 bill 42 amends the civil service board rules governing the appointment and promotion of police officers and firefighters

[1:48:46] Thank you. Any comments from the public? Seeing none, this will go to Councilwoman Miss

[1:48:54] Affa. Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. You're welcome. Bill 43. Bill 43, amended 2025

[1:49:02] grants funds to provide for a supplemental appropriation of a million dollars from the state

[1:49:07] and again, Mrs. Apache grant that will support PD Ministries. Thank you. Any comments from the

[1:49:14] public. Seeing none, this will go to Councilwoman Miss Mota also. Moving on to

[1:49:24] resolutions for introduction. Our 52 is a resolution that establishes a

[1:49:29] special committee to work with the police department to review and develop

[1:49:33] community policing. Any comments from the public?

[1:49:40] If I can Mr. Head Councilor

[1:49:42] President Hendricks this is you have the option to vote on these right now I think that you voting

[1:49:48] now would just accelerate the development of that committee and allow that work to get started

[1:49:53] to ride on the waiter.

[1:49:56] I'm fine with that.

[1:49:58] I would just say this, Ms. Gugro.

[1:50:00] Ms. Moda was the sponsor of this and was thinking that it would go to committee.

[1:50:06] And in light of her not being here tonight, I would rather not the primer of that. That's okay.

[1:50:16] Okay. So this will go to Ms. Moda's committee. Anything? I think it goes to public safety. I think that makes it a mic committee. Yes, public safety. Oh, I'm sorry. You're right. Yeah. Okay. Once again, not mic committee. Okay.

[1:50:35] Okay.

[1:50:36] Okay.

[1:50:37] Defer to you.

[1:50:38] Anything for good and welfare?

[1:50:42] Okay.

[1:50:43] Speedings adjourned.

City Council on 2025-04-16 6:30 PM

Transcript