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

[0:17] Thank you.

[0:47] I am going to suspend the rules and I'm going to move resolution R48 to the front of the agenda tonight.

[0:57] Sir Hamlet, if you conduct a roll call, please.

[1:03] President, Ms. Apa.

[1:07] President, I think I just started.

[1:11] Mr. Naples.

[1:13] Mr. Santos.

[1:14] Here.

[1:15] Ms. Modi is absent. Mr. Hamrix.

[1:19] Here.

[1:21] Hey.

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

[1:26] Very good.

[1:28] R48.

[1:32] Okay.

[1:34] Is suspension of the rules?

[1:36] I think you should get something from Ms. Montaro because you might have to do courtesy of the four first.

[1:42] I don't want to weigh in on that.

[1:46] I think you're right.

[1:50] Mr. P3 card table four.

[1:53] Okay. Ms. Montaro.

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

[1:59] And I guess the question is, is courtesy of the floor.

[2:03] Does it always need to be the first item of business?

[2:07] No. It could be conducted after the resolution in red and then discussed in loaded on.

[2:16] Okay.

[2:17] Prequest to suspend the rules in place R48 at the beginning of the agenda by common consent.

[2:25] Yes.

[2:26] Yes.

[2:27] R48 is a resolution.

[2:31] Let me get to it.

[2:37] R48 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 clear

[2:51] anti-LGBTQ community and urges the county and state officials to support the legislation and all council

[3:03] versus our sponsoring legislation.

[3:14] Okay.

[3:16] Any comments from the Dias?

[3:21] Ms. Gerla.

[3:24] Sure. Yeah.

[3:28] So I'm definitely interested to hear.

[3:31] It looks like we've got some folks here in the public to hear their comments.

[3:37] But I'm just like the thank my colleagues for voting for signing on to the resolution.

[3:45] And I've been here for like five years.

[3:50] I can't really recall many things that we all can agree on.

[3:54] So it's great to see that we can all agree on this.

[3:57] We've all read it and that we all agree to the language of it.

[4:01] We all agree to it's a statement.

[4:03] We all agree.

[4:04] We understand how the resolution is a statement on a law.

[4:08] And yeah. Thank you. So this should be a pretty straightforward vote for tonight.

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

[4:21] Okay. I will take comments. Mr. Allen, do you have a several?

[4:25] Yep.

[4:26] Good afternoon council.

[4:37] Good afternoon council.

[4:38] My name is Emilia Conway and I'm here today to speak in favor of resolution 48.

[4:42] I'm a trans woman and I received my transition related care in Allen town.

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

[4:51] The lives meet whole thanks to gender affirming care which is the big part of this resolution and being a welcoming city.

[4:55] For LGBTQ residents access to this treatment quite literally made my life in one worth living.

[5:01] It was the antidote the dysphoria or gender misalignment that I plagued me since puberty.

[5:06] For over 10 years I had suffered in silence and alien in my own body.

[5:11] Night spent wondering why I had been born at all and I tried to run from it.

[5:15] I tried to be the perfect son. It would have been easier. I didn't want to be trans.

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

[5:23] It meant embracing a painful truth and living that out in its place.

[5:28] But I will say this. Transitioning has been the single best thing that has happened to me in my life.

[5:33] It has been one of the most difficult things that I have done simply because it is forced me to confront my insecurities.

[5:39] It's forced me to take embrace who I am inside and it's also forced me to be able to take a leadership role within my community.

[5:45] These are things that on my own. I would have no business doing.

[5:49] I simply would have listened to the power of that be and had that all dictated to me.

[5:54] I said who wants those to be, what rules and supposed to follow and just embrace this identity.

[5:59] But the thing is that that wasn't me. I was acting year after year after year and it was exhausting.

[6:05] I'm fortunate because I'm 27 years old. I started transition when I was 23.

[6:10] And so I was able to actually have some effects in my body that did not that could go against you.

[6:16] The needle puberty that I've been moved born into.

[6:19] Unfortunately, that needle puberty, you know, it stuck with me.

[6:23] And there is something that's gotten me through transition is you do the best you come with what you have before you're at.

[6:28] And that has been my philosophy just moving forward.

[6:31] And things aren't always going to be perfect. That doesn't even mean we don't try.

[6:35] And I'd like to bring that same mentality here.

[6:37] There is a lot of chaos and craziness going on in the news right now as we can all tell.

[6:42] And this is a good first step forward to being able to make a stand for people like me because to be true.

[6:49] Like there is threat to this care all across the country.

[6:52] Arizona recently planned 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.

[7:02] But being able to have access to this care has been literally life changing.

[7:06] So tonight I really do urge you to please pass on this resolution.

[7:11] Because it means the world to me is someone who receives their care in downtown.

[7:16] Because at the end of the day, trans rights are human rights.

[7:19] And it isn't just a matter of protecting trans people.

[7:22] It's protecting our right to be and become the best versions of ourselves we can be.

[7:26] Thank you.

[7:27] Thank you.

[7:28] Thank you.

[7:38] Robin.

[7:41] Robin.

[7:47] Hi, hello.

[7:48] My name is Robin.

[7:49] I receive gender affirming care at the south side of the HN clinic.

[7:53] I'm also a volunteer and a number of organizations in Alentown and the community organizer.

[7:59] I'm grateful that the council is poised to pass a resolution to further protect our queer and trans community.

[8:05] I hope we view this as a start and beginning and not an end goal.

[8:09] After all, Alentown has been a leader in anti discrimination protections since the passing of the first LGBTQ plus and non discrimination ordinance in the state.

[8:17] I learned just a day ago that some groups are also here to be urging the city to consider raising them in one wage.

[8:22] These issues are not separate.

[8:25] No one can reasonably live in Alentown for 725 an hour.

[8:28] All our communities are struggling but I've directly seen an increase in queer and trans people struggling to make rent.

[8:34] A forward food and pay utility bills.

[8:37] I hope this council will consider how to change this.

[8:39] We cannot truly be a haven for anyone.

[8:41] If we do not create, continue to create more equity in all areas.

[8:45] We have slum words like time and charging exorbitably high rent placing our communities in even more financially precarious situations.

[8:53] And then who have the guts to ask on how people living in tents to relocate.

[8:57] We need so much more.

[8:59] This is life or death for our communities and I'm so glad we're here to take this step.

[9:04] But I urge the council to pass this resolution and continue to think about what more we can do for queer and trans people.

[9:10] Thank you so much.

[9:12] Thank you.

[9:28] Good evening on herbal members of the city council.

[9:30] Thank you for allowing me to speak.

[9:32] My name is Christopher and I serve as the interim executive director of the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

[9:38] Which proudly serves and advocates for the rights, health and dignity of LGBTQ plus individuals and families in our community.

[9:46] I'm here tonight to urge you to support the resolution.

[9:50] For our own town to be safe and welcoming heaven for the LGBTQ plus community.

[9:55] This resolution will affirm our city's commitment to keeping the LGBTQ plus health care safe accessible and free from discrimination or government interference.

[10:05] Across the country, LGBTQ plus communities, especially transgender and non-barinary individuals are under attack.

[10:12] State legislators are advancing laws that ban gender affirming care, criminalized providers and strip away fundamental rights.

[10:20] 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 our town.

[10:34] In the city of downtown, 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.

[10:45] It is a statement that our city values health equity recognizes the diversity of our residents and refuses to be complicit in harmful systems.

[10:53] LGBTQ plus people deserve to access the care they need, whether it's mental health support, gender affirming treatment, HIV prevention or reproductive health care, without fear, shame or barriers.

[11:05] In 2024, statewide LGBTQ plus health needs assessment, 40% of all respondents identified the need for access to affirming care, affirming health care services, safe lives.

[11:16] 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.

[11:34] And it would help to ensure that no one in our community is left behind simply because of who they are, who they live or how they express themselves.

[11:41] 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.

[11:56] I'm Liz Bradbury.

[12:04] I am the chair of the L.I. County Human Relations Commission and the CEO of Keystone Equality, the statewide LGBTQ.

[12:23] I'm so encouraged that I'll seven you of you have signed on to this important right to care resolution.

[12:33] At a time when the very fundamentals of democracy are being challenged by the hateful actions of the Trump administration.

[12:41] You are the voices of hope.

[12:44] Karim Goodwin and Councilman Santos asked me to craft the language of this resolution so that it could be clear, direct, and something we could all get strongly behind.

[12:57] So that the language really would assert policy to protect the health care rights of LGBTQ plus people, especially transgender people in Allentown.

[13:07] I'm proud to have done so. All municipalities can use the language and pass this resolution.

[13:14] Which of you is all enough to remember the height of the AIDS epidemic?

[13:19] The year was 1990-35 years ago, and Candida, you were at the very helm to fight and advocate and plead for the tiniest bit of recognition by the US government.

[13:31] President Ronald Reagan wouldn't even say the word AIDS until four years into the epidemic and wouldn't even address it until two years after that.

[13:41] As our dear friends were dying every week and you, Dina, were championing the rainbow games so that fact could pay for the funerals of our cherished friends.

[13:52] We felt and were so powerless. We were so powerless. The government had turned its back. All we could do was blend trees along the high creek to honor the dead.

[14:03] Who among us, who among our comrades in our fight against AIDS? What of the imagined Candida that today? You would be a member of a powerful longtime member of Allentown City Council as an out lesbian.

[14:17] Who would imagine that the federal government today wouldn't just not be talking about LGBT health care rights, but actively trying to borrow LGBT people, especially transgender people, from even being able to access fundamental health care at all.

[14:35] Even criminalizing doctors who were providing our people care. Who among the angels of the ones we lost? What have imagined that a powerful local resolution that would protect the health care of LGBT people, especially including trans people would come into your hands today for which you have the power to sponsor.

[15:00] 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 power like it did 35 years ago. Because of your support, support today, you are a great city council.

[15:30] This is the best of government in action. You're nodding together to stand up for what is right.

[15:37] It's why I'm proud to be part of the city of Allentown, proud that you have put your actions ahead of deluded empty words and for the rights and protections of the city citizens without a single step back. Thank you very much.

[16:00] Good evening, Council members. Thank you all for sponsoring this resolution. It really sends a message that's important to our community.

[16:18] My name is Corinne Goodwin. I'm executive director and founder of Eastern Pennsylvania Trans Equity Project. I'll leave have Ali Basin on profit with a mission of supporting and empowering transgender, gender expansive and intersex Pennsylvania's.

[16:35] Last week, I had the honor speaking to the human resources committee about a number of facts and statistics related to the importance of ensuring that transgender people have access to affirming here here in this city.

[16:50] I provided information about how people are fleeing other states and coming to Pennsylvania, including Allentown to seek life saving care.

[16:59] I spoke about how prosecutors and other states are pursuing and charging those people and their healthcare providers with crimes.

[17:08] While in other cases, they're trying to revoke parental rights of those who are seeking life saving care for their children.

[17:17] And I spoke about how those same prosecutors have gone after organizations like the Trans Equity Project and like the Bradbury Sullivan Center for referring people to gender affirming clinics and care.

[17:32] I'm not going to bore you as statistics today. Instead, I'm going to give you an update on what's transpired in just the last seven days.

[17:41] Over the last week, the number of anti transgender bills introduced across the country has increased to an astonishing 854.

[17:50] In the past week, Pennsylvania healthcare providers and networks, including those based here in the Lehigh Valley, have taken action to scrub their websites of any information related to providing transgender affirming healthcare.

[18:04] In the past 48 hours, a major healthcare provider in Arizona and others across this nation have joined UMPC here in Pennsylvania and pre complying with the Trump regimes executive orders, even though they have been stayed by the courts.

[18:21] And then the past 24 hours, the regime in Washington has launched a tip line that is encouraging people to report medical providers if they offer gender affirming treatment to transgender people.

[18:36] Care that's not only lifesaving, but is also 100% legal.

[18:41] People's lives are at stake and now's not the time to be shy.

[18:47] Now is not the time to be reticent. Now is the time to reinforce and update the city's non-discrimination ordinance for the 21st century.

[18:57] Now is the time to ensure that the city's human relations committee is fully staffed.

[19:02] Now is the time to take action to protect transgender and queer people who are living in and seeking life-saving care in downtown.

[19:12] Now is the time to stand up for what is right.

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

[19:20] Hi, good evening. I wanted to speak tonight in support of protecting the rights of LGBTQ members of the city.

[19:43] queer and trans people are losing their rights at a federal level rapidly, terrifyingly fast.

[19:49] And we have to attempt to protect those rights in the city now before they're completely stripped federally.

[19:55] Trans youth are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and gender affirming health care is literally lifesaving. It keeps people alive.

[20:04] 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.

[20:14] 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.

[20:23] Thank you.

[20:28] Have you seen a ordinance in receipt?

[20:36] No.

[20:41] I'm reading Christine and it looks like a ordinance.

[20:45] So it's definitely Christine.

[20:51] My handwriting is not fantastic.

[20:54] Hello, my name is Dr. Christine Hartigan. I'm a licensed psychologist. I practice in downtown providing transgender affirming care.

[21:02] So I'm so happy to see that this is in 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 further 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 clients.

[21:38] Gender affirming care is not a new concept and we have standards that are in the international level that we follow to make sure that we're giving our clients the best care that we can.

[21:49] The standards of care originally came out in 1979.

[21:53] They're most recently updated in 2022.

[21:56] There is a lot of research backing up doing this care and that is safe and effective and life saving for clients.

[22:05] Additionally, psychologists also follow EPA's guidelines for psychological practice.

[22:10] So we have a lot of research backing up what we do.

[22:13] And we know that limiting access to this care is incredibly detrimental to individuals, especially transgender individuals.

[22:23] They can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance use and has several people have already mentioned even suicide.

[22:31] So this is life saving care that we know it works and I hope that you all vote to pass this resolution.

[22:38] Thank you.

[22:39] She raised.

[22:49] Good.

[22:54] Hello there.

[22:55] My name is Ceres Capri.

[22:57] Ceres or Ceres.

[22:59] I live in Bethlehem but my last position my last employment was in Alentown and I received gender from in care in Alentown.

[23:08] I've only known that I was a trans woman for about six months and I was trying to think of what I could provide to convince this council of passing this legislation.

[23:20] But it seems 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.

[23:30] When I was a child I didn't know that I was a trans child.

[23:34] I want to convey how isolating the experiences I was told by my parents and my grandparents and most of the people that I was raised around that I was supposed to be a boy.

[23:51] I moved forward and my parents say, oh, you're just not trying hard enough.

[23:55] Let me send you to an all boys high school.

[23:59] There's this disconnect that builds and builds.

[24:03] You make it into this high school and you feel completely disconnected from the people who are supposed to be right there next to you.

[24:11] Having the same or similar gender experiences.

[24:15] I know this isn't something that happens to everyone but I'll say for my personal experience.

[24:19] My parents saw me hanging 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.

[24:29] This influence continued throughout my life.

[24:35] The influence of the community pushed me 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 about our own town.

[24:53] I didn't mention, but I grew up on Long Island, the town that I went to high school and just recently passed a ban on any trans people, trans children playing on sports teams.

[25:05] They can find any school district.

[25:07] I'm talking about.

[25:09] To come from an environment like that into a community like this where there are multiple organizations established community organizations.

[25:19] That support trans people that support LGBTQ people.

[25:23] They say that it takes a village to raise a child and they also say that it takes that transition is kind of like a second puberty.

[25:33] I'm quite 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 the barbarism of the current administration directly in the eyes and say, no, we will not change.

[25:55] I think those are should be downtown top priorities right now in resisting fascism and I think passing this legislation is a great first step.

[26:07] Thank you.

[26:09] Thank you.

[26:15] Thank you.

[26:19] Thank you.

[26:23] Thank you.

[26:25] My name is state representative Josh Siegel and I want to commend all of you for bringing this very important resolution forward.

[26:29] And I do recognize that you know, nimony on council, especially in this day and age is not easy, so I applaud all of you for coming together to speak one voice.

[26:37] I think it's more important now than ever that our local legislative bodies lead by example.

[26:41] We know that help and any degree of tolerance, respect and dignity is not knowing to emanate from the federal government.

[26:47] We see administration and DC that I think is animated by chaos, cruelty and corruption.

[26:53] And frankly, we've seen this tale as old as time, the goal posts of hate always shift, but the goal remains the same, frankly, which is to distract

[27:01] from a deeply unpopular and divisive agenda.

[27:05] There is no constituency for tax cuts for the rich or slices to Medicaid.

[27:09] And so in order to distract from that, we find a vulnerable group of people and we put a target on their back.

[27:15] 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 Alan Town know that they're loved, they're respected, and they're welcomed.

[27:25] Never been they then versus you.

[27:27] It has always been us versus the wealthy, versus the elites, versus the oligarchs, and is us versus Musk.

[27:33] And resolutions like this help counteract that narrative.

[27:36] I don't think that life is a zero of some game to try to elevate and acknowledge the hardship of one community does not diminish or disrespect or disregard the hardship of another.

[27:45] Our trans and our LGBT community are hurting, they are suffering, and resolutions like this are so important.

[27:51] As a state legislator, I can tell you, I've introduced legislation at the state level to create a shield law around gendering a firm and care in Pennsylvania and protect our health care 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.

[28:16] 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.

[28:31] It is more important than ever now that our local bodies, our counties and our cities, speak with one voice to push back on this hateful narrative that the reason for people's hardship in life is that trans kids want to belong and place sports with their friends,

[28:45] nothing could be further from the truth or that the reason that someone else is suffering is because we want to make sure that everybody can participate in this economy and gain access 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.

[29:08] So I applaud you for this courage tonight for being a beacon of hope and a world full of darkness.

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

[29:20] Thank you.

[29:21] Thank you.

[29:31] Will you go, Ricky?

[29:41] Good evening members of the council.

[29:42] My name is William Grecky.

[29:43] I'm returning from last week to essentially restate my pieces.

[29:47] My opinion on the matter have not changed.

[29:49] And I would like to get my perspective to anyone who wasn't present.

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

[29:57] Graduate of Billing 21, class 20.

[30:00] 22, valvictorian, currently employed by the DaVinci Science Center, as you can tell by my fashion statement today, I came here right after work.

[30:09] I am currently teaching a after school science class at Trexon 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.

[30:21] I want to say I am impressed and happy to hear that all of you have sponsored this resolution.

[30:36] And I hope that we continue to sponsor resolutions like this and pass bills like this in the future, as was said by my fellow members of the public.

[30:45] This is a great first start. 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 downtown. Thank you.

[31:02] And Karen and costume.

[31:05] Hello, my name is Karen Ocasio, south side, Alan town. 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 Alan town.

[31:34] Just a few weeks ago, my friend, Danny and a girl was fired.

[31:38] It, um, with after being here for 19 years, the reasons why it's because someone who is known to be a liar.

[31:47] I guess other employees in the city of Alan some made up lies about my brother, Danny and a girl who is a transgender man.

[31:54] Um, this organization, this administration is not for the LGBTQ plus community. They use this as a platform to get votes.

[32:06] And I want everybody to open up their eyes because this is just an agenda more of an agenda on his end and on the end of this administration.

[32:14] I can tell you of countless people before Danny and a girl who were part of the community who there has been another supervisor that's sitting here today.

[32:22] That was discriminating against this person during the time that they were FMLI. They were on FMLA and I can tell you because I was that representative that HR representative that was handling that case.

[32:31] So while we're fighting for rights across the country, we have to make sure that we take care of home first.

[32:36] And let's start getting the people out who don't need to be here who are using the community for both and both for the right people. Thank you.

[32:44] Thank you.

[32:49] That's the last one. Okay. Mayor, you want to speak?

[33:00] Yeah, if I have if please give me the opportunity. So I have a few things I want to say, but I think that I think it was a million who said it very, very well and I think it's an incredibly helpful context for everything that we do.

[33:13] Here and correctly, if I'm wrong, I'm going to be aware of it. You said, you do the best you can with what you have and where you're at that accurate got it.

[33:23] We have a responsibility that's in the amount of time to create a safe clean and healthy environment that promotes the well being of all our residents and gives our folks an opportunity to get ahead.

[33:35] You know, and certainly this community knows that safety is more than just physical safety. We're talking about more than public safety. We're talking about psychological safety.

[33:44] 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 Illinois.

[33:58] I asked a Korean in a message earlier today about an estimate of the number of transgender people that live in Allen town. And I think that estimates across the country are that anywhere between one and two percent of the population identifies as transgender, which would make the number here in Allen town in the thousands, but their thousands of people that you and I represent who are looking for safety.

[34:23] And that's our fundamental duty as city leaders. You heard it many times that this is a time that's marked by uncertainty and rapid change.

[34:34] Korean points out a number of things that have changed just in the past seven days.

[34:38] And we now have to stand up and provide clear guidance to the people that we serve and a clear message to let them know that they can find safety in the city of Allen town.

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

[34:58] We're a 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.

[35:11] Reading the, and I want to especially thank Councilwoman Santos for your leadership in this, I have a definition of leadership that I picked up from.

[35:20] I think it was Marshall Ganons that talked about leadership being the accepting the responsibility to empower people to achieve shared value in times of uncertainty.

[35:34] And I think that you brought this resolution to a city council with no support.

[35:39] And your leadership led to seven members supporting that resolution. So I thank you for that. I don't want to applaud you for doing that many people did tonight as well.

[35:51] It's also led to we looked at the five really five bullet points that you put out there as policy and have started a craft policy now at the city of Allen town and that would prohibit criminal prosecution.

[36:06] Or administration paneling against individuals and does it you have more detail there, but against individuals who are seeking gender affirming.

[36:16] Healthcare that would prohibit city personnel from imposing penalty or criminal prosecution on individuals who are coming from states where this type of healthcare has been criminalized.

[36:31] And a policy that that declines requests and sees not to fill set facilitate the collection of any information related to gender affirming healthcare.

[36:42] So that policy is underway you've even in advance of council passing the resolution to urging us to adopt policy we're beginning that work because we can see where you're coming from and we can see how important that is.

[36:58] I think that it leads me to a very good point that it's now up to us to not turn our back on a community, particularly in times of crisis.

[37:11] This is a group of people here in this room and there's many, many, many hundreds of other people in the city of Allen town and nearly have all who are looking for that stability right now who are looking for safety and.

[37:24] You are now committing to safeguard and support every individual and you're recognizing validating those inherent rights and I want to thank you for that.

[37:35] I do want to say a couple things though.

[37:37] First and current mentioned the human relations commission. There are a lot of there's a lot of people and I'll turn and address you all there's a lot of people in this room.

[37:46] Who are residents of the city of Allen town and all you have to do is put in an 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 nomination in front of council tonight to fill one of those vacancies.

[38:04] But there's many more vacancies and very few people are willing to raise their hand and say yes, I will serve so I will happily entertain anybody's application.

[38:14] Yeah, he's here tonight.

[38:22] I want to also thank council or representative.

[38:27] Seagull and I think that should be a message 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 are systematically removing the rights or individuals.

[38:43] We have to make sure that we have protections at the state level as well. So I'm grateful that council and seagull has stood up and done what he can to protect folks.

[38:53] We've heard so many beautiful stories of people who feel more seen and feel more part of a community.

[39:00] After having received care would make sure that you continue to receive that care legally here in the state of Pennsylvania and all the time we'll stand up and protect you.

[39:10] But I'm going to make one more ask of you and that you don't just advocate at a local level that we ultimately as a city of responsibility the policies that we enact.

[39:23] We have to be consistent with the laws of the city of Hamilton and that's up to city council to pass legislation that creates new ordinances.

[39:31] So it continued advocacy for laws that protect your rights at the city level.

[39:36] Continued we the city has to follow the laws of the state so you must also advocate at the state level to not just.

[39:45] The type of legislation the council and seagull is pursuing but also fighting against legislation that would systematically dismantle your rights that you see in a Republican controlled Senate.

[39:57] The state has to follow the rules of the United States and that's where we also must continue to work and make sure that nobody takes away your existence in your right to be a human being so.

[40:12] It's somewhat on to the council but it's a lot on you and it's a lot on us as well to continue to be involved.

[40:19] With that said I want to thank you again council and senators and thank all of city council for taking up this resolution.

[40:27] And for supporting our administration and making sure that all of our residents feel safe and that they're well being is promoted to the city of Hamilton.

[40:37] Thank you.

[40:38] Thank you, Mayor.

[40:44] Danny.

[40:56] No, everyone.

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

[41:01] Let me just tell you guys real quick that I got three minutes right.

[41:03] So I've been reporting corruption so on and everything right so about the city because I had problems with access to bathrooms.

[41:12] Uniforms and fit me right because I don't have a curvy or whatever sexy body or no like that so it's hard for me to find clothes by size even shoes so.

[41:22] I had problems to get accommodated so I can perform my job safely and productive and make changes to the city clean up the Senate.

[41:31] Nothing ever.

[41:32] But anyways.

[41:33] So when matoric started in office I was able to email him and so on.

[41:38] So I've been emailing him his administration.

[41:41] Everyone up in humor resources.

[41:43] Everyone is off his office.

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

[41:49] And when he started an office he and do a darn thing.

[41:52] But he and his management got me fired in the worst way.

[41:57] I got a sexual harassment case on my on my name, which I never did because I do respect women just because I'm a transgender as a mean that I want to slope up every femo that's in my path.

[42:07] So I had reached out to him.

[42:09] I reached out to everyone to the point that whenever they seen me in city hall was accused of being a lawyer.

[42:14] So I was watching these cameras here every time that I would come here and speak out.

[42:19] The wrong door.

[42:22] Yeah.

[42:26] So anyway so I've been reaching out to management and he has done anything.

[42:29] He's not for the LGBT.

[42:31] He's not here for the Latinos.

[42:32] I'm Puerto Rican.

[42:33] I'm 50 years old and because of them I lost my medical.

[42:36] I lost my mental health.

[42:37] I lost my everything my dignity.

[42:40] Who's who the hell is going to hire 50 or trans man.

[42:43] Okay.

[42:44] So he says that he has a transgender child or something.

[42:48] Okay.

[42:49] I've been compassionate and he should have investigated what was really going on.

[42:54] And I gave him the names.

[42:55] I gave him where how why and and I gave him everything.

[42:59] The details of everything and everyone that was corrupt in the city that has abusing me for years.

[43:07] Okay.

[43:08] For a point I got multiple injuries and all that stuff because I had any issues because people.

[43:12] These employees thought that I was a joke joke of the day.

[43:15] But anyways, so I just want to say that Matt's work is not here for LGBT.

[43:18] Community.

[43:19] Okay.

[43:20] And like I said, as him having a child, this transgender, as he says, he should have been a little bit more compassionate

[43:25] and understood that these people that have reported him to are the ones that have been abused me for years.

[43:31] Okay.

[43:32] So his job to do as a leader as somebody that protects us all including the community and all hasn't done that.

[43:38] If anything, I got like I said, fired in the worst way.

[43:41] I lost everything and anything.

[43:42] Now they put a block on my unemployment.

[43:44] I can even get my unemployment because they want to release the block.

[43:47] And I think that every pain is that because I have sweat and blood cleaning these filthy alleys.

[43:51] I know other city employees would touch.

[43:53] And so today they don't do none.

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

[43:58] Oops.

[43:59] Infested areas.

[44:00] So he is not for the LGBT community.

[44:03] No Latino.

[44:04] So do not.

[44:05] I'm telling you.

[44:06] If you choose this guy, he is going to just go to destroy his own.

[44:09] Because he destroyed me.

[44:10] And I was one of the people that had reached out to him.

[44:12] So he's no good.

[44:14] Thank you very much.

[44:16] Thank you.

[44:24] Quick, quick.

[44:37] Okay.

[44:38] Well, quit now in here of what's really going on in America.

[44:42] Anyway.

[44:44] As I said last time if you passed this bill.

[44:47] Protect the procedures for anyone 18 and over.

[44:53] Because quite frankly,

[44:56] you should be minimum of 18 to have.

[45:00] Any kind of procedure, any other medical procedure. If you're under 18, if someone is under 18, they should go see a therapist.

[45:19] What things out, because usually it's, I think it's at 17 and you have to run it at a fucking place.

[45:29] All right, next time you're being removed, we're not going to have outbreak like that.

[45:36] Go on, sir. But anyway, so yeah, under 18, I would say, let the adolescents work.

[45:48] And when they become 18, they will have more informed decisions, because there are kids who are regretting the decisions throughout this nation.

[46:03] Thousands, tens of thousands. And one of them is a national news right now.

[46:11] So, yeah, I've been keeping an eye on this issue for a long time.

[46:28] And so, but yeah, but you know what?

[46:34] I will treat everyone as a human being. Danny knows it.

[46:42] Thank you. And so yeah, so my position hasn't changed, but so yeah, 18 and over.

[46:55] Do whatever you want. It's your body. You have your thoughts. You do whatever you want. When you're under 18, you know, any other medical procedures usually had to go through.

[47:11] And don't say anyway, like parents and doctors and stuff. So I'll leave that that.

[47:18] Thank you.

[47:20] Okay, I'm not bad.

[47:24] Kelly Kelly, Kenny.

[47:35] Yes, good evening. My name is Dr. Kelly Kenny.

[47:38] I am an emeritus professor of higher education from Cutstown University. I spend 34 years there.

[47:44] And another six years at Desayles University. So effectively December 31. 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 this resolution.

[48:05] And I speak on behalf of countless numbers of students coming to this area from all over the country.

[48:16] And wanting to know LGBT students wanting to know that they're going to have a safe and comfortable college experience.

[48:27] And if they are here for college at our two local institutions,

[48:33] theater crest as well as Milhamburg, but then the other local institutions of Cutstown,

[48:40] Moravian, Lafayette, Lehigh, and even Desayles University.

[48:45] So again, I am extremely appreciative on behalf of all college students.

[48:50] In their families, quite honestly, who want to know that when their students come here for four year or even a graduate level of experience that they're going to be in a safe and welcoming environment.

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

[49:06] Thank you.

[49:09] Is there anybody else in Australia?

[49:14] Nope, that's it.

[49:16] Okay. I'm going to give it up.

[49:18] Do you get it? Do you get it? Do you want to say anything?

[49:21] Let's grow up.

[49:22] Yeah, I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out.

[49:25] And mostly everyone's already said it.

[49:27] But thank you, council person Santos for your leadership and force.

[49:31] 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.

[49:45] I feel helpless sometimes where it's like, what do we do?

[49:48] You see all this craziness with different groups of people being under attack.

[49:54] And sometimes it feels like what can you do?

[49:57] Well, we're in a position where we can try to do something.

[50:01] We might not be able to change the world, but maybe we can change downtown.

[50:07] Maybe we can help folks in Allentown.

[50:09] So I hope that that's what this resolution does and conjunction with internal administrative policy change that at least people in Allentown will know that they are a little bit safer because they live here.

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

[50:36] It is our duty to win.

[50:38] We must love and support one another.

[50:40] And we have nothing to lose but our change.

[50:43] And I think that quote applies to the situation.

[50:46] So thank you.

[50:48] Thank you.

[50:50] Please have a look.

[50:54] Hey, Mr. Handler, please conduct the book.

[50:57] Ms. Appa.

[50:59] Yes.

[51:01] Ms. Girllock.

[51:02] Yes.

[51:04] Mr. Napoli.

[51:05] Yes.

[51:06] Ms. Santos.

[51:07] Yes.

[51:08] Mr. Zhukov.

[51:09] Yes.

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

[51:19] Thank you.

[51:29] Thank you.

[51:31] All right.

[51:32] We're going to take a five-minute break for those who are here for other items.

[51:35] Please remain if you wish to leave.

[51:37] And we're going to welcome to.

[51:39] Mr. Hollisowski.

[51:42] John Hallisowski, I work with the city.

[51:48] And I retired in 2005.

[51:51] One of the last members in the only pension.

[51:54] The pension was closed on and brought 1980.

[51:57] There are new members.

[51:58] No new members coming in.

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

[52:03] I'm not sure how much money is left in the pension fund.

[52:06] But I think it's a considerable amount.

[52:09] And with the way things are going now.

[52:13] And we haven't gotten an increase in 20 years that I'm gone.

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

[52:29] As what happened, I don't know how many people are in there.

[52:31] Probably less than 100.

[52:33] And I know it's going to be about $10 million or something like that.

[52:37] I'm not sure the number figure.

[52:39] But what happens when the last one of us dies.

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

[52:44] I mean, I would.

[52:47] I won't use give us all time or say, uh, increase.

[52:52] That's it.

[52:53] That's what I want to say.

[52:55] Okay.

[52:56] That's.

[52:58] Well, have to look at that.

[53:00] I mean, the finances here and there's something to think about.

[53:03] Boy, what's that?

[53:05] I said there's someone here from the finance department and perhaps there'll be something to.

[53:09] I can't hear that.

[53:10] I couldn't even work.

[53:11] The city will.

[53:12] I'm sorry that it had to.

[53:13] I think.

[53:14] I counted.

[53:15] Control and Glacier would know this.

[53:17] The O.P.

[53:18] The board is a public meeting.

[53:20] And you should probably attend to one of those O.P. board meetings.

[53:24] And.

[53:25] Control and Glacier can give you the date.

[53:27] I said, guys, before an ace at Compton Council.

[53:29] You know, I think I went to.

[53:31] I don't only meeting years ago.

[53:34] And then with the pandemic and I have problems at home with my wife's and stuff.

[53:38] Just first chance I got to come out and I.

[53:40] So I come out.

[53:42] Why don't whatever I mean, I don't, you know.

[53:45] I know the last time when I was on the board.

[53:48] I got an increase for the retirees.

[53:50] John, you know what?

[53:51] It took me years.

[53:52] Mr. Glacier will help you with that.

[53:55] And to give you that information.

[53:57] Okay.

[53:58] Thank you.

[53:59] Thank you.

[54:00] Thank you.

[54:02] Leticia Santos.

[54:03] Thank you.

[54:04] Hello.

[54:05] I'm leticia Santos.

[54:06] And I'm homeless.

[54:07] I don't want to live in a.

[54:09] In the tent city.

[54:11] And I know we all had a trip in the clean.

[54:14] We also need garbage cans for all the tents and.

[54:15] For the party.

[54:16] And I got learning disability.

[54:18] And.

[54:19] And.

[54:20] And.

[54:21] And.

[54:22] And.

[54:24] And.

[54:25] And.

[54:26] And.

[54:27] And.

[54:28] And.

[54:29] And.

[54:30] And.

[54:31] And.

[54:32] And.

[54:33] And.

[54:34] And.

[54:35] And.

[54:36] And.

[54:37] And.

[54:38] And.

[54:39] And.

[54:40] And.

[54:41] And.

[54:42] And.

[54:43] And.

[54:44] And.

[54:45] And.

[54:46] And.

[54:47] And.

[54:48] And.

[54:49] And.

[54:50] And.

[54:51] And.

[54:52] And.

[54:53] And.

[54:54] And.

[54:55] And.

[54:56] And.

[54:57] And.

[54:58] And.

[54:59] for the poor, they have poor parties, garbage can, everything clean up and we also mean

[55:07] help with the poor people, the homeless, because I live in those tents and we need help.

[55:13] And especially with the people that got disability like me, I can't read all right, and I need

[55:21] the most help to them. And I have all kids that I want to be with and I can't. And I need

[55:28] home for my babies. Okay, the reason that we're here is because we are seeking for guidance for

[55:36] people like her. A person that has a learning disability, we want to know that this should be

[55:42] some type of, you know, funding for education, or let's say that you are at the agency and you're

[55:51] asking for guidance, because she can read it right. That's one of the things that is lacking,

[56:00] I must stay working and that's going to make things that is lacking as stay worker. So because of

[56:04] a learning disability, she draws a housing, now she's homeless, and she feels that this should be

[56:11] somewhere that she can go that, you know, to get started. So that's what we're here, which we're here to show

[56:17] to say, what can we do? Mr. Andrews? Good. We don't normally engage with the public, but I think

[56:27] it's very important and your story is very important. They just recently opened the 1528 building on

[56:34] Hamilton Street, and some of those departments are specifically for individuals with disability.

[56:40] I would encourage you to contact them and, okay, but they're, yeah, they're sure, but there will be

[56:48] people there to help you. So what we're going to find the information for that 1528 is there, like a

[56:55] number is there, an address, anything? Yeah, right. It's one of the very newest building they opened up,

[57:03] it's supposed to be very, very nice, and it is specifically rooms for disabilities. Thank you.

[57:11] Thank you. Thank you.

[57:19] Carmen? Carmen, no. Good evening. Hello. Good evening. Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a town with a stand

[57:30] rest in. So I'm very buoyed by the passage of the resolution for LGBTQ plus rights that gives me hope

[57:39] in a time when our community is being set up on by the federal government, but does that seem to

[57:46] clear or understand the constitution or the idea of due process? I'm troubled, though, by what I

[57:55] read or say, and I know that words matter. And so for me, I just want to get some clarity about something

[58:01] that was published on WFMZ about two weeks ago. It involves the incident where the news was

[58:09] left on a desk of a city employee, and eventually the city employee was recently charged with putting

[58:15] that news there herself. And so the report says to the President of Council, does this cast in your

[58:23] mind any doubt on previous allegations of discrimination in city hall that have been made by other

[58:29] employees? And the President of Council responds, it absolutely does. I do not believe that there's any

[58:36] racial animosity among the employees of the city, but it is not widespread whatsoever, and I believe that the

[58:43] investigation results will bring it out. So I'm confused by that that there is a statement that there

[58:49] was no widespread racism in the city of downtown, and that this investigation about whether or not the

[58:58] set employee perpetrated this bad act herself will somehow prove that there's no racism in the

[59:05] city of downtown. So we could just have some clarity about that, because I was confused by that statement.

[59:10] That's all I'm working for. I'd be more than happy to speak to you alone, probably about that.

[59:16] I'm not going to speak now about that. I mean, that's why you won't address that now, because this is a

[59:22] public newspaper, a public, a public statement that was made and published where the whole city and

[59:31] others across the nation created, so I'm just asking for clarity. You're a leader in the community,

[59:37] you're running for reelection, you represent the city of downtown, and I just need to have some faith

[59:43] in the people who are going to represent me that they are not closing their mind to what may be other

[59:49] bad acts that are happening in the city of downtown, and that is the reason why I'm here tonight.

[59:54] Again, this is not the place to bring that up. What time would win, when do we address this for the person?

[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 four.

[1:00:09] Okay, I made a statement at the time, based on the evidence that I was presented.

[1:00:15] And I stand by that.

[1:00:18] So I'm just to be clear, and then I'll see my time.

[1:00:22] That what you're saying is based on the fact that someone has a ledge to have committed a bad act.

[1:00:27] It means that there is no racism that's happening in the city of Alentam, based on the allegations that based on the alleged act of one person.

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

[1:00:40] Is that what we're saying?

[1:00:43] Are you a few heard tonight?

[1:00:44] There's no argument.

[1:00:45] This is not the forum.

[1:00:47] The talk about this.

[1:00:49] Thank you.

[1:00:51] I find that answer completely unsatisfactory as the President of City Council.

[1:00:56] I would expect this would be more responsive, and that you would address the statement that you made.

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

[1:01:03] Thank you.

[1:01:05] Thank you.

[1:01:14] Sharon, Benigan.

[1:01:21] Hi, Sharon, Benigan Alentam.

[1:01:24] It was very heartening to 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 room.

[1:01:36] People are excited, and everybody wants to clap, and it's allowed tonight.

[1:01:41] And my confusion is when there are situations and instances where there's a lot of support in the black and brown community in particular, told to sit down, shut up, quiet, stop clapping, stop everything.

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

[1:02:03] And then in the context of what Carmen Bell just 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.

[1:02:17] 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 in the middle of a meeting.

[1:02:25] And if they're white, it seems to be okay.

[1:02:28] Thank you.

[1:02:31] Thank you.

[1:02:36] Is it, courtesy of the floor, Barbara?

[1:02:40] Courage of the floor.

[1:02:47] Hi, Barbara, I'm glad you're improving.

[1:02:49] I agree with Carmen Bell and the other lady spoke up.

[1:02:53] When I saw the newspaper article, I was very upset about what was said, because we cannot be judged by what we're going to do.

[1:03:00] And if we're going to be judged by what one person does and does not do.

[1:03:04] Like I said, you're innocent until you're proving guilty, however, to make that statement, that we all, that 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.

[1:03:23] 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.

[1:03:29] You were wrong, you were out of character and you're supposed to be a leader and you should act like a leader.

[1:03:34] If you had something to say, you should be no comment. Thank you.

[1:03:45] That's it.

[1:03:46] Okay.

[1:03:50] So other people filled out cards for resolution 49, which is the call.

[1:03:55] So then you would speak at that time when they're doing resolution 49.

[1:04:00] Well, she still has the right to speak under the first amendment.

[1:04:04] I don't know more.

[1:04:05] I'm just speaking to the cards that I have.

[1:04:12] People handed in cards, they want to speak to resolution 49.

[1:04:17] So we want to speak to a bill on the African advisory board that would happen at that time.

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

[1:04:27] R41.

[1:04:31] Okay. R41 is a cooperative authorization of cooperative contract greater than 40,000 to provide the city with various goods and services for a version of a lot of these.

[1:04:43] With more forward, able, uh, recon, Kimball Midwest, auto zone,

[1:04:50] Hail trail of break and Miller foreign company.

[1:04:55] All on cooperative contracts.

[1:04:58] Okay.

[1:05:00] Does anybody need to speak?

[1:05:03] The spare hit.

[1:05:04] No.

[1:05:05] Just.

[1:05:06] Okay.

[1:05:07] Is there any questions or comments from my colleague?

[1:05:11] Just quick question.

[1:05:12] Yes.

[1:05:13] I saw forward and I didn't bring the actual document up.

[1:05:16] Is that, uh, are we still, we're not moving towards electric vehicles anymore, right?

[1:05:20] This is for some.

[1:05:22] We have the, the grant that was allowing us for to make electric vehicle pilots frozen at the moment.

[1:05:30] Right.

[1:05:31] By the administration, we're, we're fighting that.

[1:05:33] But I think the, the contract with Whitman or four, is it for electric vehicles?

[1:05:38] Okay.

[1:05:39] Just like a regular truck.

[1:05:40] All right.

[1:05:41] Okay.

[1:05:42] Thank you.

[1:05:43] Okay.

[1:05:44] Any comments from the public?

[1:05:47] She not.

[1:05:48] Mr. Haley conduct the vote.

[1:05:49] Ms. Gorillac.

[1:05:50] Yes.

[1:05:51] Mr. Napoli.

[1:05:53] Yes.

[1:05:54] Ms. Santos.

[1:05:55] Yes.

[1:05:56] Just do a call.

[1:05:57] Yes.

[1:05:58] Mr. Henricks.

[1:05:59] Yes.

[1:06:00] And Ms. Apa.

[1:06:01] Yeah.

[1:06:02] President of the United States.

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

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

[1:06:09] Okay.

[1:06:10] We've got three sets of minutes.

[1:06:13] The first set.

[1:06:19] Mr. Napoli.

[1:06:20] Yes.

[1:06:21] Santos.

[1:06:22] Yes.

[1:06:23] Just do a call. Yes.

[1:06:24] Hendricks.

[1:06:25] Yes.

[1:06:26] Mr. Apa.

[1:06:27] Yes.

[1:06:28] Ms. Gorillac.

[1:06:29] Yes.

[1:06:30] Yes.

[1:06:31] And that's a piece.

[1:06:32] No.

[1:06:33] The second set.

[1:06:34] The April 2nd.

[1:06:36] Ms. Santos.

[1:06:38] Yes.

[1:06:39] Mr. Zuko. Yes.

[1:06:40] Mr. Henricks.

[1:06:41] Yes.

[1:06:42] Ms. Apa.

[1:06:43] Yes.

[1:06:44] Scrolling.

[1:06:45] Yes.

[1:06:46] Mr. Napoli.

[1:06:47] Yes.

[1:06:48] President of the United States.

[1:06:50] And the final set.

[1:06:52] Mr. Zuko. Yes.

[1:06:58] Mr. Henricks. Yes.

[1:07:00] Ms. Apa.

[1:07:01] Yes.

[1:07:02] Mr. Napoli. Yes.

[1:07:04] Ms. Santos. Yes.

[1:07:07] Mr. Napoli.

[1:07:08] Yes. And the Santos.

[1:07:09] Yes.

[1:07:11] 事情 of Nations.

[1:07:13] UnknownIIoking.

[1:07:15] Communications.

[1:07:17] Council held in an executive session this evening.

[1:07:18] To discuss a confidential personnel matter.

[1:07:23] I'm also looking to remind visitors of the City Council that we encourage you to park in the business as a私.

[1:07:29] visitors to City Council that we encourage you to park in the government deck next door to City Hall and to see our clerk, Mr. Mike Hamlin, for a

[1:07:36] chaser to pay for your parking. Thank you.

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

[1:07:49] One bid was rejected. The Allentown Rescue Mission was the bitter.

[1:07:53] Reports from committee to the brief correction that our clarification, Allentown Rescue Mission was the successful bitter.

[1:08:05] Yes. Reports from committees, budget and finance, Chairman Mr. Naples.

[1:08:13] Thank you. The committee, men on April 9th, and forwarded an item on tonight's agenda.

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

[1:08:22] Thank you. Community and economic development.

[1:08:26] Chairperson on that is Ms. Motor. She's not here tonight. I'll speak for her.

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

[1:08:38] scheduled for Wednesday April 23rd at 6 p.m. Even resources administration and appointments.

[1:08:46] Chairwoman Ms. Santos.

[1:08:49] Thank you. The committee met on April 9th and we forwarded two items on this evening's agenda.

[1:08:55] One of those which we are already voted on and there are no future meetings scheduled.

[1:09:00] Thank you. Parts and recreation. Chairwoman Ms. Gerlop.

[1:09:05] Yes. Thank you. The committee met this evening. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 6 p.m. Thank you.

[1:09:12] Thank you. Public safety.

[1:09:15] Chairwoman Ms. AFA? Yes. The committee met this evening. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 5 p.m.

[1:09:22] Thank you Chairman Mr. Suckel. Public works. Chairman Suckel. The committee is not

[1:09:29] met since the last council meeting. The next meeting is not yet scheduled.

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

[1:09:39] That is my committee. The committee has not met since the last council meeting.

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

[1:09:47] Controllers report. Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:09:52] There are four reports on the agenda for the evening. One is an accounts payable. One is a

[1:10:00] peacard. One is a bank reconciliation. I'm not going to report on those this evening.

[1:10:07] You guys can take a look at it yourself or the public can take a look at those reports by

[1:10:12] accessing them from the control which website. We report on those all the time.

[1:10:17] What I do have for you this evening is an audit of the city's tuition reimbursement program.

[1:10:23] I'm going to talk about this for a little bit because it's a little bit different. I'm going to say that

[1:10:28] there are a number of other awards coming down the pike in the next two or three weeks.

[1:10:34] Once again, different from the basic peacard or accounts payable stuff. That stuff is an interesting

[1:10:39] mind. This is a little bit different and gives us a little bit broader picture about how we do things

[1:10:45] in the city. We've basically three programs for tuition reimbursement. Nine bargaining employees,

[1:10:52] municipal employees like SCIU and then firefighters have their own program. Police are

[1:10:59] handled a little bit different. Part of those folks are non bargaining but the officers get a lot of

[1:11:05] continuing education through the police budget. We don't see much of that. Once again, the audit is

[1:11:15] conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards and utilizes an approach

[1:11:21] that includes staff interviews, review documents and reports of examinations. The period selected

[1:11:28] for this reimbursement was from all of 2023 and 2024. Now, you may remember that in the last

[1:11:35] accounts payable report, we noted that we made an issue of a tuition reimbursement because it was

[1:11:45] over by $1550 and that check was corrected 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 at this in a long long time and that

[1:11:59] issue generated this complete audit. In 2023, there were seven people that applied to reimbursement

[1:12:12] in 2024, there were five. We noticed that there was nine compliance with a six six dash of three

[1:12:20] relief of city employment, educational reimbursement for non bargaining unit employees who voluntarily

[1:12:27] or involuntarily released city employment before a full calendar year has transpired, following the

[1:12:33] completion of course for which they have received reimbursement. Over turn the total education reimbursement

[1:12:40] to the city. In 2023, we identified Tune-On bargaining who left the city prior to one year,

[1:12:50] the end of the course state and did not return the tuition reimbursement. Total uncollected was $9,587.

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

[1:13:04] and ensure compliance. The administration responds, we agreed to formulate a process to track

[1:13:10] and build appropriately by the end of 2025. We are currently considering the time that we'll

[1:13:16] come inside for the rollout of our new personnel management or the new SCI contract, the exact time

[1:13:25] and may change due to enforcing circumstances. I will tell you that somebody leaves it's pretty hard to

[1:13:32] call the money back because there's really no payroll to deduct because maybe you got two weeks

[1:13:39] notice. It is hardening that administration has acknowledged the issue and will work to a good solution

[1:13:47] to it in the future. And if it's in the PPM, I think that needs counsel approval so you guys will get

[1:13:54] a bite of that apple. Not bargaining tuition reimbursement amount errors. Purned administrative

[1:14:01] email data 121522 and 2023, not bargaining staff reimbursement was increased from $2,900 per

[1:14:12] annum to $5,250 per annum. Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for tuition,

[1:14:19] registration fees, and a lab fees. Books and other required course materials, not covered by

[1:14:25] course tuition fees, are the employees responsibility and will not be reimbursed. We know the following.

[1:14:32] One nine bargaining employee for 2023 requested and received tuition of $4,337.50. The documentation

[1:14:41] total 302750. The review of paperwork indicated an error in addition on the submission form

[1:14:53] that resulted in an overpayment of $1,050 that employees no longer acted with a city.

[1:15:00] And that would have been referenced in the prior one, where somebody would have prior to a year.

[1:15:05] Or also referenced. One night, one non-bargling employee, for 2024, was reimbursed for total of $5,500.

[1:15:16] The maximum yearly is $5,250. This is an overpayment of $250. One night, then employee still within the city's employee.

[1:15:28] So I'm looking for resolution there from the administration.

[1:15:31] One non-bargling employee, for 2024, was reimbursed for credit card service charge.

[1:15:37] A $53 and $13, as a matter of fact, this city does not reimburse for credit card service charges,

[1:15:44] whether it be for something like this, or even when we go out and buy materials for city usage.

[1:15:53] One non-bargling employee, for 2024, was reimbursed for a payment plan fee of $25.

[1:16:00] We note that tuition reimbursement forms generic and not specific to the bargain unit, and does not include the provisions required,

[1:16:08] nor the maximum reimbursement amounts, which may vary by bargain unit.

[1:16:14] We recommend that the overpay tuition reimbursement be collected, the administration should reiterate,

[1:16:20] and be trained, the tuition reimbursement approvers of the proper policy.

[1:16:25] Consideration should be given to revising the tuition reimbursement form and tailoring it to each bargain unit.

[1:16:32] The form 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,

[1:16:45] we'll ensure that those responsible for overpayments are collected, and that the appropriate tuition reimbursement form revisions are included.

[1:16:56] We also note that this is supposed to be a reimbursement.

[1:17:00] You're supposed to pay first and then get reimbursed.

[1:17:03] From the documentation 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 reimbursed.

[1:17:16] We're asking for better documentation that this is actually a reimbursement for those people who are applying.

[1:17:25] I also note there's a lack of class-grade information, some people supply it, but not everybody does.

[1:17:31] We're asking that that be dealt with.

[1:17:37] And those are the highlights.

[1:17:39] You know, once again, they're on the website, you guys haven't taken a moment to read them.

[1:17:47] This was the first time the new HR director got to respond to an audit, and it took a little bit of time from Mr. Velasquez to do it,

[1:18:00] but he gave good responses that were thought out and certainly showed the administration's willingness to tackle this problem.

[1:18:11] So this program goes forward without these hiccups.

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

[1:18:21] Thank you, Mr. Velasquez.

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

[1:18:24] Much appreciated.

[1:18:26] All right, we're going to move on to ordinances for final passage.

[1:18:30] Bill 29.

[1:18:32] Bill 29 amends the African-American Advisory Council by clarifying and adding a section on selecting members.

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

[1:18:54] And at this time, I would like to make a motion that DB read and put into the bill itself rather than sending it back to committee that we do at all tonight.

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

[1:19:10] All right, second and Mr. Hanline, if you would.

[1:19:14] Okay, do you want me to read the amendment?

[1:19:17] Yes, please.

[1:19:18] Okay, so the amendment would take out the section that mimics the Latino Advisory Committee and add the section that says the list of African-American organizations that may nominate or select applicants for the African-American Affairs Advisory Council for nomination by the mayor will include but not be limited to the following.

[1:19:39] African-American Business Organizations.

[1:19:42] And they include African-American Business Leaders Council, Black Woman Connected Lee Hi Valley, African-American Community Organizations and non-profits.

[1:19:52] They include Promise Neighborhoods, Cohesion Network, Global, Hope International Lee Hi Valley Black Church, Housing Alliance, the Rising Sun Initiative,

[1:20:02] Allentown, NAACP, Black Luther King and Coretta Scott King, Memorial Project, the Lee Hi Valley, Power Lee Hi Valley, resume erected life community development corporation.

[1:20:13] And then another category is African-American Lead Youth Services and Programs, Boys and Girls Club of Allentown, youth and team renovations, James Lawrence Freedom School, the Thrive Hub, Fine Feather Foundation,

[1:20:26] and then another category is African-American Church's faith-based organizations, Saint James and Hamie Zilkzion, Zion's Church, Union Baptist Church, Living Spring International Center, Resurrected Life Community Church, Restoration Temple,

[1:20:42] We're home with Church, Black Christian Church, as a Minister of Alliance, another category, African-American Business Services, Service Base, Achieving Coaching and Consulting are in Residence, Resilience, LLC, Lee Hi Valley Black, News Network, and another category, African-American businesses, retail, slash brick and mortar, Beeskin Full House of Glam, Bank's Beauty Bar, Michigan Premium,

[1:21:08] Backe, Wissett's Candles, the Culture, Curl, Napa by Choice, CCJ's Snacks, VIP the next level, Barbershop and the Cosio African-American Saudic Foods, and that's it.

[1:21:25] Thank you. Any questions, comments from my colleagues?

[1:21:33] I think this might be from his homes. So if there is, this is a very extensive list of entities, where most leaders would be involved, but like for example, about one gentleman I had emailed you about, I don't think he's involved in any of these.

[1:21:57] So I mean, I'm reading the language it says, but not limited to, so therefore this gentleman can apply and go forth and serve hopefully.

[1:22:13] In response to your colleague's assessment and question, I'm affirming that absolutely yes and also I'm able to say that I did reach out to that gentleman and had a brief conversation with him.

[1:22:27] And I think the language with the assistance of Mr. Mike Hamlin, Councilwoman, Cynthia Mota and Councilwoman CC Curlock, we were able to have that language reflect what would be obviously most amicable to both the community that it represents and also not too limiting.

[1:22:47] So that individuals would also obviously be involved, invited and feel very welcome to be a part of it. Thank you.

[1:22:55] I can come back to that comment. Any other questions comments from my colleagues? Any comments from the public?

[1:23:08] Okay. On the amendment. Mr. Hendrix. Yes. Ms. Apa.

[1:23:15] Yes. Ms. Crawlock. Yes. Mr. Napley. Yes. Ms. Santos. Yes. Yes.

[1:23:25] Mr. President of the United States. Okay. And now the bill itself.

[1:23:33] The comments from my colleagues.

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

[1:23:40] Okay. No. Mr. Bill itself has amended Mr. Hendrix. Yes. Ms. Apa.

[1:23:48] Yes. Ms. Crawlock. Yes. Mr. Napley. Yes. Ms. Santos. Yes. Yes.

[1:23:55] Mr. Santos. Yes. President of the United States. Thank you. Bill 30. Bill 30.

[1:24:03] The 2025 capital project provides supplemental appropriation of $185,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development

[1:24:13] for the sport of feasibility study of the MLK Trail Phase 3.

[1:24:17] Thank you. Ms. Gerlock, this was in your committee?

[1:24:21] Yes. It wasn't. It was forwarded.

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

[1:24:35] See none, Mr. Hendrix. Ms. Apa. Yes. Ms. Crawlock. Yes. Mr. Napley. Yes.

[1:24:44] Ms. Santos. Yes. Mr. Zootball. Yes. Mr. Hendrix. Yes.

[1:24:50] Thank you Mr. Annlon. Bill 31. Bill 31.

[1:24:54] It means the trex are fine by authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the trexlor Esco and appropriate cash balance

[1:25:00] in the amount of $108,000 to $105.75.

[1:25:07] And the funds will be used for the construction of phase one of the trail in the spot of the 2020-2024-25 trexlor capital project allocation.

[1:25:18] Thank you. And it's also was in your committee, Ms. Gerlock?

[1:25:21] Yes. And it was also forwarded. Favorite week to tonight's meeting. Thank you.

[1:25:25] Thank you. Any comments? Questions from my colleagues?

[1:25:29] See none. Any comments from the public?

[1:25:32] See none, Mr. Halin. Please conduct the vote.

[1:25:35] Ms. Gerlock. Yes. Mr. Napley. Yes.

[1:25:40] Ms. Santos. Yes. Mr. Zootball. Yes. Mr. Hendrix. Yes.

[1:25:44] Mr. Napley. Yes.

[1:25:48] Mr. Net six years and no nations. Thank you, Mr. Hannon. Bill 32.

[1:25:51] Bill 32. It means the general fund budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of 46,766 dollars from the Department of Justice,

[1:26:00] or to fund a work flow management system and a portable weighing scales for the police department.

[1:26:09] Thank you, Mr. Halin. And this was in your committee.

[1:26:13] I think tonight is chair, Mr. Zuko.

[1:26:16] Yes, right.

[1:26:17] And it was set favorably.

[1:26:18] Favorably.

[1:26:19] Thank you.

[1:26:20] Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:26:22] Seeing none.

[1:26:23] Any comments from the public?

[1:26:25] Seeing none, Mr. Hamlet. Please conduct the vote.

[1:26:28] Mr. Napoli.

[1:26:29] Yes.

[1:26:30] Ms. Santos?

[1:26:31] Yes.

[1:26:32] Mr. Zuko?

[1:26:33] Yes.

[1:26:34] Mr. Hendrix?

[1:26:35] Yes.

[1:26:36] Ms. Garlock?

[1:26:38] Yes.

[1:26:39] Mr. Napoli.

[1:26:41] Thank you.

[1:26:42] Bill 33.

[1:26:44] Bill 33.

[1:26:45] And, man, it's part two.

[1:26:46] General legislation.

[1:26:47] Chapter two, seven.

[1:26:48] No fees.

[1:26:49] Article five.

[1:26:50] Community and economic development fees.

[1:26:51] To include plan review.

[1:26:53] And to consolidate building permits.

[1:26:57] And update blank.

[1:26:58] Which of the city code?

[1:27:00] Thank you.

[1:27:01] This was in your committee.

[1:27:02] Mr. Napoli?

[1:27:03] Correct.

[1:27:04] Which you are a member?

[1:27:06] Yes.

[1:27:07] And it was forwarded favorably to the full council.

[1:27:10] Thank you.

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

[1:27:14] Any comments from the public?

[1:27:17] Seeing none, Mr. Hamlet.

[1:27:19] Please conduct the vote.

[1:27:20] Ms. Santos?

[1:27:21] Yes.

[1:27:22] Mr. Zuko?

[1:27:23] Yes.

[1:27:24] Mr. Hendrix?

[1:27:25] Yes.

[1:27:26] Ms. Apa?

[1:27:27] Yes.

[1:27:28] Ms. Garlock?

[1:27:29] Yes.

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

[1:27:32] Yes.

[1:27:33] Mr. Napoli.

[1:27:34] Mr. Napoli.

[1:27:35] Thank you.

[1:27:36] Bill 34.

[1:27:37] Bill 34, man.

[1:27:38] It's the 2025 general fund budget.

[1:27:40] Provide for supplemental appropriation of $30,000.

[1:27:43] $30,000.

[1:27:44] And it's to the police department.

[1:27:47] To reimbursed.

[1:27:52] We have expenses to purchase case management software.

[1:27:55] Mobile devices program analysis.

[1:27:57] Unit a pair on additional community.

[1:27:59] And funded additional community intervention specialist.

[1:28:02] Thank you, Mr. Hamlet.

[1:28:04] This was in your committee.

[1:28:05] Did I miss this?

[1:28:06] Yes.

[1:28:08] Thank you.

[1:28:09] Any comments?

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

[1:28:12] Seeing none.

[1:28:13] Any comments from the public?

[1:28:15] Seeing none, Mr. Hendrix?

[1:28:17] Please conduct the vote.

[1:28:19] Mr. Zuko?

[1:28:20] Yes.

[1:28:21] Mr. Hendrix?

[1:28:22] Yes.

[1:28:23] Ms. Apa?

[1:28:24] Yes.

[1:28:25] Ms. Garlock?

[1:28:26] Yes.

[1:28:27] Mr. Napoli?

[1:28:28] Yes.

[1:28:29] Ms. Santos?

[1:28:30] Yes.

[1:28:31] Mr. Napoli?

[1:28:33] Thank you.

[1:28:34] Bill 36.

[1:28:35] Bill 35.

[1:28:37] Bill 35.

[1:28:40] Bill 35.

[1:28:42] Bill 35.

[1:28:43] It means the 2025 general fund budget

[1:28:46] 5 per supplemental appropriation.

[1:28:48] $85,900.

[1:28:50] For the purchase of portable breathtaking devices.

[1:28:53] Bethescent devices and pair driving simulator kit.

[1:28:56] And a trailer and training officers.

[1:28:59] Thank you, Mr. Hamlet.

[1:29:01] Mr. Zuko?

[1:29:02] Yes.

[1:29:04] Thank you.

[1:29:06] 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. Hendrix?

[1:29:16] Mr. Hendrix?

[1:29:17] Yes.

[1:29:18] Ms. Apa?

[1:29:20] Yes.

[1:29:22] Ms. Garlock?

[1:29:23] Yes.

[1:29:24] Mr. Santos?

[1:29:25] Yes.

[1:29:26] Mr. Zuko?

[1:29:27] Yes.

[1:29:28] Mr. Zuko?

[1:29:29] Yes.

[1:29:32] Bill 36.

[1:29:33] It means various funds by appropriating funds

[1:29:37] from the inappropriate balances for the roll-over of

[1:29:40] encumbrances from the prior year commitments.

[1:29:45] And this was in your committee, Mr. Napoli?

[1:29:48] Yes.

[1:29:49] It was forwarded favorably.

[1:29:50] Thank you.

[1:29:51] Questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:29:54] Seeing none.

[1:29:55] Any comments from the public?

[1:29:57] Seeing none, Mr. Hamlet?

[1:29:59] Mr. Napoli?

[1:30:00] Ms. Ava. Ms. Gerlock? Yes.

[1:30:06] So, happily? Yes. Ms. Santos? Yes.

[1:30:09] Juzugal. Yes.

[1:30:10] And Mr. Hendrix. Yes.

[1:30:12] It's a phrase of absentities in today's.

[1:30:14] Thank you.

[1:30:16] Consent agenda.

[1:30:19] Yeah, a few items, the appointment of Abigail Goldfarb to the Commission of homelessness

[1:30:24] or Linda Aguilar to the Human Relations Commission.

[1:30:28] Hi, I'll Robski to the Shadery Commission, Leslie Hartzel to the Planning Commission

[1:30:33] and Richard Larry's to the noise hearing board.

[1:30:38] Thank you. Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

[1:30:44] Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:30:47] Seeing none. Please conduct the vote, Mr. Hendrix.

[1:30:51] Ms. Gerlock? Yes.

[1:30:54] Mr. Napoli? Yes.

[1:30:55] The Santas? Yes.

[1:30:56] Mr. Zuzugal? Yes.

[1:30:57] Mr. Hendrix? Yes.

[1:30:58] And Ms. Ava?

[1:31:01] Yes.

[1:31:03] Mr. Napoli?

[1:31:05] Yes. Thank you.

[1:31:12] Our 49.

[1:31:15] Our 49 is a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature

[1:31:19] to raise the minimum wage and grant local wage control.

[1:31:26] Any comments?

[1:31:31] Questions from my colleagues? Ms. Gerlock?

[1:31:33] Oh, yeah, just once again, I'd like to thank everyone for signing on to this.

[1:31:39] I mean, as state rep Seagull said, you know, you never, it's hard to get things out

[1:31:46] of committee and Harrisburg, but I think it is important for local bodies to again make statements

[1:31:54] of support. 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.

[1:32:12] Okay.

[1:32:14] Just very quick comment. 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. I believe there's an additional

[1:32:23] component to the resolution that calls for reduction in preemption for those of the,

[1:32:28] that don't know preemption is when the state tells local municipalities that they can't do certain

[1:32:33] things. And I think giving the Allotown City Council to power to establish a minimum wage for the

[1:32:40] city of Allotown is good policy. I think that the state, make a further comment that as long as the

[1:32:47] city council is issuing commentary related to a emanation of preemption. There's a lot of other things

[1:32:53] that we'd like to see the state eliminate in terms of preemption particularly around gun laws.

[1:32:58] So, I think city council for making this statement 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 Suzy.

[1:33:11] The last name.

[1:33:21] Good evening.

[1:33:22] Thank you for letting me speak President, Mayor, and controller. My name is Miss Suzy. I cook for

[1:33:29] the public school system. And I've been a member of SEIU workers united for 26 years, which is our union

[1:33:36] here in Allotown. I'm speaking in support of the HB-1150, the bill that will raise the minimum wage to

[1:33:45] 15 per hour and lift the preemption to communities like Allotown that they can make a

[1:33:52] livable wage. I'm speaking in support of the resolution to call on the P.A. legislation

[1:33:58] to pass this HB-1150. My brothers and sisters in union are not making a livable wage,

[1:34:05] $10, $13 an hour. They don't have health care. My mother has worked in food service all over

[1:34:12] life and still works in food service at the HB-76. She, I have been, she's been an absent parent

[1:34:23] on my life working under these low wages, works every holiday, works every birthday, works every

[1:34:31] christening, graduation, weekend, works all the time. She finally got two weeks vacation because she had

[1:34:40] breast cancer. Imagine getting two weeks off because you might die. That's kind of sad. The

[1:34:49] livable wage has been in a crisis for a long time. The community is family, families are dying

[1:34:56] under the financial starvation of these low and unlivable wages where they're at. This is why we,

[1:35:04] you, I'm so glad that you're practical, common sense. You've executed that tonight. Thank you for

[1:35:10] having this on the agenda and letting me address the concern with everything around this.

[1:35:19] And this is why we should support it. And as I sell the students that I feed, it's a no-brainer. So

[1:35:26] I'll thank you so much for your common sense. And I yield the rest of my time and thank you for

[1:35:30] your attention in this matter. Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak to this?

[1:35:41] Hi. Yeah. Regina. Here you go. She's still here. Hello, my name's Regina Padilla. I'm Alan Thomas and I would

[1:35:56] like to share my portion of reality. I'm not fond of sharing information regarding my finances,

[1:36:03] but today I do find it necessary. I work for a local nonprofit, which absolutely feels 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. And that doesn't

[1:36:17] include the utilities that I pay. While I feed people for a living, I struggle to feed myself. I used to

[1:36:22] receive snap benefits of $227 a month, but now I've been cut to $23.23. That is a dollar for

[1:36:32] every year I've been born. I'm currently seeking a second job because full-time work simply isn't enough to

[1:36:37] make ends meet. This isn't just my story. It's a story of thousands of my fellow residents in

[1:36:42] Alan town. People who strive each and every day yet fall short. That's why I'm encouraging you to

[1:36:47] back a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour. The minimum wage should not be set to $725,

[1:36:54] in addition to being outdated. It's absolutely impossible to live on. A minimum wage of $15 is not

[1:37:00] demanding luxury. It's about rent, groceries, and simply being able to breathe each month. That's

[1:37:06] what the luxury of $15 offers. Some people will tell you that an increase in wages will hurt businesses,

[1:37:13] but the fact is when workers earn more money. They spend more money in their own communities.

[1:37:18] They support businesses right here in Alan town and they have a chance to thrive not just survive.

[1:37:23] The people impacted the most by low wages or women, people of color and immigrants. The backbone of

[1:37:29] our workforce. We want and deserve more. I'm asking you to be bold to lead and to stand up for workers

[1:37:35] like me, who do the right things and cannot get ahead. That's why I'm encouraging you to back

[1:37:39] this resolution that tells Harrisburg to raise the minimum wage to $15 and give a control of

[1:37:44] future wage setting back to the city of Alan town. Thank you.

[1:38:00] Good evening. I'm wanting to speak today in support of the race. The resolution, the current minimum

[1:38:07] wage is not livable. I think we all are aware of that. My personal experience is I'm a type one

[1:38:13] diabetic and my healthcare needs total over $6,000 per month just for diabetes, not counting the

[1:38:20] two other chronic illnesses I have with a minimum wage job. There is no possible way I could cover

[1:38:28] those expenses. I'm lucky enough to have Medicaid, but we'll see how much longer that lasts.

[1:38:33] But a lot of people don't. A lot of people don't have access to healthcare and regardless of

[1:38:39] that they should be making enough money to have that to have access to housing, healthcare, and food.

[1:38:46] And not only does having such a low minimum wage restrict people's access to human rights,

[1:38:53] it also negatively impacts the economy because when people aren't making money to even afford their rent,

[1:38:59] they're certainly not spending money at local businesses. So I really urge you all to

[1:39:03] vote yes on this resolution. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:39:10] And Quinn Allen.

[1:39:21] I have been in the work for us since I was 19. Consistently to make a living for myself.

[1:39:30] And I will say, every time wages increased, so did the cost of everything else. On top of that,

[1:39:41] every time wages increased, the employers, the upper management, always wants less people on the

[1:39:49] floor, leaving one or two people to take care of 20 to 40 customers in line. And I'm working

[1:40:01] that even today as a side job, which CC got a look, knows about, knows that place. And on top of all that,

[1:40:15] and let's take a look at California right now, they increased minimum wage on fast food employees

[1:40:26] to 20 bucks an hour. And many businesses either let people go or shut down the entire businesses,

[1:40:37] they got a phone call that very next day after the implementation of the $20 an hour,

[1:40:44] and caught off the entire crew and say, sorry, you don't have a job anymore, because

[1:40:51] I cannot afford to pay that. So California, many Californians lost their jobs because of that.

[1:41:03] So and this has been 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 15 bucks an hour,

[1:41:24] 15 dollars an hour at McDonald's. And so my big Mac meal went from $7 to like $10.

[1:41:35] Because they would pay more, could they afford to pay the employees better? Oh yeah, absolutely,

[1:41:44] absolutely, but that doesn't mean greed was stopped. And I'm sure that the government is making a lot

[1:41:53] more money in taxes because of those increases between the buyers and the employees pay and the

[1:42:03] big corporations. So that's all I say about that. Thank you. That's it. Okay,

[1:42:14] sorry, I don't know if you would could talk to both. Okay, on the resolution. Mr. Napoli. Yes.

[1:42:23] Miss Santas? Yes. Mr. Zuko? Yes. Mr. Henryx? Yes. Saffa? Yes. Emma's girl. Yes.

[1:42:33] For example, she is a known A's. Thank you.

[1:42:36] Are 50 of those is a submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the renovations of Ithaca Park?

[1:42:49] Any comments, questions from my colleagues? Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:42:59] Seeing none, Mr. Henryx. Please conduct a vote. Miss Santas? Yes.

[1:43:04] Mr. Zuko? Yes. Mr. Henryx? Yes. Saffa? Yes.

[1:43:11] Mr. Garlock? Yes. Mr. Napoli? Yes.

[1:43:15] Mr. President, that's the case. Thank you. Are 51.

[1:43:19] Are 51 approves a submission of an application for a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation

[1:43:25] and Natural Resources for the construction of phase two of the MLK Trail?

[1:43:29] Any questions or comments from my colleagues? Seeing none. Any comments from the public?

[1:43:41] Yes. Please come forward. Just a question if I may to know where the plans for phase two would be listed.

[1:43:52] Is that on the site for the city? Yes. If you could ask maybe to ignore a hard start.

[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 that area.

[1:44:23] And I'm expressing that, especially because as many of you probably know, that was the area before

[1:44:31] gentrification of a number of black owned businesses, homes in the African-American community,

[1:44:37] formerly known as Lauren Street, so our community would continue to have a great interest in how that's developed.

[1:44:44] And I know a lot of times the developments happen, and then they're made public or the decisions are then made public afterwards.

[1:44:52] So I would just like to know any ways that those could be made more public,

[1:44:57] one suggestion might be for someone like myself.

[1:45:00] Let's hear what you wrote the letter. So here in City Council on eine really regular basisOrderrise

[1:45:03] to me, if those could be wa shared at the front information desk and if that can also be put on

[1:45:10] the social media and then I also want to commend you know, obviously when those things are

[1:45:14] shared, that way it's very helpful. To ask that the interests and involved community because

[1:45:20] it gives us an opportunity to see it even if we're not already linked in to those committees.

[1:45:24] So thanks very much for your attention to the many times that that has been done.

[1:45:29] Thanks.

[1:45:30] Thank you for your comments.

[1:45:32] I just fully know it's here and did hear them in.

[1:45:34] I'm sure she will follow through on that.

[1:45:39] Anybody else?

[1:45:42] Mr. Hanlin, connect the vote.

[1:45:44] Mr. Zootball.

[1:45:45] Yes.

[1:45:45] Mr. Hendrix.

[1:45:46] Yes.

[1:45:47] Ms. Afa.

[1:45:49] Yes.

[1:45:50] It's girl out.

[1:45:51] Yes.

[1:45:52] She's an athlete.

[1:45:53] Yes.

[1:45:53] Ms. Santos.

[1:45:54] Yes.

[1:45:56] She's very active in New News.

[1:45:58] Thank you.

[1:45:58] R51.

[1:46:00] Sir?

[1:46:01] Sir.

[1:46:02] Thank you.

[1:46:04] Sir.

[1:46:05] Sir.

[1:46:06] I'm sorry.

[1:46:08] Yes.

[1:46:10] I'm sorry.

[1:46:12] I'm sorry.

[1:46:13] Yes, sir.

[1:46:14] I'm sorry.

[1:46:15] Yes.

[1:46:16] I'm sorry.

[1:46:17] I'm sorry.

[1:46:18] Yes.

[1:46:19] Sorry.

[1:46:20] Yes.

[1:46:21] Yes.

[1:46:22] Yes.

[1:46:23] This is for introduction.

[1:46:25] This is for introduction.

[1:46:26] The first one is in amending the 2025 grant funds to provide for a supplemental

[1:46:31] appropriation of $1 million from the State Office of Budget redevelopment assistance

[1:46:35] capital projects funds are passed to grant for a secret press call.

[1:46:41] Good.

[1:46:42] Any comments from the public?

[1:46:48] Seeing that this will go to.

[1:46:52] I'll be Miss Moira.

[1:46:57] Bill 38.

[1:47:00] Bill 38.

[1:47:01] Bill 38 amends the 2025 grant fund.

[1:47:05] Budgets provide for a supplemental appropriation of $400,000.

[1:47:10] Funds are passed to grant that will support the lease athletic leave.

[1:47:16] Thank you.

[1:47:17] Any comments from the public?

[1:47:20] Seeing that this will go to Miss Athos committee.

[1:47:24] Yeah.

[1:47:25] 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.

[1:47:40] Any comments from the public?

[1:47:45] Seeing that this will likewise go to Miss Moira?

[1:47:49] That's not fair.

[1:47:51] Bill 40.

[1:47:52] Bill 40 amends the 2025 general fund budget for a supplemental appropriation of $15,000 from the Commonwealth

[1:47:59] to the Allen Town Pirate EMS Department for training women.

[1:48:04] Thank you, Mr. Halman.

[1:48:06] Any comments from the public?

[1:48:08] Seeing that this will go to your committee?

[1:48:11] Councilwoman Miss Athos.

[1:48:14] Yes.

[1:48:15] Thank you.

[1:48:16] That's great.

[1:48:17] Bill 41.

[1:48:18] Bill 41 amends the 2025.

[1:48:20] Gofund budgets will accommodate a reorganization within the fund.

[1:48:25] Any comments from the public?

[1:48:29] Seeing none.

[1:48:30] This will go to your committee.

[1:48:32] Miss Gerler.

[1:48:33] Thank you.

[1:48:37] Bill 42.

[1:48:38] Bill 42 amends the civil service board rules governing the appointment of promotion

[1:48:43] of police officers and firefighters.

[1:48:46] Thank you.

[1:48:47] The comments from the public?

[1:48:49] Seeing none.

[1:48:50] This will go to councilwoman Miss Athos.

[1:48:55] Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:48:57] You're welcome.

[1:48:58] Bill 43.

[1:48:59] Bill 43 amends the 2025.

[1:49:01] Grant's funds to provide for a supplemental appropriation of $1,000,000 from the state and, again,

[1:49:07] this is the past of grant of support BD ministries.

[1:49:11] Thank you.

[1:49:12] Any comments from the public?

[1:49:15] Seeing none.

[1:49:16] This will go to councilwoman Miss motor also.

[1:49:21] Moving on to resolutions for introduction.

[1:49:25] Our 52 is a resolution that establishes a special committee to work with the police department

[1:49:31] to review and develop community policing.

[1:49:35] Any comments from the public?

[1:49:39] If I can.

[1:49:40] Mr. Hunt comes up.

[1:49:42] President.

[1:49:43] This is you have the option to vote when these.

[1:49:46] Right now.

[1:49:47] I think that you'd voting now would just accelerate the development of that committee.

[1:49:51] Allow that work to get started sooner rather than later.

[1:49:54] I'm fine with that.

[1:49:57] I would just say this.

[1:49:58] Miss.

[1:49:59] Miss motor was the sponsor of this and was thinking that it would go to committee.

[1:50:04] Any lighters are not being heard tonight.

[1:50:07] I would rather not the driver of that.

[1:50:11] That's okay.

[1:50:15] Okay.

[1:50:16] So this will go to Miss motor's committee.

[1:50:21] Anything.

[1:50:22] I think it goes to.

[1:50:23] I think that may go to my committee.

[1:50:26] Yes.

[1:50:27] Public safety.

[1:50:28] I'm sorry.

[1:50:29] Miss.

[1:50:30] You're right.

[1:50:31] Yeah.

[1:50:33] Once again.

[1:50:34] Not my committee.

[1:50:35] Okay.

[1:50:36] I defer to you.

[1:50:38] Anything for good and welfare.

[1:50:41] Okay.

[1:50:42] Excuse the adjourn.

City Council on 2025-04-16 6:30 PM

Agenda

Transcript