Allentown public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote to override the mayor's veto on seven 2026 budget ordinances, including a proposed increase to the solid waste fee. The council is also considering a revised proposal to reinstate a 3.96% tax increase while lowering the garbage fee by $50.

• Override mayor's veto on 7 budget ordinances (Bills 84-90)
• Vote on R199: Override veto and reinstate 3.96% tax increase
• Vote on R199: Decrease solid waste fee by $50
• Vote on $50,000 increase to mayor's operating budget
• Approve 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund budget

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Police and Fire Civil Service Board will meet to approve personnel actions for both departments. Items include the AFD Firefighter Entry List based on the MCCann test, the Third-City Chiefs List, and AFD promotions. They will also discuss reposting the APD Lieutenant promotion exam and the Sergeant promotion testing eligibility list.

• Approval of AFD Firefighter Entry List (MCCann test)
• Approval of Third-City Chiefs List
• Approval of AFD promotions
• Reposting of APD LT promotion exam
• APD Sergeant promotion testing eligibility list

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on final passage of several 2026 budget ordinances, including the General Fund, Solid Waste, and Stormwater funds. The body will also consider a $1 million grant for the Baum School of Art and a $3.1 million appropriation from a 3M settlement for PFAS remediation.

• Authorization for $49,920 contract with Barry Isett & Associates for MLK Trail Phase 3 feasibility study
• Amending Solid Waste Fee to $740 per year
• Bill 99: $3,125,825.97 appropriation from 3M settlement for PFAS remediation
• Bill 98: $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation for Baum School of Art
• Bill 101: Transfer of $2.5 million from General Fund to Risk Fund for employee medical costs

Community and Economic Development Committee

The committee is reviewing three bills: Bill 97 amends the property rehabilitation code to create a commercial inspections program. Bill 98 appropriates $1,000,000 from a state grant to support the Baum School of Art. Bill 100 transfers $25,000 from the Building Code Fund to pay YMCA for early warming shelter opening.

• Bill 97: Amends Chapter 455 to create a commercial inspections program for presale of residential and commercial properties
• Bill 98: Supplemental appropriation of $1,000,000 from PA DCED Local Share Account Grant for Baum School of Art
• Bill 100: Transfer of $25,000 from Building Code Fund to General Fund for YMCA early warming shelter invoice

Water and Sewer Compliance Review Board

The Water and Sewer Compliance Review Board is holding a meeting that includes only a roll call and a presentation from the Compliance Office/LCA. No ordinances, contracts, public hearings, or other decision items are listed on the agenda, making it a procedural session.

• No rezonings, contracts, or fee changes on agenda

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is considering Bill 99, which would amend the 2025 capital budget to appropriate $3,125,825.97 from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) class action awards. The funds, from settlements with 3M and DuPont, would offset costs of required PFAS remediation systems. This is a single-item agenda with no other business.

• Bill 99: supplemental appropriation of $3,125,825.97 from AFFF class action awards for PFAS remediation systems
• Funds come from 3M settlement ($2,659,283.88 in first two payments) and DuPont settlement ($466,542.09 first payment)
• 3M settlement paid in ten installments through 2033; total received so far is $3,125,825.97

City Council

The Allentown City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two budget amendment proposals before adopting the 2026 city budget. One proposal, sponsored by Councilpersons Affa, Hendricks, and Santo, seeks to lower the solid waste fee by $50 and reinstate a 3.96% tax increase. A separate mayoral memo proposes adding $50,000 to the Mayor’s operating budget to fund an additional day of weekly homeless‑support services by the Conference of Churches. The agenda also includes several budget‑related ordinances for adoption.

• Proposal to decrease solid waste fee by $50 and reinstate 3.96% tax increase (sponsored by Affa, Hendricks, Santo)
• Mayor’s budget memo to increase operating budget by $50,000 for Conference of Churches homeless services
• Bill 84 – 2026 Budget and Tax Rate ordinance establishing multiple city fund budgets
• Bill 88 – 2026 Solid Waste Fund and fee ordinance increasing the solid waste fee to $740
• Bill 89 – 2026 Stormwater Fund ordinance maintaining the stormwater utility fee at $20 per 500 sq ft

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board will review APD sergeant promotion oral exam questions with a vendor via Teams. It will consider a request for Zachary Schreirer’s eye exam. The board will vote to approve the Allentown Fire Department firefighter entry list and the third‑city chiefs list.

• APD Sergeant Promotion Oral Examination Questions – Review with Vendor (Aspirant) via Teams
• Zachary Schreirer eye exam request
• Approval of AFD Firefighter Entry List (MCCann test)
• Approval of Third-City Chiefs List

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will approve the minutes from the November 11, 2025 meeting and adopt the 2026 meeting calendar. It will review an extension request for a 129,450‑square‑foot warehouse at 1901 S. 12th Street. The commission will consider waiver requests for minor subdivisions at 928 Chew Street and 1420 Walnut Street, and will give final approval to the East Side Land Development at 635 E. Turner Street, which proposes seven buildings with 180 apartments. The agenda also notes the postponement of the Peregrine Tower project at 90 S. 9th Street.

• Extension request for 1901 S. 12th Street warehouse (129,450 SF) – applicant Matthew Hainzl
• Waiver request for minor subdivision at 928 Chew Street – applicant Kimberly Tiburzi
• Waiver request for minor subdivision at 1420 Walnut Street – applicant John Koutsouros
• Final approval of East Side Land Development at 635 E. Turner Street – 180 apartments across seven buildings, applicant Joseph Rentko
• Postponed: Peregrine Tower at 90 S. 9th Street – 37‑story mixed‑use building, applicant Brian Ring

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Civil Service Board will review the police sergeant promotional written exam with Aspirant Consulting Group and discuss a candidate withdrawal from the lieutenant promotional exam. The board also considers appointing Jon Steed to the fire department, approving a fire entry exam list, and posting two promotional exams. Old business includes an executive session on HR director matters and Nick Murray's appeal.

• Review of police sergeant promotional written exam with Aspirant Consulting Group
• Discussion of lieutenant promotional exam candidate withdrawal
• Appointment of Jon Steed to Allentown Fire Department (November 22, 2025)
• Approval of Fire Entry Exam list
• Posting two promotional exams for fire department

Human Relations Commission

The Allentown Human Relations Commission is holding a procedural meeting with officer nominations and a vote. Members will discuss bylaws, the complaint and investigation process, and an online complaint submission system. They will also decide on virtual versus in-person meetings and assign responsibilities for arranging them.

• Officer nominations and vote
• Discussion of bylaws
• Discussion of complaint and investigation process
• Discussion of online complaint submission process and technical requirements
• Decision on virtual vs. in-person meetings and responsibilities

City Council

The Allentown City Council will consider approving multiple contracts for engineering, tree services, and vehicle parts, as well as introducing a budget amendment for PFAS remediation and a deed transfer tax increase for housing.

• Contract with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic for Canal Park River Access Point Improvements ($30,055)
• Contract with Langan Engineering for MLK Trail Extension Project ($233,830)
• Bill 92: Increase Realty Transfer Tax by 0.5% for housing funds
• Bill 99: Supplemental appropriation of $3,125,825.97 for PFAS remediation
• Bill 100: Transfer $25,000 from Building Code Fund to General Fund for YMCA warming shelter

The council authorized five contracts: a $30,055 consulting contract with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. for Canal Park River Access Point improvements; a $233,830 engineering contract with Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC for the MLK Trail Extension Phase II design; an estimated $28,545 yearly contract with Total Administrative Services Corp. for citywide FMLA administration; a $61,850 contract with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company for tree work in Franklin Park; and an estimated $200,000 yearly contract with Titan Tree Services, Inc. for broader tree services. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Authorized $30,055 contract with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. for Canal Park River Access Point improvements
• Authorized $233,830 contract with Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC for MLK Trail Extension Phase II design
• Authorized estimated $28,545 yearly contract with Total Administrative Services Corp. for FMLA administration
• Authorized $61,850 contract with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company for tree work in Franklin Park
• Authorized estimated $200,000 yearly contract with Titan Tree Services, Inc. for citywide tree services

City Council

The Allentown City Council will adopt several 2026 budget ordinances, including the General Fund, Building Code Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, Rental Unit Licensing Fund, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund (which raises the solid waste fee to $740), Stormwater Fund (maintaining the $20 fee), and the Trexler Fund. The meeting also includes informational presentations on an alternative property tax and garbage fee proposal and on background‑check cost options. No final decisions on the tax/garbage proposal or background‑check approaches are scheduled for this meeting.

• Adopt Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget and increase solid waste fee to $740 (Bill 88).
• Adopt Stormwater Fund Budget, keeping stormwater utility fee at $20 per 500 sq ft (Bill 89).
• Adopt Rental Unit Licensing Fund Budget and maintain residential rental fees (Bill 87).
• Adopt Building Code Fund Budget for 2026 (Bill 85).
• Adopt General Fund and related fund budgets for 2026 (Bill 84).

The City Council met for information sharing and discussion only. Council members reviewed an alternative property‑tax increase of 3.96 % that would generate $1.5 million for the General Fund and a $25 per‑unit reduction in the garbage fee. They also discussed a $1 million loan from the General Fund to the Solid Waste Fund to be repaid over five years. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review three appeals regarding land use and building conversions. The board will decide on requests to modify residential density and permit specific business uses in various districts.

• 461 Linden St: Request to convert office space to a 1-chair salon and upper floors to 2 dwelling units
• 839 S Front St: Appeal to use an existing structure for warehousing and storage
• 28 & 30 S Jefferson St: Request to convert 2 single-family dwellings into 2 two-family dwellings (4 units total)

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board will consider an application to install brick veneer over existing non-historic stucco on a chimney at 945 Turner Street. The board will also hear a compliance case for 248 N 9th Street regarding failure to follow conditions of a Certificate of Appropriateness, and discuss the proposed 2026 meeting schedule.

• Old Business: HDC-2025-00089 for brick veneer on chimney at 945 Turner Street
• Magistrate Case: 248 N 9th Street — failure to comply with COA conditions
• Proposed HARB 2026 schedule to be reviewed
• Approval by HARB forwards cases to City Council on December 17, 2025

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on several items including a $3 million ARPA-funded grant for water and sewer infrastructure, a $300,000 grant for MLK Trail Phase 2 construction, and an amendment removing deed transfer tax language from the Home Rule Charter. Contract approvals include an impaired driving simulator for police ($46,060) and tennis court repairs at Irving Park ($244,893). The council will also consider resolutions for a bomb robot grant, parking deck repairs, and an outdoor café encroachment at 702 Hamilton Street.

• $3M ARPA H2O grant for Source Reduction Program (sewer/storm water) – Bill 95
• $300,000 DCNR grant for MLK Trail Phase 2 construction – Bill 94
• Contract with Innocorp Ltd. for impaired driving simulator ($46,060) for police – R167
• Contract with Miller Flooring Company for tennis court repairs at Irving Park ($244,893) – R169
• Encroachment for outdoor café at 702 Hamilton Street – R177

The Allentown City Council authorized several procurement contracts, including a $46,060 impaired‑driving simulator for police, a $50,000 per‑year moving‑services contract, and a $244,893 tennis‑court repair contract. It also adopted budget items that add $300,000 from a DCNR grant for the MLK Trail Phase 2, $3 million from an ARPA H2O grant for a new capital account, and a $430,955.26 application for a SPOT bomb‑robot from the Statewide Local Share Account. All items were approved without recorded vote tallies.

• Approved $46,060 contract with Innocorp Ltd for an impaired‑driving simulator (Enactment No: 31160)
• Approved $50,000‑per‑year contract with Anchor Moving & Storage / Suburban Solutions for moving and disposal services (Enactment No: 31161)
• Approved $244,893 cooperative contract with Miller Flooring for tennis‑court repairs at Irving Park (Enactment No: 31162)
• Approved $300,000 supplemental appropriation from DCNR for MLK Trail Phase 2 (Bill 94, Enactment No: 16177)
• Approved $3,000,000 increase to a new capital account from the ARPA H2O grant (Bill 95, Enactment No: 16178)
• Approved $430,955.26 application to the Statewide Local Share Account for a SPOT bomb robot (R173, Enactment No: 31166)
• Approved Sewage Planning Module at 546 W Hamilton St (R170, Enactment No: 31163)
• Approved Sewage Planning Module at 802 N Quincy St (R171, Enactment No: 31164)

City Council

The Allentown City Council is holding a special meeting to review proposed amendments to the 2026 budget ordinances (Bills 84-90). Key proposed amendments include a $1.5 million transfer from the Closing fund to keep the tax rate unchanged, $100,000 for the Health Department per the Homeless Commission's request, and position adjustments in several departments. The council will also vote on ordinances that set budgets for multiple funds, with fee changes such as increasing the Solid Waste Fee to $740 and maintaining the Stormwater Utility Fee at $20.

• Proposed amendment: $1.5M from Closing fund to keep 2026 tax rate at no increase (Mota, Hendricks, Gerlach, Zucal, Santos)
• Proposed amendment: $100,000 allocated to the Health Department from the Homeless Commission's budget request (Gerlach, Santos, Mota, Affa)
• Bill 88: Ordinance increasing the Solid Waste Fee to $740 for 2026
• Bill 89: Ordinance maintaining the Stormwater Utility Fee at $20 per 500 sq ft of impervious surface
• Bill 87: Ordinance maintaining Residential Rental Fees for the Rental Unit Licensing Fund

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget to add $3,000,000 for the Source Reduction Program (SRP/I&I Project). The funds originate from a Covid-19 ARPA H2O PA grant awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

• Amend 2025 Capital Fund Budget by $3,000,000
• Allocate funds for Source Reduction Program (SRP/I&I Project)
• Use grant funds from Commonwealth Financing Authority

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will consider Bill 94, which proposes amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget. The amendment would allocate a supplemental $300,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The funds are intended to support construction of Phase 2 of the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail. The bill is sponsored by the Administration.

• Bill 94: $300,000 supplemental appropriation from PA DCNR for MLK Trail Phase 2 construction

Allentown Fire Pension Board

The Allentown Fire Pension Board will meet to approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting and consider a pension revision for a widow.

• Approval of August 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Pension revision for Emma Repp (Widow, $11,286.44)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting after a motion and second. A motion to adjourn was also made, seconded, and passed without opposition.

• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Allentown Police Pension Board

The Allentown Police Pension Board meets to approve minutes from August and October 2025, consider a disability pension request for Cody Mullins, and review military service buy backs for three officers. Old business includes a lay-off time buy back for Stephen Milkovits III. No pension revisions or new business are listed.

• Disability pension request for Cody Mullins
• Military buy back: Yamil Castillo 44 months
• Military buy back: Mark Jarrouj 38.5 months
• Military buy back: Miguel Villa 44 months
• Old business: lay-off time buy back for Stephen Milkovits III 44 days

The board approved the minutes from the August 19 and October 30, 2025 meetings. A motion was passed to accept the medical diagnoses for Officer Cody Mullins and to award him a disability pension estimated at $53,271.15 per year. All votes were affirmative. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.

• Approved August 19 and October 30, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved disability pension for Officer Cody Mullins, $53,271.15 per year (unanimous)

Allentown Aggregate Pension Board

The Allentown Aggregate Pension Board will approve August 2025 meeting minutes, receive performance and cash-flow updates from investment consultant Marquette Associates, and review finalized 2025 actuarial valuation reports for the city's fire, police, and other employee pension plans prepared by Cheiron. The board will also set its 2026 meeting dates.

• Approval of August 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Marquette Associates performance report and cash-flow rebalancing update
• Cheiron 2025 actuarial valuation reports for Firemen's, O&E, and Police pension plans
• Setting 2026 meeting dates (Feb 17, May 19, Aug 18, Nov 17)

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It also approved extending the fire fund ladder and rebalancing the fire, police, and O&E pension funds as outlined in the discussion materials. The meeting was then adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

• Approved minutes of August 19, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Extended fire fund ladder as described (unanimous)
• Rebalanced fire fund as described (unanimous)
• Rebalanced police fund as described (unanimous)
• Rebalanced O&E fund as described (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:50 a.m. (unanimous)

O&E, Fire, Police and Aggregate Pension Boards

The O&E, Fire, Police, and Aggregate Pension Boards met to approve pension revisions for 10 retirees, including Elwood Hoffert at $26,189.39, and to approve minutes from November 19, 2024. No new business was discussed.

• Approval of November 19, 2024 minutes
• Pension revision for Elwood Hoffert ($26,189.39)
• Pension revision for Shirley Baum ($6,567.68)
• Pension revision for Dolores Pfenninger ($13,367.20)
• Pension revision for Charlene Thomas ($19,999.70)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will consider an appeal for a special‑use application submitted by RCI Village Properties. The request seeks permission to use part of the building at 1539‑1551 Chew Street as a community center, invoking a special exception under code 660‑49. The appeal expands a use previously granted under Application No. A‑2023‑00496 dated May 15, 2024, within a Medium High Density Residential and Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay district.

• Special‑use application (A‑2025‑00624) for a community center at 1539‑1551 Chew St, RCI Village Properties, seeking a special exception per 660‑49 and expanding prior use granted under Application A‑2023‑00496 (5/15/2024).

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider Bill 91, an ordinance to amend Section 807 (Revenue) of Allentown's Home Rule Charter by removing the deed transfer tax language. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the meeting also includes roll call, updates, and adjournment.

• Bill 91: Ordinance to remove 'Deed Transfer Tax' language from Section 807 of the Home Rule Charter

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will consider Bill 92, an ordinance to increase the City of Allentown's realty transfer tax by 0.5%. The proposed increase is intended to raise funds for housing-related issues. The meeting includes only this legislative item and routine updates before adjournment.

• Bill 92: Ordinance amending Section 570-13 to raise the Realty Transfer Tax by 0.5% for housing funding
• Sponsors: Affa, Gerlach, Hendricks, Mota, Napoli, Santos

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will hear a presentation on the Allentown Parks Plan 2025, then vote on a waiver request for frontage at 230 N. Nagle St., a subdivision into 6 lots at 401 Harrison St., construction of 6 townhomes at the same address, and two flex commercial buildings with parking at 1813 Green St. All applicants are required to attend.

• Presentation: Allentown Parks Plan 2025 by Director Mandy Tolino
• Waiver request for frontage on a public street from a minor subdivision at 230 N. Nagle St.
• Subdivision of land into 6 lots at 401 Harrison St.
• Construction of 6 townhomes at 401 Harrison St.
• Construction of 2 flex commercial buildings with parking at 1813 Green St.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on three appeals. Items include a request to convert office space to a tattoo studio in a residential zone, a proposal to build an adult day care center with excessive steep slope disturbance, and a special use application for chemical manufacturing in an industrial district. The board will decide on these variances and special exceptions.

• 229 N 9th St: convert vacant office to tattoo studio, use not permitted in R-MH and TNDO districts
• 1415 & 1425 Lehigh St: construct adult day care center exceeding steep slope disturbance limits (25% slope: 25% permitted, 100% proposed; over 35% slope: 0% permitted, 100% proposed)
• 302-326 W Gordon St: special use for manufacture of non-extremely hazardous chemical products in I-2 and TNDO districts
• Public comments accepted by email to [email protected] until 4 pm on meeting day
• Meeting held in person and online; video recorded and posted as public record

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will discuss recommendations for the Climate Action Plan Priority List and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The body will also review updated bylaws and goal updates for 2025.

• Climate Action Plan Priority List letter approval
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommendations and review
• Amended bylaws
• Jordan Heights Tree Planting Project update
• Herbicide Resolution update

Recreation Board

The Allentown Recreation Board meeting on November 6, 2025, is largely procedural, with roll call, approval of October 2, 2025 minutes, and updates from Parks & Recreation staff on projects, recreation, and special events. No specific resolutions or financial actions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from October 2, 2025
• Parks & Recreation project updates
• Recreation program updates
• Special events updates
• Director/Deputy Director updates

City Council

Council will vote on contract approvals for police firearms ($88,210) and towing services, and on ordinances for fire station improvements and paving. It will also introduce the 2026 budget ordinances, including a solid waste fee increase to $740 and a proposed 0.5% realty transfer tax increase for housing. Several grant applications are authorized, including $21 million for a new Allentown Art Museum.

• Bill 81: $1,105,491 for ADA ramps and street paving via UGI cost share
• R163: $21 million grant application for Allentown Art Museum new facility
• R153: $88,210 contract for police firearms and accessories
• Bill 88: solid waste fee increase to $740 for 2026
• Bill 92: proposed 0.5% increase in realty transfer tax for housing

Public Works Committee

The Allentown Public Works Committee will consider Bill 81, which proposes amending the 2025 Capital Fund Budget. The amendment would add a supplemental appropriation of $1,105,491.39 from UGI for constructing ADA handicap ramps and for milling and paving streets under the Utility Paving Program. The bill is sponsored by the Administration. The agenda also lists budget discussion areas for public works, solid waste, liquid fuels, stormwater, administrative order, equipment and capital.

• Bill 81 – $1,105,491.39 supplemental appropriation from UGI for ADA ramps and street paving

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will vote on two supplemental appropriations to the 2025 Fire Department budget, funded by FEMA grants: $388,000 for sprinkler systems and $76,600 for fire alarm installations at multiple fire stations. The committee will also hold a budget discussion covering Fire, EMS, and Police departments.

• Bill 80 – $388,000 FEMA grant to purchase and install new sprinkler systems in each fire station.
• Bill 82 – $76,600 FEMA grant to purchase and install fire alarm systems at four fire stations.
• Budget discussion covering Fire, EMS, and Police departments.

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board will consider three cases: a final review for siding and window modifications at 947.5 Oak Street, a pre-review to legalize a mini split system at 231 N Fulton Street, and a pre-review for brick veneer chimney restoration at 945 Turner Street. The board will also approve minutes from the October 6, 2026 meeting. Cases recommended for approval will be forwarded to City Council on November 19, 2025.

• Final review HDC-2025-00084: Replace siding and modify window at 947.5 Oak Street (applicant Mario Barzallo)
• Pre-review HDC-2025-00112: Legalize installation of multi-zone mini split system and ducts at 231 N Fulton Street (applicant Sheldon Hertzler, owners David and Marina Martinz Proano-Lopez)
• Pre-review HDC-2025-00089: Install new brick veneer over existing chimney at 945 Turner Street (applicant Kediley Peralta, owner Genesis Alcantara Torres)

Allentown Police Pension Board

The Allentown Police Pension Board will consider Officer Hendricks’ request for police pension service credit for EMS service. All other agenda items are listed as none.

• Officer Hendricks’ request for police pension service credit for EMS service

The board moved to place Officer Hendricks’ July 2, 2025 pension credit request on hold pending a cost study, as requested by Attorney Caputo. Officer Kiskeravage made the motion, Officer Manning seconded it, and all present voted in the affirmative, so the motion passed. No other pension items were approved or denied at this meeting.

• Held Officer Hendricks’ pension credit request in abeyance (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous affirmative vote)

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will review the City of Allentown’s proposed 2026 budget. Discussion will cover the Human Resources department, including its Risk Management fund, the Department of Information Services, and non‑departmental budgets for the Solicitor, Mayor, Controller and Council. The budget narrative is posted online for reference. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on October 29, 2025 in the Council Chambers.

• Review of 2026 budget for Human Resources (including Risk Management fund)
• Review of 2026 budget for Department of Information Services
• Review of 2026 budget for non‑departmental entities: Solicitor, Mayor, Controller, Council
• Reference to online 2026 budget narrative (link provided)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss the proposed 2026 budget, including the Parks and Recreation, Golf Fund, and Trexler Fund, and review the Parks Plan.

• Discussion of the Proposed 2026 Budget and Narrative
• Review of the Parks Plan and Parks Plan Overview
• Budget discussion for Parks and Recreation, Golf Fund, and Trexler Fund

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on three zoning appeals. They will consider a revocation of a permit at 1417 Chew St, a special use application to open a laundromat at 245 N 8th St, and an appeal to convert a vacant warehouse at 1935-1949 S 5th St into 12 dwelling units with requested variances for lot area, parking, and landscaping. The meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and online.

• Appeal of zoning permit revocation at 1417 Chew St for violating condition from 2008 decision
• Special use request to convert former cell phone shop into 8-washer, 5-dryer laundromat at 245 N 8th St
• Appeal to convert vacant warehouse into 12 apartments at 1935-1949 S 5th St with 1,049 sq ft lot area per unit (1,800 required) and 29 parking spaces (44 required)
• Proposed warehouse conversion lacks required landscaping and buffer strips
• All three items are located in overlay districts including Historic Building Demolition Control and Traditional Neighborhood Overlay

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will examine the September 2025 financial reports and related documents. Members will discuss the 5‑Year Financial Plan, revenue and expenditure estimates, the Debt Service Fund, and capital projects. The proposed 2026 City Budget and its narrative are available online for reference.

• Review September 2025 financial statements
• Discuss 5‑Year Financial Plan
• Examine revenue and expenditure estimates
• Review Debt Service Fund status
• Consider capital projects and the proposed 2026 budget

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss and review various budget areas for 2026. The session focuses on funding for housing, building codes, and rental unit licensing.

• Review of Community and Economic Development Budget
• Review of Rental Unit Licensing Fund
• Review of Building Code Fund
• Review of Federal Funds
• Review of Housing Fund

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on final passage of new zoning and land development ordinances, approve several contracts including a $30,000 fireworks display, and consider a $2 million grant for the Da Vinci Science Center. The meeting also includes resolutions to name a street and approve police hires.

• New Zoning Ordinance (Bill 69) and Subdivision Ordinance (Bill 70) for final passage
• Authorization for $30,000 fireworks display contract
• Supplemental appropriation of $2,000,000 for Da Vinci Science Center
• Resolution to name 500 block of Hickory Street as Jerry Christian Way
• Resolution to appoint four new police officers at $70,493 base salary

The council dedicated the 500 block of Hickory Street as Jerry Christian Way. It approved contracts for American Fireworks Company, Aspirant Consulting Group, Heritage Conservation Collective, MGT Impact Solutions, Michael Baker International, and cooperative contracts for PR Commercial Painting LLC and Traffic Logix Corporation. Each contract was authorized for the amounts specified in the minutes.

• Dedicated 500 block of Hickory Street as Jerry Christian Way (Resolution 149)
• Approved contract with American Fireworks Company for $30,000 per year (Resolution 141)
• Approved contract with Aspirant Consulting Group for $18,500 per year (Resolution 142)
• Approved contract with Heritage Conservation Collective for $19,050 (Resolution 143)
• Approved contract with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC for $39,339 (Resolution 144)
• Approved contract with Michael Baker International for $72,708 (Resolution 145)
• Approved cooperative contracts over $40,000 for PR Commercial Painting LLC and Traffic Logix Corporation (Resolution 146)

City Council

The Allentown City Council will hold a public hearing on Bill 69-2025 (new Zoning Ordinance) and Bill 70-2025 (new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance). Following the hearing, at the regular meeting starting at 6:30 PM, the Council may vote to adopt both bills, which would repeal existing chapters and replace them with new ordinances and zoning maps.

• Public hearing on Bill 69-2025 for a new Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map.
• Public hearing on Bill 70-2025 for a new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
• Potential adoption of both bills immediately following the hearing at the regular council meeting.
• Attachments include letters of support from organizations such as LANTA, Lehigh Conference of Churches, and the Allentown EAC.

The council conducted a public hearing on Bill 69‑2025 (Zoning Ordinance) and Bill 70‑2025 (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance). No vote or adoption was recorded; the hearing was adjourned at 6:07 p.m. after public comments. The bills had been forwarded to the hearing unanimously for possible adoption later that evening.

• Bills forwarded to public hearing unanimously (no vote recorded)
• Public hearing adjourned (no vote recorded)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider Bill 77, which amends the 2025 Equipment Fund Budget to increase funding by $27,910 from the General Fund Fire Department Equipment Account. The additional funds cover extra costs for two Seagraves pumper fire trucks identified by specific VINs. The agenda also includes routine procedural items such as roll call and adjournment.

• Bill 77: Transfer $27,910 from General Fund Fire Department Equipment Account to cover additional costs for Seagraves Pumper VIN #1F9EB28T6SCST2052 and Seagraves Pumper #1F9EB28T4SCST2051.

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is considering two bills that would authorize supplemental appropriations for park improvements. Bill 78 would allocate $79,489.91 from the Trexler Fund and Cedar Beach Improvements fund for a spray park at Roosevelt Park. Bill 79 would allocate $72,869 from the Allentown Parknership to support construction of a basketball court.

• Bill 78: $77,805 from Trexler Fund and $1,684.91 from Cedar Beach Improvements for Roosevelt Park spray park
• Bill 79: $72,869 from Allentown Parknership for basketball court construction

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will consider two amendments to the 2025 Grant Fund. Bill 75 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $26,703 from the PA DCED Local Share Account Grant for the Allentown Patriots Athletic Association. Bill 76 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $2,000,000 from the PA State Office of the Budget RACP grant for the Da Vinci Science Center. Both items are presented by the Administration.

• Bill 75 – $26,703 supplemental appropriation for Allentown Patriots Athletic Association (PA DCED Local Share Account Grant)
• Bill 76 – $2,000,000 supplemental appropriation for Da Vinci Science Center (PA State Office of the Budget RACP grant)

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will review several development projects, including mixed-use apartments and self-storage facilities. Two items are postponed, and the commission will also approve previous meeting minutes.

• Approval of September 9th meeting minutes
• Review of mixed-use apartments at 826 Turner Street
• Review of self-storage project at 1940 Fairview St (postponed)
• Review of apartment project at 836 Constitution Dr (postponed)
• Review of warehouse conversion to apartments at 1935 S 5th St

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will consider three appeals at its October 13 meeting. Items include a request to establish an auto repair garage at 1525 Hanover Ave with insufficient parking, a reaffirmation of a church use at 1401 S Front St, and a special exception to convert vacant commercial space into a dwelling unit at 322-324 Ridge Ave. The board will also hear continued business from August 28.

• 1525 Hanover Ave: Appeal to establish auto repair garage; off-street parking short by 3 spaces and vehicle entrance within 50 ft of residential use
• 1401 S Front St: Reaffirmation of zoning decision for Allentown Central Free Methodist Church to continue use as place of worship
• 322-324 Ridge Ave: Continued from August 28; converting 1st floor commercial space into one dwelling unit and laundry room, lot area insufficient per unit

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will discuss and potentially approve the Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) document, along with letters on ZONE Allentown and invasive species. Members will also review goal updates, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the Climate Action Plan priority list. New business includes a containerization survey update and discussion of solar data collection.

• Approve Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) document
• Approve ZONE Allentown final letter
• Approve Invasive Species Recommendation Letter on herbicide reduction
• Review Parks and Recreation Master Plan status
• Receive Containerization Survey update

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will discuss updates on several properties including 1238-1240 19th Street, 136 S. 8th Street, and Phase 1 Proposals. They will also review an intergovernmental agreement and consider reimbursement for MLS fees. Financial reports and invoices are scheduled for approval.

• 1238-1240 19th Street - Update
• 136 S. 8th Street - Update
• Phase 1 Proposals - Update
• Review of intergovernmental agreement
• MLS Fees - Reimbursement Discussion

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will consider pre-review items for window replacements, siding work, and a mini-split system installation. The board will also discuss a historic resource survey and community engagement materials.

• Review window installation at 427 N Lumber Street
• Review siding and window modifications at 947.5 Oak Street
• Review mini-split system legalization at 231 N Fulton Street
• Review exterior painting at 311 N 9th Street
• Discuss Historic Resource Survey recommendations

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hear three appeals at its October 6, 2025 meeting. The first appeal (A-2025-00174) seeks to convert a vacant first‑floor restaurant and second‑floor rear space at 16 E Susquehanna St into three two‑bedroom apartments (four dwelling units) in a Limited Business/Residential (B-1/R) district, but the proposal does not meet lot‑area and lot‑width requirements. The second appeal (A-2025-00441) requests reaffirmation of a prior variance allowing 211 Tilghman St to be changed from a beauty salon to two two‑bedroom units, also in a B-1/R district. The third appeal (A-2025-00587) asks to maintain a 9 × 14 ft shed at 2904 Elm Ct despite a side‑yard setback shortfall in a Medium Low Density Residential (R-ML) district.

• A-2025-00174 – conversion of vacant restaurant at 16 E Susquehanna St to four residential units; lot area 3,300 sf (required 6,000 sf) and lot width 30 ft (required 40 ft).
• A-2025-00441 – reaffirmation of variance for 211 Tilghman St to convert former beauty salon into two two‑bedroom dwelling units.
• A-2025-00587 – request to keep a 9 × 14 ft shed at 2904 Elm Ct; side‑yard setback 4.5 ft (required 6 ft).

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board will meet to discuss personnel reports from the Allentown Fire and Police Departments. The board is reviewing applicant accommodations and scheduling for upcoming departmental tests.

• Allentown Fire Department report on applicant accommodations with DD214
• Allentown Fire Department written testing dates
• Allentown Police Department Sergeant Promotional Testing
• Allentown Police Department Patrolman Entry Level Testing

Recreation Board

The Recreation Board will consider approval of the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Members will discuss summer event plans and receive updates on various parks and recreation projects, special events, and departmental matters. No specific contracts, rezoning actions, or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of summer events
• Updates on parks and recreation projects
• Updates on special events
• Director and Deputy Director reports

The Recreation Board approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Dave Snyder and a second by William Rhoades. Members received updates on projects such as trout‑creek work, the Dixon St bridge, and upcoming park installations. The board discussed communication issues with city officials and planned a follow‑up meeting in November.

• Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (all members approved)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:02 PM (motion by Becki and Bill Rhoads)

City Council

City Council will consider several contract approvals, including $200,000 for a climate action plan and $19,740 for HVAC engineering at City Hall. A resolution authorizes a $7.5 million grant application for the Allentown Art Museum. Ordinances introduce supplemental appropriations for the Allentown Patriots, Da Vinci Science Center, fire pumpers, a Roosevelt Park spray park, and a basketball court at Stevens Park.

• R130: $200,000 contract with WSP USA for first Climate Action Plan
• R141: Resolution to apply for $7.5M state grant for Allentown Art Museum
• R128: $19,740 to HT Lyons for VAV system renovation at City Hall and Public Safety Building
• Bill 76: $2M pass-through grant appropriation for Da Vinci Science Center
• Bill 78: $77,805 from Trexler Fund for Roosevelt Park spray park construction

The Allentown City Council approved three contracts: a $19,740 engineering services contract with HT Lyons, a contract with Penn Credit Corporation for collection services that passed unanimously (7‑0), and a $200,000 contract with WSP USA Inc. to develop the city’s Climate Action Plan. All three contracts were adopted during the October 1, 2025 meeting.

• Approved $19,740 contract with HT Lyons for engineering services (R128)
• Approved Penn Credit Corporation contract for collection services (R129) – unanimous 7‑0 vote
• Approved $200,000 contract with WSP USA Inc. for Climate Action Plan development (R130)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss committee and council priorities and an administration overview. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers.

• Discussion of Committee/Council Priorities
• Administration Overview and priorities
• Roll Call: Chair Gerlach, Santos, Affa

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will discuss department budget priorities at this meeting. No specific budgets or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda. The meeting consists of roll call, the budget discussion, and adjournment.

• Discussion of department budget priorities

City Council

The Allentown City Council is holding a special meeting to review and accept public testimony on Bills 69 and 70. Bill 69 would repeal the existing Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 660) and adopt a new zoning ordinance and zoning map. Bill 70 would repeal the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 350) and adopt a replacement. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion and public-comment session.

• Bill 69 – complete replacement of Chapter 660 (Zoning) and adoption of a new Zoning Map
• Bill 70 – complete replacement of Chapter 350 (Subdivision and Land Development)
• Attachments include LVPC letters, ACPC memos, and letters of support from community groups
• Presentation by Planning staff on the proposed changes

City Council

The Allentown City Council will meet to approve a legal services contract for $51,250 and vote on renaming Valania Park. The meeting includes a Consent Agenda with sewage planning modules and committee reports.

• Authorize legal services contract for $51,250
• Rename Valania Park to honor Clyde Bosket, Sr.
• Approve sewage planning modules for 420 N. Albright Ave, 326-336 Hanover Ave, and 1002 Walnut St
• Authorize cooperative contracts for public safety equipment
• Committee of the Whole to meet Sept 24 to review Bills 69 and 70

Council moved Resolution R127 to the front of the agenda with a motion to suspend the rules. The motion and the resolution were both adopted unanimously. The resolution renames Valania Park at S. 6th and Union Streets in memory of Mr. Clyde Bosket Sr. The Parks and Recreation Commission voiced opposition but no vote was taken on that concern.

• Motion to suspend rules approved (unanimous)
• Resolution R127 to move to front of agenda approved (unanimous)
• Resolution R127 renaming Valania Park after Clyde Bosket Sr. approved (unanimous)

Budget and Finance Committee

The Allentown Budget and Finance Committee will discuss budget priorities, including a proposal from Councilperson Gerlach to increase the deed transfer tax by 0.5% and place the revenue into a designated fund. The committee will also review monthly financial reports for July and August 2025 and hear administration priorities.

• Discussion of increasing deed transfer tax by 0.5% to create a new fund (proposed by Councilperson Gerlach)
• Review of monthly finances for August 2025
• Review of monthly finances for July 2025
• Budget priorities presentation by Administration
• Committee remarks for August 2025

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss budget priorities. The agenda includes reviews of police staffing, community policing, and compensation for in-house CIS workers.

• Discussion of noise cameras
• Police staffing levels
• Community policing initiatives
• Salary and paygrade for in-house CIS workers

Redevelopment Authority

The Allentown Redevelopment Authority will consider a request for proposals for 540 Hamilton Street, review the mortgage assumption process, and discuss new funding opportunities including gap funding for 136 N 8th Street and a sheriff sale at 1238-1240 19th Street. They will also approve minutes, financial reports, and an inventory update.

• 540 Hamilton RFP
• 332 Front Street Housing Fair update
• 136 N 8th Gap Funding opportunity
• 1238-1240 19th Street Sheriff Sale opportunity
• Mortgage Assumption Process Review

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss budget priorities and incentives for a landlord engagement program. Members will review options for the deed transfer tax and the development of an affordable housing fund.

• Incentives for the landlord engagement program
• City investment in workforce units
• Options for the deed transfer tax
• Development of an Affordable Housing ‘Fund’
• Budget priorities for the Community and Economic Development Department

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will approve the minutes from the August 12 meeting and discuss several development projects, including a coffee shop and new apartment buildings. It will review extension requests for a warehouse and a mixed‑use apartment building. The commission will also vote on two bills that repeal existing zoning and land‑development codes and adopt new ordinances and maps.

• Bill 69-2025: repeal Chapter 660 zoning and adopt a new zoning ordinance and map
• Bill 70-2025: repeal Chapter 350 land development and subdivision and adopt a new ordinance
• Eastside Land Development – six 30‑unit apartment buildings at 635 E Turner Street
• Allentown Commerce Park Warehouse extension – 154,440 sq ft industrial building at 1601 S 12th Street
• Seven Brew Coffee – 540 sq ft premanufactured building with cooler/storage at 385 S Cedar Crest Blvd

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will meet to hear three appeals regarding residential construction and use. The board will consider a request to build a three-unit apartment building, a special use application for a barber shop, and a request to convert a single-family home into a two-family dwelling.

• Appeal of AnB Realty to build a 3-unit multifamily dwelling at 1008 S 6th St
• Special Use Application for a 1-chair barber shop at 1434-1436 Liberty St
• Appeal of Nicholas Birosik to convert a single-family dwelling to two-family at 1928 Walnut St

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will consider a proposal by Victor Velazques to paint masonry at 311 N 9th Street. A recommendation to approve would be forwarded to Allentown City Council on October 1, 2025; a denial would go to the Community and Economic Development Committee.

• Proposal to paint masonry at 311 N 9th Street (applicant Victor Velazques, case HDC-2025-00069)

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will hear from the Allentown SWEEP Department on containerization requirements for trash and recycling, including ordinance history and specific suggestions. The council will also review updates on the Environmental Resource Inventory, the Climate Action Plan Priority List, and several land development proposals.

• Special guest presentation from Allentown SWEEP on trash/recycling containerization ordinance requirements
• Jordan Heights Tree Planting Project and Birdtown habitat recognition discussion
• Review of draft Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) outline
• AEAC review of Eastside Land Development and Seven Brew Coffee proposals
• Old business: Parks and Recreation Master Plan status and Act 537 update

Civil Service Board

This is a procedural meeting of the Allentown Civil Service Board. The board will approve minutes from August 1st and receive reports from the Fire and Police Departments. No new business or specific actions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from August 1, 2025
• Allentown Fire Department report
• Allentown Police Department report
• Next meeting scheduled for October 3, 2025

Recreation Board

The Allentown Recreation Board will approve the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes. Members will receive communications including a welcome to a new board member. The board will hear Parks & Recreation staff reports on various project, recreation and special‑event updates, followed by discussion of old and new business.

• Approve June 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Welcome new board member and committee introductions
• Parks & Recreation staff reports on various project updates
• Recreation and special events updates
• Discussion of old business and new business

The Recreation Board approved the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The board also adopted a position statement opposing the City Council's planned renaming of Valania Park, citing lack of board consultation and limited community input. Both motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted position opposing Valania Park renaming (unanimous)

City Council

The Allentown City Council will consider several contract authorizations, including a $1,773,750 recycling services contract with Cougle's Recycling, Inc. Other contracts include a $50,000 annual consulting agreement with Bowman Consulting Group and a $622,860.95 financing contract for a Seagrave Marauder fire pumper. The council will also vote on historic district certificates of appropriateness for 428 N 6th St and 28 N 15th St, and adopt updates to the Regional Act 537 Plan.

• Authorization for contract with Cougle's Recycling, Inc. – $1,773,750.00 for recyclable material services (5‑year term starting Jan 1 2026)
• Authorization for contract with Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. – $50,000.00 per year for grant‑application technical assistance (3‑year term with two 1‑year renewals)
• Authorization for contract with BankFunding, LLC – $622,860.95 to finance one Seagrave Marauder pumper for five years
• Certificate of Appropriateness for work in the Historic District at 428 N 6th St
• Resolution adopting updates to the Regional Act 537 Plan for Lehigh County

The council moved to contract approvals and authorized a contract with Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. for an estimated $50,000 per year to provide technical assistance on grant applications. The contract will run for three years with two optional one‑year renewals. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved $50,000 per year contract with Bowman Consulting Group (no vote tally recorded)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider Resolution R113, which adopts updates to the Regional Act 537 Plan covering Lehigh County, including Allentown, and authorizes submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The plan addresses wastewater/sewer management and includes numerous supporting appendices.

• Resolution R113 adopting and submitting the updated Regional Act 537 Plan to the PA DEP
• Appendices include planning area maps, hydric soils, floodplain maps, sewer IMA term sheet, financial cost allocation model, and public comments

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will hear the auditor's presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for 2024. The committee may also approve the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting. This is the sole substantive item on the agenda.

• Auditor presentation: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for 2024
• Approval of June 4, 2025 meeting minutes

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review four appeals regarding land use and zoning exceptions. The board is considering requests to change business types and convert commercial or single-family spaces into multi-unit residential dwellings.

• 420 S Jane St: Request to convert family childcare to group childcare (7-12 children)
• 635 EMAUS AVE: Request to convert a dental office into a nail salon & spa
• 322 324 Ridge Ave: Request to convert vacant 1st floor commercial space into two dwelling units
• 28 & 30 S Jefferson St: Request to convert two single-family dwellings into two two-family dwellings

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on several contracts, budget adjustments, and new ordinances. A key item is Bill 72, which would authorize up to $134,040,000 in general obligation bonds to fund city capital projects. Other items include contract approvals for insurance services, street tree work, and a mental‑health liaison program, as well as budget transfers for a cardboard baler and an electric‑vehicle pilot.

• Bill 72 – authorizes up to $134,040,000 in general obligation bonds for capital projects
• R107 – $160,000 contract with USI Insurance Services for employee benefits and wellness program
• R108 – $105,710 contract with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company for tree work on Ridge Ave and 2nd Street
• Bill 71 – $153,000 supplemental appropriation to purchase a cardboard baler for the Recycling Drop‑Off Center
• Bill 73 – $382,548 increase to the Equipment Fund for electric passenger vehicles and EV chargers

Public Works Committee

The committee will review a budget amendment to the 2025 Solid Waste Fund. The proposal seeks to allocate funds for a new cardboard baler at the Recycling Drop Off Center.

• Bill 71: Supplemental appropriation of $153,000 for a cardboard baler
• 902 Municipal Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant of $200,000

O&E, Fire, Police and Aggregate Pension Boards

The O&E, Fire, Police, and Aggregate Pension Boards will meet to approve pension revisions for retirees. No new business or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of November 19, 2024 minutes
• Pension revision for Elwood Hoffert ($26,189.39)
• Pension revision for Suzanne Markowitz ($7,891.06)
• Pension revision for Louis Wolf ($8,201.83)
• Pension revision for Shirley Baum ($6,567.68)

Allentown Police Pension Board

The Allentown Police Pension Board will consider approving the minutes from February 18, 2025, and a new pension for Mark Christensen ($54,861.60 annually, starting July 9, 2030), along with a 36-month military buy-back. They will also ratify pensions previously approved by written vote for Karl Kozlowski ($101,808.73 annually) and Matt Karnish ($99,067.83 annually). Additionally, the board will approve pension revisions for widows Katherine Gerhard ($11,989.76) and Sherrill Howells ($26,195.97). No old or new business, disability requests, or other buy-backs are on the agenda.

• New pension for Mark Christensen: $54,861.60/yr, effective July 2030, plus 36-month military buy-back
• Ratification of pensions for Karl Kozlowski ($101,808.73/yr) and Matt Karnish ($99,067.83/yr)
• Pension revisions for widows Katherine Gerhard ($11,989.76) and Sherrill Howells ($26,195.97)
• Approval of minutes from February 18, 2025
• No disability pension requests or other buy-backs

The Allentown Police Pension Board approved the minutes of the February 18, 2025 meeting. It then approved a new pension of $54,861.60 for Mark Christensen, to begin July 9, 2030. Finally, the board ratified previously written‑vote pensions for Karl Kozlowski ($101,808.73 annually) and Matt Karnish ($99,067.83 annually). All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved Feb. 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Mark Christensen’s pension $54,861.60 beginning 9 July 2030 (unanimous)
• Approved Karl Kozlowski’s pension $101,808.73 annually (unanimous)
• Approved Matt Karnish’s pension $99,067.83 annually (unanimous)

Allentown Fire Pension Board

The Allentown Fire Pension Board will consider approval of the May 20, 2025 meeting minutes. The board will also approve a pension payment of $78,407.06 per year for Michael Zellin. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Approval of May 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Pension payment to Michael Zellin, $78,407.06 per year

The Allentown Fire Pension Board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting. The board also approved Michael Zellin’s pension of $78,407.06 per year. No other business was considered and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Michael Zellin’s pension of $78,407.06 per year (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Allentown Aggregate Pension Board

The Allentown Aggregate Pension Board will meet to approve minutes from a previous session and review performance updates from Marquette Associates and Cheiron.

• Approval of May 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Marquette Associates performance and real estate update
• Cheiron valuation reports and ASOP 4 revisions

The board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting. It voted to rebalance the police, fire, and O&E funds as outlined in the discussion materials. The board also adopted the Pub 2016 mortality table for the O&E plan. All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Rebalanced police fund as described in discussion materials (unanimous)
• Rebalanced fire fund as described in discussion materials (unanimous)
• Rebalanced O&E fund as described in discussion materials (unanimous)
• Adopted Pub 2016 mortality table for O&E plan (unanimous)

Disruptive Conduct Board of Appeals

The Disruptive Conduct Board of Appeals will convene at City Hall to conduct a roll call, hold a hearing on a disruptive conduct appeal, and then adjourn. No other agenda items are listed.

• DCR Appeal Hearing

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will meet to review staff financial and inventory reports. The body will discuss the re-certification of blighted properties and a mortgage purchase opportunity.

• Re-certification of blighted properties
• Mortgage purchase opportunity
• Homeownership program update
• Reimbursement of acquired properties

City Council

City Council will discuss options for managing an encampment at Jordan and consider Bill 72. This bill proposes securing general obligation bonds to fund various city capital projects.

• Bill 72: Issuance of general obligation bonds up to $134,040,000 for capital projects
• Discussion on Jordan encampment options, including funding early opening of the Y and eviction extensions

Planning Commission

The commission will first approve the minutes from the July 8 meeting. It will then discuss three land‑development applications: a Riverside Drive roadway plan at 4 Jordan Drive, a 90‑unit apartment project at 2268 S 12th Street, and a drive‑through coffee shop at 2952 Lehigh Street. Applicants are required to attend the meeting.

• Riverside Drive (preliminary/final) – construction from Furnace Street to City Line, 4 Jordan Drive, applicant Michael Baker International.
• 12th Street Apartments (preliminary/final) – 40‑unit adaptive reuse plus 50‑unit new 5‑story building, 2268 S 12th Street, applicant Gouck Architects.
• Seven Brew Coffee (preliminary/final) – 540 sq ft pre‑manufactured drive‑through coffee shop with ancillary structures, 2952 Lehigh Street, applicant Brian Evans.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will consider four appeals at its August 11 meeting. The appeals involve adding residential units and parking at 344‑377 W Gordon St, converting a garage at 2912 Lehigh St into living space, reaffirming a subdivision and garage conversions at 1418‑1420 Walnut St, and permitting a new public school building at 1600 Hanover Ave. Each appeal raises specific zoning insufficiencies that the board will evaluate.

• A-2025-00283 – 344‑377 W Gordon St: add 20 one‑bedroom units, 23 parking spaces, 18 storage units; lot area and parking short of requirements.
• A-2025-00314 – 2912 Lehigh St: convert a 171 sf garage to living space; front‑yard paving exceeds allowed 50% coverage.
• A-2025-00476 – 1418‑1420 Walnut St: request reaffirmation/extension of subdivision and garage‑to‑dwelling conversions; driving aisle width below required 24 ft.
• A-2025-00505 – 1600 Hanover Ave: construct new public school building; proposed slope disturbance exceeds 25‑35% and ≥35% limits.

Environmental Advisory Council

The council will discuss energy efficiency, air quality, and litter reduction efforts. Members will review the City of Allentown Climate Action Plan priority list and a noise ordinance. The meeting includes a presentation on invasive plants.

• EV Pilot Program vote
• Jordan Heights Tree Planting Project funding update
• Reviews of 7 Brew, 12th Street Apartments, and Riverside Drive
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan 30 day Public Review Period
• Litter reduction draft letter and SWEEP x Keep Allentown Beautiful collaboration

City Council

The Allentown City Council conducted a public hearing on Bill 47, which would rezone parcel 2851‑2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential (R‑L) to Institutional‑Governmental (I‑G). Representatives from Cedar Crest College explained the proposed conversion to an academic center. No vote was taken; the ordinance will be considered at a later council meeting.

City Council

City Council will vote on several budget amendments, including funding for police and fire academy towers and a rezoning request for Cedar Crest College. The body is also reviewing multiple contract approvals for infrastructure, auditing, and sanitation services.

• Contract of $2,158,813.45 with Construction Masters Services, LLC for 7th Street & Hamilton and 7th Street & Linden intersection improvements
• Bill 47: Request to rezone 2851-2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential to Institutional-Governmental for Cedar Crest College
• Bill 61: $182,000 appropriation for the Police Academy range tower replacement
• Bill 62: $200,375 appropriation to repair the Fire Academy Training Tower
• Bill 66: $2,750,000 increase to Capital Fund Budget for the Center Square Project at 7th & Hamilton

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss two bills to amend the 2025 Trexler Fund budget. These proposals seek to allocate additional funds for park projects and capital upgrades.

• Bill 60: $18,178.66 supplemental appropriation for Trexler Memorial Park projects
• Bill 68: $120,720.00 supplemental appropriation for Court Upgrades, Roosevelt Park, and Rose Garden capital projects

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will hear controller intern presentations on three process flowcharts. The main action is Bill 65, which proposes transferring $567,951.31 from the General Fund's unappropriated balance to the Liquid Fuels Fund to correct a prior audit finding regarding paving approvals. The transfer addresses a state DOT requirement for paving over one inch that was not met in audits from 2016-2020.

• Bill 65: Transfer $567,951.31 from General Fund to Liquid Fuels Fund for prior paving audit correction
• Controller intern presentation: Refunds in Revenue & Audit process flowchart by Emma Sanford
• Controller intern presentation: Municipal Pools process flowchart by Thomas Kirkopoulos
• Controller intern presentation: SWEEP process flowchart by Caden Reph

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will review five applications for property modifications. The board decides whether to recommend these requests for approval by the Allentown City Council.

• Window replacement at 229 N 9th Street
• Roof replacement at 1619 Turner Street
• Window replacement at 427 N Lumber Street
• Painted masonry at 311 N 9th Street
• Detached signage at 28 N 15th Street

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Civil Service Board will discuss updates regarding firefighter entry and promotional testing. The board will also review vendor selection for police sergeant promotional testing.

• Firefighter agility tests scheduled for 08/14/2025 and 08/15/2025
• Provisional appointment of Jon Steed
• Vendor selection for Sergeant Promotional Testing
• Status update on rule changes for August 08, 2025
• Disposition of pending appeals

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss Bill 64. This ordinance concerns the expenditure of funds received from federal housing and community development acts.

• Bill 64: Ordinance for expenditure of HUD, HEARTH Act, and National Affordable Housing Act funds

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will review the finalized 2025 Goal Document and the draft Mid‑Year Review Report. Council members will consider and approve the attached letter (document 240718_AEAC_LOS_ACT537). The meeting also includes a brief update on upcoming events and sets the date for the next council meeting on August 11, 2025.

• Review of 2025 Goal Document (AEAC_2025_Goals_Final)
• Review of Mid‑Year Review Report (AEAC_Mid-YearReview_JulyDraft)
• Approval of letter (240718_AEAC_LOS_ACT537)
• Discussion of upcoming events
• Scheduling next AEAC meeting for August 11, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear two appeals. The first is an appeal by MFB Allentown, L.P. to extend the expiration date of a permit to construct a warehouse at 1811 S Glenwood Street in the Limited Industrial (I-2) District. The second is an appeal by Wilson A. Renynoso Ceballos to construct a 12’x23’x14’ deck at 2125 Gordon Street, increasing the nonconformity of a rear‑yard setback in the Medium Density Residential (R-M) and Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay districts. Members of the public may appear to support or object to the appeals.

• Appeal to extend expiration date for warehouse permit at 1811 S Glenwood St (Limited Industrial I-2 District)
• Appeal to construct 12’x23’x14’ deck at 2125 Gordon St, affecting rear‑yard setback in Medium Density Residential (R-M) and TNDO districts

City Council

City Council will vote on several budget amendments, including funding for the Main Street Program and the MLK Trail extension. The body will also consider adopting the Walk Works Bike Plan and various infrastructure contracts.

• Bill 58: $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation for MLK Trail Extension construction
• Bill 53: $300,000 supplemental appropriation for the Main Street Program
• R91: Approval of the Walk Works Bike Plan for citywide bicycle infrastructure
• R82: $268,474 contract with AMGG, LLC for facility condition assessment
• Bill 59: Vacation of Hill Street from South 22nd Street to South Ruhr Street

The Allentown City Council authorized a $17,522 change order for Penn Mount Stone, LLC to repair a WPA staircase (R79). It also approved a $5,500 change order for Pennoni Associates, Inc. for structural evaluations (R80) and a $37,456 change order for Michael Baker International for D&L Trail design (R81). Finally, the council awarded a $268,474 contract to AMGG, LLC for a city‑wide facility condition assessment (R82).

• Approved $17,522.00 change order for Penn Mount Stone, LLC (R79)
• Approved $5,500.00 change order for Pennoni Associates, Inc. (R80)
• Approved $37,456.00 change order for Michael Baker International, Inc. (R81)
• Approved $268,474.00 contract with AMGG, LLC for facility condition assessment (R82)
• Approved $159,950.00 contract with Simone Collins Landscape Architecture for Franklin Park design (R83)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will consider three funding amendments. Bill 54 would add $121,750 from the unappropriated balance of the 2025 Trexler Fund and increase the city match by $7,305 to meet a 6% requirement. Bill 56 would add $193,305 from the same Trexler Fund to the department’s operating and capital budgets. Bill 58 would allocate a $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund construction of the MLK Trail Extension. The committee will also approve minutes from the April 16 and May 7, 2025 meetings.

• Bill 54: $121,750 supplemental appropriation from Trexler Fund, city match increase $7,305
• Bill 56: $193,305 supplemental appropriation from Trexler Fund
• Bill 58: $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation from PA DCED for MLK Trail Extension
• Approval of April 16, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting minutes
• Approval of May 7, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting minutes

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider Bill 55, which proposes an amendment to the 2025 General Fund budget. The amendment would change the Fixed Cost Distribution for seven positions in the Department of Community & Economic Development, moving part of their salary and benefits costs to the Grant Fund Recompete Program budget. The change is intended to reflect work performed under the grant. The bill is sponsored by the Administration.

• Bill 55 – Amend Fixed Cost Distribution for 7 DCED positions, shifting salary/benefits costs to Grant Fund Recompete Program budget

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss Bill 59. This proposal involves the vacation of a section of Hill Street in the Eighteenth Ward.

• Bill 59: Vacation of Hill Street from the centerline of South 22nd Street to the centerline of South Ruhr Street

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for a roof replacement at 1550 Chew Street. The decision was made by Chair Mota, Napoli, and Hendricks.

• Denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for 1550 Chew Street
• Review of roof replacement at 1550 Chew Street
• Meeting held at City Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will consider three appeals on July 21: a request to convert a vacant indoor recreation space into a dog day care and boarding kennel at 627 Hamilton St (a use not permitted in the district), a special use application for a non-profit youth boxing community center at 1518-1526 W Walnut St, and a special exception for partial demolition of a historic turret roof at 36 S Madison St. The meeting is in person and online; public comments may be submitted by email before 4 pm on the meeting date.

• Appeal A-2025-00269: 627 Hamilton St – convert vacant indoor recreation to kennel use (dog day care/boarding) with accessory retail, not permitted in B-2, HSO, TNDO districts
• Appeal A-2025-00333: 1518-1526 W Walnut St – special use for non-profit community center (youth boxing) in R-MH, HBDO, TNDO districts
• Appeal A-2024-00954: 36 S Madison St – special exception for partial demolition of original turret roof in Historic Building Demolition Overlay District

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will review a supplemental appropriation for the Main Street Program. The body will also consider the denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a property on Chew Street.

• Bill 53: $300,000 supplemental appropriation for the Main Street Program
• Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1550 Chew Street

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategy

The Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategy committee will consider Bill 57, which amends the 2025 General Fund budget to allow upgrading, retitling, and adding positions in the Law, Finance, City Council, Police, and Public Works departments. This is the only item on the agenda.

• Bill 57: Amends 2025 General Fund budget to upgrade, retitle, and add positions in Law, Finance, City Council, Police, and Public Works departments.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will meet on July 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers and online to consider three appeals. The appeals include a request to convert a vacant single‑family dwelling at 33‑35 S 15th St into a halfway house, a joint application to convert two single‑family homes at 28 & 30 S Jefferson St into two‑family dwellings, and an appeal to change an attached single‑family dwelling at 935 S 4th St into a salon and apartments, which is currently not permitted. All appellants must appear, and the public may submit comments by 4 p.m. on the meeting day.

• A-2025-00227: Special Use Application to convert vacant SFD at 33‑35 S 15th St to a halfway house (Special Exception).
• A-2025-00233: Joint Special Use Application to convert 28 & 30 S Jefferson St single‑family homes to two‑family dwellings (Special Exception).
• A-2025-00258: Appeal to convert attached SFD at 935 S 4th St to a salon and 2‑BR apartments (use not permitted).

Environmental Advisory Council

The council will review goal updates regarding energy efficiency, air quality, and litter reduction. Members will discuss the Climate Action Plan RFP opening July 24th and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey. The meeting includes discussions on tree preservation and potential collaborations with Salisbury EAC.

• Climate Action Plan RFP opening July 24th
• Jordan Heights Tree Planting Project updates
• Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) and ZONE Allentown updates
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey
• Tree preservation and Walking Purchase Park collaboration

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public meetings to receive comments on proposed new zoning ordinance, zoning map, and subdivision/land development ordinance. They will also consider land development plans: a 54,000 sq ft building at 1401 S 12th Street (sketch), redevelopment of a bank at 702 Hamilton Street (preliminary/final), and construction of Riverside Drive from Furnace Street to City Line (preliminary/final). The meeting includes approval of June 10th minutes.

• Public hearing on proposed new zoning ordinance
• Public hearing on proposed new zoning map
• Public hearing on proposed new subdivision and land development ordinance
• Preliminary/final plan for redevelopment of bank at 702 Hamilton Street (One Center Square)
• Preliminary/final plan for construction of Riverside Drive from Furnace Street to City Line

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will consider several renovation and construction proposals, including a new apartment building at 428-436 N 6th Street. Recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for final approval on August 6, 2025. Items not approved will be sent to other city committees or rescheduled.

• HDC-2024-00059: Replace all single doors on the Band Shell at 1515 Linden Street with solid wood doors.
• HDC-2025-00048: Replace an aluminum‑capped window with a vinyl‑framed, wood‑veneer window at 229 N 9th Street.
• HDC-2025-00059: Replace red 3‑Tab roofing with GAF Timberline HDZ shingles at 1619 Turner Street.
• HDC-2025-00062: Install 20 Simonton 6100 Series vinyl windows at 1420 Linden Street.
• HDC-2025-00064: Review new apartment building proposal at 428-436 N 6th Street.

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board will consider approving the 2025 Police Lieutenant Eligibility List and discuss related appeals scheduling. They will also receive updates on Fire Department rule changes, entry testing vendor selection, and upcoming promotional and agility tests.

• 2025 Police Lieutenant Eligibility List – Approval
• Fire Department rule changes status update
• Firefighter entry testing vendor selection
• Upcoming promotional testing for Captain, Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Captain of Suppression
• Police Sergeant promotional testing vendor selection

Redevelopment Authority

The Allentown Redevelopment Authority will review and approve payment of 24 invoices that total $34,403.02. The meeting also includes a draft audit report presentation by Maher Dussel staff, discussion of a Home Ownership Program with partners, and a possible property acquisition. Routine items such as the Treasurer's financial report and inventory updates are also on the agenda.

• Approve payment for 24 invoices totaling $34,403.02
• Draft Audit Report presentation by Maher Dussel staff
• Discuss Home Ownership Program details and partners
• Consider possible property acquisition
• Review marketing ideas for 323 N 9th Street, 1st floor

City Council

City Council will vote on several budget amendments, including funding for bridge repairs and the MLK Trail. The body will also consider adopting the Walk Works Bike Plan and amending the zoning code's definition of community centers.

• Contract with H & P Construction, Inc. for $2,152,557.18 to rehabilitate Bogert’s Bridge
• Resolution 76 to approve the Walk Works Bike Plan
• Bill 16 to remove senior citizen meal limitations from the community center zoning definition
• Bill 50 to appropriate $750,000 from RACP for Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation
• Bill 58 to appropriate $1,000,000 from DCED for the MLK Trail Extension

The Allentown City Council approved cooperative contracts over $40,000 for Esri Inc., Tactical Public Safety and General Highway Products. It also approved a $2,152,557.18 contract with H & P Construction to rehabilitate Bogert’s Bridge, funded by a PennDOT TASA Grant. An administrative motion moved Bill 16 to the front of the agenda, and the council suspended the rules to pull the Walk Works Bike Plan (R76) out of order for discussion. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved cooperative contracts >$40,000 for Esri Inc., Tactical Public Safety, General Highway Products
• Approved $2,152,557.18 Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation contract (PennDOT TASA Grant funded)
• Moved Bill 16 to the front of the agenda (administrative decision)
• Suspended rules to pull R76 (Walk Works Bike Plan) out of order for discussion

City Council

City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Bill No. 16-2025, which amends the zoning code to remove the limitation that meal preparation and provision is only for senior citizens in the definition of a community center. The revised definition would allow any public or nonprofit group or agency to operate a community center for recreational, social, educational, and cultural activities, with residential or treatment center uses requiring separate compliance. The hearing begins at 6:00 PM, followed by the regular council meeting at 6:30 PM on June 18, 2025.

• Public hearing and possible adoption of Bill No. 16-2025 amending zoning code § 660-6 to remove senior-only meal restriction from community center definition

The City Council conducted a public hearing on Bill 16, which proposes amending the definition of "Community Center" in the zoning code to remove the limitation that meals be provided only to senior citizens. The Planning Director and several residents and nonprofit representatives gave comments on the proposed change. No vote or adoption of the amendment was recorded, and the meeting was adjourned after the comments.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider two bills: Bill 51 transfers $100,000 from the Equipment Fund to Fleet Maintenance for unexpected repairs on fire, paving, and tub grinder equipment. Bill 52 makes temporary traffic regulation changes permanent by amending the Traffic Control Maps. The committee also approves minutes from June 4.

• Bill 51: Transfer $100,000 from Equipment Fund to Fleet Maintenance for unexpected repairs
• Bill 52: Make temporary traffic regulation changes permanent via Traffic Control Map amendment
• Approval of June 4, 2025 Public Works Committee minutes

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss an amendment to the 2025 Capital Fund Budget. The proposal involves a supplemental appropriation for bridge repairs.

• Bill 50: $750,000 appropriation from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for Bogert’s Bridge rehabilitation

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review three appeals regarding property use changes. The board will decide if applicants can convert residential or commercial spaces into a halfway house, a convenience store, or a salon and apartments.

• Application to convert 33-35 S 15th St into a halfway house
• Appeal to convert 420 W Emaus Ave into a convenience store and takeout restaurant
• Appeal to convert 935 S 4th St into a first-floor salon and upper-floor apartments

Community and Economic Development Committee

The committee will discuss a rezoning request from Cedar Crest College to change 2851-2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential (R-L) to Institutional-Governmental (I-G). They will also consider two denials of certificates of appropriateness for properties at 1550 Chew Street and 945 Turner Street, and receive an update on business development strategies. Approval of minutes from previous meetings is also on the agenda.

• Rezoning request for 2851-2865 College Drive from R-L to I-G by Cedar Crest College
• Denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for 1550 Chew Street (roof replacement)
• Denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for 945 Turner Street (chimney repair legalization)
• Update on Business Development Strategies
• Approval of minutes from February 26 and April 23, 2025 committee meetings

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a rezoning request from Cedar Crest College, three land development projects (including a 37-story mixed-use tower), an update on Act 537 sewer planning, and a discussion of bylaws.

• Rezoning of 2851-2865 College Drive from R-L to I-G (Cedar Crest College)
• Final plan for a 5-unit multi-family dwelling at 420 N. Albright Avenue Rear
• Preliminary/final plan for a 37-story mixed-use apartment building at 90 S. 9th Street (Peregrine Tower)
• Preliminary/final plan for a 16-story mixed-use apartment building at 301 N. Front Street
• Act 537 Sewer Planning Update

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will consider two appeals. The first seeks variances to convert storage into a one-bedroom apartment at 719 N Front St. The second seeks variances to subdivide and build a two-family dwelling at 1012-1014 S Hall St.

• Appeal A-2025-00184: 719 N Front St – convert 591 SF storage to 1BR apartment, needs variances for lot area, width, and parking.
• Appeal A-2024-00932: 1012-1014 S Hall St – subdivide and construct 2-family attached dwelling, needs variances for lot width, lot area, and parking.

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will discuss goal updates regarding energy efficiency, air quality, and litter reduction. The body is reviewing a mid-year review draft and a new trash contract with J.P. Mascaro. Members will also discuss the Citywide Bike Plan and environmental resource inventory.

• New trash contract with J.P. Mascaro
• Allentown EAC Mid-Year Review Draft Document
• Citywide Bike Plan
• Environmental Resource Inventory
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan public meeting on June 25

Recreation Board

The Recreation Board will hold a meeting on June 5, 2025, at Cedar Beach Pavilion to review project updates, special events, and old business. The agenda includes reports from Parks & Recreation staff and communications.

• Review of June project updates
• Recreation and special events updates
• Director and Deputy Director updates
• Review of old business
• Meeting at Cedar Beach Pavilion (101 N Ott Street)

The Recreation Board approved the May 1, 2025 minutes after a motion by Becky was seconded by Dave and carried. No other substantive actions were decided. The meeting was then adjourned following a motion by Josh, seconded by Becki.

• Approved May 1 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

City Council

City Council is deciding on a new ordinance to expand protected classes for the Discrimination and Human Relations Commission. The body is also voting on several capital budget amendments for traffic signal improvements and safety grants.

• Bill 46: Repealing and replacing Chapter 27 regarding the Discrimination and Human Relations Commission
• Bill 48: Transfer of $1,698,288.89 for American Parkway traffic signal improvements
• Bill 49: $384,000.00 increase and $96,000.00 grant match for Safe Streets and Roads for All safety projects
• R67: $332,925.00 contract with Construction Master Services, LLC for curbs and sidewalks
• R68: $292,825.00 contract with Baseline Contracting Inc. for ADA Ramps

The June 4, 2025 Allentown City Council meeting consisted of public remarks about APA ticket enforcement, unemployment benefits, and a business‑privilege tax issue affecting a local contractor. Council members listened to the comments and indicated the tax glitch would be investigated and resolved. No motions, votes, or contract approvals were documented in the minutes.

City Council

This special meeting is dedicated to reviewing Bill 46, an ordinance that would repeal and replace Chapter 27 (Discrimination and Human Relations Commission) with updated provisions expanding protected classes and prohibitions. Seven council members are listed as sponsors. No other business is on the agenda.

• Bill 46 — ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 27 with expanded protections and regulations
• Sponsors: Affa, Gerlach, Hendricks, Mota, Napoli, Santos, Zucal

At a special meeting, the Allentown City Council considered Bill 46, which would repeal and replace Chapter 27 of the Discrimination and Human Relations Commission ordinance. After discussion, a motion by Ed Zucal, seconded by Ce‑Ce Gerlach, to send the bill to the full council was adopted. All seven council members voted yes. The matter will be addressed at the upcoming full council meeting.

• Motion to forward Bill 46 to full Council adopted (7-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider two ordinances that amend the 2025 Capital Fund Budget. Bill 48 transfers $1,698,288.89 for traffic signal improvements on American Parkway/Basin Street. Bill 49 adds $480,000 for low-cost safety projects under a federal grant, including speed cushions and roundabouts. The committee will also approve minutes from three prior meetings.

• Bill 48: Transfer $1,698,288.89 for American Parkway traffic adaptive signal system from Susquehanna Street to Airport Road
• Bill 49: Create new capital account with $384,000 plus $96,000 city match for Safe Streets Demonstration Grant safety projects
• Safety projects include speed cushions, roundabouts, and line painting at key locations citywide
• Approval of Public Works Committee minutes from Jan 15, Jan 29, and Feb 19, 2025

City Council

This special meeting is solely a presentation by the City Council on the Life Safety and Wellness Center and the Central Fire Feasibility Study. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists only of the presentation and adjournment.

• Life Safety and Wellness Center presentation
• Central Fire Feasibility Study presentation with attached study document

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will meet to review reports from April 2025. The agenda includes discussions on the budget administration, capital plan, and vacancy reports.

• Review of April 2025 reports
• Administration of budget and capital plan
• Capital projects report
• Report on deposits, commingling, and negative cash balances
• Vacancy report

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board will meet on June 2, 2025, to review four proposals: retaining door infill at 806 Monroe Street, replacing shingles on the steeple at 931 Gordon Street, constructing a rear dormer addition at 1022 Chew Street, and a selective demolition and new construction/addition at 702 Hamilton Street. Cases recommended for approval will go to City Council on June 18; denied cases go to the Community and Economic Development Committee.

• Review of HDC-2025-00033: Retain door infill on first floor at 806 Monroe Street (old business).
• Review of HDC-2025-00035: Shingle replacement on steeple at 931 Gordon Street (old business).
• Review of HDC-2025-00046: Construct a third floor dormer addition at rear of house at 1022 Chew Street (new business).
• Review of HBDO application: Selective demolition and new construction/addition at 702 Hamilton Street (new business).
• Approved projects forwarded to City Council on June 18, 2025; tabled projects rescheduled to July 7, 2025.

City Council

City Council will vote on Bill 45, which repeals the existing Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance Code and adopts the International Property Maintenance Code. Other actions include a final vote on a $16,322 supplemental appropriation for fire department equipment, and introduction of two capital fund amendments: $1.69 million for American Parkway traffic signal upgrades and $480,000 for street safety improvements. The consent agenda includes three board appointments.

• Bill 45: Repeals Chapter 455 (Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance) and adopts International Property Maintenance Code
• Bill 44: $16,322 supplemental appropriation from OSFC grant for fire department equipment
• Bill 48: $1,698,288.89 transfer for traffic adaptive system on American Parkway/Basin Street
• Bill 49: $384,000 increase and $96,000 grant match for Safe Streets Demonstration safety projects
• Consent appointments: David Edinger (Parks/Rec), Craig Beavers (Environmental Advisory), Krissi Echevarria (Human Relations Commission)

The council voted to authorize cooperative contracts exceeding $40,000 for Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., Miller Flooring, and Stephenson Equipment, Inc. The resolution was sponsored by the Administration. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved cooperative contracts >$40,000 for Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., Miller Flooring, and Stephenson Equipment, Inc.

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will discuss Bill 45, which would repeal the existing Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance Code and replace it with the International Property Maintenance Code. The agenda also includes updates on zoning and housing studies, reports from the Redevelopment Authority, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Bill 45: Repeal Chapter 455 and adopt International Property Maintenance Code
• Allentown Redevelopment Authority Report
• 2024 RACA Annual Report to City Council
• RACA Strategic Plan 2025-2027
• Updates on Zoning and Housing Study

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider Bill 44, which amends the 2025 General Fund Budget to allocate a supplemental appropriation of $16,322.02 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner grant for fire department equipment. The committee will also vote to approve the minutes from the January 15, March 19, and April 16, 2025 Public Safety Committee meetings.

• Bill 44 – supplemental appropriation of $16,322.02 for fire equipment
• Approve January 15, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes
• Approve March 19, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes
• Approve April 16, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes

Allentown Police Pension Board

The board will consider approval of minutes from February 18, 2025, and act on two return-of-contributions requests and two widow pension revisions. The items for approval include refunds for Marissa Finn ($12,104.10) and Joshua Cabrera ($5,070.69), and widow pension adjustments for Katherine Gerhard ($11,989.76) and Sherrill Howells ($26,195.97). No other business is scheduled.

• Approval of return of contributions for Marissa Finn ($12,104.10)
• Approval of return of contributions for Joshua Cabrera ($5,070.69)
• Approval of widow pension revision for Katherine Gerhard ($11,989.76)
• Approval of widow pension revision for Sherrill Howells ($26,195.97)

Allentown Fire Pension Board

The Allentown Fire Pension Board will consider approving meeting minutes, a return of contributions for Joseph Bietka ($410.37), a pension approved by written vote for Michael Pychinka III ($74,047.34 per year), and a pension revision for Battalion Chief Peter Lenig purchasing 21 months of prior service credits. No other business is on the agenda.

• Approval of February 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Joseph Bietka return of contributions: $410.37
• Michael Pychinka III pension approved by written vote: $74,047.34/yr
• Battalion Chief Peter Lenig purchased 21 months of prior service credits

The board approved the minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting. It approved a $410.37 pension contribution return for Joseph Bietka. It approved an annual pension of $74,047.34 for Michael Pychinka III. All motions passed unanimously (4‑0).

• Approved minutes of Feb 18, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Approved Joseph Bietka’s pension contribution return of $410.37 (4-0)
• Approved Michael Pychinka III’s pension of $74,047.34 per year (4-0)

Allentown Aggregate Pension Board

The board will review performance reports, cash flow updates, and asset allocation from Marquette Associates. The meeting also includes a review of preliminary May 2025 results from Cheiron.

• Approval of February 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Marquette Associates performance report and update
• Marquette Associates cash flow update and rebalancing
• Marquette Associates asset allocation review
• Cheiron preliminary May 2025 results

The Board approved the minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting. It voted to rebalance the fire, police, and O&E pension funds as outlined in the discussion materials. It also voted to rescind real‑estate redemptions effective June 30, 2025, directing dividend payments to cash quarterly. No other business was considered.

• Approved February 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fire fund rebalancing per discussion material p.10 (unanimous)
• Approved police fund rebalancing per discussion material p.12 (unanimous)
• Approved O&E fund rebalancing per discussion material p.14 (unanimous)
• Rescinded real‑estate redemptions effective 6/30/25, dividends to cash quarterly (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:05 AM (unanimous)

O&E, Fire, Police and Aggregate Pension Boards

The combined pension boards will consider approval of the November 19, 2024 minutes and review four pension revisions for retirees involving survivor benefits. No other business is listed.

• Approval of November 19, 2024 minutes
• Pension revision for Elwood Hoffert (spouse survives, $26,189.39)
• Pension revision for Suzanne Markowitz (widow, $7,891.06)
• Pension revision for Louis Wolf (widower, $8,201.83)
• Pension revision for Sirley Baum (widow, $6,567.68)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear three appeals regarding business expansions and land use. The board is considering requests for special exceptions and variances related to parking and density requirements.

• 727 N 6th St: Appeal to increase staffing to 5 employees and provide walk-in service at a nail salon
• 530-532 Tilghman St: Special Use Application to establish a nail salon with 0 proposed off-street parking spaces
• 213-215 N Fountain St: Special Use Application to convert a vacant warehouse into 5 apartments with a first-floor parking structure

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will vote on approval of its strategic plan and hear an educational discussion on eminent domain. The board will also review audit results, approve invoices totaling $16,038.73, and update its inventory of properties.

• Approval of Strategic Plan
• Educational discussion on Eminent Domain process by Attorney Gildea
• Review of Audit Results (Insurance)
• Payment of 13 invoices totaling $16,038.73
• Inventory updates and Annual Report to City Council

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review land development plans for several residential and civic projects. The body will consider a new public safety headquarters and multiple apartment developments. Two requests for 10-year sidewalk postponements are also on the agenda.

• Proposed public safety headquarters and renovation at 425 Hamilton Street
• 50 new apartment units at 1132 Hamilton Street
• 50-unit apartment building at 2268 S. 12th Street
• 10,000-sf addition to ASD Building 21 at 265 Lehigh Street
• 10-year sidewalk postponement requests for 1037 N. Quebec Street and 265 Lehigh Street

Civil Service Board

This special meeting of the Allentown Civil Service Board includes a written test for the Police Lieutenant exam and discussion of a council-approved rule change. The board will also set the next regular meeting date for June 6, 2025.

• Written test for Police Lieutenant exam
• Council approval of a rule change
• Next meeting scheduled for June 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on several contract approvals, grant allocations, and ordinance amendments. Items include a $238,135.45 design services contract with Michael Baker International, cooperative contracts over $40,000, and multiple supplemental appropriations for local programs. The council will also consider two grant applications: a $5 million Automated Red Light Enforcement grant and a $7 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for safety upgrades on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard.

• Authorization for contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. – $238,135.45 for school zone design services
• Cooperative contracts exceeding $40,000 for Quality & Assurance Tech Corp, Stryker Medical, and General Recreation
• Bill 37 – $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation from the State RACP grant for Cedar Crest College
• Bill 38 – $400,000 supplemental appropriation from the PA DCED Local Share Account for the Police Athletic League Youth Center at 2110 Park Drive
• R60 – Authorization to apply for a $7,000,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant (20% city match) for safety upgrades on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard

The City Council authorized a $238,135.45 contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. for professional design services to improve school zone safety, funded through the Transportation Alternatives Set‑Aside Grant. The Council also approved cooperative contracts exceeding $40,000 to provide various goods and services from Quality & Assurance Tech Corp, Stryker Medical, and General Recreation. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved $238,135.45 contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. for school zone improvements
• Approved cooperative contracts over $40,000 for Quality & Assurance Tech Corp
• Approved cooperative contracts over $40,000 for Stryker Medical
• Approved cooperative contracts over $40,000 for General Recreation

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss an amendment to the 2025 Golf Fund budget. The proposal involves upgrading a staff position to align with labor market skills.

• Bill 41: Upgrade Maintenance Worker 2 ($43,950) to Greenskeeper ($53,358)

The Parks and Recreation Committee discussed Bill 41, which would raise a Maintenance Worker 2 salary from $43,950 to a Greenskeeper salary of $53,358. After discussion, a motion was made and passed to send the bill to the full City Council for consideration. No other actions were taken.

• Bill 41 forwarded to full Council (motion passed by Ce‑Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, Candida Affa)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will discuss supplemental appropriations for the Police Athletic League and the Fire and EMS Department. The body is also reviewing changes to Civil Service Board rules for police and fire personnel and the creation of a community policing strategic plan committee.

• Bill 38: $400,000 from PA DCED Local Share Account Grant for the PAL Community Youth Education Center at 2110 Park Drive
• Bill 40: $15,000 from OSFC Grant for Allentown Fire and EMS Department training equipment
• Bill 42: Amendments to Civil Service Board Rules regarding scoring, tiebreakers, and oral examination panels
• R52: Establishment of a Special Committee to develop a community policing strategic plan

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2025, to consider three variance appeals. The most consequential involves an addition of a dwelling unit at 1329 W Hamilton St, requiring relief from lot width requirements in a historic overlay district. The board will also hear appeals for a porch roof setback at 509 N 10th St and a two-family dwelling at 1324 S Howard St.

• A-2025-00123: Appeal of Queen City IG LLC to add a dwelling unit (total 5 DU) at 1329 W Hamilton St; insufficient lot width (120' req; 80' prop) in B-1/R, HBDO, TNDO districts.
• A-2025-00018: Appeal of Juan Troncoso Ramirez to maintain existing unenclosed front porch roof at 509 N 10th St; insufficient front yard setback (20' req; 0' existing) in R-MH, TNDO districts.
• A-2024-00886: Appeal of AnB Realty 16, LLC to construct a two-family dwelling at 1324 S Howard St; insufficient building width per unit (20' req; 15' prop) and lot width per unit (25'/unit req; 20'/unit prop) in R-M district.

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board will consider seven applications for exterior work on historic properties, including roof replacements, door installation, window replacement, chimney repair, and steeple work. The board may recommend approval or denial, which will then be forwarded to City Council. A violations list will also be reviewed.

• Roof replacement with 3-tab shingle at 1550 Chew Street (old business)
• Door installation (violation correction) at 202 N 8th Street
• Legalize chimney repair at 945 Turner Street
• Window replacement and reconfiguration at 419 N 9th Street
• Roof replacement with Royal-Slate GAF Slateline at 1548 Chew Street

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will hear a presentation from Muhlenberg College on Climate Action Plan components and discuss the city's Sustainability Survey to guide the development of a citywide Climate Action Plan. The council will also review the Love Your Block neighborhood revitalization grant awardees, a regional electric vehicle infrastructure survey, and a citywide bike plan survey. Updates on energy efficiency, air quality, litter reduction, and other environmental goals are also on the agenda.

• Muhlenberg College sustainability class presentation on Climate Action Plan components
• Allentown Sustainability Survey to shape citywide Climate Action Plan
• Love Your Block neighborhood revitalization grant awardees announced
• LVPC Electric Vehicle infrastructure survey for priority charging locations in Lehigh Valley
• Allentown citywide bike survey to improve bike lanes, trails, and safety

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Civil Service Board will meet to approve April minutes and discuss Resolution 46 for board member term corrections. Old business includes status updates on fire and police department rule changes and a follow-up on the Messina settlement. New business features police and fire department reports covering captain appointments and proposed civil service rule additions or edits.

• Resolution 46 – Board Member Term Corrections
• Fire Department Rule Changes – Status
• Police Department Rule Changes
• Messina Settlement discussion/follow-up
• Captain of Public Affairs appointment and Captain of Suppression posting timelines

Recreation Board

The Allentown Recreation Board will review updates on recreation projects, special events, and director reports. They will also consider potential new board members. The meeting includes routine items such as roll call, minutes from April 3, 2025, and old and new business items.

• Updates on potential new board members
• Recreation project updates
• Special events updates
• Director and Deputy Director reports
• Review of old and new business items

The board voted to approve the minutes from the April 3 2025 meeting with no changes. The motion was made by Chair Nancy Wilt, seconded by Becki, and carried. No other actions were formally decided; the remaining agenda items were discussed only.

• Approved April 3 2025 Recreation Board minutes (motion carried)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear three appeals that request special‑use approvals and variances. The first appeal seeks to reestablish abandoned non‑conforming offices at 1726‑1730 Chew St. The second proposes converting a vacant office at 43 S 17th St into an additional dwelling unit. The third asks for an extension of time to convert a place of worship at 1539‑1551 Chew St into 12 dwelling units, office space and a temporary shelter.

• A-2025-00035 – Special Use Application to reestablish abandoned non‑conforming offices at 1726‑1730 Chew St (Medium Density Residential, TNDO district).
• A-2025-00098 – Appeal to convert vacant office at 43 S 17th St into an additional dwelling unit (Medium High Density Residential, TNDO & HBDO districts).
• A-2023-00496 – Appeal for extension of time to convert place of worship at 1539‑1551 Chew St into 12 dwelling units, office and temporary shelter (Medium High Density Residential, TNDO district).

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will discuss four bills and approve previous meeting minutes. Key items include a zoning amendment to remove the senior-only restriction on meal preparation in community centers, and three financial ordinances: a $1 million RACP grant for Cedar Crest College, a $1 million RACP grant for Phoebe Ministries, and a combined $2.25 million in HUD grant funds for housing and community development programs.

• Bill 16: Amends zoning (Section 6605) to allow community centers to prepare and provide meals to all ages, not just seniors.
• Bill 37: $1,000,000 state RACP grant pass-through to Cedar Crest College.
• Bill 39: $654,775 CDBG and $1,600,121 HOME funds from 2020-2024 for housing and community development.
• Bill 43: $1,000,000 state RACP grant pass-through to Phoebe Ministries.
• Approval of February 5 and March 12, 2025 committee minutes.

The Community and Economic Development Committee heard testimony on Bill No. 16, which would remove the senior‑citizen meal‑service limitation from the city’s community‑center definition. Staff and the Planning Director explained that the change would not grant automatic approvals and would still require zoning permits and public hearings. No vote or formal action was recorded; the matter was left for the full City Council to decide.

City Council

City Council will vote on the sale of city-owned property at 325 West Hamilton Street to Allentown Rescue Mission for $536,000, along with several budget amendments funding MLK Trail construction and police equipment. Final passage also includes a resolution declaring Allentown a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community and a resolution calling on the state to raise the minimum wage. New ordinances introduced include grant pass-throughs for Cedar Crest College and Police Athletic League, and a fee consolidation for building permits.

• Sale of 325 W. Hamilton St. to Allentown Rescue Mission for $536,000 (R42)
• Final passage of budget amendments for MLK Trail using $185,000 DCED grant and $108,105 from Trexler Fund (Bills 30, 31)
• Final passage of $46,766 JAG grant for police evidence workflow system and $132,800 PCCD grant for case management software (Bills 32, 34)
• Final passage of fee consolidation for building permits to streamline process (Bill 33)
• Resolution declaring Allentown a safe haven for LGBTQ+ community (R48)

The council voted to suspend its rules and move Resolution 48, a declaration supporting LGBTQ+ residents, to the front of the agenda. The motion passed with six votes in favor and no opposition. No other actions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Suspended rules and moved Resolution 48 to front of agenda (6-0)

Public Safety Committee

The committee will consider three bills amending the 2025 General Fund Budget to appropriate grant funds for the Police Department. Bill 34 provides $132,800 from PCCD for case management software, mobile devices, and a Community Intervention Specialist. Bill 32 provides $46,766 from DOJ JAG for evidence workflow management and weighing scales (with pass-through to Lehigh County). Bill 35 provides $85,900 from PCCD for portable breath testing, DUI simulator, trailer, and training.

• Bill 32: $46,766 from DOJ JAG grant for evidence workflow management system and portable weighing scales, with pass-through to Lehigh County.
• Bill 34: $132,800 from PCCD grant for case management software, mobile devices, program analysis, unit apparel, and Community Intervention Specialist.
• Bill 35: $85,900 from PCCD grant for portable breath testing devices, impaired driving simulator kit, trailer, and officer training.

The committee reviewed three budget amendment bills allocating police grant funds: $46,766 from the DOJ JAG grant, $132,800 from the PCCD grant, and $85,900 from another PCCD grant. Each bill was motioned and approved to be forwarded to the full Council. Votes were 2‑yes (Candida Affa, Ed Zucal) with Cynthia Mota absent on each motion.

• Bill 32 ($46,766 DOJ JAG grant) forwarded to full Council (2‑0)
• Bill 34 ($132,800 PCCD grant) forwarded to full Council (2‑0)
• Bill 35 ($85,900 PCCD grant) forwarded to full Council (2‑0)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will consider two funding measures for the MLK Trail. Bill 30 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $185,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for a feasibility study of Phase 3 and construction of Phase 1 or 2. Bill 31 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $108,105.75 from the Trexler Escrow to fund Phase 1 construction. Both items are sponsored by the Administration.

• Bill 30 – $185,000 grant from DCED for MLK Trail Phase 3 study and Phase 1/2 construction (Parkettes to D&L Trail on Riverside Dr)
• Bill 31 – $108,105.75 Trexler escrow appropriation to MLK Trail capital account for Phase 1 construction

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will consider approving a contract with Davey Resource to develop a comprehensive Tree Inventory, Species Master Plan, and Urban Forestry Master Plan for Allentown. The meeting also includes updates on the AEAC annual report, bicycle ordinance revisions, and several community sustainability initiatives and events.

• Approval of contract with Davey Resource for Tree Inventory and Urban Forestry Master Plan
• Review of Bicycle Ordinance Updates (Bill 14)
• Discussion of Youth Climate Action Fund deadline extension to April 20
• Presentation of AEAC Annual Report to City Council
• Announcement of community climate action surveys and upcoming sustainability events

Redevelopment Authority

This is a procedural meeting of the Allentown Redevelopment Authority covering routine business: approval of minutes, public comment, treasurer's report with March 2025 financials and invoices, and training opportunities. New business includes discussions on insurance and an inventory update.

• Treasurer's report including March 2025 financial report and March invoices for payment
• New business: insurance discussion
• New business: inventory update

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider Bill 36, which would appropriate funds from un-appropriated balances across eight 2025 funds (General, Trexler, Risk, Equipment Replacement, Solid Waste, Liquid Fuels, Stormwater, and Golf) to roll over encumbrances from prior-year commitments. The agenda also includes a director's report and monthly finance reports for December 2024 and February 2025.

• Bill 36: appropriation from un-appropriated balances for rollover of 2024 encumbrances into 2025 funds (multiple funds)
• Director's Report
• Finance Reports: December 2024 V3 and V4, February 2025, and 2024 Q4 Final Capital Status Report
• Committee remarks for February 2025 and Final December 2024 Report

The Budget and Finance Committee voted to forward Bill 36, which rolls over un‑appropriated purchase order funds, to the full City Council. The motion was made by Ce‑Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos, and passed unanimously. The committee also presented the 2024 financial reports and audit updates, but no other actions were voted on.

• Bill 36 forwarded to full Council (approved 3-0)

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will consider Bill 33, which amends Chapter 270 Fees to consolidate all permits per project into a single permit covering all fees. The change aims to simplify the application process and improve customer service and administrative efficiency.

• Bill 33 – Revision of permitting and plan fees, consolidating permits into a single comprehensive permit per project

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Allentown Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will discuss Bill 29, which amends the African-American Advisory Council to require the Council and Mayor to prioritize African American community leaders and city residents for appointments. The committee will also consider a draft resolution addressing gender affirming care, conversion therapy, and the Human Relations Commission's discrimination code.

• Bill 29 amending the African-American Advisory Council membership selection process
• Draft resolution on gender affirming care and conversion therapy
• Discussion of Discrimination and Human Relations Commission Code amendments

Planning Commission

The Commission will discuss an extension request for Walnut Square Apartments, review a sketch plan for a 170-unit apartment complex at 750 E Turner St, consider preliminary/final plans for a new office/storage building at 2050 S 12th St and a multi-sport stadium at 555 Union Blvd, and hear two requests for 5-year sidewalk postponements on North Dauphin and North Bradford streets. All items are proposals or discussions; no final votes are indicated.

• Extension request for Walnut Square Apartments (40 S 8th St) conditional approval to June 16, 2026
• Sketch plan for 170-unit apartment complex at 750 E Turner St
• Preliminary/final plan to demolish and build office and storage at 2050 S 12th St (Dual Temp Headquarters)
• Preliminary/final plan to construct multi-sport stadium at 555 Union Blvd (Executive Education Academy)
• 5-year sidewalk postponement requests on North Dauphin Street and North Bradford Street

Historical Architectural Review Board

The board is reviewing several proposals for exterior modifications, additions, and new construction at various addresses. Decisions made at this meeting will be forwarded to the Allentown City Council on May 7, 2025.

• 1528 Linden Street: Installation of an ADA handicap lift with access sidewalk and landing
• 424 N 11th Street: New addition to existing structure and new construction
• 621 Allen Street: Installation of architectural shingles without permits
• 412 N 8th Street: Legalization of concrete step replacement for front porch
• 1550 Chew Street: Installation of black 3-Tab shingles

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board is meeting to discuss promotions of firefighters and police officers, along with proposed rule changes for the fire and police departments. Old business includes updating incorrect board member terms and the Klusaritz/Wesneski matter. New business features department reports and a status conference on Messina.

• Promotions of Fire Fighters and Police Officers
• Allentown Fire Department proposed rule changes
• Allentown Police Department panel interview changes
• Klusaritz/Wesneski Update
• Status Conference-Messina

Recreation Board

This meeting is procedural, covering roll call, approval of prior minutes, and reports from Parks and Recreation staff on projects, recreation updates, and special events. No votes on contracts, ordinances, or policy changes are listed.

The Recreation Board voted to accept the March 6, 2025 board minutes as written; the motion was made by Dave Snyder, seconded by Hamp Smith, and passed unanimously. No other motions or formal actions were recorded. The remainder of the meeting consisted of project updates, program reports, and discussion of upcoming events.

• Approved March 6 2025 board minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on a $220,000 contract for a tree inventory and master plan, along with budget amendments to fund traffic signal improvements on American Parkway, a Hamilton Streetscape project, and road safety upgrades on South Jefferson Street.

• Contract with Davey Resource Group for $220,000 to develop tree inventory and master plans
• Bill 17: Transfer of $1,698,288.89 for American Parkway traffic signal improvements
• Bill 24: Transfer of $350,000 for Hamilton Streetscape project from 5th Street to NIZ
• Bill 25: Transfer of $1,900,000 for South Jefferson Street road safety upgrades
• Bill 28: Ordinance to create procedures for towing on private property

The council authorized a contract with Davey Resource Group, Inc. for $220,000 to develop a comprehensive tree inventory, species master plan, and urban forestry master plan. The agreement is for twelve months with an optional six‑month renewal. No other substantive actions were recorded in this meeting.

• Approved $220,000 contract with Davey Resource Group for tree inventory and urban forestry plan

City Council

The Allentown City Council is holding a special meeting to vote on Resolution 38, which would approve the 2025 Safety Streets and Roads for All Action Plan. If adopted, the plan will guide traffic safety improvements across the city.

• Resolution 38: Approving the 2025 Safety Streets and Roads for All Action Plan
• Plan includes a Vision Zero approach to eliminate traffic fatalities
• Final passage vote scheduled for the special meeting

The special council meeting on April 2, 2025 reviewed Resolution 38, which would adopt the city’s 2025 Safety Streets and Roads for All Action Plan. The resolution was presented for a vote, but the minutes do not record the vote tally or final outcome. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Resolution 38 Safety Action Plan considered (vote outcome not recorded)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will discuss two bills amending the Administrative Code. These include aligning bicycle definitions with the Pennsylvania State vehicle code and establishing a framework for towing procedures on private property.

• Bill 14: Amending Administrative Code Chapter 177 and Chapter 319 regarding pedalcycles
• Bill 28: Adding procedures to the Administrative Code for towing from private property

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider four amendments to the 2025 Capital Fund Budget. The largest is a $1.9 million increase for safety upgrades on South Jefferson Street, funded by a state grant. Also proposed are a $1.7 million traffic signal project on American Parkway, a $350,000 streetscape project on Hamilton Street, and a $7,624.95 allocation for new street trees from tree-planting payments.

• Bill 25: $1,900,000 increase for pedestrian and cyclist accessibility improvements on South Jefferson Street (ARLE grant, fully reimbursable)
• Bill 17: $1,698,288.89 transfer for traffic adaptive signal system on American Parkway/Basin Street from Susquehanna Street to Airport Road
• Bill 24: $350,000 increase for Hamilton Streetscape project from 5th Street to NIZ (MTF-DCED grant, fully reimbursable)
• Bill 26: $7,624.95 supplemental appropriation from tree-planting payments for purchase of new street trees

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is considering Bill 27, which would appropriate $300,000 from the Trexler Fund for resurfacing and repairing various sports courts citywide. The funds would come from the unappropriated balance of the Trexler Fund and be part of the 2025-26 capital project allocation.

• Bill 27: Supplemental appropriation of $300,000 from Trexler Fund to Court Upgrades capital project for resurfacing and repairing sports courts

The Parks and Recreation Committee amended the 2025 Trexler Fund by authorizing a supplemental appropriation of $300,000 for court upgrades. The money will be used to resurface and repair basketball courts at Trout Creek, Walden Terrace and Roosevelt. A motion to forward Bill 27 to the full Council was made, seconded, and approved by the three voting members. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved forwarding Bill 27 (Court Upgrades Allocation) to full Council – Yes: Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos, Candida Affa (3)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hear appeals for converting a warehouse to 18 units and reusing a vacant church into a six-unit building. The board will also consider parking and lot area deficiencies for both projects.

• Appeal A-2024-00724: 943-951 Chew St warehouse conversion to 18 units
• Appeal A-2024-00833: 701 N 8th St vacant church conversion to 6 units
• Appeal A-2024-00833: 701 N 8th St lacks required off-street parking
• Appeal A-2024-00724: 943-951 Chew St lacks required off-street parking
• Appeal A-2024-00833: 701 N 8th St lacks required lot area

Community and Economic Development Committee

The committee will consider Bill 23, a budget amendment increasing the Risk Fund by $91,130 for insurance expenses from the Grant Fund's Recompense Phase 2 personnel. They will also vote on R37, a denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 927 Turner Street. Updates on zoning code, community reinvestment dollars, fee legislation, and federal funding impacts are also scheduled.

• Bill 23: $91,130 budget amendment from Grant Fund insurance revenue for Recompense Phase 2 personnel
• R37: Denial of Certificate of Appropriateness at 927 Turner Street
• Updates on zoning code, community reinvestment dollars, fee legislation, and federal funding impacts

City Council

City Council will vote on multiple budget amendments, including a $1,000,000 pass-through grant for the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a $200,000 grant for Bogert's Bridge, and an $18,000 grant for hazardous materials equipment. They will also consider contracts for portable toilets ($25,200) and pool chemicals ($70,000), and a resolution to transfer $90,000 for street sign replacement. New ordinances will be introduced, such as a $1.9 million road safety project on South Jefferson Street and a towing regulation ordinance.

• Bill 21: $1,000,000 RACP grant for Scottish Rite Cathedral (final passage vote)
• Bill 25: Introduce $1,900,000 ARLE grant for South Jefferson Street pedestrian and cyclist safety upgrades
• Bill 28: Introduce towing regulations for private property
• R36: $90,000 transfer to replace all street signs in poor condition (final vote)
• Contract with Buckman's, Inc. for pool chemicals ($70,000)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will consider two budget amendments: one for $200,000 from PennDOT to construct Bogert’s Bridge and another for $100,000 from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to establish the Youth Climate Action Fund.

• Amending 2025 Capital Fund Budget: $200,000 PennDOT grant for Bogert’s Bridge construction
• Amending 2025 General Fund Budget: $100,000 Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for Youth Climate Action Fund
• Discussion: Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Report

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will consider Bill 18, which proposes amending the 2025 General Fund and Information Systems budget. The bill deletes the Application Developer (14N) position with a salary of $79,794 and creates a Systems Analyst 1 (12N) position with a salary of $72,109. The committee will vote on this personnel and budget change.

• Delete Application Developer (14N) position – salary $79,794
• Create Systems Analyst 1 (12N) position – salary $72,109
• Amend 2025 General Fund and Information Systems budget

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will discuss Bill 19, a supplemental appropriation of $18,000 from the Norfolk Southern Rail Safety-First grant to purchase hazardous materials equipment for railway incidents. The committee will also discuss Resolution R35, which adopts the Lehigh Valley 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, scheduled for full council consideration.

• Bill 19: $18,000 supplemental appropriation from Norfolk Southern grant for hazmat equipment
• Discussion of R35: Adoption of Lehigh Valley 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will meet to review two property appeals. The board will decide on a special exception for a change of use and a variance for building setbacks and height.

• A-2024-00747: Request by City Flip, LLC to convert a vacant trade school to a place of worship at 211-215 E Lexington St
• A-2024-00902: Request by Eli Rivera for a variance to build a pole building at 1225 S Howard St (3' rear yard setback and 18.04' height)

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will consider Bill 21, which proposes amending the 2025 Grants Fund. The amendment would create a supplemental appropriation of $1,000,000 from the State Office of the Budget's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The funds are designated as a pass‑through grant to support the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The bill is sponsored by the Administration.

• Bill 21 – amendment to 2025 Grants Fund for a $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation to support the Scottish Rite Cathedral (RACP)

Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategy

The Allentown City Council will discuss the components of a code of conduct and standard operating procedures. The meeting will include a review of working drafts and guidelines from other municipalities.

• Discussion on drafting a code of conduct
• Review of standard operating procedures
• Review of working drafts and guidelines
• Review of public comment guidelines

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider multiple applications, including an extension request by Base Engineering, a zoning amendment to remove a senior‑citizen meal limitation, and a waiver request for a subdivision frontage. It will also review two adaptive‑reuse proposals converting existing buildings to apartments and a large land development proposing six 30‑unit apartment buildings at 620‑750 East Turner St. An update to the Allentown zoning map will be discussed, and the minutes from the February 11 meeting will be approved.

• Extension request: Base Engineering, Inc., 902 Union Blvd – extend conditional approval to April 2026 (File LMA-2020-00010)
• Zoning amendment (Bill 16-2025): remove limitation on meals for senior citizens in community center definition (Section 6605)
• Waiver request: Arthur A. Swallow Associates, LLC, 856-860 N. Van Buren St – waiver for frontage on public streets (File SMI-2024-00005)
• Adaptive‑reuse: David Hornung Architect, 213-215 N Fountain St – convert warehouse/office to 5 apartment units (File SP 25-01)
• Land development: East Side Land Development LLC, 620-750 East Turner St – six 30‑unit apartment buildings (File LMA-2024-00001)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear two appeals. One seeks variances to subdivide 802-806 N Quincy St and build two new two-family dwellings with lot width and setback deficiencies. The other requests variances for three apartment buildings with 190 units, exceeding allowed height (55 ft vs 38 ft) and disturbing steep slopes in R-M and Parks districts.

• Appeal for subdivision at 802-806 N Quincy St and construction of two new two-family dwellings; variances needed for lot width (30 ft proposed vs 35 ft required) and side yard setback (10 ft vs 15 ft).
• Appeal to build three apartment buildings with 190 multifamily units at 836 Constitution Dr; variances for building height (55 ft vs 38 ft max) and steep slope disturbance (29% vs 0% permitted).
• Both appeals are in Medium Density Residential (R-M) District; the apartment project also involves Parks (P) District.
• Public comments accepted via email until 4 pm on March 10, 2025.

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will hear a student presentation on citizen science tools for measuring heat and air quality. Members will discuss updates on energy efficiency, air quality, litter reduction, and the SS4A Sustainability Framework. Old business includes a letter writing event recap and updates on a bicycle ordinance and Youth Climate Action Fund. New business involves sharing BirdTown PA 2024 Gold Level achievement and commenting on ZONE Allentown zoning and SALDO.

• Special guest: Penn State CivicSciTech Program student presentation on landscape analysis of citizen science tools for heat and air quality
• Discussion of ZONE Allentown zoning and SALDO comments
• BirdTown PA 2024 Gold Level Achievement announcement
• Update on Youth Climate Action Fund
• Bicycle Ordinance updates discussed

Civil Service Board

The Civil Service Board will hold a routine meeting with roll call, pledge, and approval of February minutes. Old/unfinished business includes updates on a staggered board member resolution, a secretary for the board, and fire department changes. No major decisions or financial items are listed.

• Update on staggered board member resolution
• Update on secretary position for the board
• Update on fire department changes

Recreation Board

The Recreation Board will hold a roll call, elect a secretary, and review reports on projects and special events. The meeting agenda lists several open board seats and includes updates from city administration.

• Election of Secretary
• Vacancies on the Board
• Parks and Recreation Staff in Attendance
• Recreation Updates
• Special Events Updates

City Council

City Council is voting on contracts for traffic signal improvements and amphitheater programming. The body is also deciding on several budget appropriations for police equipment, swim lessons, and fire department gear, while introducing new funding for the Scottish Rite Cathedral and Bogert’s Bridge.

• Contract with Telco, Inc. for $1,672,344.05 to add eleven intersections to the traffic signal system
• Contract with ArtsQuest for $180,495 to program and market the Union Terrace Amphitheater
• Bill 12: $963,000 appropriation for Police Department equipment via JAG Grant
• Bill 21: $1,000,000 pass-through grant from RACP to support the Scottish Rite Cathedral
• R70: Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1111 W. Turner Street

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is deciding on Bill 15, which amends the 2025 General Fund Budget to appropriate $5,000 from the Pool & Hot Tub Foundation under the Step Into Swim grant program to support swim lessons at city pools. The meeting includes roll call and adjournment.

• Bill 15: Supplemental appropriation of $5,000 from Pool & Hot Tub Foundation for swim lessons at city pools

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will consider Resolution R17, submitted by the Police and Fire Civil Service Board, requesting that the Mayor stagger the board's terms. Sponsors are Mota and Mr. Zucal. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Resolution R17: Request to stagger terms of the City of Allentown Police and Fire Civil Service Board (sponsors Mota and Mr. Zucal)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear two appeals at its March 3 meeting. The first seeks variances to construct three self-storage buildings with 469 total units, a parking lot, and signs at 1940 Fairview St, including exceeding the maximum building coverage and modifying a prior approval. The second appeal seeks variances to reconfigure and expand business facilities at 2050 S 12th St, involving excessive slope disturbance and insufficient plan details. The board will decide on these requests.

• Appeal A-2024-00434: Variance for three self-storage buildings (469 units) with parking and signs at 1940 Fairview St / 301 S St Elmo St; exceeds 15% building coverage (16.2% proposed) and lacks landscaping and lighting plans.
• Appeal A-2024-00974: Variance to reconfigure and expand business facilities at 2050 S 12th St; proposes disturbance on slopes (34.3% on 25-35% slopes; 17% on >35% slopes) with insufficient parking and height info.
• Both appeals modify or expand previous approvals and require board action on dimensional and use variances.

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will consider a vertical platform lift installation at 1528 Linden Street, a violation correction. The board will also review staff-approved roof, solar panel, and window replacements at several properties. Recommendations go to City Council or its committee.

• 1528 Linden Street: vertical platform lift with landing infill and railings (violation correction)
• 521 N 6th St: roof replacement
• 730 Gordon St: solar panel installation
• 1426 Linden St: window replacement
• 30 N Madison St: roof replacement

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider Bill 12, a supplemental appropriation of $963,000 from a federal JAG grant to the Allentown Police Department for new equipment reimbursement. The committee will also discuss predatory towing practices and receive an update on City Hall security.

• Bill 12: $963,000 supplemental appropriation from DOJ JAG grant for police equipment reimbursement
• Discussion: Predatory towing practices
• Update: City Hall security measures

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss the denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for roof repair work at 1111 W. Turner Street.

• Denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for roof repair at 1111 W. Turner Street

City Council

City Council will vote on several infrastructure contracts and budget amendments for city equipment and trail design. The body is also reviewing a zoning change regarding community center meal provisions and board appointments.

• Estimated $2,400,000 contract for road materials from multiple vendors including Asphalt Maintenance Solutions, LLC and H&K Group, Inc.
• Bill 11: $175,000 supplemental appropriation for MLK Trail Phase 2 design (LP East to Cedar Park).
• Bill 13: $150,000 for a Traffic Bureau heavy-duty lift truck via a Local Share Account Grant.
• Contract with Telco, Inc. for $276,384.15 to replace accident-damaged traffic equipment.
• Bill 16: Proposed zoning amendment to remove the senior-citizen-only limitation on meal provision at community centers.

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will examine the December 2024 and January 2025 finance reports, discuss the BF remarks for those months, and review the 2024 Q4 final capital status report. The meeting also includes a funding updates attachment before adjournment.

• Review December 2024 finance report (12 - December 2024 V2.pdf)
• Review January 2025 finance report (01 - January 2025.pdf)
• Discuss BF remarks for January 2025 and December 2024 (BF Remarks for January 2025 and December-V2-2024 Monthly Report.docx)
• Review 2024 Q4 final capital status report (2024 Q4 Final Capital Status Report.pdf)
• Receive funding updates attachment

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is considering Bill 13, which would amend the 2025 Equipment Fund Budget to allocate an additional $150,000 for purchasing a heavy-duty lift truck for the Traffic Bureau. The funds come from a fully reimbursable Pennsylvania Local Share Account Grant already awarded to the city. Approval would authorize the budget transfer and subsequent equipment purchase.

• Bill 13: Increase Equipment Fund Budget by $150,000 for a heavy-duty lift truck for the Traffic Bureau, funded by a state grant

Allentown Aggregate Pension Board

The Allentown Aggregate Pension Board will approve minutes from August and November 2024, receive a performance report and cash flow update from Marquette Associates, and review 2025 pension projections from Cheiron. No old or new business is listed.

• Approval of minutes from August 20, 2024 and November 19, 2024 meetings
• Marquette Associates performance report and cash flow update for Q4 2024
• Cheiron review of pension plan projections based on Q4 2024 performance

Allentown Fire Pension Board

The Allentown Fire Pension Board will review and approve pension revisions, including a cost‑of‑living adjustment for James Wescoe totaling $31,375.76. The board will also consider a $101.40 return of contributions for Eli Dannecker. No other new or old business items are listed.

• Pension revision: Fire COLA update for James Wescoe – $31,375.76
• Return of contributions for Eli Dannecker – $101.40

Allentown Police Pension Board

The Allentown Police Pension Board will vote on lump-sum contribution returns and deferred annual pensions, and ratify seven previously approved annual pensions totaling $596,267.24. A pension revision includes a cost-of-living adjustment and a widow's benefit of $20,593.23. No disability, military buyback, or new business items are on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024
• Lump-sum returns: James Williams ($334), Sarah Messina ($5,614.92), Thomas Geib III ($22,628.85)
• Deferred annual pensions: Zachary Bubnis ($31,545.49/yr eff. 2032), Ismael Segarra ($32,435.58/yr eff. 2031)
• Ratification of seven annual pensions (written vote): Thomas Anderson ($107,971.35/yr), Pedro Cruz Jr. ($95,143.61/yr), and five others
• Pension revision: Police COLA and widow Emma Bray ($20,593.23)

O&E, Fire, Police and Aggregate Pension Boards

The O&E, Fire, Police, and Aggregate Pension Boards of Allentown are meeting to approve minutes from November 19, 2024. No pension requests, revisions, or other business are on the agenda.

• Approval of November 19, 2024 minutes

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will consider two variance appeals at its February 17 meeting. One seeks to allow a child care center for up to 60 children at 1528-1552 Hamilton Street without off-street parking. The other requests a recreational use (skill games) at 115 S 8th Street, also with no parking provided.

• Appeal A-2024-00834: Variance for child care center at 1528-1552 Hamilton St, 0 of 10 required parking spaces proposed, operating 7am-6pm daily.
• Appeal A-2024-00930: Variance for skill-game recreational use at 115 S 8th St, 0 of 4 required parking spaces proposed.
• Both properties are in High Density Residential and Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay districts.
• Public comments accepted by email until 4 pm on meeting day.
• Meeting held in person at City Hall Council Chambers and online.

Redevelopment Authority

The Allentown Redevelopment Authority will meet to approve minutes from January, hear public comment, and review financial reports including a February 2026 report. They will vote on 15 invoices totaling $12,878.53 and discuss old business updates on properties at 725 N. 10th Street, 540 Hamilton Street, and 1238-1240 19th Street, as well as parking leases at 520 New Street. New business includes the possible issuance of new RFPs for additional properties.

• Approval of 15 invoices totaling $12,878.53
• RFP updates for 725 N. 10th Street, 540 Hamilton Street, and 1238-1240 19th Street
• Parking leases at 520 New Street
• Possible RFP for additional properties
• Review of February 2026 Treasurer's Report

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a final land development plan for the Northridge K-8 public school complex and a related subdivision and lot consolidation, both at 1600 Hanover Ave, proposed by City Center Investment Corp. The commission also considers four waiver requests from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) for the subdivision application. Minutes from the January 14 meeting will be approved.

• Final land development plan for Northridge K-8 School (File LMA-2024-00019) at 1600 Hanover Ave
• Subdivision and lot consolidation for Northridge Project (File SMA-2024-00002) at same location
• Waiver requests from SALDO Sections 350-21.B.(3).(h), 350-22.B.(3).(e), 350-22.B.(3).(k), and 350-33
• Approval of January 14 public meeting minutes

Environmental Advisory Council

The Allentown Environmental Advisory Council will hold a regular meeting on February 10, 2025. Items include a presentation on road salt, discussion of the Youth Climate Action Fund microgrants, and votes on the 2024 annual report and 2025 goals document.

• Approval of 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Goals Document
• Youth Climate Action Fund: 17 microgrants of $1,000-$5,000, applications open until April 6, 2025
• Presentation on road salt by Little Lehigh Watershed Stewards
• Letter of support for Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring funding/technical assistance
• Potential updates to bicycle ordinances in coordination with CAT and Community Bike Works

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will review three bills to amend capital budgets for park projects. The meeting includes a presentation on greenhouse gas inventory.

• Bill 5: $85,416.01 from Trexler Fund for Jordan Skatepark Phase 2 construction
• Bill 6: $90,000.00 from DCED for Rose Garden #1 pavilion upgrades
• Bill 7: $24,417.06 transfer from Irving Pool Improvements to Jordan Skatepark Phase 2
• Discussion on greenhouse gas inventory presentation

City Council

City Council will consider several budget amendments for park improvements and traffic signal upgrades. The body is also voting on the establishment of Latino and African-American advisory councils.

• Bill 1: $567,951.31 transfer to 2024 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget following a DOT audit
• Bill 8: $325,000 for traffic signal design at 17th Street intersections (Linden, Turner, Chew, and Walnut)
• Bill 2 & 3: Establishment of Latino and African-American Advisory Councils
• Bill 5 & 7: Funding for Jordan Skatepark Phase 2 construction
• R233: Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 523.5 N 6th Street