Public Meetings - Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Parks and Recreation Committee of Allentown met on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:15 PM. Chair Santos presided, with committee members Pungo and Binder present. The committee reviewed and voted unanimously to move three bills favorably to full council. No public comments were received. Administration representative Ms. Talila presented each bill. Bill 27 - MLK Trail Phase 2 DCED Grant Bill 27 amends the 2026 Capital Fund Budget with a supplemental appropriation of $800,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support construction of the MLK Trail Phase 2, connecting Leah Parkway to Cedar Beach. Ms. Talila stated this allocates a previously awarded grant. The committee voted unanimously to move it favorably. Bill 28 - USDN Catalyst Fund Citizen Science Project Bill 28 amends the 2026 General Fund Budget with a supplemental appropriation of $16,000 from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) for a pilot citizen science project involving youth riding bicycles to capture air quality data, in partnership with the City of Easton, Community Bike Works, and Pennsylvania State University. Ms. Talila described it as a "really cool idea." The committee voted unanimously to move it favorably. Bill 30 - Trexler Parks Project Coordinator Upgrade Bill 30 amends the 2026 Trexler, General, and Golf Funds to upgrade the Project Coordinator position in Parks and Recreation to Project Manager, aligning job duties with comparable positions in Public Works and CED. Ms. Talila noted the position is currently vacant and the upgrade will help attract a technical person for project management and grant reporting. The additional salary cost, described as "a few thousand dollars each year," will be covered by the Trexler Fund. The committee voted unanimously to move it favorably. Key Outcomes - Bill 27, Bill 28, and Bill 30 all passed committee unanimously and were moved favorably to full council. - No public testimony was offered. - The meeting adjourned shortly after, moving to the full council session. - Meeting minutes were not available for this session.

The Public Works Committee met on April 15, 2026, to consider Bill 29, which appropriates $50,000 for certain public works capital projects. The discussion focused on four capital improvement projects approved in the 2026 budget: Canal Street Bridge design, salt dome replacement, roof replacements at the Bridgeworks facility and Central Fire Station, and a variable air volume (VAV) HVAC upgrade at City Hall. The committee voted unanimously to recommend Bill 29 favorably to the full City Council. Discussion Items - Canal Street Bridge Design ($250,000): The bridge, built in 1940, has structural deficiencies and is reduced to one lane. The $250,000 will fund design work expected to take one year, with construction anticipated in early 2027. No grant opportunities were currently available, but the completed design will make the project eligible for future grants. Council members asked about the bridge's condition and the lack of current grants. - Salt Dome Replacement ($800,000): The existing 60-year-old salt dome has structural issues and a capacity of 3,000 tons. The proposed replacement will double capacity to 6,000 tons, allowing the city to purchase the entire winter supply at a lower rate ($90.64/ton) compared to emergency purchases ($150/ton). The $800,000 covers design, demolition, and construction. Council members inquired about cost savings and the allocation covering design and construction. - Roof Replacements ($1,000,000): Two roofs—at the Bridgeworks facility and Central Fire Station—are in disrepair, causing significant water intrusion. The Bridgeworks roof is prioritized due to its larger size and more severe leaks. The $1 million will cover both replacements via an RFP process. A council member noted past temporary repairs and asked about prior spending, which the presenter did not have on hand. - VAV HVAC Project ($3,000,000): This is the final component of upgrading City Hall’s HVAC system, allowing temperature regulation on each floor. Major components (air handlers, chiller, boiler) were replaced in the last three years. The new police station will have its own independent system. Council members discussed energy efficiency cost savings and potential coordination with the future police station’s systems. The presenter noted the recent loss of the facilities manager and that interviews for a replacement are underway. Key Outcomes - The committee voted (all in favor) to recommend Bill 29 favorably to the full City Council. The bill is described as appropriating $50,000 for public works capital projects, though the specific projects discussed total over $5 million in appropriations. The discrepancy between the bill’s stated amount and the project costs was not addressed in the meeting. - The committee took no other formal votes. - There were no public comments.

On April 15, 2026, the Allentown Homeless Commission (formally the Commission on Homelessness) presented its 2025 annual report to the Allentown City Council. Co-chairs Christina and Abby Goldfarb outlined the commission's accomplishments, challenges, and priorities for the coming year, highlighting the all-volunteer nature of the commission and the need for stronger collaboration between the city, county, and service providers. Discussion Items - Lived Experience Advisory Group: Abby Goldfarb described the formation of a new advisory group of 8–10 individuals with current or recent lived experience of homelessness. The group will undergo orientation, receive compensation from city funds, and provide expertise on projects such as affordable housing design. The group is expected to begin in May 2026, and its meetings will eventually be open to the public. - Strategic Planning Committee: The commission formed a planning committee that developed a $100,000 funding ask with specific line items, including compensation for the lived experience council. The committee focused on short-term solutions. - Communication Efforts: The commission launched an Instagram account (@ACHAllentown) on April 14, 2026, to post agendas, minutes, and public events, as the city does not allow the commission to host its own website or use city email addresses. Council member Bender noted that the city recently spent significant funds on its website and offered to explore a link from the city site to an external platform. - Encampment Mitigation and Evictions: The commission organized cleanups with the city's public works department before the Jordan Creek encampment eviction, but the eviction proceeded. Co-chair Abby Goldfarb expressed frustration that providers were only notified on a Friday afternoon about a pending eviction with only five working days to respond, calling the process inhumane and lacking collaboration. - Multidisciplinary Team (MDT): Originating from the commission but now housed at the county, the MDT meets quarterly to address complex cases of unsheltered individuals at risk of death. Since inception, 19 individuals have been presented, all connected to services, and 11 have been housed or moved to long-term care (nursing home or CRR). - Sunday Drop-In Center: Through the commission's connection with the faith community, Christ Church (Christ Lutheran) began offering Sunday breakfast and fellowship. By the end of winter, they were serving nearly 75 people each Sunday. The all-volunteer program relies on donations and would like to stay open year-round but needs more volunteers. - Services Alert System: A text message system was created to provide real-time information on agency closures, weather, and other updates to providers and people experiencing homelessness. - Advocacy Initiatives: The education committee hosted three public awareness events in 2025, including a presentation to the business community at Capitol Blue. The commission also addressed Senate Bill 780 (criminalizing encampments) and noted a counter bill has been introduced. - Long-Term Priorities: The commission identified the urgent need for a year-round, low-barrier emergency shelter—the third-largest city in Pennsylvania lacks one. Co-chairs clarified that existing shelters (e.g., YMCA, Bethlehem Emergency Shelter, Rescue Mission) have barriers such as warrant checks, sexual offense exclusions, and voucher requirements, and do not accept families with children. The commission stressed the need for regional collaboration and a continuum of housing options (permanent supportive, transitional, longer stays). - Strategic Priorities: The commission called for stronger collaboration with the Allentown Housing Authority (no participation) and the standing shelters (6th Street Shelter, Salvation Army, Rescue Mission—none attend meetings or share data). Comprehensive data collection remains a challenge due to differing definitions of homelessness (HUD vs. McKinney-Vento) and disparate data systems. Only about 30% of providers use the same HMIS system. - Service Hubs: Formed after the Jordan Creek evictions, the service hubs at the YMCA coordinated by the city's unsheltered coordinator have helped house 20 people (including three veterans), placed four into inpatient treatment, and two into transitional housing, out of approximately 103 individuals along Jordan Creek. The hubs are a work in progress and will continue through April 2026. Key Outcomes - The commission's report, submitted to the mayor and city council in early April 2026, was formally received by the council. - Council member Bender committed to investigating the technical barriers preventing the commission from posting agendas, minutes, and contact information on the city website, and to exploring a link from the city site to an external page. - Council member Bender also noted that the city is working to schedule a meeting with the Allentown Housing Authority executive director, Julio Guridy, to discuss collaboration; two dates are being considered. - Council members expressed appreciation for the commission's volunteer work and acknowledged the challenges of maintaining quorum and addressing homelessness in the city. - No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational and included a question-and-answer session.

The Allentown Planning Commission met on April 14, 2026, at 12:15 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered four agenda items: approval of prior minutes, an adaptive reuse proposal, a major land development for a manufacturing building, and a public hearing on a zoning amendment for data centers. All items were approved or recommended favorably with conditions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 10, 2026): Unanimously approved as written. Discussion Items Adaptive Re-Use – 322-324 North 7th Street (Item 2) - Applicant: Ronald J. Reybitz (Fitzpatrick, Lentz and Bubba, P.C.) for owner Richard Bauer. - Proposal: Convert a 2-story former warehouse into six apartments (two 1-bedroom, two 1-bedroom with office, two 2-bedroom). - Key Details: Parking on adjacent lot (19 spaces), property in MXC district and partially in Historic Building Demolition Overlay (HBDO) – though rear building is outside HBDO. Staff highlighted the city's low vacancy rate (0.8–1.4%) vs. a healthy 5–8%, and recommended conditions including a minor land development application, street tree, curb/sidewalk improvements, park dedication, sewage planning, utility connections, and bike racks. Lighting was encouraged. - Affordability: Owner stated rents would be $900–$1,050 for two-bedroom units, consistent with existing units. - Vote: Motion (Beavers) to recommend approval to the Zoning Hearing Board subject to staff conditions and lighting encouragement; seconded (Hornung); passed 6-0. Land Development – 928 American Parkway NE – Manufacturing Building (Item 3) - Applicant: Kimberly Tiburzi of RVE, represented by Scott Unger (AEDC). - Proposal: Construction of a 73,500 SF manufacturing building (one story, 36-ft clear ceiling), 82 parking spaces (20 future), 11 loading docks, 6 truck parking. Site in IM (Industrial Manufacturing) district and Riverfront Redevelopment Overlay. - Key Details: Floodplain issues – FEMA maps incorrect; applicant plans to fill site 4 ft and pursue a Conditional Letter of Map Revision. Steep slopes from illegal dumping; floodway not affected. Green roof committed. Aesthetics discussion – commission encouraged elements reflecting industrial heritage (colors, textures, murals). Truck access and Riverside Drive extension coordination noted. Commission member Leslie Hartzell recused herself. - Vote: Motion (Brown) for conditional preliminary/final approval including: demonstrate consideration of staff recommendations (page 9), provide walkways, incorporate architectural/historical elements (encouraged), comply with City Comment Letter (April 9, 2026). Seconded (Hartney); passed 5-0. Zoning Amendment Public Meeting – Data Center Use (Item 4, Bill 20-2026) - Purpose: Add definitions and regulations for data centers in zoning code (Chapter 660). - Proposed Regulations: Data centers permitted by special exception only in IG and IM districts; large-scale (50,000 SF) require minimum lot sizes (5 acres in IG, 8 in IM); setbacks from sensitive uses; required studies (environmental, noise, water/sewer, power, thermal, emergency). - Discussion: Staff outlined process – reviewed by multiple departments, LVPC will comment, then CED committee and City Council. Commission discussed whether a landscape architect should be required; staff noted existing code may allow that. No public comments. - Vote: Motion (Beavers) to favorably recommend to City Council, with consideration of requiring a landscape architect in design; seconded (Hornung); passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - Adaptive Re-Use: Recommended approval to Zoning Hearing Board with conditions. - Manufacturing Building: Granted conditional preliminary/final approval. - Zoning Amendment: Favorably recommended to City Council. - Next Steps: Zoning amendment to be reviewed by LVPC, then proceed to CED Committee and City Council (possible May–June timeline).

The Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) of Allentown, Pennsylvania, met on April 14, 2026, at 6:01 PM. The board reviewed two applications: one for property at 44 North 12th Street (JM Rental Properties) and one for 334 North 9th Street (brick repair). The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes from March 2, 2026, and discussion of each proposal. The board voted to approve both applications with conditions. 44 North 12th Street – JM Rental Properties Applicant Jamille Mahidali presented a proposal to legalize existing work at 44 North 12th Street, including installation of black aluminum clad wood windows, porch railing modifications, and basement egress changes. Staff provided detailed recommendations. Key discussion points: - Windows: The board debated the arched windows on the second and third floors. Some members argued for historically accurate curved sashes, while others noted that the existing square sashes were installed previously. A compromise was reached: the applicant must fabricate custom window casing to replicate the original curved appearance, using a durable material approved by staff, to eliminate gaps between glass and exterior elements. - Front Porch Railing: Staff recommended a thicker top rail to match historic proportions. The board agreed to require the top rail be modified to a thicker profile, with all wood elements painted. - Front Porch Columns: The applicant agreed to repair or replace deteriorated wood elements in kind, matching existing profiles and painting all wood. - Basement Egress: The original proposal included a door facing Linden Street. After discussion, the board determined that a custom gate (minimum three-quarters door height) matching historic Allentown examples (e.g., 441 North 11th Street) would be more appropriate. The gate must be approved by staff. - Rear Porch: Constructed as submitted. Handrails on the rear steps were noted as existing. Motion and Vote: The board moved to approve the application with conditions. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (all in favor). 334 North 9th Street – Brick Repair Applicant Neil Melcher (Melcher Brothers Masonry) proposed repairing deteriorating brick on the primary facade due to water damage from improper mortar. Staff recommended approval with conditions: brick bond must match the original configuration (including reuse of special bricks), and product information for the Heli Beam system (spacing and quantity) must be submitted to staff. Discussion: The applicant clarified that only the damaged brickwork above the porch would be repaired; painted brick at the lower level would not be altered. The Heli Beam system will provide structural support. The board expressed interest in documenting the repair for educational purposes. Motion and Vote: The board moved to approve with conditions (brick bond matches original, product information submitted). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - 44 North 12th Street: Approved with conditions including custom window casing for arched windows, modified front porch railing, repair of front porch columns, installation of a custom historic-style gate for basement egress, and rear porch construction as submitted. - 334 North 9th Street: Approved with conditions requiring brick bond to match original configuration and submission of Heli Beam system specifications. - Both applications were forwarded to City Council for final resolution.

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on April 13, 2026, at 12:15 PM (UTC) to hear three cases. Two cases were resolved without testimony due to appellant absence or withdrawal, and one case received a full hearing resulting in a denied variance. Cases Without Hearing - 827 North Fifth Street (Appeal of 827 North Fifth Street, LLC): The appellant was not present. No objectors or interested parties appeared. The board unanimously denied the application for lack of testimony and evidence. - 943–951 Shu Street (Appeal of MPC Allentown LLC): The appellant was not present initially. The zoning office reported after the hearing that the applicant had withdrawn the appeal the previous week. The board, after initially considering a motion to deny for lack of appearance, instead acknowledged the withdrawal. No formal action was taken. Hearing and Testimony for Case 3: 520 North 20th Street (Robert Spearco) - Applicant Robert Spearco appeared and was sworn in. He sought variances for a potting shed on the side of his house (insufficient side setback: required 5 feet, existing 3.25–4 feet) and a gazebo/pergola at the rear (zero rear setback, roof encroaching into the city’s right-of-way). - Mr. Spearco explained that the structures had been in place for about 12 years, he had not obtained permits, and he believed he was in compliance. He noted no neighbor complaints and described the yard as a popular respite. - Zoning official Scott noted that the gazebo roof extended into the city’s right-of-way, a matter beyond the board’s jurisdiction, and that the potting shed did not meet side-yard requirements. - Board members questioned the applicant and discussed the lack of a legal hardship (e.g., unique physical circumstances of the property). The board emphasized that de minimis encroachments do not constitute a legal basis for a variance, and that the burden of proof (including a survey) falls on the applicant. - The board stated that even if a variance were possible, it could not address the right-of-way encroachment, which is not a zoning issue. Key Outcomes - Motion to deny the variance for 520 North 20th Street was made and seconded, citing no legal hardship presented and insufficient evidence. All board members voted in favor. The variance was denied. - Motion to deny the appeal for 827 North Fifth Street (due to lack of appearance and evidence) passed unanimously. - 943–951 Shu Street was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting; no board action required. - The next meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026.

The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Allentown met on April 8, 2026, at 2:02 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum of board members and staff present. Key actions included approval of amended minutes, financial reports, invoice payments, appointment of an RFP review committee, and a vote to add residency and Section 3 preferences to a property maintenance RFP. An executive session was held at 2:55 PM to discuss real estate transactions. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from March 11, 2026, were approved as amended. Corrections included removing a name under public comment, fixing a typo ("perspective" to "prospective"), correcting a reference to "acting executive director" for Mark, and clarifying contract authority language. - Financial Reports Approved: Staff financial reports as of March 31, 2026, were approved subject to audit. Alan noted $200,000 in CDBG reimbursement deposited in March and $159,000 pending for 725 N 10th St and 802 W Walnut St, spending down prior CDBG funds. A board member questioned zero-balance accounts on the balance sheet; staff cited HUD recordkeeping requirements. Budget variances were attributed to timing (first quarter of the year). - Invoices for Payment: 13 invoices totaling $40,386.79 were approved. Major items included $20,000 for city staff salaries and benefits (first quarter 2026), legal bills, insurance, and website updates. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Easterling (public comment): Addressed the board, thanking staff for sending notes from the prior meeting. He mentioned scheduling a meeting with Mark and Nikki to review ideas he previously presented. He noted that several low-income Allentown contractors submitted information on PennBid for subcontracting opportunities. He urged stronger affirmative language in RFPs, suggesting extra points for minority-owned and Section 3 contractors, referencing October 2022 city legislation. Discussion Items - Inventory Update: Staff reported quiet conditions except for dumping (approximately 100 beer cans) and graffiti at 802 Walnut Street (cleaned) and additional roof tarping at 1238 and 1240 19th Street due to persistent leaks. - RFP Updates (725 N 10th and 540 properties): Eight total proposals were received. Staff proposed a five-person review committee: Vicky (city staff), Mark (acting executive director), Jen Gomez (city planning director), and board members Jess and Tony. Discussion centered on whether to add a community representative. Jess and Alan noted the committee would be majority white in a majority-minority city; Jess expressed concern about representing both city and board. Mark and Dan argued the board represents the community and that public input would occur during formal board presentations. Staff cited confidentiality of proprietary information. The committee was finalized as proposed. - New Business – RFP for Boarding and Securing Properties: Staff presented a draft RFP for property maintenance services. Debate arose over adding questions about whether the business is minority-owned, located in Allentown, and what percentage of employees reside in the city. Alan strongly supported including minority-ownership and residency preferences. Legal counsel (Josh) warned that asking about minority ownership could jeopardize federal CDBG funding given HUD restrictions and recent Supreme Court and Trump administration actions. Dan and others preferred focusing on Allentown residency and Section 3 low-income contractor preferences to avoid funding risk. After a roll call vote, the motion to amend the RFP with residency and Section 3 language (but not minority-ownership) passed 3-2. - Website Updates: Staff reported updates to the authority's website: board member photos, current inventory, removal of at-risk registration, corrected links, and posting of meeting minutes. The site now includes a Teams link for meeting attendance. Discussion about ADA compliance for closed captioning by April 24, 2026, and potential use of city iPads to reduce paper usage. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved as Amended (unanimous). - Financial Reports Approved (motion carried). - Invoices Approved for $40,386.79 (motion carried). - RFP Review Committee Appointed: Vicky, Mark, Jen Gomez, Jessica, and Tony. No additional community member. - Amendment to Property Maintenance RFP Approved: Added questions on whether business is located in Allentown, and what percentage of employees reside in the city, along with Section 3 low-income contractor preference. Motion passed 3-2 (Dan Schmidt – yes, Alan Jennings – no, Tony – yes, additional yes from one other; Jess’s vote unclear but final tally 3-2). - Snow and Grass RFP: Staff to issue RFP for snow and grass maintenance after a meeting with PennBid. - Executive Session: Called at 2:55 PM to discuss real estate transactions. Board members reminded that the session was confidential and documents could not be shared.

The Allentown City Council held a special meeting on April 8, 2026, to receive a presentation from the Allentown Parking Authority (APA) Executive Director John Haney. The session covered APA operations, recent statistics, ongoing initiatives, and future plans. Council members posed questions on towing, enforcement, payment plans, parking permits, and community impact, followed by public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - AJ Nee (former APA officer and resident): Expressed support for APA’s safety-focused enforcement and praised the reinstatement of 24/7 enforcement, noting the high burden on residents during the suspension. - Resident (Ms. Short Tees): Raised concerns about inconsistent parking regulations in center city and suggested that RPP permits should be free for residents given their tax contributions. Discussion Items - APA Overview and 2025 Accomplishments: Executive Director John Haney highlighted acquisitions (Ridge Ave lots), removal of 132 abandoned vehicles, creation of 66 new parking spaces, dispatch handling of 17,866 calls, and a mapping project for public street spaces. Challenges include aging decks (one 56 years old) and technology upgrades. - Towing Data: APA reported 156 tows in 2026 (year-to-date) and 957 in 2025. Breakdowns included 72-hour, fire hydrant, unpaid tickets, and miscellaneous violations. The 72-hour program is 80% complaint-driven. - Booting and Towing Procedures: APA boots vehicles before towing to prevent movement; the fee covers officer time and equipment. - Payment Plan: APA implemented a payment plan in August 2025. As of March 2026, 286 plans were enacted, with 70% completed, 23% not completed, and 7% in process. Applicants must apply within the first 10 days of the ticket to freeze the fine. - Meter Study Results: APA provided highlights recommending removal of some meters, addition in others, and creation of pickup/drop-off zones downtown. Council requested the full study. - Training and Culture: APA staff receive community relations training and monthly sessions. APA reported a diverse workforce: 94 employees across multiple ethnicities. Language diversity includes English, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Patois, Punjabi, sign language, and Bulgarian. - Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Program: APA administers the resident-driven program. Permits cost $25 first year, $20 renewal; no limit per household. Council and APA acknowledged the ordinance may need updating. - 24/7 Enforcement: APA reinstated 24/7 enforcement in January 2024 after a suspension in March 2023. Focus is on safety violations (fire hydrants, double parking). Council requested data on revenue generated and off-hour call volume. - Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Study: APA disputed the study’s conclusions about targeting, arguing enforcement density correlates with vehicle density and city-set routes. APA said they were not contacted by the study authors. - Parking Ticket Data and Appeals: In 2025, APA handled 3,049 appeals; 1,505 upheld, 1,544 dismissed or reduced (12% dismissed for error, 39% reduced to warning). Common tickets: street cleaning, meters, inspections, no-parking. - Street Cleaning Enforcement: APA follows behind street sweepers and issues tickets for vehicles that impede cleaning. Council raised concerns about tickets issued after cleaning had occurred; APA stated the ordinance allows parking once the street is cleaned, but enforcement timing may sometimes be unclear. - Contract and Financial Relationship with City: APA is an independent authority with no updated contract. APA carries $56–$57 million in debt, benefiting the city’s bond rating. No direct payments currently; past contributions occurred under different leadership. Council noted other cities (Reading) receive revenue. - Communication Initiatives: APA hired a community relations specialist and participates in multiple events. Uses Code Red alerts. Council encouraged proactive outreach to businesses and residents. - Siren Program: APA retains sirens but found them ineffective for double parking; prioritizes verbal interaction. - Board Composition: Board appointed by mayor, five-year terms; currently one open seat. Council discussed removing the AEDC requirement to broaden applicant pool. Key Outcomes - Council and APA agreed to continue dialogue and work on updating parking ordinances to reflect current needs. - APA committed to providing additional data requested: towing locations, revenue from 24/7 enforcement, inspection violation statistics, and maps. - Council will consider revisions to the RPP ordinance and board membership requirements. - APA will share the full meter study and results from Lancaster’s parking permit study for comparison. - Council emphasized better communication between APA and residents regarding street cleaning enforcement and payment plan options.

This committee meeting (Roles, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy) focused on Bill 26, which amends Article 8 of the Allentown Parking Authority. The amendment removes the requirement that a member of the parking authority must also be a representative of the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), thereby allowing the mayor to designate and council to approve any resident of Allentown. Discussion included the need to limit the number of elected officials on the board. The bill was moved favorably with a caveat to add language restricting council members. Discussion Items - Bill 26 – Removal of AEDC Board Membership Requirement: The sponsor explained that the current mandate for a parking authority member to come from the AEDC board is outdated (originally set 40 years ago) and makes the board too municipal. The AEDC board is 97% non-residents of Allentown, so the change opens the position to any city resident. Committee members expressed support, noting the importance of the board reflecting residents. Concerns were raised about preventing multiple council members from serving simultaneously; past instances occurred where elected officials were on the board as residents and then became council members, resulting in three council members at one time. The committee agreed to work with the solicitor to add language limiting the board to one council member (or potentially one elected official). The motion to move the bill favorably was made and seconded, with the caveat that the language be finalized before the full council meeting. Key Outcomes - Bill 26 was moved favorably out of committee with the condition that language be added to limit the number of council members (or elected officials) on the Allentown Parking Authority to one. The language will be finalized with the solicitor and brought to the full council meeting.