Allentown Board Meeting Summary (2025-12-17)

The Allentown Board of Directors convened to address critical infrastructure updates and utility rate justifications. The meeting focused primarily on compliance with an EPA order to replace lead and copper service lines, the associated residential grant programs managed by the Lehigh County Authority (LCA), and a review of upcoming water and sewer rate adjustments. While board members and LCA representatives emphasized the mandatory nature of the replacement timeline, discussions highlighted community communication gaps and funding limitations regarding street rehabilitation.

Consent Calendar

• No items were listed for formal approval or unanimous action in the provided transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Concern on Communication: A board member expressed concern that confusion regarding the program's mechanics and responsibilities is widespread among residents, specifically noting that the Spanish-speaking population feels "completely in the dark." The speaker emphasized that without clear communication, residents may disregard official mail, assuming it is merely a bill.
  • Position: Supported stronger, more frequent, and linguistically accessible outreach to ensure residents understand they will not be required to outlay funds upfront.

Discussion Items

• Lead and Copper Replacement (EPA Order):
  • Program Overview: LCA presenter Liesel Gross and staff explained the mandate to replace service lines by 2037. Public lines (water main to curb) are the utility's responsibility, while private lines (curb to home) are the property owner's.
  • Grant Details: Attendees queried the availability of the PEN VEST program. Staff confirmed that grants cover 100% of the cost for private line replacement, including sidewalk restoration in some coordination contexts, with no income requirements, though funding is prioritized for "financially sensitive fragile areas." There is no upfront cost to the homeowner; reimbursement occurs post-completion.
  • Operational Challenges: Board members noted the difficulty in gaining entry for inspections on the private side. LCA clarified that they utilize a neighborhood-based approach; they do not replace pipes one-by-one but rather target specific pockets (e.g., Center City, next East Side) to ensure cost-effectiveness.
  • Paving Discrepancy: A speaker noted a conflict where the street rehabilitation ordinance requires curb-to-curb paving after cuts, yet no specific funding exists for this paving work through EPA or state water grants. The speaker expressed a need for Pennsylvania to provide better assistance for paving costs.
• Water Efficiency Question:
  • A board member asked if current assistance grants cover water efficiency upgrades (e.g., low-flow toilets, showerheads) to reduce overall consumption.
  • LCA Response: The current program is strictly for bill assistance for low-income households to prevent disconnection. However, the speaker stated the program is flexible and could be modeled to include efficiency grants if funds and a specific need arose.
• Water and Sewer Rates:
  • Impact: LCA presented that the 2025-2026 rate adjustment results in an approximate quarterly increase of $18 (roughly $6/month) for an average residential bill of 15,000 gallons.
  • Comparative Position: Staff presented data indicating that Allentown's rates remain in the middle range compared to 26 other Lehigh Valley communities. A board member commented on the general necessity of rate hikes due to aging infrastructure and national regulations (ASCE grading water systems a C-).
  • Assistance: LCA highlighted their existing customer assistance program, having awarded nearly 500 grants (totaling ~$500k in recent years), noting that federal programs (LIWAP, PA HAF) have expired.

Key Outcomes

• Compliance Timeline: The city is legally required to achieve full lead service line replacement compliance by 2037.
• Funding Strategy: The City and LCA will continue to utilize PEN VEST grants for full pipe and sidewalk replacement costs, avoiding income-based restrictions. No funding currently covers the associated street paving costs, creating an administrative burden to manage road assets.
• Communication Plan: LCA committed to bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach, including annual EPA-required notices and interim communications via mail and phone to clarify that homeowners will not incur upfront costs.
• Next Steps: LCA will develop specific neighborhood programs for replacement cycles and continue legislative outreach to secure additional rate relief and paving funding.