RACA Board Meeting Summary – March 11, 2026

The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Allentown (RACA) board met on March 11, 2026, from approximately 3:17 PM to 3:51 PM in executive session. The meeting covered approvals of invoices, property inventory updates, RFP progress for two redevelopment sites, a new RFP for snow and grass maintenance vendors, and approval of the 2025 CDBG contract. Discussion included transparency around contractor selection, the need for additional service contracts (boarding, clean-out, handyman), and clarification of the acting executive director's title.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Invoices for Payment (Agenda Item 5.2): After a procedural motion to table was not seconded (and thus died), a motion to approve invoices passed with a clear instruction that a serious discussion must follow on how the board leads and approves contracts. Motion carried by voice vote.

Inventory Updates

• Agenda Item 6.0: Staff reported that the property inventory is largely unchanged from the previous month. Anthony continues to conduct inspections. A correction was noted: 1238 19th Street was omitted from the printed sheet but should be included; staff will send the updated list. No board questions.

Old Business – RFP Updates

• 540 Hamilton Street: 33 RFP downloads; a property tour on February 17 had 22 attendees; four public questions were posted (covering government funding, heating system, and floor plans). Staff expressed optimism for strong responses.
• 725 North 10th Street: 42 RFP downloads; tour on February 19 had 15 attendees; a technical assistance session (via PenBid) on March 3 had four attendees plus city staff and board member Alan. Bids are due April 1, 2026.
• 1238-1240 19th Street: Property acquired for $184,500 (closed under the board-authorized maximum of $215,000). Staff successfully negotiated a lower price. The property is now in inventory; a homeownership program with internal rehab is being considered. Board member praised staff's negotiation, noting the renovation will eliminate blight on the block. The property has a sinkhole in the back but is structurally sound.

New Business – RFP for Snow and Grass Vendors

• Presentation: The proposed RFP includes price points for grass cutting (cost per acre, hourly cost per cut, quarter‑acre to half‑acre) and snow removal (salt only, snow removal by depth tiers). Contractors must carry insurance, cut grass every 14 days, take before/after photos, and assume responsibility for tickets if work is not completed. Snow removal follows the ordinance: 10 hours within a storm.
• Discussion: Board members questioned why the process changed from a rotating list of contractors to a single vendor per service. Staff explained that a single contractor ensures accountability, simplifies monitoring (inspector Anthony rotates days/times), and avoids issues with dishonest invoices and scheduling failures experienced with multiple contractors. Concerns were raised about transparency: staff's use of a specific plumber and handyman without a formal list. Staff committed to providing a list of all contractors used. The board also discussed the need for future RFPs for boarding-up, clean-out (noting challenges due to varied scopes, e.g., hazmat vs. non‑hazmat), and handyman services. Clean-out contracts have historically been difficult for the city.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the RFP for snow and grass vendors passed (voice vote, no opposition). Staff will issue a press release and post the RFP on the RACA website.

2025 CDBG Contract

• Overview: The contract allocates $600,000 in CDBG funds for the 2026 budget year. HUD funds start July 1, but contracts typically arrive in October–December. The contract uses HUD‑required boilerplate language; some standard clauses (e.g., related to federal executive orders) have been removed to maintain eligibility. Board member Josh confirmed the language is consistent with previous CDBG contracts.
• Title Clarification: A board member questioned why Mark is listed as "Acting Executive Director" rather than "Executive Director," given that the board never formally appointed an executive director. Staff clarified that Mark's city role prevents him from holding the full title without a formal board action and legal separation of duties. The board agreed to discuss the title separately in a future meeting.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the CDBG contract passed (voice vote, all in favor). The chair is authorized to sign.

Executive Session

• At 3:51 PM, the board moved into executive session to discuss real estate acquisition. The meeting adjourned thereafter.

Key Outcomes

• Invoices for payment approved with directive for future contract oversight discussion.
• RFP for snow and grass vendors approved; will be issued promptly with public notice.
• 2025 CDBG contract ($600,000) approved.
• Staff directed to provide a list of all contractors used for maintenance/repair services.
• Future RFPs for boarding-up, clean-out, and handyman services to be considered.
• Title of acting executive director to be addressed in a subsequent meeting.
• Property at 1238-1240 19th Street acquired for $184,500; homeownership rehab planned.
• Executive session held for real estate acquisition (no public action taken).