1  July10,2024  Minutes of the Council of the City of Easton, Pa.  June 26, 2024  Easton, Pa. Wednesday June 26, 2024 6:05p.m.  City Council met ini the stated session at the above date and time, in Council Chambers, located on the Third Floor of City Hall, 123 S. Third Street, to consider any business that may lawfully The invocation was given by Mayor Panto, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  be brought before the body.  ROLLCALL  Present: Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles*, Mrs. Sultana, Mayor  Panto (7) Absent: (0)  *Dr. Ruggles joined the meeting by telephone  Also Participating in the meeting were Karen Roscioli, City Clerk; Joel Scheer, City Solicitor; Jeremy Clark, Assistant City Solicitor; David Hopkins, Director of Public Works, John Kingsley, Director ofl Economic Development, Mark Lysynecky, Director of Finance, Mike Brett, RDA,  Sara Eddings, RDA, ChiefHennings, former Councilman Dave O'Connell, At the beginning of the meeting there were 25+ in attendance.  APPROVALOF AGENDA  A motion to approve the agenda was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Pintabone by the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mayor Panto, Mr.  following vote: Brown Nays: None (0)  ACTION ON THE MINUTES  AI motion was made by Dr. Ruggles and seconded by Mr. Pintabone to approve the June 12, 2024, meeting minutes. The minutes were approved by the following vote. Yeas: Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mayor Panto, Mr. Brown (6)  Abstain: Mr. Edinger Nays: None (0)    2  July 10,2024  SWEARING IN OF FIRE FIGHTERS  At this time, Mayor Panto introduced Chief Henry Hennings who stated that six (6) new recruits At this time Mayor Panto administered the Oath of Office to the following Firefighters: Adam Norder, Devin Demkowicz, Robert Jazikoff, Kevin Klosz, Luke Thorpe and Tyler Hallett. Mayor Panto congratulated the new: fire fighters and stated he is very proud of our fire department, stating our fire department is one oft the best in the state and possibly the country. Mayor Panto also thanked family and friends ofthe new: recruits, it's time away from home, they Chief Hennings thanked all city council, Mayor Panto and Luis Campos, for their support in keeping the department fully staffed. He welcomed the new recruits and wished them al long and  will be taking the oath of office tonight.  will miss family events.  successful career.  PRESENTATION  Update for Nesquehoning Memorial Park  Before Mr. Hopkins gave his presentation, Mayor Panto announced Mr. Brown is chairperson of the committee overseeing the work on Memorial Park along with the Buffalo Soldiers from Due to technical difficulties, Mr. Hopkins could not use his slide presentation. Mr. Hopkins stated Mr. Brown volunteered to lead a group of community members. They identified all 26] people who were or are interred at the site. The committee reached out to the The committee selected the design. There will be a concrete wall with Nesquehoning Memorial Park, decorative fence. Most of the park is grass with granite stone for each person buried at the site. It's a very simple design but very well done. The community put in a year of their time to Mr. Hopkins stated he applied for a 250K grant, hoping to hear in the fall if we are awarded the  Bethlehem.  community seeking information on anyone buried here.  make these decisions.  money. We are hoping to implement this plan in 2025.  Mayor interjected there is a small service at the park July 27 at 10:30.    3  July 10,2024  PUBLIC COMMENT - Agenda Items Only  There was no public comment at this time.  CONSENT AGENDA  The following items were approved on motion by Dr. Ruggles and seconded by Mr. Pintabone Resolution 102-2024 - Approving Certificate afAppropriateness: for 441-43 Northampton Street Resolution 103-2024 - Approving Certificate of Appropriateness, for 328. Bushkill Street Resolution 104-2024 - Approving Certificate of Appropriateness, for 121-27 Northampton Street Resolution 105-2024 - Approving Certificate of Appropriateness. for 26N. 2nd Street Resolution 106-2024 - Approving Certificate ofA Appropriateness. for 46S. 6th Street Resolution 107-2024 - Approving Certificate of Appropriateness for 214-16Spring Garden St. Resolution 108-2024. - Approving Certificate of Appropriateness for 121-23N. 3rd_Street Resolution 109-2024 - Approving Certificate ofAppropriateness: for 228-30. Northampton. St. Resolution 110-2024 - Approving Certificate ofAppropriateness: for 123N. 2nd Street Resolution 111-2024 - Approving Certificate ofAppropriateness, for 131 Spring Garden Street Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  by the following vote:  Brown (7) Nays: (0)  REPORTS RECEIVED BY COUNCIL  n/a  REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  Mr. Brown, Chairperson of the Finance Committee: introduced Finance Director Mark Lysynecky. Mr. Lysynecky states he provided Council members with a copy of] May year-to-date Mr. Lysynecky advised members ifthey had any questions, he would schedule committee meetings to discuss the report. He also stated midyear we are trending in the right direction.  results along with a one-page summary.    4  July 10,2024  Mr. Pintabone, Chairperson oft the Economic Development Committee: Last week we submitted two grants, one for Highline 100k and Tree Pa 15k would add trees in local parks. We also Yesterday the Mayor and Directors met with Senator Casey staff to go over Community Center We are currently working with Aman'st to secure a liquor license. A public hearing willl be held Mr. Lysynecky reminded the Mayor he did not speak about ARPA. Mr. Lysynecky stated he and  submitted for the police evidence facility on Rt 611 150k.  in the West Ward and Smith Ave improvement project 100K and 90K.  in August.  Mr. Kingsley are available to answer any questions. Mayor Panto stated we will look at that later.  Mrs. Rose, Chairperson of the Planning and Code Committee: next planning meeting is July 3 at 6:30 pm in chambers. She stated there are several items on the agenda which is posted on the Last night at the Council Committee meeting we reviewed the alert system, and she will meet with) Mr. Campos when he returns. She stated she will share that information with Council after Dr. Ruggles, Chairperson oft the Public Safety Committee: we will have Lidar training at the police station the week of. July gth. He stated he is looking forward to implementing the Lidar. Mrs. Sultana, Chairperson oft the. Administration Committee: attended the committee meeting last night and would like to be part oft the meeting about the alert system with Mr. Campos. Mrs. Rose stated we did review the system last night. Mrs. Sultana stated she wanted further information from Mr. Campos. Mrs. Rose stated she will be sharing the proposal with everyone. Report of the Mayor: We are again experiencing problems with out-of-towners coming to the Arts Trail, leaving aj mess and trash behind. He stated Mr. Hopkins advised him there were two Another concern about this situation is the Bushkill Creek had some dams removed making the water level six inches. If they decide toj jump off the bridges again like they have in the past, they  website.  the meeting.  Mr. Edinger, Chairperson of the Public Works Committee: no report  truckloads oftrash. We are spending Mondays cleaning up the mess.  will get hurt.  We will position police officers at the location and limiting parking.  As Mr. Pintabone stated, we met with Senator Casey' s staff and visited the sitei in the West  Ward. That site will be announced in the fall.    5  July 10, 2024  They also looked at Smith Avenue, and third and Larry Holmes drive. The grant is going to OnJ July 8, Senator Siger, the secretary for DCED, will come to Easton to view the Community Center site and Shiloh Commons site for PHFA give us 9% tax credit. Mayor states once the There is a Resolution for the Hooper House, for publics edification not talking about eminent Mr. Ravitz (audience member) asked Mayor which sites are being considered for the Community Center. Mayor Panto stated there are three sites. First drawing for 10th & Pine, the other is St Anthony Square at gth and Walnut and last site is at the old Women's Home at 10th and  include widening the sidewalk on the stair side.  time is confirmed he will send out invites to council.  domain.  Northampton St.  Mayor Panto stated he will be introducing his Code of Conduct tonight. The mayor asked council members ift they had any questions, corrections or deletions. All members acknowledged they are Mayor Panto gave an update on economic development projects. He advised the Marquis project isf four weeks ahead of schedule. Being ahead of schedule the Confluence will start in July. July will begin construction for the Great Square Hotel. They will tear down the building, which was structurally unsafe, they will replace all the art deco building with approval from the A new restaurant, Albanese will open up the second week of. July. This is where Ocean was UGI is almost done with main on Bushkill Drive. They are paving the west ward streets. Report of the City Solicitor, Joel Scheer: city council met in executive session before council Mr. Clark the voting on is ai resolution authorizing the solicitors office to prepare necessary documents to execute the taking ofthe Hooper House, ifit comes to that. The vote on this resolution is not to actually conduct the taking, it is giving authorization to begin the paperwork Mayor Panto stated one of the grants we received was for the Southside neighborhood Blueprint Communities. There are 10 people on the committee who have been going to training. Lt Governor, Austin Davis, gave aj proclamation to the city of Easton for participating in the Blueprint Communities. The same program will be used for both West Ward, College Hill and  "okay" with it.  Historic District Commission. located and is by the same owner.  about real estate and litigation.  ini the event it comes to taking Hooper House.  downtown Neighborhoods.    6  July 10, 2024  Mayor Panto and some council members attended the opening and ribbon cutting of Mi Casa Restaurante. Mayor Panto stated they are trying to: rebuild the mom-and-pop businesses that were We also have ai new: supermarket preparing to open, Bravo, which is located at the southernmost Another restaurant moving into the 700 block of Berwick St and Dollar General Plus which is There was dialogue between Mr. Scheer and Mr. Ravitz which Id could not hear on the recording.  on the South Side. end of South Side. already open.  CORRESPONDENCE  n/a  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  Bill No. 18 (Ord No. 5867 - Ordinance Approving Easement Agreement with Easton Area Approved on a motion by Mr. Pintabone, seconded by Mrs. Rose by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  School District.  Brown (7) Nays: (0)  NEW BUSINESS  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution replacing the existing Code ofConduct.  The following Resolution was introduced by Mayor Panto  112-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mrs. Rose the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###    7  July 10, 2024  The next item was a Resolution approving the taking ofHooper House by Eminent Domain.  The following Resolution was introduced by Mayor Panto  113-2024  The above Resolution was approved on a motion by Mr. Pintabone, seconded by Mr. Edinger by Yeas: Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr.  the following vote: Edinger (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the. Agenda was a Resolution Approving an Indemnification. Agreement twith  GEDP  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  114-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mayor seconded Mr. Pintabone by the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution Authorizing DCED to apply to the PennDOT  ARLE Program  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Pintabone  115-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mrs. Rose the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###    8  July10,2024  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution Amending the revised. ARPA Budget  The following Resolution was introduced by Mayor Panto  116-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mr. Brown the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ####  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution Approving an agreement between the Cityof  Easton and HUD for Community Block Grant.  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Pintabone  Before the vote was taken, Mr. Pintabone introduced Mr. Brett, Deputy Director of RDA, to explain the allocations council will be voting on. Mr. Brett introduced Mr. Kingsley and Sarah Mr. Brett advised this is the second hearing for this process. At the first public hearing on May gth, the applicants were in attendance, and some spoke of their needs for requesting the funds.  Eddings also in attendance.  117-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mrs. Sultana seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution. Approving License Agreement with the developer  ofThe Marquis Apartments.  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  118-2024    9  July 10, 2024  The above Resolution was approved oni motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mrs. Sultana the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda was a Resolution Approving Proposal from National Water Main  in the amount of $181.950.  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  119-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mr. Brown the Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr.  following vote: Brown (7) Nays: (0)  ###  Bill No. 19 -A An Ordinance Approving an update to the Parking Garage Fees Section 285-42B  was introduced by Mr. Edinger and ordered processed for adoption.  PUBLIC COMMENT T-On any matter  Mr. Ravitz, 144 Church St. Would like to know wanted to know what happened with eminent Mr. Ravitz also over the lats 65 years ,65 ofold newspapers. Is offering his collection to the city, may6be in the lobby. Mayor Panto suggested contacting the Sigal Museum. There was a brief Melody Rogers, 710 W Berwick St., Regarding the strip mall by Chubby's. There is a new nails salon which looks very nice but then you have "crappy" stores. What can be done to make the Mayor Panto responded that the codes department speaks about structural safety, not what aj place  domain. There was a brief discussion.  discussion.  other stores to make their store front look nice. looks like. There was a briefdiscussion.    10 July 10, 2024  Michelle Miller Nodsle, 502 Northampton St., states she read in thej paper about the HooperHouse and Mayor Panto saying, "I want" "I want" "I think". Hasn't been involved, it's supposed to be a community center. Did anyone approach them and let them know they could get a grant? She wants the mayor and council to think about Pawlowski and his eminent domain blunder. Mayor Panto asked, "what blunder", this willl be used for community purpose. He stated in 60 days from now their work must be done. We don'twant to take this by eminent domain. We have tried Mr. Pintabone wants to mention. Two things to bring to the Committee meeting. He stated it's  working with them for many years and they never: follow through. time to get the mayor off council to which Mayor Panto agreed. Mayor Panto stated he wants the solicitors to look into it also.  Mr. Pintabone then stated he wants to talk about Affordable housing. Going forward on new developments wants to propose when a developer comes in, if they get any subsidies, grants or anything they will be required to make 10% affordable housing, ift they don't, we would charge a Mr. Pintabone further stated he spoke with state representative Solomon passed something a few years ago to where if a developer makes 30% or more units affordable, they get a 10-year tax abatement. Mr. Pintabone believes we should start something like this. There was a brief  per unit fee.  discussion on the matter.  ADJOURNMENT  With: no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23pm on a motion ofMr. Pintabone Yeas: Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mayor Panto, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mr.  seconded by Mrs. Sultana by the following vote:  Pintabone (7) Nays: (0)  Karen L. Roscioli City Clerk    CITY OF EASTON  PENNSYLVANIA  Mark Lysynecky Director of Finance (610) )250-6625  TO: DATE: RE: CC:  City Council June 26th, 2024 Apr 2024 YTD Results Salvatore J. Panto, Jr., Mayor Chris Heagele, City Controller Luis Campos, City Administrator Peter Koorie, Deputy Finance Director  This summary serves as a high-level overview of the detailed financial report shared with Council this evening. May year-to-date (YTD) highlights include: Overall, revenues are at 51% of budget to date but, as pointed out in prior reports, they are down ($1.9M), or -8.6% year over year (YoY), due to ARPA/Federal Grants revenue brought in in Q1 '23. Other items of note  General Fund Revenues Versus Budget & Prior Year  include:  Real Estate Taxes are at 86% of budget and are up by 2.8% over last year; '23 RE Taxes were also at 86% of budget through May Delinquent from Portnoff payments at 36% of budget and up $112K Combined mercantile taxes & licensing (Admissions, Mech/Amusement, BPT and Business Licenses) are at 56% of budget VS 58% in '23; up $16K YoY. BPTs are at 62% of budget and Combined Earned Income Taxes still look to be on target at 46% of budget, which is equal to the May YTD performance in '23 TV Cable Franchise, paid quarterly, is down at 16.5% of budget and down 58% YoY due to late '22 year-end payments coming in Q123 Bank Interest continues to run high due to higher rates and is at 60% ofbudget already; return will not continue as bank balances will be Casino Revenue, also paid quarterly, shows no change from prior month - at 22% of budget and up 6.8% Vs '23 EHA-PILOT also paid quarterly and in similar position to Casino Revenue - at 26% of budget and up 10.4% from last year Parking Meters Combined rate increases drove YTD revenues to 40% ofb budget, prior to peak season; up 59% YoY (May '23 was at 34% of Plan Review Fees at 113% of budget and up 33%, YoY Building Permits at 70% of budget with additional -$260K in permits still anticipated for The Confluence, pushing this line over budget; Solid Waste Collection is at 35% of budget; up 12% VS 23 due to  YoY based on increased collections  Admissions are at 48%  reduced throughout the year  target)  down 24% from '23  increased trash fee from $33 to $38/month    6 00 6  0 d6  6 o0 de 8  6 0  0  of  le