1  August 14,2024  Minutes of the Council of the City of Easton, Pa.  August 14, 2024  Easton, Pa. Wednesday August 14, 2024 6:00p.m.  City Council met in 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)  Also Participating in the meeting were Karen Roscioli, City Clerk; Luis Campos, City Administrator; Joel Scheer, City Solicitor; Mark Lysynecky, Finance Director; David Hopkins, Public Works Director; John Kingsley, Economic Development Director. At thel beginning oft the meeting there were 30+ people in the audience.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Before the Agenda was approved, Mayor Panto stated he will table the Resolution Approving Developers Agreement with Larry Holmes Drive Associates, The Confluence Project. A motion was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Agenda was amended to  table the above Resolution by the following vote:  Yeas: Mr. Edinger, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana,  Mayor Panto, Mr. Brown Nays: None (0)  ACTION ON THE MINUTES  An motion was: made by Mr. and seconded by Mr. Pintabone to approve the Mr. Edinger meeting Yeas: Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mayor Panto, Mr. Brown, Mr.  minutes. The minutes were approved by the following vote.  Edinger Nays: None (0)    2  August 14, 2024  CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION  A certificate of commendation was presented to Carlton D. Taylor by Dr. Ruggles on behalfof City Council. Mr. Taylor is the coach and Director of the Easton Aquatics Club. Dr. Ruggles also Mayor Panto thanked Mr. Taylor for his volunteerism and his time. Mayor also stated Carlton is Dr Ruggles invited and swim team to come up and help him present the certificate to Mr. Taylor. Dr. Ruggles stated the certificate is from all ofCouncil and all the citizens of Easton, and the Mr. Taylor thanked very one and stated the city is a great partner, great to work with. The kids, families, parents have been outstanding. He spoke about Ed Black and the culture he built with the swim club. Mr. Taylor stated this (certificate and photo) is very much appreciated and  presented Mr. Taylor with a photograph ofhimself with his team. doing well extremely with participation and winning.  photo is from the kids.  thanked everyone.  PUBLIC HEARING: AMANSLIQUOR LICENSE  Mayor Panto thanked Aman'sf for moving to downtown Easton. He said the restaurant is doing Mr. Kingsley started the hearing. We are considering an application for an Economic Development Liquor License to support Aman' s Easton LLC. Aman' s has been a partner with Mr. Kingsley stated the city has been working with Bally (part owner) and the family helping with related startup operations and continuing operations. Approximately six months ago Bally approached Mr. Kingsley to explore working toward an Economic Development liquor license. They have not been able to obtain one on the private market due to expense and lack of They submitted an application and met all the requirements ofo our Ordinance 5717.One oft the requirements is consulting with local property owners as to any concerns or questions they may have about the application they are proposing. Also, reached out to our Department of] Planning and Codes and Police Department about any concerns they may have. They cleared all the reviews and now presenting this to City Council consideration tonight as a resolution but prior to doing that, we have to have a Public Hearing in accordance with the state act.  very well because of the quality oft the food.  the city and one oft the favorite restaurants for five years.  availability.    3  August 14, 2024  Mayor Panto opened the floor to hear any public input as it relates to this applicant. Bally is here Mayor invited Bally to the podium to say a few words. Bally thanked everyone and Mr. Kingsley for their support and help. He stated thel last liquor license went for $400,000 from an auction. He stated he is no longer interested in owning the license they want to provide liquor for their customers. They are losing a lot of corporate business. When they find out there is no liquor Artie Ravitz stated his only problem is they don'thave any specials for people who can'tafford prices they are charging. He is suggesting Aman's make ai moderately priced meal for people  toj provide and input.  they leave.  who can'tafford their prices.  With no other questions or comments, Mayor Panto closed the hearing.  PUBLIC COMMENT - Agenda Items Only  There was no public comment at this time.  CONSENT AGENDA  There is nothing on the consent agenda  REPORTS RECEIVED BY COUNCIL  There are no reports  REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  Mr. Brown, Chairperson of the Finance Committee: No Report  Mr. Pintabone, Chairperson of Economic Development: Mr. Pintabone reported the Department of Economic Development submitted their 2025 budget last week. DCED is working with. Aman's to get them a liquor license, Resolution on the agenda this evening. The Heart ofa Legend is brought back Larry Holmes Kids Day on. June 8, 2025, hopefully this will be ayearly Mrs. Rose, Chairperson of Planning and Codes: would like to thank Julie Klabunde and Eric Szabo for quickly handling a sidewalk safety issue. Next Zoning meeting is next Monday, 6pm  event.  agenda is on the city website.  Roger Ruggles, Chairperson of Public Safety: No Report    4  August14,2024  Mr. Edinger, Chairperson of Public Works: No Report  Mrs. Sultana, Chairperson of Administration; Wants the public to know she is working with Report of the Mayor: Cruise Night is the 3rd Saturday oft the month. Sunday is Easton Echo Also, Construction started on the church at 840 Ferry Street. This will create more affordable housing. Meeting with Bob Burns Executive Director of Trek Foundation. Mr. Hopkins will The Parking Summit inj place oft the Tuesday meeting in Council chambers will take place Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has a grant from an individual who is giving the city of Easton $90,000 towards the bike trails along with $50,000 towards the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. Mayor Panto thanked the volunteers oft the Trail in getting beautiful sculptures. The Lion's Club has made a donation to the community center in West Ward for $50,000. Mayor Panto congratulated Mr. Campos on receiving an ICMA certification for credential The Mayor brought up the Code of Conduct. He received an email from the City Solicitor. Council person stated the Mayor and Mr. Pintabone disrupted her speaking. Hei is not sure what Mrs. Sultana was talking about. He viewed the tape, and he wasn'tinvolved in the conversation. August 25 is Clam Jam, he has active people to design the skate park. Mayor Panto spoke briefly Mr. Pintabone has a question regarding the Counci/person. He states he was mentioned in the email along with Mayor Panto. He also stated he went back and reviewed the tape and there was Pastor Ruggles requested to speak to council. Advising they should have a retreat and learn about  the Easton Salvation Army to run a drive is August 17 and 18, 24 and 25th.  Festival, Monday movie night at Nevin Park.  present plans for bike trails and bike parks.  August 27, 6jpm.  manager designation. Mayor spoke briefing about ICMA.  about the temporary skate park in the Northeast Quadrant.  absolutely no disruption.  each other. Pastor went on to offer her assistance.  There was a lengthy discussion on the Code ofConduct and behavior ofc council.  Luis Campos, City Administrator: No Report Mr. Scheer, City Solicitor: No Report  CORRESPONDENCE  N/A    5  August 14,2024  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  N/A  NEW BUSINESS  The first item on the Agenda is a Resolution Supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the  United. States Semi quincentennia (America250Pa)  The following Resolution was introduced by Salvatore J. Panto Jr.  139-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mayor Panto 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 is a Resolution Approving an agreement with Charlie. Nansteel  Tree & Excavation LLC  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  140-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Edinger seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Yeas: Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr.  following vote: Edinger (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda is a Resolution Approving agreement with. National Water Main to  rehab storm water culvert    6  August 14,2024  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  141-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Edinger seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Yeas: Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor  following vote: Panto (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda is a Resolution. Approving Encroachment Agreement with Grace Dr. Ruggles questioned whether the width of the sidewalk at the tree well would be wide enough  Flores 325 Cattell Street for ADA standards.  Mr. Hopkins stated the ADA minimum is three feet, this width is four feet.  There was a lengthy discussion on the Ordinance in place and what the application shows. The Resolution will be passed conditionally upon final approval and acceptance of the Public Works A motion to Amendment to the Resolution was made by Dr. Ruggles seconded by Mr. Edinger Yeas: Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Dr. Ruggles (6)  Director  and approved by the following vote: Nays: Mr. Pintabone abstained  The following Amended Resolution was introduced by Mr. Edinger  142-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Dr. Ruggles seconded by Mr. Edinger the Yeas: Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr.  following vote: Pintabone (7)  Nays: Mr. Pintabone abstained  ###    7  August14,2024  The next item on the Agenda is a Resolution Approving Developer-Agrement and Storm Water  RunoffControl Facilities  The following Resolution wasi introduced by Mr. Edinger  143-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Mr. Edinger seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Before the vote was taken, Dr. Ruggles asked ift this is MS4. Mr. Hopkins stated all are MS4. Dr. Ruggles asked about monitoring the sediment; nowhere in the document says the city should monitor. Mr. Scheer advised the Resolution has aj provision for the city to inspect the storm Yeas: Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs.  following vote:  water facilities at any time.  Rose (7) Nays: (0)  ###  The next item on the Agenda is a Resolution Approving agreement with IPS Group. for Parking  Technology  The following Resolution was introduced by Dr. Ruggles  144-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Dr. Ruggles seconded by Mr. Pintabone the Before the vote was taken, Dr. Ruggles noted on page 2 section 1.2 "the math does not add up". The contract states we can extend the contract for three years at one-year increments with initial sign up oft three years for a total oft ten years (contract). Mr. Faras, IT manager, stated this was There was a lengthy discussion between Mr. Scheer, Mayor Panto, Mr. Faras and Mr. Campos. A decision was made to table the resolution until the mistakesi in the contract are corrected. The above Resolution was tabled on a motion by Mr. Pintabone seconded by Mrs. Rose Yeas: Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr.  following vote:  just missed. There were additional mistakes in the contracts.  Ruggles (7) Nays: (0)  ###    8  August 14, 2024  The next item on the Agenda is a Resolution. Approving application for Liquor License by Amans  Easton. LLC  The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Pintabone  145-2024  The above Resolution was approved on motion by Dr. Ruggles seconded by Mr. Edinger by the Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger, Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs.  following vote: Sultana (7) Nays: (0)  ###  PUBLIC COMMENT = On any matter  Sal Pugliese, 2225 Hackett Ave.: Mr. Pugliese objects to the Storm Water Tax. He states 15th Street has no storm drain and he is getting water in his basement. There was a discussion with  Dr. Ruggles, the Mayor and Mr. Pugliese. Mayor Panto told him it will be looked into. meeting. Mayor responded yes.  Artie Ravitz, 144 Church St. asked Mayor Panto ifthe circle will be included in the parking Is there a date status for the Jacob Meyer building? Mayor advised 30-45 days.  Mr. Ravitz asked what Clam Jam is. Mayor said smaller festival but getting bigger. He told Mr. Melody Rogers, 710 W. Berwick St.: thanked everyone and Mayor for contributing to the National Night Out. It worked out, they were out for an hour and a half. She thanked Dave Can you put a handicap spot at the West Milton Street entrance oft the building for wheelchair bound residents to drop off? Dr. Ruggles that space shouldn't be handicap parking but a drop off Patty Hitzel, 424 Iron St., reviewed the Council meeting where Mrs. Sultana accused the Mayor and Mr. Pintabone of breaking the Code of Conduct rules. She stated there was no disruption  Ravitz the footprint oft the festival.  Hopkins also for his contributions.  soi it will be easier to wheel the residents.  whatsoever, it was actually very polite.    9  August14,2024  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm on aj motion of Mr. Pintabone Yeas: Mayor Panto, Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, Mr. Brown, Mr.  and Mr. Brown by the following vote:  Edinger (7) Nays: (0)