City Council - 2026-02-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Allentown City Council approved contracts totaling nearly $600,000 for traffic signal upgrades and Safe Streets design services, passed the comprehensive Allentown Parks Plan positioning parks as climate infrastructure, and authorized a PennDOT multimodal grant application for a trail connection between Cedar Parkway and Trexler Park. The council also approved budget amendments for health care claims ($1,210,000) and Trexler Fund equipment payments.
Key Decisions (14)
Traffic Signal Design Contract with Bowman Consulting
Contract awarded to Bowman Consulting Group for $379,369.93 for design services to upgrade five outdated traffic signals on 17th Street. Three proposals received, evaluated by three-member team on technical and cost criteria.
Safe Streets and Roads Design Contract with Michael Baker
Contract awarded to Michael Baker International Inc. for $215,733 for design and consulting services for the Safe Streets and Roads for All demonstration project. Two proposals received, evaluated by five-member team.
Microsoft Single Source Contract
Single source contract with Microsoft for $110,500 to provide ability for city staff to open tickets directly with Microsoft, as city is fully integrated with Microsoft 365.
Turf Chemicals Contract Awards
Contracts awarded to six vendors (Fisher and Son Company, Genesis Turfgrass, Roots Turf Products, Harrells LLC, Nutrient Solutions, and CityOn Landscape Supply Services) at unit prices for turf chemicals 2026. Seven bids received, one rejected for missing bid bond.
Love Your Block Grant Budget Amendment
Amended 2026 general fund budget to accept $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies through Johns Hopkins University. Phase two will fund neighborhood engagement focusing on 1st and 6th Ward, with projects on vacant lots and porch improvements.
Bowerds Bridge Electrical Hookup Budget Amendment
Amended 2026 general fund budget for supplemental appropriation of $3,124.20 from H and P Construction for city providing electrical hookup for Bowerds Bridge project.
Lehigh Valley Greenways Grant Budget Amendment
Amended 2026 general fund budget for supplemental appropriation of $2,000 from DLNHC as part of Lehigh Valley Greenways Implementation Block Grant.
Allentown Parks Plan Adoption
Resolution approving the comprehensive Allentown Parks Plan, which positions parks as climate infrastructure for heat mitigation, stormwater management, and carbon storage while expanding trail connectivity and recreation access.
PennDOT Multimodal Grant Application for Trail Connection
Resolution authorizing submission of formal application for PennDOT multimodal grant funding for trail connection between Cedar Parkway and Trexler Park. Application deadline is February 14.
Trexler Fund Budget Amendment for Groundskeeping Equipment
Amended 2026 Trexler Fund authorizing supplemental appropriation of $22,133.10 to parks and recreation department for fifth and final payment on groundskeeping equipment loan.
Risk Fund Budget Amendment for Health Care Claims
Amended 2020 risk fund by transferring $1,210,000 from general fund unappropriated balance to risk fund for payment of health care claims, prescription drug benefits, and employee medical costs. Year-to-date health care expenditures at $32,400,000.
Sewage Planning Module for 1324 South Howard Street
Approved sewage planning module for property at 1324 South Howard Street.
Kate Hartney Appointment to Planning Commission
Appointed Kate Hartney to the Planning Commission. No relation to Deputy Director Mark Hartney confirmed.
Krista Brown Lee Appointment to Human Relations Commission
Appointed Krista Brown Lee to the Human Relations Commission.
Development Activity (4)
Cedar Parkway to Trexler Park Trail Connection
Trail connection identified in parks comprehensive plan, connects to previously existing PennDOT investment, addresses lack of sidewalks between Cedar Parkway and Trexler Park
Bowerds Bridge Project
Bridge project requiring city electrical hookup, $3,124.20 reimbursement to city
17th Street Traffic Signal Improvements
Design services for upgrading five outdated traffic signals, $379,369.93 contract
Safe Streets and Roads Demonstration Project
Design and consulting services, $215,733 contract
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
City investing nearly $600,000 in traffic signal upgrades and safe streets design, indicating commitment to transportation infrastructure improvements.
Housing Demand
Health care expenditures for city employees significantly exceeded budget at $32.4 million year-to-date, requiring $1.21 million supplemental appropriation from general fund balance.
Sentiment
Environmental Advisory Council chair emphasized parks plan positions green infrastructure as climate adaptation strategy, signaling municipal focus on resilience planning.
Infrastructure
Snow removal operations ongoing two weeks after storm with 30 trucks working around the clock in District 9 (4th to 12th, Union to Choo Street), indicating infrastructure capacity constraints in dense neighborhoods.
Other
Public comment raised concerns about parking authority revenue sharing, noting Allentown received only $480 while Reading receives $1.25 million and Philadelphia receives $108 million from their parking authorities.