Easton City Council Meeting – March 12, 2025

9:36 – Mayor Sal Panto delivers the State of the City 10:47 – Financial status of Easton 13:19 – Employment and city workforce update 18:07 – Crime rates and public safety overview

City of Easton, 6 pm

City Council Chambers, Third Floor, Easton City Hall

Documented by: Laini Abraham
Posted on: Mar 13, 2025

man speaking at a podium waving arm

Meeting Summary & Timestamps

7:14

📜 Meeting Opening

  • 7:14 – Call to order
  • 7:25 – Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
  • 8:26 – Roll Call
9:36

🏙️ State of the City Address

  • 9:36 – Mayor Sal Panto delivers the State of the City
  • 10:47 – Financial status of Easton
  • 13:19 – Employment and city workforce update
  • 18:07 – Crime rates and public safety overview
  • 20:52 – Fire Department achievements
  • 26:07 – Economic development update
  • 30:46 – Climate action initiatives
  • 35:42 – Housing & affordability issues
  • 41:11 – Homelessness & mental health challenges
  • 49:44 – Mayor discusses financial standing & city reserves
  • 51:59 – Grant funding updates
  • 57:02 – Hologram Zoo lease agreement
1:19:02

🎤 Public Comment on Agenda Items Only

  • 1:19:02 – Public comment on marijuana decriminalization

  • 1:19:09 – Joe Welsh (Lehigh Valley Justice Institute)

    • Supports decriminalization, citing racial disparities in marijuana arrests.
    • Argues that marijuana prohibition was historically rooted in racism and corporate greed.
    • Calls for Easton to act in the absence of state-level reform.

  • 1:25:52 – Susan Hartranft-Bittinger (Southside Easton Resident)

  • 1:26:15 – Julie Zando-Dennis (West Ward Resident)

    • Supports decriminalization, stating that criminal records disproportionately harm young people.

  • 1:27:52 – Nicholas Martens (Downtown Business Owner)

    • Supports decriminalization, emphasizing the racial history of marijuana laws.
1:51:03

🌿 Marijuana Ordinance Debate

  • 1:51:03 – Council debate on the ordinance
  • 2:16:00 – Final vote (ordinance fails, 4-3)
    • Summary of vote:
      Dr. Roger Ruggles – ❌ No
      Ken Brown – ❌ No
      Mayor Sal Panto – ❌ No
      James Edinger – ✅ Yes
      Frank Pintabone – ✅ Yes
      Taiba Sultana – ➖ Abstained
      Crystal Rose –  ✅ Yes

      Key Points:

      • Taiba Sultana abstained, citing concerns that needed further discussion.
      • Frank Pintabone led the push for decriminalization, arguing it would protect residents from life-altering consequences.
2:24:05

🏛️ Other Key Council Discussions

  • 2:24:05 – Approval of storm sewer relining project
  • 2:27:05 – Mental health & criminal justice panel announcement
  • 2:32:07 – Rail service discussion for Easton & Lehigh Valley
2:37:01

🎤 Public Comment & Closing

  • 2:37:01 – Emotional speech on bullying & community support
  • 2:47:00 – Realtor Association’s response to landlord ordinance
  • 2:51:04 – Adjournment

CONTENTS

a tally of a final vote

Link to agenda:

https://easton-pa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03122025-575