Easton City Council Meeting – November 26, 2024

Mayor Panto called the meeting to order. An invocation was offered followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call recorded the following members present: Mr. Brown, Mr. Edinger , Mr. Pintabone, Mrs. Rose, Dr. Ruggles, Mrs. Sultana, and Mayor Panto. The agenda was approved unanimously. Minutes of the November 13th meeting were approved.

No members of the public came forward to comment on agenda items at this time.

City Clerk Karen Roscioli read the consent agenda, which included Certificates of Appropriateness for the following addresses:

• 222 Larry Holmes Drive
• 44-46 Center Square
• 77 North 4th Street
• 225-229 Ferry Street
• 128 North 2nd Street
• 22-24 Center Square
• 428-430 Northampton Street
• 100-116 Northampton Street
• 527-529 Northampton Street
• 25-27 South 6th Street

Mayor Panto noted that two of the approvals involve fences in the right-of-way and emphasized that the Historic District Commission does not have authority to approve encroachments — those require a separate city council encroachment agreement. He referenced a prior issue at Pearly Baker’s where a fence blocked firefighter access, and stated the new winery on Center Square and a property on the 500 block of Northampton Street must go through the Engineering Department before installation. He clarified the HDC approval covers fence design only, not installation in the right-of-way.

Consent agenda approved unanimously.

The September and October Fire Department reports were included in the council packet. No other reports were received.

Finance Committee

Vice Mayor Brown: No report.

Economic Development Committee

Council Member Pintabone reported on the following:

• A second meeting was held with the economic development team regarding a Transit Loop — discussions are in early stages of assessing needs.
• An LSA grant for Larry Holmes Drive improvements (Spring Garden to Church at Northampton) will be before council at the next meeting.
• The EPA Justice Grant was resubmitted after initial application was declined; primary use is to assist with the Wastewater-to-Energy facility.
• The 2023 Hotel Tax Grant for Spacefest was closed out.
• The 2023 Grow NorCo grant for Centennial Park was closed once the financial drawdown request is approved and program report submitted.
• The city expects to hear back on 6-10 grants over the next month.

Planning and Codes Committee

Council Member Rose reported that the next Planning Commission meeting will be Wednesday at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. She also noted that earlier in the day, Mayor Panto, the administration, and Council Members Pintabone and Rose met with the development team for the Wood Avenue warehouse project. The meeting was productive and the project is expected to appear on the January Planning Commission agenda, having been continued from December because the developers have not yet received their HOOP permits from the state. The developers also expressed openness to a community meeting.

Public Safety Committee

Dr. Ruggles reported that the police drone has arrived but the battery pack has not yet been received. The drone will be operational once the battery pack is in hand.

Public Works Committee

Council Member Edinger: No report.

Administration Committee

Council Member Sultana: No report.

Mayor Panto offered the following updates:

• The Winter Village is underway. All 40 vendor huts are occupied. Thanks were extended to city employees for setup after Bacon Fest, and to staff for enabling point-of-sale credit card capability at the huts.
• The Lebanese flag raising was held on Sunday at Center Square, attended by the Consul General from New York and the Honorary Consul General, with over 100 attendees.
• A resolution in the packet addresses free holiday parking in the garages.
• The city is working on a Capital Campaign Committee for a community center. Mayor Panto met with Father Stan, who owns St. Anthony’s Square, but reported that the church wants a land lease arrangement requiring annual payments and 55 parking spaces, making it unlikely to work. The city is now leaning toward 10th and Pine Street as a possible site. No final location decision has been made; the city is still working with architects.
• Talks with the Easton Suburban Water Authority are ongoing; lease arrangements were discussed in executive session.
• The Pass, Punt, and Kick competition was held the prior evening at Maloney Stadium, which was well-attended. Easton did not win in its first year of participation.

City Solicitor Joel Scheer reported that an executive session was held prior to the meeting. Topics discussed included personnel (updated status of collective bargaining) and property rights.

City Administrator Luis Campos highlighted two agenda items requiring council action:

• Item J — a resolution approving a 48-month lease with Fraser Partnership Plan for printers and supplies, representing an annualized savings of approximately $1,000.
• The ARPA budget revision resolution, which he indicated he would explain in more detail when that item was reached on the agenda. He noted the revision meets the Treasury Department’s obligation to specify where ARPA funds will be allocated.

Bill No. 26 — Ordinance Amending Section 285-46: Special Events

Motion made and seconded. Mayor Panto noted he wanted to ensure the ordinance was not in conflict with the Chapter 285 fee schedule referenced in the budget presentation, but said he had no objection to the amendment. Approved unanimously.

Bill No. 27 — Ordinance Amending Article 10: Parking Regulations

Motion made and seconded. No discussion. Approved unanimously.

Resolution A — Statewide Local Share Account Grant: Larry Holmes Drive Pedestrian Safety

A resolution authorizing DCED to apply for a Statewide Local Share Account grant in the amount of $375,500 to complete Phase 1 of pedestrian safety improvements to Larry Holmes Drive. Mayor Panto noted the state recently installed a new traffic signal at 3rd and Larry Holmes Drive featuring a blinking yellow arrow and a solid red arrow — one of only two such signals in Pennsylvania — to clarify right-on-red rules for pedestrians. Approved unanimously.

Bill No. 28 — Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement (Introduction)

An ordinance authorizing execution of a cable franchise agreement between the City of Easton and Comcast of Southeast Pennsylvania. City Solicitor Scheer noted the city retained specialized outside counsel (a Pittsburgh-based firm) to review the agreement. Mayor Panto and Solicitor Scheer both expressed concern that the map attached to the agreement shows downtown as blacked out — suggesting downtown would not be served. Comcast representatives were described as agreeing to serve the entire city, including coordinating installation downtown to minimize road closures and potentially partnering with the Marquis [Apartments] project to run conduit. Council agreed to introduce the ordinance and invite Comcast to present at the next meeting; if concerns are not resolved, the matter will be tabled.

Discussion also addressed the city’s expired franchise agreements with Service Electric and RCN. Solicitor Scheer noted all three companies are operating under expired contracts, but that the Cohen Law Firm has been retained to coordinate renewals for all three simultaneously. City Administrator Campos acknowledged the lack of a contract tracking or tickler system and committed to presenting council with a solution to prevent similar lapses going forward. Council Member Pintabone requested that the administration present a formal proposal on contract management improvement. The 5% gross revenue franchise fee is governed by federal law. Introduced only — no final vote.

Resolution — Appointment of Patrick Caubel to Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority

Motion made and seconded. Approved unanimously.

Resolution — Free Parking in Garages During 2024 Holiday Season

A resolution approving free parking in the city parking garages (not street meters) during the 2024 holiday season, with a three-hour-per-transaction limit. City Administrator Campos explained the new parking system now allows per-transaction limits, enabling better tracking of revenue impact. Council Member Pintabone noted there is no baseline revenue data yet, but accepted the measure to establish a benchmark. Approved unanimously.

Resolution — 2025 Non-Union and Management Benefits Package (Tabled)

Discussion focused on ambiguity in the vacation and sick leave carryover language on page 86 of the document. Specifically, whether a referenced 30-day maximum applies to vacation days, sick days, or both combined. City Administrator Campos indicated clarification is needed. The resolution was moved to table until the next meeting, as it does not need to be approved until before the January meeting. Motion to table approved.

Resolution — Third Handicap Sign at 226 Palmer Street

Motion made and seconded. Council Member Brown noted he had spoken with the resident at the address. The council also noted a complaint from another Palmer Street resident about sidewalk conditions on a block where the city owns property. Approved unanimously.

Resolution — Proposal from Mr. Rehab for $65,100 to Blind Storm Pipes

Motion made and seconded. Approved unanimously.

Resolution — Contract with Synagro Central LLC for Hauling and Disposal of Sludge

Motion made and seconded. Approved. Solicitor Scheer raised a concern about whether the distance to the Bethlehem disposal site added cost to the bid, and questioned whether a closer facility such as Waste Management in Pen Argyl would have been more competitive at $92/ton versus $91/ton. Council agreed to schedule a meeting with the relevant city staff to better understand the bidding process.

Bill No. 29 — Ordinance Updating Spelling of Phillip Street (Introduction)

Introduced. Council Member Brown noted he spoke with neighbors on the block, who indicated they prefer keeping the existing spelling (two L’s) and see no benefit to a change. Introduced only — no final vote.

Resolution — 48-Month Lease with Frasier Partnership Plan for Printers and Supplies

Motion made and seconded. Represents an annualized savings of approximately $1,000. Approved unanimously.

Resolution — Authorizing Mayor and City Administrator to Revise the ARPA Budget as Needed

Motion made and seconded. Mayor Panto expressed concern about language suggesting the administration has authority to revise the ARPA budget unilaterally, clarifying that only city council can approve budget revisions. City Administrator Campos explained the resolution is step one in a process: a meeting with Mr. Kingsley, himself, and others will be held within the week to identify unused ARPA funds and ensure full commitment by the Treasury Department deadline (end of year). The revised budget will be presented to council at the next meeting. He explained that $250,000 of a $500,000 ARPA allocation to GEDP will shift into the General (101) Fund budget, and capital projects previously funded through ARPA will be itemized and presented at the next budget session. Approved unanimously.

The following members of the public addressed city council:

• Artie Ravitz: Congratulated the council on the cable franchise negotiations, estimating potential savings for citizens. Asked about parking on railroad property near city construction; was told the property is owned by the Greater Easton Development Partnership, not the city or railroad. Raised a concern about a resident who holds a handicap parking permit but parks across the street, leaving his designated space vacant for days at a time while calling police on others who park there. Mayor Panto confirmed the health officer had been notified. The speaker expressed concern about lost revenue and unfair use of the permit. Mayor Panto noted the permit is attached to the space by permit number and cannot be grandfathered to another person.

Before adjournment, a Council Member Rose requested that all department directors submit their resolutions to City Clerk Karen Roscioli by Thursday each week, noting that receiving a 119-page packet with very little lead time makes adequate review difficult, and that it is unfair to City Clerk Roscioli to work over weekends unnecessarily. Mayor Panto expressed agreement and noted he had already spoken with Council Member Rose about the issue.

Motion to adjourn made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Police Department Budget Presentation

Easton Police Chief Scalzo presented the proposed 2025 police budget. Key points included:

• The department is currently at 62 officers, budgeted for 63, with temporary authorization for 64 to account for anticipated retirements and an upcoming academy class.
• The general police budget decreased by approximately 5.84% (roughly $800,000), primarily due to the elimination of the non-resident EIT, which reduced departmental liability allocations across all departments by approximately $85,000 for police.
• The operating budget increased by 3.2% (approximately $3,000), essentially flat. The apparent increase reflects a higher CDBG grant request ($30,000 vs. $20,000 last year — offset by reimbursement if awarded) and added costs for the Lafayette-Lehigh football game, which returns to Easton for 2025 and 2026 (the first time in approximately five years due to COVID and schedule shifts). Both items are reimbursable.
• The traffic budget decreased approximately 1.78% (roughly $133,000), aided by grants obtained for License Plate Reader (LPR) equipment, with the goal of establishing city-wide vehicle monitoring coverage.
• Major initiatives include: acquiring a new bulk evidence storage facility outside the 500 complex due to flooding risk from Bushkill Creek; adding two hybrid police vehicles already purchased and awaiting fleet integration; and hiring a full-time Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) with a flexible schedule to address neighborhood parking complaints.
• The LiDAR evidence collection system, funded by grants, was described as among the best available to any law enforcement agency in the country, with both a tripod-mounted terrestrial unit and an aerial drone unit.
• Violent crime (UCR Part 1) has dropped from approximately 1,100 incidents 10 years ago to just over 300 currently. The chief expressed confidence the downward trend will continue in 2024.

Discussion: Parking Enforcement in Neighborhoods

Council Member Pintabone raised ongoing quality-of-life concerns about inadequate parking enforcement in residential neighborhoods, particularly outside downtown and after 5:00 PM and on weekends. He cited corner parking creating hazardous sight lines near March Elementary School in College Hill, on Southside, and elsewhere. The chief acknowledged parking is a persistent challenge, noted the city uses significant discretion to balance enforcement with the reality that parking is extremely scarce citywide, and confirmed a full-time PEO is planned for 2025 to address these issues. Lafayette College funds one PEO for the College Hill area. The chief and council agreed to schedule a meeting to identify specific problem intersections. Council Member Pintabone also noted efforts with Public Works Director Hopkins to explore painted corner markings as a deterrent.

Discussion: Speeding Enforcement

Council Member Pintabone asked about speed enforcement options in the absence of radar. The chief explained the city uses VASCAR and AcuTrak systems, which require space and setup that is difficult in an urban environment. Speed display boards have been used and generally show speeds are not as excessive as perceived. The chief noted stopping a vehicle based solely on an officer’s judgment of speed, without a measuring device, would not hold up in court. Council Member Pintabone noted he raised the radar issue at a PML Legislative Committee call.

Discussion: Truck Traffic Through Residential Streets

A question from the public raised concerns about large trucks using College Hill streets. The chief noted trucks use state roads — including Lafayette Street to Route 611 — as cut-throughs, often from warehouses in surrounding townships. Mayor Panto noted the city has been discussing truck route designations for approximately six months and referenced the day’s meeting with the Wood Avenue warehouse developers. The city is evaluating which city roads it can designate as truck routes or restrict from truck use, noting that most major roads (Northampton Street, Wood Avenue, 13th Street, Cattell Street, Berwick Street, Lincoln Street) are state roads, limiting the city’s direct enforcement authority.

Discussion: Staffing Adequacy for City Growth

Council Member Pintabone asked whether 62 officers will be adequate as the city adds 100-plus residential units downtown and on Southside, plus the RDA development. The chief said the conversation will need to be had as population grows, noting that increased development typically brings higher quality-of-life expectations from residents. City Administrator Campos added that population growth should bring commensurate revenue increases to fund additional services, and emphasized the need to capture data systematically — not just anecdotally — to justify future resource allocations. Council Member Pintabone suggested forming a committee under the Public Safety Committee to study staffing needs in advance of the 2026 budget cycle, given the Marquis Apartments RACP is expected to begin leasing in spring 2025.

Fire Department Budget Presentation

The fire chief Hennings opened with a statement recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of Easton firefighters, citing their community service including No Shave November for prostate cancer, Coats for Kids, donated Christmas trees, the 9/11 memorial at Center Square, and financial assistance to Local 447 members during COVID layoffs.

Budget highlights:

• The operating (101) budget is essentially flat. The approximately $300,000 increase over the prior year is attributed primarily to personnel costs, including a significant increase in healthcare costs. Labor contracts for both fire and police are currently in negotiation; a 2% raise placeholder was included in the budget so that any arbitration award would not start from zero.
• Increases in the operating budget are for durable goods: turnout gear, tools and equipment, hoses, and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).
• The capital (151) budget includes approximately $2 million in 2025 spending: $1.9 million for vehicle purchases and $50,000 for radio equipment.
• If a contract arbitration award exceeds the 2% budgeted increase, council would reopen the budget and approve a budget amendment. Act 111 arbitration is binding.

Discussion: New Building Construction Challenges

Council Member Pintabone asked whether new buildings — including the Marquis Apartments RACP, the Confluence, and the Watermark — present new firefighting challenges. The fire chief described most new construction as ‘podium construction’ — masonry and steel on the lower floors with lightweight truss wood construction above — which is hazardous to firefighters regardless of sprinkler systems, citing a recent fire at a similar building in Bethlehem (the Boyd Theatre site). The chief stated that more personnel will be needed to address the increased complexity and height of fires in these buildings, and noted fire inspections were transferred to the Codes department, with a need to revisit that arrangement. Council Member Pintabone asked about mutual aid response times; the chief noted that Wilson is the primary mutual aid partner but is typically staffed by only two volunteer firefighters, creating uncertainty in response times.

Council Member Pintabone suggested beginning a study now — with Council Member Ruggles leading as Public Safety Committee chair — to assess staffing and equipment needs ahead of the 2026 budget, rather than waiting until budget season.