Grant Funding Could Expand Park and Garden Facilities at Easton Area Neighborhood Center

By Christina Georgiou

A bee pollinates a sunflower in an
Easton community garden.

Easton city council members unanimously resolved to apply for a $75,000 matching  grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Wednesday evening, which, if approved by the state agency, will pay for park improvements at the Easton Area Neighborhood Center and Urban Farm in the city's South Side neighborhood.

The city will provide the matching funds of up to $75,000, with $50,000 coming from the  city's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space fund and $25,000 from this years Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Parks line item in the city's general budget, Public Works Director David Hopkins indicated.

Preliminary plans for park improvements at the Philadelphia Road facility include installing new playground equipment, an outdoor classroom intended to be used for future gardening and nature education programs, pathways, and some fencing, he added.

"We believe that this is a great opportunity for such a project and that it would improve the viability and usefulness of the neighborhood center, as well as provide a platform for youth environmental education," Hopkins told city council members.

While the future education programs have not yet been developed and details still need to be worked out, Hopkins said they would likely involve various organizations and volunteers.

"We are working to develop potential partners, including the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership," he said.

The Urban Farm, along with several other community gardens in Easton and "LaFarm", Lafayette College's organic garden on Sullivan Trail in Forks Township, provided fresh produce last year for the Easton Veggie Van pilot program, which distributed more than 1,000 pounds of vegetables to residents in the city's West Ward. That program is expected to be continued and expanded upon in a joint effort by the  WWNP and the college's tech clinic this summer.

No Fooling, Easton Really Wants to Clean Up Streets After a Hard Winter

No fooling, street sweeping will resume in
the City of Easton on April 1, city
officials say.

By Christina Georgiou

The city will resume its regular street sweeping schedule next week on Tuesday, April 1, and city officials say they are serious about enforcing no parking ordinances to get the job done.

"It's no April Fool's joke. After this winter, the streets really need to be swept," said City Administrator Glenn Steckman at Easton's city council meeting Wednesday evening.

The city began leaving bright pink flyers on cars along city street sweeping routes this week to remind residents to move their cars on street sweeping routes during designated times, Mayor Sal Panto said.

"We're trying to be proactive so we don't have to give people tickets," the mayor said.

Steckman said even one car left on the side of a street on a block being swept makes it impossible for the sweeper to do a thorough job.

Litter and debris left behind after numerous
winter storms lines many of Easton's streets,
and city street sweepers can't get to it
with parked cars in the way.

"It only benefits everyone when we can get all of the cars off one side of the street so we can clean it," he said.

Councilwoman El Warner questioned whether not having a grace period and at first issuing warnings to those that forget to move their cars was really a good idea.

"I mean, I can hear it, 'There's still snow on the street they never cleared, and they're ticketing,'" she said.

"We might be able to give one week," Steckman said.

"We weren't going to announce it, but the cat's out of the bag," Panto added.

Additionally, the city has already begun the process of filling potholes on city streets caused by the cold this winter. Panto said the total cost of several severe storms and extremely low temperatures is still being tallied.

"This has been a rough winter," he said, noting that the city spent about $258,000 on snow removal. "We expect another $100,000 in road repairs and filling pot holes."

In many places in the city, a long, cold snowy winter has
left piles of snow along streets that has yet to melt.

A better estimate of the total costs is expected to be complete by the next city council meeting, and when it is, city officials will then discuss any budget issues, the mayor said.

Both the mayor and city administrator said the harsh weather this winter has given the city the opportunity to learn more about how to handle snow emergencies.

"I think there have been a lot of lessons learned this winter," Steckman said.

Panto suggested the city may implement a robo-call system next year to directly inform residents of impending snow emergencies and to remind them to move their cars.

Additionally, the public works department will be looking at the current snow emergency route map and the possibility of making changes, he said.

Easton City Council Welcomes New Planning Director

By Christina Georgiou

George Kinney, Easton's new planning director, told
city council members, "It's great to be back in my home
state of Pennsylvania."

Easton's new planning department director has been on the job for just over a week, but most city council members met Easton's new planning director for the first time Wednesday night.

"It's great to be back in my home state of Pennsylvania," George Kinney told elected city officials.

Kinney, originally from the area, has spent most of his 20-year career as a certified planner out of state, most recently in Florida and in Maryland, though he served for about nine months as Palmer Township's planner in 2008.

Replacing Becky Bradley, who left late last year to head the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Kinney was last the director of community development in St. Pete Beach, FL, beginning in April of 2012 where he was hired to work on the city's redevelopment plan, which included the development of local laws to foster affordable housing, public art, and the collection of improvement fees.

Before that, he was a member of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and served for about nine months as the head of planning for Palmer Township in 2008.

He was one of nine candidates the city considered for the job and was chosen by the city administrator with the approval of the mayor, in accordance with the city's Home Rule charter.

Kinney told city council members he will have an open door policy while running Easton's planning department and that he hopes to make progress in the coming weeks and months when it comes to furthering the city's goals.

Easton Firefighters' Professional Achievements Acknowledged

By Christina Georgiou

George Leidy was officially sworn in as an
Easton Fire Department captain Wednesday evening
by Easton Mayor Sal Panto.

The achievements and contributions by two longtime Easton firefighters were recognized by city council at its meeting Wednesday evening.

Sixteen year veteran of the Easton Fire Department George Leidy was officially sworn in as a captain, having recently been promoted from lieutenant.

After his oath was administered by Mayor Sal Panto, Leidy's new badge was pinned onto his uniform by his father-in-law, Robert Lee.

Easton Fire Department Captain George Leidy's new
badge is pinned onto his uniform by his
father-in-law, Robert Lee.

The pinning of the badge was a significant moment, and it is traditional that a newly promoted fire officer choose someone close to him for the honor, explained Easton Fire Chief John Bast.

Leidy, who is nationally certified as a "Fire Officer I & II" and an EMS first responder, has been assigned to the city fire department's third platoon as the city-wide Tour Commander, where his responsibilities will include the management of the working platoon and responding to all incidents while on duty, Bast said.

Also recognized Wednesday night was Deputy Fire Chief John Price, a 31 1/2-year veteran of the department, for being granted the professional designations of "Certified Fire Investigator" (CFI) and "Fire Officer".

Deputy Fire Chief John Price,
a 31 1/2-year veteran of the department, center,
was recognized for gaining the professional
designations of "Certified Fire Investigator" (CFI) and "Fire Officer".

It took "five years of hard work" for Price to become a CFI, one of only 58 in the state, Bast said. The process includes an assessment of education, training and experience, as well as passing a comprehensive exam.

Price is one of only three Fire Officers in Pennsylvania as recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and the only one in the Lehigh Valley. The designation is awarded after a thorough assessment of the applicant's background and experience, including contributions to the profession and their community involvement.

Mayor Sal Panto, right, and Councilman Jeff Warren, who
heads the city's public safety committee, congratulate
Deputy Fire Chief John Price on his achievements.

Councilman Jeff Warren, who heads the city council public safety committee, credited Bast, as well as the firefighters, for the promotion and professional recognitions, noting that Bast was recognized as a Chief Fire Officer, a title shared by just 21 other fire officials in Pennsylvania, in 2012, and he has since encouraged professional development by members of the department.

"What a terrific job you've done with your leadership and on the example you have set for the department," Warren said, adding, "Thank you too, to the department for the job you do for our community."

Updated at 9:56 a.m.

Mayor Says Continued Development Key to Easton's Improved Economy

By Christina Georgiou

Easton Mayor Sal Panto gave the annual "State of the City" address to
city council Wednesday evening, with about 20 members
of the public in attendance.

The city's revitalization efforts of the last three decades are paying off, and Easton is on a much more solid financial footing than it has been in a long time, Mayor Sal Panto said in his State of the City address to city council Wednesday night.

"Unlike many cities throughout the northeast, Easton has weathered challenging economic times, and we remain steadfast in our determination to move progressively and positively toward a better future," he said. "As mayor, I am committed to harnessing the physical, cultural, and intellectual strengths of our city, transforming those matchless qualities into sustainable and unrivaled developments that will benefit residents and visitors alike."

Urban renewal was more like "urban
removal" for Easton, Mayor Sal Panto
noted. Revitalization and adaptive
reuse over the last 30 years has
be key to the city's turnaround since
then.

 Showcasing dozens of city buildings that have been redeveloped over the past thirty years  with before and after photos, Panto said that urban renewal during the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s, were more like "urban removal," and contributed to the city's decline during that period.

He credited former mayors Thomas Goldsmith, Michael McFadden, and Phil Mitman with continuing revitalization efforts after his own first mayoral tenure, beginning in 1984.

Despite the gains that have been made, the city needs to continue on its redevelopment trajectory to grow the population and keep tax rates down, he said.

A sketch showing the Easton Home's plans to add senior
apartments along Northampton Street in the city's West Ward.

"Our population fell below 30,000 (during that time). We need to get it back up so there are more people living and working in the city and paying taxes," Panto said.

The redevelopment and adaptive reuse of existing properties in Easton, such as the nearly completed Pomeroy Building, which houses two restaurants, office space  and more than 40 residential apartments, brings new tax revenue to city coffers, he said. Other planned projects, such as the conversion of the Governor Wolf building into upscale apartments and the redevelopment of old industrial sites such as the Simon Silk Mill on South 13th Street, will add to that.

"The Governor Wolf building will be coming back on the tax rolls in the next 30 to 45 days," Panto said. "You're going to see some major development going on (at the silk mill site) after the weather breaks."

New construction will also contribute to the city's well being too, Panto said, pointing to Lafayette College's plans for a new arts complex on North Third Street, and the Easton Home's plan to add senior citizen apartments on Northampton Street in the West Ward, as well as the new city hall and transportation center that is expected to be complete late next year.


"I think anyone who lives in that area of the West Ward will feel better about their neighborhood," he said in reference to the Easton Home project.
Investments of more than $420 million over the past six years have translated into more than just improvements in the city's infrastructure too, Panto said.

Overall crime in the city was down by 22.5 percent, and sound fiscal management, which has resulted in an "A+" bond rating for the city, are good news too, the mayor said.

"We'll save over a million dollars because of our credit score," Panto noted.

Still, Easton faces challenges in the years ahead.

Highlights from various city departments' annual reports
Click on any image for a full-size view

"We're very concerned about our pension costs...but we're doing much better," the mayor said. ""We've been trying to live within our means, but it's not easy...legacy costs will eventually put...every municipality in the Commonwealth under if our legislature doesn't do something soon."

Easton should continue on the path it's on, and that will mean a rosy future for the city, Panto said.

"We were elected on progressive change," the mayor said, adding that positive changes should not come at the expense of any one group over another.

"We've done this without gentrification. We have not pushed people out," Panto said. "The state of our city is progressing, growing."

City Agencies Seek $650,000 in Grant Funding

By Christina Georgiou

Easton City Council members listen to presentations
on three grant applications totaling $650,000, that
will, if approved by the state, support various ongoing
revitalization efforts in the city.

Easton's city council backed three grant applications seeking a total of $650,000 in state funding to support various programs related to ongoing revitalization efforts at its meeting Wednesday evening.

The West Ward Neighborhood Partnership (WWNP) is seeking $50,000 from the state in support of its Elm Street program, which would go towards sidewalk and porch renovation grants for eligible homeowners in the neighborhood, along with the addition of more street trees and support for new signs for commercial endeavors in the district.

"We want to continue the funding even though it's less than previous amounts because we want to continue our programs," WWNP Director Esther Guzman told city council members.

Mayor Sal Panto said he very much supports the work the WWNP does and lamented that more state funding to support isn't available.

"We used to get $250,000," he said. "The state continues to balance its budget on the back of the local programs."

The Elm Street program, intended to support revitalization in older residential neighborhoods, was initiated by local state Representative Robert Freeman (D-136), Panto noted.

"Even at $50,000, we're going to take these baby steps," Panto said. "It's making a difference."

The Easton Redevelopment Authority (ERA) will seek a $300,000 Keystone Development Grant through the state's Department of Community and Economic Development to rehab four blighted properties--two in the city's South Side neighborhood, and two in the West Ward.

"Without these funds, these properties will just sit as they are and continue to deteriorate," said ERA community development specialist Michael Brett.

Panto said that in addition to eliminating the hazards blighted properties pose, rehabbing as many dilapidated properties as possible in the city is ultimately a strategy for keeping taxes lower.

"I also believe the more population we have as we grow out of the Urban Renewal era...will help us to control costs," he said, adding that he wants to ultimately see the city population top 30,000. "Sustainability comes in a lot of flavors, and rehabilitation of old homes is a part of that."

Another $300,000 in grant funding is being sought by the Greater Easton Development Partnership to support the Easton Farmers' Market's Public Market, to be housed in the former Weller Center at 325 Northampton St.

The money will be used for a revolving loan program that will support capital purchases of vendors' start up costs at the market, and matching fund requirements for the grant have already been satisfied by the city's grant of $1 million to parent organization Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) last year to purchase the building, project manager Jared Mast told city council members.

"As these vendors repay the loans, the funds would be put in a revolving loan account...that would be available to new or existing businesses in Easton," Mast said.

He added that the advantage to both Public Market and other business owners in the city is that interest rates would be substantially less than bank rates for the loans.

ERA and GEDP Director Gretchen Longenbach said that the ERA "doesn't intend to recover any money" for the first two grant applications, the $300,000 for the Public Market loans, if approved by the state, would serve the city's business community well in the long run.

"We hope to help multiple businesses and entrepreneurs," she said.

She added that it was initially hoped the city might be eligible for even more funding than is being applied for in all three projects, but was advised by the state to "streamline and prioritize" when it came to the Keystone Grant applications.

Easton City Council Reorganizes for New Year

Roger Ruggles was elected vice
mayor of Easton's city council
Thursday evening.
File photo

By Christina Georgiou

Three Easton city council members were sworn in to office again, and the council chose a new vice mayor Thursday evening during the council's annual reorganization meeting.

Roger Ruggles, after being installed, was elected vice mayor of the city council, taking over the position from fellow council member Ken Brown.

Jim Edinger was sworn in for his
first official term on Easton City
Council Thursday evening.
File photo

Jim Edinger, who was appointed in July to fill a vacancy left by the departure of Mike Fleck, was sworn in for his first official term on the city council. Edinger, who defeated Republican Kim Yedlosky in the November general election, formerly served for 19 years on the city's zoning hearing board.

Sandra Vulcano, who, like Ruggles, ran unopposed in November, began her fourth term on Easton's city council upon being sworn in Thursday evening.

While the reorganization meeting is traditionally also the time when new city council committees are also chosen, the positions were skipped over for the moment, though the council is expected to make new committee appointments, including the choosing of chairs to head each of the groups at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 8.

Three Honored by City for Decades on the Job

By Christina Georgiou

John Sproat, Ann Peake, and Tony Beck show off the clocks they received Wednesday evening in recognition of their
40th anniversaries as City of Easton employees.

Three City of Easton employees were recognized by city council Wednesday evening for dedication to their jobs over the course of four decades.

Ann Peake, John Sproat, and Tony Beck have each worked for the city for forty years.

Each was presented with a commemorative clock to mark the occasion.

"Since they all have a lot of time, we thought it was appropriate to give them a clock," Mayor Sal Panto said at the presentation.

While a number of city employees have been on the job for a long time, Peake, Sproat, and Beck are currently the longest serving, the mayor said.

"All of them have been actively employed, actively engaged, and they've been really, really good employees," Panto said.

Peake works in the city's financial department and answers incoming call to city hall, Sproat serves as supervisor for the wastewater collection bureau, and Beck is a supervisor in the city's wastewater plant.

The presentation of clocks is a first for the city, Panto said.

"We've never done this before," the mayor noted, adding that the city may make the gesture a tradition for such long-serving employees in the future.

The city's annual holiday and employee appreciation luncheon, where the service of other Easton employees will be noted, is next Friday, Panto said.

Easton 2014 Budget Passed Unanimously

By Christina Georgiou

The 2014 City of Easton budget was passed unanimously Wednesday evening, with no comment or discussion from city council.

The new budget holds property taxes at their current rate or 24.95 mills, but residents will pay more in Earned Income Tax (EIT) next year. A 0.2 percent increase in the EIT was passed by council members on November 13, raising the rate to 1.95 percent for residents. The EIT rate paid by those who work in Easton but do not reside in the city will remain at the current 1.75 percent rate.

A $110,000 shortfall in the budget will be rectified in January, city administrators said last month, suggesting that the money will likely be made up by not filling a currently vacant position on city staff and/or delaying hiring for a new position that is in the budget.

City administrators had previously attempted to fill the gap by proposing a $25 increase per unit in the annual residential licensing fee, but the move failed to get city council members' approval.

The 2014 budget calls for a general fund of about $32.27 million, an increase of approximately $700,000 over 2013.

City EIT Rate Hike Passes, Rental License Fee Increase Fails

By Christina Georgiou

A 0.2 percent increase in Easton Earned Income Tax (EIT) was passed unanimously by city council members Wednesday evening, raising the rate to 1.95 percent for residents. The EIT rate paid by those who work in Easton but do not reside in the city will remain at the current 1.75 percent rate.

A last-minute attempt to fill a $110,000 hole in the city's 2014 budget proposal by increasing the city's residential licensing fee by $25 per unit annually failed to get city council members' approval.

The shortfall cropped up after the council rejected a provision during a budget hearing Tuesday night that would have raised rates in the city's South Third Street parking garage from $2 to $3 per hour during summer months.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman suggested at Wednesday's meeting the hole could be filled by raising the residential licensing fee to $80 per rental unit, up from the current $55 rate.

The 2014 budget proposal calls for a $5 increase in the fee to $60, which the council said it agreed with, but members balked at the sharper rate increase.

"I just think it needs a lot more thought," said Mayor Sal Panto, who attended the meeting by phone. Panto is in Seattle, WA at the National League of Cities' annual conference.

Steckman said the increase would support more vigorous code enforcement and rental unit inspections.

"Although I support (that), and I want to support it, I think it will take months to implement it," Panto said. "So I have some reservations about putting this in place in 24 hours, but I do support the intent."

The city plans to hire one additional code enforcement officer next year to help with rental unit inspections. The budget proposal calls for the new position to be filled in April, but city officials said Tuesday evening that might be pushed back until June to help cover the shortfall after the parking rate increase failed to gain traction.

Easton Council member El Warner said the new proposed rate increase was too steep.

"We're talking about making this cost $80, a $25 increase," she said. "I'm just not ready to do this on 24 hours notice."

Steckman said raising the fee more than the budget originally called for would help the city recoup costs associated with city rental unit inspections and code enforcement, noting that Councilman Roger Ruggles had said he wished the fee was reflective of the expenses to the city to do so.

"What this gives to me is a vision for the future of where this may go. But...it may not be this, and this may not be where we go," Ruggles said.

"I think it may be what we all want to do, but not at this time," Vice-mayor Ken Brown said.

Panto suggested that "baby steps" towards a higher fee might be taken along with better enforcement through coordinating city departments to make sure rental units comply with health and safety ordinances.

Technology upgrades, which the city is working on implementing soon, would allow police to better communicate with the codes and health departments after situations such as drug raids, he suggested.

Steckman seemed frustrated the suggestion was rejected.

"I've done this in other communities," he said, adding that such rate hikes are "aimed at increasing rental property values."

The city administrator then suggested that city council could opt to leave the $110,000 shortfall in the proposed $32 million budget for now, and approve it as it stands at the next regular city council meeting. The administration would then further work on ways to eliminate it in the first quarter of 2014, in January.

He also suggested city council might reconsider the parking deck rate hike, saying that traffic in the municipal garage is mostly monthly pass holders during the week, and city visitors on weekends.

Panto said he favors finding other ways to cover the shortfall in January.

"I'm not on board with the increase Monday to Friday," he said.

The mayor suggested the bulk of the $110,000 could be made up through the elimination of a "long empty" city position through attrition.

"I'm not talking about a person, I'm talking about a position," he added.

City Finance Director Chris Heagele said he'll be working immediately to identify other places the shortfall might be made up, noting that eliminating the vacant position is a good place to start. With salary and benefits being the majority of the amount, he said it may be possible for him to identify other small cuts to cover the rest of the amount.

City EIT Increase Likely, But Parking Rate Hike Off the Table for 2014

By Christina Georgiou
 

Easton city council members rejected raising municipal
parking deck rates from $2 to $3 per hour during the peak
summer season in 2014 during a budget hearing
Tuesday evening. As a result, both curbside metered parking
and municipal garage fees are expected to remain the
same next year.

Easton's Earned Income Tax seems likely to be raised by two-tenths of a percent, to a total of 1.95 percent, for residents in 2014, but city council members roundly rejected the idea of raising parking fees in the municipal parking garage to $3 per hour during summer months at a budget hearing on Tuesday evening.

Those who work but do not live in Easton will continue to pay 1.75 percent as implemented by the council at the beginning of this year, city officials said.

The increase in city parking deck fees would have brought an estimated extra $160,000 to Easton's coffers next year, but council members said the hike isn't justifiable and would hit residents as well as visitors to the city's attractions.

City administrator Glenn Steckman said the increase is necessary to control traffic in the parking deck during peak times. The deck was recently been filled to capacity during the Easton Garlic Fest and last weekend during Bacon Fest II. As a result, it was shut down until spaces opened

Steckman also suggested some of the extra revenue from the increased rate might go towards paying for the construction of more parking in the future.

"I do understand the supply and demand issue...but I do have an issue with rates going up and down," said Councilman Jeff Warren. "I really believe there needs to be some consistency."

Councilwoman El Warner, who has opposed parking rate hikes in the past, said, "I'm actually not in favor of doing this at all."

Mayor Sal Panto, attending the meeting via phone due to his attendance at a national mayor's conference in Seattle, WA this week, said it would be good to have the revenue, but not at the expense of city residents.

"I think it's great to get $3 per hour from visitors and tourists from out of town, but we need to figure out a way that residents (can pay less)," he said. "I think we need to make it fair for our residents."

He added that he agreed Easton will need more parking in the future, but said, "I don't think the people going Downtown (in the summer) on a Thursday night should pay for a garage we might build next year."

Warren agreed, saying, "We don't want to--I don't want to say 'gouge'--but we don't want to stick it to them."

Easton Councilwoman Sandra Vulcano suggested that trolley service be offered during large city events to ferry visitors from lots and parking spaces further from the center of the city to solve overflow issues. The cost of the service might be borne by charging riders $1 each, and the shuttle could travel in a loop to make it convenient for all, she added.

After council members made it clear they wouldn't vote in favor of the parking garage seasonal rate increase, Steckman said adjustments would have to be made to make up for the $25,000.

"I can count as well as anyone," he said, referring to the majority of council that voiced objections. "We'll come back with a revised budget for you tomorrow."

Steckman said the necessary cuts might come from delaying the hiring of a new building codes enforcement officer to handle landlord licensing and rental inspections from April to June and axing the purchase of a paving melting pot for the public works department.

City administrators also recommended an increase in the city's residential rental license of $5 per year from $55 to $60, which would bring in an estimated extra $25,000 per year, and raising the real estate transfer tax from $125 to $140.

City finance director Chris Heagele, along with Steckman, recommended council vote to increase the city EIT by 0.2 percent at its regular meeting tonight, which is the amount the budget proposal is based on. Without it, the city faces a shortfall in excess of $1 million and severe cuts to services and city programs would be necessary, they warned.

"All the assumptions in here assume a 0.20 (percent) EIT and the rental license fee increase. Roughly every tenth of a percent is $400,000," Heagle said. "If we don't enact that ordinance, we would either need to raise revenue substantially or take an axe to the budget."

Panto reiterated that he recommends raising the EIT rate.

"It's either raise it by two-tenths of a percent or raise it more, because at this late date, we can't screw with the budget," the mayor said.

The council introduced three ordinances at its last meeting, knowing only one would be voted on, to give them latitude in the decision--an increase of one-tenth of a percent, one at two-tenths, and a third at three-tenths.

In the event the council decides against any increase, they could reject all three measures, and the EIT rate would remain unchanged.

However, that council will vote in favor of two-tenths of a percent increase as recommended by city administrators seems to be the most likely scenario at this point.

"I've never had a problem with (1.95 percent)," Warren said.

Updated to correct the amount of the current rental licensing annual fee.  It is $55, not $50 as the article originally stated.

Easton City Council Reviews Coming Year's Expenses

By Christina Georgiou

A pie chart illustrating Easton's 2014 proposed expense
uses.
Click on the image for a full size view.

Easton City Council members examined the expense side of the 2014 proposed city budget equation during a budget discussion--the second such session so far--Monday evening.

If the 2014 budget proposal is passed without changes, the Earned Income Tax (EIT) rate for residents will need to be raised by 2/10ths of a percent to help cover a shortfall of more than $1 million, bringing the total rate to 1.95 percent EIT, with 0.5 percent going to the school district. The EIT rate for those who work but do not live within city limits, first imposed this year, will remain unaffected by the possible change.

Three ordinances were introduced at last Wednesday's regular city council meeting to cover three possible EIT rate hike scenarios, 1.35, 1.45, and 1.55 percent, though only one will ultimately be passed by the council sometime next month, if council does not cut some expense items to avoid the increase. If council decides to cut expenses, none of the three will be passed, elected officials said.

Despite the projected shortfall, however, some line items in the city's 2014 budget proposal seem destined for increases. Next year's city budget calls for a general fund of about $32.27 million, an increase of approximately $700,000 from 2013.

The city plans to buy 50 more parking meters that take credit cards next year, along with "some other devices" for the city's parking system, said City Administrator Glenn Steckman, which will increase the line item for parking meter expenses to $137,654 next year from $76,960 budgeted for this year, an increase of $60,694.
Un-reimbursed overtime for the Easton Police Department is also expected to rise by $15,000 next year to $40,000 from a projected $25,000 this year. The increase is due to a increasing number of city events, officials said. Other overtime department members put in, such as for providing security for high-profile Lafayette College events, is reimbursed by the organization for which it is incurred, they added.

In the city's IT department, nearly $93,000 more will be spent in 2014 than was allotted for this year, with the bulk of the cost being new equipment and software related to upgrading the city computer system and installing an electronic payment system so people can pay bills and fines online.

Mayor Sal Panto said the upgrades are necessary, despite the associated costs, and expressed frustration the switchover has taken years, saying the changes are long overdue.

"Let's stop talking two to three years," he said of the total tech upgrade plan," Panto said. "Lets start talking one to two (years). I've been here six years, and we've been saying two to three years that whole time."

Some city technology costs are likely to decrease next year too, with the installation of a new phone system, said the city's IT director Frank Caruso, who estimated the annual savings will be about $21,000.

Easton currently uses Verizon as their phone provider, and this year's city phone bills will cost a total of about $86,000. City officials said the company has been "totally unresponsive" to inquiries about billing charges, which in a number of instances appear to be inflated and contain calls to "questionable" numbers, such as ones that seem to be disconnected or connect to perpetual busy signals.

"We're hoping to go over to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system. We're almost there," Caruso said. "We're going to make the switch and move away from Verizon."

In the city's public works department, road repairs and maintenance is estimated to cost $110,000 for black top and other construction materials next year, up from $52,000 in the current year's budget.

Public Works Director David Hopkins attributed the steep rise to the number of city streets that will require maintenance, and state laws that require the city to add handicapped-accessible ramps at all crosswalks where road repaving is performed.

In the past, the city has relied on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to shoulder some road maintenance costs, but Easton should largely discontinue the practice, Hopkins said.

2014 projected revenue sources
Click on any image for a full-size view

"We need to wean ourselves off CDBG funding because only 40 percent of the city is eligible," he said.

An additional $23,000 will be spent on the city's trees next year too, bringing the total projected cost to maintain the urban forest program to $40,000 for the year.

Some of the city forester's resources will be used to assist homeowners who have trees that lie in or near public property, but most will go towards city-owned trees, Hopkins said.

"(The city owns) at least 3,500 trees, not including parks," he said.

A threat to the city's ash trees from the emerald ash borer, expected to be in the area within two years at most, means the city needs to be ready and proactive, Hopkins said. Saving the trees is not only prohibitively expensive, the remedy is far from being a sure thing and probably won't save the trees in the end anyway, he added.

"We're probably looking at the removal of the 90 or so ash trees we have along the streets," Hopkins said.

City council members asked few questions during the session, and it's unclear which, if any, members might favor budget cuts over an EIT rate hike.

A third 2014 budget session is set for Tuesday, November 12 at 6 p.m. in city council chambers. Discussion is expected to included planning and economic development expenses, salary-related issues, and city operational costs.

The current budget proposal includes a 3 percent salary increase for all city employees, including non-union employees and the mayor.

"I think there's about an hour to an hour and a half left on the budget to cover," Steckman told council members.

Easton City Council Endorses Immigration Reform

By Christina Georgiou

About 50 people attended a rally in support of immigration reform on
Easton's Centre Square last evening. The rally was hosted by
Organizing For Action—Lehigh Valley and sponsored by
National Council of La Raza and the Service Employees International Union.
Image from the Organizing for Action - Lehigh Valley Facebook page

Easton's city council passed a resolution Wednesday evening urging Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform, saying that changes to the law are necessary to keep families together, uphold the nation's democratic values, promote economic growth, and create a fair immigration system.

The resolution notes that the city "is a diverse community historically built on the social, cultural, economic and political contributions of immigrant communities over its more than 260 years" and "values the positive contributions of all residents, including immigrants."

It further states that "Growth in the City of Easton’s population and small businesses over recent decades has been significantly driven by immigrants, who bring new life and investment to our City’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors" and, "Above all, we believe in the human dignity of all Easton’s residents."

The move comes on the heels of a rally in Easton's Centre Square Tuesday evening that was hosted by Organizing For Action—Lehigh Valley and sponsored by National Council of La Raza and the Service Employees International Union. About 50 people attended the event, including Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Vice-mayor Ken Brown, and Councilman Jeff Warren.

All three praised the resolution, saying that immigration reform is sorely needed, and they hope Congress acts to create a pathway for undocumented residents to become legal U.S. citizens.

Panto praised Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA17) for supporting such changes and said he hopes Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA15) will reconsider his opposition to reforming immigration laws. He added that the matter should not be a partisan issue.

"All we're asking for is a legal pathway for people to become citizens," Panto said, noting that immigrants have contributed much to America, including important technology and pharmaceutical contributions.

"To be clear, we're not talking about illegal immigration. We're talking about law-abiding people who want to become citizens," he added.

"It was a pleasure to be in Centre Square yesterday with such passionate individuals," Warren said. "Nobody in America should ahv to hide in the shadows of despair. Just recognizing this and passing this speaks volumes."

"I truly believe that this is not a border issue, but a human issue," Brown said. "I had the opportunity to travel with my wife to her home country of Guatemala and see for myself. I'm proud to be part of this...and I believe our voices will be heard."

Copies of the resolution will be delivered to Senators Robert Casey and Pat Toomey, Congressman Matt Cartwright, State Representative Bob Freeman, and State Senators Lisa Boscola and Robert Mensch, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett.

New City Ordinance Will Allow More Time to Pay Tickets

By Christina Georgiou

Introduced at the City of Easton council meeting Wednesday evening, a new ordinance will modify the existing provisions and allow up to 90 days for those who receive parking tickets to pay their fines before the ticket is sent to the local magistrate's office. Currently, the limit is 60 days.

But, while council members seem favorably disposed to the new measure, which is set to be voted on at their next regular meeting in two weeks, some questioned the logic of the fine schedule.

Councilman Roger Ruggles noted that the fine for parking in three College Hill registered permit parking zones without a permit escalates to a $110 fine if paid 61 to 90 days after the ticket was issued, while other violations escalate to a $95 penalty in the same time period. Both sets of infractions initially carry a $50 fine, if paid within one business day of the violation.

"Someone could park in front of a fire hydrant and they'd pay less of a penalty than this," he said. "I just don't understand why these are the most severe penalties on the list, when I see things on the list that to my mind are much more severe."

Councilman Jeff Warren, who introduced the bill, said he agreed that some of the escalating fine amounts should be looked at and possibly changed before it's passed.

Mayor Sal Panto agreed as well, noting that one infraction on the list, "unauthorized parking on private property" may not be enforceable, as the city isn't allowed to issue tickets to vehicles that aren't in a public space.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman said he'd have the police department review the matter and provide city council members with the results of their review.

Minor changes to the bill could be accomplished with amendments before its passage, the council noted, though if substantial changes are made, it will have to be re-introduced before council votes on the measure.

Increasing the limit of time people have to pay parking fines is part of the city's plan to allow online and electronic payment of those penalties, Steckman said.

Five-year Contract for Easton's Union Employees Approved

By Christina Georgiou

AFSCME AFL-CIO Local 447 representatives look on as
Easton's city council approved a new five-year contract
with union city employees.

Easton city council approved a new five-year contract for union workers employed by the city Wednesday evening. The agreement covers back to the beginning of this year and runs through the end of 2017.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) AFL-CIO Local 447 members will receive a 2 percent pay increase this year, a 2.5 percent increase in 2014, and 3 percent increases annually in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Mayor Sal Panto congratulated union representatives in attendance on the smoothness of contract discussions and said he appreciated the union's willingness to negotiate.

"The thing I appreciate working with AFSCME is that with them, it's not personal," he said. "What they say is what you get, and when they say 'Easton works because we do', it's true."

Councilman Jeff Warren said the new contract is both good for the workers and the city.

"It's a good solid contract. And, it's a great working relationship the union has with the administration," he said.

Easton City Council Mulls 2014 Budget, Considers EIT Hike

By Christina Georgiou

A pie chart illustrates sources of revenue and their proportions
for the 2014 City of Easton budget.
Click on the image for a full size view.

Easton city council members scrutinized the revenue side of the proposed 2014 city budget at its Tuesday night finance committee meeting, looking at various line items and discussing whether the estimates were accurate.

The council will introduce three ordinances at its regular meeting this evening, each with a different rate of Earned Income Tax (EIT) residents may pay to the municipality next year--1.35, 1.45, and 1.55 percent, though only one will ultimately be passed by the council sometime next month, Easton Mayor Sal Panto said. Currently, both residents and those that work but do not live in the city pay the same rate.

If the highest rate is passed, city residents will pay a total of 1.95 percent EIT, with 0.5 percent going to the school district. Commuters will continue to pay the same rate as this year under Panto's proposal.

Introducing all three possible rates will allow for flexibility while the 2014 budget undergoes adjustments while still allowing for the amount of time the ordinances need to be aired publicly before passage, the mayor said.

The city faces a shortfall in excess of $1 million, and raising the EIT, along with some city service fees is the best way to make up the difference, Panto has said. Other cost-saving  options include closing one or both of the city's pools, or shuttering one of the city fire department substations, the mayor has suggested, though he's said he's reluctant to do either.

As Chris Heagele, the city's finance director, presented estimated revenue line items Tuesday evening, some council members questioned whether some of the estimates were too conservative and wondered whether if city's Home Rule Charter requirement that the annual proposed budget be presented by October 1 hinders having the most accurate estimates to work with.

Councilman Roger Ruggles said he thinks a number of the revenue estimates were too low, and that actual funds taken in by the city by the end of the year would be higher. He particularly questioned whether EIT revenue from non-city residents, admissions taxes, and parking revenue wouldn't be more next year than is currently projected.

Heagele admitted that non-resident EIT revenue is likely to rise as more workers and their employers become aware of the tax, implemented earlier this year, and that admission tax revenue is also likely to increase with the increase in numbers of visitors to the newly expanded Crayola Experience.

"We feel we're going to get an even higher rate of collection next year," he said.

Some city parking revenue numbers were "trending low" due to the three months Crayola was closed for renovations, which affects the estimated parking revenue for 2014, Heagele said, but erring on the side of caution is safer than assuming the city will have more money next year.

Panto said he too favors a conservative approach to estimating what the city will likely take in next year.

Councilman Jeff Warren also supported being cautious about revenue estimates.

"I'm with the mayor that the conservative figures on this (is the way to go) because we don't have the numbers," he said.

Actual revenue figures from this year used to prepare the 2014 budget proposal was only available through August, due to the requirement it must be presented by October 1.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman said changes to the proposal are likely as the process progress, however.

"This is a living, breathing document. It's going to change," he said. "This is our best estimate at any time."

Warren suggested that the requirement for the budget to be presented so early needs to change so more accurate revenue estimates can be generated.

"I believe we need to potentially revisit these dates (for the budget)," he said, noting that while the Home Rule Charter probably intended the early date to allow more time for public input, the requirement seems to be hampering the process.

A pie chart illustrating Easton's 2014 proposed expense
uses.
Click on the image for a full size view.

"It's hindering the ability for us to really see things," Warren said. "It's something we need to look at down the road."

Another budget discussion, this time looking at the expense side of the equation, is scheduled to take place in city council chambers this coming Monday, October 28, at 6 p.m. All the city department directors are expected to present their respective portions of the proposed budget at that time.

If necessary, an additional budget hearing will take place on Tuesday, November 12.


The 2014 budget proposal calls for a general fund of about $32.27 million, an increase of approximately $700,000 over 2013.

The city's Home Rule Charter requires the city council to pass a balanced budget by December 1.

Updated at 10:42 p.m. to correct the possible new EIT rates and the EIT rate paid to the school district.

Easton Gets Free Parking During Holiday Season Again

By Christina Georgiou

The City of Easton is offering free parking on weekends for
the holiday shopping season, beginning on Black Friday.

Those shopping or dining in Easton this coming holiday season will be greeted with the gift of free parking on selected days.

Fees will be waived on Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, as well as on the subsequent three Saturdays and Sundays in December for all metered parking, along with parking in the public lots on South Third Street, North Third and Fourth streets, and in the Joseph's, Perkins, and Church Street lot  locations.

City council voted in favor of a resolution Wednesday evening that provides for the fees to be waived. The custom of offering free parking on weekends during the holiday season is becoming somewhat of a tradition, with this being at least the third year in a row that fees will be waived.

Easton City Council Says No to Chickens in City Backyards

By Christina Georgiou

"Firecracker" a Silkie/Cochin mix chicken, is held by
Nicole Kilhullen, 11, of Stewartsville, NJ during
"Chicken Dialogues", a public information session
on the keeping of backyard chickens that was
held a tthe Nurture Nature Center in August.

Those looking for fresh eggs in the City of Easton will have to buy them at the farmers' market, as city council members decided against changing city ordinances to allow the keeping of chickens within city limits Tuesday night.

Council members cited various concerns for problems keeping fowl within the urban environment could potentially cause, and nearly all present at the informal council committee meeting said they would not support the necessary ordinance change to allow the practice.

The issue was raised in May, after College Hill resident Annie Porter requested that local elected officials consider overturning the ban to allow keeping up to six hens, but no roosters, per property. Porter said she wanted to keep the birds to provide fresh eggs for her family, and for their educational value for her children.

A public meeting was held in August at the Nurture Nature Center, where about 60 people gathered for an information session outlining the pros and cons of keeping chickens in urban and residential areas. Most at the meeting, which was also attended by Easton city council members Jeff Warren, Roger Ruggles, Ken Brown, and Sandra Vulcano, seemed to favor of the idea.

A meeting to gather public input was also held in September, but was much more sparsely attended, with about half a dozen city residents speaking in favor of changing the law.

"We've gone through a fairly lengthy process," said Ruggles, who heads the council's planning committee, Tuesday night.

Ruggles said he studied the matter thoroughly, as well as taken input from the city's health and code enforcement officers, and he feels there are more potential issues the city will face if it changes the law than there are potential advantages.

"One of the things in my reading that was never brought up is that chickens draw predators," he said.

"You may be able to protect the chickens with chicken wire, but then the predators go after cats and dogs," said Mayor Sal Panto. "I'm not in favor of changing the law, but maybe (keeping chickens) could be used as a showcase at the urban farm (in South Side)."

"I learned a lot," Vulcano said of her attendance at the Nurture Nature information session. "And I learned that I really don't want chickens living near me."

"I don't see a reason (the law) needs to change," Brown said.

"There are wonderful eggs at the farmers' market," said Councilwoman El Warner. "I'd like to not ever discuss this again."

Plan to Reward Recyclers with Free Month of Trash Pickup Takes Shape

By Christina Georgiou

A trash collection truck seen making the rounds recently
in Easton. The city hopes to raise recycling rates through
a program that will reward those who recycle with a free
month of trash pickup.

Those who regularly recycle in the City of Easton will be eligible for a credit equal to one month of trash hauling charges, starting next year, city officials confirmed Tuesday evening.

The city plans to become a Recyclebank "partner" and the credit will be issued to those who accrue enough points through the program, which Easton has participated in for the last two years or so, said Easton Public Works Director David Hopkins.

To be eligible for the credit, worth $33 per household or $22.80 for seniors (who pay a discounted trash rate), residents will have to sign up with Recyclebank. Hopkins suggested that the credit be offered in exchange for 750 points, which offers discounts and freebies in exchange for accrued points.

While many participants might earn more points, only one month's credit per year will be granted by the city, he said.

"For our residents, it's probably going to be the most valuable reward on the website," Hopkins said.

Some city council members suggested the level be raised, and that points accrued prior to implementing the trash bill rebate program not be eligible for the program.

Denise Diorio McVeigh, account manager for the company, said there's no way Recyclebank can track when points are accrued, so making points earned before the city's implementation of the credit for a month of trash hauling ineligible isn't possible.

"Our system isn't set up to do that," she said.

Hopkins noted that while many city council members have accrued more than 1,000 points annually in their accounts, the program doesn't take into account individual recycling amounts, but averages how much is recycled in a given area and awards points based on those numbers. Therefore, those in  some neighborhoods regularly receive fewer points than others.

"We believe that's an amount anyone will be able to achieve," he said. "I felt we don't want to make it unattainable for some areas of the city. Some areas have more tonnage than others."

Residents don't have to have Internet access, however, to participate. Recyclebank allows participants to sign up and check their point status by phone, and rewards may also be downloaded to a smartphone app.

The credit for a free month of trash hauling will be able to be printed out and the coupon sent to the city with a trash bill payment, redeemed via a smartphone app, or participants can call Recyclebank and the company will arrange the credit with the city, Hopkins said.

He expects the new incentive will entice more residents to participate in the program too. Anyone with a unique address can participate.

Currently, there are about 8,000 households on the city's trash contract, Hopkins said. Of those, 4,200 have the RFID tags Recyclebank uses to track recycling rates, and about 1,300 are signed up for the recycling rewards program.

"We know we can improve on our (trash) diversion rate," he said. "Of those in the system, only 1,300 are signed up. If you're not registered, you're not earning points."

Under the new city trash contracts, which will go into effect at the beginning of 2014, solid waste will go to Chrin Landfill at a rate of $40.44 per ton, and Waste Management will accept, process, and market the city's collected recyclable materials, offering an 80 percent rebate to the city after processing costs of $100 per ton. The new deals are expected to save the city $1.2 million annually.

The city also hopes to garner more state grant money for its recycling efforts too, he said, noting that in past years, such money has paid for public works equipment, such as leaf blowers and construction of the city's recycling drop off center.

Some council members asked whether Recyclebank would try to include more local businesses in the program and said many of the rewards aren't offered locally or aren't very useful to them. About 11 local businesses are listed as offering rewards through the Recyclebank program, though one is closed and another does not currently have any offers listed.

"I think that's the reason we have so many points," said Councilwoman El Warner, who said she has about 1,700 unredeemed points.

She added that she'd like to see rewards from more local Downtown restaurants.

"We recently signed on The Crayola Experience," said McVeigh. "We're continuously trying to work on our rewards partners."

Councilman Roger Ruggles asked if Recyclebank would consider finding partners that would allow residents to donate points to local non-profit organizations working to better the community.

"Is there any way we could donate our points to a community organization, like the Easton Area Community Center food program?" he asked.

McVeigh said that while Recyclebank did once have such a program, it was underused by participants and cumbersome to maintain.

Ruggles suggested points might be donated through local supermarkets, which could then offer food or credit to purchase food to local programs.

"Some of the issues around supermarkets is they're low (profit) margin," McVeigh said.

She suggested those wishing to donate to local organization might redeem points for things like a half gallon of orange juice and then donate the goods directly.

McVeigh also suggested local schools apply to Recyclebank's "Green Schools' program and residents could donate their points to that. Schools that participate in an approved environmental project can receive up to $2,500 toward their effort when Recyclebank participants donate their points to them.

Hopkins said an advantage of the Recyclebank website is the education it offers on the benefits of recycling, and having more participants in the city will mean more residents reading that material.

"Our hope is that we see a surge in subscriptions," he said. "We're hoping more people will visit the website and absorb the educational stuff."

The city's solicitor is working out details of the contract between the city and Recyclebank for the city to offer a credit for a free month of trash pickup, Hopkins said, and it's hoped the city council will be able to approve it later this month.

"I'm confident we can get it on the agenda for October 22," he added.

For more about the Recyclebank rewards program or to sign up, visit the company's website at www.recyclebank.com

New Trash Contracts to Save City $1.2 Million

By Christina Georgiou

Easton City Council unanimously approved two new trash disposal contracts Wednesday evening, and it's expected the third and final contract will be approved later this month. The three contracts will replace the one current city garbage contract which is set to expire at the end of the year.

Breaking residential trash hauling service down into basic components--collection and transportation, recycling, and landfill disposal--offered the chance to cut a better deal, and the Easton will save about $1.2 million as a result, Public Works Director David Hopkins said.

Each contract will run for four years, with options for the city to renew annually at the locked-in rate for an additional three years.

Solid waste will go to Chrin Landfill at a rate of $40.44 per ton, and Waste Management will accept, process, and market the city's collected recyclable materials, offering an 80 percent rebate to the city after processing costs of $100 per ton.

Much of the savings will come from the city gaining revenue from recycled materials, Hopkins said.

"The will actually pay us for single-stream recycling for the first time," he said.

In the single-stream system, consumers throw all recyclables together in one receptacle, and the items are sorted out at the recycling plant later.

Raritan Valley Disposal, the city's current trash hauler, was found to be the lowest bidder this past Friday when bids were unsealed for the trash hauling and transportation segment, and Hopkins said council will be presented with an agreement with the company for approval at its next meeting later this month.

No change in the current residential service or scheduling is anticipated, he added.

Recycling, however, will likely be picked up weekly instead of bi-weekly, beginning in January 2014, Hopkins said.

The more frequent recycling pick-ups will cost Easton about $90,000 more annually, Hopkins estimated, but the city will likely make up the cost difference in savings on landfill fees and recycling rebates, as well as from grant money the city will earn by recovering more recyclable materials.

Hopkins suggested the city might further benefit by instituting its own recycling rewards program for residents in the near future to replace the RecycleBank system, which awards redeemable points that can be redeemed for goods and services, it currently uses.

"One of the things I'd like to propose is rewarding those who help our cause," Hopkins said, opining that recycling more and generating less non-recoverable trash is "the way of the future."

Hopkins suggested that the city might offer a discount or rebate on residents' trash bills for consistently recycling.

Mayor Sal Panto said the idea is a good one because he's found the rewards RecycleBank offers aren't very useful and the number of points it takes to redeem rewards are hard to achieve, though he's recycling more than ever.

"Single-stream has me...putting out three containers of recycling and one container of trash," he said.

While Hopkins agreed more residents are recycling more in recent years, the city could still do better to keep items out of the landfill, he said.

"We're still under optimum levels," he said.

But offering a real incentive, such as a rebate on residents' city trash bills, could help raise recycling rates, Hopkins said.

"I think we can come up with an achievable goal," he said.

The city's current seven-year trash deal, which had included steeply escalating costs in the last few years of the contract, is set to expire at the end of the year. City officials have said Easton has "eaten" the difference in price as contract costs rose, so it seems unlikely the $1.2 million savings will be passed on to residents directly by lowering trash bills, though officials did indicate that they don't expect them to increase under the new deals either.