Allentown City Council Sets Deadline for Human Relations Commission Appointment

Allentown City Council has mandated that Mayor Matt Tuerk appoint members to the Human Relations Commission within 30 days following the effective date of a new ordinance. This decision, made during a Council meeting on September 27, 2023, addresses the urgent need for a body that can investigate discrimination complaints in the city.

The ordinance, which was unanimously passed, comes nearly three months after the Council enacted a comprehensive ban on all forms of discrimination. This update to a 1963 ordinance has been criticized for lacking enforcement mechanisms since the commission, disbanded by Tuerk shortly after the law passed, is essential for its implementation. Tuerk stated that dissolving the previous commission was a legal requirement and committed to appointing a new group promptly. However, some Council members and advocates worry that further delays could hinder progress.

Former chair of the Allentown Human Relations Commission, Jennifer Swann, expressed concern during the meeting. “I am worried because right now, the city is out of compliance with its own ordinance,” she said, highlighting the pressing need for action as a discrimination complaint is currently pending.

According to the newly passed ordinance, Tuerk must fill the commission’s vacancies within 30 days of the ordinance’s effective date, which is set for September 29, 2023. This gives him approximately 40 days to appoint at least seven members. If he fails to do so, the City Council will take it upon themselves to make the necessary appointments.

Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach, who sponsored the ordinance, voiced her apprehensions regarding the timeline. “I am concerned that we are not, as a city, adequately serving the majority minority population and other marginalized communities,” she stated. In the absence of a functioning commission, the city is unable to adequately address significant concerns from its residents.

The city’s communications manager, Genesis Ortega, reported that fewer than seven applications have been received for the commission, contributing to the delay. Ortega noted that Tuerk is poised to nominate a slate of candidates once the minimum number of qualified applicants is met and encouraged interested individuals to apply via the city’s website.

The ordinance stipulates that the commission must consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum of thirteen. Should the number of members drop below seven, the mayor has 60 days to appoint replacements. If this does not occur, City Council members have the authority to fill the vacancies themselves.

Swann urged the Council to expedite the appointment process, emphasizing the critical nature of the pending complaint. “I don’t understand why an extra 30 days are needed, especially when there is a case that is not being addressed,” she said.

The pending complaint is currently in limbo, as it has been filed with both the Allentown and Lehigh County Human Relations Commissions. Last week, the Lehigh County Commission dismissed the case due to jurisdictional issues, as the city’s legal representation argued that the county commission lacked the authority to investigate.

“It is unfortunate that we could not move ahead with this complaint because of this technicality. It just delays fairness being realized,” said Liz Bradbury, chair of the Lehigh County Human Relations Commission. The complainant intends to pursue their case through the Allentown commission, which will require hiring an outside lawyer to avoid any conflict of interest with city officials.

The Allentown City Council’s actions reflect a growing urgency to address discrimination within the community. With the deadline for appointments looming, the focus now shifts to how quickly the city can establish a functioning Human Relations Commission to handle the pressing matters that citizens face.