The executive, administrative and law enforcement powers of the City shall be vested in the Mayor. The Mayor shall control and be accountable for the executive branch of the City government, as provided by this Charter.
[Amended 11-7-2017 (6-21-2017 by Ord. No. 15377)]
The election of the Mayor shall be held in municipal elections in the manner provided by law. The term of office of the Mayor shall be four years commencing the first Monday in January after the election.
No person shall be elected to the office of Mayor more than twice. The time served to fill in for the remainder of an unexpired term shall not be deemed a 'term' for the purposes of this limitation
The candidate for Mayor shall be a registered voter of the City. The Mayor shall continue to reside in the City throughout the term of office.
A. 
If the office of the Mayor becomes vacant for any reason, Council shall appoint an interim Mayor of the same political party who shall serve until the next Municipal election.
B. 
If the Council fails to act within 30 days following the occurrence of the vacancy, the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County shall, upon petition of three members of Council or 10 qualified electors of the City, fill the vacancy in such office by the appointment of a qualified resident of the City. A vacancy in the office of Mayor shall be filled at the next Municipal Election, in the manner provided by law. The person elected shall hold the qualifications for the office of the Mayor and shall serve the remaining portion of the vacated term.
C. 
If the vacancy occurs more than 90 days before the next general municipal election, the appointee as selected in the preceding paragraph shall serve until the first Monday of January next following said election. If a portion of the term remains beyond said date, an individual shall be elected at said general municipal election to serve from the first Monday of January following said election to the end of the term as provided in Section 302.
D. 
Until the vacancy is filled, the President of Council shall act as Mayor. If the President of Council should resign or be unable to act, the Acting Mayor shall be chosen by a majority vote of the remaining members of Council to serve as Acting Mayor until the vacancy is filled by election.
The Mayor shall forfeit office if the Mayor:
A. 
Lacks at any time during term of office for which elected any qualifications for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law;
B. 
Violates any expressed prohibition of the Charter; or
C. 
Is convicted of any crime classified as a misdemeanor of the second degree or higher, under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States or be convicted of any comparable graded crime under the laws of any other state in the United States.
In all cases of forfeiture, the Mayor shall be entitled to notice and a hearing in accordance with the administrative procedures to be established by Council.
A. 
The Mayor shall not hold any compensated appointive City office or City employment during the term of office for which the Mayor was elected.
B. 
The Mayor shall not serve as an elected official in any other office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or political subdivision thereof.
C. 
The Mayor shall not serve as an employee of a municipal authority, which is created solely or jointly by the City with one or more political subdivisions until one year after the expiration of the term of office for which the Mayor was elected.
D. 
A Mayor who has a financial interest, direct or indirect, or by reason of ownership of stock in any corporation, in any contract with the City or in the sale of land, shall immediately make known that interest to Council. A Mayor who willfully conceals any such interests shall be guilty of malfeasance in office. Violation of this section with the knowledge expressed or implied of the person or corporation contracting with or making a sale to the City shall render the contract or sale voidable by the City.
A. 
The Mayor shall receive an annual salary in the amount of $61,493 until such amount is changed by City Council.
B. 
City Council may determine the annual salary of the Mayor by ordinance, but no ordinance changing such salary shall become effective until the date of commencement of the term of the Mayor elected at the next regular election, provided that such election follows the adoption of such ordinance by at least six months.
The Mayor shall have the following powers and duties:
A. 
Execute, enforce and obey the ordinances of the City, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America.
B. 
Prepare and present a budget to City Council in accordance with the provisions of this Charter.
C. 
Inform City Council and the public each January of the financial and general condition of the City.
D. 
Provide Council with all information concerning finances and general conditions of the City as may be requested by Council.
E. 
Prepare and submit, to City Council, on an annual basis a five year financial plan and budget.
F. 
Introduce proposed legislation to Council and make recommendations to City Council concerning the affairs of the City.
G. 
Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by the Charter or by law.
H. 
Supervise and direct the negotiation and administration of any collective bargaining agreements with City employees.
I. 
Ensure that all laws, provisions of this Charter and acts of City Council are faithfully executed.
J. 
Be responsible for the establishment and development of the administrative policy.
K. 
Be present or represented at all regular City council meetings. The Mayor may participate in all regular City Council discussions but shall have no vote.
L. 
Execute all bonds, notes, contracts, and written obligations of the City.
M. 
Issue subpoenas and compulsory processes, under the official seal of the Mayor, for the attendance of such persons and the production of such books and records as deemed necessary by the Mayor, and seek enforcement of such subpoenas by the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County.
N. 
Appoint, suspend or remove any City employee, except as otherwise provided by this Charter or by law, and unless otherwise provided, be responsible for the employment of personnel necessary for the effective operation of city government.
O. 
Perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as stated in this Charter, by law, or ordinance.
The Mayor shall appoint:
A. 
One City Solicitor. Any person so appointed shall hold office unless removed during the term for which the Mayor is elected and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Four affirmative votes of Council, at each Mayor's term, shall be necessary for confirmation. The City Solicitor is required to be reappointed and reconfirmed by the majority of Council and is required to be either a resident of Allentown and/or be a taxpayer prior to their appointment. The Mayor may also appoint one or more assistant solicitors as are necessary and approved by Council.
[Amended 11-5-2002]
B. 
All members of boards, authorities and commissions, over which he has the power to appoint. The majority of Council shall be necessary for confirmation, except where otherwise provided by state statute.
The Mayor may remove from office anyone appointed pursuant to Section 309, unless otherwise provided by law.
Upon taking office, the Mayor shall designate a department head or elected City official who shall serve as Deputy Mayor, in the event of the Mayor's temporary disability or absence from the City. The Mayor may change his designation from time to time. The Deputy Mayor shall exercise all the duties of the Mayor, except the power of appointment or removal from office.