City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, April 5, 2022 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL President Colón called the meeting to order. Present were Grace Crampsie Smith, Wandalyn J. Enix, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Rachel Leon, Paige Van Wirt, Kiera L. Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 7. Executive Session President Colón announced City Council held an Executive Session on Monday, March 28, 2022 to discuss a Council personnel matter. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 1, 2022. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) South Side Business District/Summer of 2021/Muggings, Robberies Tina Kozekas, 4th and New Street, informed she is at this meeting on behalf of the residents and business owners and property owners in the South Bethlehem Business District. She noted that 2021 was a horrible year for everyone being shut down for most of it. Besides that the business district had to put up with at least a dozen robberies, numerous muggings on the Greenway and properties being vandalized. All summer we put up with vagrants and begging in the South Bethlehem Business District. They were intimidating and terrorizing residents and passing out on the sidewalks, vomiting and urinating human waste on sidewalks and buildings. On New and Vine Streets there are fifteen 40 year old wooden park benches, black with mold and green moss with vomit and urine stains from the drunken riff-raff sitting on them all day. The benches need to be removed. There are enough park benches on the sidewalks throughout the whole business district but on West Fourth Street there are 15 on one block. We want them out, we have had enough. College students are robbed, beaten up and physical assaulted and intimidated and threatened to give their money up and asked to buy drugs. Kids from Broughal Middle School walking down Vine Street and Fourth Street go by grown men passed out on the sidewalk or on a park bench. The kids do not deserve to see this type of behavior. There are customers sitting out at restaurants trying to eat while some drunken bum is vomiting or urinating on the ground. This went on all summer long; please check your police records and you will see this. The merchants do not want these smelly park benches. What can we do to get rid of them? She has been trying all summer to make calls to the Parks Department, Planning Department, Mayor’s Office, the Police Chief but no calls or anything or any consideration for the business district at all. We need police presence during the day. We used to have a Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 April 5, 2022 neighborhood crime watch program with the Police Department, but that is gone. We used to have police on the beat walking the neighborhood until 9 pm, but that is gone. She was told there is one community police officer on a bicycle for all of South Bethlehem along with one officer from Lehigh. So that is 2 police officers patrolling all of South Bethlehem. She has spoken with several police officers about the problems with the vagrants and they are doing their job, they are just as frustrated as the residents. She was told to go to City Council so here we are. We do not want another summer of hell; it was very unhealthy, degrading, frustrating, and very exhausting. This is not a homeless problem, this is drunken thugs intimidating, threatening and scaring residents and senior citizens. There are merchants and residents who have worked with the City of Bethlehem for decades improving the business district and never have we been ignored as we were this past year by the City Administration. There are problems in the business districts that have to be addressed, we want to be heard and work with City Council. The owner of three of the condemned properties on West Fourth Street should be held responsible and accountable for bringing that property up to code. Those properties make the neighborhood look bad. It is not fair that others have to update for a Certificate of Occupancy and these properties are not maintained by the owners. You are giving out money to the developers to build high rises, but the same developers are leaving condemned properties behind. It is your job to see that these properties are brought up to code. President Colón thanked her for coming out tonight. He will not speak for the Police Department nor the Community and Economic Development Department, but Police Chief Michelle Kott is at this meeting and you may speak with her in the hallway to get contact information and further a conversation at a more appropriate time. Graffiti John Reda, 729 Beverly Avenue, remarked he is curious what is being done to eradicate graffiti in Bethlehem. He has called the graffiti hotline on numerous occasions. Every instance of graffiti he has reported, not one of them has been eradicated. If you drive from Main Street in Bethlehem on Route 378 to Route 22 there is not one bridge abutment that is not completely covered with filthy graffiti. The graffiti hotline told him that may be a PennDot issue. If that is the case the city needs to coordinate with PennDot and have something done about it. He wanted to address the Mayor because he knows he likes to do photo ops with all of his protest marches and things like that, but the main thing he accomplished when he was on City Council was voting to have Christopher Columbus taken out of the Rose Garden. He noted that Christopher Columbus had more courage in his pinky than all of these college professors and most of these politicians combined. Mr. Reda implored to address this graffiti because the city is turning into a dump. Eddie Rodriguez, 701 Main Street, explained all of these years what the past two speakers have said is what he has been talking about. He questioned if there is enough being done. We see construction being elevated with high rises very high, they look great but then the smaller communities are left behind. He has been talking about the drugs for years and he will continue talking about this and more will be coming to City Council because we are tired of these folks doing whatever they want in our community. Something needs to be done. We need to clean up what these devils have done; they create mischief in our community. There is graffiti all over the place. Please do something about this. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 April 5, 2022 Parking in South Bethlehem Lisa Ronca, 1110 Spring Street, owner of Cutters Bike Shop on the south side of Bethlehem stated she is in agreement with everything that has been said. She worked at the Fun House many years ago and also the Tally Ho. The south side has changed a lot, in some ways for the good, it is wonderful what is being revitalized, but at the same time she sees some of the same developers and things being pushed through and done and then you have your businesses who are trying to make a living. We are at the shop for 13 years and we had a lot of parking. Her landlord took care of the lots next to us, they were clean and never had any trash, and the hedges were even trimmed. Then development started and 510 Flats was not supposed to be in until the parking deck was started across the street but we all know it has been years now. She thinks that the parking deck is going to be breaking ground so now that parking will be gone as well. Then we have metered parking which for some reason the Parking Authority has beacons as soon as somebody pulls in. They must be sounded because she had a customer pull up on a day she was closed and she was behind him, he was on the app and he thought he had it working and she put money in her meter and they ran inside and we were in there 3 minutes and there was a parking authority person outside. She went outside and told him we were done soon and we paid our meters, but he said that gentleman’s meter was not fed. But this customer was on the app and thought it went through and the parking authority person was rude and she then got a little upset. She had a customer who was spending money at her business which in turn they do a lot with the community. Then she sees all this other development and things going on and people are double parking on Third Street to go to El Jefe and Starbucks, they do not even have parking. If you are going westbound these people just double park and put their four-ways on in the street. She does want to see these businesses doing well also but we just keep putting up more things and there is less parking. Even with 510 Flats she would think when you put in a building you are supposed to have a certain amount of parking for those tenants. They do not, so now they took over so you can pay for prime parking. We have two lots next to our building. The lot that sits behind they have now numbered. Her parents came to bring her a birthday card in January and they usually park out front but there was ice built up so her father pulled in the back lot, which she did not know. They were parked there around 15 minutes and they left and he ran back and said that his car was stolen. Then she asked where he parked, and he said in the back lot but she realized he should not have parked there. How quickly, they notified to tow her father’s car within 15 minutes. They towed the car to Pembroke and she called and they cut him a break so instead of $300 it was only $250 for them to bring her a birthday card for 15 minutes. They were in the wrong, but she went outside and there is no signage of who to call. It does say private parking but he did not notice. Then she called the city and they gave her the number to call. Ms. Ronca thinks there are certain rules and certain things go easily for some, then small businesses have customers driving in circles looking for parking. Even when they find a parking space they are harassed. She was told that years ago there was a study done. The right turn only lane to come in behind the Charter Arts School and go that way is not utilized so that may be metered. She noted that is utilized, that is the only way you can bypass getting caught on Third Street for half an hour with traffic to go three blocks. We have development, which is good, but there should be more stringency put on these big developers. President Colón reminded everyone that this first courtesy of the floor is for whatever you want to speak about; it does not have to relate to the agenda. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 April 5, 2022 South Side Ambassadors/ Parklets/ Police Presence Anthony Spagnola, 10 W. Fourth Street, remarked he would like to say some positive notes. The Ambassadors on the south side are doing a phenomenal job over there cleaning up and directing people. He thinks the city did a great job over the summer putting up parklets, helping us through our difficult time. Also, the city forester worked with us with to take down a tree and put in what we needed to put in. At the corner of Fourth and New Street, that is his corner and his name is Jeff, and Mr. Spagnola is there and tries to help him and if these people do not want to be helped then no one can help. They will go find the drugs. He noted that Officer Rodriguez and Officer Horvath with Officer Stokes from Lehigh, they are our community police and they would stop by to see what was going on. That is another aspect that is being done. Mr. Spagnola added that he talks to officers, to get to New Bethany or to get to Victory House you cannot drink and you have to have a job. All of us are in this community. Tina has the Fun House, and he has Sotto Santi, so maybe we are part of the problem with people coming out late at night but we do not want that, we want a nice sustainable community. He added that there are a lot of positive things and also as a business you gave us tools to apply for a grant. There are rules and parameters, we need to follow them. We can all work together to get solutions to things like parking. He thinks we are doing a great job or he would not live here and have two businesses here. Keep up the good work. Developer Contributions/Calling Mayor’s Office Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, mentioned when a building developer lives out of state decides to make a contribution to a person seeking office in this city and that person has real estate holdings in this city, and the contribution is 20 times larger than the average contribution it is clear that developer is looking for positive votes on anything involving his or her property. The Pennsylvania Ethics Commission in regards says “no public official, public employee, or nominee or candidate for public office shall solicit or accept anything of monetary value including a gift, loan, political contribution reward or promise of future employment based on any understanding of that public official, public employee, or nominee that the vote, official action, or judgment of the public official or public employee, or nominee or candidate for public office would be influenced thereby.” It is very clear. But the Pennsylvania parliament much to this dismay of the Ethics Commission said you are allowed to make contributions if it is during a campaign and you make a public statement of that. They also say that it is prudent and wise for the candidate who accepts that contribution that if it comes to a vote they should recuse themselves. That is because it does not give the appearance of a conflict of interest and it shows transparency and lets the public know who made the contribution. Mr. Antalics remarked if a candidate when elected votes in a positive manner for that developer’s property, a person observing that vote cannot be sure they have done this in an altruistic manner. Because the person who accepts that donation or contribution understands there are strings attached, clearly. This could have negative effects. Take for example if a vote is 4 to 3 in favor of the developer and one positive vote is a yes for the developer, if that person had recused themselves which would have been proper, the vote would be 3-3 and it would not have carried. Mr. Antalics remarked this happened in Bethlehem, and when a citizen questioned that vote there was an intense exchange, implying an insult. It was a fair question. He suggests someone on Council propose legislation that anyone seeking office will not accept a contribution from a developer. In fact, some who have sought this office have publicly announced they have not accepted a donation, just to show that they will be above a conflict of interest. On a side note, he called a number that he has called many times and instead Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 April 5, 2022 of getting the Mayor’s Office the person who answered said the Water Department. He said he called the Mayor’s Office but was told you cannot do that. He said why but got no answer. He was asked if they could transfer him, but they said no and asked him what he wanted. Mr. Antalics wondered if he should discuss historic preservation with someone in the Water Department. He said thank you, and said goodbye. He redialed the same number and the person who answered said the Police Department. Mr. Antalics said he tried to call the Mayor’s Office and they said you cannot do that, you have to through them but if you want to talk to them you can send them an email. On a national level, there are leanings changing a democracy into autocracy. He wondered if this is happening in Bethlehem. Can we not call our Mayor’s Office, it seems so. He guesses we should amend the title of Your Honor to Your Eminence. Transparency Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, noted he wanted to repeat something Mr. Antalics had said about 10 years ago. It may have been the wisest 8 word statement ever uttered to this Council. That night he said, “Campaign contributions have a high rate of return.” When Mr. Scheirer came back to Bethlehem 19 years ago, there was no Council review of contracts. There is now some progress, because it has an aura of transparency. Because to the extent that Council does not know what the Administration knows it is left in the dark. Since transparency required light rather than darkness the Council is forced to use a rubberstamp. He would like to propose a procedure. When factors other than cost are relevant and the Administration forms a committee to select one proposal, the 3 members of a Proposal Evaluation Council Committee should be added. The Proposal Evaluation Council Committee would be the committee most concerned with the subject of the procurement, and would be designated by the Council President. The Council Members of the Proposal Evaluation Committee would participate in the discussion, and would also be privy to any information that has been shared among the Administration Members of the Committee. However the Council Members would not have a vote in selecting a proposal, only the Administration Members would engage in the selection. When the selected proposal is forwarded to the Council it would then be first referred to the same Council Committee which would make a recommendation to the full Council in the usual manner followed by a vote of the full Council. In this way there would be full transparency, not merely a glimpse of it. The City of Bethlehem Artie Curatola, 813 Laufer Street, informed he has been a Bethlehem resident of over 73 years. For the next election he will not be running for Mayor, but he will run for a position on City Council and hopefully be an active part of City Council. If you look on the internet you will find that the City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was rated the sixth greatest city to live in, that is in the entire United States and is the safest mid-sized city in Pennsylvania. Wherever you live you must be more active in your community and speak openly at city and town Council Meetings. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Linden Street Two-Way Eddie Rodriguez, 701 Main Street, mentioned he is concerned about making Linden Street from Fairview to Church a two-way street. We have enough trouble along that little strip with Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 April 5, 2022 what we are experiencing in the city with motorcycles, and vehicles speeding. We have that problem on Main Street, Broad Street, etc. On the north side it is all over the entire city, but not only this city, it is all over. If you make Linden Street from Fairview to Church, he is concerned that something will happen with the students where Liberty High School is. There are crossing guards there and children of different ages, senior citizens, and parents picking up children. Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, informed he is pleased to see on the agenda this contract which is a first-step in making Linden Street two-way. The transition could be problematic with someone driving there thinking it was still one way. A great deal of care has to be taken to make sure that there is no mistaking that it is now a two-way street. The one-way on Linden Street along with Center Street was to facilitate steelworkers coming from the north and going back home. The bigger problem is Center Street. In his experience there are two lanes going north and a certain amount of jockeying for position. When you get to Elizabeth Avenue there is only one lane going north, the left lane is a left-turn only. Some dangerous speeds do occur there. This also serves to divide the neighborhood because it makes it more difficult to cross Center Street. He hopes one day we see the same thing happen to Center Street. Mr. Scheirer had heard it would cost $1.3 million to convert Center Street back to two-way. That is a lot of money; he wonders why it would cost so much. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, remarked Mr. Scheirer is correct. At the height of Bethlehem Steel people coming to work there used Linden Street and then going home in the evening used Center Street. The Bethlehem Steel no longer exists so it would be wise to convert both completely back to two-way. The safety issue is more important than dollars. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Construction Masters Services, LLC – Cloverleaf Street Drainage The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 11, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works recommending a contract with Construction Masters Services, LLC for the Cloverleaf Street Drainage Project. The estimated completion date is 60 days. The cost is $89,992.27. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. B. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Passerini & Sons, Inc. – East Boulevard Storm Sewer The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 18, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works recommending a contract with Passerini & Sons, Inc. for the East  Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 April 5, 2022 Boulevard Storm Sewer Project. The estimated completion date is 90 days. The cost is $138,089.00. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. . C. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – AECOM – Unaccounted for water study for the Bethlehem Water System. The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 25, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending a contract with AECOM for the Unaccounted for Water Study for the Bethlehem Water System. The contract shall run from the Notice to Proceed until December 31, 2022. The cost is $55,200 based on time and expense not to exceed budget. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. D. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Heim Construction Company, Inc. – ADA Curb Ramps The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 25, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works recommending a contract with Heim Construction Company, Inc. for the ADA Curb Ramps. The contract shall run for a period of 100 days from the Notice to Proceed. The cost is $652,903.96. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. E. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Pennoni Associates, Inc. – Earl W. Armitage, III – Preliminary Engineering Design for the Two-Way Conversion of Linden Street between Fairview Street and Church Street The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 30, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works recommending a contract with Pennoni Associates for the preliminary engineering design for the Two-Way Conversion for Linden Street between Fairview Street and Church Street. The estimated completion date is July 29, 2022. The cost is $24,163.60. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. F. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 30, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works recommending a contract with New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company Inc. for Street Overlay and Curb ramps. The contract shall run for a period of 130 days from the Notice to Proceed. The cost is $1,829,154.20. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 I is on the agenda. G. Assistant City Solicitor – Proposed Resolution – PennVest Grant for Lead Line Replacement Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 April 5, 2022 The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 28, 2022 from Loren Speziale, Assistant City Solicitor with an attached resolution to support a PennVest grant request in the maximum grant amount of $2,875,000. The funds will be used for Lead Line Replacement in the City. President Colón stated Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. H. Director of Public Works – Street Name Change – Request to rename N. Easton Road to Skyline Drive and S. Easton Road to Easton Road in the City of Bethlehem The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 18, 2022 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works with a request to rename N. Easton Road to Skyline Drive, and S. Easton Road to Easton Road, each in the City of Bethlehem. Since the 911 Center moved to Northampton County, the street names of North and South Easton roads have caused confusion as they cross into another municipality within the County. This request complies with the street renaming requirements of Council Resolution No. 12,787 and the Mayor approved the name change requests for submission to Council. President Colón stated the Resolutions can be placed on the April 19, 2022 agenda. I. Norris McLaughlin, P.A. – Request for Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer – Montclair Meat & Food Corp. – 410 Montclair Avenue The Acting Clerk read a letter dated March 21, 2022 from Norris McLaughlin, P.A., a law firm, representing Montclair Meat & Food Corp., requesting approval for an inter-municipal transfer of Pennsylvania Retail Restaurant Liquor License No. R-14009. The applicant seeks approval of an intermunicipal transfer of the License which was previously issued to Valley Pizza, Inc., for licensed premises located at 503 Old Main Street, Walnutport, Northampton County, PA to the new licensed premises located at 410 Montclair Avenue, Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA. Scheduling Public Hearing Dr. Van Wirt and Ms. Crampsie Smith moved to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion passed. President Colón stated a Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall and the Resolution will be placed on the Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Council agenda. J. Assistant City Solicitor – Proposed Ordinance Amending Article 1701 – Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code – Adopting the 2018 Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 21, 2022 from Matthew Deschler, Assistant City Solicitor requesting Council consideration of a proposed ordinance amending Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 April 5, 2022 Article 1701 in order to adopt the 2018 version of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. The memo also requests a public hearing before council for the proposed ordinance. Scheduling Public Hearing Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm moved to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion passed. President Colón stated a Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall and an Ordinance will be placed on the Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Council agenda for First Reading. K. Assistant City Solicitor – Proposed Amendments to Article 157 – Civil Service Board The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 4, 2022 from Matthew Deschler, Assistant City Solicitor to which is attached a proposed ordinance amending Article 157 relating to Civil Service. President Colón stated an Ordinance will be placed on the Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Council agenda for First Reading. L. Assistant City Solicitor – Proposed Resolution – Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement with Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, and Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 29, 2022 from Loren Speziale, Assistant City Solicitor with an attached proposed resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the City and Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, and Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority in connection with the Lehigh Valley Trade Center III subdivision and Land Development. President Colón stated Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. M. Health Bureau Director – Records Destruction Resolution The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 25, 2022 from Kristen Wenrich, Health Bureau Director requesting Council to consider a resolution for the Destruction of Records from the Health Bureau listed on the attached exhibit. The Director has reviewed the Municipal Records Retention Act and the records fall within categories where destruction is permitted. President Colón stated the Resolution will be placed on the Tuesday, April 19, 2022 agenda. N. Assistant City Solicitor – Amending Article 1733 – International Property Maintenance Code Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 April 5, 2022 The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated March 30, 2022 from Matthew Deschler Assistant City Solicitor to which is attached a proposed ordinance amending Article 1733 in order to adopt the 2018 version of the International Property Maintenance Code. President Colón stated the Ordinance will be placed on the Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Council agenda for First Reading. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council 1. Councilmanic Appointment – G. Christopher Hunt – Bethlehem Area Public Library Board President Colón appointed G. Christopher Hunt to membership on the Bethlehem Area Public Library Board, effective until January, 2025. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-052 to confirm the appointment. President Colón noted he had a chance to speak with Mr. Hunt and he expressed his strong interest in serving on the Library Board. He wanted to be at this meeting but they had an event over at Moravian University, so he could not be here tonight. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 2. Councilmanic Appointment – Delia Marrero – Bethlehem Area Public Library Board President Colón appointed Delia Marrero to membership on the Bethlehem Area Public Library Board, effective until January, 2025. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-053 to confirm the appointment. President Colón stated he had a chance to speak to Ms. Marrero. She had reached out at the end of last year expressing a strong interest given her background, profession, and community involvement. She will be another wonderful addition to the Library Board and an advocate of the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. B. Mayor Mayor Reynolds pointed out he agrees with President Colón that Ms. Marrero and Mr. Hunt will both be excellent additions to the Library Board. They both have been involved in the community for a long time. 1. Administrative Order – Mary Frances Stone – Zoning Hearing Board Alternate Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 April 5, 2022 Mayor Reynolds reappointed Mary Frances Stone as an Alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board, effective until March, 2027. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-054 to confirm the reappointment. Dr. Van Wirt mentioned that previous Administrations had provided us with resumes of all of the reappointments and appointments. She looked through but did not see that in her packet. She hopes that Mayor Reynolds would continue in that tradition. It is important for us to have the understanding of someone’s backgrounds and skills. Mayor Reynolds was under the impression they were sent with the Administrative Orders. Dr. Van Wirt appreciates it. Ms. Crampsie Smith was under the assumption that Mrs. Stone was going to be a regular member. She believes we have two vacancies of regular members now. Mayor Reynolds explained we do have two vacancies and the Administrative Order as it came to Council did not say as an alternate. Mary Frances Stone is currently an alternate and she will be reappointed as an alternate. The second one will be appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board. There will be one vacancy and there will be another Administrative Order coming soon for the other permanent vacancy. But in the meantime the alternates get called in when for any reason there is an absence among the regular membership. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 2. Administrative Order – Donald C. Flad – Zoning Hearing Board Mayor Reynolds appointed Donald C. Flad to the Zoning Hearing Board, effective until April, 2027. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-055 to confirm the appointment. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 3. Administrative Order – Carlos A. Almeida – Bethlehem Authority Mayor Reynolds reappointed Carlos A. Almeida to the Bethlehem Authority, effective until January, 2027. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-056 to confirm the reappointment. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. Mayor State of the City Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 April 5, 2022 Mayor Reynolds announced they are looking forward to the Chamber hosting our State of the City on Thursday. He believes that most of City Council will be attending. We will have around 300 people there which is the largest one that the Chamber has ever had. We have been working hard to present both accomplishments from the previous year as well as what we are working on now and our vision for 2022 in conjunction with City Council and our community. We are excited for this event on Thursday morning. President Colón wished Mayor Reynolds all the best in his first State of the City on Thursday. Mayor Reynolds remarked, our State of the City. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE A. Bill No. 01 – 2022 – Amending 2022 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 01-2022 – Amending 2022 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 GENERAL FUND BUDGET Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 01-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-01 was passed on Final Reading. B. Bill No. 02 – 2022 – Amending 2022 Golf Course Enterprise Fund – Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 02-2022 – Amending 2022 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget –Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE GOLF COURSE ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET FOR 2022 Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 02-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-02 was passed on Final Reading. C. Bill No. 03 – 2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities – Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 03-2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities –Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 April 5, 2022 COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 03-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-03 was passed on Final Reading. D. Bill No. 04 – 2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Water Utilities – Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 04-2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Water Utilities –Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR WATER UTILITIES Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 04-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-04 was passed on Final Reading. E. Bill No. 05 – 2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities – Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 05-2022 – Amending 2022 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities –Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR SEWER UTILITIES Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 05-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-05 was passed on Final Reading. F. Bill No. 06 – 2022 – Amending 2022 Community Development Block Grant Budget – Adjustments The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 06-2022 – Amending 2022 Community Development Block Grant Budget –Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET Bethlehem City Council Meeting 14 April 5, 2022 Ms. Kwiatek remarked this was discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting. She is asking Ms. Collins to refresh her memory about the fact that this is a reduction in money to various agencies and, is this because the money is not being spent. Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development informed it is actually not a reduction, it just reflects the spend from the time the budget was put together in October through December. These are just amendments that put everything back in line through the end of the year. Ms. Kwiatek wanted to make sure we were not pulling money away from agencies that really needed it. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 06-2022 now known as Ordinance No. 2022-06 was passed on Final Reading. 9. NEW ORDINANCES A. Bill No. 07-2022 – Guaranty of Bethlehem Authority Bonds to Refinance Series of 2014 Guaranteed Water Revenue Bonds The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 07-2022 – Guaranty of Bethlehem Authority Bonds to Refinance Series of 2014 Guaranteed Water Revenue Bonds sponsored by Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA (THE “CITY”), DETERMINING TO INCUR DEBT IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,0001; DETERMINING THAT SUCH DEBT SHALL BE INCURRED AS LEASE RENTAL DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY A SERIES OR SUBSERIES OF GUARANTEED WATER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES OF 2022 OR SUCH OTHER DESIGNATION AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE, TO BE AUTHORIZED AND TO BE ISSUED BY BETHLEHEM AUTHORITY (THE “AUTHORITY”); BRIEFLY DESCRIBING THE PROJECTS FOR WHICH SAID DEBT IS TO BE INCURRED AND SPECIFYING THE REALISTIC AND REMAINING USEFUL LIVES OF SAID PROJECT FINANCED AND REFINANCED THEREBY; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, THE CITY CONTROLLER, THE CITY TREASURER, THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OR THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY TO PREPARE, VERIFY AND FILE, AS APPLICABLE, THE DEBT STATEMENT AND OTHER APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT DEBT ACT, 53 PA. C.S. § 8001 ET SEQ., AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, AND, UPON RECEIPT OF APPROVAL OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TO EXECUTE, ATTEST, ACKNOWLEDGE AND DELIVER, AS APPROPRIATE, (I) A NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT AND LEASE, Bethlehem City Council Meeting 15 April 5, 2022 BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY, AS LESSOR, AND THE CITY, AS LESSEE, SUPPLEMENTING A CONTRACT AND LEASE, DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1992, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BETWEEN SAID AUTHORITY, AS LESSOR, AND THE CITY, AS LESSEE, AND (II) A GUARANTY AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO AFORESAID BONDS; APPROVING THE FORMS OF SAID NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT AND LEASE AND SAID GUARANTY AGREEMENT; CONSENTING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF SAID NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT AND LEASE BY THE AUTHORITY, AS SECURITY, TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS TRUSTEE UNDER A TRUST INDENTURE, DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1992, AS HERETOFORE SUPPLEMENTED AND AMENDED, AND AS FURTHER SUPPLEMENTED AND AMENDED BY A SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL TRUST INDENTURE, AND AUTHORIZING DELIVERY OF SAID GUARANTY AGREEMENT TO SAID TRUSTEE; SPECIFYING THE MAXIMUM LEASE RENTALS TO BE PAID BY THE CITY PURSUANT TO SAID NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT AND LEASE AND THE SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF SUCH LEASE RENTALS; GUARANTEEING PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON AFORESAID BONDS AND MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS WITH RESPECT THERETO; SPECIFYING THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THE GUARANTY OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY PURSUANT TO SUCH GUARANTY AGREEMENT; PLEDGING THE FULL FAITH, CREDIT AND TAXING POWER OF THE CITY WITH RESPECT TO THE GUARANTY AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR PROPER OFFICERS OF THE CITY TO TAKE ALL OTHER REQUIRED, NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE RELATED ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH SAID PROJECT, SAID NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT AND LEASE, AND SAID GUARANTY AGREEMENT. Dr. Enix remarked that Mark Sivak, Director of Budget and Finance explained to her that page 9 is a hypothetical situation. She was looking at the numbers after a while and thinking the first six payments are relatively small but then the next five payments are very large. Then the last ten payments go back down. She is asking why that is. Mr. Boscola stated he wanted to make a brief statement about this effort and then he can turn it over to Scott Shearer who is our Financial Advisor with PFM. As discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting a few weeks ago this is a refinancing effort for the city’s water bonds. It is a two part financing strategy. One is to refinance the existing 2014 bond of which there is approximately $29 million on the outstanding principle. We are going to take advantage of the lower interest rates currently to refinance that, and the city will realize a certain amount of savings from that refinancing over the period remaining in the bond. The second piece is that we are going to parlay those savings and borrow additional money, another $10 million or so to help fund the Water Capital program for the next several years. The idea is to save money in the refinance, borrow additional money while maintaining our annual debt service payments roughly the same. Mr. Shearer can talk about the structure that Dr. Enix was talking about with those debt payments, and how they are scheduled over a period of time, where you have multiple bond issues being paid at the same time, but you structure them so your total payments each years are roughly equal until those bonds start to be amortized. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 16 April 5, 2022 Mr. Shearer remarked that page 9 is from the handout that was in Councils packet. This is always an interesting schedule. It is called the maximum parameters schedule. This is not really a real schedule. This needs to be submitted to the state for filing purposes. As we just heard the refunding itself will be about $30 million and the new money is going to be about $10 million. We can only borrow new money from what we reasonably expect we can spend within 3 years. Based on all the calculations and the planning and the models that the Authority has been doing, it generates about $10 million of capital needs for the system over the next 3 years or so. The total transaction side we are looking at is roughly $40 million but for state filing purposes we have to inflate it and usually that buffer is about 20 to 25% of the actual size we are looking to issue. That is how we get from $40 million to $50 million. It has a maximum interest rate in there as well in column 3 of 5.5%. We know we will be substantially less than that but from a parameters standpoint and when we actually go to price the transaction which will not be until later in May, we need to make sure that the interest rates that we finally lock in, later in May, is less than that 5.5% that is in column 3. We also need to make sure that not only in total that our final issue amount we do is less than $50 million but an actual every year as well we need to make sure we are less than what is in this schedule, so that the transaction can effectively go through. Mr. Shearer noted that Mr. Boscola had put it very well that the amortization looks a little odd where you see the smaller payments up front and then some of the bigger payments. It all fits together like a puzzle when you look at all of the other outstanding debt of the city. We need to make sure that when you look at all of the debt in totality that is being paid by the city, that it is either level or an annual basis or decreasing. When you look at things in totality and put the puzzle together there cannot be any big blips, say more than 10% of the annual debt service out there. Mr. Shearer noted this is just a picture of this schedule or this financing as maximum amount but when you piece it all together with everything else it will look overall level. President Colón remarked we are looking at refinancing $29 million and then $10 million of new money for capital projects. Mr. Shearer noted that is correct. President Colón added then the debt service will remain pretty much the same of what we are looking at currently with the new refinancing and the new $10 million. Mr. Shearer related it is close, on page 6 of the handout this schedule is identical to what we had discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting a few weeks ago. The market has changed so more than likely we will be updating this schedule when we come back if this is moved to the Second Reading in two weeks. We will come back and update things. The savings are probably a little bit less than what we are showing here, because there is a lot of volatility in the market. We have seen long term rates increase a little bit. But with the refunding on column 5 the rate right now with these estimates of savings we had in there, the savings are going to occur on the refinancing portion over the life of that transaction. The 2014 bonds currently go out to 2032 and the same maturity is going to be realized with this piece. Sometimes the city has taken savings up front, in the first two years and sometimes taking the savings over the life of the transaction. Here we are looking at taking the savings over the life of the transaction and again not extending the maturity date. Then when you layer on the new money, $10 million in column 7, that is roughly about a $300,000 impact of annual interest expense that is being spun up, then over on column 8 the max run rate of annual debt service for the water debt is about $8.6 million. Before this transaction it was about $8.5 million on column 4. So in round numbers it is very close to Bethlehem City Council Meeting 17 April 5, 2022 what is currently being paid on the debt. Because we are borrowing a little bit more new money it will increase that annual run rate a little bit. What the Authority and City have been planning now for some time is not only looking at this refunding in new money needs, but also looking out over basically a 10 year period and layering on any other potential financing that may occur 3, 4, 5, or 6 years down the road. Mr. Shearer added there are other monies being released from the indenture from this transaction over time that is going to help keep the borrowings down. Then maybe we may not need to borrow as much. But really we are looking at keeping that annual debt service that you see on the far right hand column of about $9 million or less when you factor in not only this borrowing, but the next 2 or 3 potential borrowings over the next 2 years if they all come to fruition. Mr. Shearer explained we are looking at this transaction very specifically, but there is also a lot of future planning involved to make sure the rates stay reasonable for the rate payers here within the city and the other customers it serves. Dr. Van Wirt wanted to clarify for the people at home. The debt that we would be approving for the Authority tonight is taxpayer backed debt. It is where our citizens are on the line if for some reason we cannot pay these back. However, this is a very solid deal for the city to make because this is backed by a pretty rock solid revenue stream. In addition, to being very well run historically over time, it is also backed by a revenue stream of the monies everybody including people who are not citizens of Bethlehem pay for water. In terms of us agreeing to float debt, it is different than say the Parking Authority or other authorities that were historically created so they could leverage their own debt. They can leverage debt with revenue bonds as well but they choose not to in this case because revenue bonds are more expensive and this is a better interest deal if you can use something like city backed debt. Mr. Shearer explained that is 100% true. These will be called guaranteed revenue bonds. But everything Dr. Van Wirt said is correct. Dr. Van Wirt noted she was putting a general overview of the framework of what we are doing here tonight. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 07-2022 was passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Authorizing Use Permit Agreement – St. Luke’s University Health Network – 2022 Boutique at the Rink Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-057 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with St. Luke’s University Health Network for the 2022 Boutique at the Rink from May 4, 2022 to June 6, 2022. It may be extended to June 11, 2022 if needed. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Contract – Construction Masters Services, LLC – Cloverleaf Street Drainage Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-058 that authorized to execute a contract with Construction Masters Services, LLC for the Cloverleaf Street Drainage Project. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 18 April 5, 2022 Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Contract – Passerini & Sons, Inc. – East Boulevard Storm Sewer Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-059 that authorized to execute a contract with Passerini & Sons, Inc. for the East Boulevard Storm Sewer Project. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Contract –AECOM – Water Study Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-060 that authorized to execute a contract with AECOM for the Unaccounted for Water Study for the Bethlehem Water System. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Contract – Heim Construction Company, Inc. – ADA Curb Ramps Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-061 that authorized to execute a contract with Heim Construction Company, Inc. for ADA Curb Ramps. Ms. Crampsie Smith noted that Resolutions 10 E and 10 I are both for ADA curb ramps. She wondered why there are two different companies. Mr. Alkhal explained there were two different bids, one bid covered ramps that are in support of both our in-house paving as well as contracted work, and one was with paving from contract. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked if both companies will be doing ADA curb ramps. Mr. Alkhal stated yes. Ms. Crampsie Smith is still a little confused why two companies are doing these instead of just one. Would it have been more efficient to have just one or is it more cost efficient to have two or are they doing different things as far as the ramps. Mr. Alkhal informed there were two separate bids and that is what happened to secure the bids. Ms. Crampsie Smith remarked we put two different bids out for the ADA curb ramps. Mr. Alkhal stated yes. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 19 April 5, 2022 F. Approve Resolution – PennVest Grant for Lead Line Replacement Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-062 that approves and ratifies the payment of Project costs, on an interim basis, using its Water Funds until the proceeds of the PENNVEST Funding Agreement are received. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. G. Approve Resolution – Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement with Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, and Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-063 that approves and ratifies the intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the City and Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, and Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority. Dr. Van Wirt wondered what makes it necessary for us to approve this contract. Mr. Boscola remarked in this case it has to do with the transfer of the allocation from one township to another. We have intermunicipal agreements with all of our contributing municipalities that send sewage to the city for treatment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There are at least a dozen of these out there. They define terms of service, how much flow we anticipate, and how the fees are accessed. There are situations where sometimes the flow will flow from one municipality through a second municipality and then to the city. There are intermunicipal agreements between those two municipalities and then also with the city. In this case the flow is coming from Lower Nazareth to Bethlehem Township to the City. This has to do with the development at the Old Dutch Springs recreation area with the quarry. They are going to build warehouses there. The township line bisects the property. There is going to be a warehouse in Lower Nazareth, and a warehouse in Bethlehem Township. The sewage from the one warehouse in Lower Nazareth comes to Bethlehem Township. Long story short, it is about agreeing between the parties to make sure that all the conditions are such that the roles and responsibilities are defined and who is billing who. Bethlehem Township bills Lower Nazareth and we bill Bethlehem Township and it all comes our way anyway. Dr. Van Wirt mentioned if this is like a big facility being built in Bethlehem we probably would not have it this way. Mr. Boscola stated correct, it would be our direct customer. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. H. Approve Contract – Pennoni Associates, Inc. – Preliminary Engineering Design for the Two-Way Conversion of Linden Street between Fairview Street and Church Street Bethlehem City Council Meeting 20 April 5, 2022 Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-064 that authorized to execute a contract with Pennoni Associates, Inc. for the preliminary engineering design for the two-way conversion of Linden Street between Fairview Street and Church Street. Ms. Kwiatek remarked this is potentially a very exciting development. It will actually be better for the neighborhood, and it will calm traffic and improve street traffic for the businesses along Linden Street. This will in the end turn out to be a great thing for the city if we are able to make it happen. She is excited to vote for the study. Dr. Van Wirt stated she completely agrees. She wanted to bring another frame of reference, not necessarily just for the people in this room. In 2009 an urban planner named Jeff Speck did a great study for the city. She encourages anybody who is interested in these types of things how to make a city work better for the people who live in it to read this study. It is called A Livable City and it available on our website. There are a lot of really good recommendations she hopes we will adhere more to. This is a good first step in doing that. One of the things he recommended was indeed this traffic calming measure. To take Center Street, Linden Street and Church Street back to two way streets. One way streets are very convenient at exit times but they are not very good for the people who live on the street, and for people who walk on the street, and for the businesses that are there. This is a great step. She looks forward to seeing what the recommendations are. President Colón mentioned this is something that was asked for by the neighborhood, the business owners and the residents. These discussions have been going on for a long time, and out of those discussions came this idea or at least supported this idea. Mayor Reynolds stated yes, this is something the neighborhood for a long time has wanted. When he first walked to school in 1986 down Linden Street it was a problem at the time as well. What you ended up having was as the employment at Bethlehem Steel declined the need for moving cars especially through this area declined also. What ended up were a few cars going down that went down really fast. Center Street is different because of how much traffic is moving through the street going out to Hanover Township. But Linden Street does not have that same type of traffic pattern. As we all know, for years we have seen a few cars that go very fast. For all the reasons that Dr. Van Wirt and Ms. Kwiatek mentioned it did come up over and over again in all of our north side meetings over the last several years. Mayor Reynolds added it is the same with Center Street but that would be more expensive. One of the things that had been talked about for ages was the idea that Linden Street from Fairview Street to Church Street essentially divides the neighborhood. It gives negative energy. There is a lot of commercial business along that stretch and studies have shown that commercial and retail business on a one-way street is not the same as having cars driving slower in the other direction. Mayor Reynolds remarked that Linden Street turning into two-ways the estimate for that is about 40-50% of the cost of turning Center Street into a two-way street. Also, Center Street is longer, it goes down to Elizabeth Avenue. There are also more street lights which would mean more curb ramps and other things that you have to do going through this particular process. Part of the reason we are doing this engineering is because on the PennDot regional transportation plan having something like the engineering done for a project helps to move your project up the list. That is as far as the priority is concerned. When PennDot is looking at this, if your community or municipality has already paid for things like the design and engineering of it, then it is thought of as a more serious project. The last estimate we had for Linden Street was $1.2 million. Our goal is to try to get that done as Bethlehem City Council Meeting 21 April 5, 2022 soon as possible. Mayor Reynolds related Center Street will be a difficult thing. That is closer to $4 million that is the estimated cost. But it has the same problem in that part of the neighborhood. Mayor Reynolds agrees it is important for the neighborhood going forward. We will talk about Broad Street on the west side and on the east side in the next month. But these streets divide the neighborhoods and they really affect the quality of life. We are working on this. We talked last year about the Broad Street walking plan. There is some infrastructure planned as well between Center Street up to Wall Street or High Street that will start to put the pieces together in this neighborhood, to improve the walkability. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. I. Approve Contract – New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. – Street Overlay & Curb Ramps Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-065 that authorized to execute a contract with New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc. for street overlay and curb ramps. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 331 Broadway Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-066 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the aluminum plate on the existing sign box and replace the former 144-inch x 24 inch sign face with a new one of the same size at 331 Broadway. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. K. Appointing City Clerk – Tad J. Miller Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón sponsored Resolution No. 2022-067 that appointed Tad J. Miller as City Clerk effective April 5, 2022. President Colón related Mr. Miller has joined us this evening. At our last City Council Meeting we had announced that our City Clerk Robert Vidoni was going to be leaving the Council Office and moving on to a different position here at City Hall. He is happy to welcome Mr. Miller to the Clerk’s Office and is looking forward to him joining us. He also thanks his family for agreeing to lend him us on these Tuesday evenings and at all the Committee Meetings. Just like every family of all Members of Council it is a commitment, from the Mayor’s Office and staff to Council Members to the Clerk’s Staff and Mrs. Kelechava, our Assistant City Clerk who joined us this evening. It is no small task and President Colón thanks Mr. Miller for his interest in the position. Ms. Wilhelm pointed out Council had the opportunity to review many resumes, and she feels fortunate we have a candidate with such relevant experience, and who comes so highly regarded by so many members of this Administration. Ms. Leon is happy to have Mr. Miller with us, she is not to terms with Mr. Vidoni leaving Bethlehem City Council Meeting 22 April 5, 2022 us yet, but she is excited to work with Mr. Miller. In looking at his resume she is confident Council made the right choice. Voting AYE: Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 11. NEW BUSINESS Affordable Housing Study Dr. Van Wirt wanted to keep the citizens and the rest of Council informed that the Mayor asked her to be part of Committee to review an RFP for an Affordable Housing Study on what Bethlehem can do. There was an RFP put out and she wanted to give a low key update on this. There were four respondents. We had an hour plus long Zoom Meeting about the four who responded. One was eliminated, and on Friday we will be interviewing the other three. There are eleven people on this Committee, and we will ask questions to see who really fits the best need for the city. She is just a member of the task force, she does not have any other responsibility but she just thought everyone would like to know the progress the city is making. Mayor Reynolds added the goal is to have someone come in and study our particular housing market, and take a look at what strategies for affordable housing are the best for the market in Bethlehem. Not just with potential use of American Rescue Dollars but also how we structure our programs going forward. Well-meaning programs whether or not they are first- time home-buyer programs or what they might be; there is the practicality to them that is the most important thing. For example, it is hard to build stand-alone affordable housing units in the City of Bethlehem because there is not a lot of open land. Since there is not a lot of open land, it becomes very expensive. Those types of practical things we are thinking about is how to best spend whatever dollars we have, what are those partnerships we have that we should be focused on going forward. What should people be focused on in the jobs, whether it is housing coordinator or things like that? Those are multi-million dollar decisions. That is why we need a long-range housing strategy. We truly appreciate the participation of Dr. Van Wirt as with many other people throughout the community. Community Development Committee Meeting Dr. Van Wirt announced there is going to be a Community Development Committee Meeting on April 12, 2022 at 5:00 PM to discuss Housing and Development issues. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Enix explained she has prepared a memorandum. In memory of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. it was April 4, 1968, 54 years ago when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Dr. Enix noted she was a college student at the time in Washington, D. C. She remembers the events of that day and the riots that followed vividly. She had heard Dr. King in person on several occasions and he spoke eloquently about many places, people, and things, not just about the content of one’s character, he spoke about not sleeping through the revolution in the sermon he delivered at the National Cathedral in Washington just a week before his assassination. Dr. King reminded us on that occasion of the often overlook social reality Bethlehem City Council Meeting 23 April 5, 2022 imbedded in the story of Rip Van Winkle. When Rip Van Winkle went up into the mountain a sign had a picture of King George III of England. When he came down 20 years later the sign had a picture of George Washington. Things were different alright, in affect Rip had slept through a revolution. He slept through changes that altered the course of history. Dr. King stated his point was “One of the great liabilities of life is that all too many people find themselves living amid a great period of social change, and yet they fail to develop the new attitudes, the new mental responses that the new situation demands. They end up sleeping through a revolution.” The revolution today is more of an evolution in technology, demography, and society. In just this past 8 days in Bethlehem we have experienced evidence of our society’s evolution. Eight days ago on March 27, 2022 the Bethlehem branch of the NAACP held its 77th annual Freedom Fund Banquet at Green Pond Country Club, and 155 residents of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley attended. Our Mayor Reynolds, our Congresswoman Wild, State Senator Boscola, State Representative Samuelson spoke to the assembled group while State Representative McNeill, Council President Colón, Council Vice-President Crampsie Smith and Dr. Enix were in attendance. Dr. Harrison Bailey, Principal of Liberty High School and Mrs. Tomacene Nickens, a former Bethlehem Area School District educator were recognized for their achievements, dedication, and advancements in education. Assistant City Solicitor Maraleen Shields was the speaker. It was an afternoon of feasting and brotherhood, bringing together black and white, churches and fraternal organizations about 10 or 12 administrators from the Bethlehem Area School District, Lepoco, Members of the Bahai Faith, Members of the Jewish Faith, just to name a few. It was equity and inclusion personified. Then on Thursday, March 31, 2022 we had the flag raising for the celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility. City Council Members Leon, Kwiatek, Wilhelm and she attended and several of our dedicated City Hall colleagues took time from their busy day to attend. Mayor Reynolds and Janine Santoro spoke on this occasion. Transgender Day is meant to honor Transgender people who are fighting for freedom for equality, dignity, and respect. We in Bethlehem recognize that Transgender people are our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues, our family, and our loved ones. This day was equity and inclusion personified. Then, on this past Sunday, April 3, 2022 to commemorate the assassination of Dr. King the Bethlehem Community Advisory Board held a demonstration outside of the Bethlehem Public Library and a march around City Hall to protest the hate literature that has been distributed in Bethlehem. Dr. Enix stressed Bethlehem is no place for hate. Once again, Mayor Reynolds spoke, Representative Samuelson and Vice-President Crampsie Smith, a person from the ACLU and people from the Pennsylvania Board of Human Relations as well as many others. Once again, we demonstrated that equity and inclusion is personified in our beloved Bethlehem. We were again reminded of Dr. King’s admonition, one of the great liabilities he said of life is that all too many people find themselves living amid a great period of social change and yet they fail to develop the new attitudes, the new mental responses that the new situation demands. They end up sleeping through a revolution. Let us all vow to remember that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about much more than the content of one’s character. Let us all vow that we in Bethlehem will develop the new attitudes, the new mental responses that the new situation demands and that we should not end up sleeping through a revolution like Rip Van Winkle did. Also that we recognize that equity and inclusion is personified and that Bethlehem is no place for hate. In memory of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation Funds/Transgender Day/Public Comment Ms. Kwiatek remarked in her role as liaison she attended a meeting of the Redevelopment Authority, a meeting of the Bethlehem Housing Authority and she also attended the Lehigh Bethlehem City Council Meeting 24 April 5, 2022 Valley General Assembly held a few days ago. During that we heard from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. They gave a big overview of the transportation funds and some of the plans. Editorially, she would like to say in her opinion there is such an emphasis on widening roads, and more and more driving and traffic. There was very little about walkability, about alternate means of transportation, things that are better for our community and our planet. She is glad to be here in Bethlehem where that is a priority. It was a little disheartening as someone who loves our city and believes in these principles, to go to something regional and be reminded there are a lot of forces at work that will continue to encourage and unsustainable way of life. Ms. Kwiatek thanked Dr. Enix for speaking so eloquently about the Transgender Day of Visibility flag raising, and she thanked the Mayor and the Administration for getting a flag and for making that possible. This meant a lot to her and her daughter, to be there. In the paper it said that we were the first to raise our flag so that gives us a little edge on Allentown, we got our flag up before them. She wanted to say she is always listening during public comment, she hears every word that you all say. She wanted to reassure that we are not rubberstamps, we get our packets every week and we read through every single thing. We call and email folks from the city and ask a lot of questions before we get here and then you see we also ask questions once we are here. There is a tremendous amount of work going on. She does not know if what we are hearing is a reaction to past Councils and past Administrations, concerns that we are going to go down that same path. From her perspective being very transparent there is a lot of time spent looking into each one of these contracts and the issues and the questions we have about them. So when we make these votes, most of the time they are yes but that does not mean it is a rubberstamp, it means that the Administration, the folks who work in the city have done a lot of due-diligence, multiple bids and many other things. There has been a tone at times of accusation and insinuation of corruption that she hears in some public comments. It is not just one person, tonight it felt it was in all the comments. She hopes that is not directed at any of us because she feels strongly that we are seven people of strong integrity and we are working to do what is best for the city. She does not know if these are comments allowed during new business but they were on her mind. Again, she is always listening and if you see her looking down it is because she is taking copious notes, everything you say. Ms. Crampsie Smith thanked Council Kwiatek that was very well said, and are her thoughts as well. Regional Cooperation Mayor Reynolds believes increasingly as he spends more days being Mayor he would encourage everybody to look at regional opportunities, to sit down and talk to people, to look at what is going on outside of the city with these regional things. The things we care about in this city, homelessness, affordable housing, transportation, all of these different issues, the solution as much as anything will come down to regional cooperation. The bottom line is from a lot of planning decisions is that we are not in a silo here. When we take a look at our housing market and affordable housing, we in the City of Bethlehem if we care about the price of housing, we should be rooting for housing to be built in areas where it can be built. That will drive down the market. When we talk about homelessness that is a regional problem so there needs to be regional solutions and regional leadership. He applauds everyone on City Council that goes to any Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, any of those meetings; we try to get to as many as possible. But many of our challenges in the city will come down to our ability to cooperate on a regional level. A lot of the things we care about the most here are regional issues that know no bounds. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 25 April 5, 2022 We need to work with people outside of the city and in some ways persuade and convince them that it is also their problem and also a moral issue. Regionally is the way we need to think more and more about these issues. He knows that several people here have tried to participate in those initiatives and part of our success will come down to how successful we are in having those regional partnerships and conversations. President Colón thanked Mayor Reynolds for that insight. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm. ATTEST: Judy R. Kelechava Acting City Clerk