City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, June 7, 2022 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL Vice President Crampsie Smith called the meeting to order. Present were Grace Crampsie Smith, Wandalyn J. Enix, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Rachel Leon, Paige Van Wirt, and Kiera L. Wilhelm, 6. Michael G. Colón was absent, 1. Executive Session Vice President Crampsie Smith announced that City Council held an Executive Session at 5:00 PM this evening to discuss a personnel matter. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 18, 2022 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Limit Campaign Contributions Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, said respect and faith are ingredients that citizens should feel toward their government and elected and appointed officials. He referenced the recent firing of Budget Director Mark Sivak and said that sometimes these instances are out of our control because we cannot control conduct. However, an area that can be controlled is Council campaign financing. He cited the example of an out-of-state developer who makes a significant campaign contribution to a Council candidate who would later be in a position to vote on the development or recuse themselves to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. As a remedy, he encouraged Council to consider enacting an ordinance relating to campaign contributions. He believes this would restore the respect and faith that citizens should have toward their government and representatives. Campaign Contributions Insights Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said he participated in a citizens committee that attempted to pass a 30-page ethics ordinance in the past. He said he did calculations at that time regarding campaign contribution limits per contributor. He noted that the contribution to City Council candidates should be far less than to that of a congressional candidate yet a contribution toward a mayoral campaign should be higher than toward a City Council race. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 June 7, 2022 Recommends Tabling Amendments Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, suggested that Council should table the second and third zoning text amendments listed on tonight’s agenda for consideration. He said that it was stated in the Community Development Committee Meeting that the proposed changes will include deleting some information from the Zoning Ordinance and adding them to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) in the near future. He suggested that if the language is deleted now from the Zoning Ordinance but not yet added to SALDO, an astute developer could take advantage of the opportunity to propose a project that is temporarily not restricted, leaving a temporary gap. He suggested that these two proposed amendments should be tabled until the language has been added to SALDO. Laments Loss of Historic Buildings Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, called the Certificate of Appropriateness on tonight’s agenda for 21-23 East Third Street a Band-Aid to fix the body of South Bethlehem’s Historic District. He added that probably anything done in this district will just be a Band-Aid because Council predecessors have “destroyed the body of the history of South Bethlehem.” He cited the approval of a nine-story building, South New Street, East Third Street and others. This situation was inherited by this Council, he acknowledged, and said that the damage has been done. He added that he does not know what Council should do. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Director of Planning and Zoning – 3 Zoning Text Amendments – Definitions, Industrial Redevelopment and Industrial Redevelopment – Residential Zoning District, and Industrial- Overlay District The Clerk read a communication from Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, recommending 3 Zoning Text Amendments – 1. Definitions, 2. Industrial Redevelopment and Industrial Redevelopment-Residential Zoning District, and 3. Industrial–Overlay District. The Community Development Committee reviewed the proposed zoning amendments at its May 24, 2022 meeting and voted 3-0 to recommend that the amendments be forwarded to the full Council and be the subject of a Public Hearing. Scheduling Public Hearing Dr. Van Wirt made a motion, seconded by Ms. Wilhelm, to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Motion passed. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 June 7, 2022 Vice President Crampsie Smith stated a Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall to discuss these three Zoning Text Amendment Ordinances and the Ordinances will be placed on the August 2, 2022 Council agenda for First Reading. B. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – D’Huy Engineering, Inc. – WWTP Main Control Building Space Configuration The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 26, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with D’Huy Engineering, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Main Control Building Space Configuration. The term of the contract is 8 months from the Notice to Proceed. The cost is $148,000 for Phase 2 of a multi-phase plan. There are no renewals. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 A is on the agenda. C. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. – GIS Server Upgrade and Data Conversion The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 31, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. for the GIS Server Upgrade and Data Conversion. The term of the contract shall run through December 31, 2022. The cost is $14,125 and there are no renewals. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. D. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – R-III Construction, Inc. – Water Main Installation and Replacement The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 24, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with R-III Construction, Inc. for a Water Main Installation and Replacement. The term of the contract shall run from the Notice to Proceed until December 31, 2022. The cost is $1,265,745. There are no renewals. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. E. Councilwoman Van Wirt – Proposed Ordinance – Conflict of Interest Ordinance The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 31, 2022 from Councilwoman Paige Van Wirt with an attached proposed ordinance to establish requiring mandatory recusal of public officials in matters where they hold a financial interest. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated they will work with the Clerk’s Office to schedule a Committee of the Whole Meeting for discussion of this proposed ordinance. F. City Solicitor – Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Borough of Fountain Hill Yard Waste Facility Usage Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 June 7, 2022 The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 2, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., with an attached Resolution and associated intergovernmental agreement between the City of Bethlehem and the Borough of Fountain Hill related to usage of the City’s Yard Waste Facility. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. G. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Raggaefest The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 2, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., with an attached Resolution and Associated Use Permit Agreement. The permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is Raggaefest. The agreement is from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 AM on July 2, 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the Eastern Terminus, and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. H. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Independence Day Celebration The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 2, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., with an attached Resolution and Associated Use Permit Agreement. The permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the Independence Day Celebration. The agreement is from 12:00 Noon to 11:30 PM on July 4, 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the Eastern Terminus, and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. I. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Taco Fest The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 2, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., with an attached Resolution and Associated Use Permit Agreement. The permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the Taco Fest. The agreement is from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM on July 10 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the Eastern Terminus, and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 I is on the agenda. J. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Blast Furnace Blues and Lehigh Valley Bike Fest The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 2, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., with an attached Resolution and Associated Use Permit Agreement. The permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the Blast Furnace Blues and Lehigh Valley Bike Fest. The agreement is from 12:00 Noon to 11:30 PM on July 22, and 23, 2022 and 12:00 Noon to 9:30 PM on July 24, 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the Eastern Terminus, and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. Vice President Crampsie Smith stated Resolution 10 J is on the agenda. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 June 7, 2022 7. REPORTS A. President of Council B. Mayor 7B1. Controller’s Report Controller George Yasso addressed the widely reported alleged “egregious actions” taken by the former Director of Budget and Finance, Mark Sivak. He credited his staff, Michele Liberto and Michelle-Anne Millward, for identifying and questioning practices that led to the investigation. He emphasized that this was an internal finding rather than an outside tip or other type of report to the City. He credited both with trusting their instincts and sticking to doing what was right even though the outcome could be unpleasant. Mr. Yasso also wanted to clarify some aspects for the public, who could be understandably concerned about how much the City uses PayPal accounts and what effect they could have in the future. He said that PayPal accounts have never been used for typical business activities or financial transactions for the buying and selling of goods and services. He traced the PayPal account back to its inception in 2012. It was linked to a City escrow account called “Buy a Brick.” The sole intention was related to a fund-raising campaign for the Steelworkers’ memorial. PayPal was again used in 2019 when it was linked to a City escrow account called Health PayPal. This was now an initiative involving the City, Bechtold Orchards and the Bethlehem Area School District. This is the farm stand located once weekly on Payrow Plaza from July through October. In both instances, the PayPal account was only meant as a “pass-through” vehicle for proceeds to be transferred to the appropriate escrow account. The PayPal account has never been used by the City for material business activities of buying or selling or financial transactions. Mr. Yasso also wanted to address other potential public concerns. He said that this was not a particularly lucrative alleged scheme. When looking at the reported amounts of money taken versus the potential consequences, it begs the question, “What else is there? Is it the tip of the iceberg? What is being done to find that out?” He assured that he is not yet satisfied that this is the full extent of alleged theft. He added that this is an ongoing investigation with the District Attorney’s Office, the Bethlehem Police Department, and the Administration. He added that it is difficult to express the level of outrage that Mr. Sivak has caused and the understandable great damage to the amount of public trust of the public in their local government. He hopes that the fact that Mr. Sivak was caught, was caught internally, and the aggressive actions that took place as a result can begin to restore or repair the damage caused. He reminded that there is an office in the Controller’s Office that is an independently elected part of the checks and balances system in the City. The top priority will always be the City residents and their best interests. This will remain a priority as long as he holds office. He said the hotline number to report tips and suspicions is 610-865-7266. Vice President Crampsie Smith thanked Mr. Yasso for the efforts and diligence in this matter. Mayor Reynolds referred to the public statement that his office released one week ago about Mr. Sivak and the alleged actions included in the charging documents. He repeated thanks Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 June 7, 2022 to the District Attorney’s Office, City police, and Mr. Yasso and his office, as well as City Solicitor Spirk and Assistant Solicitor Loren Speziale, who have done a fantastic job over the past several months getting us to this point. He added that if what is in the charging documents is eventually proven in a court of law, he is not sure how Mr. Sivak can sleep at night. It was a problem that our administration inherited, and I think that we were waiting for this moment since last week as the investigation has moved forward. A lot of changes have been made over the last five months. We will continue to work with the Controller’s Office and City Council to continue to make changes in City Hall to continue to improve the delivery of City services. As Mr. Yasso said as well, the investigation does continue and we will continue to look for ways to make our City stronger. Fire Department The Mayor next asked Fire Chief Warren Achey to announce some recent events. Chief Achey said the Department hazardous materials team was recently recertified by the state for another four years through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Chief Achey also began efforts about a year ago to determine the latest rating for the City through the Insurance Services Office. This rating helps determine insurance premiums for industry, businesses and residences. Factors include water service provided, Council support to the upgrade of fire codes, strengthened DCED inspection programs, County 911, and firefighting capabilities. The City’s rating has been a 3-3X for an estimated 40-50 years. Word was received last week that the rating will improve to a 2-2X, which could result in a reduction in insurance premiums for homeowners, business, and industry. Chief Achey said there are only nine other municipalities in the state with the Class 2 rating and only five with the top Class 1 rating. Nationwide, there are only 1,873 municipalities with a Class 2 rating and 459 with Class 1. He credited the dedication of the Fire Department employees for reaching this level as well as the support from City Council and the Administration. Vice President Crampsie Smith thanked the Chief for the hard work of the Department and offered congratulations on the wonderful news. The Mayor offered his thanks to the Chief and Department as well. Pride Flag-raising Mayor Reynolds also thanked those who attended the Pride flag-raising ceremony last week. He said this was the first such event. He recognized the City’s Director of Equity & Inclusion, Janine Santoro, for organizing a forum prior to the flag-raising. Juneteenth Flag-raising Mayor Reynolds said that a Juneteenth flag-raising will take place on June 12. This will be a three-city event. He added that there will be Juneteenth events on June 18 at SteelStacks. C. Community Development Committee Meeting (Dr. Van Wirt) Committee Chairwoman Van Wirt announced there was a Community Development Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 June 7, 2022 Committee Meeting on May 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall. The Committee discussed the 5 Zoning Text Amendments Ordinances. The Committee voted to send 3 of the ordinances to full Council: Definitions, Industrial Redevelopment and Industrial Redevelopment-Residential Overlay, and Industrial Overlay District. These 3 will be the subject of a Public Hearing that was scheduled earlier in the meeting. The 2 other Zoning Text Amendment Ordinances – Miscellaneous Revisions, and Design Standards – were tabled for further discussion in Committee. This Committee meeting is expected to be held in July. D. Finance Committee Meeting (Dr. Enix) Chairwoman Enix announced there was a Finance Committee Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM in Town Hall. The Committee discussed five (5) agenda items. The first agenda item was to review proposed adjustments to the General Fund; the second agenda item was to review proposed adjustments to the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget; the third agenda item was to review a proposed transfer of funds to the Sewer Capital Budget; the fourth agenda item was to review a proposed transfer of funds to the Non-Utility Capital Budget; and the fifth agenda item was to review the proposed CDBG and HOME Allocations. Committee votes were taken on each of the five (5) agenda items, and for each item, the Finance Committee voted to recommend placement of appropriate legislation on tonight’s Council agenda. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE None. 9. NEW ORDINANCES A. Bill No. 11 – 2022 – 2022 General Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 11-2022 – 2022 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: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith and, 6. Bill No. 11-2022 was passed on First Reading. B. Bill No. 12 – 2022 – 2022 Liquid Fuels Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 12-2022 –2022 Liquid Fuels Fund Adjustments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 LIQUID FUELS FUND BUDGET Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 June 7, 2022 Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. Bill No. 12-2022 was passed on First Reading. C. Bill No. 13 – 2022 – 2022 CDBG/HOME Budget Allocation The Clerk read Bill No. 13-2022 – 2022 CDBG/HOME Budget Allocation sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2022 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. Bill No. 13-2022 was passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Contract – D’Huy Engineering, Inc. – WWTP Main Control Building Space Configuration Final Design Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-111 that authorized to execute an agreement with D’Huy Engineering, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Main Control Building Space Configuration Final Design. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Contract – Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. – GIS Server Upgrade and Data Conversion Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-112 that authorized to execute an agreement with Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. for the GIS Server Upgrade and Data Conversion. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Contract – R-III Construction, Inc. – Water Main Installation and Replacement Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-113 that authorized to execute an agreement with R-III Construction, Inc. for the Water Main Installation and Replacement. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Transfer of Funds – Sewer Capital Budget – East Intermediate Clarifier Project Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 June 7, 2022 Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-114 authorized $320,000 dollars in the Sewer Capital Budget to be transferred as follows: Decrease the WWTP Electrical Sub-Station Replacement account 88012 by $200,000; Decrease the WWTP Control Building Renovation account 88127 by $70,000; Decrease the Aeration Tank Upgrade account 88153 by $50,000 to account No. 88148-East Intermediate Clarifier $320,000 to proceed with the East Intermediate Clarifier Project. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Transfer of Funds – Non-Utility Capital Fund – South New Street Streetscape Improvements Project Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-115 authorized $202,353 dollars in the Non-Utility Capital Fund to be transferred as follows: Decrease Account No. 69000-66025 – City Hall Garage Floor from $717,179 to $514,626 to Account No. 69000-66080 – New Street 3rd to 4th – New Item from $0 to $202,553 in connection with the South New Street Streetscape Improvements Project. Ms. Wilhelm commended the Administration for finding savings in the budgeted garage floor money project and transferring that money into the South Side New Street Improvements Project since that was a project that was not going to be able to be completed to its fullest because of increasing costs. This action will allow for lighting and some other project elements that had been put on hold to move ahead. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. F. Approve Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Borough of Fountain Hill Yard Waste Facility Usage Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-116 that approved an agreement with the Borough of Fountain Hill to allow residents of Fountain Hill to use the City’s Yard Waste Facility. The duration of the agreement shall be three years from the date executed. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. G. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest - Raggaefest Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-117 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for Raggaefest. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. H. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Independence Day Celebration Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 June 7, 2022 Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-118 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the Independence Day Celebration. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. I. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Taco Fest Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-119 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for Taco Fest. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. J. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Blast Furnace Blues and Lehigh Valley Bike Fest Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-120 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the Blast Furnace Blues and Lehigh Valley Bike Fest. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. K. Certificate of Appropriateness – 21-23 East Third Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-121 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new storefront and new display windows at the entry level, to install aluminum-clad wood windows with simulated divided lite (SDL) muntins at the upper floor level and to install one wall sign, one projecting sign as well as one window sign at 21-23 East Third Street. Ms. Wilhelm said she attended the meetings that reviewed this proposal. She appreciated the amount of attention that has gone toward restoring this building, which had been vacant for a long time. Band-Aid or not, she said in reference to the public comment earlier in the meeting, she believed it would be a lovely addition to the streetscape on 3rd Street. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Crampsie Smith, 6. The Resolution passed. 11. NEW BUSINESS Community Development Committee Meeting Dr. Van Wirt announced a Community Development Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall. The subject will be to present the City’s Development Process and discuss the LERTA Program. Flag-Raising for Flag Day Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 June 7, 2022 Vice President Crampsie Smith wanted to double check that a Flag-Raising Ceremony is scheduled for Flag Day on June 14. Mayor Reynolds said he would check the schedule. Welcome Seamus Ms. Leon offered congratulations to the Mounted Patrol Unit and police for their new horse, Seamus. She attended the June 4 ceremony welcoming Seamus and heard the story of Jim and Gina Bartholomew, who purchased Seamus for the unit in loving memory of their son James. She also congratulated the Fire Department on the ISO rating shared earlier in the meeting and their continued excellence. Memorial Day Observance Ms. Leon also attended the Memorial Day remembrance in the City. She said it was a beautiful day. She recognized efforts to make it so including the dedication of a memorial outside of City Hall done by the Marines. Juneteenth Meaning Dr. Enix offered an historical background of the Juneteenth meaning. She said that the written history of African Americans tends to begin with slaves even though there are many examples of African Americans coming to the Americas prior. She added that the Moravians were quite good with including African Americans in their history accounts. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, but many slave owners and others were not eager to share this news with slaves. Juneteenth marks the day – June 19, 1865 – when Union Army General Gordon Granger went to Galveston Island in Texas and advised the slaves and their masters that slavery was abolished. Also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth was observed a year later in Texas and has spread throughout parts of the United States. Vice President Crampsie Smith thanked Dr. Enix for her informative summary. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk