City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, September 6, 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. CITATIONS Honoring Robert Rudolph President Colón read the Citation for Robert Rudolph on the occasion of his retirement from the Water and Sewer Department after more than 24 years of service. The Members of Council applauded Mr. Rudolph, who was in attendance, and wished him well in his retirement. Mr. Rudolph commented that working for the City was a very rewarding experience. PUBLIC HEARING President Colón stated prior to the consideration of the regular Agenda items that City Council will conduct a Public Hearing to review and accept public comment on the proposed use of $17,894 to be received under the 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). President Colón stated he will recognize Police Chief Michelle Kott to discuss the proposed grant. Chief Kott stated that this is an annual grant program which is based on population size and crime data. This year’s amount represents a reduction because Uniform Crime Reporting statistics in the City have gone down. She added that because officers use their police vehicles as “mobile offices”, the City intend to use the funding for mobile data terminals, docking stations, and a data management platform. Ms. Wilhelm congratulated Chief Kott on the improved crime statistics. She asked whether this funding would require matching funds. Chief Kott believed that the City has been receiving this grant since the early 2000s, and there has been no match funding required. Ms. Crampsie Smith also commended the reduction in crime. President Colón expressed pride in living in the City and tying this pride, in part, to the work of the Police Department. He also asked, and Chief Kott confirmed, if this grant money has traditionally gone toward computer hardware and software. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 September 6, 2022 Public Comment Resident Arthur Curatola believed that the funding formula for the JAG money is backwards. He believed that more money should be provided to municipalities demonstrating reduced crime, rather than less. He believed these police departments should be commended, not penalized. President Colón said a Resolution will be placed on the September 20, 2022 agenda. The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:10 PM. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 16, 2022 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Poor Road Restoration/Tall Weeds and Grass Resident Bob Fyrer commented that water line replacement done in the 1400 block of Elm Street was fantastic, but he complained that patch work to the roadway and broken curbs has left a mess. He asked for City assistance in restoring the curb and roadway. He said he made several telephone calls to the City that have not produced results. He said the contractors are not leaving conditions as they were found. He also complained about weeds and talk grass at 1421 Elm Street. Mr. Fyrer said that he and several neighbors have complained to the Health Bureau. Finally, within the past few weeks, he spoke with someone in Housing and Inspections who said they are “running through the process,” but he was not happy with how long it has taken to get to this point. He said that people have driven up and asked neighbors if the home is vacant and if they might buy it. He is asking for enforcement of ordinances. Renewed Appeal for Parking Relief Alex Hirsch returned to Council to appeal for assistance with his problem under the Residential Parking Permit program. As stated in August, he lives part-time in Bethlehem. He has been a resident for 25 years, but relatively recently his vehicle has been registered and he is licensed in Rhode Island. Registrations in another state excludes him from participating in the RPP program because he is not a student and is not employed in the City. He said he received an unsatisfying response from Parking Authority Director Steve Fernstrom to his last appeal made before Council. This included noting the nearest location where he could park, which is 3/10 of a mile from his home. Because Mr. Fernstrom does not believe that Mr. Hirsch meets the requirements for participation, Mr. Hirsch renewed his request that Council update its ordinance to allow a homeowner to demonstrate occupancy by producing proof of paying income tax. President Colón said he was copied on the email from Mr. Fernstrom. He said he would not speak for the Authority, but he invited Mr. Hirsch to stay until the end of the meeting if he wanted to speak to individual Council Members. Support of Neighbor Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 September 6, 2022 Josh Bushey identified himself as a neighbor of Mr. Hirsch and that he supported his neighbor’s position. Street Sweeping/Lighting/Trash/Parking Issues Resident Angela Mitchell complained of street cleaning along Cherokee Street. She said the truck comes down the middle of the street and does not sweep curb to curb. She presumes that this is because cars are not moved to allow clear access, but she noted that signs are not posted or residents otherwise notified that street sweeping will occur. Consequently, only a partial job is done. She said she has complained about this before, but this was particularly noticeable after debris was left behind following a recent storm. Ms. Mitchell said she contacted the City and was directed to Parking Authority, but was certain that street posting is not its responsibility. For this reason, she is calling it to Council’s attention. Ms. Mitchell also complained that Cherokee Street is very dark and said that a street light was promised some years ago but never materialized. She added that some street tree wells are coming out of the ground and are tripping hazards. Ms. Mitchell also said that tenants moving out leave furniture and other trash behind that is not regularly picked up. She believed the landlords should see that this gets picked up. Finally, she complained that there is not enough parking for the residences. She asked what can be done to rectify these situations. President Colón said that street cleaning and lighting issues should be addressed to Public Works Director Michael Alkhal, who was present. Trash issues would fall under Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins, who also was present. Ms. Mitchell asked to leave her telephone number with Council. President Colón said he would share that with those administrators if she was unable to stay until the end of the meeting. Peace Festival Resident Arthur Curatola again asked Bethlehem to get involved in the upcoming Peace and World Unity Festival and to serve as an example for other communities. He also encouraged the City to offer activities, such as the under-21 clubs of years ago, to provide positive activities for youth and to encourage peace and unity. He also said the City should allow the Mexican people to play music as loud as they want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) HCC Candidate Assessment Resident Stephen Antalics said he was pleased to see an agenda item tonight proposing to reappoint Gary Lader to the HCC. He added that a few meetings ago, a Council Member noted that two people are no longer serving in historic capacities, Beth Starbuck and Marsha Fritz. These are quality people, he said, adding that you want the best people available to serve on volunteer boards. Accordingly, Council is responsible for the results of boards and appointing the best people to serve. Mr. Antalics said that both members have brought expertise and hard work to these volunteer positions, yet they were not reappointed, despite wishing to be, when their terms expired. He noted that three appointments are listed on the agenda tonight, and he has Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 September 6, 2022 checked into the backgrounds of these candidates. He said he was concerned about one of them, who is listed on the MKSD website as “a trusted advisor to many of the Lehigh Valley’s biggest and best developers.” He said he does not otherwise know his historic background, but Mr. Antalics believed a conflict of interest exists for many potential issues that would come before the HCC since many appeals before the Commission involve developers. He added that there is a choice: a well-versed person in historic preservation who has served the City and has no involvement with developers versus the one who has much involvement with developers. He called this simple logic. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Environmental Advisory Council – Amend Zoning Ordinance – Update Solar The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 11, 2022 from Lynn Rothman, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Council, recommending that the attached amendments to the Solar Energy Device regulations of the Zoning Ordinance be forwarded to City Council for consideration. President Colón then asked for a motion and a second to schedule a Public Hearing on November 1, 2022 to consider these amendments. Scheduling Public Hearing Dr. Van Wirt made a motion, seconded by Ms. Leon, to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion passed. President Colón stated a Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. B. Deputy Controller – Records Destruction Memo and Resolution The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 22, 2022 from Deputy Controller Michele Liberto requesting Council to consider a Resolution for the Destruction of Records from the Controller’s Office. The Deputy Controller has reviewed the Municipal Records Retention Act and the records fall within categories where destruction is permitted. President Colón stated the Resolution can be placed on the September 20, 2022 agenda. C. Fire Chief – Memo and Resolution – Transfer of Funds – Overtime Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 September 6, 2022 The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 25, 2022 with an attached Resolution from Fire Chief Warren Achey requesting a transfer of funds within the General Fund. The action would transfer $21,000 from Account 0701-42032, Training, to Account 0701-40003, Overtime, to compensate for the anticipated overtime costs for 2022 in the Fire Department. President Colón stated Resolution 10 A is on the agenda. D. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Heim Construction Co., Inc. – ADA Curb Ramps – Change Order The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 31, 2022 with an attached Resolution from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, recommending a contract change with Heim Construction Company, Inc. to design and construct 89 ADA curb ramps throughout the City. The amount of the change to the contract is $84,937.80 increasing the total contract price to $737,841.76. President Colón stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. E. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – Great Western Services, Inc. – Trench Restoration Project The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 with an attached Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with Great Western Services, Inc. for material and labor to restore water and sewer utility trenches at various locations within the City. The amount of the contract is $227,034. Work is to be completed within 60 days of the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. F. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – R-III Construction, Inc. – Mud Lane Water Main Installation and Well Abandonment The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with R-III Construction, Inc. for a project to convert the water supply to the East Allen Gardens development in Allen and East Allen Townships from ground water wells to City treated water. The project involves installation of a water main along Mud Lane, rehabilitation of the pumping station and abandonment of the ground water wells. The cost is $440,350. Work is to be completed within 180 days from the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. G. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Steel Pub, LLC – Romeo Delight Band Music Event The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq. with an attached Resolution and associated Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is Steel Pub, LLC and the activity is the Romeo Delight Band Music Event. The agreement is from 11 AM to 11:30 PM on September 10, 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the entrance of the Steel Ice parking lot. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 September 6, 2022 President Colón stated Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. H. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Touchstone Theatre – Parham Park – Theater and Creative Arts The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 31, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq. with an attached Resolution and associated Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is Touchstone Theatre and the activity is theater and creative arts events. The agreement is from September 15, 2022 through December 31, 2022 for the use of Parham Park. President Colón stated Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. I. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association – Live on the Greenway The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq. with an attached Resolution and associated Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association, and the activity is the Live on the Greenway. SubPermittees are Lost Tavern Brewing, LLC, The Colony Meadery, LLC, Social Still, LLC, Five Maidens, LLC (d/b/a Five Maidens Cider Co.) and Franklin Hill Vineyards, Inc. The agreement is from 2 PM to 9 PM on September 17, 2022 and covers the Greenway between Polk and Adams Streets. President Colón stated Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. J. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement –2022 SteelStacks Summer Concert Series – Amendment No. 1 The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 31, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq. with an attached Resolution and associated Amendment No. 1 to a Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the activity is the SteelStacks Summer Concert Series. The agreement is from 10 AM to 12 midnight on both September 17 and 25, 2022 and covers 1st Street from Polk Street to the eastern terminus; and Founders Way between 1st Street and 2nd Street. President Colón stated Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. K. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association – 2022 Harvest Fest The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq. with an attached Resolution and associated Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association, and the activity is 2022 Harvest Fest. SubPermittees are Lost Tavern Brewing, LLC, The Colony Meadery, LLC, and Social Still, LLC. The agreement is from 7 AM to 9 PM on October 1, 2022 and covers Main Street from Broad Street to Church Street; Walnut Street from Main Street to Guetter Street; and the area along Main Street in front of Moravian Blacksmith Shop (also known as “the Smithy”). Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 September 6, 2022 President Colón stated Resolution 10 I is on the agenda. L. City Solicitor – Records Destruction – Law Bureau The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 from City Solicitor John F. Spirk Jr., Esq. requesting Council to consider a Resolution for the Destruction of Records from the Law Bureau. The Solicitor has reviewed the Municipal Records Retention Act and the records fall within categories where destruction is permitted. President Colón stated a Resolution can be placed on the September 20, 2022 agenda. M. DCED Business Manager – Recommendation of Award – Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. – Street Redesign The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 1, 2022 with an attached Resolution from DCED Business Manager Tiffany Wismer recommending a contract with Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. for the Broad Street Redesign project. The amount of the contract is $15,000. Work is to be completed by December 31, 2022. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 J is on the agenda. N. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – BrightFields, Inc. – South Bethlehem Greenway Swale Rehabilitation The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 2, 2022 with an attached Resolution from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, recommending a contract with BrightFields, Inc. to regrade and stabilize the bank of the South Bethlehem Greenway to prevent flooding and maintain adequate stormwater discharges. The amount of the contract is $370,948.25. Work is to be completed within 90 days of the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 K is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council 1. Councilmanic Appointment – Mandy Tolino – Environmental Advisory Council President Colón appointed Mandy Tolino to membership on the Environmental Advisory Council effective until September of 2025. Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022- 176 to confirm the appointment. Ms. Kwiatek said that she read Ms. Tolino’s resume and is very excited to have her serve on the Environmental Advisory Council, pointing out that her expertise in urban forestry and native plants will be a huge asset. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 September 6, 2022 President Colón welcomed Ms. Tolino to the EAC. He also extended thanks to EAC Chairwoman Lynn Rothman for her efforts in gathering applications of interested individuals to serve on the Commission. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. B. Mayor HCC Appointments pulled from agenda Mayor Reynolds looked to confirm that Council had received a memo today from DCED Director Laura Collins relating to the three HCC intended appointments. President Colón confirmed receipt. Consequently, Mayor Reynolds said he had just one administrative appointment for the evening and that would be to the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission. 4. Administrative Order – Michele Rayah Levy – Bethlehem Human Relations Commission Mayor Reynolds appointed Michele Rayah Levy to the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission, effective until April of 2023. This appointment would fill the unexpired term of Angela Delgrosso. Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-177 to confirm the appointment. President Colón thanked the Administration for providing this appointment. He also thanked Ms. Delgrosso for her active membership on the HRC and her willingness to continue administrative support to the Commission. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. Block Party The Mayor also thanked several Council Members for attending the recent Friendship Park event as well as Sara Satullo, Ms. Collins, Darlene Heller, and many other City staff members who volunteered. This was a block party that was a part of the Northside Alive initiative. A lot of community organizations also participated. The Mayor estimated that several hundred residents attended. Upcoming Outreach Program Mayor Reynolds also said they will soon be announcing a public event described as the next stage of Rebuild Bethlehem. This will be at the end of October and will be another outreach program to discuss where resources will be spent prior to budget talks. More Thanks to Police Mayor Reynolds also again thanked Police Chief Kott and the Police Department. Although Mayor Reynolds recognized that he has provided many thank-yous to the police and Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 September 6, 2022 the Chief, he said thank you is again in order to recognize the lower crime rate reported earlier in the meeting. He said this improvement is because Bethlehem invests in its community and looks to do so through education, recreation and other ways that this all works together. “Causes of what lead to crime are very deep and systemic in our community, and we are very focused on that,” he said. Community Events Mayor Reynolds also pointed out two Resolutions on tonight’s agenda. Live on the Greenway will activate the Greenway on September 17. And he thanked Solicitor Spirk and the Law Bureau for working to cut down on some bureaucracy that some of the agencies such as Touchstone Theatre previously had to go through to hold events in the City. The City has over the past eight months looked to make it as easy as possible for organizations that do good things and do not make money to be able to continue to more easily provide their events. The agreement that was produced should serve as a model going forward to streamline the process. C. Community Development Committee (Dr. Van Wirt) Dr. Van Wirt reported that this committee met earlier this evening to review proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Miscellaneous Revisions and Design Standards. These were tabled for further discussion at the May 24, 2022 Community Development Committee Meeting. The Committee recommended that both be moved to full Council to schedule a Public Hearing. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE None. 9. NEW ORDINANCES None. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution –Transfer of Funds – Fire Department – Overtime Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-178 that authorized that $21,000 in the General Fund be transferred from Account 0701-42032, Training, to Account 0701-40003, Overtime to compensate for the anticipated overtime costs for 2022 in the Fire Department. Ms. Kwiatek asked for an explanation as to the need to transfer more money into the overtime account. Business Administrator Eric Evans said this became necessary because of an unusual increase in sick time. The figure has waxed and waned over the years depending on policies and contract language. Surprisingly, during the pandemic years of 2019 and 2020, sick days were down. There were 651 sick days to date in 2019, 706 to date in 2020, and this year they are at 1,023 sick days used by 102 employees by July. Mr. Evans said they continue to require doctors’ notes Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 September 6, 2022 for illnesses, and they have discussed the matter with the fire union. He said this number is higher than any other department in the City. Sick days have varied from long-term illness to days here and there. He is hopeful that this extra $21,000 may carry the overtime line item through 2022. Mayor Reynolds said that covid has been a big issue. They were hit particularly hard in January. The Department has a high vaccination percentage, but not all personnel have been vaccinated. President Colón sought to clarify some of the numbers that Mr. Evans presented. The total budgeted overtime figure for 2022 was $240,000. By the end of July, they had used about $171,000. Then, August was another bad month, Mr. Evans said, but those figures were not yet available. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Contract – Heim Construction Company, Inc. – ADA Curb Ramps – Change Order Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-179 that authorized to execute an agreement with Heim Construction Co., Inc. to implement a change order associated with a contract to provide 89 ADA curb ramps throughout the City. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Contract – Great Western Services, Inc. – Trench Restoration Project Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-180 that authorized to execute an agreement with Great Western Services, Inc. for a trench restoration project at various City locations. Ms. Crampsie Smith noted that Great Western was the only contractor to submit a bid. She asked for confirmation. Mr. Boscola said that was correct. He added that this project was publicly bid on PennBid. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she was concerned because she was not impressed with a Great Western work project this summer in the City. She said she had multiple complaints from adjacent property owners. She said that workers were unprofessional, equipment was left on the streets – some with sharp edges – and that rocks and fill were left piled on a portion of the street and taking up parking spots. She said she would support this award only because it was the only bid received, but she wanted to have the contractor warned that the kind of practices that she described are not to continue. They need to be told that they need to be respectful of the neighbors and understand that safety is first. Mr. Boscola said those comments are noted and that the City will make sure to keep watch. He added the belief that the work now being done is as a subcontractor for UGI. He believed the City would be able to have more control with the project involved in tonight’s Resolution because Great Western would be directly answerable to the City. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 September 6, 2022 Mayor Reynolds said he fully agreed with Ms. Crampsie Smith’s concerns. He has seen it also. As a subcontractor, there can be an added layer of difficulty when it comes to enforcement. There also can be a delay in providing a final restoration when it comes to repaving blacktop over several trench excavations. However, he agreed with the overall comments about safety, general appearance, and the lengthy of time it takes for completion. Ms. Kwiatek referred to this discussion and the earlier complaint of Mr. Fyrer about lengthy roadway restoration and asked what recourse the City has. Mr. Boscola said the money is held by the City in escrow until there is satisfaction that the job is finished completely. He added that there is a group of inspectors to monitor quality and completion of the job. He recognized that there can be several steps involved in line replacement and similar excavation projects. The City asks for some resident patience. Ms. Kwiatek asked whether there can be better communication to learn whether more time is legitimately needed or when a push needs to be made for completion. Mayor Reynolds said sometimes the contractor will make those final restorations and sometimes it will pay the City to do it. He added that communication also is necessary to know when a serious of excavations will take place in order to minimize dug up streets and excavated pavement. The intention is to coordinate efforts as best as possible. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Contract – R-III Construction, Inc. – Mud Lane Water Main Installation and Well Abandonment Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-181 that authorized to execute an agreement with R-III Construction, Inc. for the Mud Lane Water Main Installation and Well Abandonment. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Steel Pub – Romeo Delight Band Music Event Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-182 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Steel Pub for the Romeo Delight Band Music Event on September 10, 2022. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. F. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Touchstone Theatre – Parham Park – Theater and Creative Arts Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 September 6, 2022 Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-183 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Touchstone Theatre for theater and creative arts at Parham Park from September 15, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Ms. Wilhelm stated that she would not participate in discussion on this matter and would be abstaining from voting because she is a Touchstone Theatre employee. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 6. ABSTAINING: Ms. Wilhelm, 1. The Resolution passed. G. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-184 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association and SubPermittees Lost Tavern Brewing, LLC, The Colony Meadery, LLC, Social Still, LLC, Five Maidens, LLC (d/b/a Five Maidens Cider Co.) and Franklin Hill Vineyards, Inc. for the live on the Greenway on September 17, 2022. President Colón thanked Mayor Reynolds for the earlier background on this event. He added that we all saw what happened at the Rose Garden this summer and are hoping for the same kind of success here and in future summers and falls. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. H. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2022 SteelStacks Summer Concert Series Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-185 that authorized to execute Amendment No. 1 to Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2022 SteelStacks Summer Concert Series September 17, 2022 and September 25, 2022. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. I. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association – 2022 Harvest Fest Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-186 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, by and through its Downtown Bethlehem Association, and SubPermittees Lost Tavern Brewing, LLC, The Colony Meadery, LLC, and Social Still, LLC. The event is the 2022 Harvest Fest on October 1, 2022. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. J. Approve Contract – Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. – Broad Street Redesign Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 September 6, 2022 Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-187 that authorized to execute an agreement with Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. for Broad Street Redesign services. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. K. Approve Contract – BrightFields, Inc. – South Bethlehem Greenway Swale Rehabilitation Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-188 that authorized to execute an agreement with BrightFields, Inc. for the South Bethlehem Greenway Swale Rehabilitation. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. Motion – Considering Resolutions 10 L through 10 N as a group – Certificates of Appropriateness Ms. Kwiatek made a motion, seconded by Ms. Crampsie Smith, to consider Resolutions 10 L through 10 N as a group. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion passed. L. Certificate of Appropriateness – 312 East Fourth Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-189 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the current aluminum frame pole mounted exterior illuminated reader board in the front yard of the rectory with a custom designed reader board mounted on the right front wall of the church and a custom designed reader board mounted on the front of the rectory along with new exterior illumination at 312 East Fourth Street. M. Certificate of Appropriateness – 114 West Fourth Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-190 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to relocate the existing garage at 114 West Fourth Street. N. Certificate of Appropriateness – 512 East Fourth Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2022-191 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish a dilapidated and deteriorated garage at 512 East Fourth Street. Voting AYE on Resolutions 10 L through 10 N: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolutions passed. 11. NEW BUSINESS Congratulations to the Hotel Bethlehem Dr. Enix offered congratulations to the “great and grand historic Hotel Bethlehem.” The hotel for the second consecutive year won the USA Today Best Reader’s Choice Travel Award. Dr. Enix pointed out some little-known history about the hotel particularly regarding the African- Bethlehem City Council Meeting 14 September 6, 2022 American community. She said that civil rights leaders including Roy Wilkins, president of the NAACP; football All-American Paul Robeson, and Ralph David Abernathy, right-hand man to Dr. Martin Luther King, all spoke at the hotel in their time. She congratulated all who played a part in making the hotel great, including its workers. Kudos to the Administration Ms. Leon offered thanks to the Administration for work on the South Side Tomorrow grants. She said that when she thinks of what the mission is of the Climate Action Plan, this just cuts to the heart of it. Array of Events Ms. Wilhelm also said that tonight’s agenda provides an example of the number of free public events that are offered in Bethlehem that are designed to bring residents together in many positive ways. She is particularly excited about the activation and reactivation of many of our public parks and public spaces on the heels of a wonderful event at Friendship Park. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk