City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, January 17, 2023 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL President Colón called the meeting to order. Present were Wandalyn J. Enix, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Rachel Leon, Paige Van Wirt, Kiera L. Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón. Grace Crampsie Smith participated via GoTo Meeting, 7. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 3, 2023 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Vision for Redeveloping Church Land Anna Smith, Director of Community Action Development Bethlehem, offered an update to Council on efforts of the South Side Coalition to support a community-determined public use for St. John’s Windish Church. She said that whatever happens with the sale of St. John’s and its parking lot will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the neighborhood. She thanked the congregation for allowing South Side residents to participate in a meeting about this issue. Ms. Smith said this is a “once-in-a-lifetime chance to implement a community-driven plan for the adaptive reuse of the St. John’s Windish Church buildings and its parking lot.” She said the City Administration has not yet identified its intentions for the cite should it be the successful bidder other than to say it would address housing needs as a potential use. This is because the solution cannot come from just City Hall but will require input from stakeholders and businesses and a collaboration to create a plan that embraces an alternative model for community and economic development with community at its center. Ms. Smith said the decision is not hers, but she would like to see a process involving community meetings in every area of South Bethlehem, stakeholders and businesses will be consulted to learn their needs, data will be collected and considered, and she called for transparency and a wide assortment of leaders rather than just one or a few. Ms. Smith also called for the eventual plan to be discussed publicly prior to implementation. She said the same process would be asked of whoever the eventual buyer is, but she admitted that it is her belief that the best hope for a community-driven process lies with the City of Bethlehem. Ms. Smith acknowledged that Lehigh University is the other bidder. The university might do the right thing by the community, but the institution is beholden to the Board of Trustees and the best interests of the institution first. Request for More, Different Signs Resident William Scheirer said he has encountered many people in the vicinity of City Hall who cannot find the Police Department. He suggested that a sign at the City Hall entrance Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 January 17, 2023 advising directions through the parking garage after 4:30 PM. He also believed that the hours restricting parking around City Hall should be changed. Signs currently advise that parking is limited to one hour until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. He believed the hours of restricted parking should align closer to standard City Hall hours, eliminating the Saturday restriction and reducing the weekday restriction to 5 PM. St. John’s History Resident Stephen Antalics provided a history of St. John’s Windish Church. Parking Quest Continues Part-time resident Alex Hirsch said his conflict with the Bethlehem Parking Authority has now reached 186 days. He noted that yesterday was the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, a day in which restrictions involving the Residential Parking Permit program are not observed. Despite no restrictions, chaos did not ensue, he observed, suggesting that the “level of oversight in governance” might not be necessary. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Comment on Board Appointments Resident Stephen Antalics said he does not know Lindsey Michelle Altvater Clifton listed on tonight’s agenda to be appointed to the Bethlehem Housing Authority Board. He said he hoped she was the best qualified. But he wanted to comment on what he has been “harping on for months.” Mr. Antalics said he has received many comments regarding his attempts to urge getting highly qualified people appointed to other commissions. He asked for a moment of silence for a candidate who he has urged to be appointed to a position, but who has not been. He urged Council “please do your job as a check and balance as a Legislative to the Executive and a caretaker for the interest of this City’s citizens in terms of appointments.” “I think you all know what I’m talking about.” 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – R-III Construction, Inc. – South New Street Water Main Installation The Clerk read a memorandum dated December 21, 2022 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with R-III Construction, Inc. The project is for the installation of approximately 600 feet of water main along South New Street between Third and Fourth Streets to support planned new development and serve existing customers. The Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 January 17, 2023 contract cost is $233,250. The completion deadline is 180 days from the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. B. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – K.L. Fulford Associates, Inc. – Operation of the East Allen Township Well Systems The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 3, 2023 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water & Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with K.L. Fulford Associates, Inc. The contract is for the operation and management of the East Allen Township drinking water well systems, including 24/7 emergency call-out. The contract cost is $36,500 for one year from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. There are two additional yearly renewal options at $36,500 each. President Colón stated Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. C. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – Core and Main LP – Water Meter and AMI Systems Installation The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 5, 2023 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water & Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with Core and Main LP. The contract is for equipment and labor for the installation of water meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Endpoints. The contractor also shall provide project management and data integration with the City’s billing software system. The contract cost is $1,632,500. The contract shall run from the Notice to Proceed to December 31, 2023. There are five additional one-year terms at a price to be negotiated annually pending availability of capital funding. President Colón stated Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. D. Chief of Police – Firearm Purchase - Schlegel The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 5, 2023 from Police Chief Michelle Kott with an attached resolution and agreement for the purchase of a duty weapon by a retired Officer of the Bethlehem Police Department. Pursuant to the Third-Class City Code, Retired officers may purchase their duty firearms at fair market value. President Colón stated Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. E. Business Administrator– Recommendation of Award – Lehigh Valley With Love Media – Information Officer/Communication Support The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 6, 2023 from Eric Evans, Business Administrator, recommending a contract with Lehigh Valley With Love Media. The cost is $18,000 for social and digital media consultation and production, analytics, assistance with City communications, and production of promotional and informative videos related to City services and government. The contract term is January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. There are two annual optional renewals. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 January 17, 2023 President Colón stated Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. F. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – Pact Two, LLC – Chemically Enhanced Primary Settling Project – General Construction Contract The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 4, 2023 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water & Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with Pact Two, LLC. The cost is $1,063,000 for general construction work at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Substantial Completion is to be attained within 365 days from the Notice to Proceed. Final Completion is to be attained within 395 days from the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. G. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – AECOM Technical Services, Inc. – WWTP Process Improvements – Amendment 4 The Clerk read a memorandum dated January 11, 2023 from Edward Boscola, Director of Water & Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. The cost is $167,830 for Amendment 4 to a contract entered into with AECOM in May of 2021 involving a Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment System at the WWTP. Amendment 4 adds engineering services during construction and construction management and inspection services to the project. The contract expires on March 31, 2024. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council B. Mayor 1. Administrative Order – Lindsey Michelle Altvater Clifton – Bethlehem Housing Authority Mayor Reynolds appointed Lindsey Michelle Altvater Clifton to the Bethlehem Housing Authority effective through November, 2027. Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-005 to confirm the appointment. President Colón said he does not know the appointee personally, but he knows that she has been attending Council meetings and has been involved in community activities. He is appreciative of her willingness to volunteer her time and give to the Housing Authority. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she was thrilled to see Rev. Clifton’s name as an appointee. She has the utmost respect for her and has interacted with her on other boards and events throughout the City. She said her only question was whether this is an additional seat or is the result of a vacancy. Mayor Reynolds said that an appointed term for someone else has expired. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 January 17, 2023 Ms. Crampsie Smith asked whether there are still five BHA Board seats or whether this adds a sixth. Mayor Reynolds said there are five. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked if Mayor Reynolds knows whose term expired. The Mayor said that name was sent to the Clerk’s Office in an initial email, but he did not know the name off the top of his head. President Colón said he also asked that question of the Clerk’s Office. He also does not recall the name, but it can be found in the communication from the Clerk’s Office. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. Mayor Reynolds said that the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development had a few reports as well. Community Recovery Fund Applications Laura Collins said that nonprofits and community organizations will be able to submit applications to the Community Recovery Fund beginning March 1 and continuing for two months. This will be for the first round of funding at an amount of $750,000. The total amount budgeted for all rounds is $3 million. The goal is to make funds accessible to as many community organizations as possible. The attempt is to make this a simple process. An informational session will be held on February 1. Comprehensive Housing Strategy Upcoming Meetings Ms. Collins also offered an update on the Comprehensive Housing Strategy. Council will hold three Community Development Committee meetings. The first two are scheduled for February 7 and March 7. The first two will talk about what has been learned about the current housing market, housing needs, the City’s opportunities and limitations, a synopsis of comments from the 3,500 people who responded to the housing survey, and results of the housing needs assessment as well as the update market value analysis. In addition to this information, these meetings will provide strategies for prioritizing for the final report. A third meeting will provide the report on the final Comprehensive Housing Strategy. Also, on February 8, a community meeting will be held at the Fowler Center at NCC to share with the public an update similar to what the Community Development Committee will have heard on February 7. Grant Writer’s Position Mayor Reynolds also thanked City Council for approving the grant writer’s position for the last two months of 2022. This provided a jumpstart for related efforts. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 January 17, 2023 Senator’s Visit The Mayor additionally noted Sen. Robert Casey’s visit a week earlier. He said the Senator was impressed by how the City will be spending the American Rescue Plan Act money in the short-term and long-term. Sen. Casey conveyed that this is a testament to the cooperation of Council, the Administration, residents, nonprofit groups, etc. in working toward supporting ambitious plans for this money. Mayor’s Letter to Churches Mayor Reynolds also read into the record a letter that he sent to the congregation of Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church. The opening of the letter painted a picture of a city that has recovered from the loss of Bethlehem Steel. It expressed sadness of the situation involving the three congregations but optimism that their merger could provide a strong and bright future. It also observed that the City would like to carry on the churches’ legacies of having a mission of faith and social justice but, according to news reports, a misunderstanding has occurred that this letter would like to clarify. The City has heard from neighborhood residents for 25 years about the strategic importance of St. John’s Windish Church and its parking lot. Mayor Reynolds pledged that the City will conduct a public, community-driven planning process with transparency to determine the best use of the site if given the opportunity. He added that the City is the best suited to lead this conversation. Mayor Reynolds noted that housing is a top concern offering that in the last three years, Bethlehem’s median home sales prices increased by 52 percent and that rent for a one-bedroom apartment rose by 57 percent for the same period. Meanwhile, other living costs have continued to rise. The Mayor continued by saying that church leaders invited the City to participate in the process. The City expressed its desire to provide housing solutions and protect community interests while also preserving the properties and legacy. The City remains committed to this partnership. The City believed its $3.5 million offer met the terms of the congregations and believed the opportunity was present for further discussion and negotiation if necessary. The City did not believe its offer would simply be denied. Once it was, the City publicly stated that it was willing to match what it believed was Lehigh University’s higher offer. It was added that the City has “cash on hand” to meet the price. It was further emphasized, “That is how important this effort is to us, to the residents and to the future of South Bethlehem, which has throughout its history been threatened by powerful forces that have different goals and priorities for these spaces.” The letter concluded by offering to answer congregants’ questions about the City’s plans for the properties. It added that if the congregation chooses to sell to Lehigh, the City – along with community leaders – will be disappointed, but will continue a discussions with the university about the future of South Bethlehem. President Colón said he has read media accounts of the congregation’s plans to postpone the sale of the properties. He asked Mayor Reynolds if he knows if there are immediate plans for action. Mayor Reynolds said he does not speak for the churches, and he is unaware of a date or deadline for next steps. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 January 17, 2023 Unique Opportunity President Colón said this is a unique time for Bethlehem and the availability of financial resources. It is easy to look back at certain events in the City’s history. Why did the City not buy a certain property and do something with it? However, ARPA made money available at the right time and with some time to plan what could happen with this property. “This is the why now. Why these properties? Why is the City having these conversations now? It’s the right time.” He wished the Administration well in its attempts to pull this together. He noted that land prices in the City are high, it is often not available, and this is a key location. This coincides with the City’s needs and availability of money to spend to make a project very attractive. He thanked the Administration for its efforts and its communication with Council. Parking Authority Letter Dr. Van Wirt, as the liaison to the Bethlehem Parking Authority, read a letter dated today from the BPA’s Executive Director, Steven Fernstrom. The letter outlined the need for planned parking in the densely populated South Side as well as the history of the BPA renting the lot from St. John’s Windish Church for almost 20 years. The BPA on several occasions offered to purchase this land, but without success. Considering BPA’s obligation to protect the parking system, the Authority initiated eminent domain process on the parking lot. It paused those efforts because it has since come to believe that conversations can be had with the next buyer that would allow for suitable provisions to be maintained. Congregants’ Questions Ms. Leon thanked all community groups who started this conversation several weeks ago and St. John’s for inviting the community to be a part of the conversation as well. She said she could not recall a time when a South Side church that was leaving included the community in the planning process. It is sad to see them go, but it has been wonderful that they have been a part of the South Side community for so long. She added that this has been a very difficult time for the congregants as they struggle to do the right thing for the community and secure the church’s future. Ms. Leon said she wrote down questions that she heard congregants asking the most during the recent meeting. She asked for clarity from the Administration. If the City were to be the buyer, there was a concern that complications could arise with funding sources and a delayed closing date. Solicitor Spirk said it would look the same as if Lehigh were the buyer. The money is in the City’s budget and there should be no delay in closing the deal. Secondly, Lehigh has indicated that it would allow St. John’s to use the sanctuary for special events while they are going through the transition process. Would the City also? Mayor Reynolds said it would. He referred to this as being a community-driven process and one that would be flexible to what the congregants are looking for including during the transition process. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 January 17, 2023 Ms. Leon asked when conversations started regarding a possible acquisition and if the City would commit to a community-elect process in which St. John’s would still have a voice in what happens. The Mayor said the conversation of St. John’s moving and doing something with its land dates to at least when he joined Council several years ago. There were conversations over the years with church leaders in which the desire was conveyed for the next owner to continue the church’s mission on this land. Mayor Reynolds, Ms. Collins and Deputy Director Sara Satullo were invited to have related conversations last summer as members of the new administration. He also recalled a discussion with the Unity Council in November. Ms. Leon thanked St. John’s for its more than 100 years as a wonderful neighbor. She next returned to questions and asked if there have been any conversations with Lehigh in which the City would purchase the St. John’s properties from Lehigh if the university were to buy all three churches and the St. John’s parking lot. Mayor Reynolds said the City has spoken with Lehigh, as it has with other parties involved in this land. He said the City has conveyed that it believes itself to be the best party to spearhead the community-driven process. He said he would not speak for Lehigh’s motivations with this property, but the City has made it clear that this is an important piece of South Bethlehem’s past and future and we have been hopeful that we can come to some agreement as to what that community-driven process looks like no matter who owns these properties. Still, the City has made it clear that the City would be the best party – and it is our responsibility – to lead the conversation. Ms. Leon asked if Lehigh has indicated whether it would conduct a community-driven process. Solicitor Spirk said it would be best to ask Lehigh that question. He did not wish to mischaracterize their intentions. Mayor Reynolds said that Lehigh has issued a press release, and that is what the City has to work from. Ms. Leon said she also heard resident concerns that the City could buy the land and sell it to developers and not have the property redeveloped with the community in mind. She recognized that this question arises from a history of past City leadership, but the question should still be asked. Mayor Reynolds said this is not a possibility. Any project would be a partnership. It also would be transparent. Ms. Leon next said that Lehigh has talked about smart growth in planning and she wondered if Lehigh has talked to the City about working smart growth into its planning as it relates to its potential purchase of this property. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 January 17, 2023 Solicitor Spirk characterized related conversations with Lehigh as cordial, but said they have been very general. Ms. Leon said that Lehigh is a large owner of South Side property. She asked how much of the City Lehigh owns. Solicitor Spirk said perhaps about 12 percent of the City’s acreage, but said that was very much an estimate. Ms. Leon pointed out that Lehigh’s land holdings are not on the North Side or to the east in the industrial park, so its land concentration is on the South Side and on the mountain, which accounts for a high percentage of that portion of Bethlehem. She noted that Council likely does not have any say in what Lehigh can do in this regard, but allowing it to buy the equivalent of another City block would only increase its dense ownership of this area. She said that South Side residents already feel somewhat powerless. She noted that Lehigh has done a lot of good for the City in certain aspects, but wondered if they are paying their fair share in taxes as one example. She called on Lehigh to be a good neighbor and to sometimes allow “the little guy”, in this case South Side residents to win to maintain heritage and a feeling of community. South Side History Dr. Enix said that Ms. Leon asked her to reflect on the history of the South Side. Dr. Enix asked whether there will be anything left to preserve. She said that when she lived in the 400 block of Pawnee Street, she had great neighbors and neighborhoods. People watched out for each other and each other’s children. She said there were large homes where several generations sometimes lived together. Today, there are just bunches of houses that hold Lehigh students and more houses waiting to house more Lehigh students. She said she has nothing against Lehigh students and was one herself. She just has watched larger homes turn into two or three apartments or into fraternity homes. This would happen when the former children would sell these family homes to investors who are looking to rent these as student housing. Dr. Enix referred to a newsletter from the South Bethlehem Historical Society and a drawing that appeared in the spring of 2021 edition that compared the South Side land ownership in 1918 to 2021 and how Lehigh has taken over. She added that another neighborhood, Northampton Heights, was bought up by Bethlehem Steel decades ago. Dr. Enix said we need these neighborhoods. Lost Neighborhood Ms. Crampsie Smith thanked all for their updates. She said she is a Lehigh alumna and several family members have graduated from Lehigh as well. She is aware that Lehigh has done much good for the community, but she is aware of the “lost neighborhood” of the South Side when Lehigh made her family members and other neighbors move. This was devastating. It is her hope that the buyer of the churches will “keep the community in mind, both in their heart and in their head and do what is right for the community because my family has seen firsthand how heartbreaking and tragic it can be when you are forced out of your home and you lose that community in which you were raised in.” Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 January 17, 2023 More Than Just Lost Buildings Mayor Reynolds concluded by saying that these types of conversations often take into account the physical structures that are involved, but the one thing often not talked about in terms of preservation is the idea of community and the stories of what existed in Bethlehem. City Hall is taking seriously the idea of “How do we preserve that opportunity”? He said the Administration wants this city to be the place it was for our parents, grandparents, and great- grandparents. C. Finance Committee Dr. Enix reported that a committee meeting was held this evening and discussed and voted on five agenda items: two amending the General Fund related to several adjustments, amending the Non-Utility Capital Improvement Fund for year-end adjustments, amending the Golf fund Enterprise Budget for year-end adjustments, and amending the CDBG/HOME Budget to reflect year-end adjustments. The Committee voted to recommend placement of all five bills on tonight’s Council agenda for First Reading. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE None. 9. NEW ORDINANCES A. Bill No. 01 – 2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 01-2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 01-2023 was passed on First Reading. B. Bill No. 02 – 2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 02-2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 January 17, 2023 Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 02-2023 was passed on First Reading. C. Bill No. 03 – 2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 03-2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities – Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 03-2023 was passed on First Reading. D. Bill No. 04 – 2022 – Amending 2023 Golf Course Enterprise Fund – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 04-2023 – Amending 2023 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget – Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon 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 2023 Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 04-2023 was passed on First Reading. E. Bill No. 05 – 2023 – Amending 2023 Community Development Block Grant Budget – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 05-2023 – Amending 2023 Community Development Block Grant Budget –Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 05-2023 was passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Records Destruction – Bureau of Purchasing Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 January 17, 2023 Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-006 that authorizes the disposal of the public records for the Purchasing Bureau, as stated in Exhibit A. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Contract – R-III Construction, Inc. – South New Street Water Main Installation Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-007 that authorized to execute an Agreement with R-III Construction, Inc. for the South New Street Water Main Installation. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Contract – K.L. Fulford Associates, Inc. – Operation of the East Allen Township Well Systems Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-008 that authorized to execute an Agreement with K.L. Fulford Associates, Inc. for the operation of the East Allen Township Well Systems. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Contract – Core and Main LP – Water Meter and AMI Systems Installation Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-009 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Core and Main LP for the Water Meter and AMI Systems Installation. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Firearm Purchase - Schlegel Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-010 that authorized an Agreement to effectuate the transfer of the City-issued handgun assigned to Brendan Schlegel, a retired City police officer. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 6. Voting NAY: Ms. Kwiatek, 1. The Resolution passed 6-1. F. Approve Contract – Lehigh Valley With Love Media – Information Officer/Communication Support Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-011 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Lehigh Valley With Love Media for an Information Officer/Communication Support. President Colón said he has enjoyed the content and quality of the videos that are being posted to the City’s social media account. He said the contract calls for quarterly reports of viewer Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 January 17, 2023 engagement. He would appreciate if those could be provided and shared with Council to see what the numbers look like. Mayor Reynolds said that would be done. Ms. Wilhelm agreed with President Colón. She said there has been a “steady stream of clear and accessible, very user-friendly information.” “I think it has exceeded my expectations and I had high expectations knowing of their reputation.” She supports the investment and applauds the Administration’s efforts to get information to the public via social media, where the majority of the public get their information. Ms. Leon asked the role that Lehigh Valley With Love Media plays. She asked if they are more informative about City government or was its function to make the public aware of interesting happenings in the City. Mayor Reynolds said an assortment is intended. It will include stories of people doing great things in the City, but will also shine a light on the great services being provided. Ms. Leon noted that there will be a lot of activity in the new future about the City’s efforts in dealing with affordable housing. She wondered whether those initiatives will be publicized. Mayor Reynolds said the Administration tries to get the media team to film key events, such as when Sen. Casey visited a week ago. The belief is that the February 8 public meeting at the Fowler Center will be recorded. He added that sometimes someone from the Mayor’s staff will do the recording. He added that Council is welcome to suggest events to receive coverage. Ms. Crampsie Smith raised a concern. She said it was not a reflection as to the quality or efforts of Lehigh Valley With Love. She added that she supported the initial contract, but she believed that it would be just a one-year contract rather than an annual agreement. She believes that this is “more of a luxury than a necessity”. She wondered why those on the Mayor’s staff could not record all desired events. Mayor Reynolds said that his staff has a lot of other responsibilities. This is not something that they can handle regularly or have time to do. Many other cities have full-time communications and social media people. He said at a cost of $1,500 it was a great value. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she is aware of other corporations and entities that do these sorts of things inhouse. It is a great thing, but it is a luxury. She said there is the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, and the local media spreading the word. She said that one EMS position was lost and four firefighting positions were eliminated. That is five public safety positions lost in the past few years. We are in difficult times right now with a high rate of inflation. Many taxpayers are struggling every day. She felt that she could not approve the use of taxpayer funds for an item that is not a true necessity. She would not support the contract this year. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 6. Voting NAY: Ms. Crampsie Smith, 1. The Resolution passed 6-1. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 14 January 17, 2023 G. Approve Contract – Pact Two, LLC – Chemically Enhanced Primary Settling Project – General Construction Contract Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-012 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Pact Two, LLC for the Chemically Enhanced Primary Settling Project – General Construction Contract Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. H. Approve Contract – AECOM Technical Services, Inc. – WWTP Process Improvements – Amendment 4 Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-013 that authorized to execute an Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for Amendment 4 to a May of 2021 contract adding engineering services during construction and construction management and inspection to the Chemically enhanced Primary Treatment System project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 428 High Street Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-014 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace garage doors to preserve the structure at 428 High Street. Voting AYE: Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 11. NEW BUSINESS Dr. Van Wirt announced that the Community Development Committee will meet at 5:30 PM on February 7 in Town Hall to discuss an update on the Comprehensive Housing Strategy. A second Community Development Committee Meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on March 7 in Town Hall for an additional update on this matter. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk