City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL President Colón called the meeting to order. Present were Grace Crampsie Smith (via GoTo Meeting), Wandalyn J. Enix, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Paige Van Wirt, Kiera L. Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 6. Rachel Leon was absent, 1. President Colón welcomed members of Boy Scout Troop 302 from First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem who were working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badges. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 7, 2023 Ms. Kwiatek noted the misspelling of the last name of the Lehigh University Provost who spoke. Ms. Kwiatek made a motion, seconded by Dr. Enix, to correct references on Pages 6 and 17 from Nathan Irvin to Nathan Urban. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Motion passed. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Opposition to Landfill Expansion Mark Ozimek of Lower Saucon Township expressed concern about the proposed expansion of the landfill in Lower Saucon. He asked Council to oppose the expansion request. He complained of odor and dirt, and he was concerned about chemicals from water runoff that could make their way into the nearby river and canal. He recognized that the land is not in the City, but urged the City to participate – as neighbors – in a Public Hearing on the matter at 9:00 AM on February 27 in the SeWyCo Fire Hall. Wants Apartment Plan Reduced Resident Paul Fondl raised concerns about the proposed Hanover Apartments. He said there is a nearby “high-crash intersection” at Hanover Avenue, West Broad Street, and Club Avenue. Adding the proposed 317 apartments with up to 550 associated vehicles will escalate the problem. This is too many apartments for an 8.74-acre lot, he said. Mr. Fondl added that Allentown has two other planned apartment projects in the area that will add to the problem. He suggested decreasing the proposed five-story building to three stories. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 February 21, 2023 Bad Fit for the Neighborhood Resident Mary Jo Makoul also opposed the Hanover Apartments plan. She said it is out of character with the neighborhood, which consists of mostly one- or two-story homes. Ms. Makoul also asked whether emergency personnel can access the building and have sufficient personnel to fight a major fire there. She also asked whether sufficient capacity exists to handle the water and sewer needs for 317 more apartments. She agreed with Mr. Fondl’s traffic concerns. Ms. Makoul later in the meeting invited Council to walk the neighborhood to “get a feel for why we have such a passion against” the proposal. Request for Support Laura Ray recounted the history of the landfill, noting that it was first owned by the City then sold to ESI, and now owned by Waste Connections. In 1994, under Mayor Ken Smith, conservation easements were placed on the property. There was approximately 200 acres of buffer land, which she said was specifically set aside to be protected with the easements. It was stipulated that there would be no landfill activity on this land. There was an additional 8-acre woodlands easement. In 1998, there was a purchase option sold by the City for $10,000 giving the owner of the landfill the first right of purchase on these properties. In 2002, Mayor Reynolds used the option and sold the land to Waste Connections Corp, she said. [Editor’s Note: This statement later in the meeting was corrected by Mr. Wurth.] Recently, Lower Saucon made a zoning change that would now allow expansion of the landfill. Ms. Ray said she is a member of Citizens for Responsible Development for Lower Saucon Township, which is asking for the City to support enforcing the easements on the property during a Conditional Use Hearing at 9:00 AM on February 27 in Lower Saucon. She also asked for support during a township Zoning Hearing Board meeting at 7:00 PM also on February 27. Ms. Ray said the City should be particularly concerned with the leachate coming from the landfill. There can be a volume of 1.8 million gallons per month coming to the wastewater treatment plant. A landfill expansion would only increase this volume. Can this City handle this added volume? She added that the plant is meant to handle biological waste. Leachate from the landfill is adding harmful chemicals. RPP Hiatus Suggested Alex Hirsch said his quest to overturn his prohibition from participating in the Residential Permit Parking program has now reached 221 days. He noted that yesterday was a holiday, which meant the RPP restrictions were not in place yet he did not notice any ensuing chaos. He suggested that Council implement a hiatus in the program for a test period. He believed that motorists would do just fine without these regulations, although he made it clear that other parking regulations should be enforced, such as not allowing parking in fire lanes. In fact, he said reducing the enforcement load from the Parking Authority would give its personnel more time to enforce the other regulations. Environmental Concerns Resident Al Wurth said there are already areas near the landfill where the drinking water is not safe and the City had to provide public water as a result. Others in the area may think they live far enough away from the landfill that they will not have to deal with the issues, but that probably is an illusion. Allowing this facility to double in size would only jeopardize the safety of Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 February 21, 2023 more neighbors. Mr. Wurth said the easements seemed to offer protection, but these restrictions apparently were targeted early on by the current owner. He said on September 26, 2022 the landfill owner took action to purchase the additional land (he believed Ms. Ray misspoke when she cited 2002) and intends to try to get the easements withdrawn. Mr. Wurth added that despite this land being located in Lower Saucon, actions there are very much in the City’s interests because of the connection to the City’s sewage treatment plant. Additionally, this is not an industry that we want to encourage to expand. But, he said, the worst part is that landfills use antiquated technology. Some things always will have to be dumped into landfills. Primarily organic material is dumped, covered over, decays anaerobically, and generates methane. There was to be a methane collection system at the landfill, but he understands that this has not been operational. The intent is to try to start over with this capability. This means that these greenhouse gases that we are trying to avoid are being generated. We should not be encouraging this antiquated technology to expand. Work Together/Support for Parking Quest/Zoning Glitch/Salute to Scouts Resident William Scheirer recalled that about 18 years ago the City worked with Lower Saucon to prevent the Federal Aviation Administration from relocating its airport radar tower with a red beacon to South Mountain. He said perhaps the two municipalities could work together again to find a satisfactory solution to the landfill issue. Mr. Scheirer said it was ridiculous that Mr. Hirsch, as a full-time property owner but part-time resident, cannot get a permit to park his car. As to the Hanover Apartments plan, he said the problem comes about because of a zoning glitch. The property is zoned CL, or limited commercial. This usually applies to just those that run along a street, but this land is more than 8 acres. It probably should have been subdivided, but now you may wind up with a six-story building towering over a charming neighborhood. Lastly, Mr. Scheirer acknowledged the presence of the Scouts and leaders. He said it is a worthy institution. Supports Sale of Duty Weapons/Need for More Traffic Enforcement Resident Stephen Antalics said he was told that a retired police officer thwarted a potential holdup at a local convenience store. Mr. Antalics said the officer believed that two young men were “casing” the store. The officer made himself obvious to them and revealed that he was carrying a weapon. The two men then ran from the store. Mr. Antalics said the prevention of this potential crime would not have been possible if Council were not to have allowed this officer to purchase his duty weapon upon retirement, the subject of some recent discussion. He said that “personal opinions are important but should be carefully stated when they smack in the face of public welfare.” He asked Council to consider this in the future. Mr. Antalics also supported previous comments by Mr. Scheirer regarding lacking obeyance of traffic laws. He said his vehicle was recently side-swiped and he has observed motorists running red lights. He suggested that this occurs because drivers believe they will not be caught. He suggested more surveillance at problem intersections to provide a deterrent. Restroom Closure Resident Chris Devlin asked when the restrooms will be reopened at the skate park. He said a sign on the door explains that the closure resulted from destruction. He said he was unsure if this meant that repair is necessary and not yet completed or whether closure was done as Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 February 21, 2023 punishment. He asked if these could be reopened for the convenience of those who do not cause trouble. President Colón said that Public Works Director Michael Alkhal might be able to offer some insights after the meeting if Mr. Devlin could stay to discuss the matter. Mr. Devlin suggested that perhaps even a portable toilet might be the answer. Remember the Struggling Existing Residents Resident and business owner Stacey Redfield noted her opposition to expansion of the landfill, but primarily addressed housing. She said her passion is the Housing Authority. She noted that Pembroke Village was built in 1918 for the Steelworkers. It was updated in 1988. She said this “Is not the shining example of Bethlehem.” She added that this is a historic district, although she is unsure why. She noted that in 1999 a Pembroke Village household sold for $75,000. One was just listed for $200,000, more than doubling the increase in the affordable housing section. Specifically, a $195,000 has a mortgage payment of about $1,300 per month, not including taxes and other expenses. Conversely, she said that Allentown has redeveloped its affordable housing developments, known as “the projects.” “Why did they do that? Because they wanted to give the people who lived in that development dignity to have a nice place to come home to.” She said the Pembroke Village residents could use some dignity, too. She said it would be nice to see some of the money being talked about for brand new affordable housing put into some of the existing housing. Ms. Redfield believed those already living here should enjoy some benefits of seniority. She added that she is confused by the direction of Bethlehem. Ms. Redfield said that Bethlehem had a reputation of being “something you strive to move to.” She said there are still many wonderful aspects of this city including Main Street and programs such as LERTA and CRIZ that have brought jobs and vibrance to Bethlehem. Meanwhile, there are new initiatives to focus on affordable housing, but she does not want those already living here who are struggling to be forgotten. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Wastewater Treatment Concerns Mr. Ozimek was uncertain whether the Water Filtration Plant SCADA system UPS upgrade listed on the agenda was related to the landfill expansion and whether this technology would catch chemicals from the leachate. President Colón said that Mr. Ozimek could discuss the matter after the meeting or contact City representatives to ask questions. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 February 21, 2023 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Department of Community and Economic Development Business Manager – Records Destruction – Office of Community and Economic Development The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 2, 2023 with an attached Resolution and exhibit from Tiffany Wismer, DCED Business Manager, requesting the Destruction of Records from the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Business Manager has reviewed the Municipal Records Retention Act, and the records listed on the exhibit fall within the categories where destruction is permitted. President Colón stated the Resolution can be placed on the March 7, 2023 Council agenda. B. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Recommendation of Award – Keystone Engineering Group – Walter Filtration Plant SCADA System UPS Upgrade The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 8, 2023 with an attached Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a contract with Keystone Engineering Group. The contract is to evaluate and recommend system upgrades for the SCADA Uninterrupible Power Supply at the Water Filtration Plant. The contract cost is $8,200 and completion is expected by June 30, 2023. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. C. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Garden State Fireworks, Inc. – Fourth of July Fireworks The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 7, 2023 with an attached Resolution from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, recommending a contract with Garden State Fireworks, Inc., to provide the Fourth of July fireworks show on July 4 with a rain date of July 5. The cost is $33,000. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. D. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. – Johnston Detention Basin Improvements The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 16, 2023 with an attached Resolution from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, recommending a contract with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. A contract was entered into in January of 2022 with this firm for $23,859 to design improvements to the Johnston Drive detention basin project. Amendment #1 for an additional $4,440 will add limited engineering oversight services during construction. The total cost will now be $28,299. The completion deadline is December 31, 2023. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. Director of Public Works – Recommendation of Award – Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. – Craig Avenue Swale Improvements Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 February 21, 2023 The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 16, 2023 with an attached Resolution from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, recommending a contract with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. A contract was entered into in September of 2022 with this firm for $21,767 to design improvements to the Craig Avenue swale project. Amendment #1 for an additional $4,190 will add limited engineering oversight services during construction. The total cost will now be $25,957. The completion deadline is December 31, 2023. There are no renewals. President Colón stated Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. A. President of Council B. Mayor 1. Administrative Order – Tracy Ernst Samuelson – Redevelopment Authority Mayor Reynolds appointed Tracy Ernst Samuelson to the Redevelopment Authority effective through March, 2024. Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-023 to confirm the appointment. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. 2. Administrative Order – Tracy Oscavich – Redevelopment Authority Mayor Reynolds reappointed Tracy Oscavich to the Redevelopment Authority effective through March, 2028. Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-024 to confirm the reappointment. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. 3. Administrative Order – Sharon A. Brown – Fine Arts Commission Mayor Reynolds appointed Sharon A. Brown to the Fine Arts Commission effective through March, 2026. Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-025 to confirm the appointment. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. City’s Position City Solicitor Spirk offered some history regarding the land adjacent to the landfill. The City gave up the right to what happens on that land in the 1990s both with an easement and an option. He explained that easements are rights of the land of someone else and an option is a promise to sell someone your land. Solicitor Spirk used the example of having a neighbor wish to cross his land by granting an easement to formally allow this. This does not give the neighbor ownership of the land, but it allows him the right to cross over it. Further, if Solicitor Spirk as the Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 February 21, 2023 property owner were to build a wall or some other impediment to passage, it would be up to the neighbor to go to court to enforce the easement to again allow him passage. In this case, in 1994, the City gave Lower Saucon an easement over this land surrounding the landfill. This is perpetual. And, as in Solicitor Spirk’s example with his neighbor, it is up to the entity that was granted the easement if it wishes to seek enforcement. That is Lower Saucon Township in reality. As to the option, in 1998 the City sold the landfill. The $26 million purchase price bought the buyer the landfill and an option to buy the adjacent land at any time they or their successors wanted for an additional $10,000. Last year, the current owner chose to exercise the purchase option. The payment was made in exchange for the deed. The result is that the landfill owner now owns the surrounding land and Lower Saucon still has an easement allowing it access. The power to enforce that easement is up to Lower Saucon. Solicitor Spirk said that information was shared with the attorney for the environmental group opposing the landfill expansion. Solicitor Spirk appreciated concerns being raised to City officials, but he said the City’s control of the land extinguished with the sale in the 1990s. The transaction of selling the adjacent land was merely following through on the related option once exercised. He said concerns would be best raised with Lower Saucon. Mayor Reynolds added that this administration did not have a choice concerning the exercised option. This was part of the 25-year-old contract involving the landfill sale. Admittedly, Mayor Reynolds was hypothesizing, but he said he assumed that the assumption 25 years ago was that no one on Lower Saucon Council would have been willing to end the easement, but this is not something that the City can control at this time. Despite these circumstances, there will be additional forums in which regulatory boards will review the proposed aspects. As neighbors to the landfill, the City will continue to monitor the situation and may object to certain aspects if officials believe it is in their best interest to do so. President Colón thanked Solicitor Spirk and Mayor Reynolds for providing the history and recounting events and obligations. President Colón wanted to clarify his understanding of the circumstances. The easement to the land was conveyed from the City to the Township in 1994. Solicitor Spirk said the Township has its own regulatory authority of a Planning Commission and zoning regulations and also owns the right to restrict and huge development because of the easement. As for the option, President Colón believed he had heard that the City was obligated to sell the adjacent land to the current landfill owner because of the option that was part of the 1998 landfill sale whether it wanted to in 2022 or not. Solicitor Spirk confirmed that was correct. “We just happened to be the unlucky people that had to sign it when they decided to take it over,” Mayor Reynolds said. President Colón asked whether the City could have sold the adjacent land to anyone else during the 25 years before the option was exercised. Solicitor Spirk said no. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 February 21, 2023 Ms. Crampsie Smith asked whether the City could express opposition to the expansion based on environmental concerns. She cited concerns that this could have on the City’s wastewater sewage treatment system. Would this tie into the Environmental Advisory Council? Solicitor Spirk emphasized that the City “is not the boss” of Lower Saucon Township. He understands that the citizens opposition group is trying to enlist the help of others to perhaps join their lawsuit. “I just feel that that ship has sailed for us in the ‘90s” with providing the easement to the Township and selling the landfill, Solicitor Spirk said. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she understood that, but in the past the City has at times written letters of support or opposition for certain initiatives. Solicitor Spirk said that Council certainly could do that. President Colón agreed that, if it were to be the will of Council, a letter could be drafted and communicated to Lower Saucon. Mayor Reynolds said that the Administration will continue to monitor events as the expansion plans progress. He said the City is not happy with the plans and it is unfortunate that the actions taken decades ago are unfolding in this way. Updates will be shared. Restroom Update The Mayor added that Mr. Alkhal can remain after the meeting to discuss plans for the restroom at the skate plaza. There has been a significant amount of time spent on this issue. Upcoming Zoning Hearing Mayor Reynolds also observed that the owner of the Hanover Apartments project will go before the City’s Zoning Hearing Board tomorrow night. Assistant City Solicitor Deschler will represent the City’s interests with the concerns raised at the Planning Commission meeting. C. Finance Committee Dr. Enix reported that a Finance Committee Meeting was held this evening at 6:00 PM in Town Hall and discussed and voted on seven agenda items: two amending the General Fund related to several adjustments, amending the Non-Utility Capital Improvement Fund for year-end adjustments, amending the Water Capital Fund Budget for adjustments, amending the Sewer Capital Fund Budget for adjustments, amending the CDBG/HOME Budget for adjustments, and amending the Stormwater Fund Budget year-end adjustments. The Committee voted to recommend placement of all seven bills on tonight’s Council agenda for First Reading. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE A. Bill No. 06 – 2023 – Street Vacation Ordinance – Portion of Second Avenue The Clerk read Bill No. 06-2023 –Street Vacation Ordinance – Portion of Second Avenue, sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Wilhelm and titled: Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 February 21, 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VACATION, DISCONTINUANCE AND STRIKING FROM THE CITY’S GENERAL PLAN OF STREETS OF A PORTION OF SECOND AVENUE IN THE 10TH WARD OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTY OF LEHIGH, PENNSYLVANIA Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 06-2023 now known as Ordinance No. 2023-06 was passed on Final Reading. 9. NEW ORDINANCES A. Bill No. 07 – 2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 07-2023 – 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. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 07-2023 was passed on First Reading. B. Bill No. 08 – 2023 – Amending 2023 General Fund – General Fund Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 08-2023 – 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. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 08-2023 was passed on First Reading. C. Bill No. 09 – 2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 09-2023 – 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. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 February 21, 2023 Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 09-2023 was passed on First Reading. D. Bill No. 10 – 2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Water Utilities – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 10-2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Water 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 WATER UTILITIES. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 10-2023 was passed on First Reading. E. Bill No. 11 – 2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 11-2023 – Amending 2023 Capital Budget for Sewer 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 SEWER UTILITIES. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 11-2023 was passed on First Reading. F. Bill No. 12 – 2023 – Amend CDBG/HOME Budget – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 12-2023 – Amending 2023 CDBG/HOME 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. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 12-2023 was passed on First Reading. G. Bill No. 13 – 2023 – Amend 2023 Stormwater Fund Budget – Adjustments The Clerk read Bill No. 13-2023 – Amending 2023 Stormwater Fund Budget–Adjustments sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 February 21, 2023 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 STORM WATER FUND BUDGET Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 13-2023 was passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Records Destruction – Controller Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-026 that authorizes the disposal of the public records in the Controller’s Office, as stated in Exhibit A. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Contract – Keystone Engineering Group – Water Filtration Plant SCADA System UPS Upgrade Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-027 that authorized to execute an agreement with Keystone Engineering Group for the Walter Filtration Plant SCADA System UPS Upgrade. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. C. Approve Contract – Garden State Fireworks, Inc. – Fourth of July Fireworks Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-028 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Garden State Fireworks, Inc. for the Fourth of July Fireworks. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Contract – Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. – Johnston Detention Basin Improvements Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-029 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. for the Johnston Detention Basin Improvements. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Contract – Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. – Craig Avenue Swale Improvements Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-030 that authorized to execute an Agreement with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. for the Craig Avenue Swale Improvements. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 February 21, 2023 Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 77 West Broad Street Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2023-031 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install four Pella, Lifestyle casement windows at 77 West Broad Street. Voting AYE: Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 6. 11. NEW BUSINESS Compliments for Housing Strategy Kickoff Ms. Kwiatek commended Sara Satullo, Deputy Director of Community Development, for a successful first meeting of the Bethlehem Comprehensive Housing Strategy Committee. In Ms. Kwiatek’s role as the liaison to the Bethlehem Housing Authority, she participated in this meeting as did representatives from other stakeholders. This meeting outlined data to put all participating members at the same starting point as to the issues of housing affordability in the City and region. This is part of the comprehensive housing strategy process. This gave a firm grasp of the data and an understanding the multi-faceted issues involved. It is not just one type of housing, one part of the City, one type of person, one housing type, etc. She is looking forward to this process progressing. Support for Housing Meeting/EAC Letter Ms. Wilhelm said the recent related housing meeting for the public was very informative and well attended. She commended the process as well. Also, in her role as liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council, Ms. Wilhelm advised Ms. Crampsie Smith that the EAC issued a statement on the proposed landfill expansion. She told Ms. Crampsie Smith that she could get her a copy if she has not seen it. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk