City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, August 15, 2023 – 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. (Ms. Crampsie Smith arrived at approximately 7:10 PM.) CITATIONS: Honoring Thomas DeFrank President Colón read the Citation for Thomas DeFrank on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department after more than 24 years of service. Officer DeFrank was present and thanked Council for the Citation. Honoring Sean Conley President Colón observed that Sean Conley was not present on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department after more than 20 years of service. His Citation will be mailed. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 1, 2023 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Safety Improvement Suggestion Rev. Dr. Bruce Stevenson raised traffic safety concerns along Pennsylvania Avenue. He said many vehicles travel above the posted 35-mph limit. Some police speed checks have been conducted showing an average speed of 38 mph, but he does not believe this is indicative of the reality. The biggest concern is that several vehicles parked legally along Pennsylvania Avenue have been struck by passing motorists. Neighbors have asked the City to paint a line distinguishing legal parking from the travel lane. He acknowledged that Pennsylvania Avenue is a wide street but believes that some drivers think it is two lanes and veer into the parking area. Rev. Stevenson believes a painted line would clarify this. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 August 15, 2023 President Colón encouraged Rev. Stevenson to remain after the meeting to speak with Public Works Director Michael Alkhal or Deputy Police Chief Scott Meixell, Council Members or members of the Administration on this subject. Additional Concerns Rev. Dr. Patience Stevenson said she spoke at a City Council meeting six years ago after their first car was totaled while parked along Pennsylvania Avenue. She said the request was made at that time to paint the line to which her husband referred a few minutes ago. No line was painted. At least three neighbors have taken to parking on their front lawns instead of parking along Pennsylvania Avenue to avoid these collisions. She added that the speeding also makes it unsafe for those backing into their driveways, which must be done because it would be even more dangerous were they to pull into the driveways and back into the street. She renewed the request to have a line painted to distinguish the thoroughfare from the parking area. Walnut Street Garage Concerns Resident Jim Follweiler agreed with the Historic Architectural Review Board’s recent decision to table the proposed demolition of the Walnut Street Garage to allow for a more thorough review. Mr. Follweiler referred to the HARB Chairman’s comment that the Board received the proposal just prior to the meeting. Mr. Follweiler said this delay offers the time for due consideration. Mr. Follweiler renewed several concerns: Why is the Bethlehem Parking Authority proposing a new garage with less parking in this key area? Why has a five-year maintenance plan been switched to demolition and redevelopment? He called for a “multi-year pause” for this project to obtain more data for need including an analysis by an independent engineering firm. Mr. Follweiler also mentioned that BPA Executive Director has mentioned a parking plan involving Spring Street. Mr. Follweiler called for this plan to be released so that the public can decide whether it would alleviate concerns for the lost parking spaces from the Walnut Street Garage proposal. Mr. Follweiler also called out Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins for making “out-of-order statements to the Board, virtually ordering or directing them what to do” after HARB’s initial motion to table this matter. He called it “a clear statement of inappropriate conduct and pressure that violated the independence of that board.” Council Encouraged Not to Permit Abortions Sal Piccolo of Stroudsburg said that Council is ruling a City in which unborn babies are being murdered at Allentown Women’s Center. He encouraged Council to “establish equal protection of the laws for the pre-born.” (Editor’s Note: The listed address for Allentown Women’s Center is 31 S. Commerce Way, Hanover Township, Northampton County, and is not located in the City of Bethlehem.) Additional Anti-Abortion Plea Matt Kenitzer of Schuylkill Haven also spoke out against abortion and similarly prayed and encouraged Council to change its stance in allowing a facility to exist that performs abortion- related services. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 August 15, 2023 Added Support for Pennsylvania Avenue Measures Resident Jose Valencia supported the Stevensons’ Pennsylvania Avenue safety concerns. He said he has seen at least six accidents in the last two years, including four vehicles being hit that were parked along the side of the road. Concerns are rising. Mr. Valencia also suggested that a line be painted, safety measures be added and more police enforcement. Diversity of Opinion Resident Lynn Rothman said she believes in the separation of Church and State and objects to hearing at a public meeting “the assumption that someone else’s god is my god.” She said there are different beliefs as to when life begins and that abortion is a right of women and correct in many circumstances to preserve the health and the well-being of a mother and a child. She said she respectfully disagrees with the two earlier comments made during Public Comment. Eaton Avenue Example/Parking Garage Concerns Echoed Resident William Scheirer lives near Pennsylvania Avenue and agreed with speeding concerns and perhaps the need to improve street markings. He noted that Eaton Avenue has painted side markings of a white line to distinguish parking as well as the word “No” periodically painted to direct traffic away from the parking area. Mr. Scheirer also has some questions about the Walnut Street Parking Garage proposal: Why is a new garage needed? How is it that a smaller garage is being proposed when, if anything, those visiting Bethlehem are increasing? Does the Parking Authority own the land where the garage is now and who is authorizing the proposal to use some of the land to build apartments? If the Parking Authority owns it, would they sell a portion of the land to a developer or would it become a landlord? Mr. Scheirer said this gets into the question of the Parking Authority and whether it has too much authority, calling it a “rigid bureaucracy.” Agrees with Safety Worries Resident Mariza Figueroa agreed with safety concerns along Pennsylvania Avenue, both with speeding and confusion about the number of lanes of travel. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) More Details Requested Resident Jim Follweiler addressed Resolution 10 B on tonight’s agenda regarding a proposed budget transfer to cover additional temporary help in the Mayor’s Office. He asked for more details about this proposed transfer of funds. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 August 15, 2023 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Business Administrator – Transfer of General Funds – Budget Transfer The Clerk read an August 7, 2023 memorandum with a proposed Resolution from Eric R. Evans, Business Administrator, recommending a transfer of funds in the General Fund. $10,000 would be transferred from Community and Economic Development – Administrative – Salaries Account No. 0301-40001 to Elected Officials – Mayor – Temporary Help Account No. 0102-40004. This transfer is necessary to provide short-term administrative support to complete Bethlehem’s World Heritage application as it nears its final phases. Funds are available in the Community and Economic Development account due to vacant positions that existed in the bureau earlier this year. President Colón stated Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. B. Business Administrator – General Fund – budget Adjustment The Clerk read an August 4, 2023 memorandum with an attached Resolution from Eric R. Evans, Business Administrator, recommending an adjustment to the General Fund Budget. The adjustment reflects the unexpected increase in Mercantile Tax revenue of $450,000 which will cover the added cost of $380,000 in Professional Services and $70,000 in Recruiting and Testing, totaling $450,000. The increased cost in Professional Services is due to a higher total owed to Tri- State Financial Group for collecting more Mercantile Tax money and the additional Recruiting and Testing costs for those departments that require pre-employment screenings. The General Fund Budget will be increased from $106,911,698 to $107,361,698. President Colón stated Ordinance 9 A is on the agenda for First Reading. C. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Amendment – Bradbury Sullivan – 2023 Lehigh Valley Pride The Clerk read an August 10, 2023 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Resolution and amended Use Permit Agreement. The Permittee is the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center and the event is 2023 Lehigh Valley Pride. The amendment adds Sand Island as a location for a fireworks display as an additional premises to an agreement already approved for the August 20, 2023 event. President Colón stated Resolution C is on the agenda. D. Chief of Police – Memorandum of Understanding – FUSUS – Video Platform Initiative The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 10, 2023 with a proposed Resolution from Police Chief Michelle Kott, recommending a Memorandum of Understanding between the City’s Police Department and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. The MOU would allow City police to participate in Lehigh County’s FUSUS project. This agreement would allow 17 specified Lehigh County police agencies and Pennsylvania State Police to share video and data for law enforcement purposes. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 August 15, 2023 President Colón stated Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. Director of Community and Economic Development – Annual Action Plan The Clerk read an August 10, 2023 memorandum and attached Resolution from Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, proposing two substantial amendments to the 2022 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan. The first would allow the Bethlehem Branch of the Greater Valley YMCA to use its Program Year 2023 CDBG award of $198,000 toward its ongoing child care wing improvements project, a previously approved Program Year 2022 CDBG project. The second would allow use of $350,000 in CDBG public streets money toward East Broad Street transportation and safety improvements. This funding would provide a necessary match requirement for a $642,750 state DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund grant and was included in the recent City five-year capital plans. President Colón stated Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. F. Director of Community and Economic Development – Grant for Commercial Facades The Clerk read a memorandum and attached Resolution from Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, recommending support for a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for a Keystone Communities Program façade grant. The $50,000 grant would fund commercial façade improvements in Bethlehem’s Historic District. The City has maintained a grant program throughout the years for locations throughout Bethlehem. This particular grant would further enhance the downtown Historic District and support the City’s efforts to receive and maximize the impact of a World heritage Site designation. President Colón stated Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council President Colón said he had nothing to report other than that Council offers its congratulations to Mayor Reynolds and his family on the recent birth of their child. B. Mayor – Solicitor Spirk (acting as Mayor in the absence of Mayor Reynolds) Nothing to report. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE 8A. Bill No. 33-2023 – Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Environmental Education Centers The Clerk read Bill No. 33-2023 – Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Environmental Education Centers, sponsored by Dr. Enix and Ms. Leon and titled: Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 August 15, 2023 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADDING PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTERS Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 33-2023, now known as Ordinance No. 2023-32, passed on Final Reading. President Colón noted that Ms. Crampsie Smith joined the meeting some time ago (approximately 7:10 PM). 9 NEW ORDINANCES 9A. Bill No. 34-2023 – General Fund – Administrative Budget Transfer The Clerk read Bill No. 34-2023 – General Fund – Administrative Budget Transfer, sponsored by Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2023 GENERAL FUND Ms. Kwiatek asked about the greater-than-expected income from tax funds resulting from an audit. She asked if this amount is the $450,000 recommended in this budget transfer. Director of Budget and Finance Linnea Lazarchak said that the increase as of right now is $390,000. Results from the next audit are due in October. It is expected that proceeds will again be better than expected and should put the total increase over $450,000 at that time. Ms. Kwiatek noted that the Professional Services line item is being increased by $380,000. She understands that Tri-State Financial Group is to received a greater-than-expected fee because it yielded a greater-than-expected audit, but she wondered if that means that the firm will receive $380,000 of the expected $450,000 difference. She believed this percentage to be excessive. Ms. Lazarchak said no. She said Tri-State’s fees are based on the dollar amount that it collects and the services provided. Tri-State receives 10 percent of the audit figure. Ms. Kwiatek also asked about the additional costs for recruiting and testing prospective employees. She noted that Council’s supporting materials on this matter advises that the City is having some difficulty in hiring. She wondered if there are some new ideas on attracting job candidates. Ms. Lazarchak said that some of the added funds are intended for advertising and some will go toward additional testing for police and fire recruits. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 34-2023 was passed on First Reading. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 August 15, 2023 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution – Records Destruction – Financial Services Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-163 that authorized the disposal of public records in the office of Financial Services, as set forth in a memorandum dated July 14, 2023 from Director of Financial Services Sophia Vitoroulis. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kiwatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. B. Approve Resolution – Budget Transfer – Elected Officials – Mayor Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-164 that authorized that $10,000 to cover short-term administrative support associated with Bethlehem’s World Heritage application shall be transferred from the Community and Economic Development – Administrative – Salaries account. Ms. Leon said she is very supportive of the World Heritage designation application, but she wondered if these efforts are the best use of the Mayor’s administrative assistant. She asked if it will be necessary for Council to allocate additional funds if a heavy workload continues beyond February. Ms. Lazarchak said this adjustment is based on 17 weeks at 15 hours per week. She said that time for January and February will be written into the 2024 budget, and it is not expected that this temporary help will be needed beyond that. Ms. Leon said she thought that a committee existed to complete the application and wondered why Ms. Augello is doing this extra work rather than committee members. Solicitor Spirk said there are several separate committees that are working on this project. These are volunteers. But, he said, the support to these committees, including scheduling and coordinating, has come from the Mayor’s Office. Mr. Spirk said this added work has been overwhelming. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked specifically what this money will be used for. Ms. Lazarchak said a temporary person would be hired. Ms. Crampsie Smith wondered when the application is due. She thought the deadline was rather soon instead of February. Ms. Lazarchak said she did not know, but would get her an answer. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she has a couple of concerns, but first stated that she is in favor of seeking World Heritage site status. She has seen Ms. Augello here late at night and has no doubt that she is doing the work. But, she noted that the World Heritage project is said to be “a Mayor’s initiative.” If this is so, why is this work not being done by the Director of Mayor’s Initiatives assuming these duties? Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 August 15, 2023 Mr. Spirk said this project is above and beyond the baseline. The Mayor has a number of initiatives. He added that, in the eyes of the City Administration, it is worth this investment in terms of what the World Heritage designation could mean. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she understands that, but it is always important to look at roles, responsibilities, designations and tasks. She thought this responsibility would have been more directly related to someone whose title includes “initiatives.” She again emphasized the economic and social benefits that Bethlehem would enjoy if granted this status. But, she is also mindful that five emergency responder positions have been lost in recent years while an extra position has been added in the Department of Economic and Community Development. Ms. Crampsie Smith believes that this initiative is directly related to economic and community development. Could the person in DCED be helping out? She is looking at efficiency within the Administration. She said she will not oppose the transfer of funds because she supports the World Heritage application, but believes the responsibilities and roles within the Administration need to be reviewed. Ms. Kwiatek received confirmation that this hiring will be temporary help for a few months. This is something that organizations do often when a surge in work arises, she concluded. She also cited her knowledge of another of the Mayor’s initiatives, the Climate Action Plan, and knows the amount of work that the Director of Mayor’s Initiatives puts toward that. This is one of many assignments. She does not believe that person is underutilized. She added that there are other funds available from other budget savings, so this will not increase the budget. President Colón again asked for details of this part-time work. Ms. Lazarchak said it would be an hourly wage for 17 weeks and 15 hours per week. The money being transferred would come from savings on wages because the new hire earns less that the previous employee. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. C. Approve UPA – Amendment – Bradbury Sullivan – 2023 Lehigh Valley Pride Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-165 that authorized to execute an amended Use Permit Agreement with the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center and SubPermittee ArtsQuest for 2023 Lehigh Valley Pride. Ms. Kwiatek said she was only sorry that the two men who spoke out against abortion earlier in the evening were not now present to watch this vote. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 August 15, 2023 D. Approve MOU – FUSUS – Video Platform Initiative Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-166 that authorized to execute an agreement between the City’s Police Department, the District Attorney of Lehigh County, the listed municipal police departments and other criminal justice agencies in Lehigh County, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The agreement will allow the sharing of video and data on the FUSUS platform for law enforcement purposes. Ms. Leon asked whether a similar program exists in Northampton County. If not, and this just affects Lehigh County, how does this affect Northampton County? Deputy Police Chief Scott Meixell said this is a new program. Northampton County does not yet offer this. This is a program funded by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. Bethlehem is included because it partially lies in Lehigh County. Under the program, Bethlehem will share all of its cameras, included those located in Northampton County. Ms. Leon asked how many other departments participate in this and what is its need? Deputy Chief Meixell said that 17 Lehigh County departments have signed on so far. He said the chief advantage or need is that success in catching criminals is often tied to speed in obtaining evidence, in this case video. There is a process when a police agency requests a video, but with this system in place, records can be obtained much faster. This could either verify witness statements or disprove them. He said this also extends to missing persons. It is more than just crime that this can assist with. Having the understanding in place would cut through red tape and permit immediate sharing rather than the probable loss of a week or more. Ms. Leon also asked whether police could access the video of a private citizen. Deputy Chief Meixell said that aspect is voluntary. A private citizen or business can decide if they want to share their video or they can let the City know that they have cameras. If residents or business owners are not comfortable giving carte blanche access, they can advise police they have cameras for potential review on a situation-by-situation basis. Police would know that a camera exists and footage might be available depending on the location of an incident. Ms. Wilhelm asked about the process of a camera owner granting permission for police to access a video. The Deputy Chief said individuals can register for the program. If they choose to share video, they will need a device to plug into their system. Some will be paid for through the program. Others will have to be purchased. Ms. Wilhelm also asked how people in the community will know about this option. Deputy Chief Meixell said this is a new program. It will take community outreach. Ms. Wilhelm also asked whose policies will be used and what would have if violations occur. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 August 15, 2023 The Deputy Chief said the District Attorney’s Office will distribute its policies and procedures. Bethlehem already has its own. He also said that the MOU mentions the Criminal History Records Information Act (CHRIA). These are state regulations that limit use of information involving crimes. For example, a receiving agency could not share the information received with the public without involving Bethlehem. Criminal penalties could be assessed under CHRIA if sensitive information is inappropriately shared and an agency could be removed from further participation in the Lehigh County program, Solicitor Spirk added. President Colón noted that District Attorney James Martin has announced he will be retiring but assumed that this program will continue, if successful, under a new District Attorney. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. E. Approve Resolution – Substantial Amendment – Annual Action Plan Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-167 that authorized that the Program Year 2022 CDBG/HOME Action Plan Amendments 1 and 2 for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 are hereby approved for submission to HUD by the Mayor. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. F. Approve Resolution – Grant – Commercial Facades Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-168 that authorized that the individual with the title of Mayor at the time of application shall sign the Grant Agreement Signature Page for the Keystone Communities grant for commercial facades. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked if there are any matching funds that must be provided by the City in order to receive this $50,000 grant. No one present knew. President Colón asked Solicitor Spirk if someone would follow up with Council to answer this question. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolution passed. President Colón said he would accept a motion to group consideration of four Certificates of Appropriateness, 10 G through 10 J. Ms. Wilhelm made a motion, seconded by Dr. Van Wirt, to consider the COAs as a group. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Motion passed. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 August 15, 2023 G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 127 East Wall Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-169 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove and replace the front door in-kind. H. Certificate of Appropriateness – 155 East Market Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-170 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint an existing fence. I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 402 New Street Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-171 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a fence and gate. J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 457 Old York Road Ms. Leon and Dr. Enix sponsored Resolution No. 2023-172 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to stabilize, restore, and renovate the Miller’s House. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Dr. Van Wirt, Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Dr. Enix, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 7. Resolutions passed. 11. NEW BUSINESS Upcoming Community Development Committee Meetings Dr. Van Wirt announced that the Community Development Committee will meet at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, September 26 and Tuesday, October 10 in Town Hall to discuss housing and homelessness as well as affordable housing. Praise for City Workers Ms. Leon thanked Mr. Alkhal for Public Works’ assistance during this weekend’s community clean-up effort at Donegan. The effort was particularly appreciated considering a heavy workload by City employees especially during Musikfest. Ms. Leon also was appreciative of the emergency responders, who also had strong involvement with the annual festival. She also noted the impressiveness of the “Musikfest Push”, which she said is the clearing of crowds from the streets by the Mounted Patrol at the end of each night. More Thanks/Safer Intersection/Setting the Record Straight Dr. Van Wirt echoed praise for the efforts of the City’s public servants for helping to provide another successful Musikfest. She appreciated the hard work and dedication. She also thanked Mr. Alkhal for efforts aimed at improving the intersection of W. Broad and Wahneta Streets and Eaton Avenue. Residents at several recent City Council meetings have complained that the intersection is unsafe. She also thanked Ms. Rothman for her public comment tonight and Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 August 15, 2023 added that the Allentown Women’s Clinic referred to by two other speakers tonight is not within City limits. Thanks for Safety Markings/A Hope for Pennsylvania Avenue Help/More Musikfest Kudos Ms. Crampsie Smith also thanked Mr. Alkhal for the painted safety remedies along Hanover Avenue referenced by Dr. Van Wirt. She also hoped that the concerns raised tonight about Pennsylvania Avenue can be discussed and remedied. Ms. Crampsie Smith also thanked all from the City involved in making Musikfest a success. She said that Musikfest is another element in this city for which she is proud to call Bethlehem her home. Traffic Discussion Suggestion/More Musikfest Praise President Colón asked whether the Citizen Traffic Advisory Committee still meets. Once he was assured that it does, he recommended that it might be an appropriate forum to discuss the concerns raised tonight about Pennsylvania Avenue. The Committee meets at 8:30 AM the first Tuesday of each month in Town Hall. He also thanked all involved with Musikfest for making it a safe and enjoyable event. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 8:11 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk