City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, June 4, 2024 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL President Colón called the meeting to order. Present were Bryan G. Callahan, Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Colleen S. Laird, Rachel Leon, and Michael G. Colón, 6; Absent was Kiera Wilhelm, 1. President Colón announced that Ms. Wilhelm would not be present this evening. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 21, 2024 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Need for Larger Containers, Housing Court Resident Angela Mitchell asked if Council could try to obtain grant money to help property owners buy larger recycling and trash containers. She is seeing overflowing smaller containers and believes this to be the source of loose trash and odor. She also suggested initiating a housing and mediation court. She believes the existing magisterial court process is too cumbersome. MyBethlehem App/Magazine Distribution Date Resident Mary Jo Makoul said she had difficulties using the MyBethlehem app. She wanted to report overgrown trees. Despite messages to the contrary, Ms. Makoul did not receive notifications allowing her to reset her password. She prefers using the website to reporting problems by phone. Ms. Makoul also was displeased with receiving her Bethlehem Spring/Summer 2024 Magazine on May 10, noting that spring arrived on March 19. Some of the information was outdated by the time of arrival and other content would have been helpful much sooner. Help the Homeless Resident Arthur Curatola implored Council to help the homeless. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 June 4, 2024 Fix Water Fountains/Dismayed by School Resource Officer News Resident Valerie Noonan was shocked to hear at the May 21 meeting that only five or six water fountains in City parks are functioning. Repair should be a high priority. She asked how Bethlehem can become a walkable city if people cannot use public water fountains. Ms. Noonan also commented on the recent firing of a school resource officer over child sexual abuse allegations. She was particularly upset that the officer was allowed to be alone with students, noting that almost all professional childcare positions prohibit this practice. Assorted Concerns Resident Eddie Rodriguez said that two potential locations for handball play – 13th Avenue and Yosko Park – are not suitable. Both have maintenance issues and wall modifications that no longer would allow for safe or reasonable play. He also said that dirt bikes are problems throughout the City. These are illegal activities whether they are safety matters or disturbing the peace. He asked for police enforcement. Mr. Rodriguez added that he did not observed problems with trash in the Cherokee Street area as a resident previously reported. He observed empty large containers after pick-up and not strewn litter. Supports Public Comment/Fines Are Disproportionate Resident Harry Faber commended those who speak at Council meetings whether he agrees with them or not. He spoke out against those who criticize those who have called out the violence in Rafah or the attire that some people wear to Council meetings. Mr. Faber also said that fines disproportionately affect those with a lower income. Raising Mental Health Concerns Resident Hibah Akbar said she was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere of Council meetings. She raised concern for rising mental health issues following the pandemic and offered her help. Dirt Bike Problem Resident Terry Kloiber agreed there is a safety and nuisance problem with dirt bikes. She asked whether she should call police. B. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) HARB Appointment Questioned Resident Stephen Antalics noted that an appointment to the Historical and Architectural Review Board is listed on tonight’s agenda. He again suggested that former HARB member Marsha Fritz should be appointed, noting her prior experience. He asked why, given her experience and willingness to resume service, she was not being appointed and urged Council and the press to ask this question of the Administration. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 June 4, 2024 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 5. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Callahan Mr. Callahan said a neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for June 18 to discuss the First Presbyterian Church’s proposal to develop housing on its land. The meeting night conflicts with the next City Council meeting. Mr. Callahan said he was asked by several residents to attend the housing meeting. He believes this is an important meeting that he wants to attend and believes others on Council do as well. He asked whether the Council meeting could be moved to June 20 if that is the will of Council. Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins believed that organizers from the host church, Wesley United Methodist, offered potential meeting dates. The City was asked to be among the presenters. President Colόn did not favor moving the Council meeting date. He said as long as there is a quorum, Council could meet on June 18. He does not know whether that agenda would deal with routine or more dynamic matters. He was hopeful that the housing meeting would be recorded and that Council members could view it at a later date, but he does not know if that will be the case. Ms. Collins added that the City will not be presenting on the First Presbyterian plan. The City has been invited to explain its affordable housing plan, known as Opening Doors. This information is the same as what has been presented before by the City and available on the City’s website. Ms. Crampsie Smith agreed this is an important meeting and questioned why the Administration would schedule a meeting like this in conflict with a Council meeting. She believed the Administration should reschedule the housing meeting so that Council members can attend. Ms. Laird was glad to hear of the meeting to continue conversations on this topic. But, she wanted to clarify who is hosting the meeting. Ms. Collins said the neighborhood requested the meeting. The City worked with the Wesley Church to arrive at a date. This is not a City-organized event. Ms. Leon believed that Council presence at the housing meeting is important, but that a quorum should be maintained for its own meeting. She repeated the request be made to record the meeting for later viewing. Mayor Reynolds joined the meeting and said that Opening Doors will be outlined and an update will be offered concerning progress. He will discuss how zoning works and what would or would not be allowed under current zoning or with potential amendments. He said he would like to see conversations between First Presbyterian and the neighbors that could hopefully lead to Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 June 4, 2024 agreement. Mayor Reynolds said if people want to talk about First Presbyterian’s proposal, the City would like to redirect discussion to talk about the rezoning of church land. The real conversation will be what does the future of the zoning of that land look like. Behind the church is a retirement residential complex. Other surrounding zoning districts are a lot of different options for institutional zoning. There is conflict going on between the church and neighbors. He is hopeful that conversations including this one will bring understanding and a plan that will be accepted by both groups. Mr. Callahan believes the neighbors’ group consists of about 350 people. Their main concern is that the land will be rezoned from single-family neighborhoods to allow multi-family units. Mayor Reynolds said he will discuss how zoning works and some protections within the code that limit what could occur. Mr. Callahan said he believes the main concern among these neighbors is that Opening Doors has language in it that would allow someone from buying a single property in something like the Mount Airy neighborhood and converting it from a single-family to a multi-family home. Mayor Reynolds believes that would be an unfounded concern because that is not the way that zoning works. He said that control rests with Council because it would take a Council vote to amend the Zoning Ordinance. Such a process is also transparent and takes several public meetings. Mr. Callahan believes that there is a perception that the Mayor’s Administration is pushing initiatives that could lead to changed zoning to accommodate providing more affordable housing and that there are enough votes on Council to push through what is in Opening Doors. These neighbors want the few lines that raise the possibility of amending zoning to accommodate more affordable housing removed from Opening Doors. Mayor Reynolds repeated that what is in Opening Doors is a “menu of different options.” These are possibilities. It does not even go as far to recommend one alternative over another. Mr. Callahan also followed up on residents’ comments about loud dirt bikes. He asked Deputy Chief Scott Meixell if the City has a no-chase policy. The Deputy Chief said that any police chase can be dangerous, so they are evaluated individually depending on the violation and other circumstances. Mr. Callahan said the problem is widespread throughout the City and added that Main Street is another area of concern. This includes dirt bikes, street bikes and cars that drive fast, rev their engines and play loud music. He asked if a Quiet Zone could be considered or some other solution to assist downtown businesses to maintain an attractive atmosphere. Deputy Chief Meixell said that one of the existing solutions is for people to report these incidents to the Service Center and if they know who these drivers are. Mr. Callahan asked the Mayor if other solutions are in place or could be considered. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 June 4, 2024 Bicycle patrol officers have been used in the past, but he said enforcement is challenging. Mayor Reynolds believed that Chief Kott has some solutions in mind and suggested waiting until she is present to discuss this. Ms. Crampsie Smith Ms. Crampsie Smith raised a concern about lacking fire hydrant markings. Public Works Director confirmed that pavements are no longer being painted around hydrants to designate no parking. This change saves money in labor and paint was not effective when covered by snow. Where it is critical, signs now designate the restrictions. All signs have not yet been placed. Ms. Crampsie Smith said the person raising the question believes that drivers are not appropriately restricting their parking on their own and she is concerned about Fire Department accessibility in case of an emergency. Ms. Laird Ms. Laird was going to address Mr. Rodriguez’s comment that several trees along West Union Boulevard need maintenance. She said she lives along West Union Boulevard and knows that several of those trees have been taken care of within the last week. She also thanked Public Works for work being done at Sixth Avenue and Spring Street. She additionally thanked Ms. Akbar for her concern for local health policies and wanted to see that she is connected with proper authorities to take her up on her offer to assist. Ms. Leon Ms. Leon added that Northside Alive and Southside Tomorrow are two programs that are run through the City and Community Action that involve housing accessibility and affordability and other worthwhile community-building activities. These would be groups where anyone wanting to get involved could do so. President Colόn President Colόn encouraged those who witness reckless driving to report incidents to police. Enforcement begins with reporting. He also noted the report of some difficulties with the MyBethlehem app and asked who services that program. Business Administrator said this is provided by a vendor. He is not aware of many reports of malfunctions. It was suggested that those experiencing problems with the app could report them to the Service Center along with the concern that prompted use of the app. Ms. Laird said she experienced the same problem as Ms. Makhoul reported. It may be worth contacting the vendor to see if they can be fixed. 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Contract 2024 33 East Market Street Geophysical Survey PSA – Pennoni Associates Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 June 4, 2024 The Clerk read a May 28, 2024 memorandum with a proposed Resolution from Director of Water and Sewer Resources Edward Boscola. Mr. Boscola recommends a contract with Pennoni Associates, Inc. of Bethlehem which will conduct a geophysics study of a section of East Market Street between North New and Center Streets to explore sinkholes that have occurred over the years. The cost is $10,000. The estimated completion date is August 31, 2024. There are no renewals. This contractor provided the lowest of two bids received. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 A is on the agenda. B. DCED Business Manager – Contract 2024 34 Choice Neighborhoods Market Study – 4Ward Planning The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum and proposed Resolution from DCED Business Manager Tiffany Wismer. Ms. Wismer recommends a contract with 4Ward Planning of Philadelphia to conduct a market study and strategy for the Stefko-Pembroke neighborhood to evaluate the demand for affordable, market-rate rental and for-sale housing. The cost is $25,000, and the work is to be completed by December 31, 2025. There are no renewals. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. C. City Solicitor – Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement – COA and LCA – re: Interconnect Design-Construction The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum with an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement and a proposed Resolution from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. Mr. Spirk recommends entering into an Intermunicipal Water Service Agreement between the Lehigh County Authority, the City of Allentown, the Bethlehem Authority, and the City of Bethlehem. The agreement would permit design and construction of interconnects between the water systems in the event of emergencies arising for either water system. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. D. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 Independence Day Celebration The Clerk read a May 28, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the 2024 Independence Day Celebration. Event times are noon until 11 PM on July 4, 2024. The duration is noon until 11:30 PM on July 4, 2024. The specified premises is 1st Street from Polk Street to the eastern terminus; and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 One Earth Raggaefest The Clerk read a May 28, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the 2024 One Earth Reggaefest. The event date is July 6, 2024 from 2 PM until midnight. The Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 June 4, 2024 duration of the permit is from 10 AM on July 6 through 2 AM on July 7. The specified premises is 1st Street from Polk Street to the eastern terminus; and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. F. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 Sabor Latin Festival The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the 2024 Sabor Latin Festival. Event times are 6 PM until midnight on June 28 and 3 PM until midnight on June 29. The duration is noon on June 28 until 1 AM on June 29 and 1 PM on June 29 until 1 AM on June 30. The specified premises is 1st Street from Founders Way to the eastern terminus. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. G City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – Copa de America Watch Party The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the 2024 Copa de America Watch Party. The event times are 2 to 11 PM on June 23, 2024. The duration is noon until 11 PM on June 23, 2024. The specified premises is 1st Street from Founders Way to the eastern terminus. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. H. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Christmas City Spirits, LLC – Pride Party Palooza The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is Christmas City Spirits, LLC, and the SubPermittee is the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Bethlehem. The event is the Pride Party Palooza. Event times are 2-7 PM on June 23, 2024. The duration is noon to 8 PM on June 23. The specified premises are locations adjacent to the Sun Inn Courtyard as specified in an attached exhibit. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. I. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Request for Water Capital Transfer – Resolution The Clerk read a May 23, 2024 memorandum with attached Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, recommending a transfer of funds within the Water Capital Budget. $420,000 would be transferred from Account # 007A-771000 Future Capital Needs, to 007A-77002 Distribution Systems Extensions and 007A-77005 Replace/Rehab Distribution Systems to replace a 100-year-old water main in Freemansburg and extend a water main in East Allen Township for a new residential development. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 I is on the agenda. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 June 4, 2024 J. Director of Public Works – Non-Utility Capital – 2024 Street Overlay Transfer Request – UGI Funds – Ordinance The Clerk read a May 21, 2024 memorandum with a proposed Ordinance from Public Works Director Michael Alkhal recommending an addition of funds to the Non-Utility Capital Budget. The adjustment reflects $377,857 received from UGI to reimburse the City for road overlay costs for work performed in 2022. Spending in Account #69999-66058 will increase from $752,502 to $1,130,359 and Non-Utility Capital Revenue Account #006A-35001 UGI Paving Reimbursement will increase from $852,502 to $1,230,359. The adjustment will amend the total Non-Utility Capital Budget from $23,774,527 to $24,152,384. President Colόn stated that Ordinance 9 B is on the agenda. K. City Solicitor – Article 347 – Ordinance Amendment The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum and attached proposed Ordinance from Assistant City Solicitor Matthew Deschler. The Ordinance would amend Article 347 of the City’s Codified Ordinances to add to its Schedule of Fees a fee charged by Portnoff Law Associates for providing a guaranteed payoff amount as to any delinquent accounts. The fee would be charged to the person requesting the payoff amount, such as an individual seeking to purchase a property and inquiring if there are associated fee delinquencies. President Colόn stated that Ordinance 9 A is on the agenda. L. Director of Community and Economic Development – 2024 CDBG/HOME and Substantial Amendment – Public Hearing Requests The Clerk read a May 29, 2024 memorandum from Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins requesting that Public Hearings be set for June 18, 2024. The first is on funding recommendations to Council of $1,414,854 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $391,294 in HOME Investment Partnership Program allocations for 2024. The second is to consider proposed substantial amendment reallocations of CDBG/HOME funding to several new projects. President Colόn stated that he would accept a motion and a second to schedule Public Hearings for June 18, 2024 to consider the 2024 Program Year CDBG/HOME allocations and a proposed substantial amendment for reallocations of CDBG/HOME fund to several of the new projects. Ms. Kwiatek made a motion, seconded by Ms. Leon, to do so. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird and Mr. Colόn, 6. President Colόn announced that Public Hearings are scheduled for June 18, 2024. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council None. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 June 4, 2024 B. Mayor 7B1. Administrative Order – 2024-25 – Rodman Young – Board of Historical and Architectural Review Mayor Reynolds appointed Rodman Young to the Board of Historical and Architectural Review effective June 4, 2024 through March of 2029. Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-127 to confirm the appointment. Ms. Leon asked if the City has term limits for members serving on authorities, boards, and commissions. President Colόn knew that there are term lengths that would require re-appointment, but did not believe there is a maximum to the number of terms that may be served. Mayor Reynolds agreed. He believes that his office has had an approximate 50:50 ratio for reappointments and new appointments that result in cycling in some new members and ideas, retaining those with strong contributions, and replacing those whose circumstances have changed. He also said a lot of qualities and other factors determine the appointments. This includes expertise being brought to the position and whether that already exists on the board, geographic or professional balance, etc. Some of the boards have particular rules. These appointments are not always people who will go along with the Administration’s goals and objectives. He noted that Mr. Young spoke out against the recent Walnut Street Garage project but he offers many qualities that make him suitable for this appointment and he wants to be a part of City service. These decisions are not personal. Ms. Laird asked the procedure if a question is raised about why a person is appointed or not. Mayor Reynolds said he would be hesitant to make public why a candidate has not been chosen, other than the applicant if they ask. Sometimes it is a matter that one applicant is offering expertise that has been missing on a board and that value takes precedence over what another applicant has to offer. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Resolution passed. Updates Mayor Reynolds provided updates. A new mural was unveiled along the Greenway. The Pride flag was raised last week. The Portuguese flag will be raised on Saturday at 10 AM, and the Juneteenth flag ceremony will be at 3 PM on Sunday. On Friday, Chief Reich and the Mayor will attend graduation ceremony of seven City firefighters from the fire academy. Those firefighters will begin work next week. That afternoon, he will attend the police academy graduation along with Chief Kott. Four officers will be graduating and immediately joining the force. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 June 4, 2024 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE None. 9. NEW ORDINANCES A. Bill No. 17-2024 – Article 347 Amendments The Clerk read Bill No. 17-2024 Article 347 Amendments sponsored by Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 347 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, TITLED “MUNICIPAL CLAIMS FOR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS – SCHEDULE OF ATTORNEYS FEES TO BE ADDED” Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird and Mr. Colόn, 6. Bill No. 17-2024 passed on First Reading. B. Bill No. 18-2024 – Non-Utility Capital Fund – 2024 Street Overlay Transfer Request – UGI Funds The Clerk read Bill No. 18-2024 – Non-Utility Capital Fund – 2024 Street Overlay Transfer Request sponsored by Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2024 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES Ms. Crampsie Smith, as Finance Committee Chairwoman, said she spoke with Director of Budget and Finance Linnea Lazarchak about this transfer. She asked Mr. Evans for confirmation but believed this to be a simple transfer of unused funds from 2023 to be allocated for new projects. Mr. Evans agreed. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird and Mr. Colόn, 6. Bill No. 18-2024 passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution – Contract 2024 33 East Market Street Geophysical Survey PSA – Pennoni Associates Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-128 that authorized to all documents and agreements with Pennoni Associates, Inc. to perform a geophysical exploration of a portion of East Market Street. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 June 4, 2024 Ms. Laird asked if this action is related to the church and sinkholes. Several nodded yes. She asked how this action is coming about. Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, said this is due diligence by the City focusing on the public right-of-way including the sidewalks and the street along East Market Street between Center and New Streets. This is related to various sinkholes and water main breaks and the event involving flooding at the nearby church. He said the church is taking care of its property, and the City is reviewing what is in the public right-of-way. He noted that the church has filed a claim against the City. That gets handled by insurance and legal factors. This is part of the City’s due diligence to make sure that the right-of-way is safe and sound. If anything is found, repairs will be made. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked if this study will give complete answers. Mr. Boscola said answer the question of the soundness of the subsurface of the public right-of-way including the sidewalks and street. He believes the church did its own structural analysis of its property. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Resolution – Contract 2024 34 Choice Neighborhoods Market study – 4Ward Planning Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-129 that authorized to execute all documents and agreements with 4Ward Planning to conduct a market study and strategy for the Stefko-Pembroke neighborhood to evaluate the demand for affordable, market-rate rental and for-sale housing. Ms. Kwiatek asked whether these funds will be coming from the Choice Neighborhoods grant or if this is part of the City’s match. Mayor Reynolds said it will be a combination. Mr. Callahan asked if this study could also review Bayard Park for its usage and potential reuse. He is reluctant to take away park space, but he said this is never used. Only the playground gets used. Mayor Reynolds believes this area is included in the study. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked for the breakdown of how much will be covered by the grant and what amount the City must pay for this study. Ms. Collins said two accounts are shown. The $20,000 is a City match. The $5,000 is from the grant. The entire Choice Neighborhoods grant is $500,000 from HUD. Both the City and the Bethlehem Housing Authority had to provide $75,000 each. The $20,000 will be a portion of the $75,000 the City already has committed. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 June 4, 2024 Ms. Crampsie Smith believed the Opening Doors consultant was paid to provide a comprehensive study. She asked whether that data obtained was not relevant to this use. Ms. Collins said it is extremely relevant. Had the Opening Doors study not been conducted, this study would have had to have been more exhaustive and would have cost twice the $25,000. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Resolution – Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement – COA and LCA – Re: Interconnect Design-Construction Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-130 that authorized to execute an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Lehigh County Authority, the City of Allentown, the Bethlehem Authority, and the City of Bethlehem. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colόn, 6. The Resolution passed. Ms. Laird made a motion, seconded by Mr. Callahan, to consider Use Permit Agreement 10D through 10H as a group. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Motion passed. D. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 Independence Day Celebration Ms. Leon and Mr. Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-131 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2024 Independence Day Celebration. E. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 One Earth Raggaefest Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-132 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2024 One Earth Reggaefest. F. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 Sabor Latin Festival Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-133 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2024 Sabor Latin Festival. G Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2024 Copa de America Watch Party Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-134 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2024 Copa de America Watch Party. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 June 4, 2024 H. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Christmas City Spirits – Pride Party Palooza Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution No. 2024-135 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Christmas City Spirts, LLC for the Pride Party Palooza. Ms. Crampsie Smith questioned the Resolution that showed the purpose for the agreement as the “Vintage Market” while the agenda showed this agreement to be for the Pride Party Palooza. She wanted to be sure that there would not be an error or problem with this apparent discrepancy. It was concluded that there was a typographical error on the Resolution. Ms. Crampsie Smith made a motion, seconded by Ms. Laird, to amend the Resolution to show the purpose as being the Pride Party Palooza instead of the Vintage Market. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Motion to amend Resolution 10H passed. President Colόn next called for a vote to approve Resolutions 10D through 10H as a group. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Motion passed. I. Approve Resolution – Request for Water Capital Transfer Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution 2024-136 to transfer $420,000 within the Water Capital Budget from the Future Capital Needs account to the Distribution Systems Extensions and Replacement/Rehab Distribution Systems accounts to fund a water main replacement in Freemansburg and extend a water main in East Allen Township. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colόn, 6. The Resolution passed. J. Certificate of Appropriateness – HCC 2024.05#833 – 312 East Third Street Ms. Leon and Mr. Colόn sponsored Resolution 2024-137 to install a channel letter sign with the business logo and name. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colόn, 6. The Resolution passed. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 9:12 PM. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 14 June 4, 2024 ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk