City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL President Colón called the meeting to order. Present were Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Ms. Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 4; absent were Bryan G. Callahan, Colleen S. Laird, and Rachel Leon, 3. President Colón noted several absences. He said that Mr. Callahan stated at the last meeting that he would be attending a community-organized meeting about a housing plan. Ms. Leon is traveling. And Council congratulates Councilwoman Laird who recently delivered twins. CITATIONS: Two retirees were recognized for their service to the City. Warren W. Achey retired as Chief after 32 years of service to the Fire Department. Adam J. Orth retired as Lieutenant Inspector after 20 years of service to the Fire Department. Citations will be mailed to both. PUBLIC HEARINGS: President Colόn stated prior to the consideration of the regular Agenda items, City Council will conduct two Public Hearings: The First Public Hearing is to review DCED’s 2024 CDBG/HOME funding recommendations. The Second Public Hearing is to review DCED’s proposed substantial reallocations of CDBG/HOME funds to several new projects. The Clerk read a June 12, 2024 memorandum from Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, submitting materials for review by City Council during this evening’s Public Hearing for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program allocations. For Program Year 2024, the City will receive $1,415,213 in CDBG funds and $391,294 in HOME money. Public Hearing No. 1 President Colόn called the First Public Hearing to order and stated he will recognize Robert Vidoni, DCED’s Housing and Community Development Administrator, to make a presentation and then accept Council questions and public comment on 2024 CDBG/HOME funding recommendations. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 June 18, 2024 Mr. Vidoni outlined the 16 CDBG projects totaling $1,415,213 being recommended for approval. They are as follows: 1. City Program Administration and Planning - $283,043; 2. Community Action Development Lehigh Valley - $50,000; 3. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, Inc. $70,000; (through separate CDBG-CV funding under a previous substantial amendment); 4. Hogar CREA International of Pennsylvania, Inc. - $30,000; 5. ShareCare Faith in Action - $10,000; 6. Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley (HCLV) - $20,000; 7. New Bethany Ministries - $61,280; 8. YWCA Bethlehem – $15,000; 9. Center for Humanistic Change (CHC) - $26,000; 10. Community Action Lehigh Valley - $66,000; 11. Community Action Development Lehigh Valley - $274,000; 12. Housing Rehab Grants and Loans - $130,000; 13. Housing Rehab Program Delivery - $130,000; 14. City DCED Homeless Shelter (HOME-ARP) Acquisition - $100,000; 15. City DCED Friendship Park Improvements - $319,890; and 16. City Tree Installations w/ or w/o Other Improvements - $5,000. There were 18 external CDBG funding applications, 15 of which were funded. Unfunded requests are urged to apply again in 2025. The amount of public service requests is capped at 15 percent (about $212,000), which is a significant limitation placed on the program. The City received more than $700,000 in public service requests. Recommended HOME-funded (a type of affordable housing funding) projects are as follows: 1. City HOME Program Administration and Planning - $39,129; 2. Community Action Lehigh Valley - $58,694; 3. Housing Rehabilitation (acquisition/rehab/resale) - $40,000; 4. City of Bethlehem - $153,471; and 5. Community Action Lehigh Valley - $100,000. Council Questions Ms. Crampsie Smith noted funding for No. 14, the homeless shelter acquisition. She asked the status of this purchase. Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, said that more than one site is being evaluated by architects and engineers. Because real estate transactions are involved, she was not at liberty to offer more specifics. She has been conferring almost weekly with service providers. Ms. Crampsie Smith, noting other money being allocated, asked if the money in Project 15, Friendship Park, would be the last of the planned renovations. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 June 18, 2024 Ms. Collins believed this is the last. Other funding has been received from the state and federal governments. Engineering for the project is being done, and the bid package will be prepared. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked if there is data on Friendship Park prior to the renovations. Ms. Collins did not believe this exists. She said the renovation project was chosen because it was identified in the Northside 2027 which was conducted in 2017. A grant was recently received to do a park study citywide. This will be a broad look at need, equity and other factors to prioritize future upgrades. She noted that one of the Friendship Park components will be a water feature. This is important because there is no nearby public swimming pool. This is expected to make Friendship Park a destination park for more than just neighbors. Ms. Crampsie Smith said she was just making certain that upgrade throughout the City are equitable and that anticipated usage would justify the cost. Ms. Wilhelm appreciated that it was noted that the City “walks applicants through” the process and attempts to match them with an appropriate funding source whether that is CDBG money or diverting them to more appropriate funding so that the CDBG money can be used by another organization. President Colόn asked if this year’s CDBG and HOME funding totals are about average. Mr. Vidoni said the CDBG money stays about the same. HOME funding at $391,294 represents a decrease of about $68,000. He could not predict whether this is a trend or what next year’s allocation might be. President Colόn also asked about No. 3, Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, Inc. Mr. Vidoni said this is the last CDBG-CV funding, which was under the CARES Act funding. Public Comment Resident Hibah Akbar asked about No. 5, ShareCare Faith in Action. She asked if Mr. Vidoni had contacts and more information about the inpatient treatment for women. President Colόn suggested that Mr. Vidoni could offer information to her after the meeting. President Colόn stated that a Resolution will be placed on Council’s July 2, 2024 meeting. He adjourned the First Public Hearing at 7:36 PM. The Clerk read a June 12, 2024 memorandum from Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, submitting materials for review by City Council during this evening’s Public Hearing for the Substantial Amendment Hearing to reallocate prior-year CDBG and HOME funds to newly-proposed CDBG and HOME projects. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 June 18, 2024 Public Hearing No. 2 President Colόn called the Second Public Hearing to order and stated that he will recognize Mr. Vidoni to make a presentation and then accept Council questions and public comment on DCED’s proposed substantial amendment reallocations of CDBG/HOME funds to several new projects. Mr. Vidoni explained that trying to plan projects from year to year and receiving actual funding from HUD with delay makes precision budgeting impossible. For this reason, substantial amendments are permitted. None of the proposed reallocations would take away funding for existing allocations to other organizations. The following are recommended: 1. Holy Family Senior Living for 81 air conditions reallocating $250,000; 2. Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramp (54 ramps) installations reallocating $350,000; 3. Deletion of Broad Street Corridor Improvements reallocating $350,000 that can be funded through a different source; and 4. Funding for two Habitat for Humanity homes at up to $99,000 each and associated with the HOME program. Council Questions Ms. Crampsie Smith asked about the Habitat for Humanity homes. She noted the minimum 15-year periods in which they must remain affordable housing. She asked what would happen after that. Mr. Vidoni said it would remain affordable longer than that. A homeowner would have to repay the money if he wanted to sell the home. Public Comment Resident Eddie Rodriguez said he is a resident of Holy Family Apartments and asked if he will receive one of the new air conditioners. President Colόn said Mr. Vidoni could supply that information afterward. Mr. Rodriguez said the answer should be brief and straightforward and did not understand why the answer could not be supplied immediately. He also said his apartment was poorly constructed and maintenance is poor. President Colόn said this Public Hearing is for the allocations to the organizations. It is not about matters of maintenance or construction concerns other than, in this case, the funded air conditioners. Anything about potential code violations should be handled through other channels. Resident Harry Faber asked where the supporting documentation can be found for the projects being discussed tonight. President Colόn believed that materials for these Public Hearings were posted on the City’s website along with the rest of the items for this evening’s Council meeting. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 June 18, 2024 Mr. Faber asked if the two Habitat for Humanity homes would be sold to individuals at affordable housing rates. Would they be rental properties? He wanted to be sure that these units remain affordable housing. President Colόn explained the process and that tonight’s hearings are an annual activity to review CDBG and HOME funding received. Mr. Faber agreed with Mr. Rodriguez that he favors a “back-and-forth” exchange to receive answers rather than just consulting with City staff after meetings. Ms. Collins offered to answer the questions raised tonight if President Colόn would allow. Ms. Collins said that tonight’s action involving Holy Family Manor concerns air conditioners. She does not know whether Mr. Rodriguez’s air conditioner is scheduled for replacement. She said this hearing was not set to discuss code violations which may exist, but if Mr. Rodriguez wished to pursue those, he could contact DCED and the code enforcement or housing inspections offices. Mr. Vidoni clarified that the Habitat units would not be rented. The conditions of the funding are that they must be single-family, owned homes. Other requirements would necessitate a payback of funds if the homeowner chose to sell. The purpose is not to create market rate homes. Ms. Collins also answer Ms. Akbar’s question about Hogar Crea, stating it is a women’s treatment facility and is the first bilingual inpatient recovery facility in the area. President Colόn said another Resolution specific to this hearing will be placed on the July 2, 2024 meeting. He adjourned the First Public Hearing at 7:59 PM. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 4, 2024 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Dirt Bikes/Fireworks/Late Utility Fees Resident Mary Jo Makoul noted that Allentown has confiscated many motor bikes as a result of crackdowns on illegal dirt bike related infractions. She asked why Bethlehem has not made the same efforts. She called for more police presence in areas of known activity. She also asked for more police patrols to curb the use of fireworks. Ms. Makoul additionally questioned why she had only five days between when she received her water and sewer bill and the due date. She said a late fee would be unfair to her and others. She wondered whether others have experienced this and complained. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 June 18, 2024 Police Efforts Officer Robert Nichelson reported on some recent police achievements including officer of the year awards in certain areas. He also mentioned business-supported activities to promote community engagement including trading cards of officers. Officer Nichelson added that City police will host the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police 48th Biennial Conference in July. Tree Trimming Resident Arthur Curatola said he reported to police that the Bethlehem Parking Authority was responsible for cutting branches from his mulberry tree. The cut area extended onto his property. He was not consulted or otherwise notified. Questions Meeting Conflict Resident James Follweiler noted the meeting being held tonight at the same time as this one regarding a potential housing plan being proposed on the First Presbyterian Church property. He said the group Bethlehem for Unique Neighborhoods sprang up to fight against this unpopular housing proposal. Members have also noticed other programs and proposals by the Mayor and Administration that are undesirable including the proposed zoning change of density, alley houses, and some other suggestions made in the Opening Doors initiative. Many oppose increasing the density and believe it would destroy the uniqueness of the neighborhoods. Mr. Follweiler was suspicious as to why the neighborhood meeting was scheduled the same night as a Council meeting. He believed that the Administration did not want Council to attend the neighborhood meeting. He added that he would oppose increasing the density in the affected area. Too Many Consultants/Dialogue Needed Resident Stephen Antalics said that he and others believe that the Administration is relying on an excessive number of consultants to conduct the City’s business. This can be costly and may not yield good intimate knowledge of the City. He additionally asked whether those who are in charge of certain City functions have proper knowledge of the tasks at hand. He used the example that several consultants were hired on various occasions to try to divert traffic around Five Points. All failed, he asserted, because they did not have intimate knowledge of factors that would fix the problem. Mr. Antalics additionally commented that past councils listened to residents and engaged in dialogue to solve problems rather than just allowing residents to speak without answers or the exchange of ideas. Collaboration Needed Resident Harry Faber suggested that no one has all of the answers. Collaboration will achieve much more. He believes more of a dialogue is needed rather than just speaking at one another. He suggested holding occasional workshop sessions to discuss problems and solutions. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 June 18, 2024 Seeking Engagement Resident Jordan Bold agreed with the previous speakers who said there is not actual engagement between the public and Council members. Respect/Motor Bikes/Mural Resident Eddie Rodriguez encouraged audience members to be respectful when speaking before Council. He also asked Police Chief Michelle Kott for further investigation with motor bike activity on Stefko Boulevard and Linden Street. They are noisy and driving unsafe. Mr. Rodriguez also believes the mural in Yosko Park should be removed. He said that one person who painted it has a criminal background and believed this to be inappropriate. He also said he has learned that there is garbage in the area of Cherokee Street, as was discussed some weeks ago. B. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) None. 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 5. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Kwiatek Ms. Kwiatek followed up on some questions asked by the audience. She asked Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, whether there was a delay in sending the most recent water and sewer bills. Mr. Boscola said he was not aware of any, but he would check. Everyone is on a “rolling quarter,” meaning that not all bills are sent at the same time. Ms. Kwiatek asked Chief Kott for an update on efforts to curb problems with dirt bikes. The Chief said there are active efforts with the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office as well as the City Solicitor’s Office. She will be asking Councilwoman Rachel Leon in the near future to arrange a Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss a proposed new Ordinance being drafted to help address this issue. Chief Kott noted that a new state law has been enacted making it easier to seize dirt bikes involved in nuisance activities. Enactment of a local Ordinance would strengthen enforcement. She added that some local municipalities have found additional success related to gas stations where riders are fueling. She believes these efforts will make an impact. Ms. Kwiatek also addressed some comments made tonight about conflicting meetings and housing. There have been several meetings on this subject and there will be more. She believes the information for making an informed choice is getting through. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 June 18, 2024 Ms. Crampsie Smith Ms. Crampsie Smith thanked Chief Kott for working on the dirt bike problem and believed all is being done that can be, but she noted that Allentown received assistance on the same issue from the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit. She wondered if this is a possibility for Bethlehem. The Chief believes the “volume of the problem” is different in Bethlehem. The problem is far worse in Allentown. It is a big request for assistance from the Aviation Unit. It could be explored if the problem persists, but she believes that measures previously discussed will make a difference. Ms. Crampsie Smith next addressed the matter of the use of consultants. She did not vote to hire the consultant associated with Opening Doors because she believes the City uses consultants too much. She would like to see the money more directly used for the people it is intended to help through direct services. She added that there have been numerous meetings on housing, but she could not think of one that conflicted with a Council meeting. She said she was torn as to which meeting to attend. She wanted on the record that when similar meetings are held, that they not conflict with Council meetings. She was “not convinced” that this conflict in meeting times was not deliberate. President Colόn President Colόn asked Mr. Boscola if a grace period exists for payment of utility bills, noting that factors exist including a third-party biller and delivery by the United States Postal Service. Mr. Boscola said the City uses discretion to determine whether late fees would be waived on a case-by-case basis. 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Chief of Police – Musikfest 2024 Special Event Parking Resolution Memo The Clerk read a June 5, 2024 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Police Chief Michelle Kott regarding Special Event Parking during Musikfest 2024. The time period will be from 12 PM on Friday, August 2 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 11. Northside and Southside provisions are proposed and are detailed on a map that is attached as an exhibit. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 A is on the agenda. B. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – 2024 06 Main Street Freemansburg Water Main Replacement The Clerk read a June 11, 2024 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources. Mr. Boscola recommends a contract with Joao & Bradley Construction Co., Inc. of Bethlehem to provide labor and materials to replace the City- owned 100-year-old 8-inch water main on Main Street in Freemanburg. The cost is $846,790, and the work is to be completed within 60 days of the Notice to Proceed. There are no renewals. The contractor’s bid was the lowest responsible among four bids received. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 June 18, 2024 President Colón stated that Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. C. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – LV Grace Brethren – Bible Reading Marathon The Clerk read a June 11, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is the Lehigh Valley Grace Brethren Church and the event is a Bible Reading Marathon. Event times are noon to 9 PM August 2 through 11th. The duration is noon until 11 AM to 9:15 PM August 2 through August 11. The specified premises is a portion of Johnston Park along Old York Road immediately prior to the footbridge, as shown on an attached exhibit. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. D. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – NAM Knights – 2024 Vet Fest The Clerk read a June 11, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is the NAM Knights Motorcycle Club and the Subpermittee is ArtsQuest. The event is the 2024 Vet Fest. Event times are 11 AM to 5 PM on both July 13 and 14. The duration is 8 AM until 7 PM on both July 13 and 14. The specified premises is 1st Street from Founders Way to the eastern terminus. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Christmas City Spirits, LLC – Blueberry Bounce Launch Party The Clerk read a June 11, 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 Sub-permittee is the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Bethlehem. The event is the Blueberry Bounce Launch Party. The event time is 11 AM until 4 PM on July 20. The duration of the permit is from 9 AM to 5 PM on July 20. The specified premises are locations in and adjacent to the Sun Inn Courtyard as specified in an attached exhibit. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. F. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Bethlehem Star Lodge 20 – FOP Conference Entertainment – Sun Inn Courtyard The Clerk read a June 12, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 with Subpermittees being the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Bethlehem and Christmas City Spirits, LLC. The event is the 48th Biennial FOP Conference Entertainment Event at the Sun Inn Courtyard. Event times are 5-9 PM on July 15. The duration will be 4-10 PM on July 15. The specified premises are locations in and adjacent to the Sun Inn Courtyard as specified in an attached exhibit. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 June 18, 2024 G City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Bethlehem Star Lodge 20 – FOP Conference Entertainment – Steel Pub The Clerk read June 12, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is Bethlehem Star Lodge #20, and the Subpermittee is Steel Pub, LLC. The event times are 5-9 PM on July 16. The duration is 3- 11 PM on July 16. The specified premises is 1st Street from Polk Street to immediately before the entrance to the Steel Ice Parking Lot. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. H. City Solicitor – Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement – BASD/Bethlehem Police Dept. – BusPatrol The Clerk read a June 12, 2024 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Resolution and Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Bethlehem Area School District and the City of Bethlehem Police Department. The Agreement authorizes City police to enforce violations captured by BusPatrol cameras of motorists passing stopped Bethlehem Area School District buses. President Colόn stated that Resolution 10 H is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council 7A1. Councilmanic Appointment – Nicole Gencarelli – Bethlehem Area Public Library Board President Colόn appointed Nicole Gencarelli to the Bethlehem Area Public Library Board effective June 18, 2024 through January of 2027. Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-138 to confirm the appointment. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. Resolution passed. B. Mayor Business Administrator Eric Evans provided the Mayor’s Report in Mayor Reynolds’ absence. The Mayor attended an awards ceremony on Thursday to recognize the achievements of the City’s Police Department. It was also reported that seven cadets graduated from the Allentown Fire Academy and have joined the Fire Department. Meanwhile, four recruits graduated from the police academy and have joined the Police Department. Recruiting efforts continue. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE A. Bill No. 17-2024 – Article 347 Amendments Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 June 18, 2024 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. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colόn, 4. Bill No. 17-2024, now known as Ordinance 2024-18, passed on Final 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 Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colόn, 4. Bill No. 18-2024, now known as Ordinance 2024-19, passed on Final Reading. 9. NEW ORDINANCES None. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution – Musikfest 2024 Special Event Parking Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-139 that authorized that during the period 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 2, 2024 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024, and in connection with the 2024 Musikfest festival, all violations of the provisions of Article 531, Parking Generally, and the subsections specified in the Resolution shall carry the modified fines as specified in the Resolution. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Resolution – Contract 2024 06 Main Street – Freemansburg Water Main Replacement Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 June 18, 2024 Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-140 that authorized to execute all documents and agreements with Joao & Bradley Construction Co., Inc. to install a water main in Freemansburg. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Lehigh Valley Grace Brethren Church – Bible Reading Marathon Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-141 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Lehigh Valley Grace Brethren Church for a Bible Reading Marathon. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Use Permit Agreement – NAM Knights – 2024 Vet Fest Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-142 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with the NAM Knights for the 2024 Vet Fest. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Christmas City Spirits, LLC – Blueberry Bounce Launch Party Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-143 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Christmas City Spirits, LLC for the Blueberry Bounce Launch Party. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. F. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Bethlehem Star Lodge 20 – FOP Conference Entertainment at the Sun Inn Courtyard Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-144 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 for the 48th Biennial FOP Conference Entertainment Event at Sun Inn Courtyard. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. G Approve Use Permit Agreement – Bethlehem Star Lodge 20 – FOP Conference Entertainment at Steel Pub. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 June 18, 2024 Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2024-145 that authorized and directed to execute a Use Permit Agreement with Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 for the 48th Biennial FOP Conference Entertainment Event at Steel Pub. President Colόn could not recall having the number of Use Permit Agreements agenda after agenda indicating the number of events and the use of City facilities. This includes statewide events, such as the FOP events, that are bringing people to Bethlehem. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colón, 4. The Resolution passed. H. Approve Resolution – Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement – BASD/Bethlehem Police Department -- BusPatrol Ms. Leon and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution 2024-146 that authorized to execute an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Bethlehem Area School District and the City of Bethlehem Police Department to provide school bus safety law enforcement. Ms. Kwiatek asked for clarification on the Agreement. Chief Kott stated that the BusPatrol has been used to capture violations on videotape. City officers review the footage. If there is a violation, City police will issue citations. A prior Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement was in place; however, a new Agreement was sought because of new state legislation. The previous law was vague. Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, and Mr. Colόn, 4. The Resolution passed. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 9:06 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk