City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – 7:00 PM PLEDGE TO THE FLAG 1. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by President Michael G. Colón. Present were Bryan G. Callahan, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Colleen Laird, Rachel Leon, Kiera Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 6; Absent was Grace Crampsie Smith, 1. CITATIONS One retiree was recognized for his service to the City. Fred Davis served the City for 23 years in various departments, retiring from the Streets Bureau. His Citation will be mailed. PUBLIC HEARING: President Colόn stated that prior to the consideration of the regular Agenda items, City Council will conduct a Public Hearing to review significant proposed amendments to the City’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, commonly known as SALDO. He asked the Clerk to read two related Communications, agenda Items 6 A and 6 B. The Clerk read a July 10, 2025 memorandum (Item 6 A) and proposed Ordinance from Craig Peiffer, Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning, advising that the Bethlehem Planning Commission voted 4-0 on April 10 in favor of recommending to City Council the adoption of the updated Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance which is the subject of this Public Hearing tonight. The Clerk also read a June 24, 2025 correspondence (Item 6 B) from Jillian Seitz, Chief Community Planner with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, offering a staff review of the draft amended SALDO. In summary, the letter states: “Overall, the City’s updated Subdivision and Land Ordinance is clear, concise, and supports current-day best practices for regulating subdivision and land development design and submission processes.” President Colón called the Public Hearing to Order and said he would recognize a member of the Administration to discuss the proposed revisions to the SALDO. Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, said the SALDO is a companion ordinance to the Zoning Ordinance and Historic ordinances. The SALDO outlines the processes that must be followed to develop land and regulates how a property’s use fits into the bigger picture of surrounding development including streets, pedestrian access, stormwater management, and traffic. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 July 15, 2025 Next, Cathy Fletcher, Director of Planning and Zoning, said Bethlehem’s existing SALDO was adopted in 1975. Minor changes have been made since then, but the draft before Council would be the first comprehensive update. Review began by the City Planning Commission in October of 2021. This draft also has been reviewed by the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) as well as the City’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Some updated features include that all traffic studies must include documentation of all nearby transit routes and bus stops and if street trees are involved, they must be approved by the City Forester. Changes also would clarify and simplify procedures especially for lot mergers. The amended SALDO also now formally includes LANTA and EAC reviews as part of the approval process. Mr. Peiffer outlined five key updates: 1. The amended ordinance incorporates the City’s Climate Action Plan goals and objectives, including less impervious surfaces, green stormwater design, more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly streets and sidewalks, narrower streets, and clearer landscaping requirements; 2. Formally include LANTA and the EAC in the plan review process; 3. Clarify our current procedures for submission, classification, and review of Major and Minor land development and subdivision plans; 4. Simplify lot consolidation plan procedures; and 5. Incorporate site layout and design standards into the document for certain commercial and core areas of the City. Council Comment Ms. Wilhelm asked what the role will be of the EAC. Mr. Peiffer said the updated SALDO will formalize a review by the EAC. They are currently in an advisory role. Ms. Wilhelm asked whether more stringent standards will require additional staff for enforcement. Mr. Peiffer clarified Ms. Wilhelm’s meaning of “enforcement” to suggest that she means follow-up to ensure that promises are kept. There are eight review stops including the Zoning Officer and inspectors. At milestone stages of a project, someone representing any of the eight review stops inspects the project to ensure compliance. That is inherent in the process now and will continue. The amended SALDO may require some different aspects which will be considered in these inspections. Ms. Collins said that it is true that there has not been a comprehensive SALDO update since the 1975 inception of the plan, but some elements have been added informally along the way to City processes such as climate considerations. This amendment will “properly memorialize” these processes. Ms. Kwiatek asked about a provision in which developers shall submit a preliminary architectural sketch or elevation plans of the front façade and a description of the building materials. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 July 15, 2025 Mr. Peiffer said this requirement previously was included in the Zoning Ordinance but was more properly moved to the SALDO. He said builders tend to appreciate the City’s review and comments but they are not bound to follow the recommendations. Ms. Laird asked which plans would be affected by the amended SALDO ordinance. Assistant City Solicitor Matthew Deschler said that any plan that is filed prior to passage of the ordinance could be governed by the old ordinance. However, if not completed, a developer could seek to take advantage of elements in the new ordinance that might be more favorable to their project once the ordinance is enacted. Public Comment Resident Harry Faber lamented that this ordinance does nothing to prevent rent increases or evictions. There are no community land trusts or rent control mechanisms, leaving working people vulnerable to displacement. He also believed the environmental controls to be weak, noting that the green stormwater design guidelines are voluntary and can be ignored by developers seeking to maximize profits at the expense of public health. Mr. Faber also anticipated arguments that strict housing regulations increase housing costs. He argued that the real barrier to housing is not regulations but profit. Resident Bud Hackett said he cannot determine from the draft SALDO what the changes are compared to the existing ordinance. This being the case, he does not know what the motivations were for the proposed changes. Consequently, he does not understand what the impact would be. He also did not realize that the City Planning Commission had been working on changes for three years. Resident William Scheirer questioned how thoroughly the Planning Commission reviewed this ordinance. The last Zoning Ordinance update also was received unanimous recommendation from Planners and with little or no changes or comments. Mr. Scheirer also believed under the “purpose” section on Page 6 that “neighborhood” should be added to emphasize the importance of the effect on the listed groups. Resident Joseph Poplawski believes that many of the proposed changes represent progress. But he asked Council as it contemplates individual sections to ask whether all regulations are helpful and necessary. Every added step or requirement raises the cost to develop property which is having an impact on our affordable housing crisis. Resident Michael O’Hare questioned the review process. He believes that many do not know that changes are contemplated. He saw the legal ad in the Bethlehem Press for this Public Hearing but he believes many are unaware. He asked whether additional sources were used to publicize the process, such as the City’s website and newsletter. He also was surprised that the process has been underway for several years but he only first heard about it two weeks ago. Mr. O’Hare also remarked at how different the draft is from the existing SALDO. He also predicted that Climate Action Plan-related aspects would add development costs that will be passed on to homeowners, which would only add to the affordable housing crisis. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 July 15, 2025 Resident Francis Cuna also was concerned about the affordable housing situation and asked Council to consider the costs that new elements of the ordinance might add to housing and rental prices. Resident Arthur Curatola agrees there is an affordable housing problem but he attributed that to developers “sticking together” on pricing and paying too much for their materials and labor. He suggested employing homeless people to provide some of the labor to bring the costs down for developments that they could eventually live in. President Colόn stated that a proposed Ordinance will be placed on Council’s August 5 meeting agenda for First Reading. He adjourned the Public Hearing at 8:16 PM. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 1, 2025 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Successful Farmers’ Market Mary Talouse thanked Council on behalf of the Mount Airy Neighborhood Association for its support of the 2025 Rose Garden Farmers’ Market. She reported considerable success and growth. She suggested proving an easier application process for vendors, however. Disincentivize Excessive Force Resident Arthur Curatola urged Council to encourage lawmakers to reduce grant funding for police forces that have instances of using excessive force. He said his civil rights recently were violated by police in New Jersey. State and federal funding should be cut for such departments. Water Meters Resident Mark Will-Weber predicted when he last attended in April that some residents would receive high water bills because the City is not using a feature of the smart meter that more quickly notifies of irregular high water usage. He is aware of a woman who was charged for using 26,000 gallons for a quarter compared to her typical 5,000- or 6,000-gallon quarterly use. This is unfair because the City chooses the meter and what features it will use. Mr. Will- Weber recommended the use of AquaHawk to alert of irregular water usage from leaks and similar problems. Unprecedented Times Resident Harry Faber said he has joined the Lehigh Valley Emergency Response Network, which has a hotline to report raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 July 15, 2025 Enforcement. This is a tool for education and communication. Mr. Faber also disagreed with President Colón’s good intentions stated last meeting in which he called for civility and decorum at Council meetings. Mr. Faber said these are unprecedented times and it is understandable that the working class, in particular, would be outraged by “the horrors going on as a direct result of the American government.” Maintain the “Feel” of Bethlehem Resident Mike Stauffer began with a compliment to the Bethlehem Police Department. He also spoke about the general atmosphere of the City. He recalled moving to the Lehigh Valley years ago and traveling from Allentown to Easton. Allentown had the big city feel and Easton was similar. But he recalled there was a different feeling when he first drove through Bethlehem. There was more of a sense of calm. It felt like a town. Mr. Stauffer said this is an atmosphere that he appreciates, and he would like to see it continue. He knows that many others appreciate this atmosphere as well. While he does not want to exclude types of people, he warned that cramming too many people into the City would spoil the atmosphere that makes Bethlehem special. He does not want to see it become a metropolis. Maintain the Character Resident William Scheirer strongly agreed with Mr. Stauffer’s sentiments. Mr. Scheirer said this is what he has been talking about. Bethlehem has a very distinct and desirable character, but we are in danger of losing it through overdevelopment. He repeated a question that he has asked at a previous meeting: “Where it is written that Bethlehem must make room for more people just because they want to move here?” Bethlehem already is changing. It has been said that the South Side already is gone. It is starting to happen to the West Side and the North Side. He believes remaining space could be used for affordable housing. Silence is not Golden Resident Stephen Antalics noted that the definition of “protest” is a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent. He noted the recent protest activities at Council meetings, mostly consisting of youths. This was viewed by Council as a negative force. Instead of supporting this initiative, some on Council wanted to limit the opportunities for free speech. He metaphorically likened Council’s response to the social activism to the film “Silence of the Lambs.” 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 Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 July 15, 2025 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Rescheduled Time for August 5, 2025 City Council Meeting President Colόn stated he would accept a motion and a second to reschedule the time of the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 to 5:30 PM, instead of 7:00 PM, since the meeting occurs during the week of Musikfest. Ms. Kwiatek made a motion, seconded by Ms. Wilhelm, to reschedule the starting time of Council’s August 6 regular meeting to 5:30 PM. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colόn, 6. The Motion passed. President Colón also responded to an earlier belief that the draft SALDO ordinance was not available on the City’s website, stating that the document was posted on Friday along with the rest of this meetings materials. Solicitor Stephanie Steward added that hearings are advertised in accordance with statutory requirements. Mr. Callahan Mr. Callahan said that the Larken Company provided a presentation at the Bethlehem Parking Authority a few weeks ago and stated that they will be building 108 residential units in the so-called “white box” portion of the Walnut Street Garage, which is currently being rebuilt. He noted that their website says they will be building 122. He asked Ms. Collins which is correct. Ms. Collins thought the most recent draft called for closer to 100 units. The first public presentation is scheduled for August 13 at the Historic Architectural Review Board meeting. Mr. Callahan also addressed a Catch-22 situation of keeping Bethlehem similar to its size of today versus allowing more development. It deals with housing prices and supply and demand. He believes that adding to the supply will bring down the cost of ownership and rent prices. Ms. Wilhelm Ms. Wilhelm congratulated Ms. Talouse and the Mount Airy Neighborhood Association for their growing success on the Rose Garden Farmers’ Market. Ms. Leon Ms. Leon observed that Mr. Will-Weber made some interesting points about water metering that she would like to further investigate. She thanked Director of Water and Sewer Resources Edward Boscola for the department’s assistance given to a Bethlehem business owner in handling a recent problem. 6. COMMUNICATIONS Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 July 15, 2025 C. Chief of Police – Memo – Musikfest 2025 Special Event Parking The Clerk read a June 26, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Police Chief Michelle Kott regarding Special Event Parking during Musikfest 2025. The time period will be from 12 PM on Friday, August 1 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 10. Northside and Southside provisions are proposed and are detailed on a map that is attached as an exhibit. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. D. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Bradbury Sullivan – 2025 Lehigh Valley Pride The Clerk read a July 9, 2025 memorandum from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center, and the Sub-Permittee is ArtsQuest. The activity is the 2025 Lehigh Valley Pride festival, and it will take place from 2 until 7 PM on August 17. The permit duration will be from 9 AM until midnight on the same date. The premises will be 1st Street from Polk Street to the eastern terminus; and Founders Way between 1st and 2nd Streets. President Colón said Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – PA DCED Emergency Solutions Grant The Clerk read a July 9, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Lori Gilio, Grants Administrator for Community and Economic Development. Ms. Gilio seeks authorization to apply for an Emergency Solutions grant for up to $1.5 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on behalf of the Lehigh Valley’s homelessness service providers who are represented by the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board. The City would serve as a pass-through for this money, which may be used for activities such as rapid rehousing, homeless prevention, and emergency sheltering. President Colón said Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. F. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – Multimodal Transportation Fund – Guetter Street Sidewalks and ADA Ramps Grant The Clerk read a July 9, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Lori Gilio, Grants Administrator for Community and Economic Development. Ms. Gilio seeks authorization to apply for a grant through the Multimodal Transportation Fund ranging from $100,000 to $3 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The request includes funds to improve the sidewalks on Guetter Street, repair the roadway, and update the ADA ramps. President Colón said Resolution 10 F is on the agenda. G. City Solicitor – Commonwealth of PA, PennDOT – Nonexclusive Video Sharing License Agreement Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 July 15, 2025 The Clerk read a July 9, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from City Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. The memorandum recommends a Nonexclusive Video Sharing License Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The agreement would allow the Department of Transportation to share video and images from its traffic cameras with the City under specified terms and conditions. President Colón said Resolution 10 G is on the agenda. H. Director of Community and Economic Development – DCED/HUD Memo – 2025 CDBG/HOME – Annual Action Plan-CP – Program Year 2025 The Clerk read a July 9, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, seeking authorization to submit the 2025 Annual Action Plan/Five-Year Consolidated Plan and proposed CDBG and HOME allocations to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These documents were reviewed during a June 3 Public Hearing held by DCED and a July 1 Public Hearing held by City Council. President Colón said Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council None. B. Mayor Business Manager Eric Evans had nothing to report on behalf of Mayor Reynolds. C. Committee Chairs Ms. Kwiatek, Acting Chair – Finance Committee Ms. Kwiatek reported that the Finance Committee met earlier this evening at 6 PM to discuss six proposed budget adjustments. The committee voted to advance the six associated proposed Ordinances to Council’s agenda tonight. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE None. 9. NEW ORDINANCES 9A. Bill No. 33-2025 – LSA – Gateway on 4th – Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital Fund Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 July 15, 2025 The Clerk read Bill No. 33-2025 – LSA – Gateway on 4th – Non-Utility Capital Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2025 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES Ms. Kwiatek explained that this money came from the Local Share grants from Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties and will be used toward the Gateway on 4th project for affordable housing. Ms. Leon pointed out that there are few controls that local government has when it comes to affordable housing. It cannot control rent amounts for example. But it can apply for grants and apply those funds toward building affordable housing. This is an area where City Council can make a difference. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 33-2025 passed on First Reading. 9B. Bill No. 34-2025 – Rose Garden – Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 34-2025 – Rose Garden – Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE 2025 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES Ms. Kwiatek explained that this involves a $50,000 grant that will be used for Rose Garden improvements including upgrading lighting, asphalt pathways, and litter receptacles. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 34-2025 passed on First Reading. 9C. Bill No. 35-2025 – PADCED – Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – Budget Adjustment – General Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 35-2025 – PA DCED – Emergency Solutions (ESG) Budget Adjustment – General Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2025. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 July 15, 2025 Ms. Kwiatek explained that this action involves moving money from one account to another. This is a matter of accounting. There is no new money or expenditure. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 35-2025 passed on First Reading. 9D. Bill No. 36-2025 – Health Bureau – Other Expenses Account – Budget Adjustment – General Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 36-2025 – Health Bureau – Other Expenses Account – Budget Adjustment – General Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2025. Ms. Kwiatek said the City is required to have a certified on-lot sewer inspector on staff. The employee who previously held this certification no longer works for the City. New employees are being trained, but this adjustment moves money to pay an outside engineering firm to temporarily perform these duties. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 36-2025 passed on First Reading. 9E. Bill No. 37-2025 – PADCED – Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – Budget Adjustment – Community Development Block Grant Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 37-2025 – PA DCED – Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – Budget Adjustment – Community Development Block Grant Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET FOR 2025. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 37-2025 passed on First Reading. 9F. Bill No. 38-2025 – CDBG and HOME – Budget Adjustment – Community Development Block Grant Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 38-2025 – CDBG and HOME – Budget Adjustment – Community Development Block Grant Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek, and titled: Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 July 15, 2025 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET FOR 2025. Ms. Kwiatek said this is the result of leftover money that resulted from an underbid for work at Friendship Park. The savings will be used for other purposes. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. Bill No. 38-2025 passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution – 2025 Memo – Records Destruction – Financial Services Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-114 that authorized the disposal of public records in the Financial Services Department, as set forth in Exhibit A. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Resolution – 2025 CDBG/HOME – Annual Action Plan-CP – Program Year 2025 Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-115 that authorized that the City’s Program Year 2025 CDBG Annual Action Plan and its HOME Investment Partnerships Program Annual Action Plan and 2025-2029 five-year Consolidated Plan Action Plan are hereby approved for submission to HUD by the Mayor along with required assurances and certifications. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Resolution – Chief of Police – Musikfest 2025 Special Event Parking Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-116 that authorized that during the period 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 1, 2025 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and in connection with the 2025 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. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Use Permit Agreement – Bradbury Sullivan – 2025 Lehigh Valley Pride Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 July 15, 2025 Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-117 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center for the 2025 Lehigh Valley Pride festival. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Resolution – PA DCED Emergency Solutions Grant Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-118 that authorized and directed to execute all application forms necessary to apply for an Emergency Solutions Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the prevention of homelessness and related activities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to execute such other agreements and documents as are deemed to be necessary and/or related thereto. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. F. Approve Resolution – Multimodal Transportation Fund – Guetter Street Sidewalks and ADA Ramps Grant Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-119 that authorized and directed to execute all application forms necessary to apply for a grant through the Multimodal Transportation Fund through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to improve the sidewalks on Guetter Street and update the ADA ramps. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to execute such other agreements and documents as are deemed to be necessary and/or related thereto. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. G. Approve Resolution – Commonwealth of PA, PennDOT – Nonexclusive Video Sharing License Agreement Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Kwiatek sponsored Resolution No. 2025-120 that authorized to execute an Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grant a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, revocable license to the City to us video imagery from its traffic cameras. Ms. Laird asked whether this is a renewal of an ongoing agreement and the purpose of video or pictures that might be received. Chief Kott said this is a new agreement. It is similar to traffic footage that media outlets obtain from PennDOT to show traffic flow. This agreement will allow City police to view cameras on Route 378. This will not be used for enforcement. This will allow City personnel to check traffic conditions. It could be used to investigate accidents, but it would not be used to assess speeding tickets, for example. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 July 15, 2025 Ms. Leon asked whether the agreement is reciprocal. Chief Kott said no. This agreement allows the City to view PennDOT footage. This does not grant the Commonwealth access to City footage. Voting AYE: Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 9:19 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk