City Council
Regular MeetingBethlehem, PA · August 5, 2025
Minutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street - Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – 5:30 PM
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
1. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by President Michael G. Colón. Present were Bryan G.
Callahan, Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Colleen Laird, Rachel Leon, Kiera
Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 7. (Ms. Crampsie Smith arrived at 5:35 PM.)
CITATIONS
Five retirees were recognized for their service to the City. Michael Reich was a firefighter
for 25 years, retiring as Chief. He was present to receive his Citation. The Chief said it was an
honor to serve Bethlehem residents. He thanked Council for its support over the years as well as
workers in City Hall departments and fellow firefighters and paramedics. He said he had “an
amazing career.” Four members retired from the Police Department, each with 20 years of
service. They were Sgt. Patrick Maczko, Sgt. Bryan Phelps, Sgt. Brian Quinn, and Officer Jason
Ebert. All of these Citations will be mailed.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 15, 2025
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time
Limit)
Cancel or Change Meeting Date
Resident William Scheirer believed a City Council meeting should take precedence over
loud music playing outside from Musikfest. He suggested changing next year’s first meeting in
August so that it would not coincide with Musikfest, adding that parking is a concern in
addition to distracting music. He recommended either canceling next year’s meeting or moving
the session to the second Tuesday in August.
Something Missed?
Resident Stephen Antalics noted that the City on October 29, 1967 converted portions of
Linden and Center Streets from two-way to one-way traffic to accommodate the Bethlehem
Steel Corp.’s request to meet the needs of commuting workers. With Bethlehem Steel no longer
operating, City Council has approved a plan to return Linden Street to two-way traffic. Mr.
Antalics said that traffic on Center Street is now confronted by a “do not enter” sign at the
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2
August 5, 2025
intersection of Elizabeth Avenue. Center Street also should be converted back to two-way traffic
to improve flow. These two major streets should be converted as a pair. He said City Council
missed this detail when it approved the conversion with little or no discussion. Mr. Antalics
further discussed the high number of consultants used for City work and suggested that they
do not know the City and its nuances as well as City workers would.
Money Equated with Power
Resident Arthur Curatola lamented that money is over-valued and associated with
power in our society. We should learn from most other creatures who value love and protection
of their loved ones.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this
evening – 5 Minute Time Limit.
Nomination Concern
Resident William Scheirer spoke about the nomination for the Planning Commission on
tonight’s agenda. His concern was general rather than focusing solely on this nominee
regarding conflicts of interest. A fine line may exist between a candidate possessing “expertise”
versus “intimacy.” It is desirable to have well qualified board members but they may bring with
them relationships with the people who are appearing before their board that may result in
conflicts of interest. Ideally, laymen would volunteer and be taught what they need to know to
serve on such boards, but there are not enough volunteers. He does not know the answer but
offers his thoughts for Council to avoid conflicts of interest when approving board members.
More Background?
Resident Chris Bartleson asked whether the highlights of the proposed changes to the
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance will be provided tonight during the
Ordinance’s First Reading.
President Colón stated that the proposed Ordinance was the subject of a Public Hearing
on July 15 at which time key proposed changes were outlined. This meeting can be viewed
online. He anticipated some additional discussion tonight during First Reading that may
answer some of her questions. More information may be offered during the anticipated Final
Reading on August 19.
More Appointment Concerns
Resident Jo Daniels added her concern involving tonight’s proposed appointment to the
Planning Commission. She said that Mr. Pongracz is a member of the Realtors’ Association.
Other Planning Commission members bring direct experience in planning, land use and more.
This appointee, however, “represents an industry with close ties to developers and investment
interest at a time when Bethlehem is experiencing the sharp rise in unaffordable luxury
development.” Realtors often work directly with developers raising concern in the Planning
Commission role over conflicts of interest. This may shake public trust that long-term City
interests are winning out over those of short-term profit. Her questions included how much
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3
August 5, 2025
experience this appointee would bring in land use planning, zoning codes, and public sector
policy; whether recusal would be required if conflicts arise; and how this appointment would
affect public trust especially as Bethlehem is seeing an increase in luxury apartments. She urged
Council to deny this appointment or at least delay a decision until more insights into her
questions are received.
4. OLD BUSINESS
A. Members of Council
B. Tabled Items
C. Unfinished Business
5. NEW BUSINESS
None.
6. COMMUNICATIONS
A. City Solicitor – Amendments to Civil Service Bd Rules-Regs – Police Department
The Clerk read a July 18, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Matthew
Deschler, Assistant City Solicitor. Attorney Deschler recommends amending the Civil Service
Rules relating to qualification for promotion to the rank of lieutenant in the Police Department.
The proposed rule change was recommended for approval in a 3-0 vote on July 1 by the City’s
Civil Service Board.
President Colón stated that Resolution 10 A is on the agenda.
B. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – Main Street Matters Grant –
Gateway on Fourth
The Clerk read a July 30, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Lori Gilio,
Grants Administrator for Community and Economic Development. Ms. Gilio seeks
authorization to apply for a Main Street Matters grant for up to $1 million from the
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The grant money would
be directed toward the Gateway on Fourth project.
President Colón said Resolution 10 B is on the agenda.
C. Public Safety Business Manager – Bomb Squad Reimbursement Program – Fireworks
The Clerk read a July 11, 2025 memorandum with a proposed Ordinance from Public
Safety Business Manager Jennifer Hogan recommending an adjustment to the General Fund
Budget. The adjustment reflects state reimbursement of $84,195 for bomb squad services related
to fireworks. This money will be used to obtain an X-ray system and ballistic vests and plates.
For revenue, Account # 001A-30800, Expense Return, will increase from $313,300 to $397,495.
For expenses, Account # 0701-43099, Fire - Equipment, will increase from $143,000 to $227,195.
The adjustment will increase the General Fund Budget from $112,983,162 to $113,067,357.
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4
August 5, 2025
President Colón said Ordinance 9 B is on the agenda.
7. REPORTS
A. President of Council
None.
B. Mayor
Mayor Reynolds thanked all public safety personnel for their efforts toward what is, at
least so far, a successful Musikfest.
7B1. Administrative Order – Richard Pongracz – City Planning Commission
Mayor Reynolds appointed Richard Pongracz to the City Planning Commission. The
appointment is effective through May or 2030. Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored
Resolution 2025-121 to confirm the appointment.
Ms. Kwiatek pointed out Mr. Pongracz’s bachelor’s degree in urban and environmental
planning. He is a business owner in the community and has relevant skills including zoning
and land use knowledge. He is a Realtor but also a member of the United States Green Building
Council and was the Helping Hands Committee and other distinctions.
Ms. Crampsie Smith appreciates Mr. Pongracz’s willingness to serve but said she will
not support confirmation out of concern over conflicts of interest. She recalled when the City
tightened its regulations requiring licensing and inspections on rental properties but noted that
the Realtors’ Association opposed this action. She was concerned that these types of interests
could creep into the planning process. She believed there is growing sentiment that the City
must get more serious about scrutiny of planning and development especially that which leads
to non-affordable residential units. It is critical to have board members who do not have
conflicts of interest.
Ms. Laird said the question of potential conflicts is a discussion worth having, not
specific to the applicant but to Realtors in general as to whether they should serve on the
Planning Commission and similar boards. She asked the history of whether Realtors have
served on the Planning Commission.
Mayor Reynolds said people with a variety of occupations have served on the Planning
Commission including those who have owned rental properties. The person who Mr. Pongracz
would replace has developed properties and had a business that has contract with the City. All
of these activities are legal. Mayor Reynolds does not know Mr. Pongracz. Mr. Pongracz offered
to serve, and his resume was reviewed by Director of Community and Economic Developer
Laura Collins. The Mayor said the Planning Commission does not review use. It is more of a
review commission that makes recommendations to Council. By law, if a conflict of interest
presents itself, the individual is required to recuse himself. This has occurred with other
members. But, it is not necessarily a conflict just because a person has experience in a profession
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5
August 5, 2025
that has something to do with land development. By the time something gets to the Planning
Commission, it is allowed by use. At least some version of the project is allowed to happen.
Ms. Leon asked Solicitor Stephanie Steward whether the Ethics Ordinance that Council
members must abide by also applies to members of authorities, boards, and commissions.
Solicitor Steward said yes.
Mr. Callahan said he would be recusing himself from this vote because Mr. Pongracz
owns a business that leases from a business that his brother works for. He asked whether Mr.
Pongracz is a member of the Realtors’ Association and asked whether he is on the board.
It was later found that Mr. Pongracz was not listed among the Realtors’ Association
board members.
Mr. Callahan said there is not necessarily a conflict of interest for the Mayor but he
believed that Mayor Reynolds accepted a “substantial donation” from the Realtors’ Association.
Mayor Reynolds said he has no conflict of interest. He did not know that Mr. Pongracz
was a Realtor until tonight. The Mayor said he was uncertain what donations were received but
any would be listed on his Campaign Finance Reports.
Mr. Callahan learned from Ms. Crampsie Smith that an online listing showed that
Mayor Reynolds’ campaign received at $15,500 donation from the Realtors’ Association. Mr.
Callahan said he considered this very relevant.
Mayor Reynolds said he has not ever spoken with Mr. Pongracz, did not know he was a
Realtor, and does not know if he is a member of the Realtors’ Association.
Ms. Crampsie Smith noted that Mr. Pongracz is a tenant of one of the biggest developers
in the City. She also asked who would oversee a situation like this and make certain of recusal
when appropriate.
Mayor Reynolds said it is everyone’s responsibility who is on a board or commission to
recuse themselves when they fit into the definition requiring recusal.
Ms. Crampsie Smith assessed that there would be no oversight; it would be up to him as
a member. She also found it unusual that the Mayor was appointing Mr. Pongracz yet he did
not look at his resume to learn that he is a Realtor.
Mayor Reynolds said that Mr. Pongracz volunteered, he heard from several in the
community that Mr. Pongracz would be a good choice, and Ms. Collins and the Planning
Department had conversations with Mr. Pongracz and recommended him for the position.
Ms. Crampsie Smith concluded that it is up to the Mayor to know who he is appointing
to a position as important as a planning commissioner.
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6
August 5, 2025
Ms. Kwiatek said that Mr. Pongracz is not here to defend himself. She did not want to
see his reputation impugned. Assumptions are being made as to Mr. Pongracz’s motives and
what his actions would be. All on boards and commissions are obligated to recuse themselves
under certain circumstances. It is being assumed that he would not do so.
Mr. Callahan said he is not questioning Mr. Pongracz. He sees this as a “quid pro quo”
by the Mayor to the Realtors’ Association.
President Colón called that a strong statement.
Mr. Callahan agreed but said that is how he adds it up. He suggested that this matter
should be tabled until it is learned whether Mr. Pongracz is a board member of the Realtors’
Association.
Mr. Callahan clarified that he wanted to make that motion, which was seconded by Ms.
Crampsie Smith.
President Colón clarified with Solicitor Steward that when there is a motion to table
there is to be no further discussion.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, 2; NAY: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Kwiatek,
Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón, 5. President Colón stated that the motion to table failed 2-5.
Ms. Laird reported that Mr. Pongracz is not on the board of directors, according to the
public listing. She asked whether the Mayor is permitted to appoint to a person who is a
member of an organization from which he accepted a campaign contribution regardless of the
amount.
Solicitor Steward said there is no specific rule to that effect.
To clarify, Ms. Laird asked whether she was correct, then, that Council’s Conflict of
Ordinance passed in 2022 would not apply in this instance.
Solicitor Steward said she did not have that Ordinance in front of her but she believed
that was correct. She believed that it was specific to City Council.
Ms. Wilhelm observed that Council, for example, possesses multiple conflicts on matters
voted upon. However, members are trusted to recuse themselves when it is necessary. The
same is required when faced by those appointed to authorities, boards, and commissions. She
added that Council members have time in between meetings to research matters and that this
research should be done before members make serious accusations at meetings.
Ms. Crampsie Smith emphasized that she was not attacking the applicant. She wants to
be sure that those being appointed to boards can be objective and will not have a high
likelihood of conflict of interest. She is concerned that, as a Realtor, there will be a high
probability of frequent conflict of interests. She believes a Realtor would be in the conflict-of-
interest category along with landlords and developers. She trusts that he would recuse himself
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7
August 5, 2025
when necessary but she asked why appoint someone who would have to frequently not
participate in the votes.
President Colón understands some of the raised concerns but stated that several
members of boards bring overlapping areas of expertise. That is part of what makes them
valuable as volunteers. He added the belief that there are certain protections written into the
system to keep things fair. For example, there are limitations that preclude a Planning
Commission member from using their personal views to reject projects. Planners are advisory.
He asked Solicitor Steward if this statement was correct.
Solicitor Steward said it was and amplified that that the Planning Commission is a
recommending board.
President Colón cited the example of a proposed zoning text amendment. The Planning
Commission recommends approval or rejection and perhaps modifications to proposals but it is
Council that decides changes to the law. He believed it was important to “draw a line in what
power and ability a member of the Planning Commission has versus doesn’t have and what
power remains with Council.” He understands that this candidate has a real estate license but
he would be surprised if his primary focus is not on running his three businesses.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 5; NAY:
Ms. Crampsie Smith, 1; ABSTENTION: Mr. Callahan, 1. The Motion passed. (Mr. Callahan’s
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest Form is filed with the official version of these meeting
minutes.)
Mayor Reynolds concluded his report by acknowledging that, unlike the historic boards,
the Planning Commission is not required to have a Realtor as a member. But he observed that
when Realtors vote on historic board matters, they sometimes approve and sometimes deny the
agenda items. These are boards that deal with development all the time. Again, it is required by
statute that these boards have at least one Realtor as a member. He does not recall questions
being raised about the propriety or actions of their participation.
8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
Ms. Laird made a motion, seconded by Ms. Wilhelm, to consider agenda Items 8 A
through 8 F as a group. She reasoned that these were Second Readings that met with no
objection during First Reading on July 15.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion passed.
8A. Bill No. 33-2025 – LSA – Gateway on 4th – Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital
Fund
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:
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8
August 5, 2025
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
AMENDING THE 2025 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 33-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-31, passed on Final
Reading.
8B. 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.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 34-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-32, passed on Final
Reading.
8C. 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.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 35-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-33, passed on Final
Reading.
8D. 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.
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9
August 5, 2025
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 36-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-34, passed on Final
Reading.
8E. 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. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 37-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-35, passed on Final
Reading.
8F. 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:
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. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 38-2025, now known as Ordinance 2025-36, passed on Final
Reading.
9. NEW ORDINANCES
9A. Bill No. 39-2025 – Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO)
The Clerk read Bill No. 39-2025 – Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,
sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10
August 5, 2025
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
REPEALING AND REPLACING PART 13 OF
THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATING TO SUBDIVISION
AND LAND DEVELOPMENT.
Ms. Crampsie Smith noted that she could not attend the July 15 Public Hearing on this
matter. She very much likes most of the proposed amended document. She saw that the City
Forester has some authority to regulate the removal of trees associated with development and
asked how much authority.
Ms. Collins said there are certain requirements related to development that can be
enforced. This area deals with street trees.
Ms. Crampsie Smith asked for clarification as to what plans would fall under the
existing Ordinance and when new submissions would have to meet amended regulations. She
also wondered how this would affect appeals from objectors to plans.
Ms. Collins said the right to act under new regulations would be limited to developers.
Objectors to an approved plan could not have those regulations changed.
Ms. Crampsie Smith also asked about a fee in lieu of making transportation
improvements, specifically street widening. She wondered what projects this money would be
used toward and referred to an April memo from Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning
Craig Peiffer.
Mr. Peiffer could not immediately recall these details but Ms. Crampsie Smith said she
would accept an email of explanation at Mr. Peiffer’s convenience.
Ms. Laird asked about landscaping regulations. She asked whether materials such as
mulch or stone could be required to be identified.
Mr. Peiffer said that is covered by the “vegetative ground cover” reference. He added
that this matter is directly outlined in the Zoning Ordinance.
Ms. Leon asked the reason for this “massive overhauling” of the SALDO at this time.
Mr. Peiffer said that the 50-year-old Ordinance is antiquated. This was an opportunity to
bring regulations up to date.
Ms. Laird asked what opportunities were offered for public input on the proposed
amendments.
Ms. Collins cited Planning Commission meetings in October of 2021, February of 2022,
November of 2023, and April of 2025 in addition to Council’s July 15, 2025 Public Hearing as
well as two planned readings of the Ordinance before Council.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 39-2025, passed on First Reading.
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11
August 5, 2025
9B. Bill No. 40-2025 – Bomb Squad Reimbursement Program – Fireworks – Budget
Adjustment – General Fund
The Clerk read Bill No. 40-2025 – Bomb Squad Reimbursement Program – Fireworks –
Budget Adjustment – General Fund, sponsored by Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon, and
titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2025.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 40-2025, passed on First Reading.
10. RESOLUTIONS
A. Approve Resolution – Civil Service Bd Rules-Regs Amendments – Police Dept.
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-122 that the said
Council hereby approved the amendments to the rules and regulations recommended by the
Civil Service Board of the City of Bethlehem on July 1, 2025, which are attached to this
Resolution as Exhibit “A” and which shall take immediate effect.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms.
Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed.
B. Approve Resolution – Main Street Matters Grant – Gateway on Fourth
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-123 that authorized
and directed to execute all application forms necessary to apply for a Main Street Matters grant
through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. 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. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms.
Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed.
President Colόn said he would accept a motion and a second to group consideration of
five Certificates of Appropriateness, 10 C through 10 G. Ms. Leon made a motion, seconded by
Ms. Wilhelm, to consider the COAs as a group.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed.
Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12
August 5, 2025
C. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 453 Main Street
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-124 that authorized
to replace a partially collapsed brick masonry wall at the rear façade with red clay brick veneer
and gray mortar on a newly constructed wall.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 418 North New Street
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-125 that authorized
to replace the existing asphalt roof shingles with GAF Slatleline Shingles in the Antique Slate
Color.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 23 East Church Street
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-126 that authorized
to replace the roof with GAF Slateline Shingles in the Antique Slate Color and replace the metal
roofing on the hood above the entrance door.
F. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 400 Main Street
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-127 that authorized
to replace wood balusters on the Bell Tower of the Central Moravian Church, as needed and in-
kind.
G. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 412Heckewlder Place
Ms. Crampsie Smith and Ms. Leon sponsored Resolution No. 2025-128 that authorized
to rebuild the entrance steps in-kind.
Voting AYE: Ms. Wilhelm, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kiwatek, Ms. Laird,
Ms. Leon and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned 6:55 PM.
ATTEST:
Tad J. Miller
City Clerk
Agenda
VIDEO NOTE: This meeting is video recorded and can be viewed on the City’s website at www.bethlehem-pa.gov
For the video, go to: City Government/ City Council Meetings/ View Live Stream Council Meeting.
Please turn off mobile phones during the meeting.
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 – 5:30 PM
TOWN HALL – 10 EAST CHURCH STREET – BETHLEHEM, PA
Pledge to the Flag
1. Roll Call
CITATIONS HONORING: Fire Chief Michael Reich; Police Officer Jason Ebert;
Police Sergeants: Patrick Maczko, Bryan Phelps, and Brian Quinn
2. Approval of Minutes – July 15, 2025
3. Public Comment
3 A. On subjects not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit
3 B. On Ordinances and Resolutions being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit
4. Old Business
4 A. Old Business – Members of Council
4 B. Tabled Items
4 C. Unfinished Business
5. New Business
6. Communications
6 A. City Solicitor – Amendments to Civil Service Bd Rules-Regs – Police Dept.
6 B. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – Main Street Matters Grant –
Gateway on Fourth
6 C. Public Safety Business Manager – Memo – Bomb Squad Reimbursement Program – Fireworks
7. Reports
7 A. President of Council
7 B. Mayor
7 B1. Administrative Order No. 2025-08 – Richard Pongracz – City Planning Commission
8. Ordinances for Final Passage
8 A. Bill No. 33-2025 – LSA-Gateway on Fourth - Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital Fund
8 B. Bill No. 34-2025 – Rose Garden - Budget Adjustment – Non-Utility Capital Fund
(over)
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 2
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
8 C. Bill No. 35-2025 – PADCED-Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – Budget Adjustment – General
Fund
8 D. Bill No. 36-2025 – Health Bureau-Other Expenses Account – Budget Adjustment – General Fund
8 E. Bill No. 37-2025 – PADCED-Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – Budget Adjustment – Community
Development Block Grant Fund
8 F. Bill No. 38-2025 – CDBG and HOME - Budget Adjustment – Community Development Block Grant
Fund
9. New Ordinances
9 A. Bill No. 39-2025 – Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO)
9 B. Bill No. 40-2025 – Bomb Squad Reimbursement Program – Fireworks – Budget Adjustment –
General Fund
10. Resolutions
10 A. Approve Resolution – Civil Service Bd Rules-Regs Amendments – Police Dept.
10 B. Approve Resolution – Main Street Matters Grant – Gateway on Fourth
10 C. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 453 Main Street
10 D. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 418 North New Street
10 E. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 23 East Church Street
10 F. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 400 Main Street
10 G. Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 412 Heckewelder Place
11. Adjournment
Get email alerts for Bethlehem
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.