City Council

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 East Church Street - Town Hall Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday, August 19, 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, Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary G. Kwiatek, Colleen Laird, Rachel Leon, Kiera Wilhelm, and Michael G. Colón, 7. President Colón recognized members of Boy Scout Troops 3193 and 318 of Bethlehem who were observing tonight’s meeting. CITATIONS One retiree was recognized for his service. Thomas Kiefer served the City for more than 38 years and retires as a Utility Maintenance Mechanic I as a member of the Department of Water and Sewer Resources at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. His Citation will be mailed. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 5, 2025 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on any subject not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit) Report of Home Business Resident Rebecca Young said the occupant of 1734 Falcon Drive is running a business out of the townhouse that he rents. She has provided the LLC card for this business to Zoning Officer David Taylor, including the business name, the owner’s name, telephone number, and email address. Ms. Young has not seen any enforcement efforts over the past year and only this morning heard from Mr. Taylor. She believes this action is only because she told him she would be attending tonight’s Council meeting. Mr. Taylor now says the homeowner will be cited. Ms. Young contended that the business owner should be penalized. She also said the business owner’s wife has run a child daycare out of the house without a permit or inspections. Ms. Young also believes they are selling dogs from the home. Proposed Apartments Resident Nicole Boncik said the ranch home next door has been bought by a developer who intends to demolish the home and replace it with a three-story, six-bedroom apartment Bethlehem City Council Meeting 2 August 19, 2025 house. This is entitlement and greed and does not belong in the 8th Avenue residential neighborhood. Variances would be required to allow a larger building than exists and would be closer to her property. She also is concerned that their nearly 150-year-old giant willow tree would be endangered. Ms. Boncik will attend next Wednesday’s zoning hearing but wanted to make Council aware of her concerns in advance. Water Alert Technology Resident Mark Will-Weber resumed his advocacy for the City to offer technology associated with smart water meters. An app would allow add-on software to advise customers of irregularities indicating leaks and other wasteful usage. He cited several cities already offering this technology. This technology would save the City water and customers unnecessary expense. Some of the cities have had this technology for 10 years. Not giving residents access to this technology is a disservice to the public. Follow Your Ordinances Resident Daiyana Rodriguez is terrified by the trend in Bethlehem of housing opportunities for those who come here with higher incomes that are pushing out existing residents who cannot afford rising rental costs. This includes the development of huge buildings that are being built at the expense of the environment. Ordinances are in place that already protect the public. She urged the City not to grant variances on whims and to follow the ordinances to ensure necessary protections. She is specifically concerned about an upcoming zoning hearing involving 312 Hanover Street. Move Lectern Resident Arthur Curatola suggested rearranging Town Hall to move the lectern for public comment so that speakers’ faces can be seen on the livestream video rather than the backs of their heads. This rearrangement also would allow for more seating. President Colón advised that if anyone is concerned about the angle in which they are recorded while addressing Council, they can instead use the lectern in front of the Town Hall entrance to his right. That lectern also has a microphone that will record their comments. Socio-economic Influence Resident Harry Faber said he saw as a bar bouncer how differently the police interacted with people here compared to police interaction in other cities. He commended Bethlehem police but said that cocaine abuse and fake identification use are rampant but largely are tolerated by police and bar owners who look the other way. The difference is the socio- economic background of the offenders. The laws are only enforced when it is convenient. He saw the different treatment of college students from wealthy upbringings to the poor and disadvantaged who would be put in jail for lesser offenses. Mr. Faber related this to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and that those being taken are those who are disadvantage and not in a position of power. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 3 August 19, 2025 Also Opposes Apartments Resident Tim Porcelli supported Ms. Boncik’s position concerning the proposed 8th Avenue apartments. The proposed building is too large for the lot and its height will impact the neighborhood. It does not belong and will increase traffic in the area. He also disagrees with razing single-family homes, which are in demand. Don’t Give up the Fight/App Concerns Resident Terry Kloiber also supported Ms. Boncik’s position. As one of several neighbors opposing an apartment complex proposed along Hanover Avenue, Ms. Kloiber encouraged Ms. Boncik not to give up the fight. Ms. Kloiber also encouraged improvement of the My Bethlehem app. She recounted that she has received incorrect information when reporting concerns. Assumptions are being made by whoever is answering her concerns such as “duplicate request” or that certain light fixtures erected on street poles are approved by the City when they are not. She asked that answers be provided by better informed individuals. Improve Board Appointee Process Resident William Scheirer believes that more scrutiny is needed when appointing members of the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission in particular. These are positions of considerable power. He understands that there is a fine line between expertise and possible bias. Last meeting’s Planning Commission appointment discussion led him to propose asking several questions when making these appointments including how much expertise the applicant has, how many contacts do they have with those who would be seeking approval, how close are the contacts, how strong is the candidate’s interest in matters to come before the board, and how objective can the candidate be? He believes personal interviews should occur. Council Leadership Questioned Resident Stephen Antalics repeated dissatisfaction with Council and its leadership. He suggested that President Colón step down from that role or that Council take a vote of no confidence in his abilities and appoint a new president if the vote is successful. B. PUBLIC COMMENT (on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit. SALDO Concerns Resident Daiyana Rodriguez is pleased to see the environmental protection language being added to the proposed revamp of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). She raised concern over mature trees that shall be preserved whenever practical. She stressed the value of shade provided by trees that are decades old compared to the replacement with small trees. Ms. Rodriguez also hoped that a developer could not simply pay a fee in lieu of keeping mature trees out of convenience. She also pointed to existing language that said developers are required to protect the land and existing natural features of a property and encouraged the City to enforce this. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 4 August 19, 2025 More Information Needed Resident Bud Hackett believed Council’s approach to considering extensive changes to the SALDO to be inadequate. He is mostly concerned about whether Council realizes the costs and impacts of some of the proposed changes. He predicted that some of the changes will drive up construction costs. It is not clear from the document presented or the staff presentation the differences between the old and newly proposed ordinance. He added that Council should at least know the cost impacts before voting and, specifically, the cost-benefit value of the Climate Action Initiative-related changes. Broken Link Resident Valerie Noonan also found it difficult to compare the existing and proposed ordinances. She tried to review the existing SALDO on the City’s website but received a “not found” message that a link was broken and the document could not be viewed. She was able to find the various sections individually but this was not easy and the average viewer probably could not find all of the information. Once she found all sections, she attempted a comparison and realizes that the changes are so vast. She understands why the City is proposing to repeal and replace the old ordinance with the new. She encouraged the restoration of the link to make it accessible to the public. Building Design Matters Resident William Scheirer believes the City should be paying more attention to building design than it does. He admits this adds to project expense. 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Members of Council B. Tabled Items C. Unfinished Business 5. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Callahan Mr. Callahan said he has heard that the spotlights are not working again at SteelStacks. He said he arranged for an engineering firm to coordinate with owner Wind Creek Casinos to get the lights working again some months ago. He does not want to call in this favor again and asked Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins who is responsible for the upkeep. Ms. Collins believes that the lights are working to the extent they were before. Mr. Callahan believed that the maintenance agreement with former owner Sands Casino transferred with the purchase of the property. He asked Ms. Collins to see that this would be enforced. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 5 August 19, 2025 Ms. Collins said the City has regular discussions with Wind Creek. This concern can be addressed. Mr. Callahan also noted that several speakers tonight have concerns about multi-unit apartment buildings replacing single-family homes and the incongruity of this in traditional residential neighborhoods. There is extreme pressure being put on the rental market. He asked why nothing is moving along with the residential component of redeveloping the Martin Tower site. He asked for an update. Ms. Collins said the project is zoned to allow 1,085 residential units. The developer proposed building approximately 1,700 units. That is not allowed. It would be up to City Council if it wanted to amend the zoning to allow a larger number of units. The Administration believes this number is too dense. Mr. Callahan asked how much money the developer offered to the City in “in lieu of fees” associated with building affordable housing units. Ms. Collins said that, in addition to asking for a zoning change, the developer was looking for a 10-year tax abatement on the property. This likely would be a graduated tax forgiveness starting with 10 percent in the first year until paying 100 percent of the tax rate in the 10th year. This was viewed by the City as being a substantial cost to the City and was rejected. The developer already has received substantial public incentives to encourage constructing the project. However, Ms. Collins said City Council could consider negotiating a “payment in lieu of” structure to support affordable housing or a tax abatement zone. Mr. Callahan believed that adding 1,085 apartments at this location that is suited for dense development would take away the need to add small apartment buildings in traditional residential neighborhoods. He also said that the City is getting $0 in tax money for residential units on this site right now. Allowing the units to be built, even under a tax abatement program, would begin opening the spigot for tax income on the project. He asked whether the City has had conversations with the developer within the last year to see whether circumstances might change. Ms. Collins said DCED has been in regular contact with the developer on the two office buildings that have been built on the site. The developer has not offered a new plan on the residential project. Mr. Callahan encouraged the City to be more aggressive and direct in asking what it would take to move the project forward. Mr. Callahan also said he was not on Council at the time but heard that the developer met individually with Council members to try to negotiate parameters to reach agreement. Vice President Rachel Leon said she was on Council at the time and met with one of the developers. He offered $4 million in in lieu of fees for affordable housing if the City would agree to creating a tax abatement program for the project. She said this arrangement felt too much like a “quid pro quo” that she was not comfortable with. Ms. Leon did not hear further from the developer and she never got a legal opinion as to whether this arrangement would be ethically or legally acceptable. Ms. Leon also is aware that the project has received some other public funding. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 6 August 19, 2025 She would like to see the project developed but would need answers to these internal questions first. Council Solicitor Stephanie Steward said she understood Mr. Callahan’s interest in seeing the project progress but, from a procedural standpoint, the next move should be for the developer to propose a plan to the City if he is interested in doing so. Mr. Callahan said that may be how the procedure is written, but he knows that these types of discussions, including those initiated by municipalities, occur all the time. He suggested the Administration take the next step in initiating the re-opening of discussions. Mr. Callahan next asked Ms. Collins about the proposed seven-story mixed-use building in the Historic District that was recently reviewed by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). The site is the so-called “white box” which was shown on the plan of the redevelopment of the Walnut Street Garage. Mr. Callahan said furor breaks out when a six- or seven-story building is proposed on the South Side. He believed this would meet with particular resistance within the Historic District. Mr. Callahan asked whether Ms. Collins was aware that this developer intended to build a seven-story building when it was selected as the top candidate from the Request for Proposals (RFP). Ms. Collins said the RFP searched for the top qualified developer. All of the developers presented concept plans. This developer originally proposed 144 units. That number has been honed to 108 units. Still, she said seven stories was the height of most of the proposals from the various developers. A few were taller. One was shorter. In all instances, it has been known that any proposal would have to pass HARB review. So far, the HARB board has indicated that it would like to see step-back features that would make it look less tall. Mr. Callahan considered a seven-story building in the Historic District to be “atrocious” and believes many neighbors agree. Ms. Collins said there are some other tall buildings within the Historic District. The Bank of America Building is across the street, and the Hotel Bethlehem is many stories taller than the proposed building. She added that HARB is a recommending body to Council and Council will have the ultimate say in whether this proposal is approved. Ms. Collins added that the developer’s selection under the RFP process is conditioned on receiving approval through the land development process. Mr. Callahan was concerned that if a seven-story building is approved in the Historic District, these taller buildings will become the norm throughout the City going forward. Ms. Laird Ms. Laird noted that she was not on Council when individual discussions were held between the Martin Tower site developers and Council members. She asked Ms. Collins if she would look favorably upon similar discussions being reopened. Ms. Collins said perhaps this is worth revisiting but she would hope that the Planning Bureau and planning and zoning professionals would be consulted for their input on proposals Bethlehem City Council Meeting 7 August 19, 2025 that might emerge. It is possible that a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program could be recommended after any proposal is examined. Ms. Laird asked Mr. Boscola about the status of providing technology that would allow for utility tracking apps. Mr. Boscola said about 22,000 of the 37,000 water customers will have smart meters by year’s end. With now more than half of the customers having smart meters, Ms. Laird asked if Mr. Boscola could include in time for the 2026 budget review cost estimates to implement use of an app with the smart meters. Mr. Boscola said his department has begun to review these type of app platforms. There would be two goals for Bethlehem’s use: 1. offering customers data including their usage and giving themselves alarms if there is unusual flow, and 2. bill pay. The latter would offer paperless or automatic billing. This would take coordination with the City’s IT and Financial Services departments. This is a goal for next year or the near future. The start-up cost for the app capability would be in the low six figures. Annual costs thereafter are estimated to be somewhat less than $100,000. Ms. Laird also asked about the broken link to the SALDO ordinance. She asked Business Administrator Eric Evans if the City runs programs on a regular basis to detect broken links. Mr. Evans said this is a function performed by the City’s IT department as well as a contractor. He was, however, previously unaware of the issue with the SALDO link and he would contact the IT department to fix the problem. Ms. Laird also asked how the My Bethlehem app works in reference to the earlier comment. Ms. Laird also has had a personal unsatisfying experience. She asked if the information goes through the City’s Service Center and asked about the knowledge base. Mr. Evans said the Service Center falls under the purview of Police Chief Michelle Kott, who is not present tonight. Still, Mr. Evans offered information within the scope of his knowledge. The app is not designed as a back-and-forth communicator. It may respond with pre-programmed responses depending on the nature of reported incidents. Calling the Service Center permits a live conversation. Call-takers would not know all answers but the system is designed whereby they could take questions and direct them to specific departments for answers or action. Ms. Crampsie Smith Ms. Crampsie Smith is aware of four proposed developments in which homes will be demolished and replaced by rental units. This is not solving the affordable housing situation. She also would like to see a better balance of owner-occupied residences with rental units. This also is affecting the quality of life when density increases and character is lost. She asked what the Administration’s position is on the recent uptick in apartment developments requiring the razing of single-family homes. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 8 August 19, 2025 Ms. Collins said the City enforces the ordinances that are in place. The Zoning Ordinance permits demolishing a single-family home. Depending on the applicable zoning district, it may be allowable to replace that home with multi-unit rentals. Ms. Crampsie Smith is aware of this structure but said the Administration of a City generally has a vision and can guide such development. She notices the trend of replacing single-family homes with multi-unit rentals and how does this Administration view it. Ms. Collins said a housing shortage has been identified by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley in general. A balance must be struck and it is important to maintain neighborhood compatibility. Ms. Crampsie Smith sees more rentals being added but little in the way of affordable housing. In fact, those with lesser incomes are being pushed out of Bethlehem with rising rental costs. Ms. Collins said the City continues to work toward adding affordable housing but the process is slow. The next Opening Doors meeting will be in September. The Gateway on 4th is progressing which will include 120 units, two-thirds of which will be affordable housing. The City continues to work with the Bethlehem Housing Authority on the Choice Neighborhoods Project, which would replace 196 public housing units in the Pembroke neighborhood and add 400-450 units, mixing public housing with affordable and market rate housing. All of this planning and search for grants and other program money takes time to develop. Ms. Crampsie Smith also asked about the status of the Martin Tower site and whether a LERTA could be offered. Ms. Collins said one could be offered but, traditionally, the City has not set a LERTA for a given property to be developed. Instead, it has been arranged to cover a district such as incentive to redevelop the Bethlehem Steel Corp. land and other blighted properties. It can be a slippery slope to incentivize redevelopment through a tax abatement because all developers would want tax abatement. Ms. Crampsie Smith additionally asked about the homeless situation in Bethlehem especially with the announcement that Allentown will clear its encampment along the Jordan Creek in September. Ms. Collins said that Bethlehem’s Community Connections program that assists the City’s homeless provides communication that updates the needs. Allentown intends to open its homeless shelters early this year. Bethlehem may be able to do that but is limited by zoning and would have to pass through an approval process. Ms. Leon Ms. Leon predicted that Bethlehem will see an increase in homeless people coming from other communities that previously have said they will not perform homeless encampment sweeps but now intend to do so. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 9 August 19, 2025 Ms. Leon followed up on Ms. Young’s allegations that someone is operating a business out of a residence. She wondered whether this has been verified as a business working from a residence rather than just a registered LLC. She also asked the circumstances of citing the landlord rather than the business owner. Ms. Collins acknowledged that there have been a number of complaints by Ms. Young. The City performed observations of the activity there and was not able to corroborate the complaints until recently. A regular rental inspection was due in December. There was no evidence of wrongdoing found at that time. However, a violation notice was sent recently because a connection was recently made between the LLC and operations at the property. By ordinance, the violation notice must be sent to the property owner, who is ultimately responsible to see that the tenant gets the proper certification. Ms. Collins added that a home occupation is permitted in the zoning district but proper application must be made. Ms. Leon also asked whether Council members are permitted to speak as private residents at City zoning hearing meetings. Solicitor Steward said Council members may speak at zoning hearings but should identify themselves as residents rather than Council members. Mr. Colón Mr. Colon asked Solicitor Steward whether it would be appropriate for any members of Council who might have opinions on zoning hearing matters to directly contact Zoning Hearing Board members. Solicitor Steward recommended that any matters that relate to zoning hearings should be done during those public meetings. 6. COMMUNICATIONS A. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – 2025 20 Trench Restoration Project Phase 4 – Great Western Services, Inc. The Clerk read an August 12, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, concerning a proposed change order to a contract. The agreement is with Great Western Services, Inc. of Allentown to provide materials and labor to restore water and sewer utility trenches at various locations. Additional work is recommended that would amend the original contract price of $196,424 to $324,677 for an increase of $128,253. President Colón stated that Resolution 10 A is on the agenda. B. Director of Public Works – Engineering W. 4th Street Improvements Sidewalk Repair – Budget Transfer Resolution – Non-Utility Capital Fund The Clerk read a July 31, 2025 memorandum with a proposed Resolution from Public Works Director Michael Alkhal. Mr. Alkhal recommends transferring $85,000 from Account Bethlehem City Council Meeting 10 August 19, 2025 # 69024-66058, Street Overlays, into Account # 69024-662056, West 4th Street Sidewalks, both within the Non-Utility Capital Fund Budget. Additional money is needed to cover costs that exceeded initial estimates for the West 4th Street Improvement Bethlehem Business District Sidewalk Replacement project, including ADA curb ramp upgrades. President Colón said Resolution 10 B is on the agenda. C. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2025 Oktoberfest The Clerk read an August 13, 2025 memorandum from Solicitor John F. Spirk, Jr. with an attached Use Permit Agreement and a Resolution. The Permittee is ArtsQuest and the event is the 2025 Oktoberfest. Events will be held between 5 and 10 PM on October 3 and 10, noon to 10 PM on October 4 and 11, and Noon to 6 PM on October 5 and 12. The permit duration will be 4 PM to midnight on October 3, 11 AM to midnight on October 4, 11 AM to 8 PM on October 5, 4 PM to midnight on October 10, 11 AM to midnight on October 11, and 11 AM to 8 PM on October 12. The premises will include 1st Street from Founder’s Way to Polk Street, and the Founder’s Way northbound lane from 1st to 2nd Streets. President Colón said Resolution 10 C is on the agenda. D. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Request for Municipal Adoption of the Palmer Twp. Act 537 Plan The Clerk read an August 13, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Edward Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources. The memorandum recommends approval of the Resolution adopting the Palmer Township Act 537 Plan, which would redirect sewage flow from approximately 165 mostly residential units from Easton’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to the City of Bethlehem’s facility. President Colón said Resolution 10 D is on the agenda. E. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – Multimodal Transportation Fund – Guetter Street Sidewalks and ADA Ramps Grant The Clerk read an August 13, 2025 memorandum and proposed Resolution from Lori Gilio, Grants Administrator for Community and Economic Development. Ms. Gilio seeks authorization to amend a Resolution to apply for a grant in the amount of $340,625 through the Multimodal Transportation Fund 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. Council approved a similar request at its July 15 meeting; however, the funding source requires a Resolution with more specific information. President Colón said Resolution 10 E is on the agenda. F. Director of Public Works – Engineering South Bethlehem Greenway (Phase VII) – Budget Transfer Ordinance – Non-Utility Capital Fund Bethlehem City Council Meeting 11 August 19, 2025 The Clerk read a July 31, 2025 memorandum with a proposed Ordinance from Public Works Director Michael Alkhal. Mr. Alkhal recommends an addition of funds to the Non- Utility Capital Fund Budget. The adjustment reflects $1.3 million received from three grant sources to be applied toward the Greenway project (Phase VII). For Revenue, Account # 006A- 35080, DCNR Greenway to Saucon, Account # 006A-35145, Northampton County-Greenway, and Account # 006A-35146, LVPC TASA – Greenway will be applied toward eligible Greenway project expenditures in Expense Account # 69999-662043. The adjustment will increase the Non- Utility Capital Fund Budget from $28,170,464 to $29,470,464. President Colón said Ordinance 9 A is on the agenda. 7. REPORTS A. President of Council President Colón reported that the Pension Board appeal hearing before Council by former Officer John Repsher that was scheduled for August 12 was postponed. A new date will be announced when known. B. Mayor Mr. Evans had nothing to report in the absence of Mayor J. William Reynolds. 8. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE 8 A. 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, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, REPEALING AND REPLACING PART 13 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATING TO SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT. Ms. Kwiatek repeated Ms. Rodriguez’s earlier concern about language protecting mature trees, specifically use of the word “shall.” Ms. Kwiatek sought context as to the anticipated enforceability language. Ms. Collins said “shall where feasible” is how it actually reads. The intent was to try to add some strength to the ordinance, but the Municipalities Planning Code and statutory limitations set some limits as to what municipalities can require. Ms. Kwiatek also referenced concerns that more regulations would lead to more building costs. She believed that Climate Action Plan-related additions could save property Bethlehem City Council Meeting 12 August 19, 2025 owners money. Reducing stormwater runoff, for example, would lead to lower costs in stormwater assessments and energy savings to lower fuel bills. Ms. Collins did not believe that many new requirements would add much in the way of construction costs. Ms. Laird observed that the SALDO was reviewed by the Planning Commission over several years and by Council over several meetings but believed that postponing the final vote would give added time to answer final questions and relay answers to some from the community who have asked. Ms. Laird made a motion, seconded by Ms. Leon, to postpone this vote until the September 2, 2025 Council meeting. Ms. Collins said she was not in a rush to see this ordinance passed but she requested that questions be put in writing to maintain clarity. Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Motion to postpone passed. 8 B. 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: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 40-2025, now known as Ordinance No. 2025-37, passed on Final Reading. 9. NEW ORDINANCES 9A. Bill No. 41-2025 – Engineer S. Beth Greenway – Budget Transfer – Non-Utility Capital Fund The Clerk read Bill No. 41-2025 – Engineer S. Beth Greenway – Budget Transfer – Non- Utility Capital Fund, sponsored by Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm, and titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE NON-UTILITIES CAPITAL FUND FOR 2025. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 13 August 19, 2025 Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. Bill No. 41-2025 passed on First Reading. 10. RESOLUTIONS A. Approve Resolution – 2025 20 Trench Restoration Project Phase 4 – Great Western Services, Inc. Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2025-129 that authorized to execute an Amendment to an Agreement with the Great Western Services, Inc. to provide additional material and labor to restore utility trenches. Ms. Crampsie Smith asked the circumstances of this increase. Mr. Boscola said additional work has been identified and money is available to rehabilitate more trenches before road overlays are performed. (Editor’s Note: Ms. Leon left the room between 10:10 a.md 10:15 PM and was not present for votes on agenda Items 10 A through 10 C.) Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. B. Approve Resolution – Engineering W. 4th Street Improvements Sidewalk Repair – Budget Transfer – Non-Utility Capital Fund Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2025-130 that authorized that $85,000 be transferred from Account # 69024-66058, Street Overlays, to Account # 69024-662056, West 4th Street Sidewalks, within the Non-Utility Capital Fund. The $85,000 will cover underestimated costs for the West 4th Street Improvement Bethlehem Business District Sidewalk Replacement project. Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. C. Approve Use Permit Agreement – ArtsQuest – 2025 Oktoberfest Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2025-131 that authorized to execute a Use Permit Agreement with ArtsQuest for the 2025 Oktoberfest. Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 6. The Resolution passed. D. Approve Resolution – Request for Municipal Adoption of the Palmer Twp. Act 537 Plan Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2025-132 that authorized that the Palmer Township Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Update is adequate for the wastewater disposal and management needs of the City and hereby adopts the Palmer Township Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Update, as a revision to the Official Plan of the municipality. Bethlehem City Council Meeting 14 August 19, 2025 Ms. Laird asked for an explanation for this action. Mr. Boscola explained that a sewage pump station has been eliminated that serves some Palmer Township residents. The sewage is being rerouted to be treated at the Bethlehem plant instead of the Easton plant. This requires a revision to plans filed by each entity with the state. Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. E. Approve Resolution – Multimodal Transportation Fund – Guetter Street Sidewalks and ADA Ramps Grant Ms. Kwiatek and Ms. Wilhelm sponsored Resolution No. 2025-133 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: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Crampsie Smith, Ms. Kwiatek, Ms. Laird, Ms. Leon, Ms. Wilhelm, and Mr. Colón, 7. The Resolution passed. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 10:18 PM. ATTEST: Tad J. Miller City Clerk