Council Minutes
July 15, 2003 Meeting Minutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 – 7:30 PM – Town Hall
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
President Schweder called the meeting to order. Reverend
Ismael Medina, First Hispanic Evangelical Baptist Church,
offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to
the flag. Present were Ismael Arcelay, Jean Belinski, Robert
J. Donchez, James S. Gregory, Magdalena F. Szabo, and J. Michael
Schweder, 6. John B. Callahan was absent, 1.
Citation – Honoring Hilda C. Beltz
President Schweder presented a Citation to Hilda C. Beltz
on the occasion of her retirement from the Community and Economic
Development Department, after 44 years of service to the City.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of June 3 and July 1, 2003 were approved.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances
and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)
Bill No. 30 – 2003 – Amending Zoning Ordinance
– Establishing Section 1304.07 –
R-R Residential District Overlay Zone
Robert Lovingood, P.O. Box 20001, noting he is secretary
of the Macada Association, commented that many people have
single family homes and would like to keep it that way, and
keep the nature and character of the community. Mr. Lovingood,
stressing it is important to maintain the zoning of the area
in question, said he feels the proposed RR Overlay District
is a euphemism for the RR District. Mr. Lovingood, communicating
that some individuals from New York and New Jersey want to
buy or build larger homes in the community, stated "we've
run out of land". Mr. Lovingood asserted "we want
to have stable neighborhoods…and a stable tax base".
Mr. Lovingood asked City Council to vote no on Bill No. 30
- 2003. Mr. Lovingood pointed out that the purpose of zoning
in any community is to protect residents and maintain a quality
of life.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Dangerous Animals Ordinance
Mr. Arcelay asked if the Administration could expound upon
the proposed Ordinance pertaining to vicious dogs and provide
the status of the process.
Mayor Delgrosso, advising there has been an investigation
of ordinances throughout Pennsylvania and other states, stated
the Administration is compiling and reviewing the information
to identify the best ordinances.
Dana Grubb, Deputy Director of Community Development, affirmed
that, as his memorandum stated, it is felt there is the need
for some educational efforts as well as enforcement of existing
Ordinances, especially leash requirements. Mr. Grubb advised
that a member of the environmental health staff was to set
up a meeting with the Assistant City Solicitor to draft language
for an amendment to the Ordinance. Focusing on the five year
statistical analysis that was conducted, Mr. Grubb informed
the assembly there were 716 animal bites. Explaining that
while some breeds of dogs bite more often than others they
are still rather low in overall percentages, Mr. Grubb exemplified
that in ordinances of other communities the threshold was
much higher in terms of percentages of dog bites for specific
breeds. Consequently, Mr. Grubb commented it is felt that
a case by case basis would be preferable for the City's Ordinance.
Mr. Grubb continued on to explain that parameters could be
established by which residents who feel that a particular
animal is a danger in a neighborhood can petition the City
to have that animal designated a dangerous animal. Mr. Grubb
informed the Members that the Administration is looking closely
at the City of Allentown's existing Ordinance. Mr. Grubb noted
that the situation involving a particular animal would be
reviewed by the Director of Community and Economic Development
and the Police Commissioner or their designees. Based on their
decisions, that animal would be declared a dangerous animal.
As a result, the residence of the dangerous animal would have
to be signed as having a dangerous animal at the residence.
If the dangerous animal were taken out in public it would
have to be on a short leash of possibly three to four feet,
and have a muzzle. In addition, there would be stiff penalties
for people who do not abide by the restrictions pertaining
to their dangerous animal. Mr. Grubb advised that the City
is trying to place not only the responsibility on the owner
as much as possible but also the accountability. By approaching
an amendment to the Ordinance in that fashion, Mr. Grubb noted
it is believed where animals have become a problem, the City
can address it. Adding that a request to have an animal designated
a dangerous animal can come from anyone in the community,
Mr. Grubb stated based on that input a decision can be made
and conditions set in place. Focusing on specific breeds,
Mr. Grubb observed that the percentages are surprising in
terms of the breeds, and pointed out there is probably a higher
bite rate for breeds that are prevalent in the City. Mr. Grubb,
pointing out that some existing ordinances are being challenged
based on breed specific legislation, explained that is a reason
for reviewing problems on a case by case basis. Mr. Grubb
stated the language of the amendment will now be drafted to
withstand any challenges it might face, to give the City enforcement
power, and to protect citizens.
Mayor Delgrosso added another feature of the proposal would
be that the owners of the home in which a dangerous animal
resides must have some type of insurance to take care of a
problem. Mayor Delgrosso, noting that Mr. Grubb, Ms. Klotz,
and the Health Bureau under Mr. Hanna's direction have worked
very hard on the issue, expressed the goal is to identify
an amendment that can address the problem but does not penalize
those whose animals are not considered a danger.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Police Commissioner – Reimbursement for Training
of Police Officer
The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 3, 2003 from Francis
R. Donchez, Jr., Police Commissioner, requesting consideration
of a resolution necessary in order for the City to receive
reimbursement from the State for 60% of the salary for Officer
Richard Hoffman for the 20 weeks he will be attending the
Montgomery County Police Academy.
President Schweder noted that authorizing Resolution 11
E is listed on the Agenda.
B. City Solicitor - Revisions to Code Board of Appeals Ordinance
The Clerk read a letter dated July 10, 2003 from Joseph
F. Leeson, Jr., City Solicitor, in which it was advised that
he did not recommend accepting the two proposed amendments
that were accepted and approved by the Administration and
Committee Members at the Community Development Committee Meeting
on Tuesday, July 1, 2003. The chief Code official is part
of the prosecution team together with a representative of
the City Solicitor’s Office. A member of the prosecution
team cannot serve as a member of the quasi-judicial body (the
Board of Appeals) that decides the case. This would be potential
grounds for a party to appeal a Board of Appeals decision
to the Courts and to seek to have a Board of Appeals ruling
overturned for reasons of failure to get a fair hearing in
front of an impartial board.
President Schweder noted the correspondence concerns Bill
No. 33 that is listed on the Agenda.
8 . REPORTS
A. President of Council
Rescheduled First City Council Meeting in August
President Schweder reminded the assembly that the first
City Council Meeting in August has been rescheduled for Tuesday,
July 29, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, due to Musikfest
occurring on August 5 that would have been the normally scheduled
first City Council Meeting in August. The subsequent regularly
scheduled City Council Meeting is August 19, 2003.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – A. Flexer Illick –
Electricians’ Examining Board
Mayor James Delgrosso reappointed A. Flexer Illick to the
Electricians’ Examining Board, effective until July
2006. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,116
to confirm the reappointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
2. Administrative Order - Donald J. Pulley, Sr. – Electricians’
Examining Board
Mayor James Delgrosso reappointed Donald J. Pulley, Sr.
to the Electricians’ Examining Board, effective until
July 2006. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution
14,117 to confirm the reappointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
3. Administrative Order – Gene Hoffman – Plumbers’
Examining Board
Mayor James Delgrosso reappointed Gene Hoffman to the Plumbers’
Examining Board, effective until June 2007. Mr. Donchez and
Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,118 to confirm the reappointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
4. Administrative Order – Jeffrey M. Vaclavik –
Bethlehem Parking Authority
Mayor James Delgrosso appointed Jeffrey M. Vaclavik to the
Bethlehem Parking Authority, effective until June 2008. Mr.
Gregory and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,119 to confirm
the appointment.
Ms. Szabo commented that, unfortunately, an innocent person
was caught in unfounded political remarks when it was learned
he was going to be appointed to the Bethlehem Parking Authority.
Ms. Szabo, continuing on to say that Mayor Delgrosso has made
a very wise choice in selecting Jeffrey Vaclavik as a representative
of the South Bethlehem Business Association, highlighted the
fact that Mr. Vaclavik does not only represent the business
group but rather the whole City. Ms. Szabo communicated that
Mr. Vaclavik is thoughtful, sensible, a listener, and constructive
in his suggestions. Ms. Szabo added that Mr. Vaclavik will
provide a good balance for the Authority. In addition, Ms.
Szabo noted that Mr. Vaclavik has a good working relationship
with the Executive Director of the Parking Authority, and
gets along well with people.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
C. Public Works Committee
Mr. Gregory, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, presented
an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held at 6:00
p.m. prior to the City Council Meeting this evening on the
following subject: Update on Audit of Unaccounted For Water
(Water Loss).
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
A. Bill No. 28 – 2003 – Rezoning Cherry Lane
and Easton Road – HI to RM Overlay and CG
The Clerk read Bill No. 28 – 2003 – Rezoning
Cherry Lane and Easton Road – HI to RM Overlay and CG
on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill 28 – 2003,
hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4201, was declared adopted.
B. Bill No. 29 – 2003 - Establishing Streets on City
Map
The Clerk read Bill No. 29 – 2003 – Establishing
Streets on City Map, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory,
Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill 29 – 2003, hereafter
to be known as Ordinance 4202, was declared adopted.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 30 – 2003 – Amending Zoning Ordinance
– Establishing Section 1304.07 – R-R Residential
District Overlay Zone
The Clerk read Bill No. 30 - 2003 – Amending Zoning
Ordinance – Establishing Section 1304.07 – R-R
Residential District Overlay Zone, sponsored by Mr. Donchez
and Mr. Gregory, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1304
OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA, AS AMENDED,
ENTITLED R-R RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
President Schweder affirmed that Final Reading of Bill No.
30 will take place at the August 19 City Council Meeting.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 30 –
2003, was declared passed on First Reading.
B. Bill No. 31 – 2003 Amending Article 1733 –
Car Repairs at Residences
The Clerk read Bill No. 31 – 2003, Amending Article
1733 – Car Repairs at Residences, sponsored by Mr. Donchez
and Mr. Gregory, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES
OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 1733 OF THE
CODIFIED ORDINANCES ENTITLED BOCA NATIONAL
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 31 –
2003, was declared passed on First Reading.
C. Bill No. 32 – 2003 – Amending Article 149
– Vacant Property Review Board
The Clerk read Bill No. 32 – 2003, sponsored by Mr.
Donchez and Mr. Gregory, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 149 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED VACANT PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 32 –
2003, was declared passed on First Reading.
D. Bill No. 33 – 2003 – Amending Article 150
– Codes Board of Appeals
The Clerk read Bill No. 33 – 2003, sponsored by Mr.
Donchez and Mr. Gregory, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 150 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED CODES BOARD OF APPEALS.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 33 –
2003, was declared passed on First Reading.
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement –
Chamber of Commerce – 2003 Walla Gazoo Golf Outing and
Picnic
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,120
which authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute a
Use Permit Agreement between the City and the Bethlehem Area
Chamber of Commerce for use of the Monocacy Complex along
the Ice Rink and Tennis Court area for the 2003 Annual Golf
Outing and Walla Gazoo Picnic for the period August 17, 2003
through August 20, 2003, according to the terms and conditions
of the Agreement.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
B. Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 to Use Permit
Agreement – Celtic Fest
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,121
that authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute Amendment
No. 1 to Use Permit Agreement between the City and Celtic
Fest, Inc., for use of various City locations for the 2003
Celtic Classic, according to the terms and conditions of the
Amendment to the Agreement.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
C. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement –
Senior Centers of Bethlehem – Parking Cars During Musikfest
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,122
that authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute a
Use Permit Agreement between the City and Senior Centers of
Bethlehem for use of Johnston Park for the parking of cars
during Musikfest 2003 for the time period August 1, 2003 to
August 10, 2003, according to the terms and conditions of
the Agreement.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
D. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement –
Senior Centers of Bethlehem – Parking Cars During Celtic
Classic
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,123
that authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute a
Use Permit Agreement between the City and Senior Centers of
Bethlehem for use of Johnston Park for the parking of cars
during Celtic Classic 2003 for the time period September 26,
2003 to September 28, 2003, according to the terms and conditions
of the Agreement.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
E. Obtaining Reimbursement – Police Officer Training
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,124
which authorized obtaining reimbursement of monies for expenses
incurred for Police Officer Richard Hoffman pursuant to the
training provisions of the Municipal Police Officers’
Education and Training Act, and agreeing that while receiving
any funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to
said Act, the City of Bethlehem shall adhere to the rules,
regulations and training standards established by the Municipal
Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.
Motion - Considering Resolutions 11 F through 11 K as a
Group
Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski moved to consider Resolutions
11 F through 11 K as a group.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr.
Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The motion passed.
F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 217 West Broad
Street
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,125
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install
a sign at 217 West Broad Street.
G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 53 East Market
Street
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,126
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to change previously
approved color scheme on exterior painting and to replace
existing windows at 53 East Market Street.
H. Certificate of Appropriateness –136 East Market
Street
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,127
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to extend the
rear kitchen at 136 East Market Street.
I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 513 First Avenue
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,128
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install
a new fence and an above ground pool at 513 First Avenue.
J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 10 East Church
Street
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,129
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install
a sculptured fountain at 10 East Church Street, in commemoration
of the Sister City relationship between the City of Bethlehem
and Schwabisch Gmund, Germany.
K. Certificate of Appropriateness – 437 High Street
Mr. Arcelay and Mr. Gregory sponsored Resolution 14,130
which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint exterior
doors at 437 High Street.
Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 F through 11 K: Mr. Arcelay,
Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr.
Schweder, 6. The Resolutions passed.
12. NEW BUSINESS
Fire Union Contract
Mr. Gregory, inquiring about the status of settling the Fire
Union contract, noted it is his understanding that arbitration
is set for September.
Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, affirmed that arbitration
is set for September 22, 2003, and the Administration will
sit down with the members.
City Services Rendered To Non-Profits - Fire Department Response
to St. Luke’s Hospital - Reimbursement to City
Mr. Gregory asked about the status of the matter of reimbursement
to the City by St. Luke's Hospital for Fire Department service
rendered to the Hospital that he raised at the June 17, 2003
City Council Meeting.
Mayor Delgrosso informed Mr. Gregory that a meeting will
be scheduled with the appropriate representatives.
Bicycle Riding on Sidewalks
Mrs. Belinski, pointing out that some bicycles are being
ridden very recklessly on the sidewalks, advised it was reported
to her that a 71 year old elderly man was run into twice by
a reckless rider. Mrs. Belinski continued on to report that
the other evening on Fourth Street she was nearly knocked
over by a reckless bicycle rider. Mrs. Belinski, adding that
she has been hearing complaints rather consistently, noted
that some of the riders are using the handicapped ramps to
accelerate their bicycles. Mrs. Belinski, wondering whether
signs could be erected, asked is there anything the City can
do about the situation.
Mayor Delgrosso expressed the belief that signs would have
to be installed throughout the City. Mayor Delgrosso, communicating
it is an educational process, indicated he would ask the Police
Commissioner whether or not it is illegal to ride on pavements.
Walter Diefenderfer, Police Captain, acknowledging that bicycles
are supposed to have warning devices, advised that some individuals
are not obtaining the necessary licenses. Captain Diefenderfer,
expressing that he will address the matter with Police Commissioner
Francis Donchez upon his return, in addition to the Community
Police Officers, commented that programs throughout the City
should likely be increased to try to rectify the situation
to some degree.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Dangerous Dogs
Donna Scrafano, 708 Atlantic Street, inquired about the
City's leash law. Ms. Scrafano advised there has been a brief
improvement in the situation involving the pit bull in the
neighborhood who bit a young boy as she had reported at the
June 3, 2003 City Council Meeting. Although that pit bull
was euthanized, Ms. Scrafano advised that the owner now has
a new dog which is getting lose and ran across the street
onto her neighbor's porch, as is the dog from two doors away.
Ms. Scrafano continued on to inform the Members it so happens
that the breed terrorizing her neighborhood right now is the
pit bull. Ms. Scrafano further notified the assembly she was
informed by her daughter that yesterday a pit bull came across
the street but her daughter was afraid to call the Police
because a group of people were standing on the porch. Ms.
Scrafano advised that the problems are still occurring. Ms.
Scrafano highlighted the fact that her dog is put on a harness
when she takes him out even though he is not a danger to anybody.
Leash Law
Mr. Grubb, observing the misconception has developed that
the City does not have a leash law, confirmed the City does
have a leash law that was instituted last year when the Ordinance
was amended. Consequently, Mr. Grubb affirmed that any dog
should be leashed and if they are not the Police should be
contacted in order for enforcement to take place.
Mayor Delgrosso added it is being proposed that a shorter
leash be required if an animal is considered dangerous.
Dangerous Dogs
William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, expressing the opinion
that it could be problematic if a citizen were allowed to
raised a complaint in order to have a particular animal labeled
as a dangerous animal, observed that due process could be
one of the problems since one neighbor could do so to annoy
another neighbor. Mr. Scheirer, commenting he feels it might
be better to let the Police do it, added it ties into the
point system that he proposed at a previous City Council Meeting,
and stated there has to be an ultimate penalty.
Water Loss
Mr. Scheirer, stating there is a disconcerting number of
minor mistakes in the Executive Summary that was prepared
by ADS Environmental Services on the issue of unaccounted
for water, remarked one would think greater care would be
taken with the Executive Summary and it does not reflect well
on the character of the work. Mr. Scheirer, noting it was
reported in the Summary that the meter at Howertown east was
pronounced accurate because it was only 1.6% off, pointed
out that the result was put aside and was not included in
the summary table. Mr. Scheirer said in supposing the consultant's
measurement was precisely accurate then there was some of
the unaccounted for water. He continued on to say it was larger
than any of the other things that were in the summary report.
Mr. Scheirer, stating this was also done with the wholesale
meters, questioned why these things should be set aside. Mr.
Scheirer felt it is beginning to look like the answer to the
syndrome might be "a little bit of this and a little
bit of that".
Dave Sanders, 69 E. Goepp Street, stressed that authorization
was given for the consultants to survey 100% of the City of
Bethlehem to study the problem of unaccounted for water. Mr.
Sanders stressed that, as a businessman, if he spent $270,000
for a survey of 100% but instead got a survey of only 10%
"they wouldn't get ten cents from me". Mr. Sanders
remarked that he thinks the taxpayers were shortchanged. With
reference to Mr. Donchez's remarks, Mr. Sanders noted it has
been stated that the City has been losing water for forty
years at the rate of three million gallons and 10% is being
targeted in Lower Saucon Township. Mr. Sanders observed that
is a relatively new area and questioned why the older areas
of the City would not be studied. Mr. Sanders, expressing
his agreement with President Schweder's idea of contacting
neighboring communities about the matter, said perhaps Wendell
Sherman, former Director of Public Works, or other former
long-time City employees could also be contacted. Mr. Sanders
felt that the $30,000 should be used elsewhere rather than
given to the current consultant.
Route 412 Improvements
Dean Bruch, 625 Hawthorne Road, commenting that the Route
412 improvements remind him of the Blue Route to Chester,
Pennsylvania, suggested that a park and ride program could
be established to bring visitors into the City. In addition,
Mr. Bruch suggested that a scenic ride could be established
for which a fee could be charged.
Fire Union Contract
Mr. Bruch, stressing it is the public who pays for everything
including the proposed 4% increase in the Fire Union contract,
expressed that the people who have worked hard all their lives
are being forgotten. Mr. Bruch asserted something has to be
done to require financial accountability, and to use the taxpayers
money prudently.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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