Council Minutes
JUly 19, 2005 Meeting Minutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 – 7:30 PM – Town Hall
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
Acting President Robert Donchez called the meeting to order.
Pastor Larry Burd, of Calvary Baptist Church, offered the
invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present
were Ismael Arcelay, Jean Belinski, Robert J. Donchez, Joseph
F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, and Magdalena F. Szabo,
6. President J. Michael Schweder was absent, 1.
Citation – Honoring Joan Fekula
Acting President Donchez presented a Citation honoring Joan
Fekula who retired from the Police Department after 20 years
of service to the City. The Members of Council, along with
the assembly, applauded Ms. Fekula and wished her well in
her retirement.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of July 5, 2005 were approved.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances
and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)
None.
6. OLD BUSINESS
None.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
8 . REPORTS
A. President of Council
None.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – Timothy P. Brennan –
Assistant City Solicitor
Mayor John B. Callahan appointed Timothy P. Brennan as Assistant
City Solicitor, effective August 1, 2005. Mr. Mowrer and Mr.
Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,652 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. The Resolution passed.
C. Public Works Committee
Mr. Mowrer, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, presented
an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held July
5, 2005, on the following subject: Amending Article 927 –
Elimination of Sewer Rate Quantity Discount.
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
A. Bill No. 31 – 2005 – Amending General Fund
Budget – EMS Bureau – Overtime and Health Bureau
– Tobacco Program
The Clerk read Bill No. 31 – 2005, Amending General
Fund Budget – EMS Bureau – Overtime and Health
Bureau – Tobacco Program, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Bill No. 31 –
2005, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4331, was declared
adopted.
B. Bill No. 32 – 2005 – Amending Non-Utility Capital
Budget – State Grant – Johnston Park and Façade
Improvements – Eastern Gateway
The Clerk read Bill No. 32 – 2005, Amending Non-Utility
Capital Budget – State Grant – Johnston Park and
Façade Improvements – Eastern Gateway, on Final
Reading.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Bill No. 32 –
2005, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4332, was declared
adopted.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 33 – 2005 – Amending Article 927 –
Eliminating Sewer Rate Quantity Discount
The Clerk read Bill No. 33 – 2005, Amending Article
927 - Eliminating Sewer Rate Quantity Discount, sponsored
by Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 927 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED SEWER RENTAL.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Bill No. 33 –
2005 was declared passed on First Reading.
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Installing Traffic Signals – Hellertown Road, Commerce
Center Boulevard, and Princeton Avenue
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,653 that
approved installation of traffic signals at the intersection
of Hellertown Road and Commerce Center Boulevard, and at the
intersection of Hellertown Road and Princeton Avenue, subject
to the approval of the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation,
and in accordance with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and the
Regulations for traffic signs, signals, and markings of the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. The Resolution passed.
B. Declaring Special Condition – Parking During Musikfest
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,654 by
which a Special Condition was declared during Musikfest 2005
for the period from 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 5, 2005 through
12:00 Midnight at the end of Sunday, August 14, 2005; and,
under the provisions of Article 531.99(c) designating the
area to be affected by this Resolution that shall be the area
within the outline of the diagram which is marked Exhibit
A; and by which fines were increased for various parking violations.
Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr.
Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez, 6. The Resolution passed.
Considering Resolutions 11 C through 11 F As A Group
Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Arcelay moved to consider Resolutions
11 C through 11 F as a group. Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs.
Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Donchez,
6. The motion passed.
C. Certificate of Appropriateness – Main Street
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,655 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to repaint streetscape
infrastructure at various locations along Main Street.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 33 West Walnut
Street
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,656 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to repaint the small
mural on the lower level of the parking garage at 33 West
Walnut Street.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 33 West Walnut
Street
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,657 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to repaint the large
mural on the lower level of the parking garage at 33 West
Walnut Street.
F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 510 High Street
Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Arcelay sponsored Resolution 14,658 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to enclose the side
porch at 510 High Street.
Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 C through 11 F: Mr. Arcelay,
Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr.
Donchez, 6. The Resolutions passed.
12. NEW BUSINESS
Budget Format
Mr. Mowrer recommended that the Finance Committee meet with
the Administration to work together to begin the process of
examining alternative ways of presenting the City’s
Budget, making it more meaningful, more significant, and more
relevant. Communicating that he sees this as a major undertaking,
Mr. Mowrer stated the process should begin now as the Administration
and Council works together on the change because the City
is completing a thirty year old budget format that is outdated.
Mayor Callahan, advising the Administration very much supports
the recommendation, noted it is clear that the Budget has
been the same for the last thirty years. Mayor Callahan commented
that a better job could be done of presenting perhaps a more
comprehensive view of where the City is, and where it wants
to go financially. Mayor Callahan said the Administration
looks forward to working with Council on the initiative.
Acting President Donchez stated that, as Chairman of the
Finance Committee, he agrees with the suggestions.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Proposed Casino in Bethlehem
Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, with reference to the
anti-gaming group in the Lehigh Valley, noted their fact sheet
starts out with Mr. Thompson’s economic study and how
it shows an economic loss to the Lehigh Valley. Informing
the assembly he has taken the liberty of reworking the study,
Mr. Pfenning stated he focused only on the City of Bethlehem.
Mr. Pfennig said according to his reworking it looks like
the annual economic gain to the City of Bethlehem would be
about $34-$35 million a year using Mr. Thompson’s model.
Mr. Pfenning advised that he reduced the number of slots to
3,000, doubled Mr. Thompson’s social costs, and assumed
that 50% of the salaries earned will be earned by City of
Bethlehem residents. Mr. Pfenning added that his reading of
Act 71 is that the $10 million figure for the City would be
annual. Mr. Pfenning, turning to the executive summary of
a recent study, read excerpts, as follows: “For the
first time this study contains a scientific survey of the
views of our industry held by civic leaders and elected officials
in gaming jurisdictions…including mayors, county executives,
police chiefs, city managers, and other community leaders,
[who] have an overwhelmingly favorable view of the gaming
industry and its impact on their communities. According to
the survey, which was conducted by Peter DeHart Research Associates,
more than half of all opinioned leaders had a positive reaction
to casinos when they were first proposed in the community,
and a full 89% said the introduction of casinos has met or
exceeded their expectations. They indicated casinos have been
good corporate citizens while increasing the tax base and
government revenues, and expanding economic opportunity and
jobs. Nearly two-thirds of opinioned leaders say casinos have
done more to help than hurt other businesses in the community,
and nearly 80% said casinos have had an overall positive impact
on the community. Fully 75% said, if given the chance, they
would vote again to allow casinos into their jurisdiction.”
Referring to the issue of buses that was brought up at the
last City Council Meeting, Mr. Pfenning pointed out that every
year he reads in the newspaper about the additional number
of tour buses coming to Bethlehem at Christmastime. Mr. Pfenning
continued on to state, if there is concern about bus traffic,
then Bethlehem will do what Atlantic City does that is to
control them, establish where they can drive, where they can
park, charge them a fee for stopping at the casino, and charge
them a fee for parking. Focusing on parking in general, Mr.
Pfenning expressed the assumption that the casino will build
its own parking garage. Expressing he does not disagree that
crime will go up, Mr. Pfenning said he is a little concerned
about the statistics that were presented to City Council.
Continuing on to say they are per capita statistics, Mr. Pfenning
thought they are per capita based on full-time population
and does not include transient population, and felt that skews
the results. Mr. Pfenning, while acknowledging that addiction
is a problem, stated it already exists. Noting there is illegal
internet gambling, Mr. Pfenning observed when racinos open
there will be three racinos within an hour to an hour and
a half driving distance from Bethlehem, and asserted he is
fully convinced there will be another casino someplace in
the Lehigh Valley. Consequently, Mr. Pfenning stated there
will be casinos within easy access. Mr. Pfenning noted the
addiction rate, as shown by Professor Thompson, is 1.3% of
gamblers. However, Mr. Pfenning stressed that means 98.7%
of the gamblers are not addicted, and are doing this as an
adult entertainment. Advising he rides weekly on buses to
Atlantic City, Mr. Pfenning said he has listened to conversations
around him and he has never really detected any indication
of people spending their money that they do not have, most
of them view it as a day out, they budget themselves to once
a month or once every three months, and it is very responsible.
Mr. Pfenning stated that all gamblers are not irresponsible.
Mr. Pfenning pointed out that, if a casino is not in Bethlehem,
there will still be, according to Bill Thompson’s model,
about $2 million in social costs with no economic benefit
offsetting it. Mr. Pfenning expressed he appreciates the fact
that a zoning amendment was started through the process at
the last City Council Meeting because of what the Supreme
Court did and struck down the position. However, Mr. Pfenning
thought, in reading the newspapers, the State legislature
will reinstate State control over the matter because to do
otherwise defeats the timely awarding of licenses and concurrent
awarding of licenses required by Act 71. Informing the assembly
he would be very much in favor of the zoning ordinance if
it created a non-addictive encouragement zone within Bethlehem
Works or any of the other areas that come under that classification,
Mr. Pfenning said that means he would support the ordinance
if it also included the prohibition of sale or distribution
of alcoholic beverages within those areas by any restaurant,
business, or festival. Stressing there should be consistency,
Mr. Pfenning exemplified that 8 % of drinkers are alcoholics
versus 1.3% of gamblers that are addicted. Mr. Pfenning mentioned
he has yet to see a fatal automobile accident caused by an
exuberant or dejected gambler. To be consistent, Mr. Pfenning
said he would hope that City Council would go against all
addictions in that area or not.
Fire Department and Union Issues
Darryl Kulp, 1101 Wood Street, President of Firefighters
Local 735, expressed his thanks to Mayor Callahan and Dennis
Reichard, Business Administrator, and advised that for the
past couple of years the International Association of Firefighters
have been lobbying in Washington, D.C. for the SAFER Act that
mirrors the Police Department in the Fire Department’s
applying for Federal grants to pay for staffing. Mr. Kulp
advised that, unfortunately, President Bush cut the appropriations
for the Act considerably. However, Mr. Kulp noted through
his work along with Mr. Reichard and the Mayor the City applied
for eight people, and said he publicly wants to thank them.
In addition, Mr. Kulp recalled that Governor Rendell signed
legislation pertaining to residency when applying for civil
service jobs in the Fire Department. Advising there are some
problems within the existing civil service readings under
the contract, Mr. Kulp noted there is nothing in the existing
civil service codes that addresses residency. He added that,
through some arbitration cases he has researched, the local
has the right for bargaining on the issue. Mr. Kulp said he
wanted to bring this to Council’s attention to perhaps
research it and discuss it further with Mr. Reichard to see
if a compromise can be reached before March or April when
the current list expires. Mr. Kulp pointed out there could
be 300 or 400 applicants including from Florida, Ohio, and
New Jersey who could go through the whole process and find
out the test must be re-given. Focusing on mention having
been made by City Council several meetings ago about researching
how other cities the size of Bethlehem have integrated the
Fire Department and EMS services, Mr. Kulp said “we’ve
had a lot of problems trying to get this off the ground in
this City for many different reasons…”. Expressing
he is curious if City Council has received any information
at this point, Mr. Kulp informed the Members “as of
right now the Local has pretty much exhausted its time trying
to deal with the Commissioner in getting answers on a grievance
that was filed in…September of 2004, and that’s
going to be moving towards arbitration. I’m not closing
the doors of communication on this. I believe there’s
a lot of questions that could come from it, but I’m
not getting any answers, and we’re at the point where
litigation is in the works now.” Mr. Kulp, recalling
about a year ago there was a reserve aerial piece that was
found unfit for duty, said there has been some grumblings
and talk about the reserve aerial being replaced. He continued
on to say that currently the aerial that works out of the
North Side at Memorial Fire Station has encountered some major
breakdowns over the past few weeks, and more problems are
being encountered now. Informing the Members that the problem
is “we have no piece to put in its place,” Mr.
Kulp confirmed he researched the matter and there has always
been three aerial pieces, and at one time the third aerial
piece was manned. Mr. Kulp wondered if there are any provisions
for getting the reserve aerial piece in the near future.
Mayor Callahan, commenting there are two relatively new
aerials, acknowledged there is a problem with one of them.
Mayor Callahan advised as of last week’s staff meeting,
Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, anticipated
it would be done within the week. Mr. Kulp affirmed it was
put back in service but then it encountered some other problems
yesterday. Mayor Callahan stated he was not aware of that,
and so does not know the timeframe for that repair. Mayor
Callahan pointed out that, at the time the aerial was not
in service, Allentown was put on notice. In further response
to Mr. Kulp, Mayor Callahan observed that an aerial is an
extremely expensive piece of equipment and to put a half million
dollars into a piece of equipment to have it on stand-by is
a tall order. Affirming there are two relatively new aerials
now, Mayor Callahan noted the decision was made, because the
old aerial was about 35 years old and would not be worth rehabilitation,
to put it out of service. Mayor Callahan communicated the
City at some point would like to pursue buying a third aerial
but it is not in the works right now.
Broughal Middle School
William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said that eight days
ago the facilities committee of the Bethlehem Area School
Board expressed overwhelming opposition to the preservation
of Broughal Middle School. The chairman of the committee asserted
there was consensus to demolish the school. Relating that
the president of the school board, referring to the letter
from City Council urging the preservation of the school, joked
that perhaps they should take positions on city matters, Mr.
Scheirer said he did not get the feeling that Council’s
letter was given much weight. Mr. Scheirer felt perhaps City
Council should send another letter urging the Bethlehem residents
on the school board to express their opinions on city issues,
since they are members of the community Council serves, just
as Council Members are members of the community they serve.
Mr. Scheirer expressed that City Council has a statutory concern
for historic preservation, not only because it affects economic
development, but also for its own sake, especially since the
school board as a whole is showing no regard for it.
Mr. Scheirer communicated that he was somewhat surprised
by the behavior of the board at the committee meeting attended
by eight of the nine board members. Mr. Scheirer said their
comments were often unstudied and casual, sometimes bordering
on the cavalier. He continued on to say their procedures were
equally casual, with simultaneous conversations occurring
a number of times. Mr. Scheirer felt that the lack of rigor
also applies to the board’s analysis of Broughal Middle
School. In the case of Broughal, Mr. Scheirer thought the
beginning question must have been what to do with the overcrowding
at the school, which has led to the busing of about 200 students
to East Hills Middle School. However, he said this question
has been transmuted by the board into the question of how
to ease the overcrowding and how to increase the size of the
classrooms to meet what are called "modern standards".
Mr. Scheirer thought this seems to contradict the administration's
emphasis reported in today's newspaper on "smaller and
more personal learning environments" which seemed to
him to be much more effective than increasing classroom sizes.
He pointed out that increasing the size of the classrooms
in the existing building involves moving walls, which means
moving utilities, and it becomes expensive to retain the existing
building if larger classrooms are insisted on. Mr. Scheirer
observed that the cost of building an addition and making
relatively minor alterations to the old building has been
estimated at $14 million by the architect working with Tom
Hylton, the Pottstown journalist who has won a Pulitzer prize.
The school board's consulting engineer said that comparing
this estimate was not apples to apples, but did not dispute
the reasonableness of the estimate for that option. Mr. Scheirer
noted that the estimate for moving the walls in Broughal and
building an addition has been reported at $30 million in the
press. Mr. Scheirer informed the assembly that his request
for an estimate of the cost of demolishing Broughal Middle
School and building an entirely new building has not been
answered, so he assumed for the purposes of exposition that
it is midway between the other two estimates at $22 million.
Mr. Scheirer expressed the opinion that the school board looks
at these numbers and says that in order to have the large
classrooms, an additional $8 million will have to be spent
to save Broughal, which the board says is not worth it. Mr.
Scheirer said “but if one sticks to the original question
of easing overcrowding, having larger classrooms in addition
will cost another $8 million and the loss of the existing
building, which I and others say is not worth it. It all depends
on which question is asked.”
Mr. Scheirer observed that another reason given by at least
some members of the school board for not saving Broughal is
the phasing and what should be done with the students while
Broughal is being renovated. Mr. Scheirer felt this also shows
a lack of analysis. Mr. Scheirer thought that an addition
could be built first to accommodate the existing students,
moving the students over when it is finished. Then, he said,
minimal renovations can be made to the existing building,
the students who are bused can be moved back, with additional
room available for still more students who will be likely
to go to Broughal. Continuing on to state that, finally, the
buildings can be connected, Mr. Scheirer observed a further
option is to ultimately have the younger students in the older
building. With its smaller classrooms, it will have smaller
classes, which will make the transition to middle school easier
for the younger students. Mr. Scheirer commented that having
smaller classes will necessitate a few more teachers. Saying
he is fairly sure the school board believes that the teaching
of history is important, Mr. Scheirer remarked “but
what will be the implicit lesson taught if this important
building in the history of the Borough of South Bethlehem,
with its magnificent auditorium, is destroyed.”
Proposed Casino in Bethlehem
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, stated that, in reading
and hearing comments, the motivation behind Reverend Mowrer’s
proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to prohibit gambling in
the IR, IR-F, and HI zoning districts is being supported by
members of his religious community. However, Mr. Antalics
said that, in reading and hearing comments, he does not have
a sense of the motivations for Mr. Leeson’s support
as co-sponsor. Mr. Antalics recalled that, in the past, when
people proposed new resolutions they give a rationale explaining
why. Mr. Antalics stated he would appreciate if Mr. Leeson
could give insight into his reasons for being co-sponsor.
Acting President Donchez, commenting he does not think that
is an appropriate request, explained that when Members of
Council sponsor Resolutions if they want to make comments
they can before voting. Acting President Donchez further explained
that if the issue comes back to City Council then before the
Members would vote on the issue he thinks all seven Members
of Council will address the issue as far as their beliefs
and position on the issue. While noting that if Mr. Leeson
wants to make a comment now he can, Acting President Donchez
expressed that before voting on the matter would be the appropriate
time rather than now.
Mr. Leeson, affirming that he and Mr. Mowrer prepared a
transmittal memorandum to accompany the proposed Ordinance,
stated that sets forth his thinking.
Mr. Antalics, saying it is clear as to the point of view
of many of the religious communities in Bethlehem on how they
stand on the issue of gambling, added it was heard tonight
by the individual giving the invocation who spoke against
gambling. In addition, Mr. Antalics recalled the comments
at the July 5, 2005 City Council Meeting by the representative
of the Moravian Church were very clear in opposition to gambling
based on the morality of the issue. Mr. Antalics questioned
is anyone on Council concerned about or aware of the standing
of the Catholic Church on the issue. Noting there is consortium
known as the Pennsylvania Catholic Council that meets and
speaks on theological, moral, public, and social issues, Mr.
Antalics said the issue of gambling came up. Mr. Antalics
continued on to say on the moral issue of gambling the Pennsylvania
Catholic Council commented that “the Catholic Church
according to its traditional theology does not consider gambling
to be intrinsically evil. Number two, traditional Catholic
teaching maintains that gambling is morally acceptable when
all of the following conditions are met. Number four, games
of chance or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice.”
Mr. Antalics stated the issue of morality is out of the picture
simply because there are two very divergent points of view
on gambling; i.e., the Moravian and Roman Catholic. Mr. Antalics
queried “who’s right. Who has the right to presume
that they’re right.” Mr. Antalics explained he
asked Mr. Leeson for his reasons in co-sponsoring the proposal
because he knows Mr. Leeson has been appointed as administrative
representative to the Pennsylvania Catholic Council but does
not know if Mr. Leeson is speaking from conscience or from
policy as an administrative representative. Noting it was
mentioned by Mr. Leeson that there should be a public debate,
Mr. Antalics asserted the debate is a function of the citizens
of Bethlehem, not of Council or the Planning Commission. Mr.
Antalics suggested that Council pass a Resolution to table
the proposal and put the question to the public and let the
public decide because it is their City. Mr. Antalics stressed
“don’t have the citizens in Bethlehem turned against
each other by debate…You’re going to have people
turning against each other over an issue which should never
be an issue. The ballot box, the voting booth is the answer.
If you’re responsible, you will refer this issue as
a referendum, and get the politics out of the issue, and let
the people of Bethlehem whom you represent make their decision,
because that will be the final moral decision.”
Stephen Smith, 708 14th Avenue, said he has some questions
he would like to ask with reference to gambling in Bethlehem.
Mr. Smith asked who is offering the $10 million host fee,
will it be in a lump sum or over a period of years, and for
what will the money be earmarked.
Mayor Callahan responded that under Act 71 a Third Class
City such as Bethlehem would receive $10 million annually
or 2% of the gross terminal revenue, whichever is higher.
In addition, Mayor Callahan noted the City would receive additional
real estate taxes and mercantile taxes. Mayor Callahan advised
there is no restriction on the use of the $10 million host
fee, and it could go to the City’s General Fund, for
example. Mayor Callahan explained that Northampton County,
as a Third Class County, would receive 1% of the gross terminal
revenue towards the General Fund, and 1% would be available
for economic development purposes within the County, which
percentages are speculatively estimated to equate to about
between $5 million and $6 million.
Mr. Smith inquired about the acreage for a casino, the number
of slot machines, and whether there will be any other gaming
tables.
Mayor Callahan replied it will be 3,000 slots initially
for a six month probationary period, and then the potential
to expand to a total of 5,000 slots, and added at this point
there are not table games and other games of chance proposed.
Mayor Callahan, while advising there is not a complete plan
for the square footage, stated the proposed location will
be in the ore yard area, where there is roughly 25-30 acres,
as one heads into South Bethlehem on the Minsi Trail Bridge.
Mr. Smith asked about estimates related to jobs. President
Donchez commented that question cannot be answered yet since
it is speculative as to whether Bethlehem would get the license,
and it may not be decided for another year.
Maple Street and Union Boulevard – Stop Signs
Dean Bruch, 625 Hawthorne Road, thanked the Pastor for his
invocation. Mr. Bruch explained a problem with the stop signs
at Maple Street and Union Boulevard.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, affirmed it had
been a two stop intersection and was converted to a three
stop. Traffic going eastward outnumbers the traffic going
westward on Union Boulevard by about four to one, and the
stop sign was placed following some collisions as a result
of traffic movement. Mr. Alkhal communicated the intersection
continues to be evaluated.
Van Bittner Hall; Gambling; and City Matters
Mr. Bruch asked the status of Van Bittner Hall, also known
as Union Hall, and whether it was sold.
Mayor Callahan replied no decisions have been made by the
City regarding Union Hall, and no decisions have been made
by the Steelworkers Union as to sale of their building. Mayor
Callahan continued on to advise the City is evaluating the
necessity of the building and whether it makes sense for the
City’s long range plans.
Mr. Bruch felt that VanBittner Hall could perhaps become
a museum.
Mr. Bruch, with reference to the issue of gambling, noted
that officials in Harrisburg are pushing one way while others
are pushing another way. He advised there are two places in
Bethlehem that still sell numbers, and recounted his recollection
of a vending operator where there was gambling when he was
a child.
Mr. Bruch stressed that the medical problems today are very
bad.
Mr. Bruch encouraged Council to get something accomplished,
do their jobs, abide by the will of the people, listen to
the people, and go out and meet with citizens.
Mr. Bruch, congratulating City officials that there has
not been any civil suits or other negative issues facing the
City lately, said if any matters such as those things occur
he will ask for resignations.
Conversion of Brownfields – Buffalo, New York
Charles Nyul, 1966 Pinehurst Road, read to the assembly
from an article that appeared in the Reader’s Digest
last month about Buffalo, New York where Bethlehem Steel Corporation
had operations and where there are about 1,100 acres of brownfields
that is planned to be turned into a wind farm to generate
clean power for businesses and residents.
Proposed Development – Downtown
Mr. Nyul, questioning why skyscrapers are planned to be
built in the downtown, thought that City officials are doing
something wrong.
Daisy Pump Rifle
Mr. Nyul informed the Police Commissioner that a Daisy pump
rifle was used in his neighborhood. He found out from a local
store that the company is now selling a semi-automatic air
rifle. Mr. Nyul asked whether they are restricted from use
in the City.
Francis Donchez, Police Commissioner, asked if Mr. Nyul
called the Police Department when the incident occurred. Mr.
Nyul replied no. Police Commissioner Donchez informed Mr.
Nyul that a firearm cannot be discharged within the City,
but advised he would have to find out whether the air rifle
comes under that category. Police Commissioner Donchez encouraged
Mr. Nyul to call about such matters.
Greenway – South Side
Mr. Nyul asserted that the Greenway planned for the South
Side is a maintenance problem for the City due to snow and
bad weather, and it means the Parks and Public Property Department
will have more things to take care of. Mr. Nyul continued
on to state the City will have to put more money in the budget
for maintenance of the Greenway.
Golf Course - Automatic Warning System
Mr. Nyul said an automatic warning system is needed at the
Golf Course when there is bad weather and the system could
also be used at the driving range and pools. He pointed out
that with an automatic system the alarm goes off ten minutes
before there is lightning in the area, and goes off again
automatically to give an all-clear signal.
Mrs. Belinski, Chairwoman of the Parks and Public Property
Department, advised that Mr. Nyul’s suggestion will
be reviewed.
Mrs. Belinski further related that her son, who plays golf
in many different geographic areas, said the Golf Course is
in great condition.
City Council Meeting
Wayne Maura, 826 West Union Boulevard, urged Council to
preserve the tape of the meeting and designate it as an exhibit
in a museum.
Broughal Middle School
Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, said she cannot imagine
anyone would want to tear down Broughal Middle School which
is a national treasure. Ms. Pongracz communicated that educational
philosophy states that part of the problem with the school
system is the fact that there are no neighborhood schools
which, she stressed, means that schools are too big. Ms. Pongracz
stressed that Broughal Middle School has been and will be
part of the soul of the South Side of Bethlehem, and highlighted
the fact that it was the first high school in the City of
Bethlehem.
Proposed Casino in Bethlehem
Ms. Pongracz stated that “gambling is inherently not
evil.” Ms. Pongracz queried whether anyone has considered
the fact that Northampton Community College has purchased
the former main office of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, and
the casino will be in walking distance for students who would
be able to work at the casino part-time. Ms. Pongracz pointed
out that many of those students will be the first in their
families to attend college. Ms. Pongracz, advising she was
in Atlantic City three weeks ago, noted she sat in the reception
area of the one of the casinos and saw many buses coming there
from the area around Bethlehem. Ms. Pongracz stressed all
of the money is going out of town and out of state. She remarked
those people will continue to go to Atlantic City and continue
to spend their money if they so desire. Ms. Pongracz questioned
“why is it that we cannot justify in our minds the fact
that we offer people the opportunity if they wish to gamble
in a safe location.” Ms. Pongracz, querying “should
we shut down the lottery system”, observed that would
mean senior citizens will not be able to use public transportation.
Ms. Pongracz asked people to think about the pros and cons
of gambling. Ms. Pongracz further stated “don’t
tell me how to spend my money. If I choose to go to Atlantic
City once a week, as many of our seniors do…but you
choose to buy a first edition of a book at $5,000 who’s
the bigger fool.”
Various City Issues
Eddie Rodriquez, 436 Pawnee Street, thanked James Smith,
Streets Superintendent, Charles Brown, Director of Parks and
Public Property, and Mayor Callahan, Police Commissioner Donchez,
the Public Works Department, and Health Bureau for their help
in the community. Mr. Rodriquez remarked, however, that the
“City is really going to the dumps unless we put our
foot where it belongs, put our mouth where it belongs and
speak up for our own piece of mind…”. Mr. Rodriquez,
advising that he puts a lot of effort into his volunteer work
throughout the community, communicated that he needs a helping
hand. Observing there are people who are against certain things
and want to destroy them, Mr. Rodriquez stressed he is not
going to allow it. Mr. Rodriquez invited City officials to
meet with him and see exactly what is happening in the City.
Mr. Rodriquez, saying he is pre-warning City officials in
advance, remarked “if any of us think that we are going
to have the same City that we’ve had over the years,
we’re not going to have it…They’re trashing
this City back and forth.” Mr. Rodriquez stated he is
tired of certain Police Officers, not all, who are not on
their best behavior, and added “this has got to stop.”
Mr. Rodriquez noted it is important that people know they
can come to City Council Meetings. Mr. Rodriquez advised there
are a lot of drugs in parks, such as Ullmann Park where Mr.
Brown is working with him, and he marked trees so they can
be taken down. Mr. Rodriquez said he will drop the trees and
has neighbors who can help him. Mr. Rodriquez pointed out
that some neighbors fear retaliation if they report what is
happening. Mr. Rodriquez asserted it has been spreading and
will continue to spread, and the problems are getting worse.
Mr. Rodriquez asked City officials to alert people by placing
flyers at houses, and by advertisements on television. Mr.
Rodriquez also suggested that the City have its own recycling
factory.
Lights Not Working on Fahy Bridge
Mrs. Belinski, advising that a few evenings ago she drove
North on the Fahy Bridge and found that all the lights on
the East side were out, asked if there was a problem, and
added this has occurred more than once.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, stated he will check
into the matter.
Trees on Main Street and Third Street
Mrs. Belinski, with reference to diseased trees that were
recently removed from Main Street, pointed out it was noted
that the City Forester was involved. However, Mrs. Belinski
said as far as she knows former Mayor Cunningham eliminated
the position of City Forester, and asked how can there still
be a City Forester.
Mr. Alkhal commented that for anyone who deals with trees
it is automatically assumed they are the City Forester.
Mrs. Belinski added that the individual has made some glaring
mistakes in citing trees on Third Street that had to be taken
out and repositioned.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
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