Council Minutes

April 10, 2007 Meeting Minutes

1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL

President J. Michael Schweder called the meeting to order. Reverend Gordon Mowrer offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Robert J. Donchez, Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, Magdalena F. Szabo, and J. Michael Schweder, 7.

PUBLIC HEARING

Request for Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer – 701 East Fourth Street

President Schweder called to order a Public Hearing regarding the application for the Intermunicipal Transfer of Restaurant Liquor License R-5834 from Soul Imperial, Inc., 2447 Freemansburg Avenue, Wilson Borough, Easton, Northampton County, PA to 701 E. Fourth Street, Northampton County, Bethlehem PA.

Attorney Scott Lipson stated he is at the meeting on behalf of Ronald Stauffer in support of an intermunicipal liquor license transfer to 701 East Fourth Street. Attorney Lipson advised that the restaurant, named Rafaela’s, has been in existence for two years and is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Buchanan Street. Attorney Lipson stated that, to his knowledge, there have been no complaints concerning parking, lighting, noise, or any other issues. Attorney Lipson distributed a photograph of the restaurant and a copy of the menu. Attorney Lipson noted the building has two stories, the restaurant currently seats 16, and has a capacity of 24. The proposed hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The closest church and school are over 300 feet away. Attorney Lipson expressed the hope that the request will be considered favorably, and advised that Mr. Stauffer is present to answer questions.

Public Comment

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, asked who will operate the restaurant. Ronald Stauffer, owner of Rafaela’s, advised that John Diaz is the cook and will run the restaurant. Mr. Rodriquez inquired about Rafaela. Mr. Stauffer advised that Rafaela no longer owns the restaurant and he bought it. Mr. Rodriquez commented it is a very respectable area, and added he would favor the request.

William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, noting that the Agenda he initially received did not show the public hearing, said otherwise he would have driven by the location to see if there were signs informing the public of the hearing this evening.

President Schweder informed Mr. Scheirer the Public Hearing was originally scheduled for the April 10, 2007 City Council Meeting that was rescheduled from April 3, and affirmed that this evening’s Public Hearing was advertised in the newspaper as required by law. President Schweder continued on to advise that Attorney Zeller asked if the Hearing could be delayed from this evening. However, because the State law requires a review within a specified period of time, President Schweder confirmed the Public Hearing date remained for this evening’s Meeting so there would be public input. President Schweder added there is a proposal on this evening’s Agenda from Mr. Leeson to address the procedure.

Mr. Scheirer confirmed there was an article in the newspaper about the matter. Mr. Scheirer asked if signs were posted on the premises about the Public Hearing.

Attorney Lipson replied it has been properly noticed, and showed a copy of the notice.

Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, informed the assembly that Rafaela had to leave her restaurant because of ill health and is living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ms. Pongracz denoted that Mr. Stauffer comes to Bethlehem with superior recommendations, and she trusts he will continue in the same way as did Rafaela.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the April 17, 2007 Agenda.

The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of March 20, 2007 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

A. Health Director – Resolution to Name Interim Sewage Enforcement Officer

The Clerk read a memorandum dated April 4, 2007 from Judith K. Maloney, Health Director, that requested consideration of a proposed Resolution according to the Sewage Facilities Act to name a temporary Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) due to the upcoming medical leave of Jessica Lucas, the current SEO for the City, in case the need for plan review or necessary SEO actions arise during her absence.

President Schweder stated that the appropriate Resolution will be placed on the April 17, 2007 Agenda.

B. Assistant City Solicitor – Amending Article 941 – Parks – Prohibiting Motorized Vehicles

The Clerk read a memorandum dated April 3, 2007 from Timothy P. Brennan, Assistant City Solicitor, to which was attached a revised Ordinance to be considered on First Reading that included two minor revisions in Section 2 relating to Section 941.01(g). The word "electronic" appears twice and in order to be consistent with the terms used in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, the word "electronic" has been changed to "electric" and "electrical" respectively.

President Schweder stated that Bill No. 6 – 2007 is listed on the Agenda.

C. Finance Committee Chairman – Amending Article 129 – Restrictions on Use of Municipal Bond Funds

The Clerk read a memorandum dated April 5, 2007 from Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Finance Committee Chairman, to which was attached a proposed Ordinance Amending Article 129 – Municipal Bond Issues to address an issue raised by Alan Blair, City Controller, concerning municipal bond funds.

President Schweder referred the matter to the Finance Committee.

D. City Council Solicitor – Transfer of Liquor Licenses – Notice

The Clerk read a memorandum dated March 20, 2007 from Christopher T. Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Resolution regarding written certification to City Council that all property owners within 500 feet of any submission for liquor license transfers, and for studies and economic development plans, have been notified by first class mail and such notice shall include a summary of the submission, indicate where such documentation may be reviewed in detail during normal business hours, and shall further advise as to the date, time and place of consideration by the City of Bethlehem.

President Schweder referred the matter to the Community Development Committee.

8 . REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – William L. Lee, Sr. – Fire Civil Service Board

Mayor Callahan appointed William L. Lee, Sr., to membership on the Fire Civil Service Board, effective until February 2009. Ms. Szabo and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,024 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

2. Administrative Order – Stephen F. Thode – Planning Commission

Mayor Callahan appointed Stephen F. Thode to membership on the Planning Commission, effective until October 2010. Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,025 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

3. Administrative Order – Nancy Topping – Sister City Commission

Mayor Callahan appointed Nancy Topping to membership on the Sister City Commission, effective until March 2010. Ms. Szabo and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,026 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

4. Administrative Order – Ronald R. Heckman – Redevelopment Authority

Mayor Callahan appointed Ronald R. Heckman to membership on the Redevelopment Authority, effective until March 2012. Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,027 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

C. Human Resources and Environment Committee

Ms. Dolan, Chairwoman of the Human Resources and Environment Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 on the following subject: Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Ordinance.

D. Parks and Public Property Committee

Mrs. Belinski, Chairwoman of the Parks and Public Property Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 on the following subjects: Amending Article 941 – Prohibiting Motorized Vehicles and Use Permit Agreement – Lehigh Little League.

Mrs. Belinski read from a memorandum dated April 4, 2007 from Jody Reppert, Acting Director of the Parks and Public Property Department, advising that, as requested at the March 27, 2007 Parks and Public Property Committee meeting, Charles Brown, retired Director of the Parks and Public Property Department, and Ms. Reppert met with representatives of the Lehigh Little League, Astros, and the Blue Mountain League. All parties involved agreed to the following: Little League has priority in scheduling field use. This schedule will be submitted to the Parks and Public Property Department by April 8, 2007; Astros are not on the field schedule for 2007. They have leased a field in Hellertown; Blue Mountain will use the field for televised games June 19 and July 19 at 7:00 p.m. Blue Mountain will start their season using Moravian Field and then schedule games at Monocacy Field after the Little League Season is completed; Any organization utilizing the field will be issued a field permit from the City of Bethlehem after providing the appropriate Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Bethlehem, its officers and employees, and the Lehigh Little League as additional insured for $1 million general liability. All parties agreed to assist the City with volunteer support to build another hardball field in the near future. This can be done on a year to year plan and would not take away that much green space especially with the amount of youth that would be served. The Department will pursue the possibility of constructing another ball field at the complex to handle the increasing requests for field use. The Department will also pursue possible funding for this project through Hanover Township, field users, sponsors, etc. It was requested that the Parks and Public Property Committee approve the fee of $100 per game for field use, and $50 per game for lights. The money will be collected by the City and turned over to the Little League to cover field maintenance expenses. The fees would be waived for schools. Also attached was a copy of the Financial Statements for the Lehigh Little League. A copy of the Blue Mountain League audit was not yet received.

Mrs. Belinski stated she does not think it is necessary to have another Committee meeting on the matter, and pointed out that Charles Brown, retired Director of Parks and Public Property, and Ms. Reppert went through a lot of trouble to iron out this agreement with which the parties are satisfied. Mrs. Belinski notified the Members that she concurs with the charges of $100 for use of the little league field and $50 for use of the lights. Mrs. Belinski inquired whether the members of the Committee have any problems with the proposal.

Ms. Dolan noted she has some questions. Mr. Leeson suggested that Ms. Dolan could meet with Ms. Reppert regarding her questions, and if they cannot be resolved Ms. Dolan could report back the outstanding issues to the Committee members. Then a judgment call could be made whether to present the matter for Council action or return to Committee with the matter. Ms. Dolan advised she has one question that can probably be resolved. Mrs. Belinski pointed out that the Little League season has already started.

President Schweder, affirming that City Council will meet again next Tuesday, stated Ms. Dolan could notify Mrs. Belinski by next Thursday of the outcome, or otherwise he would schedule the matter for the next City Council Meeting.

E. Public Works Committee

Mr. Mowrer, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 on the following subjects: Intermunicipal Water Service Agreement – Central Park West; Fourth Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement – New Cingular Wireless – South Mountain Park; Amending Article 925 – Revisions to Stormwater Management Ordinance; and Water Territory Expansion and Negotiations with Easton Suburban Water Authority.

F. Finance Committee

Mr. Leeson, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on Thursday, April 5, 2007 on the following subjects: Amending Article 1120 – Increasing Ambulance Fees; Utilization of Savings – Fire Department – Equipment; Transfer of Funds – Sewer Capital Budget – South Secondary Digester; Transfer of Funds – Sewer Capital Budget – Fine Bar Screens; Amending Sewer Capital Budget – Project and Year End Adjustments; Amending Community Development Budget – Year End Adjustments; Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Various Adjustments; Amending General Fund Budget – Various Adjustments; Appointing Auditors – 2006 Audit; Amending Article 121 – Restrictions on Fund Transfers from Treasurer's Escrow Account to General Fund; and 2007 Bond Issue – Non-Utility Capital Projects, Equipment, and Water System Improvements.

G. Community Development Committee

Ms. Szabo, Chairwoman of the Community Development Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on April 10, 2007 prior to this evening’s City Council Meeting on the following subject: Lehigh County Congress of Governments.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 4 – 2007 – Approving 2007 Bond Issue – Non-Utility Capital Projects, Equipment, and Water System Improvements

The Clerk read Bill No. 4 – 2007 – Approving 2007 Bond Issue – Non-Utility Capital Projects, Equipment, and Water System Improvements, on Final Reading.

Amendment to Bill No. 4 – 2007 – Approving 2007 General Obligation Note (instead of General Obligation Bond Issue) – Non-Utility Capital Projects, Equipment, and Water System Improvements

The Clerk read the Amendment, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer, as follows:

1. Inserted in the caption and in the body of the Ordinance and the form of the Note the aggregate principal amount of the General Obligation Note, Series of 2007 as $9,395,000.

2. Inserted in the body of the Ordinance the purchase price for the Note, $9,395,000, the purchaser and paying agent of the Note, Wachovia Bank, National Association and the corporate bank or trust office of the purchaser.

3. Inserted the debt service for the Note, interest rates and interest rate payment dates.

4. Deleted all references to Bonds, redemption provisions, bond insurer, underwriter and DTC in the body of the Ordinance and schedules to the Ordinance.

Voting AYE on the Amendment: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Ms. Szabo, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Schweder, 1.

President Schweder noted the City Clerk contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Chief Council’s Office for the Governor’s Center, today regarding the matter. President Schweder inquired if it is correct that the General Obligation Note will act in every way, shape, and form the same as if it were a General Obligation Bond.

Darryl Peck, of Concord Public Finance, replied that is correct.

President Schweder asked if a prohibition on the proceeds being spent on anything else would apply to the General Obligation Note as it would a General Obligation Bond.

Mr. Peck affirmed that both are debt under the Local Government Unit Debt Act.

President Schweder noted he would assume the money in the Note for the Water project would be put back into the Bond Redemption and Improvement Fund.

Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, replied yes it would be for water capital projects.

Voting AYE on the Amendment: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Ms. Szabo, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Schweder, 1.

Voting AYE on Bill No. 4 – 2007, as Amended: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Ms. Szabo, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Schweder, 1. Bill No. 4 - 2007, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4422, was declared adopted.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 5 – 2007 – Amending Article 925 – Stormwater Management Regulations

The Clerk read Bill No. 5 – 2007 – Amending Article 925 – Stormwater Management Regulations, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 925 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED STORM WATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. Bill No. 5 – 2007 was declared passed on First Reading.

B. Bill No. 6 – 2007 – Amending Article 941 – Parks – Motorized Vehicles - Prohibiting

The Clerk read Bill No. 6 – 2007 – Amending Article 941 – Parks – Motorized Vehicles, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 941 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED PARKS.

Ms. Dolan, referring to the discussions about the proposed Ordinance, reiterated it would be helpful for signage to be constructed to state the fines.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. Bill No. 6 – 2007 was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing Federal Aid Reimbursement Agreement – Paint Mill Bridge Replacement

Ms. Szabo and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,028 that authorized the execution of the Supplemental Federal Aid Bridge Project Agreement No. 050218-F between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the City for the Paint Mill (Schoenersville Road) Bridge over the Monocacy Creek Project, in accordance with the Agreement.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network – 2007 Boutique at the Rink

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,029 that authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network and the City for use of the Municipal Ice Rink for the 2007 Boutique at the Rink for the time period April 21, 2007 to June 3, 2007, according to the Agreement.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

Considering Resolutions As A Group

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski moved that Resolutions 11 C through 11 E be considered as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The motion passed.

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 308 South New Street

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,030 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace existing awning fabric and add signage at 308 South New Street.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 420 Broadway

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,031 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the slate roof at 420 Broadway.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 12-14 East Fourth Street

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,032 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the front windows at 12-14 East Fourth Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 C through 11 E: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolutions passed.

F. Authorizing Intermunicipal Water Service Agreement – Central Park West

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 15,033 that authorized the execution of an Intermunicipal Water Service Agreement between the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem for the purpose of obtaining a sufficient quantity of water from the City of Allentown to be redistributed by the City of Bethlehem to the residential customers in the area to be known as Central Park West, according to the terms of the agreement.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

G. Authorizing Fourth Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement – New Cingular Wireless – South Mountain Park

Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 15,034 that authorized the execution of the Fourth Amendment to the City of Bethlehem Tower Lease Agreement between the City and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, as successor in interest to Pennsylvania Cellular Telephone Corporation d/b/a AT&T Wireless Services, for the purpose of amending the lease term and rent for facilities at the City's Tower in South Mountain Park on South Mountain Drive, Lower Saucon Township, according to the terms of the Agreement.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 7. The Resolution passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Donchez re-announced the Public Safety Committee meeting on April 11.

Electronic Bidding Act

Mr. Mowrer expressed the belief that the City needs to constantly be on top of new technology and how it might affect the City. Mr. Mowrer informed the Members that he recently learned of a relatively new purchasing technique that uses technology that could be to the City’s advantage. Last Summer the State legislature enacted the Local Government Unit Electronic Bidding Act that allows for an internet based reverse auction in which bidders compete to sell the requested product or service to a municipality. The process enables bidders to go on-line and know immediately where their bids rank, and to alter their bids immediately if they choose. All bidders are given an instantaneous, simultaneous equal opportunity to cut their bid price. Because all bid information is posted on the internet, bidders obtain access on-line to the information they need to formulate a bid. Instead of submitting sealed bids on paper, they simply register and sign in to the secure website on the announced date and time of the auction. Vendors such as eDynaQuote make this type of service available to municipalities. In a non-electronic sealed bid process based on paper submittals, the bids are opened on a designated day at a specific time, and the low bidder is announced. Vendors do not have an opportunity to submit new, lower bids. The on-line reverse auction process allows vendors to know immediately where their bids fit with respect to their competition, and they can then lower their bids accordingly. The process also allows a municipality to save on resources such as paper, postage and employee time, by creating a more streamlined procedure. Bid reports are generated from the web site, and there is no need to retype the data. Mr. Mowrer suggested that the Finance Committee review the idea and clear the necessary legislation to approve and authorize this method of purchasing for the City.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfers, and Studies and Plans - Notice to Citizens

William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, thanked City Council and the City Council Solicitor for having a Resolution drafted to provide for public notice of Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfers, and Studies and Plans. Stating the 500 feet provision is insufficient, Mr. Scheirer said property owners farther away will also be greatly concerned about liquor licenses and plans. Mr. Scheirer suggested it be a minimum 1,000 feet, and a sign be required to be posted on the affected premises for liquor licenses, and on the corner in the case of economic development plans. Mr. Scheirer commented if the State law prohibits a municipality from requiring that a site be posted in the case of a liquor license transfer request then the State law needs to be changed. Mr. Scheirer added that the sign should be large enough so that the text is visible from the street. Mr. Scheirer commented that the citizens need to be more empowered.

General Obligation Note; Intergovernmental Committee; and LERTA

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, thanked the Administration for decreasing the cost of the police utility vehicle in the General Obligation Note.

Mr. Pfenning said on March 29, 2007 the Northampton County Council Intergovernmental Committee held a district meeting in the City of Bethlehem’s Town Hall. Mr. Pfenning, thanking Ms. Szabo and Mr. Mowrer for attending, noted no one from the Administration attended.

Mr. Pfenning, referring to the LERTA Ordinance adopted last December, stated to date the Bethlehem Area School District requested additional input, and Northampton County has not yet been approached. Mr. Pfenning wondered why the City is not moving forwarding with the two entities in obtaining their approval.

Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development, noted a meeting is set up with the School District next week, and with Northampton County. Mr. Hanna added that Ordinances will be put before both Northampton County Council and the School District.

Mr. Pfenning pointed out the initial reaction of the School District was why should tax revenues be given up in view of the casino fees.

Various Issues

Edwin Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, expressed his gratitude for the work in removing the
trees at Ontario and Itaska Streets to alleviate the criminal element, and added the residents are very grateful. Mr. Rodriquez commented a property owner on Ontario Street has mentioned she would like to see a Police Substation there. Mr. Rodriquez said the Police response has been greater and better, and expressed the hope it will continue, particularly on the South Side. Mr. Rodriquez observed congestion problems are occurring throughout the City, and people wonder what will happen when more traffic comes with the casino. Mr. Rodriquez stated crimes are not always reported, and added that precautionary measures need to be taken now. Mr. Rodriquez explained he has seen people being assaulted. Mr. Rodriquez expressed the hope that through the newspapers people will be informed they need to cooperate with City officials. Mr. Rodriquez noted there are a lot of out of State residents in the City and one needs to be cautious about why they are coming such as for reasons including drugs.

Candidates Debate

Carol Ann Krasley, Center Street, announced a City Council candidates debate at Trinity United Church of Christ on April 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.