Council MInutes
March 4, 2008
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 – 7:30 PM
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
President Donchez called the meeting to order. Michael Kensler
of First Church of Christ, Scientist offered the invocation
which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were
Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon
B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, J. Michael Schweder, and Robert
J. Donchez, 7.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of February 19, 2008 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
Pumping Station – Lehigh River Bank
Mrs. Belinski asked what is being done to reactivate the
pumping station at the Lehigh River bank, and pointed out
it was reported in the newspaper today that during February
the most rainfall occurred than in 112 years. Highlighting
the fact that there is a billion dollar investment being developed
at the site of the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation property
on the South Side for a casino while the City is concerned
with providing $500,000 towards the Five Points Traffic Plan
and One Way Pairs Proposal at the area of Wyandotte and Broadway,
Mrs. Belinski thought that the City’s priorities are
wrong. Mrs. Belinski, stressing that something needs to be
done to reactivate the pumping station, asked if the City
is looking for grant money.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, responded that
various funding sources are being pursued, and advised he
can provide an update on the sources being sought. Mr. Alkhal
explained the flooding that occurred in the past took place
prior to the construction of the pumping station including
the levee system that is being maintained and has provided
flood protection over the past ten years when there has been
some severe flooding events. Affirming that the pumping component
of the flood control station is not active, Mr. Alkhal noted
it is the City’s judgment that the flood control station
with a levee system alone is adequate to provide protection.
However, the U. S. Corps of Engineers did not agree and wanted
the City to either reactivate the pumps in order to restore
the project to active status or to do a detailed hydrologic
and hydraulic analyses that demonstrates that the pump component
is not needed. While confirming that restoration of the pump
station is being pursued, Mr. Alkhal said there is evidence
that there is not imminent danger of flooding occurring there.
Mr. Alkhal continued on to point out that the casino site
is not in the flood plain with or without the flood control
station and whether active or not.
Mrs. Belinski commented that the former Director of Parks
and Public Property thought the pumping station should be
reactivated, and the former Public Works Director also said
the pumps should be reactivated. Mrs. Belinski stated she
would rather err on the side of caution.
Mr. Alkhal responded that, in order to err on the side of
caution, restoring the pumps to operation is being pursued.
Mr. Alkhal continued on to point out that during some severe
flooding events although the pumps were not operational it
was dry primarily due to the protection afforded by the levee
system. Noting that when there is a flooding situation the
river rises and the storm sewer collection system cannot discharge
into the river, Mr. Alkhal advised the sole purpose of the
pumping component of the flood control station is that when
the water rises there are flaps on the end of the storm sewer
pipes that stay shut so that water does not back out from
the river to the South Side of Bethlehem. The sole purpose
of the pumping component of the flood control station is if
the rain continues to occur the water is collected from the
South Side through the collection system and is pumped into
the river. Mr. Alkhal highlighted the fact that, during Hurricane
Ivan that was a greater than 100 year storm locally, the storage
capacity of the collection system was adequate to store the
storm water without surcharging or flooding anywhere on the
South Side. Mr. Alkhal added that, while it is not being said
definitively that it proves the pumping component is not needed,
either a detailed hydraulic analysis will be done to demonstrate
that or the pumping station will be restored, and funding
is being pursued. In further response to Mrs. Belinski, Mr.
Alkhal affirmed that the pumps have not been operated for
at least 10 years and were not operated during any of the
three major flooding events that occurred over the past 10
years.
Mrs. Belinski thought that if there is damage and it floods
then the City is liable. Mr. Alkhal replied that the Corps
of Engineers placed the project on inactive status meaning
that if there is flooding and there is damage then it would
not be eligible for rehabilitation. Mrs. Belinski restated
that she would rather the $500,000 be used to restore the
pumps instead of making streets on the South Side one-way
that many people who live there do not want.
February 29 Issue
Mr. Reynolds thanked the Police Department for their role
in the February 29 issue that fortunately turned out to be
nothing, and noted that his mother observed that the Police
were out in force at Liberty High School at 5:00 a.m.
Lehigh Valley Food Co-op
Mr. Reynolds, noting it was reported in the newspaper over
the weekend that the Lehigh Valley Food Co-op was looking
for a new location and Bethlehem was mentioned, asked what
the City is doing regarding the matter.
Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development,
affirmed that the organization has been in contact with his
office and several locations in South Bethlehem are under
discussion.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Council Solicitor – Establishing Political Contributions
and Expenditures Ordinance
The Clerk read a letter from Christopher T. Spadoni, City
Council Solicitor, dated February 14, 2008 to which was attached
a draft to establish a Political Contributions and Expenditures
Ordinance.
President Donchez referred the matter to the Committee of
the Whole.
B. Council Solicitor – Establishing Article 314 –
Security Cameras
The Clerk read a letter from Christopher T. Spadoni, City
Council Solicitor, dated February 29, 2008 to which was attached
a proposed ordinance to establish Article 314 entitled Security
Cameras.
President Donchez referred the matter to the Public Safety
Committee.
C. City Solicitor – Agility Agreement with Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 19, 2008 from
John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached
a proposed Agility Agreement between the City of Bethlehem
and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.
President Donchez stated that the appropriate Resolution
can be placed on the March 18 Council Agenda.
D. Human Resources Director – Amending Police Civil
Service Rules and Regulations – Appointment and Examination
– Promotion Procedures
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 26, 2008 from
Jean A. Zweifel, Director of Human Resources, to which was
attached an amendment to the Police Civil Service Rules and
Regulations concerning Appointment and Examination –
Promotion Procedures that was approved by the Police Civil
Service Board at its meeting of February 26, 2008.
President Donchez referred the matter to the Public Safety
Committee.
E. Business Administrator – Golf Course Personnel Change
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 27, 2008 from
Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, concerning a recommendation
to eliminate the Custodian I position at the Golf Course and
replace it with a Maintenance Worker I position. Also attached
was the salary projection for the years 2008 and 2009 which
indicated a decrease in salary for both years.
President Donchez referred the matter to the Human Resources
and Environment Committee.
F. City Solicitor – Lease Agreement – Golf Course
Clubhouse Restaurant – Starters Riverport
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 28, 2008 from
John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached
a proposed Resolution and Lease Agreement between Starters
Riverport and the City for operation of a restaurant with
a liquor license at the Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant.
President Donchez referred the matter to the Parks and Public
Property Committee.
G. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement for Public
Property – Pirates in Paradise, Inc. and Dewey Fire
Company #1 – Pirate Palooza II
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 28, 2008 from
John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached
a proposed Resolution and Use Permit Agreement between the
City of Bethlehem and Pirates in Paradise, Inc. and Dewey
Fire Company #1 for use of Sand Island West and Sand Island
West City Parking Lot (across from the Main Street Depot Restaurant)
for Pirate Palooza II for the time period June 3 to June 9,
2008.
President Donchez stated that authorizing Resolution 11
J is listed on the Agenda.
H. Director of Parks and Public Property – Right of
Way Request – PPL Electric Utilities – Schoenersville
Road
The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 28, 2008 from
Ralph E. Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property, to which
was attached a Right of Way request from PPL Electric Utilities
to construct two anchor guy wires on Schoenersville Road as
shown on the plan.
President Donchez stated that the appropriate Resolution
can be placed on the March 18 Council Agenda.
8 . REPORTS
A. President of Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting – Five Points Traffic
Plan and One Way Pairs Proposal
President Donchez reminded the assembly that the Committee
of the Whole meeting on the Five Points Traffic Plan and One
Way Pairs Proposal will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008
at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. He added that letters were sent to
notify people about the meeting.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – Jeffrey B. Long – Fine
Arts Commission
In Mayor Callahan’s absence, Dennis Reichard, Business
Administrator, read the Mayor’s appointment of Jeffrey
B. Long to membership on the Fine Arts Commission effective
until March 2009. Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution
15,266 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
C. Finance Committee
Chairman Leeson presented an oral report of the Committee's
meeting held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 on the following
subjects: Transfers of Funds – General Fund Budget:
A. Code Enforcement Bureau – Purchase of Laptops, B.
Recycling Bureau – Purchase of Furniture, C. Unforeseen
Contingency – Fire Department – Salaries, D. Unforeseen
Contingency – Fire Department – Longevity, E.
Unforeseen Contingency – Fire Department – Uniforms,
F. City Clerk’s Office – Purchase of Flat Panel
Monitors; Transfer of Funds – Non-Utility Capital Budget
– Mechanical Systems Upgrade; Amending General Fund
Budget: A. Health Bureau – Grants, B. Health Bureau
– Tobacco Grant, C. Police Department – Equipment;
Amending 911 Fund Budget – Encumbrances; Amending Golf
Fund Budget – Plant Maintenance; Amending Liquid Fuels
Fund Budget – Invoice Payments; Amending Non-Utility
Capital Budget – Year End Adjustments; Amending Non-Utility
Capital Budget: A. Parks and Playground Equipment, B. City
Center Improvements; and 2007 Revenues and Expenditures Report.
Chairman Leeson added that there was a dialogue with Dennis
Reichard, Business Administrator, concerning the financial
challenges the City is facing. Continuing on to say the report
to the Committee indicated another deficit was incurred at
the end of 2007 that is the second deficit in a row, Chairman
Leeson noted the 2006 deficit was $1.7 million and the 2007
deficit was $1.6 million. Chairman Leeson commented that the
Auditors will confirm the final figures after booking revenues
not reflected in the number. Chairman Leeson stated this is
not a good situation for the City to be in. Relating that
the utilization in the 2008 Budget of over $5 million in one-time,
non-recurring revenues was also discussed, Chairman Leeson
observed that 2009 could be a big challenge for the City in
order to make ends meet. Pointing out the hope was expressed
at the Committee meeting that the casino in South Bethlehem
will open on time, and there will be prompt remittance of
the daily revenues to the City, Chairman Leeson remarked,
absent that, the City will be in very dire financial straits
next year because the plan of the Administration is to rely
on the gambling revenue. Chairman Leeson, advising he had
asked Mr. Reichard if there were any contingency plans in
the event the State does not come through with timely revenues
or if the casino construction and its opening is delayed,
noted it was reported that the Administration will be presenting
a five year plan that would include contingencies to face
any unfortunate circumstances next year. Chairman Leeson observed
that Members of Council need to be aware that the year 2009
could be a real financial challenge for the City, aside from
various cost and wage increases. Chairman Leeson noted that
Council looks forward to working with the Administration on
the matter and receiving the plan.
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
None.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 4 – 2008 – Amending General Fund
Budget - Health Bureau Grants and Police Department Equipment
The Clerk read Bill No. 4 – 2008 – Amending
General Fund Budget - Health Bureau Grants and Police Department
Equipment, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski, and
titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2008.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 4
– 2008 was declared passed on First Reading.
B. Bill No. 5 – 2008 – Amending 911 Fund Budget
– Encumbrances
The Clerk read Bill No. 5 – 2008 – Amending
911 Fund Budget – Encumbrances, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds
and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE 9-1-1 FUND BUDGET FOR 2008.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 5
– 2008 was declared passed on First Reading.
C. Bill No. 6 – 2008 – Amending Golf Course Enterprise
Fund Budget – Plant Maintenance
The Clerk read Bill No. 6 – 2008 – Amending
Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget – Plant Maintenance,
sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GOLF COURSE ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET
FOR 2008.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 6
– 2008 was declared passed on First Reading.
D. Bill No. 7 – 2008 – Amending Liquid Fuels
Fund Budget – Invoice Payments
The Clerk read Bill No. 7 – 2008 – Amending
Liquid Fuels Fund Budget – Invoice Payments, sponsored
by Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE LIQUID FUELS FUND BUDGET FOR 2008.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 7
– 2008 was declared passed on First Reading.
E. Bill No. 8 – 2008 – Amending Non-Utility Capital
Budget – Year End and Other Adjustments
The Clerk read Bill No. 8 – 2008 – Amending
Non-Utility Capital Budget – Year End and Other Adjustments,
sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE 2008 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.
Mrs. Belinski, noting that a detailed explanation of line
item totals was not presented at the Finance Committee meeting,
advised she has questions about some of the items and would
like to discuss them with Mr. Reichard before the next City
Council Meeting.
Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds,
Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski,
1. Bill No. 8 – 2008 was declared passed on First Reading.
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement –
Puerto Rican Cultural Coalition of Bethlehem – 2008
Borinquenfest
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,267 that
authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between
the Puerto Rican Cultural Coalition of Bethlehem and the City
for use of City property for the time period June 20, 2008
to June 22, 2008, according to the terms of the Agreement.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
B. Authorizing Records Destruction – Police Department
Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 15,268
that authorized the disposition of the public records from
the Police Department, as listed in Exhibit A, according to
schedules and procedures for the disposition of records as
set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on July
16, 1993 and Resolution 13,076.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
C. Authorizing Agreement for Electronic Access to PennDOT
Systems
Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 15,269
that authorized the execution of an Agreement to allow the
City to have Electronic Access to PennDOT Systems in connection
with Highway Safety Program grants, according to the terms
of the agreement.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
Considering Resolutions 11 D through 11 I As A Group
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan moved to consider Resolutions 11
D through 11 I as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms.
Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder,
and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.
D. Transfer of Funds - Code Enforcement Bureau – Purchase
of Laptops
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,270 that
transferred $577 in the General Fund Budget from the Code
Enforcement – Other Expenses Account to the Code Enforcement
– Equipment Account for the purchase of laptop mounts
to be used in the City cars.
E. Transfer of Funds – Recycling Bureau – Purchase
of Furniture
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,271 that
transferred $1,300 in the General Fund Budget from the Recycling
– Gasoline Account to the Recycling – Equipment
Account for the purchase of replacement furniture.
F. Transfer of Funds – Unforeseen Contingency –
Fire Department – Salaries and Longevity
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,272 that
transferred $321,389 in the General Fund Budget from the Unforeseen
Contingency Account to the following: $303,511 – Fire
Salary Account and $17,878 – Fire Longevity Account,
representing a 4% raise for 2007 and 2008 for the Fire Union
contract settlement.
G. Transfer of Funds – Unforeseen Contingency –
Fire Department – Uniforms
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,273 that
transferred $26,300 in the General Fund Budget from the Unforeseen
Contingency Account to the Prior Year Encumbrances Account
to pay for the 2007 uniforms for the Fire Department.
H. Transfer of Funds – City Clerk’s Office –
Purchase of Flat Panel Monitors
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,274 that
transferred $525 in the General Fund Budget from the City
Council – Professional Services Account to the City
Council – Equipment Account for the purchase of two
17" LCD Flat Panel Monitors for use in the City Clerk's
Office.
I. Transfer of Funds – Non-Utility Capital Budget –
Mechanical Systems Upgrade
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,275 that
transferred $75,000 in the Non-Utility Capital Budget from
the Monocacy/Saucon Erosion Control Account to the Mechanical
Systems Upgrade Account for the City Center Chiller Project
and related work.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolutions
passed.
J. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement –
Pirates in Paradise, Inc. and Dewey Fire Company #1 –
Pirate Palooza II
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,276 that
authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between
the City and Pirates in Paradise, Inc. and Dewey Fire Company
#1 for use of Sand Island West and Sand Island West City Parking
Lot for Pirate Palooza II from June 3, 2008 to June 9, 2008,
according to the terms of the agreement.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
K. Certificate of Appropriateness – 17 East Third Street
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,277 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a double-sided,
projecting sign at 17 East Third Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
L. Certificate of Appropriateness – 213 West Fourth
Street
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,278 that
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a ramp
and steps and install signage and awnings at 213 West Fourth
Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
M. Certificate of Appropriateness – 217-231 East Third
Street
Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 15,279 that
granted a Certificate of
Appropriateness to modify the west façade of the new
building planned for 217-231 East Third
Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
12. NEW BUSINESS
Committee Announcements
Ms. Dolan, Co-Chair of the Special Council Committee, re-announced
the meeting on March 6, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. to review the Rules
of Council.
Chairwoman Belinski announced a Parks and Public Property
Committee meeting on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 PM on the following
subjects: Lease Agreement with Starter’s Riverport –
Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant; and, Use Permit Agreement
– Youth Athletic Organizations.
Chairman Reynolds announced a Human Resources and Environment
Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 PM on the following
subject: Golf Course – Personnel Change.
Chairman Leeson announced a Finance Committee meeting on
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 PM on the following subjects: Deficit;
and CDBG Reprogramming and Year End Budget Adjustments.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Police Department - Memorial Wall
Merle Getz, 3651 Nijaro Road, a retired Police Officer, advised
he is not at the meeting to represent the FOP, and referred
to a newspaper article that appeared on February 28, 2008.
Mr. Getz, noting that Sergeant Hoffman and his wife have a
problem that he does not believe is proper, highlighted the
fact that the text explaining the story of a slain Police
Officer is 101 years old. Mr. Getz, continuing on to point
out that no one can erase history, explained that was the
way it was in 1907 when the vernacular at that time was used
to describe the race of the individual who killed the Police
Officer. Mr. Getz, remarking a lot of mistakes have been made
in this country, recalled the treatment of the slaves. Mr.
Getz further pointed out that recently friends of his who
are black were at his house and they talked about past historical
events such as the Klu Klux clan, and added that the 1960’s
were some of the worst years. Adding that the treatment of
the Indians cannot be erased, nor can the history of Auschwitz,
Mr. Getz stressed that if one were to try to erase history
then the children of the future will not know what happened
in the past. Mr. Getz informed the assembly that when he was
on the Police force, his Police partner was killed by a black
man, but Mr. Getz never referred to him by any term other
than his name. Mr. Getz explained that is why the Police memorial
wall is a matter of importance. Mr. Getz expressed his appreciation
for the Police memorial wall being put back up. Mr. Getz restated
it is sad when someone such as Mrs. Hoffman does not understand
it was 101 years ago when the incident happened but that was
the way it was.
Restricting Traffic – Barnsdale Road
Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, noted that last week
signs were erected on each end of Linden Street and Barnsdale
Road and Macada Road and Barnsdale Road that through traffic
should use Macada Road, and asked the justification.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, advised the City
received complaints about speeding and a petition was submitted.
Surveys for speed and vehicle counts were conducted and it
was determined that some traffic was using the street as a
cut-through. Residents wanted speed humps to be installed;
however, the City was not ready to take that step so plans
were implemented to try to discourage excessive speeding and
traffic on the road and is why the signs were erected.
Mr. Pfenning explained if a pedestrian wants to go from east
to west at Linden Street and Macada Road one has to make sure
the increased right hand traffic does not impinge on the person
trying to cross the street, and more traffic is now added.
He continued on to say vehicles must now travel a longer distance
which means more carbon emissions, and more idling at traffic
lights. Mr. Pfenning stressed he is paying for the maintenance
and paving to a public street and now he is denied access
to the public street. Mr. Pfenning wished a Committee could
look into whether this is something for the greater good or
benefits a few privileged individuals.
Little League
John Ladics, 1527 Kaywin Avenue, acknowledged that Members
of Council were nice enough to take the time to listen to
the neighbors regarding the baseball field behind their houses.
Mr. Ladics expressed that some of the problems with the Little
League are coming to a conclusion because there is a dialog
between him and Keith Ashner of Lehigh Little League who has
been at his house several times. Mr. Ladics thanked Mrs. Belinski
and also Ralph Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property,
for what he has been doing to help the neighborhood.
Historical Accuracy
Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, commented that at the beginning
of the movie titled Glory there is a notice that in order
for historical accuracy certain elements in the movie may
not be suitable for small children.
Five Points Traffic Plan – One Way Pairs Proposal;
Heckewelder Place
Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, noted that someone
had contacted him about the threat of the February 29, 2008
incident that was to occur at Liberty High School and he called
the Police Department and others regarding the matter. Mr.
Rodriquez expressed his concern about where people will park
in the vicinity of the proposed Dunkin Donuts on the South
Side. Mr. Rodriquez stressed that gangs are coming into the
area, as well as into the Poconos area, from New York and
New Jersey and questioned whether the City is prepared. Mr.
Rodriquez expressed his concern about inmates being released
earlier than expected which creates more problems for the
community. Mr. Rodriquez advised that he contacted a PennDot
representative about the Five Points Traffic Plan and One
Way Pairs Proposal. Mr. Rodriquez said he wanted to see no
turn on red signs in all the intersections of the Five Points
area for pedestrian safety in view of the speed of traffic.
Gambling Impact Study
Wade Haubert, President of FOP Star Lodge 20, 37 West Broad
Street, applauded the Administration and City Council for
the continued desire to increase the staff of the Police Department.
Mr. Haubert noted that reflected in the minutes of the November
2007 Northampton County Gambling Study Commission was a comment
made by Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, that he would
be conducting the gambling impact study and turning it over
shortly. Mr. Haubert advised he did not receive a response
to his e-mail of about two weeks ago, and the FOP feels that
it should provide significant input into the study, and failing
to incorporate a legal perspective would be negligent. He
wondered whether the study has been conducted and finalized
and when can he obtain a copy.
Robert Haffner, Acting Police Commissioner, replied he does
not have any information regarding the study, and indicated
that the Police Commissioner would be able to respond.
Dunkin Donuts – Parking; One Way Streets; Casino Revenues
Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, turning to Resolution
11 L, Certificate of Appropriateness – 213 West Fourth
Street, pertaining to the Dunkin Donuts proposed at the former
Bethlehem Sporting Goods site, informed the assembly that
all approvals necessary from the South Bethlehem Historic
Conservation Commission have been received. Ms. Pongracz advised
there are also plans for a drive-up window so that the need
for parking will not be as great.
Ms. Pongracz, referring to earlier comments about Barnsdale
Road on the North Side, remarked that people are not worrying
about residents of West Fourth Street on the South Side who
will be inconvenienced by the plans to make West Fourth Street
one way, and will have to drive out of their way in order
to go to various places in their area, and added she does
not think it is fair treatment.
Ms. Pongracz remarked it is strange that people who protested
the coming of the casino now are standing with their hands
out for more money.
Lehigh Little League
Keith Ashner, 5492 Mountain Drive, Coopersburg, representing
Lehigh Little League, expressed his appreciation for the kind
words by John Ladics tonight, and said he wanted to let Council
know that the organization is moving forward because there
is communication and they have the support and leadership
of Ralph Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property, and
his Department, Chairwoman Belinski and City Council.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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