Council MInutes

February 17, 2009

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 – 7:00 PM

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

President Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Cynthia Rader-Geyer, of College Hill Moravian Church, 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 3, 2009 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)

Salaries – Elected Officials

Chuck Nyul, 1966 Pinehurst Road, expressing that the Members of Council deserve their salaries, commented it is a difficult job to be a Council Member in Bethlehem or any city, and added it is harder if an administration does not work with the Council.

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, expressed his disbelief that in this economic climate Council Members are considering salary increases for any elected officials. Pointing out although he has felt for a long time the Mayor’s position is underpaid, Mr. Grubb said now is not the time to increase it while in this period of recession. Mr. Grubb said higher pay does not draw better candidates and he asserted that elected office in Bethlehem should be about public service. He thought the fact that one Member of Council does not use the City’s health insurance raises an important issue that all Members of Council are not being compensated on the same level. Mr. Grubb stressed that other Members of Council can earn more because they take advantage of benefits. Mr. Grubb remarked that true leaders lead by example.

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said he agrees with Mr. Grubb. Mr. Scheirer thought the Mayor is underpaid and that Council should get a salary increase. He thought the health insurance issue does not work too well because if a Member of Council is defeated then they are without health insurance. Mr. Scheirer suggested that the salaries should be raised the equivalent amount of the health insurance. However, Mr. Scheirer stressed this is not the time to do it, and the City should wait until the casino revenues come in. Mr. Scheirer expressed his opinion that $150,000 a year should be set aside for public financing of political campaigns.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Tabled Items

None.

B. Unfinished Business

1. Establishing Article 314 – Security Cameras
2. Political Contributions and Expenditures – Proposed Ordinance
3. Gift of Real Estate – LVIP
4. Bill No. 28 - 2008 – Amending Zoning Ordinance – Various Sections
5. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties of Historical Interest

C. Old Business – Members of Council

Sand Island West - Improvements

Mr. Reynolds, referring to a recent newspaper article, observed that the City’s plans for Sand Island at the western end deserve public mention. Mr. Reynolds pointed out it will be a wonderful addition and will provide amenities for the City.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Business Administrator – Approval of Auditors – 2008

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 12, 2009 from Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, requesting a resolution to approve Maher Duessel to perform the 2008 Audit. The proposed fees are as follows: General Purpose Financial Statements - $47,700; Single Audit Reports - $6,300; Water Fund - $9,100; Sewer Fund - $6,900; Bethlehem Area Public Library -$3,700; and Bethlehem Parking Authority - $6,600, for a total of $80,300.

President Donchez stated that Resolution 11 G is listed on the Agenda.

B. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network – 2009 Boutique at the Rink

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 9, 2009 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Use Permit Agreement between the City and St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network for use of the Municipal Ice Rink for the 2009 Boutique at the Rink during the time period April 28, 2009 to June 1, 2009, according to the terms of the Agreement.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be listed on the March 3 Agenda.

C. City Solicitor – Records Destruction Resolution – Controller’s Office

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 11, 2009 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, requesting a Resolution for the destruction of records from the Controller’s Office. The Law Bureau reviewed the Municipal Records Retention Act and the records fall within categories where destruction is permitted.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be placed on the March 3 Agenda.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – A. Craig Evans – Historic Conservation District Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy

Mayor Callahan reappointed A. Craig Evans to membership on the Historic Conservation District Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective until April 2011. Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-39 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.

2. Administrative Order – Anthony M. Silvoy – Historic Conservation District Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy

Mayor Callahan reappointed Anthony M. Silvoy to membership on the Historic Conservation District Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective until April 2011. Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-40 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.

3. Administrative Order – Sheila O’Connell – Fine Arts Commission

Mayor Callahan appointed Sheila O’Connell to membership on the Fine Arts Commission, effective until September 2009. Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-41 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.

4. Administrative Order – Judith L. Hinkle – Civil Service Board – Police

Mayor Callahan appointed Judith L. Hinkle to membership on the Civil Service Board – Police, effective until September 2010. Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-42 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

Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, gave an oral report of the meeting that was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 on the following subjects: Amending General Fund Budget – Health Bureau; Amending Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget – 2008 General Obligation Note; Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget: A. Fire Department – FEMA Grant – Rescue Tools, B. Year End Adjustments; Recreation Fees – Proposed Increases; Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services – Fees; Amending Article 129 – Municipal Bond Issues – Subject Matter Restrictions; Elected Officials – Salaries: Mayor, Controller, Treasurer, City Council.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

None.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 1 – 2009 - Amending General Fund Budget – Health Bureau

The Clerk read Bill No. 1 – 2009 – Amending the General Fund Budget – Health Bureau, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2009.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 1 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

B. Bill No. 2 – 2009 - Amending Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget – 2008 General Obligation Note

The Clerk read Bill No. 2 – 2009 – Amending Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget – 2008 General Obligation Note, sponsored by Mr. Leeson 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 2009.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Schweder, 1. Bill No. 2 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

C. Bill No. 3 – 2009 - Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget - FEMA Grant for Fire Department and Year End Adjustments

The Clerk read Bill No. 3 – 2009 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – FEMA Grant for Fire Department and Year End Adjustments, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE 2009 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 3 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

D. Bill No. 4 – 2009 - Amending Article 129 – Municipal Bond Issues – Subject Matter Restrictions

The Clerk read Bill No. 4 – 2009 – Amending Article 129 – Municipal Bond Issues – Subject Matter Restrictions, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING
ARTICLE 129, TITLED MUNICIPAL BOND ISSUES, BY
REPLACING SECTION 129.01 – BOND ISSUE ITEMS –
COST RESTRICTIONS WITH SECTION 129.01 – BOND
ISSUE ITEMS – SUBJECT MATTER RESTRICTIONS

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Donchez, 1. Bill No. 4 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

E. Bill No. 5 – 2009 - Establishing Salary of Mayor – 2010 through 2013

The Clerk read Bill No. 5 – 2009 – Establishing Salary of Mayor – 2010 through 2013, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ESTABLISHING THE SALARY OF THE MAYOR.

Mr. Schweder commented that, in listening to the rationale pertaining to the Mayor’s job being a 24 hour a day, seven day a week position, the Controller’s job is not a full time position, and added that the last two Controllers did not make it a full time position. Mr. Schweder noted there are days when it is not possible to get an appointment with the Controller because she is not in City Hall two or three days a week. He also observed that the Controller has not been at all the Pension Board meetings. Mr. Schweder communicated it seems if a salary for the Controller is going to be set in excess of two-thirds of what the Mayor’s position is being paid and it is a part time position then he will vote against the increase.

Ms. Dolan expressed her disagreement with the concept and said Council is not voting for the person but rather is voting on the position. Ms. Dolan thought a good Controller could be viewed in terms of how much money the position can save the City, and continued on to say it has been seen what a good Controller can do. Ms. Dolan stated the Controller position can save the City money and legal problems, and is an important position and should not be undervalued. Ms. Dolan commented it seems that when done well the Controller’s position is an important job.

Mr. Schweder, communicating that criteria and what is expected for the position should be assembled for the set salary, reiterated it is not a full time position and stated the salary should reflect that.

Ms. Dolan, noting she did not think this is the time that can be done, observed it is a good point and is something that should be looked at. Pointing out it is something on which Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, should comment, Ms. Dolan stated she is not sure it can be addressed now in view of passing a salary for the next four years and it is something that should be studied in the future.

President Donchez requested that Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, review the matter and report back.

Mr. Reynolds, while remarking that the Controller has done a fantastic job in the first year, thought that Mr. Schweder made a good point and Council needs to look at some of the issues raised this evening.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Schweder, 2. Bill No. 5 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

F. Bill No. 6 – 2009 - Establishing Salary of Controller – 2010 through 2013

The Clerk read Bill No. 6 – 2009 – Establishing Salary of Controller – 2010 through 2013, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ESTABLISHING THE SALARY OF THE CONTROLLER.

Voting AYE: Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Donchez, 3. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Schweder, 4. Bill No. 6 – 2009 was defeated on First Reading.

G. Bill No. 7 – 2009 - Establishing Salary of Treasurer – 2010 through 2013

The Clerk read Bill No. 7 – 2009 – Establishing Salary of Treasurer – 2010 through 2013, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ESTABLISHING THE SALARY OF THE TREASURER.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Schweder, 2. Bill No. 7 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

H. Bill No. 8 – 2009 - Establishing Salary of Members of Council and President of Council – 2010 through 2011

The Clerk read Bill No. 8 – 2009 – Establishing Salary of Members of Council and President of Council – 2010 through 2011, sponsored by Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES OF THE MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL AND THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL.

President Donchez observed that the Bill sets the salaries for the next two years of the four year term for those who are running for Council this year, and questioned what would occur for those who are running in 2011 for the next four year term.

Mr. Schweder also pointed out although the Bill sets the salaries for 2010 and 2011 for the four Members of Council who are elected in November of this year it is silent as to the salaries of those four Members for the years 2012 and 2013.

Mr. Leeson, agreeing that a good question has been raised, explained the intent was to look at the salaries for the remaining two years of 2012 and 2013 and make revisions two years from now but that any increase would not benefit anyone in this election cycle. Mr. Leeson further stated that any increase can only benefit the people in the next election cycle. Acknowledging that if left as is the salaries could be interpreted as zero for 2012 and 2013, Mr. Leeson stated that perhaps a level salary could be set for four years so there is not a technical problem.

Attorney Spadoni advised that in reviewing the matter the salaries should be set for the entire four year term.

Mr. Reynolds pointed out that in 2011 individuals would be voting for their own salaries which is not allowed at the Federal level and is something that should be avoided. He added that the Members of Council should not be faced with a situation in which they would be voting on their own compensation.

Attorney Spadoni suggested that Council could amend the Ordinance to set the salaries for 2012 and 2013.

Amending Bill No. 8 – 2009 - Establishing Salary of Members of Council and President of Council – 2010 through 2013

Mr. Leeson moved to amend Bill No. 8 - 2009 to set the same salaries for the Members of Council and the President of Council for the years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 at $7,100 for the Members of Council and at $7,600 for the President of Council. Ms. Dolan seconded the motion.

Ms. Dolan recounted that at the Finance Committee meeting of February 10, 2009 an issue was raised with which she immediately had problems. Ms. Dolan explained that she never considered or compared the City’s benefits because she works full time and receives benefits and does not need them from the taxpayers. Ms. Dolan stressed that the Members of Council are here for public service, and their bosses are the electorate. Ms. Dolan asserted that Members of Council should have the community in mind as opposed to any personal benefit. Ms. Dolan asked Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, if any other part-time employees receive benefits.

Mr. Schweder, raising a point of order, denoted that is not before Council and what is before Council is the debate on the salaries.

Ms. Dolan thought the essence of the concept of the salaries has been muddied because it is about how much the Members of Council get paid. Communicating that one can say it is totally separate if someone does not get paid anything else besides a salary, Ms. Dolan highlighted the fact that is not the case with City Council. Ms. Dolan questioned why this issue cannot be discussed.

Mr. Schweder clarified the point of order he is raising is that the salaries have nothing to do with the benefits. Mr. Schweder thought that in learning about some of the discussions at the Finance Committee meeting at which he was not present it was a violation of the HIPPA requirement. Mr. Schweder restated it is not relevant to what is before Council, and may be in order for another discussion.

Mr. Reynolds, observing that Ms. Dolan’s question of Mr. Reichard may or may not be in order, noted what is being discussed is City Council’s compensation for the next four years, and Council is not just compensated with a salary.

Attorney Spadoni indicated that the Ordinance is for the establishment of pay and there is no other dispensation in the Ordinance. He pointed out it may be a budgetary issue for another time.

President Donchez, expressing his concurrence with Attorney Spadoni, stated what is being discussed is the salary of the Members of Council. President Donchez advised that other Third Class cities are being polled about salaries and benefits. President Donchez communicated that the issue can be looked at in two years for the next cycle.

Ms. Dolan informed the Members she was going to withdraw the motion, and would like to request a Committee meeting. Ms. Dolan noted it would be appropriate to bring up under New Business.

Mr. Reynolds agreed it is probably something that should be discussed at a Committee meeting and should be discussed along with salary increases because it pertains to people who may or may not want to run for the next cycle.

Voting AYE on the Amendment to Bill No. 8 – 2009: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Amendment passed.

Voting AYE on Bill No. 8 - 2009, as Amended: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Schweder, 2. Bill No. 8 - 2009 was declared passed on First Reading.

Defeated Bill No. 6 – 2009 – Establishing Salary of Controller – 2010 through 2013

Mr. Leeson, returning to the vote on Bill No. 6 – 2009 for the Controller’s salary, highlighted the fact that the salary increase was defeated but the salary needs to be set for the four year period since someone could argue that the number is zero.

Motion to Reconsider Bill No. 6 – 2009 – Setting Salary of Controller – 2010 through 2013

Mr. Leeson and Mr. Reynolds moved to reconsider Bill No. 6 – 2009 and to set the Controller’s Salary at $49,000 for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Mowrer, 1. The motion passed.

Mr. Schweder, noting that Council would be voting on setting the salary of the Controller at $49,000 for the next four years, suggested that Council take action on First Reading tonight, and then the Ordinance would be available to amend on Final Reading at the first Council Meeting in March.

Voting AYE on Bill No. 6 – 2009, as Amended: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 6 – 2009, as Amended, was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Approving Recreation Fees – Additions and Increases

Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-43 that established the following Recreation fees: Permit Processing Fee - $ 25.00; Use Permit Processing Fee - $50.00; DAR House Rental Fee - $50.00/day; Ice Rink Rental Fee - $100.00/day for first 4 days, $50.00/day for 5th day on; Ice House Rental Fee - For Profits $500.00/day and Non-Profits $250.00/day. The Skating Rink, Sand Island Tennis, and Field Light Fees were also increased as listed on the attached Exhibit A.

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

B. Certificate of Appropriateness – 505-507 Main Street

Mr. Leeson and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2009-44 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate the rear of 505-507 Main Street.

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

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 64 East Wall Street

Mr. Leeson and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-45 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for colors at 64 East Wall Street.

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

D. Approving Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – American Association of University Women, Bethlehem Branch – 2009 Book Fair

Mr. Leeson and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2009-46 that authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between the American Association of University Women, Bethlehem Branch, and the City for use of the Memorial Pool Building for the 2009 Book Fair for the time period March 16, 2009 through April 27, 2009, according to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

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

E. Authorizing Records Destruction – Police Department

Mr. Leeson and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2009-47 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.

F. Authorizing Records Destruction – Tax Bureau

Mr. Leeson and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2009-48 that authorized the disposition of the public records from the Tax Bureau 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.

G. Approving Auditors – 2008 Audit

Mr. Leeson and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2009-49 that retained the firm of Maher Duessel to provide the 2008 Audit at the following rates: General Purpose Financial Statements - $47,700, Single Audit Reports - $6,300, Water Fund - $9,100, Sewer Fund - $6,900, Bethlehem Area Public Library - $3,700, and Bethlehem Parking Authority - $6,600.

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

12. NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing and Committee Meeting Announcements

President Donchez announced a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall to hold a Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan.

Chairman Mowrer announced a Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall on the following subjects: Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services, Establishing New Article 314 – Security Cameras, and Wireless Mesh Cameras Project.

Benefits – Part Time Employees

Ms. Dolan asked if part-time employees receive benefits. Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, replied no. President Donchez noted for the record that Attorney Spadoni receives benefits.

Ms. Dolan communicated that at the Finance Committee meeting she found the issue personally disturbing and well worthy of study. Ms. Dolan said she would like to know the history of City Council Members receiving benefits. Ms. Dolan added that she looks forward to seeing what other Third Class Cities provide. Ms. Dolan stated that provision of benefits makes for different compensation for different Members of Council which is an issue in and of itself. Ms. Dolan mentioned she does not know that many citizens are aware that the City of Bethlehem is self-insured and claims are paid by the City. Ms. Dolan felt that the issue should go to Committee as soon as possible.

President Donchez noted that hopefully the survey responses will be available by next Friday, and he will make a decision on the matter.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Controller’s Position

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, commented that to state that a position is being done well but then to say one should look at the position and not the person makes it subjective. He pointed out there are no guidelines for the part time Controller position, and a person could be in their City Hall office five days a week or perhaps not at all. Mr. Antalics remarked there is no accountability for the position, and the person’s contribution to the City cannot be evaluated. He noted that putting a dollar value on the part time position is saying the position is worth so many dollars an hour, or a base line or guidelines could be set. He felt the position should be held responsible for a certain number of hours. Mr. Antalics urged the Administration and Council to set guidelines for the Controller’s position.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said there are a lot of problems with drug addicts in the City. Mr. Rodriquez stated he is pleading his case for the Health Bureau to meet with addicts and have a needle exchange program. Mr. Rodriquez informed the assembly there is disrespect shown to him on the part of dispatchers and desk sergeants. Mr. Rodriquez commented he would like to see the Mayor attend some of the Five Points meetings and meet with the residents and hear what their needs are. Mr. Rodriquez did not think it was a good time for raises. Pointing out there is a rise in the number of identify thefts and home invasions, Mr. Rodriquez stressed it is because of the altered state of mind of the perpetrators due to drugs. Mr. Rodriquez asserted someone needs to attack these things in the community. He questioned whether there is somewhere that addicts can be sent for rehab. Mr. Rodriquez advised there are a lot of problems at Fourth and Wyandotte Streets, and at Yosko Park, and highlighted the fact that the Police can only do so much.

Elected Officials Salaries; BEDCO

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, noted the Northampton County Controller position is part time and the salary is $39,000 a year. Mr. Grubb clarified he was talking about positions and not personalities. Mr. Grubb felt in the current economic times no elected officials should be taking a raise. Mr. Grubb, noting that BEDCO became an equity partner in the Technology Center, said all the money BEDCO used was public funding. He continued on to say when the Technology Center was sold, BEDCO got a return on the investment and it was public money. Mr. Grubb further pointed out that PennDot is acquiring a portion of the parking lot behind Ginny’s restaurant on Third Street that BEDCO owns. Mr. Grubb asserted there has been no public accounting for any of that money. Expressing the hope that the money is being held for future economic development in the City, Mr. Grubb stressed that Council and the Administration should get a handle on this money and what is available for economic development, and added the taxpayers deserve an accounting of the funding.

Various Issues

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, thought it was germane to ask Mr. Reichard about benefits. He agreed with Mr. Schweder’s point of order. Mr. Scheirer observed that public financing of campaigns is done in other cities. Mr. Scheirer noted there was a legal ad three weeks ago inviting persons to comment on the wireless telecommunications facilities at the western end of Clearview Park at Abington and Pinehurst Roads, and said the notice was defective because Abington and Pinehurst Roads do not intersect. Mr. Scheirer, observing that communications towers are all over the City, stressed that aesthetics and the safety of the environment is being traded for the convenience of telecommunications. Mr. Scheirer pointed out that any tower has the possibility of falling and highlighted the fact that there are houses at the Clearview Park area.

Golf Course Restaurant; Recycling Center

Chuck Nyul, 1966 Pinehurst Road, referring to his comments at the last Council Meeting about the appearance of the Recycling Center and the broken chain link fence, suggested that a front end loader be used for the metal equipment that is dropped off. He pointed out there is a small front end loader at the City’s storage barn located 50 yards from the Recycling Center. Mr. Nyul observed that in the Sunday, February 8 edition of the newspaper there was a report about 150 golfers who signed a petition because they do not want the Allentown Brew Works restaurant at the Allentown Golf Course. Mr. Nyul noted there was a burglary at the 7-11 store on Broad Street, and questioned why the Police substation there is not manned when the robbers come in.

Elected Officials and Salaries

Mary Pongracz, 321 W. Fourth Street, stated that when voting on a salary one is voting on the position and not for or against a person and the duties entailed in the position. Observing that the Mayor is very active in the community, Ms. Pongracz applauded the Members of Council for the same reason, and continued on to say that Council Members give of their time and talents and listen to the public. Ms. Pongracz cautioned that when someone is judged darts should not be thrown because they come back. She communicated there are people who have the courage and determination to serve in a public capacity.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.