Council MInutes
May 20, 2009
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 – 7:00 PM
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
President Donchez called the meeting to order. Rabbi Allen
Juda, Congregation Brith Shalom, 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 May 5, 2009 were approved.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances
and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)
South Side Historic District
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, suggested that historic
sites on the South Side be designated with signs at McDonalds
and the Casino because they represent the East and West limits
of the South Side Historic District.
Gift of Real Estate - Lehigh Valley Industrial Park
Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, asked if the appropriate
environmental reviews have taken place and for the property
that is the gift of real estate from Lehigh Valley Industrial
Park (LVIP) to the City as listed in Resolution 11 A and is
being accepted by the City without liability.
President Donchez responded in the affirmative.
6. OLD BUSINESS.
A. Tabled Items
None.
B. Unfinished Business
1. Establishing Article 314 – Security Cameras
2. Bill No. 28 - 2008 – Amending Zoning Ordinance –
Various Sections
3. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties
of Historical Interest
C. Old Business – Members of Council
Broughal Middle School - Preservation
Ms. Dolan pointed out there has been a growing desire in
the mind of many citizens to try to get involved in the preservation
of Broughal Middle School, and recalled that in the past Council
expressed its opinion on the matter. Observing there has been
a change in the economy and the Bethlehem Area School Board
is facing the need to raise funds to demolish the Broughal
School building, Ms. Dolan thought that Council has a say
in what happens to the citizens of Bethlehem and the places
of significance in the City. Ms. Dolan said she cannot imagine
the day when there is a wrecking ball at Broughal Middle School,
and the beautiful auditorium comes down. Ms. Dolan thought
it is time to look at the issue again. Ms. Dolan advised she
talked to Chris Ussler, City Historic Officer, and with Joseph
Kelly, Assistant City Solicitor, about the matter. She continued
on to state that many people involved in the movement to protect
Broughal Middle School want to have the demolition permit
pulled. Ms. Dolan explained her understanding is that it is
not possible to pull the demolition permit because it is connected
to the overall plans for the entire site at Broughal Middle
School.
Joseph Kelly, Assistant City Solicitor, advising that the
building permit was issued after the land development and
subdivision plan was issued, affirmed it was issued as one
permit that called for the destruction of Broughal Middle
School. Attorney Kelly restated the approved plan calls for
the eventual destruction of Broughal Middle School as part
of the plan that was submitted and approved.
Ms. Dolan queried, if Council were to take a vote to pull
the permit, what would make that not possible.
Attorney Kelly explained he did not think that could be
done because the approved plan calls for the destruction of
Broughal Middle School. Attorney Kelly continued on to say
the Bethlehem Area School District would have to go back and
have the plans re-engineered to determine whether the storm
water plan along with other matters related to the project
would change. Attorney Kelly further advised it would have
to be determined from the zoning perspective whether revised
plans would meet the City’s Zoning Ordinance with both
buildings still standing. Confirming that a final plan is
conditioned on developers having to do certain things, Attorney
Kelly highlighted the fact that the plan calls for one building
standing and not both.
Ms. Dolan inquired about other possible avenues that might
be explored at this point.
Attorney Kelly replied the only potential would be the Bethlehem
Area School District filing an amended plan with the City,
obtaining zoning relief if necessary, and making other alterations
or engineering changes as may be required under the Subdivision
and Land Development Ordinance.
Ms. Dolan thought that might be the most prudent way to
go, in view of changes in the Bethlehem Area School District
Board and in the School District Administration. Ms. Dolan
noted there is a misconception that the reason why the old
Broughal had to be demolished was to provide playing fields
for the new Broughal. Ms. Dolan advised, in her discussions
with Ms. Ussler and subsequently reviewing the plans, that
is not true. The plot of land on which Broughal Middle School
sits does not meet the standards for playing fields. Even
if Broughal Middle School were knocked down and the new Broughal
Middle School were built, the problem of how to provide adequate
athletic space would still need to be faced. The plot in front
of Broughal Middle School is more appropriately thought of
as a front or rear yard because it is surrounded by very busy
streets and is not large enough for a regulation football
field, and baseball could not be played because of the glass
feature of the new school. Ms. Dolan thought the residents
of the South Side whose children go to Broughal School are
under the impression that the old building needs to come down
to provide athletic fields. Ms. Dolan, communicating that
she strongly challenges that notion, commented the more fruitful
way to proceed would be with more open and honest information
than the information than has been disseminated in the past.
Ms. Dolan noted she spoke with Mrs. Belinski before the Meeting
who agreed with Ms. Dolan making these statements in view
of the fact that Mrs. Belinski has taken the leading steps
with regard to the matter.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Director of Parks and Public Property – Municipal
Utility Alliance - Electricity Procurement Program
The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 1, 2009 from Ralph
E. Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property, to which was
attached a proposed Resolution for participation in the Municipal
Utility Alliance electric procurement program organized by
the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities (PLCM).
The intent of the electricity procurement program is to assist
participating Pennsylvania municipalities in the procurement
of their electricity needs when rate caps are no longer in
effect. Bethlehem is within the PPL service territory whose
rate cap is set to expire as of January 2010. The MUA program
will provide local Governments the opportunity to join a buying
group to procure electricity from a preferred supplier at
prices more favorable than might otherwise be obtainable given
the dramatic increase in electricity rates that is expected.
President Donchez stated that the appropriate Resolution
can be placed on the June 2 Agenda.
B. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – 2009
Borinquenfest
The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 14, 2009 from John
F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached
a proposed Resolution for a Use Permit Agreement between the
City and the Puerto Rican Cultural Coalition of Bethlehem
for use of various City properties for the 2009 Borinquenfest
according to the terms of the Agreement.
Ms. Dolan noted that the Use Permit Agreements do not contain
requirements for recycling for special events. Ms. Dolan suggested
that the same language for recycling as in the Use Permit
Agreement for Musikfest should be in other Use Permit Agreements
for festivals.
John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, advised that the
matter would have to be discussed.
President Donchez stated that the appropriate Resolution
can be placed on the June 2 Agenda.
C. City Solicitor – Street Vacation Ordinance –
Portions of Marshall Street, Clinton Street and East North
Street
The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 15, 2009 from John
F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, advising that the Solicitor’s
Office is in receipt of Easement Agreements signed by Nitschmann,
LLC for the PPL utilities and the City utilities located in
the portions of Marshall Street, Clinton Street and East North
Street to be vacated, and affirming that the Street Vacation
Ordinance can be placed on Council’s Agenda for Final
Reading.
President Donchez stated that Bill No. 14 – 2009 is
on the Agenda for Final Reading.
8. REPORTS
A. President of Council
None.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – Jason R. Henninger, Redevelopment
Authority
Mayor Callahan appointed Jason R. Henninger to membership
on the Redevelopment Authority effective until March 2014.
Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-100
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 – Beth Starbuck, Historic Conservation
District
Mayor Callahan reappointed Beth Starbuck to membership on
the Historic Conservation District Commission effective until
April 2012. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution
No. 2009-101 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 – Carol Dimopoulos, Fine Arts
Commission
Mayor Callahan reappointed Carol Dimopoulos to membership
on the Fine Arts Commission effective until May 2012. Mr.
Reynolds and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-102
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 – Stephen Elek, Plumbers’
Examining Board
Mayor Callahan reappointed Stephen Elek to membership on
the Plumbers’ Examining Board effective until June 2013.
Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No. 2009-103
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.
5. Administrative Order – Michael J. Maurer, Plumbers’
Examining Board
Mayor Callahan reappointed Michael J. Maurer to membership
on the Plumbers’ Examining Board effective until June
2013. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution No.
2009-104 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.
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
A. Bill No. 11 – 2009 – Amending Article 107
– Departments of Administration, Parks and Public Property,
and Public Works
The Clerk read Bill No. 11 – 2009 – Amending
Article 107 – Departments of Administration, Parks and
Public Property, and Public Works, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 11
– 2009, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2009-12,
was declared adopted.
B. Bill No. 12 – 2009 – Amending Article 109
– City Treasurer – Bond and Insurance
The Clerk read Bill No. 12 – 2009 – Amending
Article 109 – City Treasurer – Bond and Insurance,
on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 12
– 2009, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2009-13,
was declared adopted.
C. Bill No. 13 – 2009 – Amending Article 111
– City Controller – Bond Required
The Clerk read Bill No. 13 – 2009 – Amending
Article 111 – City Controller – Bond Required,
on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 13
– 2009, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2009-14,
was declared adopted.
D. Bill No. 14 – 2009 – Street Vacation –
Portions of Marshall Street, Clinton Street and East North
Street
The Clerk read Bill No. 14 – 2009 – Street Vacation
– Portions of Marshall Street, Clinton Street and East
North Street, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. Bill No. 14
– 2009, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2009-15,
was declared adopted.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
None.
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Accepting Gift of Real Estate from LVIP – Applebutter
Road
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-105 that authorized the acceptance by the City of a gift
of real estate from Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Inc. (LVIP)
for land along Applebutter Road, Northampton County Tax Parcel
No. P7-8-1, by way of Quit Claim Deed and the execution by
the Mayor and Controller of any and all agreements related
thereto.
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 – Historic District
Signs
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-106 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to
install signs throughout the historic district to guide walkers
along the streets and walking trails of the City.
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 – 407 Center Street
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-107 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to
install six squares of Slateline Antique Slate shingles on
the south side shed dormer at 407 Center Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 370 Main Street
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-108 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to
change the material previously approved for new dumpster screening/gate
at 370 Main Street, Hurd Campus Residence Hall of Moravian
College.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 500 Main Street
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-109 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to
paint the façade at 500 Main Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution
passed.
F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 81 W. Broad Street
Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution No.
2009-110 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to
install awnings, a projecting sign, menu board, and exterior
light fixture at 81 West Broad 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
President Donchez announced that City Council will meet
as a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
at 6:00 PM in Town Hall for a Presentation on the Bi-County
Health Department.
Chairman Leeson re-announced a Finance Committee meeting on
May 21, 2009 at 4:30 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room.
New Downtown Shuttle
Mrs. Belinski noted that the Inaugural Run for the unveiling
of the new Downtown Shuttle called The Loop will take place
tomorrow, Thursday, May 21 at 3:30 PM in front of City Hall.
Advising she would like to participate, Mrs. Belinski highlighted
the fact that the time presents a conflict for her because
that is the time of the Bethlehem Authority meeting that she
attends.
President Donchez, observing there is also a Finance Committee
meeting tomorrow at 4:30 PM, wondered if the time of the shuttle
could be changed.
Primary Election Winners
Mr. Mowrer congratulated the individuals who won the Primary
Election as City Council candidates: Jean Belinski and Karen
Dolan who are incumbents, David DiGiacinto and Eric Evans.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Broughal Middle School - Preservation
Jack Abel, 422 Thomas Street, congratulated Ms. Dolan and
Mrs. Belinski on their efforts to preserve Broughal Middle
School. Mr. Abel, noting he resides on the South Side, said
he cannot imagine why this is an issue and encouraged Council
to apply all the pressure they possibly can to some way save
the Broughal School building or perhaps enter into a bargaining
situation with Lehigh University so that something could be
traded. Mr. Abel stressed that to lose a building like this
that has historical importance on the South Side does not
seem reasonable.
Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, observed that a blanket
permit was approved for Broughal Middle School and thought
City Council has the authority to say that the building should
not be demolished. Mr. Scheirer asserted that Broughal Middle
School should not be demolished notwithstanding any provision
of the Zoning Code. Mr. Scheirer commented the question is
whether Council has the will to confront the School Board.
Mr. Scheirer said the Bethlehem Citizens Association sent
to the School Board candidates a survey on which one of the
questions was about Broughal Middle School, and about 50%
of the candidates wanted to save Broughal Middle School if
there is a way to do it. Mr. Scheirer remarked he cannot stand
the thought of Broughal Middle School being demolished that
would be an unmitigated waste. Mr. Scheirer stressed that
the history of Bethlehem will record the demolition of the
Broughal School building, and Council should go on record
as to whether or not the Members support the demolition. Mr.
Scheirer stated it should not be said that the School District
demolished a grand old building and City Council stood by.
Sands Casino in Bethlehem
Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, advised that Bethlehem’s
Sands Casino was mentioned in the opening remarks at yesterday’s
East Coast Gaming Congress meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Mr. Pfenning noted the industry classifies the Sands Casino’s
Bethlehem project as a convenience gambling facility as opposed
to a destination resort since there is no retail, hotel, or
spa at the casino in Bethlehem. Mr. Pfenning observed when
the hotel opens with 300 rooms that is still under Atlantic
City’s requirement of 500 rooms for an opening facility.
Mr. Pfenning advised the assembly that experts at the Gaming
Congress gave the impression that Bethlehem’s Sands
Casino would be successful, and one analyst pointed out there
is no shore or beach traffic in the summer on the way to Bethlehem.
Mr. Pfenning added one of the executives noted there is a
western Pennsylvania racino license currently in limbo because
the operators could not get financing. If the application
fails, a new category two license that is a stand alone casino
like the Sands will be created and go to the eastern portion
of the State. Mr. Pfenning commented the industry expects
table games to come to Pennsylvania. Mr. Pfenning further
noted that the Sands Casino has an aggressive bus program
including a direct line run from Port Authority in New York
City to Bethlehem five times a day during the week and seven
times on the weekends. In addition, the Casino has a celebrity
restaurant and full entertainment schedule. Mr. Pfenning observed
no other facility in eastern Pennsylvania matches that. Mr.
Pfenning, commenting that the revenue estimates are around
$255 per slot machine per day, observed the amount would decrease
when more machines are added in November but there will be
a reasonable basis for the City’s 2010 budget projections.
Mr. Pfenning, commenting that the gaming revenue authority
issue is still under discussion in Northampton County, said
Northampton County Council has created the authority and designated
the members. Mr. Pfenning noted that Mayor Callahan named
Joseph Kelly, Assistant City Solicitor, as Bethlehem’s
representative. Mr. Pfenning explained that tomorrow night
Northampton County Council will get an amendment to the ordinance
that created the gaming revenue authority to delete the ex-officio
elected officials and add five representatives.
Broughal Middle School and Various Issues
Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said he would like
to see something be done to retain Broughal Middle School,
and asked Council to get in contact with the School District
and Zoning office and make the changes. Mr. Rodriquez communicated
he has changed his mind about the Greenway and felt that youth
deserve a second chance since they have nothing to do but
get into trouble. Mr. Rodriquez commented there is a lack
of communication between Police Officers and its leadership,
and asserted there is something definitely wrong at the top.
Mr. Rodriquez recommended that Officer Ogrodnick be returned
to the Five Points Substation and said he is desperately needed
there. Mr. Rodriquez thought that not enough is being done
for youth. Mr. Rodriquez told the assembly that he sees some
lack of enforcement with some Police Officers, and thought
the foot patrol should be reinstated to deal with individuals
directly where problems occur. Mr. Rodriquez, stating he is
recommending a security camera at Pawnee and Dakotah Streets,
said this is a key area in addition to Ontario and Itaska
Streets, Sixth and Atlantic Streets at Yosko Park, East Fourth
and Shaw Streets. Mr. Rodriquez said the officers in the substations
should patrol more in the Yosko Park area because of drugs.
Stressing that the City cannot shy away from problems, Mr.
Rodriquez also stated that gangs must be dealt with. Mr. Rodriquez
commented there is disrespect shown to him on the part of
some desk sergeants.
Terry Meixell, 56 East Goepp Street, expressed the hope
that manholes are raised when street overlays are done. Mr.
Meixell thought that consideration could be given to overlaying
North New Street from Broad Street to Church Street, and West
Lehigh Street from the bridge to Center Street. Mr. Meixell
communicated he finds it problematic that some City vehicles
are not labeled and one does not know to which Department
or Bureau the vehicle belongs. Mr. Meixell said he does not
know if the One Way Pairing in the Five Points area meets
with the State’s approval yet and thought someone should
look into it. Mr. Meixell commented that eminent domain could
be useful in the case of Broughal Middle School, and suggested
the Boys and Girls Club be moved there so that they have a
bigger facility to provide more programs. Mr. Meixell noted
he has seen an all-inclusive electric bill for the swimming
pool, ice skating rink, and golf course but the charges are
not broken out for each separate facility. Mr. Meixell said
that Mr. Leeson and Mr. Schweder are two fine Council Members
who will be sorely missed.
Louise Valeriano, 3114 East Boulevard, thanked the City
staff for fixing the light so quickly on Shaw Street that
she had mentioned was out at the last Council Meeting. Ms.
Valeriano asked if there is an update on the area outside
of the West gate of the City Garage that is very dark. Ms.
Valeriano noted when one turns right off the Minsi Trail Bridge
onto Daly Avenue and Third Street the manholes are too high.
Ms. Valeriano, observing the City does not have a program
to deal with stray cats, advised she was informed by the Police
Department that there is a spay and neuter and release program.
Ms. Valeriano, notifying the assembly she would be willing
to donate the money, suggested that cats be taken to the SPCA
and kept there until homes are found for them, rather than
being brought back into the neighborhoods.
Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, noted some potential reuses
for Broughal Middle School were heard tonight such as youth
programs and community center, and thought the City should
be of one accord on the issue. Mr. Grubb noted there was a
policy that every City vehicle must have a City insignia on
it so that the vehicles can be seen in action throughout the
City, and so that there is accountability for where the vehicles
may be taken. Mr. Grubb thanked the Public Works Department
for fixing the potholes on Henderson Place in such a timely
manner. Mr. Grubb recalled that less than ten years ago the
City borrowed $8 million from HUD to install a sidewalk barrier
at Daly Avenue on which the City is still paying, but now
the plans have changed and it is being torn out. Mr. Grubb
thought the City should redouble its planning efforts on plans
throughout the City.
Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, stressed that crime
does not have an address and she is tired of people picking
on the South Side. She remarked that people who buy drugs
probably come from other areas of the City, and resented the
implication that crime and drugs are rampant only on the South
Side. Ms. Pongracz expressed her agreement that to tear down
Broughal Middle School, that is a national treasure designed
by A. W. Leh who is a well-recognized architect, because it
is old is a disgrace and an abomination. Ms. Pongracz, noting
there are thousands of heroes in the area and nation, thanked
the firefighters, police, nurses, EMT’s, educators,
and others who are heroes everyday in someone’s life.
Ms. Pongracz added that everyone who serves on Council deserves
a medal of commendation.
Primary Election
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, noted that yesterday
at the voting places he learned there is a difference between
perception and reality. Mr. Antalics thought the reality of
people to be elected should be based on what citizens have
observed, and said some older citizens were cynical about
politicians but they stated it was their job to vote.
Broughal Middle School
Mr. Reynolds queried what was the nature of Council’s
past position on Broughal Middle School. President Donchez
recalled a vote was not taken but rather a letter was sent
to the Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District
recommending that Broughal Middle School not be demolished.
Mr. Mowrer, expressing his concurrence, noted Council had
felt it was not their concern because the School Board was
responsible for the schools and Council went on record with
what they felt about the issue. Ms. Dolan added that City
Council was not able to take a vote because it was a matter
for the Zoning Hearing Board or Planning Commission.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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