Council MInutes

January 4, 2010

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OLD COUNCIL
Monday, January 4, 2010 – 7:00 PM
10 East Church Street - Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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

President Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Derek French, of East Hills Moravian Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Karen Dolan, Gordon B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, J. Michael Schweder, and Robert J. Donchez, 5. Jean Belinski and Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. were absent, 2.

CITATIONS

Citation - Honoring J. Michael Schweder - Member of Council – 1998-2009

President Donchez presented a Citation honoring J. Michael Schweder as a Member of Council from 1998 through 2009. The Members of Council and the assembly applauded Mr. Schweder and expressed their sincere appreciation for his years of service on City Council and to the community, and wished him well for the future.

Citation - Honoring Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. - Member of Council – 2004-2009

President Donchez noted that the Citation in honor of Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. as a Member of Council from 2004 through 2009 will be delivered to him since he was unable to be present this evening. The Members of Council and the assembly expressed their sincere appreciation for Mr. Leeson’s years of service on City Council and to the community.

Citation – Honoring Randall P. Miller – Police Commissioner

President Donchez presented a Citation honoring Randall P. Miller, former Police Commissioner, on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department after 26 years of service to the City. The Members of Council and the assembly applauded Mr. Miller for his service, and wished him well in his new career after his retirement.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of December 22, 2009 were approved.

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

Council Member Emeritus

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, stating that the City cannot afford to lose a dedicated and powerful resource when Members of Council leave office, suggested that the position of Council Member Emeritus be established.

6. OLD BUSINESS

None.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Elm Street Manager – Accepting Elm Street Operational Grant

The Clerk read a memorandum dated December 28, 2009 from A.G. Pitsilos, Elm Street Manager, to which was attached a proposed Resolution for receipt of the Elm Street Operational Grant in the amount of $50,000 for year 4 and $50,000 for year 5 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the purpose of pursuing the Elm Street Plan.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be placed on the January 19, 2010 Agenda.

B. Director of Planning and Zoning – South Bethlehem Greenway Grant Resolution

The Clerk read a memorandum dated December 29, 2009 from Darlene L. Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, to which was attached a proposed resolution in support of the City’s Grant application to PennDot for continued development of the South Bethlehem Greenway. The grant amount is $1,640,000 for additional infrastructure improvements to complete construction between New Street and the area generally east of the Lynn Avenue Bridge. This grant will complete all Greenway construction within the described area. Design and engineering of this work is covered by a separate DCNR grant previously approved by City Council.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be placed on the January 19, 2010 Agenda.

8 . REPORTS

A. President of Council

1. Annual Report

President Donchez summarized his Annual Report for 2009. The 2009 Annual Report of the President of Council follows:

City Council conducted 21 Committee meetings including 4 Committee of the Whole meetings, adopted 39 Ordinances, and passed 226 Resolutions in 2009.

In January 2009, Council approved an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 1324 – Fees for Appeal, and Section 1325 – Notice of Hearings. A revision to Council’s original request to require that notice of Zoning Hearing Board meetings be given to parties within a radius of 300 feet, instead of only to those whose properties adjoin or face on the same street as the property in question, was recommended by the Planning Commission. Council approved the related Resolution to increase the fees to $125 for single family owner occupied units and $400 for all other appeals.

In March, the City’s Comprehensive Plan dated 2008 and Summary of Recommended Revisions dated November 13, 2008 and February 25, 2009 was adopted by City Council that contained sections on the City’s Profile, Future Land Use, Housing and Neighborhoods, Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Historic Preservation, Transportation, Community Facilities and Services, Arts and Cultural Amenities, and Action Program.

In addition, Members of Council adopted an amendment to strengthen the City’s regulations on the demolition of older buildings beyond the three historic districts to include historic resources in other parts of the City. City Council also adopted an amendment to reference the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement in the Environmental Conservation Strategies section. The Addendum to the Parks and Recreation Plan submitted by the Recreation Commission was incorporated into the Plan.

An Ordinance adopted by City Council in March required that motor vehicle purchases not be included in municipal bond issues or notes.

A Resolution revising the 2008 Annual Action Plan was approved in May 2009 by City Council for the City to receive the additional amount of $445,326 in CDBG Stimulus Funds from the Federal Government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) Act of 2009. The Resolution also included the City’s receipt of $687,480 in Homeless Prevention Funding that was distributed to local organizations including Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Valley Youth House, YMCA, Turning Point, Victory House, and Catholic Charities.

In revisions to the 2009 CDBG Program, $30,000 for a Historic Resources Study was approved by Council’s adoption of the Resolution. Funding for reconstruction of Mountain Drive in the amount of $180,000 and $100,000 for Perry Street reconstruction was also approved by City Council.

The application for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the Sand Island West project was authorized by City Council Resolution.

City Council approved Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfers for One East Broad Street for a new Restaurant, The Melting Pot, and for the Cobalt Café at the Sands Casino.

The Mounted Unit was reinstituted in 2009, and City Council adopted a Resolution for a Justice Assistance Grant of $172,000 that included funding for the Police Department to have horses to conduct community policing in downtown business districts, parks and recreation areas, and for special events. The City received another JAG grant in July in the amount of $66,608 that was approved by Council Resolution.

City Council adopted several Ordinances to reflect the updated departmental responsibilities for the Administration, Parks and Public Property and Public Works, as well as Bond Requirements for the Controller and Treasurer.

A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved by Council for the installation of signs throughout the historic district to guide walkers along the streets and trails of the City.

A requirement to post property at three locations for liquor license transfer requests and community and economic development plans and studies, along with notification of when a submission will be reviewed was adopted by City Council last year.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided funding for various organizations under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, and City Council adopted Resolutions for funding of $12.5 million for ArtsQuest and PBS 39; $300,000 for a project at Two West Broad Street (Ashley Development – agent); $1 million for Lehigh University for the Science, Technology, Environment, Policy and Society building project; $1 million for Majestic Realty Development; $2.8 million for Ben Franklin Technology Partners; and $100,000 for Northampton Community College for the job training center at the Fowler Family Southside Center. Members of Council additionally adopted a Resolution for funding of $1.25 million to assist HRP Management, LLC in the construction of the Martin Tower project at Eighth Avenue.

To address recycling requirements for festivals, City Council adopted an amendment to be added to all of the City’s Use Permit Agreements that best management practices for environmental protection and energy conservation, including recycling, must be incorporated by the lessee.

Subsequent to the State legislation passed in 2008 to reform the Earned Income Tax collection system by consolidating 560 EIT collectors into 69 Tax Collection Districts, the City’s participation in a Tax Collection Committee naming the Budget Analyst, Tax Administrator, and Business Administrator to participate in studying the matter was approved by City Council.

In response to neighbors’ objections to a Zoning Hearing Board decision that granted a zoning appeal for Elias Farmers Market on Linden Street, City Council adopted a Resolution to execute a Notice of Intervention to support the neighbors as Appellants versus the Zoning Hearing Board.

A proposed Ordinance to require Security Cameras at businesses was discussed and reviewed at several Public Safety Committee meetings last year, but by a tie vote the legislation did not advance.

Following several Public Works Committee meetings, an Ordinance that revised Article 721 addressing regulations pertaining to Streets and Sidewalks and vending carts in the City was amended and finally adopted at City Council’s last meeting of 2009.

Also adopted at City Council’s last meeting of the year was an Ordinance to provide funding of $8 million for water projects and $2.6 million for sewer projects.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – John J. Tallarico, Jr. – Bethlehem Authority

Mayor Callahan reappointed John J. Tallarico, Jr. to membership on the Bethlehem Authority effective until January 2015. Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2010-1 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

2. Administrative Order – Diane Herstich – Board of Health

Mayor Callahan reappointed Diane Herstich to membership on the Board of Health effective until January 2015. Mr. Schweder and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-2 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

3. Administrative Order – Constance E. Glagola - Board of Historical and Architectural Review

Mayor Callahan reappointed Constance E. Glagola to membership on the Board of Historical and Architectural Review effective until January 2015. Mr. Schweder and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-3 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 38 – 2009 – Guaranty of Bethlehem Authority Bonds to Refinance the 1998 Guaranteed Water Revenue Bonds

The Clerk read Bill No. 38 – 2009 – Guaranty of Bethlehem Authority Bonds to Refinance the 1998 Guaranteed Water Revenue Bonds, on Final Reading.

Ms. Dolan, noting there are some questions that Members of Council may have and that a Council Member Elect had sent an e-mail regarding the matter, inquired about the amount of cost savings that would be associated with the refinancing.

Stephen Repasch, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Authority, commented that the Bond Refinancing is similar to a mortgage refinancing in that by refinancing the 1998 Bonds there would be savings of 3%. Explaining that the Ordinance is based conditionally upon a 3% savings or greater, Mr. Repasch affirmed that the 1998 Bond Issue will not be refinanced unless the 3% savings is able to be obtained.

Ms. Dolan observed, because of the bullet at the end of the term, there is a general feeling that this is the most expensive way to borrow the money.

Mr. Repasch replied that the bullet at the end is anticipated to be rolled into a broader refinancing of the Bethlehem Authority’s 2004 debt. Confirming that the refinancing of the 1998 issue has a 5 year term, Mr. Repasch communicated that in 2014 when the rest of the Bethlehem Authority’s debt is able to be refunded, it is hoped that the bullet or balloon payment at the end of the 5 year term can be wrapped into a refunding in 2014.

Mayor Callahan clarified that the bullet or balloon payment is actually with the Line of Credit that is separate from the 1998 Refinancing.

Ms. Dolan, referring to the e-mail forwarded by David DiGiacinto, Council Member Elect, recalled that one of the questions was about the advantages related to the timing of the refinancing.
Mr. Repasch, affirming that it is a five year call, said it is conceivable that it could be the beginning of 2015 with a redemption date in order to obtain a full five year call protection to avoid market penalty. Mr. Repasch advised this will not be known until the issue is out in the market for the sale of the bonds.

David DiGiacinto, Council Member Elect, commented that one of the questions was regarding the fact that the savings on the refinancing of the Bethlehem Authority’s 1998 Bond Issue have gone down over the last month or so. Mr. DiGiacinto noted another question was whether the Ordinance stated where the savings was going, and his thought that it should go into the Bond Redemption and Improvement Fund (BRIF).

Mr. Repasch advised there is no cash involved, there is no cash deposited anywhere, and the savings is the amount saved on interest.

Attorney Peter Carlucci, of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, Bond Counsel to the Bethlehem Authority, advised that the savings will be generated in the form of reduced debt service payments that will inure to the benefit of the City because the lease rental payments due will be less than they are currently. Attorney Carlucci confirmed there is no additional cash generated from the refinancing of the issue itself.

Mr. Schweder stated that on First Reading he voted against the Bill and he intends to vote against it again tonight. Mr. Schweder recounted that a $10 million line of credit was taken out because City officials were told it was the best way to do it, and then at the next meeting it is requested to float a bond. Pointing out that the refinancing being requested cannot be rolled into another refinancing in 2014 because a 5 year note cannot be refinanced in 4 years, Mr. Schweder recalled that a similar problem was encountered with bonds in the late 1990’s and the City ended up paying penalties. Mr. Schweder expressed his concern is that the money would be used for something else if it goes into the Water Fund such as borrowing against it.

Ms. Dolan said she would be curious to hear a response from Members of Council regarding a motion to amend the Ordinance to state specifically where the money goes; e.g., the BRIF.

Mr. Schweder, observing that although it is not money per se, commented it could be stated that any savings would go into a segregated account whether the BRIF or some other account and it could only be used at the discretion of the Administration or Bethlehem Authority for the specific things that are allowed. Mr. Schweder restated that a motion could be made to segregate any savings incurred and place it into the BRIF Account and only be used for those activities allowed under the BRIF Account.

Mr. Reynolds asked if that is something that can be done legally.

Attorney Carlucci replied that his understanding of the motion is to provide that the annual savings being generated by the reduction in debt service in comparison to the current debt service be set aside and dedicated to the Water System. Attorney Carlucci advised that as currently structured the revenues derived from the operation of the water system are deposited into the Water Fund. Monies from the Water Fund are used first to pay operation and maintenance expenses with respect to the water system; then they are used to pay lease rental payments that is the same as the debt service on the outstanding bonds. Attorney Carlucci said if Council wants to segregate the annual savings generated as a result of the refunding, he would suggest it be part of the Water Fund, or there could be a requirement that it be transferred to the Bethlehem Authority with the direction to deposit it to the Bond Redemption and Improvement Fund (BRIF). Attorney Carlucci pointed out that the challenge, however, is that under the terms of the indenture it has a waterfall of accounts. That is, the monies which come into the Authority from the City are deposited first into a revenue fund, from the revenue fund monies are transferred to pay the debt service on the bonds, then any monies remaining in the revenue fund after payment of debt service are directed to be deposited into the debt service reserve fund (DSRF) to the extent there is any deficiency in the debt service reserve fund. If there is no deficiency in the debt service reserve fund the surplus is then re-deposited into the maintenance reserve fund. In the event there is no deficiency in the maintenance reserve fund then the monies end up in the bond redemption and improvement Fund (BRIF). Monies that are in the BRIF can be used to fund extraordinary repairs, capital projects, or retire debt, provided there is sufficient balance in the BRIF in the opinion of the Engineer regarding the extraordinary repairs or expenses that may result given the age of the system. Attorney Carlucci commented that if Council wants to set aside these monies and restrict them in some way it can be done within the Water Fund managed by the City or with the direction that any of the savings be paid over to the Authority. Attorney Carlucci continued on to point out that once the monies go to the Authority the monies go into the revenue fund first and then go through the waterfall of accounts which means they may or may not end up in the BRIF.

Mr. Schweder thought the monies should remain with the Bethlehem Authority and added that in the past the monies have not ended up where they were to go. Mr. Schweder advised that the latter of the two options stated by Attorney Carlucci is what he was seeking to do.

Mayor Callahan pointed out that the 3% threshold of savings is approximately $327,000 and it could be more but it is guaranteed not to be less than that since the bonds will not be sold in the market if 3% or better in savings cannot be obtained. Mayor Callahan highlighted the fact that in the 2010 Budget that was adopted there is $250,000 of savings already designated for the Water Fund. Mayor Callahan informed the Members that if the savings are designated to go to the BRIF then the Water Fund will be out of balance because the savings are already incorporated into the 2010 Water Fund Budget.

Stressing that as the Mayor has just stated this was money that has already been spent in the Water Fund, Mr. Schweder remarked this is what has happened on numerous occasions which is the point he was trying to make. Mr. Schweder recounted that over the last ten years millions of dollars have disappeared from the account that were forgiven with minimum requirements for the money to be in that account. Mr. Schweder said it makes sense as Ms. Dolan has proposed to state that going forward. Mr. Schweder added there will have to be a detailed discussion and decision as to how the money flows and where it ultimately goes.

Mayor Callahan said that discussion has already been held as part of the 2010 Budget. Mayor Callahan restated these savings were designated for the Water Fund, not for the General Fund, and will pay for the many things as pointed out by Attorney Carlucci.

Ms. Dolan asked, from a legal standpoint, if a change were made what impact would it have on the 2010 Budget.

Mayor Callahan replied there is $250,000 of savings that is accounted for from the 1998 Bond Issue Refinancing designated for the Water Fund, not the General Fund, and the money is used to pay for water operating expenses for 2010. Mayor Callahan, affirming that the BRIF already has the required minimum $2,000,000 balance, advised that balance will continue for the next five years. Mayor Callahan, while querying why Council would put more money into the BRIF account, highlighted the fact that if Council were to designate the savings to other than the Water Fund it would create a $250,000 imbalance in the Water Fund.

Mr. Schweder pointed out that the Third Class City Code allows City Council after a municipal election to revote on the budget through the month of January and make desired changes. President Donchez affirmed that he had asked Attorney Spadoni to check on the matter that is in Section 1810 of the Third Class City Code.

Mr. Reynolds commented that when he voted for the 2010 Budget it was under the impression that it included this $250,000 and to change his mind now and consider something else is not something he would do.

Voting AYE on the Motion: Ms. Dolan and Mr. Schweder, 2. Voting NAY: Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 3. The Motion failed.

Voting AYE on Bill No. 38 – 2009: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 3. Voting NAY: Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Schweder, 2. President Donchez declared the Bill failed, since it was not passed by a majority of all of the Members of Council; i.e., 4 votes.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 1 – 2010 – Amending Article 911 – Water Regulations – Fire Flow Test

The Clerk read Bill No. 1 – 2010, Amending Article 911 – Water Regulations – Fire Flow Test, sponsored by Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 911 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED WATER REGULATIONS.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. Bill No. 1 – 2010 was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing Plan Revision for New Land Development – Sewage Facilities Planning Module – Eaton Pointe Professional Building

Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-4 that authorized the adoption and submittal to the Department of Environmental Protection for its approval as a revision to the “Official Sewage Facilities Plan” of the City the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for the development of a parcel of land identified as Eaton Pointe Professional Building, and described in the attached Sewage Facilities Planning Module, and proposed that such subdivision be served by a pump station and force main.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

B. Authorizing Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – American Association of University Women, Bethlehem Branch – 2010 Book Fair

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-5 that authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between the City and the American Association of University Women, Bethlehem Branch, for use of the Memorial Pool Building for the 2010 Book Fair for the time period March 15, 2010 to April 26, 2010, according to the terms of the Agreement.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

C. Adopting Pennsylvania Municipal Records Manual – Latest Revision

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-6 that declared the intent to follow the schedules and procedures for disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved by the State’s Local Government Records Committee on December 16, 2008.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

D. Authorizing Records Destruction – Health Bureau

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-7 that authorized the disposition of the public records from the Health 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 December 16, 2008 and Resolution 2010-6.

Motion – Considering Resolutions as a Group

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds moved to consider Resolutions 11 E through 11 G as a group. Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Motion passed.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 806-826 East Fourth Street

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-8 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the stained glass windows and the stained glass in the doors and surrounds and replace with clear glass at 806-826 East Fourth Street.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 705 East Fourth Street

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-9 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a window sign and projecting sign at 705 East Fourth Street.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 310 South New Street

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution 2010-10 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a sign on the window and building at 310 South New Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 E through 11 G: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolutions passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS

None.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Outgoing City Council Members – J. Michael Schweder and Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, commented that when he became involved in City government it was with the thought that City Council should act as a check and balance in the system of government. Mr. Pfenning thanked Council Members Schweder and Leeson for their efforts in the check and balance system of City government. He wished them the best in their future endeavors.

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, seconded the comments of Mr. Pfenning and Mr. Antalics. Relating an article that he read in the Century magazine describing the jury system, Mr. Scheirer communicated there is merit in the idea of a Council Member Emeritus. Emphasizing that expertise is being lost since two Members are not continuing on Council, Mr. Scheirer thought that consideration should be given to see if there is some way that Council can benefit from the expertise that has been acquired by the departing Members.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, affirming that he contacted the Mayor’s Office and City Forester concerning old trees that are falling down in the Illick’s Mill area and the retaining wall, said to date nothing has been done. Focusing on trees at Route 378 southbound, Mr. Rodriquez expressed his concern that the trees will fall onto the highway and cause a fatality. In addition, Mr. Rodriquez reported that, in the vicinity of Route 378 between the Eighth Avenue sign and Eighth Avenue exit, branches were left after work was done by PennDot. Mr. Rodriquez recounted that over the years he has talked about the need to educate the public with flyers or pamphlets in an effort to take preventive action so that the City remains safe and well protected.

President of Council Annual Report - City Website; Star on South Mountain

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, said he hopes that the President of Council’s Annual Report will be available on the City’s website. Mr. Grubb noted that the Star on South Mountain was not lit tonight.

Council Member Emeritus

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, explaining the emeritus positions in academia, asked again that his suggestion for a Council Member Emeritus be considered. Mr. Antalics noted that many have a high respect for the knowledge of the departing Council Members.

City and Citizens

Mary Pongracz, 321 W. Fourth Street, thought it is a credit to the City that there are many citizens who are very active and willing to serve on committees. She added that the City has a lot going for it and works because everyone works together. Ms. Pongracz highlighted the fact that there is a faithful group of citizens who come to almost every City Council Meeting, and who share their thoughts with City Council.

14. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 7:55 p.m.