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.