Bethlehem Council MInutes

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 – 7:00 PM

INVOCATION

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Reverend Anthony Pompa, of Cathedral Church of the Nativity, offered the Invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag.

1. ROLL CALL

CITATION

Honoring George Barkanic

President Evans presented a Citation to George Barkanic on the occasion of his retirement from the Fire Department after thirty-three years of service. The Members of Council applauded Mr. Barkanic and wished him well in his retirement.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

None.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

4. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

B. Tabled Items

None.

C. Unfinished Business

1. Request for Public Hearing – Proposed Southside Bethlehem Community Benefit District

President Evans affirmed that the Public Hearing requested by the South Bethlehem Community Benefit District Steering Committee is scheduled on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall.

2. Article 112 – Campaign Finance Reports

3. Amending Articles of Incorporation – Bethlehem Parking Authority – Extending Term

President Evans confirmed that the request to extend the term of the Parking Authority has been removed by the Administration at this time.

4. Amending Article 145 – Human Relations Commission
5. Amending Article 146 – EAC

President Evans explained that Articles 145 and 146 were reviewed by the Human Resources and Environment Committee on November 25, 2013, and a letter from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission was received November 27. Since the Agenda for this evening’s Council Meeting was sent November 27 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Ordinances were not listed. It is anticipated that items C 4, and 5 will be listed on the December 17 Agenda for First Reading.

5. COMMUNICATIONS

A. 9-1-1 Director – Adopting 9-1-1 Plan – 2014 through 2016

The Clerk read a memorandum dated November 21, 2013 from Robert J. Haffner, 9-1-1 Director, requesting adoption of the new three-year 9-1-1 plan prepared by Essential Management Solutions, the 9-1-1 Fund Managers, that deals with future needs and operations of the 9-1-1- Center.

President Evans stated that the Resolution will be listed on the December 17 Agenda.

B. Director of Purchasing – Sale of City Property

The Clerk read a memorandum dated November 20, 2013 from Mary Jo Reed, Director of Purchasing, requesting consideration of a Resolution authorizing the sale of a 1994 Jetvac Sewer Flusher to Hellertown Borough for $30,000.

President Evans stated that Resolution 9 A is listed on the Agenda.

C. Mayor-Elect Robert Donchez – Resignation from City Council

The Clerk read a letter dated November 27, 2013 from Mayor-Elect Robert J. Donchez advising his resignation as a Member of Council effective January 6, 2014, the date on which he will be sworn in as Mayor.

President Evans congratulated Council Member Donchez on his election as Mayor. President Evans noted that advertisements have been placed in the Morning Call and Express-Times for the acceptance of letters of interest and resumes for consideration in filling the Council seat of Mr. Donchez that will be vacated when he becomes the Mayor on January 6, 2014 for the remainder of his two year term. President Evans continued on to say that both newspapers had stories about the matter, and the notice of acceptance of letters of interest and resumes have been posted on the City’s website and at City Hall. President Evans affirmed that letters of interest and resumes will be accepted until December 31, 2013. He advised that the letters of interest and resumes received will be forwarded to Council at the end of each week.

President Evans informed the Members that he would like to have a short discussion later this evening about the process for filling the City Council Vacancy.

6. REPORTS

A. President of Council

1. Councilmanic Appointment – Olga Negron – Library Board

President Evans reappointed Olga Negron to membership on the Library Board, effective until January 2017. Mr. Donchez and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2013-215 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Reynolds, 1. The Resolution passed.

2. Councilmanic Appointment – Marie Sterlein – Library Board

President Evans reappointed Marie Sterlein to membership on the Library Board, effective until January 2017. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-216 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

3. Councilmanic Appointment – Kathy Weil – Library Board

President Evans reappointed Kathy Weil to membership on the Library Board, effective until January 2017. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-217 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

4. Councilmanic Appointment – Tracy Oscavich – Environmental Advisory Council

President Evans reappointed Tracy Oscavich to membership on the Environmental Advisory Council, effective until January 2017. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-218 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

5. Councilmanic Appointment – Fran Cundall – Environmental Advisory Council

President Evans reappointed Fran Cundall to membership on the Environmental Advisory Council, effective until January 2017. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-219 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

6. Councilmanic Appointment – Robin Metzler – Recreation Commission

President Evans reappointed Robin Metzler to membership on the Recreation Commission, effective until January 2019. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-220 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

7. Councilmanic Appointment – Steven J. Fernstrom – Recreation Commission

President Evans appointed Steven J. Fernstrom to membership on the Recreation Commission, effective until January 2019. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds sponsored Resolution No. 2013-221 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

8. Councilmanic Appointment – Sudantha K. Vidanage – Recreation Commission

President Evans appointed Sudantha K. Vidanage to membership on the Recreation Commission, effective until January 2019. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored Resolution No. 2013-222 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Mayor

None.

C. Human Resources and Environment Committee

Mr. Recchiuti, Chairman of the Human Resources and Environment Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 4:30 PM in Town Hall. The Committee considered the following: Human Relations Commission Ordinance – Proposed Amendment; Environmental Advisory Council Ordinance – Proposed Amendment; and Proposed 2014 Budget – Personnel Changes.

D. Finance Committee

Mr. Reynolds, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held this evening at 6:30 PM in Town Hall. The Committee considered the following: General Fund Budget Adjustments – Police Overtime and Fire Roster Duty.

7. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READING

None.

8. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 41 – 2013 – Amending General Fund Budget – Police Overtime; Fire Roster Duty

The Clerk read Bill No. 41 - 2013, Amending the 2014 General Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Donchez and Mr. Recchiuti and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2013.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Bill passed on First Reading.

9. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing Sale of City Property – Jetvac Sewer Flusher

Mr. Donchez and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored Resolution No. 2013–223 authorizing the sale of a 1994 Jetvac Sewer Flusher to Hellertown Borough for the amount of $30,000.

Voting AYE: Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Evans, 7. The Resolution passed.

10. NEW BUSINESS.

City Council Vacancy – Council Seat of Robert Donchez Elected as Mayor

President Evans confirmed that, as he stated earlier in the Meeting, advertisements have been placed in the Morning Call and Express-Times for the acceptance of letters of interest and resumes for consideration in filling the Council seat of Mr. Donchez that will be vacated when he becomes the Mayor on January 6, 2014 for the remainder of his two year term. President Evans restated that the resumes and letters will be accepted until December 31, 2013. After the new Council is seated on January 6, 2014, a special meeting will be scheduled to consider the candidates to fill the City Council Seat that will be vacated by Council Member Donchez. President Evans asked for the thoughts of the Members of Council on the matter. President Evans confirmed that, under the Sunshine Law, the meetings must be held in public. President Evans noted there is flexibility for the format of the meeting, the six remaining Members of Council will be considering the candidates, and four votes of the six Members will be required to fill the vacancy. President Evans enumerated that the six Members of Council remaining after Council Member Donchez vacates his Council seat as of January 6, 2014 because he was elected Mayor are: Karen Dolan and Eric Evans who were reelected to Council, Council Members Michael Recchiuti and J. William Reynolds, and Bryan Callahan and Adam Waldron who were elected to Council and will be sworn into office on January 6, 2014.

Ms. Dolan, noting she participated in the process of filling vacant seats in the past, advised she has the results of a survey that she requested to find out how vacancies are handled by other Third Class Cities. Ms. Dolan added that she also communicated with Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, and she has reviewed Roberts Rules and the Council Rules. Ms. Dolan commented that Council or a Council Committee could put forth a certain number of recommended candidates. There would be a final meeting at which a Member of Council can put forth any name, whether or not the individual submitted a resume, or was recommended by a committee. Ms. Dolan stated that nominations continue until Council is done nominating, Council votes on each person who has been nominated, and the first person to receive the majority of four votes would become the Council Member to fill the two year term remaining of Council Member Donchez who was elected Mayor. Ms. Dolan, mentioning that she has tried to suggest the balloting procedure but has not been successful, commented that is an option as well. Ms. Dolan communicated it is a very difficult thing for individuals to go through, no matter how experienced they are, and stand in front of Council, answer questions, and either hear their names nominated or not. Ms. Dolan suggested a two meeting process by which either a Committee of the Whole or a Council Committee puts forth three names for example, or two meetings at one of which candidates express their interest in being a Member of Council, Council asks questions, but Council does not vote at that meeting. This would be followed by a second meeting at which Council votes. Ms. Dolan stressed that two meetings are important because people come to the meeting with family members, high hopes, and some nervousness. Ms. Dolan expressed that it is like an election squeezed into one moment, and six Members of Council make the decision as to whether or not someone will serve on Council for two years. Ms. Dolan continued on to say it is too much to absorb in one meeting, and an imposition on the candidates who will either be chosen or not all in one evening. Ms. Dolan suggested that in the first meeting Council recommend three candidates so that at the second meeting there is more facility with the process for Council and the candidates.

President Evans advised that his intention for the discussion this evening is to keep it informal and in the required public forum. He stated there is the opportunity to continue the discussion at the December 17, 2013 City Council Meeting.

Mr. Reynolds, expressing his agreement with Ms. Dolan’s comments, thought the idea of two meetings is a good one. Mr. Reynolds exemplified that there are instances when something that has been said needs to be clarified. Mr. Reynolds continued on to say the Members of Council may want to clarify things that the candidates have said, and the candidates may want the opportunity to make additional comments or to provide clarification. He said whatever is discussed nothing can be set formally until after January 6, 2014 when Council-Elect Members Bryan Callahan and Adam Waldron have been sworn into office. Mr. Reynolds reiterated his comments that the process of holding two meetings is a good and fair idea.

Mr. Recchiuti noted that he reviewed the minutes of the Meeting at which the Members of Council filled the City Council Seat vacated by Council Member Callahan who was elected Mayor. Mr. Recchiuti pointed out that the process was the holding of a special meeting of Council, presentations were made by candidates who also answered questions from Members of Council, there was a nomination, and the vote involved a Council Member stating the name of the person they were supporting. Mr. Recchiuti, while commenting that is a good process, agreed with Ms. Dolan that Council should probably not have the voting process at the same meeting as the interview process. Mr. Recchiuti added that holding two special meetings is the fairest way and gives Council a chance to digest the information and follow up with any questions, rather than taking a vote the same night. Mr. Recchiuti thought the process followed by Council in the past should be continued.

Ms. Dolan, commenting it is not exactly what is in Roberts Rules, thought it was allowable. Ms. Dolan observed there are many ways to reach the same goal, and once a candidate receives four votes the process is done so that if four Members of Council when asked say the same name it is done and eliminates the nomination process.

President Evans recognized Council-Elect Member Adam Waldron who was in attendance at the Meeting. Mr. Waldron stated his opinion that two separate meetings would be the best for Council Members and candidates. Mr. Waldron thought the nomination process is something that Council could consider, but he also liked the idea of saying a person’s name versus going through rounds of multiple voting. Mr. Waldron, observing there is a lot of information to digest, advocated for two meetings with some flexibility and discussion of the voting process.

President Evans asked if Members of Council now would like to consider dates in January, or wait until the two new Members of Council are seated to review possible dates. Ms. Dolan noted that in order to start the process, possible dates could now be given to both the Members of Council and Council-Elect to determine what dates could be scheduled. Mr. Reynolds agreed that the dates could be determined now, to ensure that six Members are available. Mr. Recchiuti noted it may be possible to schedule the first meeting sometime in early January, and have the second meeting at which the vote is taken occur at the January 21, 2014 City Council Meeting.

Mr. Waldron asked if the vote were taken at the January 21, 2004 Council Meeting would the new Council Member be sworn in that evening and have full voting power. Ms. Dolan commented that the Member would be immediately seated and would have to be sworn in.

President Evans affirmed that the City Clerk will check available dates with the Members of Council. Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, confirmed that Council has 30 days from the date of the vacancy that is January 6, 2014 to fill the seat.

President Evans recounted that for the filling of the vacancy of the Controller the candidates were sent a list of questions from Members of Council prior to the meeting so that they could answer the questions in writing. Council then reviewed the answers, and asked follow-up questions or additional questions at the meeting. President Evans asked if Members of Council thought that would be appropriate to do again.

Mr. Reynolds, while commenting it is something that Council could consider, thought there is also something to be said for people answering questions on their feet, or giving people a certain amount of time to talk about something that Council feels is important. Mr. Reynolds observed that people may also give safe answers to questions. Mr. Reynolds said if the second meeting is held at the actual Council Meeting the candidates should be given an opportunity to make closing statements, and pointed out that Council Members may want to ask follow-up questions. Mr. Reynolds stated he is not comfortable with Members of Council calling candidates with questions as that goes against the open process. Mr. Reynolds thought having a committee meeting and the voting could come down to how many people submit resumes.

Ms. Dolan expressed her concurrence that sending prepared questions to candidates could promote safe answers. Instead, Ms. Dolan thought it is incumbent on Council to ask different questions in response to the letters, resumes, and what the candidates say. Ms. Dolan thought the President of Council could come up with a system for the meeting where there would be certain time limits known ahead of time, but without limits on questions.

President Evans, with reference to Mr. Recchiuti’s comments about the past process, pointed out that typically candidates are given three to five minutes to present opening statements, and then questions and answers are controlled by the chair.

Mr. Reynolds observed if a candidate spends five minutes talking about issues that Council knows are important that is a better indicator. Commenting that Council is hoping that candidates would have a fairly in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the City and how city government operates, Mr. Reynolds said he is leaning in the direction of less guidance as far as what people decide to speak about to the Members of Council. Mr. Reynolds thought that Council should try to get as much information as possible from the candidates about the issues faced in the City, if questions are not sent.

President Evans stated the conversation will be revisited, and available dates in January 2014 will be checked with Members of Council and Council-Elect.

11. PUBLIC COMMENT
Maze Garden; Proposed Development on Third and New Streets
Peter Crownfield, 407 Delaware Avenue, remarked he is still bothered by the way Council responded two weeks ago to the comments of the Lehigh students when the Maze Garden was discussed and he thought Council was condescending to the students. The main request was not to block the sale of the lot but to delay the sale and provide an orderly process for whatever suitable replacement could be found. Mr. Crownfield noted that is still an open item and is something that Council needs to make sure happens. The assurance is that Lehigh will do something with the City eventually. Mr. Crownfield mentioned that, with the development itself because there were many buzz words at the meeting two weeks ago, the appropriate high density was talked about and the mixed use. He said these terms do not convey the fact that community development is not about buildings, it is about people, and that is something that did not get into the conversation at all. Mr. Crownfield asserted one cannot put buildings above people because buildings are there for people to use. Mr. Crownfield recalled he said that maybe the Benner proposal for Third and New Streets was not the best. Mr. Crownfield noted he has heard that the Jane Jacobs book called The Death and Life of Great American Cities is referred to as the bible of urban planning. Ms. Jacobs has four key principles of successful urban development and when these are not all present it fails. First is mixed primary uses and that is enough variety in the uses that will insure traffic at all different times of day. This involved residences, offices, commerce and other uses. This is what she says creates traffic and vibrancy. Second is short blocks that allow high pedestrian permeability. He added that foot traffic is what drives the success here. Third includes buildings of various ages and states of repair and this is because they tend to have different prices, new buildings are more expensive, and large buildings tend to be less flexible on how they are used. Fourth is density since population density that is high enough is needed, not just residents. He recommended that those who did not see the film Red, White and Blue Prints at the South Side Film Festival last year to take the time to see it. The film makes some important points about the redevelopment that is going on in Cleveland, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. One of the points made by people who are leading successful development is that big projects are counterproductive and destructive. Mr. Crownfield said he has reevaluated his thoughts on the Benner project, and that is it may not be a good idea but it will be destructive to the South Side.
Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, referring to the election of the new Council Member, said it may turn out that there is a deadlock. He thought it would be important to adopt rules beforehand to the extent that such a situation can be dealt with. Mr. Scheirer noted that Robert’s Rules offers some advice on this. Council should work out a procedure beforehand. He observed that if Council gets into a vote of 2-2-2 and no one moves then it of course will go to the County Judges again. If there is a 3-2-1 vote and no one moves, and Council has adopted a rule that in a case like that one person drops out, then just the candidates who get 3-2 votes respectively remain. Mr. Scheirer, referring to the last meeting, expressed that Members of Council were so enthused about the Benner project that they did not want to put roadblocks of any kind in the developer’s way. Mr. Scheirer commented that no one was opposing the sale of the property but the concern was whether there would be a new garden. Mr. Scheirer explained that he encouraged the students as that Meeting was closing to come back and talk some more because their idealism and the joy that some expressed was undermined. Mr. Scheirer thought the students saw that their idealism was being ignored but since the Meeting the incoming Mayor has said that another garden will be found. Mr. Scheirer commented that a motion could be made to urge the outgoing and incoming Administrations to do the utmost to find a replacement garden, and would have gone a long way towards reaching the minds of the students.
Emily Gibbs, 539 Hillside Avenue, observed that even though Council agreed not to change the sales agreement they said they will work with Lehigh to make sure that a comparable garden was created. Confirming the fact that she is in charge of making the programs for the kids, Ms. Gibbs requested a timeline of when ground would be broken so she can plan what will be planted and when. Ms. Gibbs added that she would like to push forward the building of a new garden so that in the spring the group can plant things with the kids. She is working on making her lesson plans and activities so she needs to know what space she will have and what kind of sunlight will be in that space. Ms. Gibbs expressed that to uphold her promise to the kids and her peers she would like a timeline for when the new garden will be put in so she can plan accordingly. Ms. Gibbs asked that there be publication of when the new garden will be installed. She explained that working with Lehigh, a conversation will have to be started with Council, the Administration, and the students so they do not lose any time.
Jocelyn Providence, 624 Montclair Avenue, reflecting on the last City Council Meeting and discussions about the Maze Garden, stated she is still disturbed but is trying to feel encouraged. Reinforcing earlier comments, Ms. Providence explained that the group is not asking to stop the process of selling the property. The group is asking to be included because they did not know about funding and commitments being made. Ms. Providence, referring to comments that students were at the last Council Meeting for one day, stressed that students are here again and are committed. She emphasized they are not just students coming here for one thing, but rather they care about the community they are part of. Ms. Providence informed the Members that the students want to be involved in the process of replacing the garden and where it will be. Noting many people have said that City Council will help as well as Lehigh to find a comparable garden, Ms. Providence asked how students can help make that occur and she wanted to list some ways that the City can help. Ms. Providence advised there is the need to test the existing soil where the garden will be put. She noted that much has been said about using the Greenway but that is contaminated soil. Others have said that the Maze Garden now may have contaminated soil but the group needs to know how much more contaminated it is and what they need to do. Ms. Providence continued on to say they will need a water source that is one of the most important things. They need a place to store the tools and to find an alternative location. Ms. Providence pointed out that the Greenway is a large piece of land and will be extended so the group needs to know exactly where the alternative garden will be. Ms. Providence mentioned that they will need building materials because if the garden is going on contaminated land as in the Greenway they will have to build raised beds that are bigger and larger. She stressed that would be costly and important thing that will have to be considered so the group will need help with this. Landscaping will be needed, and a strategic plan for how the garden needs to be made and how it needs to face the sun. The group will need help to move plants to the new garden. The Maze Garden has a small pond that all of the children love with fish in it and a replacement would be needed for that pond. Ms. Providence communicated the most important thing she would like Council to understand is the fact that although the students were discouraged and are still partly discouraged they are also encouraged as to what can come from this especially the tangible things they need help with. Ms. Providence expressed that she would appreciate if Council took these matters into consideration when talking and planning for this comparable garden.
Sarabeth Brockley, 422 First Terrace, related that the Maze Garden is an important topic to discuss in the community where students live even though they are Lehigh University members so she appreciates Council giving the students time to speak. Informing the Members she was not able to be at the last Council Meeting because she was a delegate to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change held in Warsaw, Poland, Ms. Brockley advised she did receive text updates of the Council Meeting. Affirming that the people here are concerned, Ms. Brockley explained she learned at the conference the wisdom around resiliency and intergenerational advocacy. Ms. Brockley wondered if tenets of ecological resilience or LEED certification would be used in the proposed new building project. Mr. Reynolds noted he believes that the proposed new structure to be built on Third and New Streets will have a LEED certification. Ms. Brockley asked if an agreement that could be reached with City Council and the students at Lehigh because there seems to be specific perceptions of what the government can do for the City of Bethlehem and how Lehigh students appear to City officials. She thought it can be seen that the Lehigh students at this Meeting and the students at the last Council Meeting are not the students who Bethlehem residents have a specific stereotype of. Ms. Brockley asked that Council consider the possibility of creating a student advisory council to bridge the gap. In planning for the building on Vine Street and New Street where students would reside, Ms. Brockley wondered if there is a way to collaborate with the students instead of against them, and to understand people are intergenerationally in this new process together and that something good can come out of it rather than the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, remarked he is impressed by the students who came to the meeting again and agreed with comments of Mr. Scheirer and Mr. Crownfield. Mr. Antalics stressed that these students will be the leaders of the future and they might be sitting at Council Chambers like this. He observed that some of the students are being exposed to their first form of government with City Council. Mr. Antalics, highlighting the fact that some communities require their employees to live within the City, said from what he gathers they would get a good knowledge of the City, and as residents have a vested interest in the community where they also pay earned income tax. Mr. Antalics pointed out that the City of Bethlehem many years go had an Ordinance that required employees to live in the City but it was repealed on the basis that it was unconstitutional. Mr. Antalics said he looked into it and it is not unconstitutional, it was just gotten rid of. Mr. Antalics asserted that if employees live here, they respect where they live and serve their community. He added that he sees employees who live in the City with their families in restaurants in the City, and shopping in the City. He thought for those employees who live outside of the City it becomes just a 9 to 5 job because they leave every day after work. Mr. Antalics recalled he has mentioned this many times before because it disturbs him deeply and he has a great respect for the City of Bethlehem. Mr. Antalics remarked he was impressed at the last Council meeting by the Lehigh students because they spoke quite well on the subject of the Maze Garden, and he hoped the Meeting would not affect how the students view City government in the future.
Todd Dietrich, 2337 Woodcrest Avenue, said he is impressed with the students who came back after the Meeting two weeks ago where they had no reason to have faith in what was going on in this room. He felt the fact that they came back to show they are willing to work with the City to further their specific goals says a lot about their character, and their intent on making the City of Bethlehem a better place. Mr. Dietrich hoped that Council Members and the newly elected Members would take this as an opportunity to further relationships, not only with Lehigh University but with Moravian College and all of the students to encourage young people to get involved and stay involved because this is their City too.
Breena Holland, 379 Carver Drive, noted she is a Lehigh professor and works with many of the students who came to speak about the Maze Garden. She thought it was fairly disrespectful in criticizing the students who were here with some sincere concerns. She thought it might help to explain there are many kinds of students. Ms. Holland commented that as a faculty member it feels sometimes as if the Administration at Lehigh is impenetrable and so it is great to work with students who are willing to go out and get their hands dirty in gardens and start establishing relationships with the community and build a garden on their own. She expected the number to grow in the years ahead because there are other changes going on at the University. Ms. Holland stressed it is a mistake to perpetuate the characterization of these students as sitting up on the hill at Lehigh University, doing a lot of drinking, having no respect for anyone, and going to the Promenade to shop. Ms. Holland stressed that she knows many students who want to be involved in the community, are interested and care about the community, and want to continue that for a long period of time. Ms. Holland asserted she was not happy with the relationships that were demonstrated here two weeks ago. Ms. Holland communicated her agreement with the suggestion tonight of Ms. Brockley to have a student advisory council because it is important to get the perspective of the students who care about the community. Ms. Holland thought that Council should try to establish a relationship with the student who have relationships with people in the community and want to continue to do that. With respect to the Maze Garden, Ms. Holland explained the City cannot really talk about moving the garden and creating a comparable garden without actually talking to the students who work on the garden with members of the community. Ms. Holland remarked it would be great to see some actual communication, and some specific engagement with people like Ms. Gibbs who works with the children and their parents in the garden.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.