Bethlehem Council MInutes

10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 – 7:00 PM

INVOCATION

            Reverend Laura Howell, of Trinity Episcopal Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

1.         ROLL CALL

President Reynolds called the meeting to order.  Present were Bryan G. Callahan, Karen Dolan, Eric R. Evans, Michael D. Recchiuti, Cathy Reuscher, Adam R. Waldron, and J. William Reynolds, 7.

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of May 6, 2014 were approved.

3.         PUBLIC COMMENT

            Administrative Order – Diana Morganelli – Bethlehem Parking Authority

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, referred to the background of three recent applicants prior to their appointments to the Bethlehem Parking Authority.  Mr. Antalics advised that through a Right to Know request he was able to review and listen to the recording of the Human Resources and Environment Committee meeting of April 22, 2014.  He remarked that the candidate to the Parking Authority who is a highly educated, intelligent person with broad experience in the Accounting field was asked questions that required the candidate to be a composite of a City Planner, Construction Engineer, Traffic Engineer, and a Financial Advisor.  Mr. Antalics stated that the candidate attempting to answer the questions asked the Committee for clarification, and the Chair responded that they were not capable since the Chair had limited knowledge of the Parking Authority.  Mr. Antalics said the vote taken tonight will give much insight into the 3-0 vote against the candidate as to whether the Committee voted its conscience or read from a script. 

            Anne Evans, 464 Montclair Avenue, noted she will not repeat her comments from the last meeting about the appointment for Diana Morganelli to the Parking Authority.  Ms. Evans urged Council to vote on the appointments before them this evening by considering their resumes and credentials and not on the basis of the personalities of the candidates.  She said also their community involvement should be considered.  Ms. Evans commented this is a volunteer position for these appointments and she strongly urged Council to vote for their credentials.

            Stephanie Hnatiw, Executive Director of the YWCA of Bethlehem, said earlier this month she read a newspaper article describing some of the foolish and outdated reasons that were given by the Bethlehem City Council’s Human Resources and Environment Committee for rejecting Diana Morganelli’s application for an unpaid volunteer position with the Bethlehem Parking Authority.  Ms. Hnatiw communicated it should not matter that Ms. Morganelli was on the mommy track, and that a stay at home mom has a full time job and wears many hats.  Ms. Hnatiw continued on to say that skills, talents, and education are not lost just because someone is at home with their children.  Ms. Hnatiw pointed out that corporate America recognizes this now and many companies are recruiting women who left the workplace to be at home with their families and are coming back into the workforce.  Ms. Hnatiw remarked that if her application is not approved tonight for the Bethlehem Parking Authority she will ask Ms. Morganelli to serve on the Board of the YWCA of Bethlehem where they empower women all of the time.

4.         OLD BUSINESS.

None.

B.         Tabled Items

            None.

 

C.         Unfinished Business

1.Article 112 – Campaign Finance Reports

5.         COMMUNICATIONS

A.        Public Works Director – Resolutions – Upgrades and Maintenance of Traffic Control Signals –
            Elizabeth Avenue and Main Street Intersection and Elizabeth Avenue and New Street Intersection

            The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 7, 2014 from Michael Alkhal, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer, to which was attached draft resolutions to authorize the Traffic Superintendent to submit and sign applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for Traffic Signal Approvals to upgrade the intersections of Elizabeth Avenue and Main Street and Elizabeth Avenue and New Street.

            President Reynolds stated the Resolutions will be placed on the June 3 Council Agenda.

B.         Director of Planning and Zoning – Zoning Amendments – Floodplain Provisions

            The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 15, 2014 from Darlene L. Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, to which were attached draft amendments to address Floodplain provisions in the Zoning Ordinance that were unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at their May 8, 2014 meeting.

            Scheduling Public Hearing - Zoning Amendments – Floodplain Provisions

            Mr. Recchiuti and Ms. Reuscher moved to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall.  Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  The motion passed.

C.         Mayor Donchez - Director of Recycling and Business Manager for the Department of Community and Economic Development

            President Reynolds asked the Clerk to read additional Communication 5 C into the record.

            The Clerk read a memo dated May 19, 2014 from Mayor Donchez advising that the positions of Director of Recycling and Business Manager for the Department of Community and Economic Development will be advertised.  It was further stated that the Business Manager for the Department of Community and Economic Development supports the entire Department, and both positions are extremely important to the operation of the City.  In the memo the Mayor stated that he would appreciate prompt review by City Council. 

            President Reynolds asked Finance Committee Chairman Recchiuti if this is something he would like to have reviewed in the Finance Committee. 

            Mr. Recchiuti, responding that was not the intent of Resolution 2014-83, Hiring Freeze, adopted May 6, 2014, stated he would ask that the matter go to City Council. 

            President Reynolds advised the matter will be placed on the next City Council agenda.

6.         REPORTS

A.        President of Council

            1.         Councilmanic Appointment – Lynn Fryman Rothman – Environmental Advisory Council

            Ms. Dolan and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored Resolution 2014-84 that appointed Lynn Fryman Rothman to membership on the Environmental Advisory Council effective until January 2017.

Ms. Dolan recounted that Ms. Rothman made an excellent presentation for the vacant City Council seat and had a strong resume, and added that the last 15 years she spent as a stay at home mom.  Ms. Dolan advised that Ms. Rothman has been attending meetings of the EAC and is very sharp and engaged.  Ms. Dolan pointed out that Ms. Rothman really cares about environmental issues, and does her research.  Ms. Dolan thought that Ms. Rothman is a great choice for the EAC.  Ms. Dolan noted that Ms. Rothman could not be at the Meeting this evening, and attested that Ms. Rothman is a good choice. 

            President Reynolds affirmed the Members of Council did get to know Ms. Rothman after she put her name in for the Council vacancy and she has attended many City Council meetings since then.  President Reynolds confirmed that Ms. Rothman had sent an email advising that she was unable to attend the Meeting this evening since she is out of the State.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  The Resolution passed.

B.         Mayor

            1.         Administrative Order – Diana Morganelli – Bethlehem Parking Authority

            Mayor Donchez appointed Diana Morganelli to membership on the Bethlehem Parking Authority effective through May 2019.  Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron sponsored Resolution No. 2014-85 to confirm the appointment.

            President Reynolds, pointing out that Ms. Morganelli is in attendance this evening, said he had the pleasure of serving with her on the Library Board and found her to be a dedicated and experienced member.  President Reynolds, noting he was not at the Human Resources and Environment Committee meeting of April 22, thought that Ms. Morganelli will fit in well with the Parking Authority.  

            Ms. Dolan communicated she is taking some of the blame in some ways concerning this matter.  Ms. Dolan affirmed that the process of vetting candidates presented by the Mayor for the four most complex boards is a process she attempted to initiate in 2013 and did not start until this year.  The first time this process was undertaken was at the Human Resources and Environment Committee meeting of April 22, 2014.  Ms. Dolan, emphasizing that approving appointments is one of the most important jobs City Council has, noted that in the past City Council did not vet candidates and there was no process for getting to know the candidates.   Ms. Dolan commented that the process is one way that City Council can interact with the Mayor’s decisions and balance power in the City.  Ms. Dolan remarked that Council was criticized for appointing people who the public thought were unqualified and without any process.  Ms. Dolan stated that the new role for the Human Resources and Environment Committee was an attempt to do a better job.  Ms. Dolan continued on to say she has learned a lot from the process and how it has played out.   Ms. Dolan said she has learned that sometimes a decision can be mischaracterized.  In defense of the Committee, Ms. Dolan said the Committee never felt that either of the candidates had a gap due to parenting.  Ms. Dolan stated she would never have suggested that, and it was not suggested in the meeting.  As someone who cares deeply about women advancing in the world, Ms. Dolan stressed she has to strongly defend the Committee and say that was not the case.  Ms. Dolan explained what happened was something none of them were expecting but it was an incredible learning process for her.  Ms. Dolan communicated she learned the importance of treating people with more respect in all situations.  Ms. Dolan commented it may have been better if the Committee had tabled the nomination and taken time to more closely listen to Ms. Morganelli and listen to the tape.  Ms. Dolan stated she feels very sad that this perhaps has created some public stress for Ms. Morganelli.  Ms. Dolan added she never wanted to do anything that would hurt Ms. Morganelli.  Ms. Dolan advised she will support Ms. Morganelli and expressed that Ms. Morganelli will serve to the best of her ability and very well on the Parking Authority. 

Ms. Reuscher advised that she has spoken with Ms. Morganelli in the past several weeks, feels that she would be a great benefit to the City, and admire
s her passion to serve.  Ms. Reuscher added that she also thinks that the YWCA would be greatly benefitted by Ms. Morganelli’s presence on that board. 

            Mr. Waldron, advising he received several emails and people contacted him about the Human Resources and Environment Committee meeting, commented there has been time to reflect on the matter since the meeting that was the first of its kind.  Mr. Waldron said it will be looked at and next time the Committee will do a better job.  Mr. Waldron stated since the Committee meeting he talked to Ms. Morganelli again and had a better opportunity to understand her approach and background.  Mr. Waldron continued on to say he has had some time to reflect himself on the vote, and he will be supporting Ms. Morganelli tonight.  Mr. Waldron thought that Ms. Morganelli will serve well the City and the Parking Authority. 
            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  The Resolution passed.

C.         Parks and Public Property Committee

            Ms. Reuscher, Chairwoman of the Parks and Public Property Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall.  The Committee considered the Lease Agreement with the Bethlehem Area School District for a Portion of the Rose Garden.  The Committee, by a vote of 2 yes and 1 no, forwarded the proposed Lease Agreement, with Amendments, to Members of Council without a recommendation, for consideration at the June 17, 2014 City Council Meeting.

            Mr. Recchiuti said as a Member of the Parks and Public Property Committee he thanks the Mayor for having members of the Administration at the Committee meeting to explain the Administration’s support of the proposed lease.  Mr. Recchiuti asked Mayor Donchez if he has any comments regarding the matter.

            Mayor Donchez affirmed he had a prior commitment and could not attend the Parks and Public Property Committee meeting.  Mayor Donchez advised that he met yesterday with Arif Fazil, Engineer for the School District, and reviewed the plans.  Mayor Donchez further advised that he and Dr. Roy, Superintendent of the School District, contacted each other yesterday.  Mayor Donchez stated that tomorrow morning Dr. Roy and Mr. Fazil and others will be meeting and evaluating the proposal.  Mayor Donchez, noting that Dr. Roy intends to call him tomorrow with the final decision, said President Reynolds will be notified as soon as he hears from Dr. Roy.

            President Reynolds noted that Mr. Seibert was one of the citizens who spoke at the Parks and Public Property Committee meeting and was behind the petition that a lot of people had signed in opposition to the idea of turning part of the Rose Garden into a parking lot.   President Reynolds recounted that on May 5 Members of Council, Mr. Fazil, representatives from the School District, and members of the press had toured the Rose Garden to view the proposed project.  President Reynolds advised he told Mr. Seibert that on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 PM he will visit the Rose Garden site again to look at some of the options that were discussed at the Committee meeting, and opened the invitation to anyone who would like to attend.  President Reynolds communicated that, even if the School District decides to pull their support of the proposed plan to utilize the Rose Garden for parking that would appear to affect the Administration’s support as well, the rebuilding of Nitschmann Middle School will still affect a large area of the West Side for about three years.  President Reynolds pointed out there will still be issues concerning cars on the street and dialogue is important.   President Reynolds recalled at a meeting in May 2008 that he attended at Asa Packer Elementary School people were committed to the idea of building a new Nitschmann Middle School in the neighborhood at its current site along Eighth Avenue and West Union Boulevard.   President Reynolds highlighted the fact that when Liberty High School was undergoing renovations it had an affect on the neighborhood.   President Reynolds noted that whatever plan would be considered at the June 17, 2014 City Council Meeting the School District needs to have an idea of what is occurring.   President Reynolds stated he does not think the process has taken into account as much input from the neighbors as it needs to, and that came through at the Committee meeting.   He highlighted the fact that, as with all lease agreements, the proposal was vetted by the Administration before it came to City Council.  President Reynolds thought that in order to do what is right by the neighbors, the West Side, the parents, teachers, and everyone involved it is in the best interests of Council to go out again to the Rose Garden site to meet with the neighbors, especially in light of the many new ideas that came up at the Committee meeting.

            Ms. Dolan asked if the DAR house can be used for the neighborhood meeting on June 4.  President Reynolds noted that it could. 

7.         ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READING

A.        Bill No. 11 – 2014 – Amending General Fund Budget – Health and Traffic Bureaus, Housing            Inspector

            The Clerk read Bill No. 11 – 2014 – Amending General Fund Budget – Health and Traffic Bureaus, Housing Inspector, on Final Reading.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  Bill No. 11 – 2014, now known as Ordinance 2014-12, was adopted.
B.         Bill No. 12 – 2014 – Amending Liquid Fuels Fund Budget – Snow and Ice Operations

            The Clerk read Bill No. 12 – 2014 – Amending Liquid Fuels Fund Budget – Snow and Ice Operations, on Final Reading.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  Bill No. 12 – 2014, now known as Ordinance 2014-13, was adopted.

C.         Bill No. 13 – 2014 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Eastern Gateway

            The Clerk read Bill No. 13 – 2014 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Eastern Gateway, on Final Reading.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  Bill No. 13 – 2014, now known as Ordinance 2014-14, was adopted.

8.         NEW ORDINANCES

A.        Bill No. 14 – 2014 – Amending Article 307 – Video Amusement Arcades

            The Clerk read Bill No. 14 – 2014 – Amending Article 307 – Video Amusement Arcades, sponsored by Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 307 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
ENTITLED VIDEO AMUSEMENT ARCADES.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  Bill No. 14 - 2014 was passed on First Reading.

B.         Bill No. 15 – 2014 – Amending Bethlehem Parking Authority Articles of Incorporation – Term

            The Clerk read Bill No. 15 – 2014 – Amending Bethlehem Parking Authority Articles of Incorporation – Term, sponsored by Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron,  and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING
AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF THE BETHLEHEM PARKING AUTHORITY TO INCREASE
THE TERM OF THE AUTHORITY FOR AN ADDITIONAL
FIFTY (50) YEARS AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  Bill No. 15 - 2014 was passed on First Reading.

9.         RESOLUTIONS

A.        Approving On-Line Auction – Fire Pumper

            Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron sponsored Resolution No. 2014-86 that approved the sale of a 1994 E-Century Fire Pumper by Fire Line Equipment at a special on-line auction in accordance with the provisions of Resolution No. 2009-95 adopted May 5, 2009.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  The Resolution passed.

 

 

B.         Authorizing Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church –
            Holy Infancy Annual Block Party and Portuguese Heritage Celebration

            Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron sponsored Resolution No. 2014-87 that authorized a Use Permit Agreement between the City and Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church for use of Webster Street between Fourth Street and the Greenway for the Holy Infancy Annual Block Party and Portuguese Heritage Celebration for the time period June 4, 2014 to June 16, 2014, according to the Agreement.

            Voting AYE:  Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 7.  The Resolution passed.

10.       NEW BUSINESS. 

            Questions from Council Members

Mr. Callahan, commenting there is a lot of business that needs to get done in the City for the next four years, said he ran for City Council because he wanted to work with everyone and hopefully move the City ahead.  Mr. Callahan pointed out that he saw someone who was very close to him in the last 10 years do some great things for the City.  Mr. Callahan said he understands what the other side of the table looks like with issues that can come up.  Mr. Callahan noted that City Council has agreed with the Mayor on all of his Cabinet members.  The only question that came up with Mr. DiLuzio for Police Chief was not personal but it was whether it was a healthy thing for the new Mayor to come in and change a Fire or Police Chief who was not retiring.  Mr. Callahan pointed out that Council worked through and resolved it, and then voted for everyone the Mayor put forward including Cabinet members and appointments.  Mr. Callahan expressed the thing that is upsetting to him is that he thinks it is not a healthy thing that there might be walls put up.  He pointed out that concerning Ms. Morganelli’s proposed appointment to the Parking Authority, he spoke with her and he thinks she will do a great job on the Parking Authority.  Mr. Callahan stated it is not a healthy thing if Council as a whole has questions or disagreements that it is considered a power grab and that Council is overreaching.  Mr. Callahan stressed this is one of Council’s main jobs and part of the Third Class City Code.   Mr. Callahan said when Mayor Donchez sat on this side of the table when he was on Council he had voted down several appointments of past Mayors for whatever reasons he had, and he was not criticized or accused of power grabbing.  Mr. Callahan pointed out that the last Administration had a highly decorated engineer who owns an engineering business in the City and lives in the City but for whatever reasons Mayor Donchez voted no against him when he was on Council.  Mr. Callahan denoted that he is not criticizing Mayor Donchez but he is just saying that if there is ever a disagreement on Council with the Administration it is not a healthy thing that every time there is a discussion about an appointment or cabinet member there are accusations of overreaching and power grabbing.  Mr. Callahan believed this will cause problems and everyone should try to move the City ahead because there are many issues to deal with in the coming years.  While noting he does not know where the accusations are coming from, Mr. Callahan restated that one of the main jobs as Council Members is advice and consent. 

            Mayor Donchez acknowledged that City Council does have the power of advice and consent.  While commenting he does not want to debate the issue, Mayor Donchez observed that the Members of Council had Mrs. Morganelli’s resume for five weeks and that is his point.

            Mr. Callahan remarked that this has nothing to do with Ms. Morganelli.  He said this Council has passed every single appointment and Cabinet member that Mayor Donchez has put forth and very rarely has disagreed.  Mr. Callahan reiterated his concerns about perceptions when there are disagreements or questions being raised by Members of Council.  Mr. Callahan noted he was not at the Human Resources and Environment Committee Meeting and does not know what questions were asked.  Mr. Callahan said he just thinks that, in order to move things along in the City, with all of the construction projects that need to be done and with the tight budget, it is not healthy to throw accusations that there is power grabbing and overreaching on the part of Council.  Mr. Callahan mentioned that some on Council might be timid now because if something comes up that is controversial there might be more accusations.  Mr. Callahan pointed out it is part of Council’s job and was part of Mayor Donchez’s job when he sat on this side of the table for 18 years.  Commenting that as a Member of Council Mr. Donchez did vote against several appointees who were very well qualified and had that right, Mr. Callahan said this is Council’s right and should not be questioned either.  He added this is not just for Mrs. Morganelli but for all future appointments.

            Mayor Donchez stated that with all due respect the quotes that Mr. Callahan made reference to he does not believe he ever made about power grabbing.  First, Mayor Donchez advised that regarding comments that were referenced he does not think anyone will find that he made those quotes.  Secondly, Mayor Donchez pointed out that during his 18 years on City Council he has possibly only voted against one nominee that was in reference to what Mr. Callahan spoke of.  Mayor Donchez pointed out he has worked very hard since November 2013 to reach out to all of the Members of Council by talking to them at breakfasts or lunches.  He has met with Mr. Callahan three times trying to work together to put politics behind because the City of Bethlehem comes first.  While highlighting the fact that there will not always be agreement, Mayor Donchez stated he does not think that Mr. Callahan would find any quotes that he made reference to, whether it would be in the Morning Call, The Bethlehem Press or the Express-Times.  Mayor Donchez believed that Mr. Callahan is inaccurate.  His whole point of meeting with every Member of Council two or three times since November was to try to put the election behind and move the City forward as that is the main goal.  Mayor Donchez stated Mr. Callahan is right in that the City has possibly $800 million of economic development and is the key to the future of Bethlehem.  He added we cannot let partisan politics divide us, we all need to be on the same page.  Mayor Donchez informed the Members that he was at a meeting this afternoon talking about the NIZ and the CRIZ with the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.  Mayor Donchez indicated there is a lot of excitement about the City’s potential but there is also concern about reading between the lines about politics.  Reiterating that all have to put the City first and that is why he reached out to meet with all of Council, Mayor Donchez said he does not know what more he can do to be more candid with Council to try to reach out and say that if there are differences his office is open, Council Members do not need any appointment to come in, he is available 24/7, and the Members can call or text him.

            Mr. Callahan, commenting that he totally agrees, explained the conversation they had at the last luncheon, although it might not have been the Mayor’s words, could have been what someone in his cabinet said, but what he said to him was that some people saw this as a power grab.  Mr. Callahan remarked that was the statement Mayor Donchez said to him.  Mr. Callahan restated it is not a healthy thing that every time there is a disagreement on something that Council is thought to be power grabbing or overreaching.  Mayor Donchez believed that was the public perception and that was the point.  Mr.  Callahan explained he does not believe there has been power grabbing and overreaching. 

11.       PUBLIC COMMENT
           
Regional Rail Transit Authority Proposal
  
            Kirk Raup, 818 West Union Boulevard, affirmed that he sent emails to City Council last Monday in response to the Mayor’s objection to the creation of a regional rail transit authority by all three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.  He had addressed that matter to the Members of Council before the last Meeting in a memo to them.  Mr. Raup explained he wanted to ask in a public way if he may be granted the courtesy of talking to the proper Committee of Council or the Committee of the Whole of Council to describe exactly what he is trying to accomplish and why.  Mr. Raup advised there simply is no outside entity or body like the Counties or the State that will step in and put a regional rail transit authority in our laps at some point.  Mr. Raup pointed out that in the case of the County it would be immensely more expensive than the cities having done it so that is why he has approached the cities.  Mr. Raup affirmed one thing he has been trying to be very clear about from the start is that he does not want any monies or any involvement of the City Departments.  Mr. Raup confirmed that he has offered to pay for the incorporation fees that are involved and are very reasonable.  Mr. Raup emphasized that he did not want to involve any City monies at all.  Mr. Raup added that he has spent a lot of time on this matter because this is not some kind of lark to him but this is something that will be necessary for the future.  He addressed many of the points that the Mayor made in his memo to Council and the one he sent to Council himself.  Mr. Raup hoped that Council takes the time to look at the memo, and stated he would like to talk to Council or the proper Committee as soon as possible to see if they want to move ahead with this.  Mr. Raup advised he has also been asked by the Mayor to reach out to Mayor Panto of Easton, and Mayor Pawlowski of Allentown to get communication from them in writing whether they would favor the three Cities coming together to create the Authority.  Mr. Raup explained the reason he went to the three Cities is that they are the largest three Cities in the Lehigh Valley and  are the only ones that would benefit directly from any connection with rail.  The reason he came months ago before Council to take the first step is because Bethlehem is in the middle with the confluence of both rail lines that could go to Philadelphia or New York City.  There would be simultaneous service to all three Cities but Bethlehem would have to prove itself in the lines that are theirs, such as the one to Philadelphia so it can operate on the Norfolk Southern line, for example.  Mr. Raup informed the Members he is not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes and do anything that would cost any of the Cities any money later on.  He is just trying to make the most expedient step toward laying the proper foundation that is required by the State and Federal Government.  He added that Senator Lisa Boscola’s office is waiting to be able to apply for State money.  Mr. Raup pointed out the cities have to do this for themselves because it is in their best interest to do so, and that is why he continues to come to Council for this.  Communicating that he does not want to give up on this yet and let this matter die another time, Mr. Raup emphasized that if Bethlehem does not do this it will not have a chance to do it again.  He noted it is already a half a billion dollar proposition and would probably be more than that by the time it gets done because it could take 20 or 30 years to accomplish.  Mr. Raup asked again if he may please talk with the proper Committee or the Committee of the Whole to describe what he is asking for and why.  Mr. Raup confirmed that he will get the communications from the other Mayors to Mayor Donchez as soon as it is convenient for them.  Mr. Raup expressed the hope that Bethlehem can take some initiative in this and break the ice.

            Development in Bethlehem

            Chuck Nyul, 1966 Pinehurst Road, noted that the Morning Call edition of Sunday, May 18, 2014 on the front page stated there is $1 billion of construction work for the City of Allentown.  He questioned why is this not saying Bethlehem.  Mr. Nyul thought the first thing Council has to do is start tearing things down, and the first thing he would like to see taken down are the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation blast furnaces at SteelStacks.  Mr. Nyul asked Council to start thinking ahead.  He pointed out that in Allentown a 10 story office building was constructed and is already rented out.  Mr. Nyul highlighted the fact that Allentown tore down everything on Seventh Street and built a fabulous hockey rink and other structures that will be great, and he is now waiting for Bethlehem to take the next step.  Mr. Nyul thought that the former Martin Tower office building of Bethlehem Steel Corporation that he helped build when he was a draftsman should be the new Nitschmann Middle School.  He said the Martin Tower annex alone would be good for the Middle School, it has a cafeteria for 300 people, and a gymnasium could be built there.  Mr. Nyul asked Council to start to do something for the City. 

            City Council; Mayoral Appointees

            Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, noted that on the second floor corridor at City Hall are photographs of those who have served the City as Members of Council, including Caskey, Loupos, Calvo, Lawrence, Mowrer, Donchez, Schweder, Szabo, and Belinski.  Mr. Antalics wondered if this great legacy has been tarnished and is being disgraced by the pending Grand Jury investigation which strongly appears to involve a Member of Council.  Mr. Antalics queried for what reason would a Member of Council choose to resign as the head of a non-profit, why would this Council Member also step down from the position of Chair of a Council Committee, why are there serious questions not being answered as to the accounting of City funds, and why is there a lease conflict involving this Council Member at a non-profit.  He said there are many questions that need to be answered.  He expressed that a Grand Jury armed with subpoenas will get those answers.  Mr. Antalics wondered what if the current Board of that non-profit agreed to reimburse the City for those unanswered funds by having fundraisers over time and repay the total debt.  The non-profit might agree with the City to sign a mutually acceptable lease where it would meet its obligation to the City as other non-profits have. The Council Member who resigned two positions for potential conflicts of interest might step down from the position on Council.  He continued on to query whether these acts of restitution along with a sincere mea culpa might serve to make the record straight and possibly dissuade a Grand Jury from doing further investigation.  Mr. Antalics said this might save the City from shame and embarrassment.  Mr. Antalics, in response to a few comments made by Council this evening, remarked that a Council Committee of three strongly rejected an appointee to the Parking Authority, after almost one hour of intense interrogation, and now seven Members of Council approve it.  Mr. Antalics, communicating that he sees a major discrepancy here, said it is called hypocrisy. 

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.