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Bethlehem Council MInutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 – 7:00 PM
INVOCATION
Pastor Dwight Mikesell, of Calvary Wesleyan 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.
CITATIONS
President Reynolds presented a Citation to Paul Harvilla on the occasion of his retirement from the Fire Department after 37 years of service. The Members of Council applauded Mr. Harvilla and wished him well in his retirement.
President Reynolds stated that the Citation for Thomas E. Marshall on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Community and Economic Development will be mailed to him since he was unable to attend the meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of June 3, 2014 were approved.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. OLD BUSINESS.
None.
B. Tabled Items
None.
C. Unfinished Business
1.Article 112 – Campaign Finance Reports
5. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Police Department – 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 3, 2014 from Police Captain Ashley Heiberger to which was attached a proposed Resolution for the Police Department to receive funding from the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of up to $34,437.00 of which up to $23,193.00 will be allocated to the City of Bethlehem Police Department. The remaining amount of up to $11,244.00 will be allocated to the City of Easton Police Department. The City of Bethlehem will serve as fiscal agent for the grant, and will receive an administrative fee from the City of Easton in the amount of up to $1,124.00, calculated as ten percent (10%) of the amount allocated to the City of Easton Police Department. The grant will be used by the Bethlehem Police Department to continue improvements in computer hardware and software. A Public Hearing must be held to give interested persons opportunity to comment.
President Reynolds accepted a motion from Mr. Recchiuti, seconded by Ms. Dolan, to schedule a Public Hearing at 7:00 PM on July 1, 2014. Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The motion passed.
B. Director of Community and Economic Development – Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program –
Majestic Realty Company – Resolution
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 12, 2014 from Alicia Karner, Director of
Community and Economic Development, to which was attached a proposed Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for Majestic Realty Company and preparation of a cooperation agreement for the pass through of funds. The project includes construction of roadway and related infrastructure at the Majestic Bethlehem Center industrial park, which may include (1) construction of Commerce Center Boulevard North and related connector roadways, (2) construction of utility and other infrastructure, mainly in, around and/or related to roadway improvements, (3) earthwork and mass grading to facilitate roadway and infrastructure construction, and removal of rock and legacy foundations remaining from the prior Bethlehem Steel buildings, (4) extension of rail infrastructure along Commerce Center Boulevard, and (5) street lighting, landscaping and directional signage. The project budget is $10 million of real estate match and $10 million of construction cost.
President Reynolds stated that he would accept a motion later in the meeting to place the Resolution on tonight’s agenda.
C. City Solicitor – Tower Lease Agreement First Amendment – T-Mobile USA Tower LLC – Clearview
Park
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 13, 2014 from William P. Leeson, Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Resolution and associated First Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement between the City and T-Mobile USA Tower LLC, successor to Omnipoint Communications Inc., for the Clearview Park Site.
President Reynolds stated that the Resolution will be placed on the July 1 Council Agenda.
D. City Solicitor – Tower Lease Agreement First Amendment – T-Mobile USA Tower LLC – Monocacy
Park
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 13, 2014 from William P. Leeson, Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Resolution and associated First Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement between the City and T-Mobile USA Tower LLC, successor to Omnipoint Communications Inc., for the Monocacy Park Site.
President Reynolds stated that the Resolution will be placed on the July 1 Council Agenda.
E. City Solicitor – Tower Lease Agreement First Amendment – T-Mobile USA Tower LLC – William
Street
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated 13, 2014 from William P. Leeson, Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Resolution and associated First Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement between the City and T-Mobile USA Tower LLC, successor to Omnipoint Communications Inc., for the William Street Site.
President Reynolds stated that the Resolution will be placed on the July 1 Council Agenda.
F. Director of Public Works – Multimodal Grant Application Resolutions – Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Financing Authority and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Main Street
Streetscape Improvements, Phase II
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 12, 2014 from Michael Alkhal, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer, to which was attached two proposed Resolutions authorizing Multimodal Transportation Fund grant applications. One would be submitted to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority and one to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The requested funds are intended to be used for the Main Street Streetscape Improvements, Phase II from Market Street to Walnut Street. The grant request is for $250,000 with the City providing a 50% match of $250,000 for a total project cost of $500,000. The City intends to recover $125,000 from the responsible abutting property owners, thereby reducing the City match to $125,000 or 25%. A minimum match of 30% is required, with increased consideration for grant requests with a higher match.
President Reynolds stated that Resolutions 9 F and 9 G are listed on the Agenda.
Added Communication:
G. Director of Planning and Zoning – Multimodal Grant Application Resolution – Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation – South Bethlehem Streetscapes
The Acting Clerk read a memorandum dated June 16, 2014 from Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, to which was attached a proposed Resolution authorizing a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application to be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The requested funds are intended to be used for the South Bethlehem Streetscape Improvements. The grant request is for $200,000 with matching funds of $250,000 for a total project cost of $450,000.
President Reynolds stated that Resolution 9 I will be added to the Agenda.
6. REPORTS
A. President of Council
None.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – Carolyn Facchiano – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem
and Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez appointed Carolyn Facchiano to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through June 2019. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-96 to confirm the appointment.
President Reynolds asked if there is a reason we are doing all nine of these Administrative Orders now and asked if all of these terms are up at the same time.
Mayor Donchez replied that with all nine members of the Board their terms were up in 2012 and 2013 so he is reappointing the Board plus one new member.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
2. Administrative Order – Seth A. Cornish – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem
and Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Seth A. Cornish to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2016. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-97 to confirm the appointment.
Mr. Evans commented that he has attended several of the meetings of the Historic Conservation Commission-South Bethlehem and Mount Airy and wanted to commend the group as a whole. He said they do work well together and they take their work seriously. Mr. Evans said he thinks they are constructive in their comments and they consider the applicants as they work through the different applications to the best of their ability staying within the criteria that they are looking for. Mr. Evans just wanted to publicly thank them for the work that they do and the seriousness in which they take that commitment.
Ms. Dolan stated she is sure Mayor Donchez remembers with the Historic Conservation Commission in South Bethlehem and when the Mount Airy group was added, how difficult it was for them to organize to get all of the official agreements from the State. Also, many people expressed concerns that it would make it impossible to own a house in that area. She said what has been learned from having the very first Conservation District in the State of Pennsylvania is that these things work, especially when they have the right people. Ms. Dolan added that this is a great group and she is happy to see Ms. Facchiano joining because she is an excellent candidate.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
3. Administrative Order – A. Craig Evans – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and
Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed A. Craig Evans to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2017. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-98 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
4. Administrative Order – Gary A. Lader – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and
Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Gary A. Lader to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2015. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-99 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
5. Administrative Order – Kenneth C. Loush – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem
and Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Kenneth C. Loush to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through May 2017. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-100 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
6. Administrative Order – Mary Pongracz – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem
and Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Mary Pongracz to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2016. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-101 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
7. Administrative Order – Philip A. Roeder – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem
and Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Philip A. Roeder to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2015. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-102 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
8. Administrative Order – Anthony M. Silvoy – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and
Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Anthony M. Silvoy to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2017. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-103 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
9. Administrative Order – Beth Starbuck – Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and
Mount Airy
Mayor Donchez reappointed Beth Starbuck to membership on the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy, effective through April 2015. Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-104 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
Acting Mayor
Mayor Donchez announced that David L. Brong, Business Administrator, will be Acting Mayor for the next two days while he is attending the Pennsylvania Municipal League Convention in Philadelphia.
Parking at Nitschmann Middle School
Mayor Donchez stated that Police Chief Mark DiLuzio will be forwarding a response to Council President Reynolds’ memorandum regarding Nitschmann after his meeting with the various parties on Friday. The Mayor said he would like to work with all the parties involved to resolve the situation before the construction begins.
Wilson-Kramer Building
Mayor Donchez noted that Council will also be receiving a memorandum at the end of this week or early next week regarding a tour of the Wilson-Kramer Building and said he would like City Council to work out a schedule that is convenient with all of the Members and Police Chief DiLuzio to tour this building. This is a building that the City has been pursuing for the last 8 or 9 years and it should be turned over to the City this coming October. The thought has been that it possibly be used for a public safety facility for storage of records, training or as a firing range. Mayor Donchez said he toured the building two weeks ago and it is in need of major work that could be into the millions. Mayor Donchez has asked Ralph Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property, to put together a rough proposal as far as what it would cost to bring the building up to code and renovate. Mayor Donchez said he would like Council’s input and said he does not want to move too quickly on this but he does want Council to walk through and look at the property. He reported that it is seven and a half acres, a large track of land on the corner by the Airport at the beginning of LVIP I. He said if it is decided not to accept it, the Federal Government will basically flip it probably for economic development and it would go back on the tax rolls and the City would lose the opportunity for such a facility for storage and other uses. Mayor Donchez stated that they will be reaching out to get a date that is convenient to tour this facility.
President Reynolds said he thinks that within the next few weeks or next month something can be put together.
C. Finance Committee
Mr. Recchiuti, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held this evening, Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 PM in Town Hall prior to the Council Meeting. The Committee considered the following: Transfer of Funds – Water Capital Budget – Emergency Repairs – Transmission Mains; Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Northampton County Gaming Grant – Ambulance and Signage; Amending Community Development Budget – Final 2014 CDBG and HOME Allocations; PennVest Loan – Wastewater Treatment Plant – Dewatering Project; and Transfer of Funds – Non-Utility Capital Budget – City Center Improvements and Ice Rink.
7. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READING
None.
8. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 16 – 2014 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Northampton County Gaming Grant
– Ambulance and Signage
The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 16 – 2014 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Northampton County Gaming Grant – Ambulance and Signage, sponsored by Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE 2014 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. Bill No. 16 – 2014 was passed on First Reading.
B. Bill No. 17 – 2014 – Amending Community Development Budget – Final 2014 CDBG and HOME
Allocations
The Acting Clerk read Bill No. 17 – 2014 – Amending Community Development Budget – Final 2014 CDBG and HOME Allocations, sponsored by Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET FOR 2014.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. Bill No. 17 – 2014 was passed on First Reading.
9. RESOLUTIONS
A. Authorizing Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – ArtsQuest – July 4th Celebration
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-105 that authorized a Use Permit Agreement between the City and ArtsQuest for use of the 800 block of East First Street for the July 4th Celebration on July 4, 2014, according to the Agreement
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
B. Transfer of Funds – Water Capital Budget – Emergency Repairs – Transmission Mains
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-106 that transferred $108,440 in the Capital Budget for Water Utilities from the 2 MG SW Reservoir Replacement Engineering Account to the Emergency Repair Transmission Mains Account to pay two bills for the emergency excavation and repair of the 36” transmission main behind Stefko Boulevard that was damaged on April 12, 2011.
Mr. Recchiuti noted this was one of the items the Finance Committee recommended for approval at tonight’s Finance Committee Meeting.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
Motion – Considering Resolutions 9 C through 9 E as a Group – Certificates of Appropriateness
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Recchiuti moved to consider Resolutions 9 C through 9 E as a group. Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The motion passed.
C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 301 Broadway
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-107 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a drive-thru canopy attached to the southwest wall of the parking garage and modify signage face at 301 Broadway.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 331-333 Brodhead Avenue
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-108 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate the façade at 331-333 Brodhead Avenue.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 1324 Prospect Avenue
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2014-109 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install new roofing on sun porch and repair wood fascia trim, downspouts and lining of the main roof box gutter at 1324 Prospect Avenue.
Voting AYE on Resolutions 9 C through 9 E: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolutions passed.
F. Authorizing Execution of Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant – Commonwealth Financing
Authority – Main Street Streetscape Improvements, Phase II
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution 2014-110 that authorized a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant of $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the Main Street Streetscape Improvements, Phase II.
President Reynolds stated Council received this on Friday and asked if someone from the Administration could explain what is being done.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, said the Main Street project has been planned for quite a while and was postponed once or twice and part of the reason for this was the funding. He said they are trying to get the project off the ground and if this grant was obtained it may facilitate in getting this project done. The project consists of basically replacing the sidewalks and improving the streetscape in the area. He said there is an opportunity through two different agencies. The total project cost is $500,000 and we are applying for $250,000 of that. We will go back to the property owners for a 25% share so the cost to the City would be 25% of that total project cost.
President Reynolds then asked that if the City receives these grants is there a time line as far as the construction.
Mr. Alkhal reported that the project has already been designed and in fact has been bid once so the City could be in position to go to construction the first thing in the Spring and should be hearing about one of the grant applications in the September timeframe which would be in time for budget preparations. The other one is not until December.
President Reynolds asked if this is for sidewalks and other streetscape things.
Mr. Alkhal stated this is for refurbishing the streetscape, continuing what was done last year with the intersection from Market Street to Walnut Street.
President Reynolds then asked what the timeline is for construction.
Mr. Alkhal related that 75 days is anticipated given the contract. The project was designed to focus on minimal disruption to the area with very minimal traffic disruption. He added that for the sidewalks the work can only be done in front of one property at a time and there needs to be access to each property at all times during construction.
President Reynolds then asked about the breakdown of the funding.
Mr. Alkhal explained there would be $250,000 from the grant, $125,000 from the City and $125,000 from the property owners.
Mr. Recchiuti related this was the project where some Non-Utility Capital money allocated for this year was moved around. At the time he said he knew Mr. Alkhal had a meeting with the property owners but was wondering if they were on board with this plan.
Mr. Alkhal reported that if this grant is received the City will be going back to property owners whose share will be half of what was previously discussed.
Mayor Donchez added that this is the main reason for going after both grants, bringing the price down by 25%.
Ms. Dolan asked if the bids from last year are still usable.
Mr. Alkhal stated that they intended to ask the contractor if they would hold their price and, unfortunately, there was a miscommunication with the purchasing department and this never was done so that opportunity was missed. Mr. Alkhal stated he is confident that once again competitive bids will be received.
Ms. Dolan mentioned that she knows that sometimes when you write grants the bids are part of the grant writing process. She asked if he felt confident that everything with the grant would still be a go and it would be for 75 days in the Spring.
Mr. Alkhal pointed out that most of the time grant applications are submitted for projects that have not even been designed but this project has a complete detailed design plan prepared and the project was already bid once. He said there were bids ranging from $400,000 to $900,000 and the engineer’s estimate was $500,000 which is in the middle and what they like to see. He said he has a high level of confidence in everything that is being proposed.
Ms. Dolan asked if he has already made choices as to which of the bids he will go out to contract with or will they have to start that process.
Mr. Alkhal stated the project will be rebid.
Ms. Dolan noted that he is saying in the Spring and it will be 75 days, so that is good. She said she knows the downtown merchants were the ones who were the most concerned, who are not necessarily the property owners in all cases.
Mr. Alkhal noted that they have indicated before that ideally for them to be in favor of the project the best time to start would be in the Spring. He said he thinks they would be in position to start at the beginning of March, weather permitting, and if the grant is obtained, and everything is ready to go.
Ms. Dolan mentioned that on top of that she thinks that the merchants have asked for a break of a year or two years which has been given to them if this starts in the Spring of next year.
Mr. Alkhal reiterated that they have focused on a minimal amount of disruption during construction, it will be no where near the extent that was required when the intersection was done. He said bids have already been received from before that showed the project would be within the $500,000 range and specifically restricting the contractor to do the project in a certain sequence so as to maintain the access to the property owners at all times and only open up certain parts of the sidewalks at times.
Ms. Dolan stated that sometimes when these types of projects are done you get in and see the condition of some of the utilities underneath some of these streets and find things that are old. She asked if he foresees anything like that with this project or did he think that was taken care of during the earlier phase.
Mr. Alkhal pointed out that they have inspected the area and have been down into the crawlspace beneath the sidewalks. They upgraded and took a lot of the utilities underground in the first phase which was done, which was the intersection and a few properties to each side. He said he thought there should be minimal surprises based on what is known. This proposed improvement will include taking additional utilities underground specifically for lighting and for music during the Christmas season.
Ms. Dolan stated that she is excited and happy to hear about these projects.
Mr. Evans asked with these two applications if the first one is approved would that second one then be withdrawn.
Mr. Alkhal stated yes and that he does not believe both could be accepted. He said he is not sure and would have to check.
Mr. Evans noted that some of the funding was moved around with the snow operations and some was pulled from Main Street. He asked if enough will be left for our match of $125,000.
Mr. Alkhal remarked that instead of having to reprogram $250,000 if this is a successful grant application we would be looking at programming $125,000 for 2015.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
G. Authorizing Execution of Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant – Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation – Main Street Streetscape Improvements, Phase II
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution 2014-111 that authorized a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant of $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to be used for the Main Street Streetscape Improvements, Phase II.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
Postponed at the June 3, 2014 City Council Meeting:
H. Approval of Open Position – Director of Recycling
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored the Resolution that approved the position of Director of Recycling be filled in accordance with the provisions of Resolution No. 2014-83 adopted May 6, 2014.
President Reynolds stated that he had a conversation with Mr. Brong yesterday who informed him it does not appear as if anyone has been chosen yet and those discussions are still going on. Since there has been no one hired or any discussion about how they want to handle the two positions versus the one and the conversation that took place previously this is something that should be postponed until the next meeting when the Administration is ready to move someone forward.
Mayor Donchez indicated that was the thought.
Ms. Dolan made a motion, seconded by Mr. Waldron, to postpone the approval of the open position to the next scheduled City Council Meeting on July 1, 2014. Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. Evans, 1. The Motion passed.
Adding Resolution 9 I
Mr. Recchiuti made a motion, seconded by Ms. Reuscher, to add Resolution 9 I to the Agenda. Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Motion passed.
I. Authorizing Execution of Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant – Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation – South Bethlehem Streetscape Enhancements
Ms. Reuscher and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution 2014-112 that authorized a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant of $200,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to be used for South Bethlehem Streetscape Enhancements.
President Reynolds asked for an explanation since this is a different project.
Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, reported that it is different but very similar and is for streetscape on the South Side. Ms. Heller added that the City received a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant recently. A portion of the grant funding that was applied for was received and with this grant we would apply for the portion where we did not receive funds. She said this is for sidewalk improvements and repairs on Fourth Street. Ms. Heller explained that the matching funds that were put together came from TIF funds and Lehigh University, and the TAP grant would be used as leverage funds as well. Improvements would be done mostly on Fourth Street but also on other streets in South Bethlehem and call it Streetscape Program for South Bethlehem.
President Reynolds asked for a breakdown of the numbers as far as the different funding sources are concerned.
Ms. Heller stated that the grant request is for $200,000. There is $200,000 from TIF, $50,000 from Lehigh, and $100,000 TAP grant as leverage funds.
Mr. Recchiuti asked if this application would be competing against the other application that was just approved.
Ms. Heller replied that technically it would be. There is a large pool of funds and she does not feel it is unreasonable to guess that we would be able to receive more than one grant. Also for the north side of Bethlehem there are two different grants being applied for and it is not reasonable to think we would get both. She said we might be able to work with them from one funding source we could receive north side funds and from the other source we could receive south side funds.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
Adding Resolution 9 J
J. Authorizing Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant Program – Majestic Bethlehem Center
President Reynolds, referring to Communication 5 B, stated it was requested to be put on the agenda as soon as possible and thought that since it is a pass-through and due to the interest of trying to get the project up and running as well as approving it, it would be wise to consider this tonight.
Ms. Dolan made a motion, seconded by Mr. Evans, to add Resolution 9 J to the Agenda. Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Motion passed.
Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. Waldron sponsored Resolution 2014-113 that authorized the application and Cooperation Agreement for Majestic Realty Development to obtain funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant Program (RACP) of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that will be passed through the City in the amount of $10 million for the purpose of assisting Majestic Realty Development in the construction of the Majestic Bethlehem Center.
Voting AYE: Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Waldron, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
10. NEW BUSINESS.
None.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
Declaration of Independence – Annual Reading on July 4th
Tom Carroll, 248 East Union Boulevard, announced again the public reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place at Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza on July 4 at 11:00 AM. Among the readers will be State Representative Steve Samuelson, the Honorable Judge Emil Giordano from the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez, and Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio.
Limiting Use of City Vehicles
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, pointed out he noticed in the garage that the Mayor uses his own personal car and commended the Mayor for saving the City money. He said he knows that the Mayor can be on 24 hour call and thought that the only two other people that would be on 24 hour call would be the Chief of Police and Fire Chief. He said he knows there are a number of City vehicles with City emblems and thinks a good way to add to the budget would be to decrease costs and that the Mayor is setting a good example here. Mr. Antalics said he has also noticed that after some meetings in the evenings that there are City cars leaving the garage and are most likely going to someone’s residence. He said he thinks it would be wise for Public Works to take an inventory of all of the vehicles, the mileage, and the cost of maintenance. Mr. Antalics stated that he has come to the garage on the weekends and not seen these vehicles and thinks they are at someone’s home for the weekend. He said after looking further there are some people who use City cars that live as far away as Bucks County, roughly 50 plus miles round trip. He said that would amount to a couple thousand dollars a year in gasoline not including tires and other maintenance. Mr. Antalics said he thinks that Public Works should look into this and see who should have a vehicle other than the Police Chief or the Fire Chief and possibly give the Mayor back his vehicle. Mr. Antalics also suggested that all City vehicles have the City seal with the department to which it belongs since some do and some do not. He said he can appreciate the Police with doing undercover work and not having a seal or a City plate. Mr. Antalics stated that the bottom line is fiscal responsibility and he sees the Mayor as setting the example.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.