City Council

Council Minutes

June 17, 2003 Meeting Minutes


BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 – 7:30 PM – Town Hall

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

President Schweder called the meeting to order. The Very Reverend William Lane, of Cathedral Church of the Nativity, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Ismael Arcelay, Jean Belinski, Robert J. Donchez, James S. Gregory, Magdalena F. Szabo, and J. Michael Schweder, 6. John B. Callahan was absent, 1.

Citation – Honoring J. H. Carpenter

President Schweder presented a Citation to J. H. Carpenter on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department, after 22 years of service to the City.

Citation – Honoring J. T. Donaldson

President Schweder presented a Citation to J. T. Donaldson on the occasion of his retirement from the Fire Department, after 31 years of service to the City.

Citation – Honoring Daniel Woodard

President Schweder presented a Citation to Daniel Woodard on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department, after 24 years of service to the City.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of May 21, 2003 were approved.

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

None.

6. OLD BUSINESS

Garbage

Mr. Donchez inquired about the status of the issue concerning placement of garbage cans and pickup of trash that was raised at the June 3, 2003 City Council Meeting.

Mayor Delgrosso affirmed that the Administration looked into the problems the next day following the City Council Meeting.

Dana Grubb, Deputy Director of Community Development, informed Mr. Donchez that a number of steps have already been taken. Mr. Grubb advised that letters were sent to all of the licensed haulers in the City informing them of their responsibilities under the City’s Ordinances. In addition, surprise inspections have been conducted in various sections of the City, beginning with the northeast section, the northwest section last week, and another section to be chosen this week. Approximately 50 letters were sent to homeowners whose trash containers were not in the appropriate place on their property or were not returned to the appropriate location by the hauler. Mr. Grubb continued on to advise it is the intent to send a notification with the next water bill to all property owners reminding them of their responsibilities under the City Ordinances. It is anticipated that these procedures will be followed for the next month or two after which a determination will be made to start issuing citations. Mr. Grubb communicated that a proactive, friendly approach is being taken at this point to inform residents that some of the activities are contrary to the City’s Ordinances and they need to make changes. Mr. Grubb advised he was made aware today by Michael Palos, Chief Housing Inspector, that garbage had not been picked up at a certain home for three weeks in a row. When the hauler was contacted about the matter, the hauler explained that the trash cans were not placed at the curb for pickup. Mr. Grubb explained that he is awaiting a return telephone call so that he can notify the hauler that placement of the garbage cans at the curb is a violation of the City’s Ordinances.

Mr. Donchez, concurring that he agrees with the approach being taken, highlighted the fact that new legislation is not needed but rather enforcement. Mr. Donchez stressed that, after haulers and residents have been informed, then a date must be set for enforcement and fines. Mr. Donchez suggested that a list be kept of the haulers about which the most complaints have been received, and would then become an issue for consideration when the hauler’s license is to be renewed. Mr. Donchez, remarking it is a quality of life and neighborhood issue, commended the Administration for the amount of work that has been done on the issue in the past two weeks.

Mayor Delgrosso noted the issue is easier to enforce with the haulers in light of the fact that some new residents are not aware that City’s law does not allow garbage to be placed at the curb for pickup although recycling bins can be placed at the curb.

Mr. Donchez stated he would appreciate updates on the issue.

Mayor Delgrosso thanked Mr. Grubb and Harvey Joseph, Acting Health Bureau Director, for addressing the problem.

Fire Contract

Mr. Gregory, acknowledging that the Administration has been dealing with the Fire Union Contract for a long time and City Council normally does not get involved in Union Contracts, highlighted the fact that the Fire Union Contract has not yet been settled about which the Firefighters are upset, in view of the fact that the Police and SEIU contracts have already been settled. Recounting that he had dealt with Union Contracts for many years, Mr. Gregory observed that arbitration is costly for a municipality and everyone involved. Mr. Gregory remarked that, in the end, the arbitrator usually “goes down the middle” and settles where the contract probably would have been settled in the absence of an arbitrator. Noting that an arbitration date has been set for July, Mr. Gregory expressed the hope that, especially considering the City’s budget crisis, the City does what it can to settle the contract. Mr. Gregory noted that the Firefighters are asking for the same contract as the Police and SEIU as far as most of the issues. Mr. Gregory communicated that, if necessary, the Fire Union Contract could be settled for one year, and the new Administration could deal with the remaining contract years rather than going to arbitration. Mr. Gregory reiterated he would hope that the contract can be settled, even if for only a one year period, before it goes to arbitration.

Mayor Delgrosso, while commenting it is the intent not to go into arbitration, communicated he cannot say that will not happen.

Garbage

Mrs. Belinski, focusing on the issue of garbage, advised she has noticed garbage cans set out in the middle of the afternoon for pickup. Mrs. Belinski suggested that residents also be informed that their garbage cans should be set out the night before pickup.

Mrs. Belinski notified the Administration that a large pile of trash had been placed in the afternoon outside a house on the pavement at New Street across from Joe Pasco’s shoe repair shop

Mrs. Belinski further notified the Administration that trash is piled up at an apartment house at the northeast corner of Fourth and New Street. While affirming there are trash receptacles at the building, Mrs. Belinski stated they are not adequate and are constantly overflowing with trash.

Mayor Delgrosso asked for the addresses so that the problem can be taken care of. Mrs. Belinski stated she would contact Mr. Joseph.

Dogs

Mr. Arcelay, referring to the issue concerning vicious dogs that was raised at the last City Council Meeting, inquired about the City’s review of the situation. Advising that he has reviewed the minutes of the South Side Task Force meetings from January to date that he received from Rita Sparrow, block watch coordinator, Mr. Arcelay indicated that a similar situation has occurred.

Mr. Grubb informed Mr. Arcelay that Ordinances from other communities are being gathered, and added that Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, forwarded some information as well. Mr. Grubb noted that an environmental health employee attended a conference last week and conferred with a staff member of the environmental health operation in Washington, D.C. That community has an ordinance considered to be a national model, and the City will be receiving a copy of it. Mr. Grubb explained that he will be reviewing the various ordinances, and will discuss the matter with the Mayor and other members of the Administration to formulate a recommendation that will be forwarded to the City Solicitor’s Office for review after which time a proposal will be submitted for Council’s consideration. Mr. Grubb, notifying the Members that City staff has been cautioned about singling out different breeds, stated the staff has been informed there are breeds that can be worse than pit bulls, and the trend seems to be that other breeds will be trained to be as if not more vicious. Mr. Grubb, verifying that the City has received information from the American Kennel Association as well, explained that focus is more on the owners than the breeds. Mr. Grubb communicated that a balanced piece of legislation is needed that will not penalize responsible pet owners while protecting the public.

Ms. Szabo queried if the City arrests individuals who conduct dog fights.

Francis Donchez, Police Commissioner, replied not to his knowledge. Mr. Donchez, affirming that notification was given last week about a dog fight on the west side, explained that the event disbursed by the time the Police arrived.

Ms. Szabo advised that Williams Street has been mentioned many times as the active place for such events and is where pit bulls receive their bad training. Ms. Szabo related a story about a young pit bull at the house next to hers who was very loving to her and her sister, but then was kidnapped most likely to be trained to be nasty.

Police Commissioner Donchez stated that he would check with the Police Vice Unit regarding the matter.

UGI Gas Company Equipment Installations

Ms. Szabo, turning to the matter of UGI, the gas company, equipment installations outside that she brought up at the last City Council Meeting, advised that she spent an hour and a half on Fourth Street before this evening’s Council Meeting in response to complaints. Ms. Szabo said she strongly feels that the rights of a property owner are violated when they cannot participate in decisions made about what is going to be done to their property, especially when it is something that is extremely unattractive. Ms. Szabo, citing an installation of a pipe that was run up the wall of a house, advised that subcontractors doing the work are making decisions about installations. Ms. Szabo requested that a meeting be held tomorrow and the installations halted until the property owner is contacted directly by a UGI employee who can make decisions. Ms. Szabo related the difficulty a property owner had in trying to contact UGI about the installation while in the meantime the work was already done. Ms. Szabo pointed out that at 1160 E. Fourth Street the pipe seems loose. Ms. Szabo asked that the Administration look into the matter immediately, and that the Law Bureau research the possibility of an Ordinance to specify that permission must be given by a property owner in order for any work to be done on their property. Michael Alkhal, Public Works Director, advised that UGI has agreed to put future installations inside, and come back later to move outside installations to the inside if feasible. Mr. Alkhal highlighted the fact that there are some unique circumstances at individual houses that may make it difficult to have inside installations. Mr. Alkhal agreed that a meeting could be held to review the situation. Ms. Szabo stated that she would like to be included in any discussions with anyone on the subject. Mr. Alkhal affirmed that he will contact Ms. Szabo. Ms. Szabo communicated it is a City-wide legal question whether a property owner has the right to know what is going to be done on their property. Mayor Delgrosso confirmed that UGI will be contacted tomorrow regarding the matter.

Joseph Leeson, Jr., City Solicitor, stated that he will check the PUC regulations and provide a response.

Pit Bulls

Mr. Gregory explained that, sadly, his nephew’s stepson had a pit bull which is considered to be a status symbol, especially when they are turned into mean dogs. Mr. Gregory observed that, until there is a new ordinance, there may not be much that can be done in that regard other than enforce the laws already on the books.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Fire Commissioner – Emergency Operations Plan – Revisions

The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 30, 2003 from Kevin G. Moyzan, Fire Commissioner, requesting consideration of a resolution to adopt the recently completed revisions to the City of Bethlehem’s Emergency Operations Plan.

President Schweder stated authorizing Resolution 11 B is listed on the Agenda.

B. Director of Public Works – Establishing Additional Streets – City Map

The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 9, 2003 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, to which was attached a draft of the ordinance establishing additional streets on the General Plan of Streets and Map of the City. The ordinance will update the City’s street map and adjust the Liquid Fuels funding accordingly.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Ordinance will be listed on the July 1, 2003 Agenda for First Reading.

C. Director of Public Works – Federal Aid Reimbursement Agreement Amendment – Paint Mill Bridge Project

The Clerk read a memorandum dated June 10, 2003 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, to which was attached a copy of the amendment to the Federal Aid Reimbursement Agreement for the Paint Mill Bridge Replacement project on Schoenersville Road over the Monocacy Creek. The amendment will add funds in the amount of $50,000 to increase the total funding from $100,00 to $150,000 for final design and right-of-way acquisition for the project. The City will be reimbursed 95% of these costs. Also attached was a copy of a suggested resolution authorizing execution of the amended agreement as required by PennDot.

President Schweder stated that authorizing Resolution 11 C is listed on the Agenda.

8 . REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – Lawrence Krauter – Planning Commission

Mayor James Delgrosso appointed Lawrence Krauter to the City Planning Commission, effective until March 2008. Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 14,100 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Schweder, 5. The Resolution passed.

2. Administrative Order – Carol Dimopoulos – Fine Arts Commission

Mayor James Delgrosso reappointed Carol Dimopoulos to the Fine Arts Commission, effective until May 2006. Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,101 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Schweder, 5. The Resolution passed.


C. Finance Committee

Mr. Donchez, Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the City Council Meeting this evening on the following subjects: Transfers of Funds – Health Bureau.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 26 – 2003 – Zoning Map Amendment – Rezoning Portion of Bethlehem Commerce Center – HI to IR-F

The Clerk read Bill No. 26 – 2003, Zoning Map Amendment – Rezoning Portion of Bethlehem Commerce Center – HI to IR-F, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Schweder, 5. Bill No. 26 – 2003, hereafter to be known as Ordinance No. 4199, was declared adopted.

B. Bill No. 27 – 2003 – Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services

The Clerk read Bill No. 27 – 2003, Amending Article 1120 – Emergency Medical Services, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 27 – 2003, hereafter to be known as Ordinance No. 4200, was declared adopted.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

None.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing Execution of Use Permit Agreement – VIABLE – Memorial Pool Building

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,102 which authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between Visual Impairment and Blindness Services of Northampton County, Inc. (VIABLE) and the City for use of the Memorial Pool Building for the period September 24, 2003 to October 19, 2003 for the Fabric Sale, according to the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

B. Adopting Emergency Operations Plan – Revisions

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,103 which authorized the Mayor to adopt the City of Bethlehem Emergency Operations Plan which has been developed to outline basic operations and procedures to be implemented in the event of an incident either man-made or natural that requires a coordinated response.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

C. Authorizing Federal Aid Reimbursement Agreement Amendment – Paint Mill Bridge Project

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,104 which authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute Supplemental Federal Aid Bridge Project Agreement No. 050218-C between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the City of Bethlehem, for the Paint Mill (Schoenersville Road) Bridge over the Monocacy Creek Project, in accordance with the Agreement.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

Motion - Considering Resolutions as a Group

Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski moved to consider Resolutions 11 D through G as a group. Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The motion passed.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 79 West Market Street

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,105 which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to refurbish the existing sign at 79 West Market Street.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 36 Wall Street

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,106 which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to alter the exterior of 36 Wall Street.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 424 North New Street

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,107 which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install gutter topper at 424 North New Street.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – Various City Locations

Mr. Donchez and Ms. Szabo sponsored Resolution 14,108 which granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install, within the public right-of-way, replacement trash cans to be installed and maintained by the City of Bethlehem.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

H. Transfer of Funds – General Fund Budget – Health Bureau – Equipment for Grants

Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 14,109 which transferred $44,636 in the General Fund Budget as follows: $15,594 from the Health Bureau – Temporary Help and $10,706 from the Health Bureau – Tobacco Program Accounts to the Tobacco Equipment Account to purchase equipment for the Tobacco Grant Program; $3,692 from the Health Bureau – Temporary Help Account to $2,553 – Health Bureau – OPANAC and $1,139 – Health Bureau – OPANAC Equipment Accounts to purchase supplies and equipment for the OPANAC Grant; and $14,644 from Health Bureau – Temporary Help Account to $5,669 – Diabetes and $8,975 – Diabetes Equipment Accounts to purchase supplies and equipment for the Diabetes Grant.

Voting AYE: Mr. Arcelay, Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS

Skate Park

Mrs. Belinski, focusing on a Morning Call newspaper article of Monday, June 16, 2003, noted that Councilman Callahan was told by insurers that the City had insurance to cover liability for the skate park. Mr. Callahan felt the closing of the skate park was preemptive and was taken in anticipation of rising premiums when the insurance policy expires. Mrs. Belinski continued on to note it was reported in the article that Mr. Callahan spoke with the insurance company and the City is covered and insured at no increased expense to have a skate park right now. Mrs. Belinski advised she was informed by Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, that Timothy Schantz, of Stocker-Hoffman-Schantz, the City’s insurance carrier, called Mr. Brown and told him it was of the utmost importance to close the skate park immediately because the City was not insured and if anyone would get hurt the City will be liable. Mrs. Belinski related that Mr. Brown told her that he immediately went to the skate park, told the skaters the circumstances, and asked the skaters to please leave. Mr. Brown stayed there all night to patrol the park to make sure no one would be there and possibly get hurt until the staff would come the next day to dismantle the park. Mrs. Belinski explained that she would like to set the record straight.

Mayor Delgrosso recounted he thinks it was March 18 when the City was told that the insurance company at that time would no longer insure the skate park. As a result, it was the decision of the City Solicitor and Mr. Brown to dismantle the park because there was no insurance for it. Mayor Delgrosso noted that insurance company later went to a C category from an A minus, and the City changed insurance companies. Affirming that the new insurance company does insure parks, Mayor Delgrosso explained there are certain requirements in order for the skate park to be insured such as the skate park must be designed and built by a professional, jumps cannot be over five feet, there must be fencing, locks, and maintenance logs, and so on. Mayor Delgrosso commented some of the requirements are difficult for the City to meet at this time.

Water Audit – Loss of Water

Mr. Donchez, referring to a newspaper article, stated he thinks it is time that City Council, either through the Public Works Committee or a Committee of the Whole, schedule a meeting to review the matter. Recalling the first memorandum dated December 19, 2000 about the water loss issue that he sent when he was President of Council to Kathleen Reese, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, Mr. Donchez noted that Members of Council have since received about eight memorandums from Ms. Reese. Communicating it seems there has not been any significant progress yet made during the water audit, Mr. Donchez pointed out that the City is still losing approximately 3-4 million gallons of water a day for the last 30-50 years or 1 billion gallons a year. Mr. Donchez stressed it is time for a meeting at which the Administration, Ms. Reese, the Bethlehem Authority, and the consultant can be present in order for City Council to receive an update. Mr. Donchez, remarking it seems almost unbelievable that the reputable company cannot locate the reason for the tremendous loss of water, said “something is not right”. Mr. Donchez requested that City Council be briefed in the next few weeks.

President Schweder, expressing his concurrence, said he would defer to the Chairman of the Public Works Committee, as assuming the responsibility for scheduling a meeting at a time convenient to all involved. Mr. Gregory, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, also expressed his concurrence with the scheduling of a meeting. President Schweder added there should be an open-ended, detailed discussion of what is known at this point and what is hoped to be learned.

Ms. Szabo, past Chairperson of the Public Works Committee, noting she has spoken with Ronald Donchez, Chair of the Bethlehem Authority, and Stephen Salvesen, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Authority, about having a meeting, advised they are wholeheartedly in agreement. Ms. Szabo informed the assembly that her discussions with Mr. Donchez and Mr. Salvesen also included the watershed in general about which there are some unknowns.

President Schweder suggested that a separate meeting can be scheduled on the watershed.

Mayor Delgrosso later expressed his agreement with Mr. Donchez, and having an open meeting to hear where the water is being lost.

Fire Department Response to St. Luke’s Hospital

Mr. Gregory recounted that, in the past, the Fire Department has been the backup for St. Luke’s Hospital located in Fountain Hill which municipality has a volunteer fire company. Mr. Gregory observed the City did so as a service because at the time it was a quid pro quo for medical examinations. However, St. Luke’s Hospital charged the City for the medical examinations, and the City has them done elsewhere. In view of the City’s budget crisis, Mr. Gregory said he would like to know why the City is responding to St. Luke’s Hospital, sometimes as the main responder, at no cost to the Hospital. Mr. Gregory thought the matter needs to be reviewed if that is the case.

Kevin Moyzan, Fire Commissioner, advised that throughout his career with the Fire Department, the City has always offered mutual aid to St. Luke’s Hospital in recognition of the large risk of life in a large facility in which there are many patients from the City of Bethlehem. Fire Commissioner Moyzan expressed that in recent years, especially during the daytime, it seems the City’s Fire Department is the main participant in handling emergencies or fires at the Hospital since Fountain Hill has a volunteer firefighting force. Because the volunteers work at other jobs during the day, this could result in response times of twenty minutes or longer, or sometimes the volunteer members may not be available during the day.

Mr. Gregory communicated that the matter needs to be reviewed and a fee structure be considered, particularly in view of the fact that high schools are charged for hazmat responses by the Fire Department. Mr. Gregory stressed that, if the Fire Department is the main responder, then the City needs to bill St. Luke’s Hospital for that service.

Turning to physical examinations, Fire Commissioner Moyzan recounted that about ten years ago there was an agreement between St. Luke’s Hospital and the City whereby the City received free medical examinations that otherwise could have been costly due to their comprehensive nature. In weighing matters such as the fees charged and the nature of the physical examinations, about a year ago the City switched to Muhlenberg Medical Center.

Mr. Gregory stressed “this is costing the taxpayers of the City of Bethlehem and they need to be reimbursing the taxpayers…[and] not with physical examinations for…the Fire Department…”. Mr. Gregory insisted that the matter needs to be looked at seriously, and the City needs to bill St. Luke’s Hospital anytime the Fire Department responds there.

Mayor Delgrosso stated that he will discuss the matter with Fire Commissioner Moyzan to determine the number of responses, and will approach St. Luke’s Hospital regarding the issue.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Dogs

William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said he wants to expand on his remarks at the last City Council Meeting about dogs that attack. Mr. Scheirer proposed a point system, especially for vicious dogs, similar to that used for drivers. Mr. Scheirer explained that when tickets are written, points should be assigned to the dog owner based on the nature of the offense. If the tickets remain unpaid, the points could increase. When a certain number of points are reached, the permit would be suspended, and the dog would be kept in the pound until all tickets are paid and the owner attended a City course for dog owners. If this did not happen in a certain period of time, then the dog would be put up for adoption and no one from the same block, for example, would be allowed to adopt it. In the case of vicious dogs, Mr. Scheirer stated that a certain number of points would mean destruction of the dog. Mr. Scheirer thought that the City could be a model for other cities in the State and nation by adoption of such a system.

Gas Meters

Dean Bruch, 625 Hawthorne Road, focusing on issue of the installation of gas meters, noted that in the case of larger gas meters installed at business establishments, pillars are built around them to avoid their being hit and an explosion being caused. Mr. Bruch stated that the matter is a safety issue that should be looked into.

Water Loss

Mr. Bruch informed the assembly that one of his jobs had been to take care of the fire prevention system at St. Luke’s Hospital. Mr. Bruch recounted that, as he had informed Council about a year ago, fire protection systems are made to be tested on a regular basis and it is water that is not metered. Mr. Bruch wondered if that could account for some of the lost water.

Kathleen Reese, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, confirmed there are meters on the fire lines.

Mr. Bruch also wondered whether there could be leaks in the water tanks.

Ms. Reese responded that an extensive rehabilitation program for the ground storage tanks has been underway, and when leaks are found they are repaired.

Dogs

Mr. Bruch suggested that the City obtain information about dog laws from municipalities other than Washington.

14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
ATTEST:

City Clerk