Council Minutes

July 18, 2006 Meeting Minutes

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street - Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 – 7:30 PM

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

President J. Michael Schweder called the meeting to order. Pastor Sharon Joseph, of Church of the Manger, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Robert J. Donchez, Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, and J. Michael Schweder, 6. Magdalena F. Szabo was absent, 1.

Citation – Honoring John Ladics

President Schweder presented a Citation to John Ladics who retired from the Police Department after 40 years of service. The Members of Council applauded Mr. Ladics, and wished him well in his retirement.

Citation – Honoring Francis Donchez

President Schweder advised that a Citation honoring Francis R. Donchez, Jr., past Police Commissioner, who retired from the Police Department after 25 years of service will be forwarded to him since he was unable to be present at the meeting.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

President Schweder noted that the Minutes of July 5, 2006 will be listed for approval at the August 1, 2006 City Council Meeting.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on Ordinances and Resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit)

Community Development Block Grant Funding - Community Policing - Proposed Reduction

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, referring to discussions at the July 5, 2006 City Council Meeting about the proposed reduction in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for Community Policing, said although the reduction in CDBG is out of the CDBG budget those funds are treated as a reimbursement to the General Fund, and there should be a corresponding reduction in the revenue source that comes into the General Fund as well as the expenditure account. Continuing on to say he does not know whether the Federal threshold of 15% for Public Services was applied strictly to the 2006 entitlement or whether program income was factored in, Mr. Grubb stated if program income was not factored in then perhaps there does not have to be a reduction but rather a reallocation of program income for Community Policing. Observing that the City will realize $300,000 in CDBG program income from the Bethlehem Parking Authority closing on the North Street Parking Lot of which 15% is $45,000 or more than the reduction in Community Policing, Mr. Grubb noted if the matter is delayed, then there may not have to be a cut. Mr. Grubb further pointed out that, if Council would choose to not reduce the Community Policing allocation, it could look at other Public Service activities in the CDBG Budget for the potential cut.

6. OLD BUSINESS

CDBG Funding - Community Policing - Proposed Reduction

Mr. Donchez, referring to his request at the July 5, 2006 City Council Meeting, asked if a decision has been made about compensating so that no manpower is lost at the South Side Substations or for Overtime in view of a possible reduction in CDBG funding for Community Policing.

Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, replied that the numbers were reviewed and it was discovered that funding would be short by about $32,000 for Community Policing from the 2006 CBBG allotment. However, Police Commissioner Miller explained that, in speaking with Irene Woodward, Housing and Community Development Planner, there was a carryover from 2005 that would cover that balance, and pay for all three Police Officers for 2006.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Engineering Bureau – Sewage Facilities Plan Revision – Cottages at Monocacy Creek – Township Line Road

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 7, 2006 from Amy B. Rohrbach, Project Engineer, to which was attached a proposed resolution, under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, for Plan Revision for New Land Development for forty-four twin units for an age-restricted community at Cottages at Monocacy Creek.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

B. Engineering Bureau – Sewage Facilities Plan Revision – LVIP VII – Bethlehem Commerce Center – Easton Road

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 7, 2006 from Amy B. Rohrbach, Project Engineer, to which was attached a proposed resolution, under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, for Plan Revision for New Land Development for the subdivision of lands formerly of Bethlehem Steel into 3 lots to include the addition of a pump station and force main for LVIP VII, Bethlehem Commerce Center, Easton Road II.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

C. Police Commissioner – Special Event Parking – Musikfest 2006

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 13, 2006 from Randall P. Miller, Police Commissioner, requesting consideration of a resolution declaring Special Event Parking and increased parking fines during Musikfest 2006 from 12:00 noon on Friday, August 4, 2006 through 12:00 midnight on Sunday, August 13, 2006.

President Schweder stated that authorizing Resolution 11 K is listed on the agenda.

D. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – 2006 Celtic Classic

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 14, 2006 from John F. Spirk, Jr., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between Celtic Fest, Inc. d/b/a/ Celtic Cultural Alliance and the City for use of various City properties and streets for the 2006 Celtic Classic, for the time periods from September 9, 2006 to October 1, 2006, according to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

E. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Senior Centers of Bethlehem – Parking Cars During 2006 Celtic Classic

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 14, 2006 from John F. Spirk, Jr., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between the Senior Centers of Bethlehem and the City for use of Johnston Park for parking cars during the 2006 Celtic Classic for the time period September 22, 2006 to September 24, 2006, according to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

F. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Senior Centers of Bethlehem – Parking Cars During Musikfest 2006

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 14, 2006 from John F. Spirk, Jr., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between the Senior Centers of Bethlehem and the City for use of Johnston Park for parking cars during Musikfest 2006 for the time period August 4, 2006 to August 13, 2006, according to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

G. City Solicitor – Highway Safety Project Grant

The Clerk read a memorandum dated July 14, 2006 from John F. Spirk, Jr., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed resolution that authorized the Mayor and the Controller to sign grant documents for Highway Safety Grant Project No. CP 07-21-1 which will provide funds from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 for education and prevention relative to aggressive driving, alcohol-related crashes, unbelted crashes, pedestrian safety and youth driving.

President Schweder stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the August 1 Agenda.

H. City Solicitor – Proposed Ordinance to Acquire Easements – Replacement of Sanitary Sewers
– Homestead Avenue Area

As directed by President Schweder, the Clerk read additional Communication 7 H into the record dated July 17, 2006 from John F. Spirk, Jr., City Solicitor, attached to which was a proposed Condemnation Ordinance as requested by Councilman Leeson for the purpose of acquiring easements in connection with the replacement of sanitary sewers along Homestead Avenue, Highland Avenue, and Eaton Avenue. It was stated in the memorandum that legal descriptions of several of the properties have not yet been received but are forthcoming. As soon as the legal descriptions are available, the Law Bureau will complete the appraisal process and provide a final Ordinance for Council’s consideration.

President Schweder, referring to the memorandum dated July 18, 2006 received from Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, containing a number of questions related to Communication 7 H, stated that the Ordinance will not be placed on the Agenda this evening.

8 . REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

Mayor Callahan offered congratulations to the City of Bethlehem for being named by Money magazine as the most livable community in Pennsylvania, and one of the most livable communities in the country. Mayor Callahan, pointing out that the City is on track, noted that the transition, development, and progress that has been made in the community has been recognized regionally and nationally. Mayor Callahan observed that, when one looks at the 745 communities that fall within the range of 50,000 to 300,000 population, the City of Bethlehem was 88. While acknowledging there is room for improvement, Mayor Callahan observed that the perception of Bethlehem as a rust belt community is changing. Mayor Callahan communicated that, when he attends a U. S. Conference of Mayors meeting or another national function, often people seem sympathetic when they learn the Mayor is from Bethlehem because their perception of the City is one of high unemployment and little opportunity. However, Mayor Callahan explained he does his best to reassure them that is not the case. Mayor Callahan, stating that those who are using more objective criteria find the City of Bethlehem as a very livable and healthy city, stressed it is a recognition of everyone’s efforts who together make it a reality. Remarking the City is on its way, and acknowledging there is more to be done, Mayor Callahan said he wanted to publicly recognize the City’s listing and thank everyone at the meeting, and all the citizens. Mayor Callahan pointed out that most of the cities on the top 90 list are relatively new communities that may be 50 or 60 years old, and there are very few cities on the list that are over 100 years old, and certainly not many that are 265 years old. Mayor Callahan continued on to say the City of Bethlehem has weathered a lot of transition and changes from a colonial, and former industrial era, to the 21st century.

President Schweder, expressing his concurrence, thought all those who hold public office in the City owe a great deal of thanks to the people of the City who live here and make the City what it is.

C. Finance Committee

Mr. Leeson, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held on July 12, 2006 on the following subjects: Transfer of Funds – Water Fund – Professional Services (Saul Ewing); Transfer of Funds – Sewer Fund – Professional Services; Amending CDBG Budget – Comprehensive Plan; Amending General Fund Budget – Parks and Public Property Department - Mechanical Equipment Repairs; Transfer of Funds – Police Department – General Overtime; Transfer of Funds – Fire Department – Radio Communications Equipment; Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Paint Mill Bridge; Water Fund Budget – Water Administration - Temporary Help; Amending General Fund Budget – Health Bureau – Pediatric Outreach; and Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 22 – 2006 – Amending Community Development Budget – CDBG and HOME Programs

The Clerk read Bill No. 22 - 2006, Amending Community Development Budget – CDBG and HOME Programs, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 22 – 2006, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4387, was declared adopted.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 23 – 2006 – Amending Community Development Budget – Comprehensive Plan

The Clerk read Bill No. 23 - 2006, Amending Community Development Budget – Comprehensive Plan, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET FOR 2006.

Mr. Leeson, noting the Finance Committee discussed the item and agreed to move it forward to City Council, said one of the issues raised was that some Members of Council had indicated they wanted to be informed about the selection of the consultant and the ultimate agreement negotiated with the consultant. Mr. Leeson advised that, in the interim, Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development, contacted him with an update and indicated that the matter should be tabled this evening. Mr. Leeson asked Mr. Hanna to provide the background.

Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development, informed the Members he requested that the Bill be tabled because the Department was not in a position to get a copy of the proposal to the Members of Council by the Friday deadline. Mr. Hanna noted the Department wanted to proceed with putting together a package with the proposal for the Members. Mr. Hanna further informed the Members that a final contract has not yet been negotiated.

Mr. Leeson, stating he has no objection to tabling the Bill, noted he would give other Members of Council an opportunity to comment before he would make a motion.

Motion – Tabling Bill No. 23 - 2006

Mr. Leeson and Mr. Donchez moved that Bill No. 23 – 2006 be Tabled. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mower, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The motion passed.

B. Bill No. 24 – 2006 – Amending General Fund Budget – Parks and Public Property Department – Mechanical Equipment Repairs; Health Bureau – Pediatric Outreach

The Clerk read Bill No. 24 - 2006, Amending General Fund Budget – Parks and Public Property Department – Mechanical Equipment Repairs; Health Bureau – Pediatric Outreach, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2006.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 24 – 2006 was declared passed on First Reading.

C. Bill No. 25 – 2006 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Paint Mill Bridge; Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program

The Clerk read Bill No. 25 – 2006, Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Paint Mill Bridge; Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
THE 2006 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. Bill No. 25 – 2006 was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – Richard Scott Kelley and Has Anyone Seen My Balloon?, Inc. – Hot Air Balloon Take Off

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,877 that authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between Richard Scott Kelley and Has Anyone Seen My Balloon?, Inc., and the City for use of Yellis Park, Monocacy Park Complex Athletic Fields, Saucon Park Complex Athletic Fields, Clearview Complex and the area behind the Municipal Ice Rink for a hot air balloon take off for the time period June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2007, according to the terms of the agreement.

Ms. Dolan was informed by Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, that the City has had an agreement for a hot air balloon take-off for about 10 years with the same person. Ms. Dolan queried how often are the hot air balloon take-offs scheduled. Mr. Brown, noting it is infrequent, advised it has not caused a problem, and highlighted the fact that the individual has displays and shows people how the hot air balloon takes off. Affirming that the agreement is for $1, and noting the person does receive money for his operation, Mr. Brown communicated he did not really consider it a major factor in view of what it brings to the City.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

B. Authorizing Third Amendment to Tower Lease Agreement – New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC – South Mountain Park

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 14,878 that authorized the execution of the Third Amendment to City of Bethlehem Tower Lease Agreement between the City and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a Cingular Wireless, as successor in interest to Comcast PCS Communications, Inc., n/k/a/ Delaware Valley PCS Communication, Inc., for the purpose of selling and transferring its improvements located at the City's Tower in South Mountain Park on South Mountain Drive, Lower Saucon Township, and assigning its interest to an as yet unidentified third party, according to the terms and conditions of the agreement.

President Schweder stated he will be recusing himself from voting on the Resolution.

Ms. Dolan wondered if no sale is made then would the City have to take care of the facilities.

Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, advised that the company leases space in the small structure that houses other equipment, and there is a small antenna on the tower. The lease calls for payment of six months rent, and other stipulations for compensation to the City. However, Mr. Alkhal explained if the company does not find someone to replace them, then the City will in the future find someone and they could either partially or fully re-use some of the equipment or take it down. Mr. Alkhal added that, if necessary, the City could handle it at minimal cost.

Ms. Dolan asked what is the incentive to the City to enter into an agreement now while the buyer is still unknown.

Mr. Alkhal stated there is some motivation for the company to find someone to replace them instead of the City actively trying to identify someone.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, and Mr. Mowrer, 5. Not Voting: Mr. Schweder, 1. The Resolution passed.

C. Authorizing DCNR Grant Application – Southside Greenway – Skate Park

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,879 that authorized the City to submit a DCNR grant application for $200,000 to construct a skate park on the South Bethlehem Greenway. As recommended in the South Bethlehem Greenway Master Plan, the proposed skate park would be situated below the Fourth Street Bridge at Fourth Street and Daly Avenue.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

D. Transfer of Funds – Police Department - General Overtime

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,880 that transferred $30,000 in the General Fund Budget from the Police Department-Equipment Account to the Police Department-General Overtime Account to provide additional funding needed in the account.

Vote AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

E. Transfer of Funds – Fire Department – Radio Equipment

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,881 that transferred $9,500 in the General Fund Budget from the Fire Department-Salaries Account to the Fire Department-Communications Account for the purchase of radios.

Vote AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

Motion – Considering Resolutions as a Group

Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski moved to consider Resolutions 11 F, 11 H, 11 I, and 11 J as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The motion passed.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 29 East Market Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,882 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to build additions and renovate the façade at 29 East Market Street.

H. Certificate of Appropriateness – 99 West Broad Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,884 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace soffit and fascia destroyed by fire at 99 West Broad Street.

I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 518-522 Long Street

Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 14,885 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to erect a 30" x 48" double-sided projecting sign at 518-522 Long Street.

J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 4 East Fourth Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Leeson sponsored Resolution 14,886 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install cellular phone antennas, cable, and equipment cabinets on the roof at 4 East Fourth Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 F, 11 H, 11 I, and 11 J: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolutions passed.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 4 West Church Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,883 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to erect a privacy fence and overhead trellis at 4 West Church Street.

President Schweder stated he will be recusing himself from voting on the Resolution.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, and Mr. Mowrer, 5. Not Voting: Mr. Schweder, 1. The Resolution passed.

K. Declaring Special Condition for Parking – Musikfest 2006

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 14,887 by which a Special Condition was declared during Musikfest 2006 for the period from 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 4, 2006 through 12:00 Midnight at the end of Sunday, August 13, 2006; and, under the provisions of Article 531.99(c) designating the area to be affected by this Resolution that shall be the area within the outline of the diagram which is marked Exhibit A; and by which fines were increased for various parking violations.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Schweder, 6. The Resolution passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS

Sewer Problems - Homestead Avenue and Rosemont Drive Area

Mr. Leeson thanked the Law Bureau for forwarding within two weeks an Ordinance for Eminent Domain for properties involved in the sewer project for Homestead Avenue and Rosemont Drive as he had requested at the July 5, 2006 City Council Meeting. Mr. Leeson asked what happened to the easements that were to be done.

Mr. Alkhal replied that the descriptions were received the past week from the surveyors, the descriptions were reviewed, some changes had to be made, they were returned to Hanover Engineering which is doing the surveying, and they will be returned in the next few days.

Mr. Leeson, observing at this point there will be a two week delay, asked what is preventing the easements from being done.

Mr. Alkhal pointed out that the Department pressed Hanover Engineering to complete the surveying and the descriptions as quickly as possible, and called them every day to remind them of the urgency. Hanover Engineering advised that they got the work back to the Department as quickly as they could. In one day, the Department reviewed and edited the surveys, hand delivered them back to Hanover Engineering today, and asked that the company bring the surveys back to the Department as soon as they are completed.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Removal of Linden Trees – City Hall

Judith Kerr, 1866 Cloverleaf Street, stated she called the City Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office about a month and a half ago because she was concerned about the linden trees in front of City Hall that are to be taken down. Ms. Kerr advised she lived with 200 year old linden trees and found them to be not all that bad. Ms. Kerr noted she has been attending City Council Meetings. Ms. Kerr, commenting she is not speaking for the trees but rather for the taxpayers, asked what is the entire project going to cost. Ms. Kerr highlighted the fact that City Hall and the landscaping was all planned by the fine architectural group of Lovelace and Spillman many years ago. Ms. Kerr questioned why is it being changed and what is it going to cost.

Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, advised he will send complete details to Ms. Kerr. Mr. Brown explained that if the project is going to be done it would be done in-house and would not be contracted out. Mr. Brown continued on to say that is why the Department is waiting for people to have the opportunity to comment on it.

President Schweder inquired if there is still time for people to raise objections to the project.

Mr. Brown responded that is why the project was held until after Labor Day. Mr. Brown added if there are a lot of complaints, then the proposal would go back to Council.

Bethlehem Crime Statistics; Adding Police Officers

William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said he was on Money magazine’s website trying to make sense of their crime statistics. Mr. Scheirer thought what it seems to come down to is that, in comparing Bethlehem to the average for the best places, if one looks at a city of Bethlehem’s size and looks at the property crime then Bethlehem has more crimes against persons than one would expect if Bethlehem’s situation was the same for an average best place with a 73,000 population and given the amount of property crime that Bethlehem has. Mr. Scheirer continued on to say, compared to these places, Bethlehem is either lower on property crime or higher on crimes against persons, but it does illustrate that things could be better in the City. Mr. Scheirer stated one of the areas where the City could and should improve is the crime statistic. Observing that the recent series of related homicides throughout the eastern United States illustrates that Bethlehem is not immune from the violence going on all around it, Mr. Scheirer remarked that Bethlehem is no longer an oasis in a sea of violence. Mr. Scheirer informed the assembly that the Bethlehem Citizens Association voted at its meeting a week ago 11 to 1 that the size of the City’s police force should be increased by four officers per year for the next five years, for a net increase of 20 officers, raising the strength of the Police force from 146 to 166. Mr. Scheirer pointed out that the Police force does a good job but said “they need help.” He stressed now is the time to be proactive and not to wait until things do get worse. Stating that adding 20 officers would cost one mill, Mr. Scheirer thought if it was explained to the citizens they would accept it.

Adding Police Officers

Carol Ann Krasley, Center Street, notified the assembly that on June 30 there was vandalism done to her vehicle, and she publicly thanked Officer Eric Waldeck for his courtesy and concern. Continuing on to inform the Members that pre-4th of July, 4th of July, and post-4th of July there was excessive noise in the neighborhood, Ms. Krasley said she found three labels marked thunder bomb with a warning that it is explosive, and explained there was a horrific boom outside her house. She referred to a Morning Call police report of July 13, 2006 at 136 East Raspberry Street, a half block from her home, where it was reported that a man choked and threatened his son. Denoting that upscale condominiums are in the City with more to come, Ms. Krasley pointed out that people are coming to the area regardless if legalized gambling comes or does not. Insisting these people will expect Police presence, Ms. Krasley said she doubts they will put up with any nonsense. Ms. Krasley stressed “we need to have the Police safe as well as the citizens. That requires additional staffing…”. Ms. Krasley stated she is requesting again night patrols and remarked that is the time when people do their deeds under cover of darkness. Ms. Krasley wondered whether the bargaining unit would take into consideration possibly part-time officers to cover a 40 hour week, thus eliminating a benefit package.

Police Presence; Gang and Drug Activities

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said he would like to see more Police presence in the area of Itaska and Ontario Streets for which he has been pleading, particularly in the area where someone has to be picked up for warrants, to do so on a more continual basis, and to get these people off the streets to lessen the amount of drugs and drug related activities. Mr. Rodriquez noted he talked to Police Commissioner Randall Miller today regarding his information, and other points of discussion. Mr. Rodriquez notified the assembly he was informed by residents that Allentown drug dealers are moving into the Itaska and Ontario Streets areas. Mr. Rodriquez related he called the desk sergeant, and after he gave information on the motorcycle license plate number “still nothing was done”, and he was told it was handled by the narcotics division. Mr. Rodriquez advised he has been informed that Blood gang members will come from out of town to possibly correct what area gang members have done incorrectly, and further explained that gang members will be killed. Stressing something has to be done, Mr. Rodriquez said he is here to inform people by simply alerting them to what was said, and to prevent something from happening. Mr. Rodriquez cautioned if steps are not taken concerning what is about to come, then “we’re going to be in big trouble.” Mr. Rodriquez asked that something be done while there is time and the opportunity.

Adding Police Officers

Carey Blake, 47 East Garrison Street, suggested that more Police Officers be hired, and expressed the hope that most of them would be hired for night patrol, adding there are very few Police on at night. Pointing out that the Police are doing an excellent job, Ms. Blake noted they cannot be everywhere. Ms. Blake wondered if there would possibly be grants to cover the cost of hiring Officers, and queried if there are any grants available through the State.

Mayor Callahan, affirming that the City pursues every opportunity for grants, informed Ms. Blake that the particular grant reported today in the newspaper for the Route 222 gang initiative cannot be used for manpower but rather for gang prevention. Mayor Callahan confirmed to Ms. Blake that Bethlehem received $100,000.

Ms. Blake, reiterating that more Police Officers are needed, thought if other expenses have to be cut in order to get Officers then that should be looked at.

Mayor Callahan, observing that the City is two people short of the smallest workforce in its history, affirmed the City has the largest Police Department in its history. Mayor Callahan continued on to say there are no cuts in the Fire Department, and the City has the largest EMS staff. Mayor Callahan stated that a lot of cuts have been made in white collar jobs, the Parks Department, Streets Bureau, etc. Mayor Callahan pointed out the commitment has been made to put employees on the front lines for basic City services where they are needed most. Mayor Callahan highlighted the fact that adding more Police Officers is always a balance between taxes and resources. Emphasizing that the City has gone through quite a transition because of the loss of its real estate tax base, Mayor Callahan advised that today in 2006 the City is 2% below where it was in 1994 in terms of the City’s tax base, despite the growth the City has experienced. Mayor Callahan denoted the City has 2006 dollar values for expenses such as for medical, utilities, salaries, etc. but has 1994 revenue values to support those 2006 expenses in terms of real estate taxes. Mayor Callahan communicated that the City is doing the best it can with the resources it has. Mayor Callahan informed the assembly that, according to the 2004 FBI uniform crime report, the City of Bethlehem is the safest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

14. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.