Council MInutes

November 17, 2009

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – 7:00 PM

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

President Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Derek French, of East Hills Moravian Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, J. Michael Schweder, and Robert J. Donchez, 7.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of November 4, 2009 were approved.

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

2010 Proposed Budget

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, remarking that no tax increase budgets seem to be the preferred method of operating government, said he would like someone to explain the philosophy in view of a 10%-20% unemployment rate, no cost of living increase in Social Security for senior citizens, and higher Medicare costs. Mr. Grubb stressed that a tax cut would be preferable for those people. Mr. Grubb said the casino host fee will be squandered for the most part to cover miscalculations instead of helping residents. Mr. Grubb asserted that recent City budgets have only been balanced on paper. He continued on to say that revenue projections were off by $1.6 million this year since $1.6 million of casino host fee revenue is needed to cover 2009 expenses. Mr. Grubb, stating that the casino host fee now represents 10.4% of the City Budget, said the intent of the host fee was to mitigate the impact of the casino in the City. Mr. Grubb commented that an average resident who wants to track the host fees and how they will be spent would be hard-pressed to figure that out in the Budget Book. Mr. Grubb insisted that residents are entitled to a clear and concise public accounting of the funds and the Budget. Mr. Grubb urged City Council to scrutinize the Revenues in the Budget. Mr. Grubb observed it is occasionally necessary not to increase salaries for Department Heads and Non-Classified employees. Mr. Grubb stated that photographers whose pictures are used on the Budget Book should be credited on the inside cover, and highlighted the fact that a photograph he took appears on the Proposed 2010 Budget Book. While noting he would have said yes, Mr. Grubb advised that the City should have legally asked him to use his photo.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Tabled Items

None.

B. Unfinished Business

1. Bill No. 28 - 2008 – Amending Zoning Ordinance – Various Sections
2. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties of Historical Interest

C. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Budget Analyst – Audit Proposal

The Clerk read a memorandum dated November 12, 2009 from Mark W. Sivak, Budget Analyst, to which was attached the recommended auditing fee proposal from Maher Duessel, Certified Public Accountants, for the years ending December 31, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

President Donchez stated that the authorizing Resolution will be placed on the December 1, 2009 Agenda.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

President Donchez stated the First Budget Hearing Schedule on the Proposed 2010 Budget will be held tomorrow evening, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall on the following Budgets:

Department of Fire
EMS Bureau
Department of Police
911 Fund
Department of Water and Sewer Resources
Water Fund Revenue Estimates
Water Fund
Water General Expenses
Water Capital
Sewer Fund Revenue Estimates
Sewer Fund
Sewer General Expenses
Sewer Capital

President Donchez further announced that on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall City Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole to review the Five Year Capital Plan. Following the Committee of the Whole Meeting, on November 24, the Second Budget Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM in Town Hall on the following Budgets:

Department of Public Works
Liquid Fuels Fund
Community and Economic Development Department
Community Development Block Grant Fund
Non-Utility Capital Fund

B. Mayor

Randall P. Miller – Police Commissioner

Mayor Callahan, noting it was reported in the newspaper last week, formally congratulated Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, on his selection as Northampton County Sheriff. Pointing out that Mr. Miller stood out among the contestants, Mayor Callahan stated it is a testament to the job Mr. Miller has done in the Police Department as Police Commissioner since 2006, and Deputy Commissioner before that. Stating that Mr. Miller will be missed, Mayor Callahan said he has done a great job and has been a great leader for the Police Department.

President Donchez, expressing his agreement, congratulated Police Commissioner Miller.

C. Human Resources and Environment Committee

Chairman Reynolds presented an oral report of the Human Resources and Environment Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 4:30 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room. The Committee considered the following: Proposed 2010 Personnel Changes. The meeting was for informational purposes in advance of the Budget Hearings on the 2010 Proposed Budget, and no action was required to be taken at the Committee meeting.

D. Public Works Committee

Chairwoman Dolan presented an oral report of the Public Works Committee meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. The Committee considered the following: Replacing Article 721 – Streets and Sidewalks – Proposed Vendor Ordinance. The Members of the Committee unanimously approved several amendments to the proposed Ordinance, and unanimously recommended that the proposed Ordinance with amendments be listed on the December 1, 2009 City Council Agenda for consideration.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

None.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

Considering Ordinances as a Group

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Mowrer moved to consider Bill 25 through Bill 35 as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

A. Bill No. 25 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 General Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 25 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 General Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

B. Bill No. 26 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Water Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 26 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Water Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE WATER FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

C. Bill No. 27 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Sewer Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 27 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Sewer Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE SEWER FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

D. Bill No. 28 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 28 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE GOLF COURSE ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

E. Bill No. 29 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 29 – 2009 – Adopting the Liquid Fuels Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE LIQUID FUELS FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

F. Bill No. 30 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 30 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2010 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.

G. Bill No. 31 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Water Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 31 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Water Utilities, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2010 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR WATER UTILITIES.

H. Bill No. 32 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 32 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2010 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR SEWER UTILITIES.

I. Bill No. 33 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Community Development Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 33 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 Community Development Budget,
sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET FOR 2010.

J. Bill No. 34 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 9-1-1 Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 34 – 2009 – Adopting the 2010 9-1-1 Fund Budget, sponsored by Ms.
Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 9-1-1 FUND BUDGET FOR 2010.

K. Bill No. 35 – 2009 – Fixing the 2010 Tax Rate for All City Purposes

The Clerk read Bill No. 35 – 2009 – Fixing the 2010 Tax Rate for All City Purposes, sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING
THE TAX RATE FOR ALL CITY PURPOSES
FOR THE YEAR 2010.

Voting AYE on New Ordinances 10 A through 10 K: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Bills were declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

Considering Resolutions as a Group

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Leeson moved to consider Resolutions 11 A through 11 E as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

A. Certificate of Appropriateness – 514 Main Street

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-197 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install storm windows with an added 4” arch above at 514 Main Street.

B. Certificate of Appropriateness – 201 Prospect Avenue

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-198 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to erect a 2-story addition to the existing house at 201 Prospect Avenue.

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 61 West Market Street

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-199 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for two replacement windows on the second floor at 61 West Market Street.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 123 East Market Street

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-200 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for the gazebo at 123 East Market Street.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 224 East Wall Street

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2009-201 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to enclose the rear porch and redesign the back steps at 224 East Wall Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 A through 11 E: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolutions passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS.

A. Rescheduling Second Meeting in December to December 22, 2009

Mr. Mowrer and Mr. Reynolds moved to reschedule City Council’s Second Meeting in December to Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall, instead of Tuesday, December 15 that will be the date of the Final Budget Meeting on the Proposed 2010 Budget.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

B. Setting Date for Adoption – 2010 Budget

Mr. Schweder and Mr. Leeson moved to set the date for adoption of the 2010 Budget on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Leeson, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Schweder, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Proposed Draft - New Zoning Ordinance

Al Bernotas, 1004 Johnston Drive, communicated that commercial uses are creeping into the residential district and it is having a negative impact on neighborhoods. Mr. Bernotas thought it is primarily due to a loose interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance by the Zoning

Hearing Board. Mr. Bernotas exemplified that at a Zoning Hearing Board meeting he attended there was a request from a neighbor who wanted another neighbor to lower their fence by one foot and the Zoning Hearing Board agreed. Mr. Bernotas further exemplified that another matter before the Board was a landowner who paved a parking lot without getting permission from the Zoning Hearing Board, and then came before the Board six months later, and the Board allowed it to remain the way it is. He stressed that the individual homeowner had to spend more money but the landowner in the other case did not. Mr. Bernotas pointed out another issue at that meeting involved Zoning Ordinance Section 1302.04 that defines alley, and states that no main buildings shall have frontage on an alley. However, the Zoning Hearing Board gave the applicant the right to build a residential area fronting on an alley. Mr. Bernotas said he does not understand how the Zoning Hearing Board can read the law and reinterpret it in their own way. Mr. Bernotas informed the assembly that he attended the public meeting on the review of the new proposed Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Bernotas advised that in reading a few areas he saw that the current Zoning Ordinance states that no commercial vehicle exceeding two tons or 4,000 lbs. may be stored on a residential lot, and only one commercial vehicle of less than two tons or 4,000 lbs. may be stored on a residential lot. He recited that there is also a definition of a commercial vehicle in the current Zoning Ordinance. However, the new proposed Zoning Ordinance states that no truck with an aggregate gross vehicle weight of more than 13,000 lbs. and no trailer of a tractor trailer combination may be parked on a residential lot, except as if necessary for on-site construction or occasional deliveries. Stressing that the requirement is going from a 4,000 lbs. limitation on a commercial vehicle in a residential area to 13,000 lbs., Mr. Bernotas said he does not understand that particularly in view of the fact that there could be a road tractor parked in the driveway next to his house and there is nothing he can do about it. Mr. Bernotas expressed the hope that City Council will look at the proposed change from a 4,000 lbs. limitation to 13,000 lbs. Mr. Bernotas further notified the assembly that there are no definitions of a commercial vehicle, truck or tractor trailer in the proposed new Zoning Ordinance.

President Donchez thought that another public hearing is to be held on the proposed new Zoning Ordinance this coming Thursday. Mayor Callahan, noting he does know the exact date, advised there will be more opportunities for the public to review the proposed new Zoning Ordinance.

Bethlehem Fields - Lights

Joan Madzarac, 2074 Easton Road, Lower Saucon Township, thanked President Donchez for sending the memo concerning the money being held in escrow relative to the Bethlehem Fields project on Cherry Lane and Easton Road, in view of the fact that lights from the project are directed on her property. Ms. Madzarac asked if there is a response. President Donchez, advising there is not a response as of this evening and the Administration is researching the matter of the escrow funds, expressed the hope that a response may be coming next week. Ms. Madzarac confirmed that Greg Cryder, the City’s Electrician, called her today, and she expressed that he was very kind, courteous, and listened, and he is informed about the situation. Ms. Madzarac noted that Mr. Cryder told her that he got the manufacturer involved and he is giving them a chance to improve the lights. Mr. Cryder explained that if the neighbors complain and the changes do not work then he will make the party responsible take out the lights. Ms. Madzarac expressed her appreciation for what Mr. Cryder has done so far. Mr. Cryder will also notify the neighbors if the manufacturer goes to the site so that the neighbors can meet with them.

Budget; Traffic Sign – Eighth Avenue

Chuck Nyul, 1966 Pinehurst Road, noted that the 2009 Budget was $65 million and the 2010 Budget is $71 million. Referring to quotes from past newspaper articles, Mr. Nyul questioned the way Council will vote on the Budget, and expressed his agreement that revenue projections are worse, while he restated that the 2010 Budget is going up $6 million. Communicating that Council should say no and find a different way, Mr. Nyul asserted that the City is going downhill. Mr. Nyul wondered what happened to the Casino Host Fees that are supposed to be going into the pot to help reduce taxes. Mr. Nyul remarked he does not see the same situation in other cities that he travels to every day. Mr. Nyul explained there is a sign coming from north to south on Eighth Avenue that states Route 378 South – Left Lane. However, the turn on South is in the right lane, and the turn for southbound to Route 378 is only about 200 yards South of the North turn.

President Donchez stated that the matter regarding the traffic sign will be reviewed.

Vendors

Tina Kowalski, merchant at 5 East Fourth Street, referring to comments made by Members of Council at the Public Works Committee meeting of November 12, 2009, remarked that the comments about the merchants were inappropriate. Ms. Kowalski explained that since April approximately 10-12 businesses have been opened in South Bethlehem’s business districts by new, young, entry-level entrepreneurs who work very hard. Ms. Kowalski thought the characterization that the new merchants are rich is wrong because they are low-income, entry-level entrepreneurs who have used all their financial resources to start their businesses and would not see a profit for a long time. Ms. Kowalski, contrasting these new, young, entry-level entrepreneurs with vendors who can pick up and leave at any time, stressed that the merchants cannot since they are far more committed to their businesses. Ms. Kowalski asked that credit be given to the new entrepreneurs coming into the business district because they are the future of the downtown. Ms. Kowalski, insisting that the vendors are not low-income, entry-level entrepreneurs, said they have their shiny pickup trucks, cars, SUVs, motorcycles and own their homes. Ms. Kowalski stated that the hot dog vendor has two vending carts. Referring to the comments made by people from the North Side business district at the November 12 Public Works Committee meeting, Ms. Kowalski expressed the hope that Members of Council base their decision on facts presented all summer by the merchants, residents, and the historic groups of the South Side. Asserting that Bethlehem cannot be compared to Philadelphia, Reading, New York City, or Rome in terms of vending operations, Ms. Kowalski pointed out that Bethlehem does not have the population for five vendors. Ms. Kowalski, advising that Allentown and Easton have two vendor licenses in their business districts, noted that in Allentown one license is being used at the municipal building and in Easton one license is being used at the park. Ms. Kowalski pointed out that the Ordinances in those cities state there will be no push cart vending on the streets or sidewalks in front of any food or retail establishment. Ms. Kowalski stressed that vendors should have the responsibility of picking up garbage. Referring to a comment made that Bethlehem now has a casino and it is time for a change, Ms. Kowalski noted there are neighborhoods around the casino area in Atlantic City that are condemned and further pointed to Detroit’s casino district and Las Vegas where those downtowns are littered with vendors, pawnshops, porno shops, boarded up properties, drug dealers, etc. Ms. Kowalski remarked that is not the change wanted in Bethlehem. Ms. Kowalski asked the Members of Council to think about how they would feel as a merchant if someone pulled up in front of their establishment, blocking the storefront, and started selling food. Ms. Kowalski stressed that the carts are ugly and questioned how the large, silver vending boxes fit in with the historic scheme. Ms. Kowalski stated that vendors do not belong in front of merchants’ front doors. Ms. Kowalski informed the Members that the merchants are very frustrated with the matter, and asked that something be done.

President Donchez confirmed to Ms. Kowalski that City Council has had several meetings on the issue and has not made a decision on the issue. President Donchez advised that a vote will be taken on the Ordinance at the next City Council Meeting on December 1.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said that the soup kitchen volunteer employees should have background checks for diseases and the Health Bureau should step in since he knows someone who has AIDS and is serving behind the kitchen. Mr. Rodriquez requested that security cameras be placed at Wyandotte and West Fourth Streets and at Pawnee and Dakotah Streets. Mr. Rodriquez said he is no longer requesting a Five Points camera at all and added that is not the issue. Mr. Rodriquez stated there is persistent drug activity in and out of New Bethany Ministries, and he sees it every day. Mr. Rodriquez acknowledged that New Bethany Ministries is trying to help people. Mr. Rodriquez thought that comments of the Mayor regarding Bethlehem being the safest city in Pennsylvania is a challenge to criminals. Mr. Rodriquez stated that if more Police are hired they should be put on the vice unit, and stressed that more Police are needed on the street. Mr. Rodriquez explained that he went to CVS to help Hector Mateo because there was a lot of garbage spread in the area.

Recycling; Sands Casino - Bethlehem

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, noted that President Donchez sent a memo regarding his question about recycling at Celtic Fest to which the Recycling Director replied he was told there were 30 blue recycling containers. Mr. Pfenning observed that over 10% of the revenues in the proposed 2010 Budget are based on the Sands Casino host fee. Referring to the third quarter investors conference call from Las Vegas Sands, Mr. Pfenning related that during the management’s presentation there were two sentences about their casino in Bethlehem stating they were pleased with the weekends but not so pleased with the weekdays, and the bus program needs to be ramped up. Mr. Pfenning said during the analysts question period, there was a question about building out the Sand’s Bethlehem facility to which the response was that table games would be installed first. Mr. Pfenning noted that third quarter results for the Sands Bethlehem earnings were $917,000 or about a .6%-.7% annualized return, although it is generating about a $8 million cash flow for the corporation. Mr. Pfenning further informed the assembly that about $80 million will be spent to complete the site for delay and pay outstanding construction payables. Mr. Pfenning commented that during the conversation Mr. Adelson brought up the point that the corporation wants to sell off its non-core assets.

Requiring Council Approval of Building Demolition

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, said Mr. Nyul is right about the sign on Eighth Avenue and it is misleading. Mr. Scheirer noted on May 8, 2007 the Bethlehem Citizens Association adopted a resolution that any building proposed for demolition that is 50 years old or more should be reviewed by City Council, and nothing has happened since that time. Stating the genesis at that point was the proposed razing of Broughal Middle School, Mr. Scheirer affirmed that Broughal Middle School has now been destroyed, as have many other buildings on the South Side as enumerated in a recent article in the Bethlehem Press by Karen Samuels. Noting that the City is waiting for more research to be done on a list of historic resources, Mr. Scheirer stressed that City Council makes the Ordinances and asked the Members to be leaders and to pass an Ordinance now before the developers start acquiring buildings and demolishing them. Mr. Scheirer asserted there is no reason why a Member of Council tonight cannot make a motion that Council review the demolition of any part of any building that is 50 years old or more.

Recognition of Citizen Participation

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, expressed his observation that people who come to the podium to address City Council can be categorized into three groups. Mr. Antalics stated that the third group is comprised of serious, sincere citizens with no personal agenda but the welfare of the community, and who raise issues, impart data, and ask for action. Mr. Antalics thought that Council should have some sort of formal recognition of those citizens who consistently participate in the Council Meetings in an attempt to improve the community. Mr. Antalics wondered if the Members of Council think that would be a good idea.

Ms. Dolan, expressing she thinks it is a good idea and could be something to consider, noted she would have to gauge the viewpoints of the other Members of Council.

Gratitude for City Government Officials and Others Matters

Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, expressed her gratefulness to live in the City of Bethlehem and that there are Members of Council who are willing to serve and listen to citizens, and stressed it is important to recognize the heroes in everyday life. Ms. Pongracz noted that two valuable Members will be leaving Council in a short time, and the citizens are lucky to have them replaced by two good individuals who will be on Council. Ms. Pongracz pointed out that a budget is a working document and is not written in stone, and no one could have foreseen what occurred in the financial markets earlier in the year. Ms. Pongracz credited City officials for putting together a budget in these difficult times.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.