Council MInutes

January 4, 2010

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
NEW COUNCIL
Monday, January 4, 2010 – 7:00 PM
10 East Church Street - Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

1. ROLL CALL OF HOLD-OVER MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

The Clerk called the Roll of the Hold-Over Members of Council. Present as Hold-Over Members were: Robert J. Donchez, Gordon B. Mowrer, and J. William Reynolds, 3.

2. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION

The Clerk affirmed that the Certificates of Election for the newly elected City Controller, and Members of Council had been presented.

3. SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES

A. City Controller – Meg Holland

Paula A. Roscioli, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Northampton County, administered the Oath of Office to Meg Holland, duly elected City Controller.

B. Members of Council - (Jean Belinski was absent), David T. DiGiacinto, Karen D. Dolan, and
Eric R. Evans

Paula A. Roscioli, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Northampton County, administered the individual Oaths of Office to David T. DiGiacinto, Karen D. Dolan, and Eric R. Evans, duly elected Members of Council. (Jean Belinski, duly elected Member of Council was absent.)

4. ROLL CALL OF NEWLY CONSTITUTED COUNCIL.

The Clerk called the Roll of the Newly Constituted Council. Present were: David T. DiGiacinto, Karen D. Dolan, Robert J. Donchez, Eric R. Evans, Gordon B. Mowrer, and J. William Reynolds, 6. Jean Belinski was absent, 1.

5. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL.

Mr. Mowrer made a motion for the election of Robert J. Donchez as President of Council for the years 2010 and 2011. Mr. Evans seconded the motion.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Reynolds, 5. Mr. Donchez abstained, 1. The motion passed.

Mr. Donchez took the Chair.

President Donchez thanked his colleagues for electing him for another term as President of City Council, and expressed that he is humbled by it and he appreciates it very much.

President Donchez congratulated Mayor John Callahan on being sworn in as Mayor this morning, and he congratulated Meg Holland on being sworn in as City Controller. President Donchez, congratulating the newly elected Members of Council, communicated they will find their responsibilities challenging as Bethlehem moves into the next decade. President Donchez pledged his dedication, commitment, and openness. President Donchez stated that, on behalf of his colleagues, he pledged to the Mayor mutual respect, cooperation, and an open line of communication. President Donchez pointed out that as elected officials it is the responsibility to work together and to do what is best for 72,000 citizens of Bethlehem. Commenting that the Members of City Council can debate among themselves, and disagree with the Administration, President Donchez said it is his hope that it will be done professionally and with a sense of respect and decorum. President Donchez remarked it is the responsibility of City Council to govern and move Bethlehem forward into the next decade.

6. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL.

Ms. Dolan made a motion for the election of Gordon B. Mowrer as Vice President of Council for the years 2010 and 2011. Mr. DiGiacinto seconded the motion.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. The motion passed.

7. REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

Mayor Callahan congratulated the incoming Members of Council, and pledged his desire to work with the Members of Council. Mayor Callahan added that, as having been a Member of Council for six years, he appreciates the role that Council plays and looks forward to working with each Member of Council and to work to make a better Bethlehem. Mayor Callahan congratulated Meg Holland as City Controller.

8. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

None.

9. BENEDICTION

Reverend Derek French, of East Hills Moravian Church, offered the Benediction.

10. ADJOURNMENT

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