Council Minutes

September 7, 2010

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 7:00 PM

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

President Robert J. Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Sandra Birchmeier, of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, David T. DiGiacinto, Karen Dolan, Eric R. Evans, Gordon B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, and Robert J. Donchez, 7.

CITATION – Honoring Gary Salabsky

President Donchez stated that the Citation honoring Gary Salabsky on the occasion of his retirement after 42 years of service with the Fire Department will be sent to him since he was not able to attend this evening’s City Council Meeting.

Considering Bills 21 and 23 – 2010

President Donchez announced that, since two Members of Council will be leaving the City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM to attend a memorial service for Robert Thompson, a well-known community leader, the following Ordinances for Final Passage will be considered at the conclusion of the Public Hearing and he will open the Courtesy of Floor for the two Ordinances at that time: Bill No. 21 – 2010 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Ice Rink Repairs, Park/Playground Improvements, and Bill No. 23 – 2010, Non-Utility Capital Borrowing - 2011-2012.

PUBLIC HEARING

Prior to the consideration of the regular Agenda items, President Donchez called to order a Public Hearing to consider an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Section 1325.02 to increase the Zoning Hearing Board membership from three members and two alternates to five members and two alternates.

7 A. Director of Planning and Zoning – Amending Article 1325 – Increasing Zoning Hearing Board
Membership

The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 27, 2010 from Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, stating that at the Planning Commission’s meeting on August 19, 2010 the members unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance text amendment with the revision that the total membership of the Zoning Hearing Board should be five (5) members with no alternates. The reference to alternate members should be deleted from the draft amendment. In addition the amendment should note that terms of office should be five (5) years instead of three (3) years so that the terms of office can “be so fixed that the terms of office of one member shall expire each year”.

7 B. Lehigh Valley Planning Commission – Amending Article 1325 – Increasing Zoning Hearing Board – Membership

The Clerk read a letter dated July 29, 2010 from David P. Berryman, Senior Planner, stating that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission reviewed the subject amendment at its July 29, 2010 meeting. The amendment is a matter of local concern and does not conflict with the County Comprehensive Plan.

President Donchez, recounting that about two years ago he had raised the matter, explained that he had been a member of the Zoning Hearing Board in the past and had always felt that having only three members and two alternates was not the preferable way to conduct business for the Zoning Hearing Board. President Donchez advised that a survey of other Third Class Studies revealed that most have five voting members on their Zoning Hearing Boards. President Donchez continued on to point out that Council Member Dolan also felt strongly about increasing the size of the Zoning Hearing Board to five voting members.

Ms. Dolan credited Al Bernotas, a citizen who had also raised the idea, and noted she had expressed her agreement.

Mr. Reynolds queried if an increase in the size of the Zoning Hearing Board had been included in a proposal with numerous Zoning Ordinance amendments received about two years ago and that had been tabled. Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, responded yes. Mr. Reynolds, advising he will be supporting the proposal that is something he thought should be done, added it is something that probably should have been done a few years ago.

Public Comment

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, inquired about the difference in the proposed Ordinance and the Planning Commission’s recommendation that has no alternates and a term of five years for the members. President Donchez advised those matters will be among the changes.

Al Bernotas, 1004 Johnston Drive, expressed he is delighted that the matter is moving forward quickly. However, Mr. Bernotas thought there should be two alternates so that two more residents of the City can be involved in Zoning matters, and there would be less of a problem with a quorum. Advising that the Planning Commission did not discuss the matter in detail at their meeting which he attended, Mr. Bernotas observed it would revert to the status quo situation with taking the two alternates and making the total number of Zoning Hearing Board members five. Mr. Bernotas pointed out that in the Municipalities Planning Code it states that the governing body may appoint alternates.

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, complimented Mr. Bernotas for pushing the issue. Mr. Antalics noted that, under the proposal, if two members are not in attendance at a Zoning Hearing Board meeting there are still three members which is the present system. Mr. Antalics communicated it is a matter of mathematics, and it should happen.

Amending Proposal

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Reynolds moved the following amendments, as recommended by the Planning Commission:

The first sentence in Section 1325.02 Membership, Terms of Office, Compensation, of the Draft Ordinance that reads as follows:

The Zoning Hearing Board shall consist of five (5) members [and two (2) alternates] appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council for [three] year terms.

Shall be revised to read as follows for First Reading of the Ordinance that will be placed on the September 21 Council Agenda:

The Zoning Hearing Board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council for five year terms.

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

President Donchez stated that the appropriate Ordinance will be placed on the September 21 Council Agenda.

The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of August 17, 2010 were approved.

Motion – Suspending Rules of Council – Considering Bills 21 and 23 – 2010

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Reynolds moved to consider Bills 21 and 23 at this point in the Agenda, and to have Courtesy of the Floor on the two Bills. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - Bills 21 and 23 – 2010

Bill No. 21 – 2010 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Ice Rink Repairs, Park/Playground Improvements

Bruce Haines, 65 W. Market Street, recalled that at the August 17, 2010 City Council Meeting an amendment to Resolution 2010-133 to provide $60,000 for the Main Street Angled Parking project had failed, much to the dismay of businesses and other entities on Main Street that is a cherished part of the heritage of the City. Mr. Haines informed the assembly there is continuously a shortage of parking in the South Main Street area in addition to a drainage issue. Mr. Haines further recalled that at the August 17, 2010 City Council Meeting Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, advised that the cost to provide 27 additional parking spaces would be about $50,000 and the cost to fix the drainage problem would be about $100,000. Communicating that the Administration has established a Main Street versus Ice Rink situation as opposed to trying to do both, Mr. Haines thought that Mr. DiGiacinto’s proposed amendment to allocate $60,000 for the Main Street parking matter while still retaining $480,000 for the Ice Rink provided the opportunity to do both projects, in combination with $75,000 from the CDBG Budget that could potentially also be used for the Main Street parking project for a total of $135,000 towards the approximate $150,000 cost. Continuing on to point out that the funding would solve the parking issue and hopefully improve the view of that area for visitors, Mr. Haines notified the assembly that tourism is down 5-1/2% and hotel occupancy is down 5-1/2% year to date versus last year. Stressing that the City still needs to present itself in the best way possible, Mr. Haines observed that the condition at the south end of Main Street is that there is no grass on the side by the Smithy as a result of the drainage issue, and broken macadam. Mr. Haines, asserting there is no proposal to take care of Main Street, remarked that is a travesty, and added that both the Main Street and Ice Rink projects could be done. Pointing out that $60,000 is less than 10% of the budget for the Ice Rink, Mr. Haines thought that somewhere within the Ice Rink project something could be dismissed in order to provide the money to complete both projects. Mr. Haines implored the Members of Council to reintroduce leaving $60,000 for the Main Street parking project as proposed at the last City Council Meeting.

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, recounted he had suggested an alternative parking plan for the south Main Street area to provide parking on the opposite side of the street to which he noted some positive responses as well as a call from a Member of Council. Mr. Antalics questioned whether Council has looked at this as a viable alternative.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill No. 21 – 2010 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Ice Rink Repairs, Park/Playground Improvements

The Clerk read Bill No. 21 – 2010, Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget – Ice Rink Repairs, Park/Playground Improvements, on Final Reading.

Mr. DiGiacinto stated that, in view of the fact that the actual project cost for the Ice Rink is not yet known since the bids have not yet been received, he still feels strongly about leaving some money aside, other than the CDBG funds, for the Main Street parking project, specifically the $60,000 as he had proposed at the August 17, 2010 City Council Meeting.

Motion – Amending Ordinance

Mrs. Belinski moved the following Amendment, and Mr. DiGiacinto seconded the motion:

That Sections 2 and 3 which read as follows:

SECTION 2. That the following allocation be changed:

From To

Park/Playground Improve $313,390 $333,390
Ice Rink Renovations -0- [200,000]

SECTION 3. That the following revenue be changed:

Recreation Fac. Fund $ -0- $220,000

Shall be amended to read as follows:

SECTION 2. That the following allocation be changed:

From To

Park/Playground Improve $313,390 $333,390
Ice Rink Renovations -0- 140,000
Unprogrammed Funds -0- 60,000

SECTION 3. That the following revenue be changed:

Recreation Fac. Fund $ -0- $220,000

Ms. Dolan, stating that she will vote no because money can be moved at a later time, emphasized that during the present bidding process for the Ice Rink project it is important that the City have a strong bid for the project. She continued on to say one of the things that makes it strong is City Council’s solid approval, in order that the City can get the best and most competitive bids. Ms. Dolan highlighted the fact that, as explained in the memorandum from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, the City is moving forward on having more parking on Main Street. Ms. Dolan added that the City also wants to do the drainage project. Ms. Dolan, communicating that more will be heard about the Main Street parking project in the near future, stressed that right now the Ice Rink project needs to be supported.

Mr. Evans said his concern is moving money at this time when the bids have not yet been received. While expressing confidence that the bids for the Ice Rink would come in lower than the anticipated cost, Mr. Evans thought that Main Street parking should also be kept as a high priority. Mr. Evans, adding that high priority projects in his mind were the new EMS building, Ice Rink and the parking, expressed the hope that all three projects can be done. Mr. Evans thought that Council should wait and see what the bid numbers are for the Ice Rink project before moving funds.

Mr. Mowrer observed that the intent of the amendment is to help both the Main Street parking project and the Ice Rink project.

Mr. DiGiacinto recalled that at the last City Council Meeting funds were transferred from three accounts to the Ice Rink Repairs Account without any bids having yet been received. Mr. DiGiacinto did not think that the location of the funds affects the bid process at all.

Ms. Dolan said she received information from the Business Administrator and the Mayor that having City Council approval is important to the bid package. Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, affirmed that the money must be allocated in order to sign the contract for the Ice Rink project.

Amendment Passes

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Donchez, 4. Voting NAY: Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Reynolds, 3. The Amendment passed.

Voting AYE on Bill No. 21 – 2010, as Amended: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Ms. Dolan, 1. Bill No. 2010-21, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2010-22 was declared adopted.

B. Bill No. 23 – 2010 – 2010 General Obligation Note – Non-Utility Capital Borrowing for 2011-2012 - $6,040,000

The Clerk read Bill No. 23 – 2010, Non-Utility Capital Borrowing - 2011-2012, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 2010 – 23, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2010-23, was declared adopted.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on Ordinances and Resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit)

Bill No. 24 – 2010 – Authorizing Agreement with Hellertown – Route 412 Traffic Signals

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, asked if the improvements to be done in the Route 412 project will include the system whereby emergency vehicles can turn lights green. Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, replied yes, and further informed Mr. Pfenning that, as part of the Route 412 project, the work will include the intersection of Cherry Lane and Hellertown Road.

Silvex Road - History

Stephen Antalics, with reference to Communication 7 D, asked the origin of the word Silvex in Silvex Road, whether it has historic significance, and what is the alternative name.

Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, responded that the matter would need to be reviewed.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Tabled Items

None.

B. Unfinished Business

1. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties of Historical Interest
(Assigned to Preservation Plan Task Force)

C. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

C. Councilwoman Dolan – Amending Council Rules – Committee Duties – Community and Economic Development Committee

The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 18, 2010 from Karen D. Dolan, Chairwoman of the Community and Economic Development Committee, to which was attached a proposed draft Resolution amending Council Rules to revise the duties of the Community and Economic Development Committee to include matters relating to landmarks and property of historical interest.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Community Development Committee.

D. Director of Public Works – Renaming Silvex Road

The Clerk read a memorandum dated August 17, 2010 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, requesting that Silvex Road between State Route 412 and Fire Lane/College Drive be renamed to College Drive since most traffic destinations are to facilities of Lehigh University along College Drive and Mountain Drive South. In the memorandum it was noted that under the provisions of Resolution 12,787 City Council can change an existing street name if there is confusion or discontinuity in the street network that may be corrected by a name change.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Public Works Committee.

E. Environmental Advisory Council – Proposed Resolution – Riparian Buffer Zones

The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 2, 2010 to which was attached a proposed Resolution from the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) concerning riparian buffer zones adjacent to streams.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Parks and Public Property Committee.

F. Establishing Article 145 – Bethlehem Human Relations Commission

The Clerk read a memorandum dated September 3, 2010 from Mayor John B. Callahan to which was attached a proposed Ordinance establishing the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission.

President Donchez referred the proposal to the Human Resources and Environment Committee.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

Public Hearing - Police Officer John Nye

President Donchez stated that a Public Hearing on the matter of Police Officer John Nye has been scheduled on Wednesday, September 22 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – Judith L. Hinkle – Civil Service Board – Police

Mayor Callahan reappointed Judith L. Hinkle to the membership on the Civil Service Board – Police effective until September 2014. Mr. Mowrer and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2010-134 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

C. Public Safety Committee

Mr. DiGiacinto, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, gave an oral report of the Committee’s meeting held this evening at 6:00 PM in Town Hall prior to the Council Meeting on the following subject: Lease Agreement – Police Substation – 745 Linden Street. The Committee unanimously recommended that City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the Lease Agreement. As confirmed by City Solicitor Spirk, Section 18 of the Lease Agreement would bind any prospective purchaser of the property to the duties and obligations provided for in the current lease. The Committee reviewed the following item for informational purposes: Military Buyback.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 24 – 2010 – Authorizing Cooperative Memorandum of Agreement – Borough of Hellertown – State Route 412 Multi-Jurisdictional Traffic Signal

The Clerk read Bill No. 24 – 2010 – Authorizing Cooperative Memorandum of Agreement – Borough of Hellertown – SR 0412 Multi-Jurisdictional Signal, sponsored by Mr. Mowrer and Mr. DiGiacinto, and titled:

COOPERATIVE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF HELLERTOWN AND
THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM FOR STATE ROUTE 412
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL SIGNAL.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. Bill No. 24 – 2010 was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

Motion – Considering Resolutions 11 A through 11 C as a Group

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Reynolds moved to consider Resolutions 11 A through 11 C as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The motion passed.

A. Authorizing Records Destruction – Office of Economic Development

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-135 that authorized the disposition of public records from the Office of Economic Development as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008 and Resolution 2010-6.

B. Authorizing Records Destruction – Health Bureau

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-136 that authorized the disposition of public records from the Health Bureau as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008 and Resolution 2010-6.

C. Authorizing Records Destruction – EMS Bureau

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-137 that authorized the disposition of public records from the EMS Bureau as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008 and Resolution 2010-6.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 A through 11 C: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolutions passed.

D. Authorizing Highway Safety Project Grant – Contract No. IDP-2011

Mr. Mowrer and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2010-138 that authorized the execution of grant documents with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Highway Safety Project Grant No. IDP-2011-Bethlehem City-00011 to provide funds through September 30, 2011 for DUI program sobriety checkpoints and expanded DUI enforcement operations.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

E. Authorizing Combined Planning Challenge Grant/TIGER II Planning Grant – Bethlehem Greenway Master Plan

Mr. Mowrer and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2010-139 that authorized the application for a combined Community Planning Challenge Grant/TIGER II Grant for the Bethlehem Greenway Master Plan for Improved Livability project that includes development of a citywide master plan for greenway opportunities in the City, along with detailed design and implementation of targeted Greenway connections in South Bethlehem.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution passed.

Motion – Considering Resolutions 11 F through 11 J as a Group

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Reynolds moved to consider Resolutions 11 F through 11 J as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The motion passed.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 128-130 West Fourth Street

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-140 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to add a second story addition and renovate the façade at 128-130 West Fourth Street.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 301 Broadway

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-141 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove all “Wachovia Bank” signs and install new wall signs at 301 Broadway.

H. Certificate of Appropriateness – 333 South New Street

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-142 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing window decal with a new one at 333 South New Street.

I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 409 East Fourth Street

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-143 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new hanging sign at 409 East Fourth Street.

J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 451 Main Street

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-144 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a projecting sign, window sign and repaint the wood trim on the façade at 451 Main Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 F through 11 J: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolutions passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS.

None.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Casino Host Fee Revenue

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, handed out his calculations of the Casino Host Fee revenue and predicted the slots revenue portion will exceed the budget by $20,600. He added that since the floor of the Sands Casino was reconfigured the payout percentage dropped about 1%. Turning to table games, Mr. Pfenning said the non-banking or poker games did about double what the house had said and the banked tables came in about half. He pointed out the State report noted there is a novelty impact, as well as some capacity constraints due to lack of dealers. Mr. Pfenning thought the City’s budgeted number of $275,000 for Table Games Host Fees will be missed by about $230,000. Mr. Pfenning informed the assembly that he attended the Sands annual meeting in June and it did not appear as though the Bethlehem operation would generate the numbers that were discussed by the company principals.

Town Hall – Lecture Series

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, asked the status of the Town Hall lectures. President Donchez notified Mr. Scheirer that he will have a follow-up meeting with Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development and Professor Pettegrew on Friday.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, requested that garbage cans be placed at Fourth and Wyandotte Streets at the parking lot, and recalled that garbage cans had been removed due to people placing their personal trash in them. Mr. Rodriquez asked if cameras were installed at Thomas and Buchanan Streets. He noted that his request to have cameras placed at Pawnee and Dakotah Streets was denied. Mr. Rodriquez, pointing out that the criminal activities are spreading, recounted he has been asking for some time to educate residents to take preventive action. Mr. Rodriquez questioned why residents have to continually put up with drug activity, robberies, thefts, etc., and pointed out it affects the way people live and the way their children are brought up. Mr. Rodriquez suggested that in locations where cameras do not seem to be working they should be moved to somewhere else to be more useful. Mr. Rodriquez stated that he comes to the City Council Meetings to report the occurrences in the community with the hope that these matters can be taken care of so that City officials and others will not have to suffer the consequences of criminal activities that are increasing, and added it is for everyone’s well-being. Mr. Rodriquez observed that things he has been saying for the past four years are coming true, and stressed it will get worse. Mr. Rodriquez asked that the patrols be stepped up.

Historic District – Request for Security Cameras

Christine Thierry, 258 E. Market Street, distributed a map and a petition signed by almost every resident in the area, and informed the Members that she is at the Meeting on behalf of her neighbors and her family to request that the City install three surveillance cameras to keep the criminals who do not live in the neighborhood from targeting it. Ms. Thierry said they are accessing the neighborhood by crossing Market, Linden, and Center Streets and escape the same ways. Ms. Thierry explained that residents who have lived in the area for 20-50 years who have never seen crime such as is being experienced. Communicating that the neighbors are a very law-abiding group, Ms. Thierry pointed out that the crimes are not being committed by the people who live in the neighborhood area. In addition, Ms. Thierry noted that the area is a large tax base for the City, the neighbors light their houses during the Christmas season, and people appreciate and enjoy the historic district. Mentioning that lighting has been suggested as a solution, Ms. Thierry stated lighting is very costly, especially historically appropriate lighting, and added it would be very bright. She continued on to explain that, in addition to lighting all the various streets in the historic district, the alleys would also have to be lit since they are magnets for criminals who access homes through the alleys. Ms. Thierry restated that the request is for three cameras so they could serve as the eyes for the Police. Ms. Thierry informed the assembly that two of the three breaking in and entering incidents this year occurred during the day; and, two of the four crimes that occurred at night were near a street light. Ms. Thierry stressed that a security camera would have spotted one of the muggers, and highlighted the fact that cameras have extraordinary night vision. Notifying City officials that Allentown has about 100 security cameras and is adding more next year, Ms. Thierry turned to the letter in the handout from Mayor Pawlowski of Allentown in which he noted that cameras are excellent evidence and save prosecution costs. Ms. Thierry, stating that 100% of the neighbors in the community want security cameras, enumerated that 46% of the neighborhood residents no longer feel safe inside their homes, 18% are either moving or thinking of moving due to the crime, and 9% will appeal their taxes if their property values drop. Ms. Thierry said she would not have moved to the neighborhood is she would have known about the crime.

President Donchez, noting that he and Ms. Thierry had tried to contact each other, advised that the issue will be referred to Stuart Bedics, Police Commissioner.

Mary Ellen Kistler-Strout, 239 E. Wall Street, noting there are a lot of one way streets in the neighborhood, said cameras could help since people can only get in and out of the neighborhood in a certain direction. Ms. Kistler-Strout, expressing that the residents have a lot of pride in their neighborhood, pointed out that the value of the homes is high, special historic materials must be used in repairs, and remarked she would hate to see things go back to the way they were when she first moved here about 12 years ago. Ms. Kistler-Strout communicated that the neighbors would really appreciate serious consideration of the cameras to help them keep the historic district as pleasant as it has been. Adding that the neighborhood residents do not want visitors to Musikfest and Celtic Classic to feel unsafe walking back to their cars, Ms. Kistler-Strout noted the situation affects more people than just those living there.

Carol Ann Krasley, Center Street, informed the assembly that years ago she felt exactly the same way as has been described by the two previous speakers. As a lifelong resident of Bethlehem, Ms. Krasley related that she has walked in the historic district and looked at the beautiful architecture, and well-maintained properties and wishing she could afford to live there. Recalling that, as some City officials know, there have been problems in the Center Street area where she lives, Ms. Krasley expressed her appreciation for all the efforts in addressing the area. Ms. Krasley, communicating that no one would have thought these situations are happening in the historic district, stated that she shares the sentiments expressed. Asking that something be done to help the residents, Ms. Krasley pointed out that some of the residents have come to the block watch meetings.

Human Relations Commission

James Holliman, 817 Lynn Avenue, said he would like to recommend that the Human Relations Commission be proactive within the community and go out into the community to educate citizens and businesses about incidents. Mr. Holliman commented that as incidents are investigated they lose their way through the channels and there is not knowledge of what is occurring with them. Mr. Holliman continued on to say people should be able to be effective in fighting back against incidences so they do not recur.

Conflict of Interest

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, advising that he has researched the matter of the TIF for the BethWorks area very carefully, said a number of people have asked him whether the Director of Community and Economic Development can also be a member of the Board of Directors of ArtsQuest. Mr. Antalics asked for a legal opinion from either the City Council Solicitor or the City Solicitor whether there is a conflict of interest for this individual holding both positions.

President Donchez commented that he would take the matter under advisement and discuss it with the City Council Solicitor.

Main Street Parking; Zoning Hearing Board

Mary Pongracz, 321 W. Fourth Street, said Mr. Haines is 100% correct in stating that parking should be provided for the merchants on Main Street. Ms. Pongracz communicated that most of the people who came to the last City Council Meeting to speak in favor of funding for the Ice Rink repairs and renovations do not live in the City of Bethlehem. Ms. Pongracz continued on to say that most of the people who shop on Main Street live in the City of Bethlehem. Ms. Pongracz queried where should the money be better allocated than to benefit the people of the City of Bethlehem. Ms. Pongracz questioned where are the other merchants on Main Street who would come as a body to a City Council Meeting rather than having Mr. Haines from the Hotel Bethlehem stand here alone. Ms. Pongracz expressed the hope that there will be at least two women appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board as members or alternates. Ms. Pongracz stressed that Mr. Antalics asked a very sensible, legitimate question in inquiring about the history of Silvex Road and it is not a laughable matter. Ms. Pongracz advised that Silvex Road has a long history in the City.

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