Council Minutes

November 3, 2010

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 – 7:00 PM

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

President Robert J. Donchez called the meeting to order. Gordon B. Mowrer, Member of Council, 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 Daniel Kindig

President Donchez presented a Citation to Daniel Kindig on the occasion of his retirement after 22 years of service to the City in the Public Works Department. The Members of Council applauded Mr. Kindig and wished him well in his retirement.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of October 19, 2010 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Renaming Silvex Road to College Drive

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, holding up a book by the Bethlehem Historic Society and the Historic Society of South Bethlehem, stressed they are dedicated citizens whose prime mission is preservation of the history of Bethlehem. He asserted that their opinions should override others given their knowledge. He also referred to the letter that the Members of Council received from the president of the South Bethlehem Historic Society concerning their opposition to the renaming of Silvex Road. Mr. Antalics stated that to change the name of Silvex Road to College Drive serves no real purpose other than continuing to destroy the history of the South Side. Mr. Antalics said if Council Members vote to change the name then they owe it to these historic societies to state why. He felt if City Council is concerned about historic preservation then the vote should be 7 to 0 not to change the name. Mr. Antalics communicated the importance of the Silvex Company that manufactured quality spark plugs.

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, commented that street names reflect the history of their day. Mr. Grubb expressed that it is an affront to the history of its time to rename Silvex Road to College Drive, and stated there is no problem with finding Silvex Road particularly given present technology. Mr. Grubb thought perhaps the real reason for the proposed name change might be that Lehigh University does not want its visitors to have to drive past the casino or the South Side. Mr. Grubb exclaimed that each name means something in the context of its time and is part of the City’s historic fabric. Mr. Grubb remarked that renaming Silvex Road does not make sense and the request should be rejected.

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, noted that Ettwein Street was named after Bishop Ettwein. Mr. Scheirer stated that the previous speakers made a compelling case against renaming Silvex Road to College Drive. Mr. Scheirer said those who are casual about preserving history are condemned to lose it, and added there is a very casual attitude toward history in the City. Questioning the priorities, Mr. Scheirer commented that the history of the City is being lost bit by bit. Mr. Scheirer stressed that the City has a lot of history that is worth preserving and it is good economics to do so.

Tony Simao, 1135 E. Third Street, a board member of the South Bethlehem Historical Society, citing the personal story of one of the co-authors, confirmed the earlier comment that there is meaning behind the book Mr. Antalics showed to the audience. Mr. Simao advised the writers have tried to keep Bethlehem’s history told. Mr. Simao, noting he was raised on the South Side, remarked he has not seen anyone lost because they did not know the location of Silvex Road. Mr. Simao, turning to a remark that spark plugs were bad for the environment, stressed that was the case with Bethlehem Steel that is part of the history of the City. Mr. Simao continued on to say that the Silvex Company made good spark plugs and that is also part of the City’s history. He added that the City is everybody’s story being told at once. Mr. Simao asked Council to consider not changing the name of Silvex Road.

Rooming Houses and Regulated Rental Units

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said he would like Rooming Houses and Regulated Rental Units to be inspected more often. Mr. Rodriquez added there are drug and other activities occurring at some of these places, there are many occupants in some of them, and he questioned how some pass inspection.

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

A. Housing and Community Development Planner – Adjusting 2011 CDBG Program

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from Irene Woodward, Housing and Community Development Planner, advising that notification was received that the HUD Planning Challenge Grant has not been awarded to the City. It is requested that the budget be adjusted to remove that line item and reduce the reprogrammed funds, BEAR Program, by $60,000 for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2011 Community Development Block Grant budget.

President Donchez stated the request will be considered under Resolution 11 A.

B. City Solicitor – Amending Article 1113 – Food Code Regulations

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed ordinance to amend Article 1113 of the Codified Ordinances entitled Food Code Regulations.

President Donchez noted that the Ordinance can be placed on the November 16 Agenda for First Reading since the Community Development Committee does not wish to review the matter.

C. City Solicitor – Amending Article 1731 – Inspections

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed ordinance to amend Article 1731 of the Codified Ordinances entitled Inspections.

President Donchez noted that the Ordinance can be placed on the November 16 Agenda for First Reading since the Community Development Committee does not wish to review the matter.

D. City Solicitor – Article 1733 – Adoption of 2009 ICC International Property Maintenance Code

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed ordinance to adopt the 2009 ICC International Property Maintenance Code, together with additions, deletions and modifications.

President Donchez noted that the Ordinance can be placed on the November 16 Agenda for First Reading since the Community Development Committee does not wish to review the matter.

E. City Solicitor – Amending Article 1735 – Rooming Houses

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed ordinance to amend Article 1735 of the Codified Ordinances entitled Rooming Houses.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Finance Committee.

F. City Solicitor – Amending Article 1739 – Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed ordinance to amend Article 1739 of the Codified Ordinances entitled Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Finance Committee.

G. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement for Public Property – ArtsQuest – Christkindlmarkt 2010, PeepsFest 2010 and Countdown in Downtown 2010

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 28, 2010 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed resolution for a Use Permit Agreement for Public Property between ArtsQuest and the City of Bethlehem to lease various City properties for Christkindlmarkt 2010, PeepsFest 2010 and Countdown in Downtown 2010, according to the Agreement.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be listed on the November 16 Agenda.

H. Council Member Evans – Main Street Parking

The Clerk read a memorandum dated October 27, 2010 from Eric R. Evans, Member of Council to which was attached a proposed resolution for a transfer of funds in the Non-Utility Capital Budget totaling $60,000 for the Main Street parking project.

Mr. Evans explained the request is to place the funds in the right account following action taken at the September 7, 2010 City Council Meeting.

President Donchez stated that the Resolution will be listed on the November 16 Agenda.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

1. Councilmanic Appointment – Eric R. Evans – Recreation Commission

President Donchez appointed Eric R. Evans to membership on the Recreation Commission to fill the vacancy of Jean Belinski who resigned, effective until August 2014. Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-168 to confirm the appointment.

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

Public Hearings

President Donchez announced the following Public Hearings: Police Officer John Nye – Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM in Town Hall; Police Officer Michael Lenner – Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall.

B. Mayor

None.

C. Public Safety Committee and Finance Committee

Chairman DiGiacinto presented an oral report of the joint meeting of the Public Safety and Finance Committees held this evening, Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall on the following subjects: Replacing Article 735 – Emergency Alarm Systems and Fees, with the Fees also reviewed by the Finance Committee; and, Proposed Lost and Stolen Gun Reporting Ordinance that was tabled.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

None.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

None.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Approving 2011 Action Plan – CDBG and HOME Programs

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-169 that approved the Annual Action Plan for the 2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs for submittal to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Amendment to Resolution 11 A

Ms. Dolan and Mr. DiGiacinto moved the following Amendment, in accordance with Communication 7 A that was read into the record:

Delete the following: Planning – HUD Grant Match - $60,000
Decrease the following: BEAR Program (Account 92507) From - $150,000 to $90,000

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

Voting AYE on the Resolution, as Amended: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Renaming Silvex Road – College Drive

Mrs. Belinski and Ms. Dolan sponsored a Resolution to change the street name of Silvex Road, between State Route 412 and Fire Lane/College Drive, to College Drive under the provisions of Resolution 12,787 adopted October 21, 1997 that states in Paragraph 2 (a) that City Council will change an existing street name if there is confusion or discontinuity in the street network that may be corrected by a name change.

Ms. Dolan affirmed that she has devoted much time since she has lived in Bethlehem and from the time she became a Member of Council to issues of historic preservation. Highlighting the fact that she spent a summer trying to prevent the demolition of Broughal Middle School, Ms. Dolan explained that her thoughts have nothing to do with any desire to destroy history. Ms. Dolan noted that street names are not necessarily accurate clues to learn about history. Exemplifying that Illick’s Mill Road is inaccurately named, Ms. Dolan explained the mill at Illick’s Mill Road was not designed or built by Joseph Illick and was in operation for more than 30 years before the Illicks operated it as a mill and then rented it out to other millers. Ms. Dolan advised that the mill was designed, built, and operated by John Peters. Ms. Dolan, informing the assembly that she researched the Silvex Company, advised it was a spark plug manufacturer that operated in Bethlehem. Pointing out it is unusual to name a road after a manufacturer, Ms. Dolan commented perhaps it was named because the owner of the Silvex Company was the brother of Charles Schwab who owned Bethlehem Steel. Ms. Dolan notified the assembly she researched the history of spark plugs and found that Albert Champion from France invented a new spark plug and later moved to Michigan where he founded Champion Ignition Company. The spark plugs were used in Charles Lindbergh’s and Amelia Earhart’s planes, and in the space shuttle to the moon. Ms. Dolan, acknowledging there is no longer a manufacturing company on Silvex Road, highlighted the fact that there is a road that leads to Lehigh University the history of which is interwoven with the City’s and the nation’s history. Ms. Dolan communicated that it would be a precedent to keep the original name of every road for no historical reason.

Mrs. Belinski stated that she is not in favor of renaming Silvex Road, and added she was born in a house on Sheets Street on the South Side.

Mr. Evans observed that there is history and character to Silvex Road although it might be somewhat limited. Mr. Evans said he did not think the name of Silvex Road needs to be changed in order to do what is trying to be accomplished. Explaining it was easy to find Silvex Road and the roadway to Lehigh University with his GPS, Mr. Evans pointed out it does not help that much to change the name of the road, and there is no confusion in finding the road from Route 412, for example. Noting there is some significance to the name, Mr. Evans stated he does not see an overriding reason to change the name of Silvex Road to College Drive.

Mr. Mowrer, communicating there are some times when things need to be changed for a variety of reasons, said he does not think this is a particularly important time to change the name of a street. Mr. Mowrer affirmed he has listened to what people had to say, and stated he will vote against changing the name of Silvex Road to College Drive because there is something significant about the past in this particular issue.

Ms. Dolan clarified she is concerned about setting a precedent, and added it is important to understand what is important to save. Pointing out it is easy to save the name of Silvex Road, Ms. Dolan stressed how difficult it is to save things that are of tremendous historical importance. She highlighted the fact that Broughal Middle School was demolished and it was a useless loss. Ms. Dolan, querying whether consideration could be given to trying to set precedence where the importance of history is concerned, stressed there needs to be devotion to the right things as opposed to just the easy things. Ms. Dolan said her vote is not against history but is the opposite.

Voting AYE: Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Reynolds, 2. Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, and Mr. Donchez, 5. The Resolution failed.

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

Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer moved to consider Resolutions 11 C through 11 F as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 325 Broadway

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-170 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new wall sign at 325 Broadway.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 606 Evans Street

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-171 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to repair or replace the roof with Slateline shingles at 606 Evans Street.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 409-411 Wyandotte Street

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-172 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate the façade including roofing, windows, and trim at 409-411 Wyandotte Street.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 320 East Third Street

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 2010-173 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the neon signage with similar signage at 320 East Third Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 C through 11 F: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolutions passed.

12. NEW BUSINESS.

Pedestrian and Traffic Issues

Mr. Evans, noting there was an accident on Elizabeth Avenue last evening when there was a soccer game at Liberty High School and a pedestrian was struck, questioned whether anything can be done at the crossing. He added that incidents are occurring there more frequently.

Stuart Bedics, Police Commissioner, advising that the School District hires Police Officers for extra duty assignments for security, noted perhaps the time period can be extended for traffic crossings when there are athletic games. In further response to Mr. Evans, Police Commissioner Bedics expressed agreement with the suggestion for having the lights on the School District security vehicles turned on.

Mr. Reynolds, affirming he lives in the area and has observed the situation, noted it does cost money to monitor, and expressed it is a known situation when there are many people attending a game at Liberty High School. Mr. Reynolds commented that, other than putting another traffic sign or stop light there, motorists continue on the roadway since they know there is not another light until Linden Street. He added that while trees provide ambiance in the neighborhood they sometimes diminish the amount of light from the street lights.

Ms. Dolan, affirming she works at Liberty High School, said she does not necessarily think it has to cost money. She noted the pedestrian signs that are used in various areas should probably be in this area at the start of the school day or an athletic event, and then put back inside by a school custodian. Explaining it is dangerous for pedestrians, Ms. Dolan pointed out the signs would make a significant difference at little cost.

Mayor Callahan stated that the City will make sure that the pedestrian placards are placed there and will communicate with the School District as to the proper placement. Mayor Callahan further noted that Michael Alkhal, Public Works Director, has just advised that the particular crosswalk on Elizabeth Avenue does not have the special reflective material, and the City will make sure it is painted. In addition, the Police Department will work with the Health Bureau to implement the pedestrian awareness program in the area before and after games.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Contract Hauling

Scott Feist, 161 Longenbach Avenue, Nazareth, with Symons Sanitation, commented that he wanted to address the matter of a single trash hauler system that was recently reported in the newspapers.

President Donchez, affirming that City Council has not received a proposal from the Administration, noted that Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development, has indicated that a proposal may be presented in 2011.

Mr. Feist noted that the pile of trash pictured in the newspaper article is on the South Side and observed that it brings the trash haulers into account. Mr. Feist explained there are situations on the South Side that will not change with contract hauling such as absentee landlords and student housing. Pointing out that Bethlehem has an impeccably kept downtown for which the trash haulers do not receive credit, Mr. Feist continued on to communicate that the haulers also do not get credit for going behind houses to pick up garbage, among other matters. Mr. Feist stated the current trash hauling system is one of the best there is, it works well and should be preserved. Referring to a statement in the article that Bethlehem is one of the most progressive cities, Mr. Feist remarked Bethlehem should not simply do what everyone else does by going with a single hauler. Mr. Feist highlighted the fact that the issue of delinquency would not change with contract hauling and it would become the City’s problem. Mr. Feist did not think the newspaper article accurately represents the City of Bethlehem or the haulers in the City, and rather it is an isolated incident in an isolated area. Turning to another picture in the article of recyclable materials, Mr. Feist pointed out it is inherent to the contracted recycling curbside pickup process in the City that recyclables and lids from the recycling cans blow around at times. Mr. Feist informed the assembly that the company has tried to change with the times and has implemented volume-based and per bag pricing that would likely not continue with a contract system.

Andrew Prickler, 1843 Willow Park Road, recounting that the issue has been discussed before, exclaimed that the individual trash haulers is the best system that anyone could ask for. Mr. Prickler advised that the haulers provide commodity rate discounts to entice people to recycle, and try to work with the Health Bureau when there is a problem with a customer. Questioning the statements of the Recycling Director in the article, Mr. Prickler stressed there is much false and misleading information in the article. Mr. Prickler asserted there is no need for contract hauling, and the reason behind it is money. Mr. Prickler pointed out that the people in the City have already spoken going back to the Smith Administration, and Town Hall was crowded with no seats when the meeting was held on contract hauling at that time. Mr. Prickler observed that mention was made of a trash to energy facility. Mr. Prickler, highlighting the fact that people have the right to free enterprise, indicated there could be repercussions.

Contract Hauling; Silvex Road; Town Hall Lecture Series

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, commented that a downside of contract hauling is an effective monopoly with market power, and added that some improvements could be made to the garbage pickup system. Mr. Scheirer denoted that his remarks concerning Silvex Road were not addressed to any particular person. Mr. Scheirer informed the assembly that the first Town Hall lecture was a success, there were at least 48 attendees, and at the conclusion over half of the attendees had discussion groups. Mr. Scheirer summarized the lecture, and advised there will be another lecture in January 2011.

Contract Hauling; Budget

Thomas Carrell, 248 E. Union Boulevard, noting that people from outside the Lehigh Valley often comment to him about how unique, clean and nice Bethlehem is, stated he is proud to affirm that at every level. Turning to the statements that Bethlehem is the only one that does not have contract hauling, Mr. Carrell queried how is it that Bethlehem is the cleanest and safest City and then officials turn around and say perhaps the City should have contract hauling. Mr. Carrell expressed that Bethlehem’s streets are cleaner than Allentown’s, for example. Further observing that contract hauling would deprive business people of their way of making their living, Mr. Carrell communicated that this issue, in addition to other issues such as the proposed Lost and Stolen Gun Ordinance and the Emergency Alarm Ordinance, is overreaching of City government. He continued on to remark it is a matter of money, as is the issue of towing contracts. Mr. Carrell implored Council Members, in conjunction with their review of the 2011 Budget, to think about the people, the economy, and individual liberties.

Silvex Road

Tony Simao, 1135 E. Third Street, thanked City Council for not passing the name change of Silvex Road to College Drive. Mr. Simao clarified that sometimes history is taken down by a bulldozer or wrecking ball while at other times history is chipped away at slowly until all of a sudden it is gone and no one even knows what a name means. Highlighting the fact that Council also did not change of the name of Founders Way to SteelStacks Boulevard, Mr. Simao expressed the hope that it continues and grows.

Various Issues

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, also thanked City Council for not passing the name change of Silvex Road to College Drive. Mr. Grubb noted he would never question Ms. Dolan’s commitment to history. Mr. Grubb explained that Broughal field cannot be used for one year until the field actually takes hold. Mr. Grubb pointed out that when State Police cars are parked with the lights flashing on highways where there is construction the traffic becomes very orderly and meets the speed limits. Mr. Grubb thought that perhaps a similar methodology could be used at Liberty High School when there are athletic events, or elsewhere in the community. Recalling previous discussions regarding contract hauling, Mr. Grubb stressed the importance of involving all the haulers early in the process and understanding their issues. Relating a conversation he had with a Police Officer from Philadelphia who visited the downtown, Mr. Grubb said he does not think people realize the impact of the Police Department’s gang arrest throughout the State. Mr. Grubb explained that the Philadelphia Police Officer was extremely complimentary and appreciative of the efforts of the law enforcement officials in the Bethlehem area, and the benefits to other areas of the arrests.

Gaming Revenues; Redevelopment Authority

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, citing the Casino table games numbers, said there seems to be a $194,000 shortfall that is a 2.7% shortfall on the City’s budget which is not that bad. Mr. Pfenning commented that the City should be proud of the performance of Joseph Kelly, Assistant City Solicitor, who serves as Bethlehem’s representative on the Northampton County Gaming Revenue Authority. Mr. Pfenning noted that at the past meeting of the Redevelopment Authority a Resolution was adopted by which the Redevelopment Authority would take over nine contracts from BEDCO pending the completion of the financing. Noting that one of the contracts dated April 1, 2009 was to hire Greg Feinberg to provide project management services, Mr. Pfenning informed the assembly that Mr. Feinberg has served as a treasurer of ArtsQuest and on several committees, and is chairman of the SteelStacks finance committee. Mr. Pfenning found it curious that public funds are being spent on the SteelStacks project without any public discussion and with only recent approval. Mr. Pfenning pointed out that under the TIF Rebate Agreement that was passed the financing was $27 million but the Redevelopment Authority’s RFP was for $27.6 million. Mr. Pfenning questioned what the $600,000 will be used for.

John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, affirmed that Mr. DiGiacinto sent a memorandum about a week ago on the matter and it was referred to the Redevelopment Authority and their bond counsel.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, said the situation of guns being displayed by residents is getting worse. Mr. Rodriquez continued on to say store robberies are up, there was a recent hold-up at a gas station, there are muggings, drug trafficking, and Five Points is infested with drug activity. Mr. Rodriquez stated there is garbage all over the City, and that letters should be sent regarding conditions of sidewalks. Mr. Rodriquez advised there are boulders that need to be removed at Monocacy Creek. He added there are also potholes on roadways in the City.

Pedestrian and Traffic Issues

Dean Bruch, 555 Spring Street, with reference to earlier comments about pedestrian safety at Liberty High School, pointed out that at Moravian College there are lights on the crosswalks that might be helpful to be used in the vicinity of Liberty High School. He commented there should be a Police Officer stationed outside of the School at dismissal time. He recalled that in the past there were student traffic patrols. Mr. Bruch observed that traffic lights should be longer in places where the elderly reside.

Zoning Hearing Board and Various Issues

Al Bernotas, 1004 Johnston Drive, said some progress is being made on the situation of three votes required by the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Bernotas thought it would be a good idea to enable people to sign up on the City’s website in order to be on an email list to receive City information, and offered to devote his time to setting it up for the City. Mr. Bernotas related that last week he called Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, who was very responsive to the matter of trucks, speed limits, and traffic calming on Johnston Drive, and expressed his appreciation. Mr. Bernotas explained that Attorney Spadoni has requested a continuance of the Zoning Hearing Board meeting on the Elias case that has been scheduled on November 10, 2010 because it is the same evening as the continued public hearing on the matter of Police Officer Nye. Mr. Bernotas advised that Attorney Thompson, Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board, turned down the request. Mr. Bernotas remarked it is excellent that people are being encouraged to speak at the Zoning Hearing Board meetings. Mr. Bernotas expressed that at the recent Zoning Hearing Board meeting the Board was engaged in more spot zoning, and added that some of the Board’s decisions were based on the future Zoning Ordinance. However, it did not infringe on the residential neighborhood. Mr. Bernotas did not think that matters are aired out properly in the Zoning Hearing Board meetings.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.