BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 – 7:00 PM

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

President Robert J. Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Bernd Weishaupt, of Bethany United Church of Christ, 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.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of November 1, 2011 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

None.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

B. Tabled Items

None.

C. Unfinished Business

None.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

None.

8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

President Donchez announced the Proposed 2012 Budget Hearing Schedule, as follows:

Thursday, November 17, 2011 - 7:00 PM – Town Hall
First Budget Hearing:
Parks & Public Property Department
Golf Course Enterprise Fund
Police Department
911 Fund
Fire Department

Monday, November 21, 2011 – 7:00 PM – Town Hall
Second Budget Hearing:
Civic Expenses
Council, Mayor, Treasurer, Controller
Law Bureau
Department of Administration
General Fund Revenue
General Fund Expenditures
General Expenses
Debt Service

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 – 7:30 PM – Town Hall
Third Budget Hearing:
Public Works Department
Liquid Fuels Fund
Non-Utility Capital Fund
Community Development Block Grant
Community and Economic Development Department

Monday, December 12, 2011 – 7:00 PM Town Hall
Fourth Budget Hearing:
Water and Sewer Resources Department
Water Fund Revenue and Expenses
Water Capital Budget
Sewer Fund Revenue and Expenses
Sewer Capital Budget

Thursday, December 15, 2011 – 7:00 PM – Town Hall
Final Budget Meeting

B. Mayor

October Snow Storm – Update

Mayor Callahan informed the assembly that most of the limbs, branches, and debris remaining from the October snow storm have been picked up. Any additional debris on the streets will be picked up on a case by case basis. Mayor Callahan credited the Public Works Department, Parks and Public Property Department, and Community and Economic Development Department for all their assistance in cleaning up the City after the storm. The temporary yard waste area set up near the Driving Range was utilized by many residents who assisted the City crews by bringing their debris to the temporary area that has now been closed. Mayor Callahan advised that the leaf collection started this week.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

None.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

A. Bill No. 25 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 General Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 25 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 General Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 25 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

B. Bill No. 26 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Water Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 26 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Water Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ADOPTING THE WATER FUND BUDGET FOR 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 26 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

C. Bill No. 27 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Sewer Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 27 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Sewer Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ADOPTING THE SEWER FUND BUDGET FOR 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 27 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

D. Bill No. 28 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 28 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans, 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 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 28 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

E. Bill No. 29 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 29 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE LIQUID FUELS FUND BUDGET FOR 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 29 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

F. Bill No. 30 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 30 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Reynolds, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2012 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR NON-UTILITIES.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 30 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

G. Bill No. 31 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Water Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 31 – 2011, Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Water Utilities, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Reynolds, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2012 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR WATER UTILITIES.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 31 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

H. Bill No. 32 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities

The Clerk read Bill No. 32 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Reynolds, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE 2012 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR SEWER UTILITIES.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 32 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

I. Bill No. 33 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Community Development Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 33 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 Community Development Budget, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Reynolds, and titled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET FOR
2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 33 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

J. Bill No. 34 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 9-1-1 Fund Budget

The Clerk read Bill No. 34 – 2011 – Adopting the 2012 9-1-1 Fund Budget, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer, 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 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 34 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

K. Bill No. 35 – 2011 – Fixing the 2012 Tax Rate for All City Purposes

The Clerk read Bill No. 35 – 2011 – Fixing the 2012 Tax Rate for All City Purposes, sponsored by Mr. Evans and Mr. Mowrer, 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 2012.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 6. Voting NAY: Mr. DiGiacinto, 1. Bill No. 35 - 2011 was declared passed on First Reading.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Designating Michael Sankovsky – Disaster Relief Funding – Tropical Storm Lee

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2011-192 that designated Michael Sankovsky, Fire Assistant Chief, to execute for the City all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for Tropical Storm Lee.

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

B. Designating Michael Sankovsky – Disaster Relief Funding – Hurricane Irene

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2011-193 that designated Michael Sankovsky, Fire Assistant Chief, to execute for the City all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for Hurricane Irene.

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

C. Termination Police Officer Jeffrey Rogers

Mr. Reynolds and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2011-194 that authorized the termination of Police Officer Jeffrey Rogers effective August 3, 2011.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Evans, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 4. The Resolution passed.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 553 Main Street

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2011-195 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new awning with logo and business name above the store front and vinyl lettering on windows and doors at 553 Main Street.

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

12. NEW BUSINESS.

A. Rescheduling Second Meeting in December to December 21, 2011

President Donchez accepted a motion from Ms. Dolan and seconded by Mr. Mowrer to reschedule the second City Council Meeting in December to Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall since Hanukkah starts at sundown on Tuesday, December 20.

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

B. Setting Date for Adoption – 2012 Budget

President Donchez accepted a motion from Mr. Evans and Mr. Reynolds to set the date for Adoption of the 2012 Budget on Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall.

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

Committee Announcements

Chairman Reynolds announced a Finance Committee meeting on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall on the following subject: Third Quarter 2011 Gaming Revenue – Excess Gaming Revenue.

Chairwoman Dolan announced a Special Council Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the following subjects: Rules of Council – Finalize Revisions; Nominations and Elections – Procedures; and Council Solicitor – Role.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Fillmore Street – Changing Traffic Pattern

Richard Cantelmi, 1481 Saucon Meadow Court, distributed to the Members of Council information and a petition with 180 names requesting a reversal of the current one way traffic pattern that was recently established on Fillmore Street, and reestablishment of the two way traffic pattern on Fillmore Street between Fourth Street and Evans Street that has been in effect for the last 40 years. Mr. Cantelmi explained that changing Fillmore Street back to two way traffic between East Fourth Street and Evans Street will help Cantelmi Hardware Store maintain its current level of customer service, profitability, and ease of doing business. Customers driving west on Fourth Street are parking in front of Cantelmi’s Hardware Store and cannot make a right turn onto Fillmore Street and drive behind the store to pick up their products such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. The traffic change to one way has resulted in numerous complaints, and has posed an inconvenience to daily deliveries by tractor trailers that bring products to the store. Mr. Cantelmi pointed out that he has supplied the Members with pictures of tractor trailers trying to turn onto Evans Street. He further confirmed that he has included maps of the former traffic pattern before July 2011, from late July to the end of Musikfest, and from early to mid-August 2011 when Fillmore Street was made one way showing that a right turn can no longer be made going east on Fourth street onto Fillmore Street. Mr. Cantelmi pointed out that Polk Street between Third and Mechanic Streets was changed to facilitate the parking lot for the Polk Street Commons building. Mr. Cantelmi informed the Members that he has had to wake up residents at 6:30 AM to ask them to move their cars so that tractor trailers can make the turn to go to the store. Mr. Cantelmi affirmed that he spoke with the Traffic Engineer and to his lawyer. Mr. Cantelmi asked that the request be considered.

Fire Station – Dewberry Avenue

David Saltzer, 1731 Seidersville Road, President of Bethlehem Firefighters International Association of Firefighters Local 735, stated he is at the Meeting to speak out against the Mayor’s recent announcement concerning the closing of the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue. Mr. Saltzer commented that the Mayor is making an unintelligent decision based on fallacies while strong-arming Department Heads into supporting the ridiculous idea. Mr. Saltzer remarked that the Mayor has also gained the support of some Members of Council who are not educated on this matter, nor understand the concept of fire, and feel they will not be affected by this closing. Mr. Saltzer stressed that is wrong because everyone will be affected. Mr. Saltzer, asserting that fire calls are up and will continue to rise, advised that Firefighters have responded to more than 4,000 calls so far this year that surpassed last year’s call volume by 740, and 2005 by 1,500. Mr. Saltzer pointed out there is an average of 13 calls a day, and Firefighters responded to over 500 emergencies last month. Mr. Saltzer explained that closing the Dewberry Fire Station will result in increased response times, jeopardize the safety of citizens and Firefighters. Mr. Saltzer communicated that as the Mayor continues to make cuts in City services the quality of life will decrease, crime will rise, buildings will burn, and people will get hurt. Mr. Saltzer urged everyone to stand up and say enough is enough, keep the Fire Station open, and build the EMS building that the citizen’s taxes were raised to build. Mr. Saltzer said if the EMS building is not built, then taxpayers should receive a tax refund, and the tax increase should be eliminated that the Mayor was against in the first place. Mr. Saltzer questioned why should residents be lied to again and led to believe the Mayor will do what is best for the City when he is closing fire stations, and cutting Police positions, while he and Department Heads are taking 5% pay increases.

Licia Paulus, 2530 Madison Avenue, noting she lives in the neighborhood of the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue, said she is also upset about the actions of the Mayor. She communicated it appears the Mayor has not communicated effectively with the people of Bethlehem and is not listening to what they have to say. Ms. Paulus noted she started an on-line petition because the Mayor refused to return her four telephone calls. Ms. Paulus thought the only reason the Mayor is considering closing her neighborhood Fire Station is due to his mismanagement of funds. Ms. Paulus asserted that the citizens gave the right to City Council to rule, the Members and the Mayor work for the citizens, and they need to protect the citizens’ rights. Ms. Paulus said she has heard that it is a done deal, and is upset that City Council is unwilling to take a stand. Ms. Paulus stated she is asking Council to do the responsible thing and do what is right. Ms. Paulus stressed the Mayor would not be considering closing the Fire Station and putting the lives of her children at risk and the residents of the neighborhood if the money had not been spent inappropriately. Ms. Paulus remarked that building an EMS facility does not require closing the Dewberry Fire Station. Ms. Paulus asked Council to use their power to keep the Fire Station open.

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, related the incidents that occurred when there was a fire in his home when he was eleven years old. Mr. Grubb highlighted the fact that Firefighters responded very quickly from the Lincoln Fire Station on Easton Avenue located not quite a mile away from his house. Mr. Grubb stressed it was the extremely fast response from the fire engine from that station that saved his home and possibly the other three row homes. Mr. Grubb emphasized that response times are critical, Bethlehem’s structures are for the most part older, and removing the fire engine at Company 7 on Dewberry Avenue will affect response times, the extent of property damage during a fire, and will potentially jeopardize lives. Mr. Grubb asserted that Bethlehem residents and property owners deserve much better than the adequate coverage cited by the Mayor if the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue is closed. Observing that an engine from the Lincoln Fire Station on Easton Avenue could be involved in an accident scene on Stefko Boulevard, Mr. Grubb said it gives him comfort knowing that an engine could respond from Dewberry Avenue to a fire, and may help to keep his renter insurance premium lower. Mr. Grubb continued on to exemplify that in the previous situation he mentioned, a fire engine responding from Catasauqua Road could get blocked at the Illick’s Mill railroad crossing, and a home could burn or a life could be lost. Mr. Grubb stressed that every second counts. Mr. Grubb expressed his opinion that this is a money grab being perpetuated due to mismanagement of finances and has nothing to do with providing comprehensive public safety. Mr. Grubb stated that public safety is the primary responsibility that all elected officials have to Bethlehem residents. Communicating that residents deserve to have a Fire Station strategically located at Dewberry Avenue so that they receive better than adequate response times, Mr. Grubb questioned why not rearrange the firefighting resources to ensure it. Mr. Grubb added that the cost of the facility at Dewberry Avenue will not go away if EMS is located in it.

Fire Station – Dewberry Avenue; Proposed Apartment Development – Center Street

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, referring to a questionnaire from the Bethlehem Citizens Association to City Council candidates, noted that five said no to closing the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue.

Mr. Scheirer said he received notice in the mail today about a Zoning Hearing Board meeting next Tuesday regarding five acres on Center Street that Mr. Atiyeh bought from the cemetery where apartments are proposed. Noting that the last vote was two to one against Mr. Atiyeh’s proposal, Mr. Scheirer stated that means if one member of the Zoning Hearing Board changes their vote there will 96 apartments there in an Institutional zone. Mr. Scheirer thought that afterwards the Administration will come to City Council and ask that the five acres be rezoned to reflect what is there as is being done for Stratford Park and Easton Avenue. Mr. Scheirer, stressing that the zoning should be changed first, stated it is the purview of City Council to change zoning, not the job of the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Scheirer asked that tonight City Council request Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, to go to the Zoning Hearing Board meeting next Tuesday to say this use variance amounts to a rezoning, and it is not the Zoning Hearing Board’s job to rezone but rather it is the job of City Council upon the advice of the Planning Commission. Mr. Scheirer thought that Mr. Atiyeh should go to the Planning Commission to request that the property be rezoned. Mr. Scheirer asked City Council to act on this matter.

Fire Station – Dewberry Avenue; Zoning Hearing Board; Police Incident

Eddie Rodriquez, 701 Main Street, thought that closing the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue is a bad move, and added that response time is very important. Mr. Rodriquez related there was a fire on Pawnee Street and the response time was so quick, but sadly the house burned. Mr. Rodriquez said members of the Zoning Hearing Board need to get their behavior and conduct intact, as anger and frustration is being expressed, and he almost got thrown out of the meeting for simply expressing his opinions. Mr. Rodriquez, commenting he does not want to say anything bad about Police Officers because it is a good Police force, said there are certain members of the Police Department that lie and get away with it. Mr. Rodriquez further said behavior and conduct has to be upgraded. Mr. Rodriquez, stating it happened to him, noted he mentioned it to Sgt. Diluzio and left him a few messages. Mr. Rodriquez commented he explained it to Police Commissioner Schiffer who was then the Deputy Commissioner and said he knew nothing about it. Mr. Rodriquez stated in his case Police Officers lied to a Judge and then another Judge twice. Mr. Rodriquez explained someone had their shoulders pinned so that the Officer would not move. Mr. Rodriquez said Tony Hanna knew what happened because he reported the incident to him regarding an employee of the Health Bureau, and he told Mr. Schiffer who knew nothing about it. Mr. Rodriquez said former Police Commissioner Bedics did because he left him a few messages. Mr. Rodriquez stated he wants an investigation regarding the incident at the Rooney Building before he goes any further himself, and added he has time to decide. Mr. Rodriquez asked Attorney Spadoni and the President of Council to initiate this investigation as to what happened and why those DVD’s apparently were shifting and somebody copied the DVD’s. Mr. Rodriquez remarked he could have lost his life.

Fire Station – Dewberry Avenue

Bob Steinmetz, 4016 Oakland Road, stated he is a Firefighter who works at the Easton Avenue Fire Station. Mr. Steinmetz advised that last night there was a call at which their Station was busy. During that call, a structure fire call came in on Chester Road. Mr. Steinmetz said thankfully Engine 7 was in service and became first due to come over, and then Engine 9 from Catasauqua Road had to back it up. Mr. Steinmetz advised that, by putting Engine 7 out of service because that is what is going to happen, it is not just the Fire Station on Dewberry Avenue that would be out since the fire engine would be out, too. Mr. Steinmetz communicated that the City is taking on a very big risk. He pointed out that Engine 5 could be out on a call, Engine 7 would be out of service, and then the fire engine from Catasauqua Road would have to come as first due.

Mary Pongracz, 321 W. Fourth Street, referring to some speakers this evening, stressed there is no reason to be rude to City Council, the Mayor, or any member of the Administration. Ms. Pongracz observed there is only one person from the area of the Dewberry Fire Station at the Meeting this evening to speak about it, and the rest are Firefighters who she stressed are absolutely important to the community. Highlighting the fact that two of her homes were torn down for urban renewal and other things that have happened in the City, Ms. Pongracz thought that things should be put into perspective and decide where is the most good done for the most people in the community. Ms. Pongracz stated that a Fire Station is not being torn down, but rather a Fire Station is being reused for an Emergency Service Station. Ms. Pongracz, pointing out that these are very difficult financial times, stated there are decisions that have to be made that will please somebody and anger somebody. Ms. Pongracz remarked she does not like the threat that something will happen because nobody knows what will happen. Ms. Pongracz emphasized that the Firefighters will be quick to come and help wherever needed and when needed, whether in or out of uniform. Ms. Pongracz communicated the City needs to make do with what it has, not with what it would like to have in revenue. Ms. Pongracz said she does not consider the Members of Council to be her servants but representatives of the community and stressed they should not be insulted, nor should the Mayor or anyone else in the cabinet.

City of Bethlehem - Tolerance

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, read a past article titled, Klansmen Gather At Local Hall, and informed the assembly that it appeared in the Bethlehem Globe-Times. Mr. Antalics, noting he hears constantly that Bethlehem is a city of tolerance and love, said when the gay and lesbian community have to come to the City and ask for ordinances for protection against discrimination, and the fact that minorities do not feel well-loved here, stated the City’s history of love and tolerance is not really that good. Mr. Antalics expressed his opinion that there is a legacy in the City that is contrary to what people have been hearing.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.