Bethlehem Council MInutes

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 – 7:00 PM

INVOCATION

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Pastor Marge Hassler, of West Side Moravian Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag.

1. ROLL CALL

President Eric R. Evans called the meeting to order. Present were David T. DiGiacinto, Robert J. Donchez, Michael D. Recchiuti, J. William Reynolds, and Eric R. Evans, 5. Absent were Jean Belinski and Karen Dolan, 2.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of May 1, 2012 were approved.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

4. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Old Business – Members of Council

None.

B. Tabled Items

None.

C. Unfinished Business

None.

5. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Public Works Director – Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Funding Program – Fahy
Bridge Improvements

The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 9, 2012 from Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, to which was attached a proposed Resolution and Reimbursement Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to eliminate the right-hand slip ramp onto Center Street from the north end of the Fahy Bridge (New Street), and create a right-hand turn at the signalized intersection to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. The work will be funded by PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Funding Program.

President Evans stated that the Resolution will be listed on the June 5 Agenda.

B. Police Department – 2012 JAG Grant - $35,403

The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 11, 2012 from Police Lieutenant Donald Hoffman
to which was attached a Notice of Public Hearing and proposed Resolution regarding the Police Department’s application for the 2012 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of up to $35,403, of which up to $21,841 will be allocated to the City of Bethlehem Police Department. The remaining amount will be allocated to the City of Easton The City of Bethlehem will serve as fiscal agent for the grant, and will receive an administrative fee from the City of Easton in the amount of up to $1,356. The grant will be used by the Police Department to continue improvements in computer hardware and software.

President Evans stated that the Public Hearing will be listed on the June 5 Agenda.

C. City Solicitor – Use Permit Agreement – Hot Air Balloon Take Off

The Clerk read a memorandum dated May 10, 2012 from John F. Spirk, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to which was attached a proposed Resolution and Use Permit Agreement between Richard Scott Kelley and Has Anyone Seen My Balloon?, Inc. and the City of Bethlehem for use of the listed City properties for a Hot Air Balloon Take Off for the time period June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013, according to the Agreement.

President Evans stated that the Resolution will be listed on the June 5 Agenda.

6. REPORTS

A. President of Council

None.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – Paul Salerni – Fire Arts Commission

Dennis Reichard, Business Administrator, read Mayor Callahan’s reappointment of Paul Salerni to the Fine Arts Commission effective through May 2015. Mr. Donchez and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored Resolution No. 2012-81 to confirm the appointment.

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

7. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READING

A. Bill No. 13 – 2012 – Amending General Fund Budget – Health Bureau – Grants and Gifts

The Clerk read Bill No. 13 – 2012 – Amending General Fund Budget – Health Bureau Grants and Gifts, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. Bill No. 13 – 2012, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2012-15 was declared adopted.

B. Bill No. 14 – 2012 – Amending Liquid Fuels Fund Budget – 2012 Allocation

The Clerk read Bill No. 14 – 2012 – Amending Liquid Fuels Fund Budget – 2012 Allocation,
on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. Bill No. 14 – 2012, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2012-16 was declared adopted.

C. Bill No. 15 – 2012 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Fund Budget – ARLE Program, Fire Rescue
Tools, Park/Playground Improvements, Pool Repairs, Monocacy Park, Skateplaza

The Clerk read Bill No. 15 – 2012 – Amending Non-Utility Capital Fund Budget – ARLE Program, Fire Rescue Tools, Park/Playground Improvements, Pool Repairs, Monocacy Park, Skateplaza, on Final Reading.

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. Bill No. 15 – 2012, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 2012-17 was declared adopted.

8. NEW ORDINANCES

None.

9. RESOLUTIONS

Motion – Considering Resolutions 9 A through 9 J as a Group

Mr. DiGiacinto and Mr. Donchez moved to consider Resolutions 9 A through 9 J as a group. Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. The motion passed.

A. Certificate of Appropriateness – 439 Linden Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-82 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the roof only at 439 Linden Street with new GAF Slateline shingle in “Antique Slate” color.

B. Certificate of Appropriateness – 450 High Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-83 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to proceed with the parking and walk enhancement at 450 High Street.

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 247 East Market Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-84 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a wrought iron fence at 247 East Market Street.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 519 Main Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-85 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a temporary “sandwich” board sign at 519 Main Street.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 418 High Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-86 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint the exterior siding and trim at 418 High Street.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 57 East Wall Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-87 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to change the window size and style for the garage second floor at 57 East Wall Street.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 501 Main Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-88 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a three-foot high fence at 501 Main Street.

H. Certificate of Appropriateness – 458 Main Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-89 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for illuminated “Open” signs at 458 Main Street.

I. Certificate of Appropriateness – 459 Main Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-90 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for illuminated “Open“ signs at 459 Main Street.

J. Certificate of Appropriateness – 563 Main Street

Mr. Recchiuti and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution No. 2012-91 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for illuminated “Open” signs at 563 Main Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 9 A through 9 J: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. The Resolutions passed.

K. Authorizing Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement between Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority, and City of Bethlehem – Sewer Services

Mr. Donchez and Mr. Recchiuti sponsored Resolution No. 2012-92 that authorized an Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement between Lower Nazareth Township, Bethlehem Township, Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority, and the City for Griffin Land Subdivision and Land Development premises for Sanitary Sewer Services, according to the terms of the Agreement.

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

10. NEW BUSINESS.

A. July and August City Council Meetings

Mr. Donchez and Mr. Reynolds moved the following:

1. Rescheduling Tuesday, July 3 City Council Meeting to Monday, July 2 at 7:00 PM

2. Setting Date for Public Hearing on Proposed New Zoning Ordinance at the City Council Meeting on Monday, July 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall

3. Rescheduling Time of Tuesday, August 7 City Council Meeting from 7:00 PM
to 5:30 PM

Voting AYE: Mr. DiGiacinto, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Recchiuti, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Evans, 5. The motion passed.

11. PUBLIC COMMENT

Term Limits – Mayor

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, informed the assembly that he was born in Bethlehem, moved away, and then moved back. Mr. Antalics, advising that he has been doing research on the City of Bethlehem for several years, explained that his different visions of Bethlehem were due to who was the Mayor. Mr. Antalics thought that Bethlehem was best served when the Mayors were not restricted to two terms. Mr. Antalics stated that the limitation of two years may discourage people who wish to serve the City, as opposed to those who may use the position of Mayor as a stepping stone to a higher office. Mr. Antalics commented it might be advantageous for the City to think about revocation of the two term limit. Mr. Antalics expressed his opinion that the best Mayor of Bethlehem was Mayor Pfeifle in terms of his contributions to the City, and the worst Mayor of Bethlehem was Mayor Yeakle in view of its reputation as sin city during his Administration.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.