Online Parks Services';
} else {
echo '';
}
?>
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 – 7:00 PM
INVOCATION
Pastor Suzanne Trump, of St. John’s Windish Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
1. ROLL CALL
President Reynolds called the meeting to order. Present were Bryan G. Callahan, Eric R. Evans, Michael D. Recchiuti, Cathy Reuscher, Louis N. Stellato, Adam Waldron, and J. William Reynolds, 7.
CITATIONS
Honoring Randall D. Kresh, James J. Mihalko, David M. Delgrosso, William J. Haydt, Jeffrey S. Wentz and Andrew T. Lechman
President Reynolds stated that the Citations for Randall D. Kresh, James J. Mihalko, David M. Delgrosso, William J. Haydt, Jeffrey S. Wentz and Andrew T. Lechman on the occasion of their retirements will be mailed to them since they were unable to attend the meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of December 2, 2014 were approved.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. OLD BUSINESS.
A. Members of Council
None.
B. Tabled Items
None.
C. Unfinished Business
None.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Authorization for Contract – Maser Consulting, P.A. – Southside Pump Station Rehabilitation
The Clerk read a memorandum from Edward J. Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending a contract with Maser Consulting to provide services for the Southside Pump Station Rehabilitation at an estimated price of $68,036 for a term from 2015 with a possible extension into 2016.
President Reynolds informed Resolution 9D is on the agenda tonight.
B. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Authorization for Contract Price Increase - Custom Ag Service - Bid No. 2010-01 – Removal, Transportation and Disposal of Drinking Water Treatment Plant Residuals
The Clerk read a memorandum from Edward J. Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending approval for a price increase in a contract with Custom Ag Service to provide services for Bid Number 2010-01 for the Removal, Transportation and Disposal of Drinking Water Treatment Plant Residuals at an estimated price of $109,500 for 2015.
President Reynolds stated Resolution 9E is on the agenda.
C. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Authorization for Contract - Arcadis U.S., Inc. - Bethlehem
Wastewater Plant-Primary Digester No. 2 Dome Replacement Project
The Clerk read a memorandum from Edward J. Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending a contract with Arcadis U. S. to provide services for the Bethlehem Wastewater Plant – Primary Digester No. 2 Dome Replacement Project at an estimated price of $224,200 for the year 2015 with a possible extension into 2016.
President Reynolds stated Resolution 9F is on the agenda.
D. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Authorization for Contract – Gannett Fleming Valuation and
Rate Consultants, LLC – Update Capital Value of Water System as of December 31, 2014 and Calculate
2014 Depreciation
The Clerk read a memorandum from Edward J. Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending a contract with Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants to provide services to Update Capital Value of Water System as of December 31, 2014 and Calculate 2014 Depreciation at an estimated price of $5,800.
President Reynolds stated Resolution 9G is on the agenda.
E. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Authorization for Contract - Cherry, Weber & Associates, PC
- 2015 Wild Creek & Penn Forest Dam Inspections & Penn Forest Dam Instrumentation Report
The Clerk read a memorandum from Edward J. Boscola, Director of Water and Sewer Resources recommending a contract with Cherry, Weber & Associates, PC to provide services for the 2015 Wild Creek & Penn Forest Dam Inspections & Penn Forest Dam Instrumentation Report at an estimated price of $30,000 for a term from 2015 through 2016.
President Reynolds stated Resolution 9H is on the agenda.
F. Council President – Third Class City Code Rewrite – Recreation Board
The Clerk read a memorandum from Council President J. William Reynolds to which is attached the newly revised Third Class City Code Section 3705 – Creation and Composition of Recreation Board. Also attached is revised Article 133 – Recreation Board. Attorney Spirk has confirmed that in light of the changes to the Third Class City Code the members of the Recreation Board will be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of Council. That is a change from the existing Ordinance Article 117.01 (b). One member can still be a school board member and one can be a Council Member, but they do not have to be. The name should be changed to Recreation Board, as that is what the new Third Class City Code calls it.
President Reynolds noted the Ordinance can be listed on the January 20 agenda for first reading unless the Parks and Public Property Committee wishes to review this matter.
Ms. Reuscher, Chair of the Parks and Public Property Committee stated no, she does not believe it is necessary.
G. Chairman of Human Resources and Environment Committee – Amending Article 112 – Campaign
Finance Reports
The Clerk read a memorandum from Human Resources and Environment Committee Chairman Adam Waldron attached to which is revised Article 112 – Campaign Finance Reports, that was recommended for approval at the Human Resources and Environment Committee Meeting of September 24, 2014. The revisions have been reviewed and approved by John F. Spirk, Jr. Esq., Council Solicitor. The Ordinance is placed on the January 6, 2015 Agenda for First Reading.
President Reynolds stated Bill No. 1 is on the agenda for tonight.
6. REPORTS
A. President of Council
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order – John J. Tallarico – Bethlehem Authority
David Brong, Business Administrator, read Mayor Donchez’ reappointment of John J. Tallarico to membership on the Bethlehem Authority effective through January 2020. Mr. Callahan and Mr. Stellato sponsored Resolution No. 2015-1 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
2. Administrative Order – Patricia J. Stahr – Board of Health
David Brong, Business Administrator, read Mayor Donchez’ reappointment of Patricia J. Stahr to membership on the Board of Health effective through January 2020. Mr. Callahan and Mr. Stellato sponsored Resolution No. 2015-2 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
3. Administrative Order – Constance S. Glagola – Board of Historical & Architectural Review
David Brong, Business Administrator, read Mayor Donchez’ reappointment of Constance S. Glagola to membership on the Board of Historical & Architectural Review effective through January 2020. Mr. Callahan and Mr. Stellato sponsored Resolution No. 2015-3 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
4. Administrative Order – Marsha L. Fritz – Board of Historical & Architectural Review
David Brong, Business Administrator, read Mayor Donchez’ reappointment of Marsha L. Fritz to membership on the Board of Historical & Architectural Review effective through January 2020. Mr. Callahan and Mr. Stellato sponsored Resolution No. 2015-4 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
7. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READING.
None.
8. NEW ORDINANCES.
The Clerk read Bill No. 1 – 2015 – Amending Article 112 – Campaign Finance Reports, sponsored by Mr. Waldron and Mr. Stellato and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM,
COUNTIES OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 112, CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS,
OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF BETHLEHEM
Mr. Evans noted this came up a while ago when this Ordinance was first put together. The idea was for the City to collect Campaign Finance Reports that are by requirement and are also required to be sent to the County, so that we have the City collecting them as well for transparency reasons. Mr. Evans added the City would then put the reports online to make them available quicker. Mr. Evans informed that at some point he brought this up because for a while it looked like Northampton County would put the reports online immediately or shortly after the due date. At that time he thought this was redundant. Mr. Evans mentioned sometime after that, after an election cycle or two, we found there was a large amount of time involved for the County Election Office to keep up with putting all the Campaign Financial Reports from the elected officials and candidates from all different County areas, online. Mr. Evans recounting that he previously considered withdrawing the Ordinance, noted Mr. Waldron reviewed the matter in Committee. Mr. Evans explained unfortunately he was not able to attend the meeting. It was decided to keep the Ordinance. Mr. Evans explained his question this evening was regarding Section 112.01, where it says Elected Officials and their respective Committees. Mr. Evans noted that under Section 112.03 it states candidates, or their respective committees, but he queried if that should read the word and in that sentence.
Mr. Stellato stated he had that same question.
Mr. Evans believed it was a good addition to add elected officials and their respective committees who need to file their campaign finance reports. He continued Section 112.03 deals with Pre-Election when the funds are received right before the election. It currently reads as candidates or their respective committees, but it should say candidates and their respective committees to be consistent.
Mr. Waldron believed this made sense and deferred to Council Solicitor Spirk.
Solicitor Spirk stated he thought it was intended as and/or, because not everyone would necessarily have a committee. That is why the word or was chosen. He believed that and/or would be appropriate.
Mr. Evans expressed that he did not know if this is just clerical error or if he should make the motion to change the wording to and/or in Sections 112.01 and 112.03.
President Reynolds noted Mr. Evans could move to amend this.
Mr. Evans stated he does not want to use the word or because if it is applicable it should not be or.
Solicitor Spirk noted if there is no committee it would not be relevant anyway.
Mr. Evans made the motion in Sections 112.01 and 112.03 that the first sentence of each should begin by requiring candidates and their respective committees.
Mr. Waldron commented that he would think we do not need to change Section 112.01; we only need to change Section 112.03.
Mr. Evans agreed. He then made a motion to change the word or to the word and in Section 112.03.
President Reynolds mentioned Mr. Evans has proposed a change and he asked for a second.
Mr. Waldron seconded the motion.
President Reynolds asked for discussion on this amendment.
President Reynolds asked the Clerk to call the roll on the amendment.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The amendment passed.
Mr. Waldron commented he was the Chair for the Committee Meeting and this was basically to bring the Ordinance up to date with what the County is requiring as far as adding the Committees, as well as the current elected officials. Currently, the way it is worded it is only candidates for the position and so every year all elected officials would have to file. Mr. Waldron noted this was just to bring the Ordinance a little more up to date so the information would be easily accessible on the City website in view of the County’s workload for this matter.
Mr. Evans inquired whether the fines under the Penalty Section of the Ordinance are consistent with Northampton County.
Mr. Waldron replied yes.
President Reynolds added the genesis of adding elected officials was that in 2012, and at the beginning of 2013, there was a conversation on what defined a candidate and whether or not if someone was a candidate in an even year election, and whether or not they had to file reports in those even years. President Reynolds reported that if you go on the website now you will see that not everyone filed a 2012 annual report, and he thinks part of the change here is to make elected officials at the City level file the same reports that are filed at Northampton County. President Reynolds added that he did look at the Northampton County website the other day and he did not believe there were any posted 2014 campaign finance reports. The 2013 Post-Primary reports might be the last ones online. He added that he did not believe the annual reports are there either.
President Reynolds asked the Clerk to call the roll on the Bill as amended.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. Bill No. 1-2015 was passed on First Reading.
9. RESOLUTIONS
A. Certificate of Appropriateness – 201 Mechanic Street
Mr. Evans and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2015-5 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a 20” x 8” neon OPEN sign on the windows and to add signage to the new black awnings at 201 Mechanic Street.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
B. Certificate of Appropriateness – 216 West Third Street
Mr. Evans and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2015-6 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate an existing three story building into three apartments and first floor storefront commercial space at 216 West Third Street.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
C. Approving Records Destruction – Controller’s Office
Mr. Evans and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 2015-7 that authorizes the disposition of records from the Controller’s Office as listed on exhibit A.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
D. Authorizing Contract – Maser Consulting, P.A. – Southside Pump Station Rehabilitation
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution No. 2015-8 that authorized the execution of a contract between the City of Bethlehem and Maser Consulting for the Southside Pump Station Rehabilitation Project.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
E. Authorizing Contract Price Increase – Custom Ag Service – Bid No. 2010-01-Removal, Transportation and Disposal of Drinking Water Treatment Plant Residuals
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution No. 2015-9 that authorized the execution of a contract price increase between the City of Bethlehem and Custom Ag Service for Bid No. 2010-01, Removal, Transportation and Disposal of Drinking Water Treatment Plant Residuals.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
F. Authorizing Contract – Arcadis U. S., Inc. – Bethlehem Wastewater Plant-Primary Digester No. 2 Dome Replacement Project
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution No. 2015-10 that authorized the execution of a contract between the City of Bethlehem and Arcadis U. S. for Bethlehem Wastewater Plant – Primary Digester No. 2 Dome Replacement Project.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
G. Authorizing Contract – Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC – Update Capital Value of Water System as of December 31, 2014 and Calculate 2014 Depreciation
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution No. 2015-11 that authorized the execution of a contract between the City of Bethlehem and Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants to Update Capital Value of Water System as of December 31, 2014 and Calculate 2014 Depreciation.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
H. Authorizing Contract – Cherry, Weber & Associates, PC – 2015 Wild Creek & Penn Forest Dam Inspections & Penn Forest Dam Instrumentation Report
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Evans sponsored Resolution No. 2015-12 that authorized the execution of a contract between the City of Bethlehem and Cherry, Weber & Associates for the 2015 Wild Creek & Penn Forest Dam Inspections & Penn Forest Dam Instrumentation Report.
Voting AYE: Mr. Callahan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Recchiuti, Ms. Reuscher, Mr. Stellato, Mr. Waldron, and Mr. Reynolds, 7. The Resolution passed.
10. NEW BUSINESS.
911 System
Mr. Evans stated he wanted to start the conversation about our 911 system. Mr. Evans noted that we talked about this during the budget season. He said from a Public Safety perspective, he wanted to keep the idea that we do want to move into some Committee hearings. He noted that is where it would be most beneficial to hold those meetings. Although he has already talked to Mr. Brong and President Reynolds about this, Mr. Evans believes we need to start this conversation. He added that we have talked about different ways to set up discussions or how to handle this to be the most efficient. Mr. Evans added that we need to hear from different sides and what the options are, the costs, and from early dialogue, we need to start internally. He continued on to say that we need to hear from the Administration. Mr. Evans informed that we need a review of the existing operations, and would like to get an explanation of the existing setup of the 911 system, the employees and the operation that so we have all the necessary information for the Committee. Mr. Evans knows this is complicated and that there are a few different pieces to the puzzle. He noted that it is not just the dispatch, but it also is the cameras and their function. Mr. Evans stated that secondly we need to know the ongoing cost and where we ended in 2014. In addition, going forward, we need to know the projected expenses for the City of Bethlehem. Mr. Evans added we also need the best guess of the projected reimbursement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He stated that we have 5 Year Plans, and when we talk about projections, it is somewhat of a guess. Mr. Evans added that we do not know those projections, and this is based on something we cannot control or how the State may move on this matter with a new Administration coming into office. Mr. Evans mentioned he knows that he and President Reynolds have some of the same and additional thoughts on the subject. He said if we look at the 911 Center operations, and then look at our costs and shortfalls, and if the operation were to move to Northampton County, the question is what would we be left with. We are still looking at the cameras, he added. There are people that need to look at those cameras and some of the radio systems cross over to this from different departments. Mr. Evans stated he was thinking of having meetings somewhere from February into March, to give some time to talk and formalize a little bit better of what we need hear about the 911 operation. Mr. Evans noted that from there we can branch out, whether to look at Northampton County and see if they would be willing to come in and talk to us, or even look at a perspective from the State level, so we can make an informed decision.
President Reynolds added that he does think following the conversation we had last year, it is important to look at all of the options. He stated the future of our 911 system is not one we take lightly, and as we talked about this last year during the budget process, the City of Bethlehem residents somewhat have their backs against the walls regarding the 911 service due of the inaction at the State level. President Reynolds mentioned we talked about the declining revenues and the fact that they will not even allow a bill to exist that changes the funding formula. He does think that going forward, having that conversation earlier in the year rather than later in the year is beneficial. President Reynolds added we do not want to have a situation where we are talking about declining revenues in September or October. President Reynolds noted his idea and the idea of Mr. Evans was to give the Administration a few months to come back to Council with some of the general options. He said that we talked about this last November and December, but we also talked about 911 as part of the whole budget. President Reynolds mentioned in looking at those existing costs, such as what we think we will have to pay, what we may have to pay, and also the worst case scenario, if we do not have a choice but to look at some type of transition with our 911 Center, he queried what would be the associated costs. He said he does not believe that is what anyone wants to do but he does not think it would be wise to not consider what our options are. President Reynolds pointed out he made the comparison in the budget process to the school district being forced to make some decisions because the State dealt them a certain hand and told them to do what they can with that. He said that is the situation we have with our 911 system. He thought it would be good to give the Administration some time to come back and say if the City decides to go in a certain direction then this is what we will have to pay, or if the city decides to go in another direction, then this is the kind of transition in time that we are looking at in the future. President Reynolds does not think doing anything with our 911 system to change the operational structure is the choice that anyone on City Council wants to make, but we are not sure what the State will force us to do. In the future, not just City Council and not just the Administration, but the residents of Bethlehem need to be made aware of this as well. The outcome may be a situation, by which we hear that this is an important basic service that the City provides and we need to pay more than we are currently paying, and we are okay with that, but now we do not know. President Reynolds continued to say that we need to get this conversation on the front burner as soon as possible to give the Administration time to lay out what we are looking at. He added that would be beneficial to us as part of this ongoing conversation.
Mr. Brong stated he understands.
Mr. Callahan pointed out the two Mayors sent a letter to the State and he wondered if we heard back from them.
Mr. Brong replied no, not to any formal extent.
President Reynolds mentioned a few weeks ago he was named to Governor Tom Wolf’s transition team and the committee he serves on does involve PEMA. He said that one of the topics of discussion does have to do with the funding of the 911 centers. These are not just the 911 centers in Bethlehem and Allentown, but county-wide throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He said rest assured that this is the number one topic that will be discussed as we go along. President Reynolds pointed out this affects counties everywhere, Democrats and Republicans alike.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT.
Certificates of Appropriateness
Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, pointed out as many know today, the ex-Governor of Virginia was found guilty of abuse of his office. It was reported that he was a fine gentleman and many feel, who know him well, that there was no intent there. Mr. Antalics noted in his explanation, he said that he felt that this was common practice. Mr. Antalics said it may be, but apparently he did not understand where he crossed the line. The code of ethics is primarily designed to show elected officials how their behavior could create an appearance of a conflict of interest, not an actual conflict of interest. Mr. Antalics mentioned that many people in this City, publicly and privately, express concern in the manner of which Certificates of Appropriateness have been adjudicated over the last number of years. Ideally we would wish our elected officials to accept monies from private individuals because they would have an interest in whom they elect to take care of their welfare. Mr. Antalics thinks the vast majority of people feel that a contribution by a developer has strings attached. This probably will not change where an elected official, a candidate for office or reelection, accepts only public money and resists monies from developers because of the strings, but that conflict of interest can go beyond contributions, it can be favors, dinners. As he said in other meetings, developers do not give money to cancer research or Alzheimer’s research, mostly to elected officials. They are smart, he added. Mr. Antalics noted something as innocent as having a dinner from a developer to some might be a conflict of interest, or an appearance of a conflict of interest, or possibly something as simple as an elected official accepting an invitation to a private function at a developer’s home. Mr. Antalics stated this is not City business, but once an elected official is sworn in, they are under public trust and to maintain that trust, the elected official must do their best to stay squeaky clean and resist any kindness from a developer. Mr. Antalics suggests that this is given a consideration.
Parking
Dawn Rodgers, 1522 Elliott Avenue, informed her son attends Calypso Elementary School and she knows from calling the Police Department many times, that there is a serious problem with student drop off at four or five Bethlehem schools. She stated that we do not have enough police to go to every school to hand out tickets to these violators. She said that when they hand out the tickets, they are only $10 fines. Ms. Rodgers noted she is here to request that either next month she can speak longer about the matter and get some information to show City Council that she would like to get ticket fines in school zones increased from $10 to $50. Ms. Rodgers noted the $10 ticket is not a serious enough fine to keep the parents from double parking on side streets where children dart out and almost get hit by cars. Ms. Rodgers mentioned people also park in the no parking zones which are just meant for drop offs. She continued that the parents are supposed to pull up; drop the children off and drive away. These parents come early and park, stay and wait until their children walk into school, which forces the parents who are trying to drop their children off, to park in the middle of the street. She has talked to the school principal, and she was going to call the other principals to get some statistics on how many cars park at their schools and how long they park there. Ms. Rodgers said if we handed out three tickets per school a day, she projected that it would amount to an estimated $195,000 a year for the City of Bethlehem, and it might persuade people to stop breaking the laws.
President Reynolds stated the City Clerk’s Office can get a copy of the current Ordinance on Parking to Ms. Rodgers. President Reynolds added she is certainly welcome to come back at any meeting to have this conversation and he recommended that she have a conversation after the meeting with Police Chief DiLuzio, who was in attendance at the meeting. President Reynolds noted the dialogue could start there, but certainly any information she would like to send to City Council would be accepted. President Reynolds continued that Ms. Rodgers is always welcome to come to these meetings, call the City Clerk’s Office or email or call Council.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.