Bethlehem City Council Meeting – August 5, 2025: Appointments, SALDO, and Public Comments
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Bethlehem City Council Meeting – August 5, 2025
The Bethlehem City Council met on August 5, 2025, to discuss a range of items including a contested appointment to the Planning Commission, the first reading of a major update to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), budget adjustments, and routine approvals. Public comments addressed Music Fest logistics, traffic issues, and concerns about conflicts of interest on city boards.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mr. Shire (1898 Avenue) complained about noise from the Musikfest festival interfering with the meeting and parking difficulties, suggesting future meetings be moved or canceled. He also read quotes from federal judges on immigration cases.
- Mr. Italix criticized the conversion of Linden Street to two-way traffic, arguing it was not done in pair with Center Street as originally made one-way in 1967, accusing council of a failure of oversight.
- Mr. Kerr (self-described international peace activist) discussed a range of topics including the need for peace in Palestine, praised the Bethlehem police force, and announced his candidacy for mayor, vowing to take no salary and address issues with the Parking Authority, ArtsQuest, homelessness, and waste.
- Mr. Shire (second comment) spoke about the tension between expertise and personal relationships on boards and commissions, using his experience with the Planning Commission and the Boyd Apartments project as an example.
- Chris Barwelson (520 E Laurel St) asked for highlights of the new ordinance 9A (SALDO) changes.
- Joe Daniels (829 Broadway) expressed strong opposition to the appointment of a realtor to the Planning Commission, citing potential conflicts of interest with developers and luxury developments. He posed multiple questions about the appointee's qualifications, safeguards, and alignment with equitable development goals, urging council to reconsider or delay the appointment.
Discussion Items
- Appointment to Planning Commission: Mayor Reynolds appointed Richard Pongratz to the Planning Commission. Council debated the appointment due to Pongratz's profession as a realtor. Councilwoman Cramsey Smith and Councilman Callahan opposed, citing a high likelihood of conflicts of interest and the mayor's acceptance of a $15,500 donation from the Realtors Association during his campaign. Councilwoman Quitek, Laird, Leon, and Cologne supported the appointment, noting Pongratz's degree in urban planning, community involvement, and the planning commission's limited authority as a recommending body. A motion to table failed 2-5. The appointment passed 5-1, with Councilman Callahan recusing himself.
- New Ordinance 9A (SALDO): First reading of a comprehensive update to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, replacing the 1975 version. Council discussed provisions for tree protection (forester recommendations), fees in lieu of street widening, and the inclusion of detailed definitions. Councilwoman Laird asked about requiring landscaping materials in plans. Councilwoman Quitek inquired about the rationale for the overhaul and the addition of definitions. Public input opportunities included multiple planning commission meetings since 2021. The ordinance passed 7-0 on first reading; a second reading is scheduled in two weeks.
- Ordinance 9B (Budget Adjustment): Amended the general fund budget to reflect a state reimbursement of $84,195 for bomb squad services related to fireworks, to be used for an X-ray system and ballistic vests/plates. The adjustment increased the general fund budget from $112,983,162 to $113,067,357. Passed 7-0.
- Resolutions 10A and 10B: Approved amendments to civil service rules for promotion to police lieutenant (recommended by the Civil Service Board) and authorized the mayor to apply for a $1 million Main Street Matters grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Gateway on Fourth project. Both passed 7-0.
- Certificates of Appropriateness (10C-10G): Granted for five historic properties: 453 Main Street (rear wall repair), 418 N New Street (roof replacement), 23 E Church Street (roof and metal hood replacement), 400 Main Street (bell tower balusters at Central Moravian Church), and 14-412 Heckwelder Place (entrance steps). All passed 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Richard Pongratz appointed to the Planning Commission (5-1, 1 recusal).
- First reading of the new SALDO ordinance (9A) passed 7-0; second reading scheduled for the next meeting.
- Budget adjustment for bomb squad equipment approved (7-0).
- Grant application for $1 million Main Street Matters authorized (7-0).
- Civil service rule changes for police lieutenant promotions approved (7-0).
- Five certificates of appropriateness for historic properties granted (7-0).
Meeting Transcript
We are reporting. Watch your language chat. Good evening, everyone. I ask that we all rise to a pledge to the flag. Pledge allegiance to the flag. The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God invisible with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Miller, please call roll. Mr. Callahan. Ms. Cramsy Smith. Ms. Quitek. Present. Ms. Laird. Present. Ms. Leon. Ms. Wilhelm. Present. And Mr. Clone. Present. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Councilwoman Cramsley Smith did give me a heads up. She's running a couple minutes late, so she should be here in the next few minutes. Before we get started tonight, we do have a few citations for recent retirees, Fire Chief Michael Wright, police officer Jason Ebert, police sergeants Patrick Matsko, Brian Phelps, and Brian Quinn. Chief Wright is here, so I'm going to read his citation. Chief, you're welcome to come to the lecture if you wish. That's up to you. And I will read it. Where the residents of the city of Bethlehem have been served by a dedicated, diligent, and talented member of the Bethlehem Fire Department for 25 years. And whereas Michael Wright, who started with the fire department in 2000 and retired in 2025, has during the course of his employment provided the utmost reliable and outstanding service to the fire department and the residents of the city of Bethel. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Ethla that Chief Michael Reich be extended the gratitude of the city of Ethla, which has benefited from his more than two and a half decades of service and the special contributions he has made to promote public safety and to protect the lives and property of Bethel residents. Be it further resolved now that Michael is retired, he can relax and enjoy all that life has to offer him. And be it further resolved that Mike will be extended every good wish for a long and satisfying retirement. Congratulations, Chief. Thank you very much. I just want to thank the citizens of Bethlehem first for uh this is an amazing career. I love working here, working with the community. Thank you to the council for all your support of emergency services for fire police, EMS, and all the amazing workers that uh worked with over the years at City Hall. You are amazing people and you do a great job. Thank you. And especially to the fire department and EMS. Uh, we have amazing firefighters and paramedics, and it has just been a blessing working here and working with them.
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