Bethlehem City Council Meeting - October 7, 2025

The Bethlehem City Council held its regular meeting on October 7, 2025, with six members present (Councilwoman Kramsey Smith absent on vacation; Councilwoman Laird arrived shortly after roll call). The meeting included public comment on topics ranging from international affairs to local development, followed by votes on several ordinances and resolutions. Key actions included budget amendments to fund a World Heritage Site manager position and approval of a contract to update the North Side Alive plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Artie Curatola called for increased security at public events, metal detectors, and a mandatory 10% tithe from elected officials to address homelessness, while also criticizing historical treatment of Native Americans.
• Harry Faber condemned the city’s silence on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging the council to pass a resolution for a ceasefire and divest from companies profiting from oppression. He stated that over 82.5% of Bethlehem’s population would have been killed if comparable to Gaza’s casualties.
• Jan Beattie expressed appreciation for the Public Works department’s responsiveness.
• Lynn Rothman (representing the Environmental Advisory Council) announced a climate action plan update on November 20, 2025, and noted an open position on the EAC, with applications due by January.
• Mary Tomlinson and Sharon Finnegan criticized the city’s handling of the arrest and firing of Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Kolborghi, citing lack of due process and a rush to judgment.
• Mike Staffer expressed concern about the rapid pace of development in Bethlehem, urging the council to slow down to preserve the city’s character.
• Mark Weber requested the city provide a downloadable app (e.g., Aquahawk) for smart water meters to help residents detect leaks, citing high bills reported by residents after smart meter installation.
• Sean Kernan reported finding stickers advertising a past event (Lehigh Lounge) stuck on sidewalks in the Southside Historic District without permits, remaining for weeks despite complaints.
• Mary Jo McCool suggested using the NRAD speed enforcement system (as used in Salisbury Township), questioned the need for a permit to install a new fence inside an existing fence, and opposed tax abatement for billionaire developer Norton Herrick’s Martin Tower and Hanover Apartment projects, arguing funds should aid the homeless.
• Bill Shire noted the police department has 133 officers against an authorized strength of 154, with 14 vacancies, and urged competitive salaries to address retention and reckless driving.
• Stephen Anhaleks lamented the loss of historic character on South Third Street, criticizing the ArtsQuest development and the inclusion of West Bethlehem in the South Side Historic District.
• Bruce Haynes questioned why the boundaries of the North Side Alive oversaw district were extended to include the north side of Broad Street, claiming it disrupted the downtown DBA.
• Jeffrey Parks voiced strong support for the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and the proposed $150,000 contribution to fund a Heritage Site Manager position, calling it a critical investment in the city’s future.

Discussion Items

• North Side Alive Plan Update (Resolution 10A): Laura Collins confirmed the boundaries have always included Broad Street down to Main Street. Council members noted the original 2017 plan (North Side 2027) and that community engagement meetings will occur. The resolution authorized a $39,960 contract with WRT LLC.
• Revolving Loan Fund (Resolution 10D): Laura Collins explained the $12,000 contract with the Center for Public Enterprise will design a mixed-income housing revolving loan fund to fill financing gaps and ensure affordability. Council members expressed optimism that this could help control development pace and leverage private projects.
• Police Staffing: Chief Cott reported 14 vacancies and officers out on long-term injury or military leave, putting effective strength in the high 130s. Collective bargaining occurs in 2026. Council discussed recruitment challenges and suggestions to improve facilities and training.
• Food Co-op Funding: Laura Collins clarified that $500,000 in federal Community Project Funding granted to the Bethlehem Food Co-op is administered by the city on a reimbursement basis with HUD approval and city controller oversight; funds cannot be reallocated to other purposes.
• World Heritage Site Manager (Ordinance 8A & Resolution 10E): The budget amendment and agreement with Moravian University (for $150,000) passed despite recusals from Councilwoman Laird due to her employment with Moravian.
• Campaign Finance Amendments: Council President reported that the Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to send proposed amendments to Article 112 (campaign finance reports) to full council for a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 8A (Budget amendment for World Heritage Site manager) passed 5-0-1 (Councilwoman Laird abstained due to conflict of interest).
• Ordinance 8B (General fund budget amendment) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10A (Agreement with WRT LLC for North Side Alive plan update) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10B (Authorization for North Side Alive plan update - apparently duplicate? Actually passed 6-0 per transcript) – Note: numbering confusion; but vote recorded as 6-0.
• Resolution 10C (Use permit for 2025 Bethlehem Running Festival) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10D (Agreement with Center for Public Enterprise for revolving loan fund) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10E (Agreement with Moravian University for World Heritage Site manager) passed 5-0-1 (Councilwoman Laird abstained).
• Resolution 10F (Certificate of appropriateness for 306 South New Street signage) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10G (Certificate of appropriateness for 13-15 East Third Street facade restoration) passed 6-0.
• The council set a Committee of the Whole meeting for October 21, 2025 at 6 p.m. to review the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan.