City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – Review of 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan

The City Council Committee of the Whole met on October 21, 2025, to review the proposed 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The meeting was informational only; no vote was taken. The administration presented the five-year plan, highlighting major infrastructure, public safety, parks, and community development projects. The 2026 non-utility capital budget will be formally introduced on November 18, 2025, with final adoption scheduled for December 16, 2025.

Presentation Overview

• Kathy Fletcher (Director of Planning and Zoning) explained that the CIP covers capital expenditures for 2026–2030, with only the first year (2026) subject to a vote. The plan is flexible and contingent on grants and outside funding.
• Eric Evans (Business Administrator) detailed the funding sources: leftover bond funds from 2019, ARPA loss revenue replacement (2022), capital reserves (proposed for 2026–2029), and a potential bond/reserve mix in 2030. Other sources include CDBG, state/federal grants, county funds, liquid fuels, stormwater fees, UGI reimbursements, recreation fees, and general fund appropriations.

Discussion Items

Public Safety

• Fire Chief: Presented standard ambulance replacement (one per year), fire apparatus replacement with a plan to repurpose Engine Five (on Easton Avenue) as a ladder truck on the South Side, a new command vehicle, and an upcoming SCBA/air cylinder replacement projected to cost ~$2 million in 2032.
• Police Chief: Requested replacement of 5–7 police vehicles, expansion of the public safety camera network (from ~100 cameras to over 100) funded via a NORCO grant with matching funds, and replacement of a 17-year-old armored rescue vehicle.
• Council Questions: Councilwoman Cramsey Smith asked about staggering SCBA costs; Chief noted all were purchased at once via a grant, but incremental replacement is possible. Councilwoman Laird praised creative repurposing of vehicles. Councilwoman Wilhelm requested better signage at the police station entrance. Council President asked about camera count: ~100 currently, expansion would add more.

Public Works

• Basil Yandem (Deputy Director of Public Works) led the presentation on traffic, streets, stormwater, facilities, grounds, recreation, bridges, and other projects.
  • Traffic: Isolated intersection improvements (Club Avenue/Union Boulevard, Pennsylvania Avenue/Easton Avenue/Union Boulevard) – design ongoing, construction expected summer 2026. Traffic safety maintenance for 128 signalized intersections. New paint truck and aerial bucket truck.
  • Streets: Linden Street two-way conversion (design finalizing, construction spring/summer 2026, ~$2 million, grant-funded). Center Street two-way conversion (estimated $2 million, unfunded, planned for 2028, dependent on grants). Street overlay program – $2.5 million annually needed; currently funded $4.5 million over four years from capital reserves plus liquid fuels and UGI cost-sharing. New paver (2026), milling machine (2027), street sweeper (stormwater fund). East Broad Street corridor improvements (SS4A grant of $10 million, construction 2027). West Broad Street improvements.
  • Stormwater: Stefko drainage swale design underway to reduce Market Street flooding. East Boulevard detention basin collaboration with Bethlehem Township (FEMA grant uncertain, exploring other grants). Miscellaneous drainage repairs at $200,000/year. Bridal Path, Minox Street, East Market Street projects.
  • Facilities: $1 million per two years for city facility improvements, including Eastern Avenue Fire Station extension study, new generator at City Hall (carryover to 2026), chiller replacement, and water pump replacement.
  • Grounds: $400,000 per two years for park repairs. Rose Garden improvements nearly complete. Tree inventory for forestry master plan due 2026.
  • Recreation: $100,000 per two years for pool and ice rink improvements. $2 million allocated annually for the 40 & 10 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (expected completion late 2025, community meeting November 12).
  • Other: Bridge repairs for 10 city-owned bridges. Main Street ramp ($6 million) and Spring Street ramp ($2 million) improvements tied to Hill-to-Hill Bridge project (construction start early August 2026). 378 light replacement (PennDOT project). South Bethlehem Greenway (design award, construction spring/summer 2026, connecting to 13.9-mile trail). Gap Street and Gatter Street sidewalk improvements.
• Council Questions: Councilwoman Cramsey Smith asked about Center Street cost estimate; Yandem noted it’s an estimate and could rise. She also asked about Bethlehem Township’s cost share for East Boulevard detention basin; Yandem confirmed continued collaboration with 31% city share. Councilwoman Laird questioned Church Street conversion; Yandem said it is being studied as part of the Linden Street project. President asked about the 40 & 10 Parks plan release; Fletcher said late November/December with a community meeting November 12. President also asked about recreation fee balance; Evans said it fluctuates (~$600,000–$700,000) and he would provide exact number later.

Community and Economic Development

• Laura Collins introduced three projects:
  1. Non-congregate family shelter (Packer Avenue) – fully funded via HOME-ARP allocations, environmental review complete, RFP for design/engineering upcoming, work anticipated in 2026.
  2. Congregate emergency shelter (Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering at Christ Church UCC) – $2 million moved from general fund for homeless initiatives, preliminary design costs established, pending RCAP and LSA grants, BES conducting capital campaign.
  3. South Bethlehem Community Center – feasibility study completed, RFP for preferred operator due end of October, site recommended on a parking authority lot on Mechanic Street.
• Council Comments: Councilman Callahan noted community pushback on the recommended site. Councilwoman Wilhelm expressed concern about funding challenges for nonprofit partners.

Public Comments

No members of the public offered comments.

Key Outcomes

• The meeting was informational; no vote was taken on the CIP.
• The 2026 non-utility capital budget will have its first reading on November 18, 2025, and final adoption on December16,2025.
• The administration will present the capital budget at the third budget hearing on November 20,2025.
• Several projects are contingent on grants and outside funding; council noted ongoing concerns about funding sustainability and community support.