Bethlehem City Council Meeting - December 3, 2025

On December 3, 2025, Bethlehem City Council held a regular meeting at Town Hall. Council heard public comments on fire department staffing, water rate increases, and budget transparency; received the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) year-end report; discussed budget amendments, the city's conflict of interest ordinance, and the upcoming Norfolk Southern encampment eviction; and passed several resolutions. Six council members were present (Callahan, Gramsci Smith, Squid, Laird, Leon, Cologne); Councilwoman Wilhelm and Mayor Reynolds were absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike O'Hare (Fourth Avenue resident) thanked council for the lengthy budget sessions, praised the city's healthy finances and debt reduction, but raised concerns about: (1) a lack of formal communication between council and administration regarding $10 million in unexpected yet predictable income; (2) the contradiction of Community and Economic Development being 96% grant-funded while council was reluctant to use grants for other operations; (3) the fire department being eight members down, urging use of unused salary funds for recruitment and retention; and (4) a need for more transparent grant award processes. He also invited everyone to a live Christmas pageant on December 13–14.
• Mark Wool Weber (66 West Elizabeth Avenue) urged council not to approve any water rate increase unless a downloadable leak detection app (e.g., Aqua Hawk or Ion Water) is provided to consumers. He argued that without such protection, rate hikes leave residents vulnerable, especially those on fixed incomes. He claimed the city could make significant revenue from smart meters and asked for precise figures.
• Michael Liberto (the “Bethlehem Brawler”) criticized the mayor for incompetent leadership, stating the fire department is running with dangerously low staffing (12 vacancies) and that the mayor has not built any affordable housing despite spending millions. He accused the mayor of virtue signaling with pride flags and of missing meetings.
• Lynn Rothman (870 Wafford Lane) presented the EAC year-end report on behalf of the council. Key 2025 activities included supporting the city's Climate Action Plan (CAP), certifying three heritage trees, achieving Level 4 Bird Town status, maintaining demonstration gardens, conducting a restaurant plastic waste survey, reviewing 16 development proposals, and mentoring Lehigh University students. She commended Sustainability Manager Sarah DeGrendel and various city staff. Rothman is cycling off the EAC at year-end.
• Lou Vermenez (President, Local 735 – firefighter union) thanked council for listening to staffing concerns. He noted that staffing levels have not kept pace with city growth for over 15 years, and that adding four firefighters (as an amendment to the 2026 budget) is a critical, overdue first step. He stated that SAFER grants are available but the city refuses to apply, and that the union will continue public advocacy. He urged council to adopt the amendment to hire four additional firefighters.
• Additional public comment from Robert Virgilio (38-year resident) asked for an update on the Norfolk Southern homeless encampment eviction (deadline December 15).

Discussion Items

• Fire Department Staffing: Councilwoman Gramsci Smith expressed frustration at the mayor's repeated absences, especially during budget time with pressing public safety issues. Councilman Callahan noted a shooting near football fields (November) with no suspects apprehended. Lou Vermenez’s testimony was part of ongoing budget discussion.
• Conflict of Interest Ordinance: Council President Cologne reported that City Solicitor Stewart issued a legal opinion finding inconsistencies in the ordinance (passed ~3 years ago). She recommended aligning it with the Pennsylvania Public Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Council may propose amendments; no formal action taken at this meeting.
• Water Rate Increase Contingency: Councilwoman Leon asked Solicitor Stewart whether a rate increase could be made contingent on providing a downloadable leak detection app (Aqua Hawk). Stewart responded that rates are generally based on service cost, but a creative ordinance might be possible; it would require further study.
• Norfolk Southern Encampment Eviction: Deputy Chief Michel (Police) reported that December 15 is the enforcement date. Officers have been building relationships with occupants to facilitate voluntary relocation. The health bureau and community connections will be involved. Councilwoman Laird requested details on enforcement and belongings assistance. Council President Cologne asked for a comprehensive report at the December 16 meeting.
• Budget Amendments: Council announced six proposed amendments to the 2026 budget, to be reviewed at a special meeting on December 4 at 6 p.m. Second reading and enactment will occur December 16. Solicitor Stewart confirmed that additional amendments may be introduced at the December 4 meeting but recommended advance notice.
• University Emergency Service Fees: Councilman Callahan asked solicitors to research the legality of charging a $50 annual fee per student at Lehigh University and Moravian University (both nonprofits) to cover EMS and fire calls. He claimed the fees could fund four firefighter positions. Solicitor Stewart agreed to begin research.
• Mayor's Absence: Multiple council members noted Mayor Reynolds was absent (the eighth or more time). Council President Cologne acknowledged the mayor had messaged him privately; he did not disclose the reason publicly. Councilwoman Gramsci Smith and Callahan criticized the absence as a disservice to the public.
• Councilwoman Quiatek's Response: She responded to an earlier public comment (Liberto) that disparaged transgender pride flags, stating that showing support for a targeted community is not virtue signaling. She shared the story of her transgender daughter, a Navy officer forced out of service by federal policy.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of November 18, 2025, were approved without discussion.
• Finance Committee Report: Councilwoman Gramsci Smith reported that the finance committee reviewed the 2024 audit and discussed a transfer of $645,000 from police salaries to purchase police vehicles (due to vacancies).
• Ordinance 8A (Budget Amendment): Unanimously passed (6-0) to amend the 2025 general fund budget.
• Ordinance 8B (Campaign Finance Reports): Unanimously passed (6-0) to amend Article 112 of the codified ordinances.
• Resolution 10A (Police Vehicle Transfer): Unanimously passed (6-0) to transfer $645,000 for additional police vehicles.
• Resolution 10B (Health Bureau Strategic Plan): Unanimously passed (6-0) to authorize an agreement with Capacity for Change LLC ($14,700) to assist the Health Bureau in creating a new strategic plan.
• Resolutions 10C-10F (Certificates of Appropriateness): Passed as a group (6-0) for signage and alterations at 25 East Third Street, 13-15 East Third Street, 312 East Fourth Street, and 21 East Third Street.
• Next Steps: A budget amendment hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. The final adoption of the 2026 budget will occur December 16, 2025.