Bethlehem City Council Meeting – December 17, 2025: Budget Votes and Homeless Encampment Update

This final regular meeting of 2025 featured public testimony on multiple issues, an extended discussion on the clearing of a homeless encampment, and the adoption of the 2026 city budget by a 5‑2 vote. Council also approved several use‑permit resolutions unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 council meeting without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Angela Mitchell (430 Cherokee St.) raised concerns about lead in pipes for dialysis and cancer patients, asked for remote public comment options, and described alleged abuse and denial of dialysis treatment at St. Luke’s Hospital.
• Evelyn Leon (East Fifth St.) thanked council members for their service and praised the leadership of Council President Colón and Vice President Leon.
• Michael Liberto announced his candidacy for mayor, emphasizing second chances and community resilience.
• Mark Will Weber (66 West Elizabeth Ave.) provided a list of over 100 cities that offer free water‑consumption apps (e.g., EyeOnWater, AquaHawk, WaterSmart) and urged Bethlehem to adopt a similar system.
• Artie Curatola (813 Lafayette St.) discussed being banned from ArtsQuest and other venues, claiming anti‑Semitic accusations, and offered to speak to homeless individuals about wealth building.
• Lou Jimenez (Local 735 president) argued that firefighter staffing decisions should not be deferred to collective bargaining, citing the NFPA standards and requesting a permanently assigned company officer at the Northwest Fire Station (currently covered by a roving officer). He noted the city recognizes NFPA standards for training but avoids them for staffing.
• Terry Michel (56 East Gep St.) raised parking‑ticket inconsistencies and expressed opposition to any plan to convert Linden and Center streets to two‑way traffic, citing accident risks.
• Dominic Trabasi criticized the clearing of a homeless encampment on Norfolk Southern property, arguing it forced relocation without guaranteeing safe alternatives and called for addressing housing needs.
• Cheyenne Cahun (Easton) condemned the eviction, urging council to recognize housing as a human right and to act with compassion.
• Lee (Bethlehem resident) described the scene of the December 15 clearing (16‑degree weather, no resources provided by the city or police), stating that only two volunteers helped move possessions hours later.
• Valerie Noonan corroborated Lee’s account, noting that three volunteers arrived at 7:45 AM, helped one person move belongings two miles, and that six people’s items were moved in seven trips by a single pickup truck after 5 PM.
• Steven Antonalix (737 Ridge) accused council of voting 5‑2 against restoring fire staff (four firefighters) for political reasons, calling some members “lapdogs” of the mayor.
• Ms. Daniels expressed frustration that the fire department has not grown with the city, noting 32 new hires in three years but continued understaffing and reliance on overtime.
• Kyle Dalton (Bethlehem firefighter) thanked council for their service.
• Sebastian Zavaruka (811 Elm St.) echoed concerns about the encampment clearing, stating that displaced individuals have moved to other unsafe locations, some on city property.

Discussion Items

Homeless Encampment Clearing (Sand Island / Hill‑to‑Hill Bridge)

• Mayor Reynolds, Miss Wenrick (Community Connections), and Miss Collins provided a detailed update:
  • 92 unique individuals were counted in the impacted areas over several months; 85% were successfully connected to at least one service (case management, drug/alcohol treatment, mental health, medical care).
  • Three “care events” were held at Sand Island to offer comprehensive services.
  • On December 15, the remaining 12 individuals were assisted: one was connected to Victory House shelter, two obtained single‑room occupancy units, and others received storage help or medical care.
  • The Mincy Trail area (estimated 5‑8 individuals) remains to be cleared later in the week (Dec. 18 or 19).
  • The city owns about 0.25 acres east of the Fahy Bridge; that small area was also posted due to safety concerns.
  • Council asked about regional solutions; Mayor Reynolds emphasized the need for county leadership, noting that 95% of Lehigh Valley land is in suburbs that contribute little to homelessness services.
  • Councilwoman Leon asked about housing options outside Bethlehem; some individuals were placed in Allentown or other locations.
  • Councilwoman Laird asked about environmental review of Norfolk Southern’s planned clearing; Mayor Reynolds stated the city has no jurisdiction over private‑property trees but is engaged on waterway impacts.
• Public comments from Lee and Noonan contradicted the city’s account, stating no resources were provided on‑site and that volunteers handled all moving. City staff maintained that services were offered and that grant restrictions limited what could be done for those without a planned shelter destination.

Water Bureau Technology & Customer Apps

• Councilwoman Laird asked about providing a consumption‑monitoring app for smart meters. Director Boscola noted the city is vetting compatible platforms but emphasized the priority is expanding bill‑pay options (paperless, auto‑pay). He estimated a new platform could be ready by 2026 or 2027. Councilwoman Cramsey Smith pressed for a timeline, expressing disappointment.

Fire Department Staffing

• Councilwoman Cramsey Smith asked about using overtime to ensure a permanently assigned officer at the Northwest Fire Station. Chief Griffin confirmed that the station has lacked an assigned officer for about 20 years, though the chief has authority to authorize overtime. The mayor noted that overtime is funded from salary savings from mid‑year retirements. Councilwoman Cramsey Smith argued that with 32 new firefighters (less than three years’ experience), the need for on‑site supervision is critical.
• Councilwoman Cramsey Smith also objected to a memo from the DCED director that she said falsely accused her of trying to cut nonprofit funding; she clarified her budget amendment would have used a small portion of the Community Recovery Fund temporarily and would have been reimbursed.

Key Outcomes

• 2026 Budget Adoption: All 11 budget ordinances (General Fund, Water, Sewer, Golf Course, Liquid Fuels, Capital Budgets, CDBG, Stormwater, and 2026 tax rate) passed 5‑2. Council members Callahan and Cramsey Smith voted “nay” on all items, citing inadequate fire department funding. Councilman Callahan noted that $331,000 (0.3% of the budget) would have funded four firefighters for the year, costing the average household $11.42.
• Resolutions: Three use‑permit agreements (ArtsQuest for Peeps Fest fireworks, Touchstone Theatre for Parham Park, and K.O. Fulford Associates for East Allen well operation) and a certificate of appropriateness for an elevator addition at 38‑44 East Market St. were all approved 7‑0.
• Next Meeting: The first meeting of 2026 will be a reorganization meeting on Monday, January 5, at 7 PM, where outgoing council members will be recognized and new members sworn in.
• Directives: Council President Colón asked the administration to keep council updated on regional homelessness efforts and on the fire‑staffing RFP process. Councilwoman Laird requested a first‑quarter committee meeting to discuss water‑technology improvements.