The Bethlehem City Council held its regular meeting on January 21, 2026. The meeting included citations honoring retiring members, public comments on various issues, a discussion on potential fees for university services and non-profit contributions, approval of multiple contracts and resolutions, and updates on the Bethlehem Co-op and greenway project.
This meeting so we'll all rise for the pledge to the flag. Yeah. And to report for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We're going to start with citations. I'm going to turn to the administration for a citation for roll call. Thanks, Mike. The clerk will call the roll. Mr. Raymond. Present. Mr. Callahan. Present. Mr. Cologne. Present. Ms. Daniels. Present. Ms. Que Tech. Present. Ms. Laird. Present. And Ms. Leon. Uh turning to the administration for a citation honoring Lynn Rothman. Yes. We have a citation here honoring the retirement of Lynn Rothman. And before I read from it, I just want to say I think I like a lot of people in this room have had the honor of knowing Lynn for a long time. And Lynn has been uh with us, not just from the beginning of the climate action plan, but in all the years leading up to when we had the conversations at EAC meetings and uh personally about what the value of a climate action plan would be, the focus on sustainability. Uh the idea that focusing on a sustainability manager in the city in City Hall was a good idea. And I would I'm gonna read this um from about Lynn, but I just want to say is like Lynn truly represented this idea that she was a part of something, and she still is a part of something that it was bigger than her individually. She did not come to any meeting looking for credit. She didn't come to meeting because she wanted to be about herself. She really wanted to do this thing for the community. And it is um it has been an honor to work with her. Um, and I will read from uh this uh citation here. Uh for more than a decade, Lynn Rothman has exemplified dedicated public service and principled environmental leadership through her work on the Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council. Uh, first appointed in 2014 and serving as chair since 2016. Ms. Rothman has guided the council with clarity, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit that is both strengthened its effectiveness and its relationship with city councils, city staff, and the broader community. An environmental scientist and former former EPA professional, Ms. Rothman brought deep technical expertise and a balanced perspective to her leadership, one that respects environmental protection while thoughtfully considering development and property rights. As chair, she led efficient, well organized meetings. It's not always easy, fostered respectful consensus driven dialogue, and presented recommendations in a clear, constructive, and non-confrontational manner. Her leadership style emphasized preparation, documentation, and mutual understanding, earning trust across departments and governing bodies. Ms.