Bethlehem City Council Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Bethlehem City Council held a regular meeting on February 4, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting covered public comments on various topics, several communications and resolutions, and passage of multiple ordinances and resolutions. Councilwoman Laird was congratulated on the expansion of her family and will miss upcoming meetings.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved minutes and scheduled a public hearing for an intermunicipal liquor license transfer (Resolution 10E).
• All ordinances and resolutions were voted on individually; no consent agenda was used.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Garcia (South Side resident): Expressed concerns about immigration, respect for all opinions, opposition to transgender issues being promoted to children, criticism of the mayor's closed-door policy, and frustration with homelessness allowed at City Hall. He called for respect and understanding.
• Alex Miller (80 Minocasi Street): Urged the council to end the city's contract with Flock Safety, citing issues with data sharing, lack of oversight, security vulnerabilities, and cooperation with ICE. He provided examples of Flock's camera data being exposed and used for mass surveillance, and expressed concern about ICE activity in the region.
• Will Weber (66 West Elizabeth Avenue): Raised utility affordability concerns, recounting a story of a resident with a $420 electric bill. He urged the council to prioritize water smart meters with a protective app for consumers, referencing a successful program in Fairmont, West Virginia, and warned against installing meters without consumer protections.
• Harry Faber: Spoke against injustice, ICE, and inaction by local government. He urged Bethlehem to be a leader in opposing fascism and called for legislation preventing local law enforcement from sharing information with ICE. He echoed support for Alex Miller's comments.
• Bill Shire (1898 Avenue): Commented on snow removal inefficiencies, suggested more proactive snow hauling, criticized the planned seven-story parking garage ("the big white box") on Main Street as harming historic character, and expressed support for immigrants who are willing to work and follow laws. He also requested more public financial reporting from the Parking Authority.
• Stephen Antalix (737 Ridge): Spoke on two occasions. In non-voting comment, he criticized the council's budget decisions that prioritized revenue over public safety, specifically the vote to not replace dismissed firemen and the hiring of code enforcement officers. He asked new council members how they would have voted on the firefighter issue. In voting comment, he opposed a resolution that would deny retired police officers the ability to purchase their duty firearms, arguing it was a tradition and an unfair burden.

Discussion Items

• Flock Safety Contract: Councilmember Callahan asked Police Chief Michelle Kott about the city's use of Flock. Chief Kott confirmed the city only uses Flock automated license plate readers, not cameras, and that the city owns and controls the data, which is not shared. The data is retained for approximately 90 days. Councilmember Callahan also noted attending a meeting of 400 concerned residents about immigration enforcement and the recent purchase of warehouses in Berks County.
• Snow Removal and Water Main Breaks: Mayor reported that the city declared a snow emergency for the first time in five years (since February 2021). Public Works Director Michael Alcall and his team were thanked for their efforts. Water main breaks increased due to extreme cold, and crews worked overtime.
• Firefighter Staffing: Councilmember Callahan expressed determination to find funding for four additional firefighters, citing forced overtime and overwork. He referenced a study to be conducted. The Business Administrator Eric Evans explained that each fund is self-sustaining and money cannot be transferred across funds without proper justification (Maximus study). The mayor confirmed that user fee revenue must stay within its fund.
• Golf Course Profit: Councilmember noted a $700,000 profit above budget projections. Mr. Evans explained the funds stay in the golf course fund and are designated for the repair/replacement of a structurally unsafe barn at the recycling center.
• Communications: Several items were presented:
  • 6A: Tree inventory contract with Arbor Pro Inc. ($96,750).
  • 6B: Purchase of duty weapon by retired police officer (Lieutenant Michael Deluzio).
  • 6C: Fire and EMS study by Center for Public Safety Management, LLC ($82,740).
  • 6D: Land surveying for Greenway parcels ($6,300).
  • 6E: Liquor license transfer from Easton to 217 Broadway, Bethlehem; public hearing scheduled for March 17, 2026.
• Committee Reports: Finance committee met earlier and advanced 10 proposed budget adjustments (9A-9J) to the council for first reading. All were considered routine.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 8A (Uniform Construction Code): Passed 6-0, adopting the 2021 Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
• Ordinances 9A-9J (Budget adjustments for general fund, water fund, CDBG fund, and non-utility capital fund): Passed 6-0 as a group after discussion.
• Resolution 10A (Tree inventory contract with Arbor Pro): Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10B (Police duty weapon transfer to retired officer): Passed 5-1, with Councilmember Quietek voting no.
• Resolution 10C (Fire and EMS study contract): Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10D (Land surveying contract for Greenway): Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10E (Human resources records disposal): Passed 6-0.
• Public Hearing Scheduled: For the liquor license transfer on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM.