Bethlehem City Council Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Bethlehem City Council met on February 18, 2026, to address a range of topics including public comments on parking authority issues, historic preservation, public safety, and snow removal. The council voted on several ordinances and resolutions, including a controversial certificate of appropriateness for a seven-story mixed-use building on Walnut Street. Key decisions included approval of budget adjustments, a retired officer's handgun purchase, a fiber optic agreement, and multiple certificates of appropriateness.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
• Ordinances 8A through 8I, amending various 2026 budgets (General Fund, Water Fund, Community Development Block Grant Fund), were passed 6-0.
• Ordinance 12-2026, amending the Non-Utility Capital Fund, was amended (increasing appropriations from $39,025,323 to $41,248,119) and passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10A (Hill-to-Hill Bridge expansion) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10C (fiber optic agreement with Greenlight Networks) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10E (COA for 72 East Market Street) passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10F (COA for 400 Main Street) passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Trexinger: Detailed a dispute with the Bethlehem Parking Authority over a parking ticket issued on August 8, 2025. He stated that kiosk software glitches prevented payment, and after a magistrate hearing, he was found not guilty. He criticized BPA for ineptitude and demanded a meeting with the mayor, alleging misconduct by BPA staff.
• Girl Scout Troop 8208 (Remy, Beatrice, Viv, Cora, Fiona, Becca): Presented a Bronze Award project on snow and ice shoveling at corners. They requested the city share their educational posters and videos on social media to promote compliance with ordinances.
• Harry Faber: Urged council to pass a resolution condemning the rise of fascism, following Lehigh County's similar resolution. He stated, "Condemning fascism is really not that hard."
• Alex Miller: Argued for terminating the city's agreement with Flock Safety, citing concerns about civil liberties abuses and ICE collaboration. He urged the city to make "the smart, responsible choice to make Bethlehem a little bit freer."
• Martin Romerill: Offered to serve on the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), noting a 33% vacancy rate (six of nine seats filled). He cited his experience as a resident of the Northside Historic District since 1975.
• Ms. McCall: Expressed concern about understaffing in the fire department, noting that not all calls are medical. She recounted incidents involving propane tanks and carbon monoxide, and emphasized the need for public safety staffing before adding housing.
• Stephen Antonics: Criticized council for approving a study of fire/EMS services by the Center for Public Safety and Management, arguing the problem is staffing, not equipment. He urged council to replace dismissed firemen and support the lone council member pushing for proper staffing.
• Artie Caratola: Proposed using heaters in snow trucks to melt snow and drain it into sewers. He also made remarks about Jesus and anti-Semitism, clarifying that he loves all people.
• Bill Shire: Opposed the proposed seven-story building at 33 West Walnut Street, arguing it would detract from Main Street's historic charm. He stated that growth is not always progress and that the city should focus on affordable housing rather than large apartment buildings. He read a portion of his statement.
• Mary Joe: Read the final two paragraphs of Bill Shire's statement, which argued that the building would be "the beginning of the end for Bethlehem as it has been known."
• Stephen Antonics (second comment): Opposed resolution 10E, stating that the developer's dollars overrule Article 1714 and that the seven-story building is "ugly" and overpowering, comparing it to a cancer crossing the river.
• Artie Caratola (second comment): Opposed the development, urging preservation of historic landmarks and suggesting developers build in other areas.

Discussion Items

• Fire Department Data Request: Councilman Callahan requested data on the number of fire department calls to Lehigh University, St. Luke's, and Moravian. Fire Chief indicated that five years of data had been provided but aggregating new data would be complex. Callahan proposed a monthly fee for universities to cover fire services.
• Parking Authority Issues: Callahan raised concerns about the Bethlehem Parking Authority, including a bid issue on the Walnut Street Garage sprinkler system where piping may not match specifications. He criticized BPA's lack of transparency and responsiveness, and proposed a committee of the whole meeting to discuss dissolving the authority. Mayor Reynolds opposed dissolution, noting the authority's long-term debt and independent operation, but acknowledged some progress. Councilwoman Collins suggested concerns be raised at the parking authority's board meetings.
• Snow Removal Enforcement: Councilwoman Daniels asked about property owners not clearing snow. Public Works Director Alcall stated that enforcement is complaint-based due to limited resources. Mayor Reynolds noted the balance between public safety and sensitivity to elderly or disabled homeowners.
• HARB Quorum and Legal Standards: Solicitor Stewart clarified that HARB members serve until replaced, and that the board's recommendations are advisory. Council's role in reviewing certificates of appropriateness is limited to architectural features visible from public streets, not height or zoning issues. She also noted that considering the sale of land would be outside the scope of the review.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances 8A-8I and 12-2026 (as amended): All passed unanimously (6-0).
• Resolution 10B (Retired Officer Handgun Purchase): Passed 5-1, with Councilwoman Quietek voting nay.
• Resolution 10D (COA for 33 West Walnut Street): Passed 5-1, with Councilman Callahan voting nay. The resolution approves a seven-story mixed-use building with 107 dwelling units and ground-floor commercial space.
• Resolutions 10A, 10C, 10E, 10F: Passed unanimously (6-0).
• Committee of the Whole: Council agreed to schedule a future committee of the whole meeting to discuss the Bethlehem Parking Authority, including bid transparency and responsiveness.
• Fire Department Study: The previously approved study by the Center for Public Safety and Management will proceed; no further action was taken.
• Snow Removal: The city will continue complaint-based enforcement, with no new proactive measures adopted.