Bethlehem City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Bethlehem City Council convened on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting began with a recognition of Thomas Rockle, a retiree from the Department of Water and Sewer Resources who served for 36 years. Council approved previous meeting minutes, heard public comments on various issues, discussed budget impacts of rising gas prices, addressed resident complaints about litter and air quality, and voted unanimously on several budget amendments and agreements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brandon Horlick (Church Street resident) expressed concern about litter and trash accumulation along the canal, creek, and Lehigh River, particularly near Sand Island. He asked the city to ensure proper cleanup and maintenance of the natural areas.
• George Andrews (resident near Spray Tech, Avenue B) described persistent foul odors from the Spray Tech facility over the past four years. He stated that the odors control his family’s ability to enjoy outdoor activities, and that EPA complaints have not resolved the issue. He asked the council for help.
• Isabel Andrews (stay-at-home mom, same Spray Tech issue) stated that Spray Tech has been found not using required scrubbers and that the company has been “kicked out of another place” for similar odors. She suggested the city create an air quality board with stricter rules and proposed adopting stricter air quality standards under Section 116 of the Clean Air Act.
• Harry Faber spoke at length about U.S. foreign policy, military spending, and the bombing of universities and medical facilities in Iran, linking these to local impacts. He urged the council to consider anti-imperialist policies and mentioned joining the DSA.
• Marty Caratola (813 Law for the Street, Bethlehem) claimed his self-published book was refused by the Bethlehem Public Library while Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” remains on the shelf. He accused the library director of anti-Semitism and asserted his right to have his book in the library.
• Stephen Antalix (Seven Ridge) argued that the Bethlehem Authority should be made independent, similar to Allentown and Easton authorities, to reduce city council workload and improve water management. He cited past financial abuses and illegal timbering due to unclear lines of authority.
• Mr. Shire (frequent commenter) criticized inconsistent parking signage around City Hall and the library, calling it an embarrassment. He noted that signs say “no public parking” or “one hour parking” at times when the library is closed, creating confusion.
• Brian Nickus (826 Tioga Avenue) thanked council members for speaking to Boy Scout Pack 352 earlier that evening about democracy and government.

Discussion Items

• Gasoline Budget Impact: Councilman Callahan asked about the city’s gasoline procurement and the effect of rising gas prices ($1 per gallon increase over two weeks). Director of Public Works Michael Alcall and Mr. Evans explained that the city buys gasoline in bulk through state contracts with a lag, so sustained price increases of months would be needed to significantly impact the budget. The city’s annual gasoline expenditure is approximately $1.8 million. Council noted that if high prices persist, budget transfers may be necessary.
• Canal Path Litter and Spray Tech Odors: Council discussed follow-up on the two citizen complaints. Mr. Alcall stated that garbage along the canal is difficult to keep clean despite regular emptying of cans and volunteer cleanups. Community connections are evaluating additional needs in areas where unhoused people have relocated. Regarding Spray Tech, Ms. Collins (city staff) explained that DEP controls air quality permits; the city can contact DEP to check on permit status and compliance. Councilwoman Leon encouraged residents to also contact state representatives (Sen. Boscola, Reps. McNeil and Samuelson) to influence DEP funding. Councilman Callahan urged continuous follow-up.
• Food Trucks at Lehigh University: Councilman Callahan raised concerns that Lehigh University has placed food trucks on its property (possibly by the cupola plaza), which he claimed are taking business from established restaurants on Fourth Street. Ms. Collins noted that food trucks on private property may be allowed under zoning, but the city does not have a general ordinance for food trucks on public property. Councilwoman Laird noted that the trucks are likely operated by Sodexo under Lehigh’s dining contract. Callahan asked for investigation into permitting.
• Council President’s Remarks on Free Speech & Hate Speech: Council President Leon asked the city solicitor to provide guidance to council on the line between free speech and hate speech, following repeated comments that she and other council members find antagonistic. Solicitor indicated she will provide guidance on what is constitutionally protected and what actions council can take.

Key Outcomes

• Approved previous meeting minutes unanimously.
• Adopted Ordinances 8a through 8e (grouped) by a vote of 5-0: These amend the 2026 sewer capital budget, water capital budget, water fund budget, and two general fund budgets (Bills 13-17).
• Adopted Ordinance 9a (Bill 18-2026) by a vote of 5-0: Amends the liquid fuels fund budget, reducing it from $2,374,220 to $2,210,833 due to reconciliation with PennDOT allocation, increased snow/ice removal costs, and reduced street overlays.
• Adopted Resolution 10a by a vote of 5-0: Authorizes a use permit agreement with The Wicked Botanist for the 2026 Lehigh Valley Spring Wicked Plant Festival on April 26, 2026, on First Street from Polk Street to Eastern Terminus and Founders Way.
• Adopted Resolution 10b by a vote of 5-0: Authorizes an agreement with Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living to conduct a handicap accessibility site survey of city-owned spaces (police department, library, city hall) at a cost of $3,900, to be completed by December 31, 2026.
• Adopted Resolution 10c by a vote of 5-0: Authorizes disposal of public records in the Department of Community and Economic Development as per the municipal records manual.
• Council directed staff to follow up with DEP on Spray Tech complaints and to investigate the food truck situation at Lehigh University.
• The mayor’s State of the City address was announced for April 8, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.