Bethlehem City Council Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Bethlehem City Council met on August 4, 2026, to conduct routine business, hear public comments, and approve several resolutions and ordinances. The meeting included public comments on ArtsQuest, Hotel Bethlehem recognition, and water/sewer billing. Council discussed the stormwater fee after a Supreme Court ruling, the status of a fire study, and concerns about food trucks on university campuses. Several contracts and resolutions were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Artie Curatola, of 813 Law First Street, spoke about his history with ArtsQuest, claiming he was barred from performing after a dispute. He also warned residents to obey traffic laws during ArtsQuest, citing a recent ticket. He additionally commented on anti-Islamic propaganda.
• Stephen Antalix, of 7 Ridge Avenue, urged the city to recognize the person most responsible for the success of Hotel Bethlehem, noting he himself had received a citation for his work with the Slovenian community. He called on the mayor and council to issue a citation to that individual.
• Bill Shire, of 1890 Eaton Avenue, delivered the third part of his remarks on the water and sewer bill, arguing that 90% of the bill is fixed and thus a regressive tax. He proposed incorporating the fixed parts into the property tax, noting that the state constitution requires a uniform rate but not a uniform base.

Discussion Items

• Stormwater Fee and Supreme Court Ruling: Councilman asked about the Supreme Court ruling that the stormwater fee is illegal as a tax. The mayor responded that Lehigh University has voluntarily continued to pay, and no other nonprofits have refused. He explained that the fee is based on impervious coverage and that a legislative fix or running the fee through an authority are possible solutions. The city is continuing to collect the fee.
• Fire Study Update: Councilman inquired about the fire study. The mayor reported that the consultant is still receiving data, and he plans to request a timeline update next week.
• Food Trucks at Lehigh University: Councilman raised complaints from restaurants about food trucks on campus, questioning whether they meet health inspection requirements (e.g., hand-washing sinks). The mayor stated that all food trucks in the city undergo annual fire and health inspections, and that the university food trucks are part of their contracted food service. He will look into the specific inspections.
• Refunding Ordinance (9A): Council discussed an ordinance authorizing up to $25 million in general obligation notes to refund portions of existing bonds, with actual issuance expected around $12 million. The interest rate cap is set at 5.5%. The city's credit rating will be assessed in the coming weeks. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Committee Report: Councilman Queatec announced that the Community Development Committee will meet on August 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed zoning amendments for yard setbacks and data centers. No action will be taken at that meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 8A (zoning ordinance amendment) – Passed 6-0.
• Ordinance 8B (2026 capital budget amendment for non-utilities) – Passed 6-0.
• Ordinance 9A (refunding general obligation notes, up to $25 million) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10A (agreement with J O and Bradley Construction for emergency water supply connection, $260,440) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10B (agreement with LB Industries for general construction on clarifier sludge return piping, $370,145) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10C (agreement with BSI Electrical Contractors for electrical work on clarifier piping, $74,063) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10D (transfer of $42,381 within non-utility capital fund to purchase a forklift for Traffic Maintenance) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10E (intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Hanover Township for police, EMS, and fire services at the Monocacy complex) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10F (certificate of appropriateness for 410 Polk Street: roof replacement with asphalt shingles) – Passed 6-0.
• Resolution 10G (certificate of appropriateness for 115 West 4th Street: alterations including window replacement, facade changes, and new signage) – Passed 6-0.

Note: All votes were unanimous (6-0). Councilman Cologne joined after roll call for minutes.