[{"_1":2,"_114":-5,"_115":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,94,104],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6300276,"mediaKeyId","2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d","parentId",2493344,"title","At a glance: key votes from the Feb. 27 Bethlehem City Council meeting","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",30216000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d&start=30216&end=30216","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d/thumbnail_30216000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300276/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/At-a-glance-key-votes-from-the-Feb-27-Bethlehem-City-Council-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300276-5c19887e0521727ba349ab505a596bc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173633&Signature=n6dP3UFf6HffTgnNe6Bx9Y8jEz62mKYZ8OuA2pFn9ItG22HvEfhNZnVd4JhPoXBwZMQD5zpsV~VTX9iw5OgfP9~r5yoqfAve1FrBgPtsNPStwBq40F7oPVpJlgzfIFohw9oQ1-0tjeytaCRaRbs~SGzcret3lmpEnfos19k8fcdj4NrWSyyG9o6wyhFjZNJOtXMDlkf4Ip1hUQOZfMQs-qZpyGtOLN379UDh-ADBzHBQ230D8dprBh8V3OjInjnvFbAjPHw8MXE0cPWeIJ6UFXo4~XtbKraVTRG7VJQ9tDy706Ti2uLyQB5t~HGhsQtrvCIMFEeGy5BW7g4Q2lcHvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bethlehem, PA","date","2025-03-05T04:08:04Z","article","Below are the principal formal actions taken by Bethlehem City Council on Feb. 27, with vote tallies and brief notes. Items are recorded as they were read and voted on during the meeting.

Ordinances (final or first-reading actions)
- Grouped budget amendments (8a — 8o): grouped and passed 7-0. (Multiple capital and fund budget amendments; sponsors Miss Grama Smith and Miss Leon.)
- Ordinance 9a (Bill 16-2025): Amend council salaries — PASSED 4-3 (Ayes: Miss Kwiatak; Miss Laird; Miss Wilhelm; Mister Colon. Nays: Mister Callahan; Miss Grama Smith; Miss Leon.) Will take effect for officials beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
- Ordinance 9b (Bill 17-2025): Amend controller salary — PASSED 6-1 (Nay: Miss Grama Smith). Effective Jan. 1, 2026 for next controller term.
- Ordinance 9c (Bill 18-2025): Amend mayor salary — PASSED 5-2 (Nays: Miss Grama Smith; Mister Colon). Mayor Reynolds said he will veto the mayoral increase; override would require two-thirds and timing may preclude an effective override.
- Ordinance 9d (Bill 19-2025): Zoning map amendment for 11 & 15 West Garrison Street — POSTPONED unanimously (7-0) to April 1, 2025 for additional community engagement.

Resolutions (contracts, permits, appointments)
- Appointment to Bethlehem Library Board: Martin J. Biotti — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10a: Municipal records/health bureau disposal — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10b: Contract with LB Construction for 60 ADA curb ramps ($459,500) — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10c: Agreement with CHA Consulting for water filtration plant roof ($127,500) — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10d: Award to G & B Construction Group for Pembroke/Elizabeth mill & overlay ($451,067.25) — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10e: Sale of duty firearm to retired officer — PASSED 6-1 (Nay: Miss Kwiatak).
- Resolution 10f: LB Construction for 50 ADA curb ramps ($367,900) — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10g: J. Owen Bradley Construction for water main repairs ($416,525) — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10h: Use permit for AAUW book fair at early Schaeffer Ice Rink — PASSED 7-0.
- Resolution 10i: Use permit for 2025 Brew to Brew run (Main Street, River to Broad) — PASSED 7-0.

Other votes and procedural items
- Public hearing scheduled for March 18, 2025, on the city application for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant (up to $33,577) — PASSED 7-0.

Notes and next steps
- Salary ordinances must meet statutory timing rules and will apply to officials starting Jan. 1, 2026; council directed the clerk to publish ordinances and staff to include the changes in the 2026 budget process.
- The mayor announced his intention to veto the mayoral pay ordinance; council would need a two-thirds vote to override.
- The 11 & 15 West Garrison zoning amendment will return April 1 after planned neighborhood engagement and an invited facilitated conversation.

Council recorded roll-call votes on each ordinance and resolution; individual roll lines are in the official minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03042025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary table of ordinances, resolutions and motions decided at the Feb. 27 meeting, including vote tallies and short notes on outcomes and next steps.","taxTitle","Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania","taxId",9659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6300281,"Council sets public hearing for $33,577 Justice Assistance Grant; police announce 'blue envelope' for drivers with special needs",24525000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d&start=24525&end=24525","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d/thumbnail_24525000.jpg","/articles/6300281/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-sets-public-hearing-for-33577-Justice-Assistance-Grant-police-announce-blue-envelope-for-drivers-with-special-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300281-eebcaa16150c354c3e6ed23784745a52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173633&Signature=lt5A3QWhlrMezvLAfYjARdnOL-JBV9PU74mbFCMHyT1NypD6ygBtUUXcGjOHau-B8~7sluYboowpWPFOy21yxoltBpaFwgU1YEFz4YtA9WL8Ky75Bx0ayhJs6pY9qW71R4yIdbi1q~kaYjQsI4qoIfBDkGelNZODaIiIkCtU4~jJaoYriw4aACDhpUyB4GpX6XtNU9CkYMHJWLqOF1Xs9grjI4uX9dIWm-HThQwEtc2VUS-cJdMxJ2A59pZVz10pPuhVljUfHZrzKCUkKShwiCpXLrPCZIO5XkByN4HpMXZ5fXxqDD~a6B~hijk957ojgywLZmjYTBYrc5PHFJChIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council voted 7-0 to set a public hearing for March 18 on a proposed application for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) of up to $33,577. The police chief's memorandum says the grant would be used to expand and update the city's intersection camera network.

At the meeting Police Chief Michelle Cott briefed council on the department's intent and on a separate community program. Chief Cott and city leaders announced Bethlehem's participation in the \"blue envelope\" program, a partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network to help officers identify drivers with medical needs or disabilities during traffic stops. Under the program, enrolled drivers receive a blue envelope containing a card with relevant information that can be placed in the vehicle; officers receive training on appropriate, patient responses.

\"We are excited to partner with LVHN and join this important program, which will allow us to provide more compassionate and thoughtful responses to drivers with special needs,\" Chief Cott said in the statement presented at the meeting.

Council also approved a resolution authorizing the sale of one duty firearm to a retired officer under the Third Class City Code; the vote was 6-1. The objection raised in the discussion was procedural and about alternatives for disposal if council chose not to approve the transfer. Chief Cott said the department exhausts options and that recent practice has been to allow retiring officers to buy their issued duty weapon at fair market value.

Council scheduled the JAG grant public hearing for 7 p.m. on March 18 and unanimously approved the other police-related resolutions presented that night.","Council scheduled a public hearing on applying for a 2024 Edward Byrne JAG grant to expand intersection cameras; the police department also announced participation in a regional 'blue envelope' program to flag drivers with special needs.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":90,"_52":91,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":92,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":93,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6300285,"Council authorizes curb‑ramp, paving and water‑system contracts totaling about $1.7 million",24952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d&start=24952&end=24952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d/thumbnail_24952000.jpg","/articles/6300285/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-authorizes-curbramp-paving-and-watersystem-contracts-totaling-about-17-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300285-acb3f35fd722d967b3ab5510b2eef5d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173633&Signature=GpYLFqbRM-~V5hHkl3YYE32vJkHl4mYw5ENHCCHoyXlgp0mkHLdUmwCv2PO23BJrQ1wYnuNvky3rcbfYYkJGAdj88ckOsVgCYqFKpsYQAksDNWb1Lh8tD23ssQh21pBUk0ZDtD-BPDBwARtrgqMhYbNQt~goJMfjuRoEgFS43TpR6PLnyAY5xmtHlq4c6q2mB2MuJWsuah4rJgbPr8ggAJ09xU~OPHh6isEo6HzQGg3cdW0SPBCb2vSUJPTW5ThD2zz94pyk9ED2iZALTBCmnnNcMMkco~44CJY4qoV79yexxpzXMMq8Ryez-E2LU1i9AqVWDJvhmDhU3jlVUgSvOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council authorized multiple public-works and water‑system contracts during the Feb. 27 meeting, awarding bids for curb‑ramp construction, street mill/overlay projects and water‑system repairs.

Key actions approved by council included:
- LB Construction Enterprises (Spring House, Pa.) — $459,500 to design and construct 60 ADA curb ramps throughout the city (100-day completion) and a separate $367,900 award for 50 ADA curb ramps tied to in‑house paving (100 days). (Resolutions 10b and 10f)
- G & B Construction Group (Feasterville) — $451,067.25 for ADA upgrades and mill overlay on Pembroke Road (Stephco Boulevard to Woodruff Street) and Elizabeth Avenue (Chelsea Street to Linden Street); to be completed within 45 days from notice to proceed. (Resolution 10d)
- J. Owen Bradley Construction Co. (Bethlehem) — $416,525 to repair broken water mains at two locations (180 days). (Resolution 10g)
- CHA Consulting, Inc. (Bethlehem) — $127,500 for design, bidding and construction administration to replace the roof at the municipal water filtration plant (work to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025). (Resolution 10c)

City staff reported five bids were received for the curb‑ramp solicitations; LB Construction and G & B Construction Group submitted the lowest responsive bids where indicated. Council approved the awards by unanimous votes, and council directed the mayor and controller to execute the agreements.

Public‑works and water department leaders noted the projects are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the city's infrastructure and to comply with federal ADA obligations. Councilmembers said they viewed the multi-project package as necessary capital maintenance, and staff said the work will be scheduled to minimize neighborhood disruption.

Resolutions authorizing the contracts passed unanimously.","Council approved several construction and design agreements for ADA curb ramps, street overlays and water-system repairs, with combined contract awards announced and scheduled completion dates.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":42,"_43":97,"_45":97,"_46":98,"_48":99,"_50":100,"_52":101,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":102,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":103,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6300290,"Council postpones West Garrison rezoning after residents press for more outreach",19560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d&start=19560&end=19560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d/thumbnail_19560000.jpg","/articles/6300290/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-postpones-West-Garrison-rezoning-after-residents-press-for-more-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300290-cefb54070cd6a4b3df8fb1478948052b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173633&Signature=VtXLb48Tv0Hlbef76SU5jYb0UU-i8cJMrohnK1oR-WBHYcuJFX6lskGzOVVClJQA~LqFls93ZXNFLyxX86WfwmOR8LcumXnZZsXBBtvLt3ZC6OJQBox1y08w~vjwXIXoeiep1rm-lU2rdAC~GnYPjYbAbIdEXbtrvu5Y7LqnNtHT8JfG5VPJPuGW0vNpSHV0n0xYGI82yXGoKS0Al9tjOgBJ6bSbrdN9EMqUE-ZF7cL-Cy7ixHKLmVBOPUQPuyC16CbT8Htp4oLx1p0lsJKgruzeldAFr0kYXyfAr4GtKMV2TRBFkcglAlCzH0H4DLDr6N~xFQnC3vw4QDtgbPnVYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bethlehem City Council voted on Feb. 27 to postpone consideration of a zoning map amendment that would change two lots at 11 and 15 West Garrison Street from Residential-Transitional (RT) to Central Business District. The motion to delay the first reading passed 7-0 and the item will be taken up at the April 1 council meeting.

Developers seeking to rezone the two lots said the change would let them consolidate a multi-lot redevelopment into a five-story building with roughly 70 apartments and more on-site parking. They told council the same 70 residential units would be built whether the two RT lots were rezoned or not; without the rezoning, the developers said, they would need to push the project taller (six stories) and use more expensive steel construction, which would reduce funds available for exterior finishes and on-site parking.

\"If they don't get the zoning change, they're building six stories,\" said Councilman Callahan in discussion, explaining developers’ presentation and his conclusion that a rezoned site could produce a shorter building with more parking. Developers who addressed council described multiple adjustments to pursue a smaller, more compatible building and said they had met with residents and city planning staff.

Neighbors and other residents urged council to slow the process and expand outreach. Concerns included narrow street geometry on West Garrison, parking availability during construction and after occupancy, pedestrian safety and the loss of intact, older houses on the block. Bill Shire, a nearby resident, urged preserving the block's character: \"If we're not careful, what is attracting people to the city will be lost,\" he said.

Councilwoman Laird proposed a short postponement to allow for facilitated conversations between the developer and neighborhood groups. Laird suggested Northside Alive as a potential convener; she and other council members said the pause should be brief to let the project move forward if the parties can resolve issues.

Developers and supporters argued the project responds to the region's housing shortage and that infill on this site reduces outward expansion and sprawl. Gabe Moyer, who identified himself with the project, said the design had been changed after community input: \"The rezoning request is sensible... We're pursuing a modest building with plenty of parking.\"

The item will return to council for first reading on April 1. Council directed staff to facilitate a community meeting so that residents, the developer and council members can discuss concerns before the next vote.","Council postponed first reading on a zoning map amendment for 11 and 15 West Garrison Street to April 1 to allow more neighborhood engagement; developers said rezoning would reduce building height and increase on-site parking.",{"_33":105,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":106,"_41":42,"_43":107,"_45":107,"_46":108,"_48":109,"_50":110,"_52":111,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":112,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":113,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6300295,"Bethlehem council approves raises for controller, mayor and some council seats after heated public debate",29080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d&start=29080&end=29080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493344-ee06212dcc95af0c65f9d4af78101a0d/thumbnail_29080000.jpg","/articles/6300295/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Bethlehem-council-approves-raises-for-controller-mayor-and-some-council-seats-after-heated-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300295-a62b9179793733af0aaea738f1c51f68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173633&Signature=KApYJUN7-uELT7K8VAvPfZ6Oa4oXMGIofwF6HBo20P1wBxKNaWVsawEM6CMrAn4CX-RrucQh~7La-~n-nbBHa3gpXsHB26b-esfqg4JWzfOqKR3R9juem4gmJdOMLUjN~O6VbV7LxRCr88ux~Q8A0UOGzvo9bcilFh0DG7s80XRUVL4-Qtt9IB2SOwDH08HI5pXF7SzmzWP-XD5jiJsQxOBmzCkegjtdgM8pAVXZmVT9MU66H2cOmouQ6di6K37J4FkJgkBSe9AD-2bJFMsQtrxjjaVDsY5eD6cSUnjN3kbtMjTs3sDQWkBrfkrqNF0tg5dLIFmw~WOs0Y2xhjPduw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council on Feb. 27 approved ordinances to raise pay for the city controller and the mayor and to change the compensation for council members, setting new rates that would take effect for officials sworn into office in 2026.

The council voted 4-3 to approve an ordinance changing council compensation, 6-1 to raise the controller's salary and 5-2 to raise the mayor's salary. Councilwoman Theresa Wilhelm, who sponsored the package, acknowledged the awkward optics of elected officials changing pay but said the increases are intended to broaden who can afford to run for office.

\"Just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it's not the right thing to do,\" Wilhelm said in opening the discussion. She and supporters said the council stipend has not risen in about 16 years and that a modest increase would make civic office accessible to people who cannot otherwise afford the time and expense of public service.

Opponents — including several members of the public who brought petitions or urged council to reject raises — argued the city faces economic uncertainty and that elected officials should not increase their own pay now. A petition with roughly 150 signatures urging a no vote was presented at the meeting.

Mayor Reynolds, who spoke during the meeting, said he is opposed to increasing the mayoral salary and told council he will veto the mayor pay ordinance if it reaches his desk. \"I'm not in favor of a salary increase,\" Reynolds said, adding he would veto the measure.

Solicitor John F. Burke Jr. and Solicitor Stewart (city solicitor) advised council about timing and legal limits. Because Pennsylvania law bars changing an incumbent officer's pay during a term, the ordinances set the salary levels for the next term beginning Jan. 1, 2026; that means only newly elected or reelected officials beginning that term would receive the higher pay. Stewart noted the mayoral salary can be structured with annual steps, but the constitutional restrictions prevent incremental changes for council members and the controller within an incumbent's current term.

Council votes on the three ordinances were as follows: the council-salary ordinance passed 4-3 (Ayes: Miss Kwiatak; Miss Laird; Miss Wilhelm; Mister Colon. Nays: Mister Callahan; Miss Grama Smith; Miss Leon). The controller ordinance passed 6-1 (Ayes: Mister Callahan; Miss Kwiatak; Miss Laird; Miss Leon; Miss Wilhelm; Mister Colon. Nay: Miss Grama Smith). The mayoral ordinance passed 5-2 (Ayes: Mister Callahan; Miss Kwiatak; Miss Laird; Miss Leon; Miss Wilhelm. Nays: Miss Grama Smith; Mister Colon).

Council members said the increases would be reflected in the 2026 budget process; City Administrator and finance staff said adding the package to 2026 would amount to about $23,325 across the positions and that the city would incorporate the change as part of its regular budget work. Several council members emphasized the need to show value for the extra money by pressing for more performance and public accountability.

The ordinances will return for final passage at the council's next meeting. The mayor's statement that he will veto the mayoral increase means council would need a two-thirds majority to override a veto; the solicitor noted the applicable timing rules make an override unlikely in this election cycle.

Quotes from public speakers and council members reflected the split view: a resident who delivered a petition said the raises would hurt residents already struggling to afford basic needs; another resident urged higher pay so that people without private means could seek elected office.

The council discussion included practical questions about how the changes would be implemented and whether a regular review could be encouraged in future years. Council members suggested internal procedural reminders for future councils to revisit compensation on a scheduled basis.

The ordinances will be posted for public notice and come back to council for final passage per statutory timing requirements.","City Council voted to raise salaries for the city controller and the mayor and to set higher pay for four council seats in future terms; votes split and mayor said he will veto the mayoral increase.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

At a glance: key votes from the Feb. 27 Bethlehem City Council meeting

Council sets public hearing for $33,577 Justice Assistance Grant; police announce 'blue envelope' for drivers with special needs

Council authorizes curb‑ramp, paving and water‑system contracts totaling about $1.7 million

Council postpones West Garrison rezoning after residents press for more outreach

Bethlehem council approves raises for controller, mayor and some council seats after heated public debate