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Council actions roundup: Sister City ordinance, surveillance grant and city contracts among items approved
Summary
Bethlehem City Council approved a series of ordinances, contracts and grant documents including a Sister City ordinance replacement, a Byrne JAG grant for intersection cameras and a nearly $966,000 contract for Friendship Park improvements.
Bethlehem City Council approved a slate of ordinances, resolutions and administrative items at its meeting, including a final ordinance replacing the Sister City Commission ordinance and multiple contract and grant authorizations. Key actions and vote tallies tracked in the meeting record include:
- Sister City Commission ordinance (Bill 19-25) — Final passage. The council approved a replacement ordinance updating the Sister City Commission by a roll-call vote of 7–0. (Sponsors: Ms. Leon and Ms. Cramsey Smith.)
- Zoning map amendment (Bill 20-25) — Passed 5–2. (See separate article for full debate; sponsors: Mr. Colon and Ms. Goyotek.)
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ($33,577) — Approved 7–0. The council authorized the mayor and controller to execute grant-award documents for the city’s 2024 Byrne JAG grant; the chief’s presentation at previous meetings described the funds as supporting an expansion and update of the city’s intersection camera network. (Sponsors: Mr. Colon and Ms. Kwiatak.)
- Fireworks contract for July 4 display — Approved 6–1. The council authorized a contract with Garden State Fireworks for $40,000 to provide the Fourth of July fireworks display (rain date July 5); the vote was 6–1 with Miss Kwiatak recorded as Nay. (Sponsor: Department of Public Works, Michael Alco.)
- Friendship Park improvements (Grace Industries, Inc.) — Approved 7–0. The council authorized execution of a contract with Grace Industries of Bath for improvements at Friendship Park, including a new basketball court, splash pad, ADA walkways, event plaza, upgraded playground and shaded pavilion. Contract amount $965,952.73; work to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025. (Sponsor: Public Works.)
- Use permit for 2025 Live on the Greenway (BEDCO) — Approved 7–0. City authorized a use-permit agreement for Live on the Greenway events; sub-permittees include Social Still LLC, Country Club Brewing LLC, 5 Maidens LLC and Surratt LLC (Adagio). (Sponsor: Solicitor’s office/BEDCO.)
- Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) — Group approval 7–0. The council granted COAs for facade renovations and related work at 232 West Third Street, 230 West Third Street and a proposed hotel structure at 14–36 West Third Street.
Roll-call details and the meeting minutes record who voted for each item. Several council members and members of the public used the meeting to raise policy questions about surveillance funding, encampment notices and the city’s outreach protocols; city staff answered questions and said grants and contracts would be used as described in the respective grant award or contract documents.
