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

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.