Votes at a glance: Bethlehem council approves hazard mitigation plan, water contracts and certificates of appropriateness (all measures passed 6‑0)

Council took votes Feb. 24 on several resolutions and appointments. Most measures were routine authorizations for contracts, grants or administrative matters; each resolution passed on a recorded roll call of 6‑0 (Council President Colon was absent).

Key outcomes

- Hazard mitigation plan: Council adopted the Lehigh Valley 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the city’s official plan (Resolution 10a). The plan is a prerequisite for post‑disaster hazard mitigation grant eligibility.

- Water and sewer professional services: Council authorized contracts for professional services related to water/sewer GIS upgrades and environmental regulatory counsel: Colliers Engineering (GIS field verification), EnTech Engineering (water information management system programming), and Henley, Arancic, Siegel, Hudlin & Schiller (environmental counsel). Reported contract amounts: Colliers $41,440 (through 12/31/2025), Henley et al. not to exceed $25,000 for 2025 with renewal options, and EnTech $7,500.

- Certificate of appropriateness: Council granted historic‑district certificates of appropriateness for multiple small exterior projects (window graphics, storm door/railings, roof replacement) as listed on the agenda.

- Reappointment: Mayor Reynolds’ reappointment of Ronald J. Danchez to the Bethlehem Authority was confirmed by council (effective through January 2030).

- Scheduling: Council voted 6‑0 to schedule a public hearing on April 1 for a separate rezoning request (Eighth Avenue and Martin Court) submitted by an applicant seeking CMU→CS zoning for a proposed car wash or restaurant.

All roll calls recorded the following votes in favor: Miss Wilhelm, Mister Callahan, Miss Grimsey Smith, Miss Kwiatek, Miss Laird and Miss Leon.