Council approves contracts, grants and an ordinance aligning inspection rules with state law; Bill 19 passes 5–1

After public comment, the Bethlehem City Council moved through a lengthy consent and business calendar that included contracts, budget adjustments and ordinance votes.

Communications and resolutions

The council approved a package of use-permit resolutions authorizing the mayor and controller to execute agreements with ArtsQuest for multiple 2026 events (Soccer Fest, Sabor Latin Festival, Independence Day celebration and a reggae event) and with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce / Downtown Bethlehem Association for an 'America 250' block party on Main Street; the chamber agreement was described in the clerk’s memo as costing $80,000 through Dec. 31, 2026. Multiple event-related amendments and ratifications were approved together by roll call.

Contracts and capital items

Council authorized an agreement with Spillman Farmer for final design and engineering of an 11-unit non-congregate emergency family shelter at 232–234 West Packer Avenue; the clerk read the recommended contract amount as $2,210,000 with work scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2027 and construction/bids anticipated to start next year. The resolution passed by roll call (6–0).

The council approved a two-year agreement with Custom Ag Services LLC (Marietta, PA) for removal, transportation and disposal of residuals from a water treatment plant lagoon at a cost of $206,250 for 2026 and $206,250 for 2027, with an option to renew up to six additional years and a maximum renewal value stated as $1,650,000 assuming no price increases; staff clarified those residuals are filter backwash solids, not biosolids.

Budget adjustments and grants

The council approved budget adjustments recognizing revenue from previously approved Bethlehem Tempo LLC agreements and appropriating $103,000 to a Greenway account; the clerk also read a capital-budget adjustment recognizing a $250,000 DCNR grant to be appropriated to the South Bethlehem Greenway project. A memorandum was read requesting a July 21 public hearing to consider CDBG awards ($1,370,309) and HOME allocations ($388,308.10); council voted to schedule that hearing for July 21 at 7PM (6–0).

Ordinance vote — Bill 19-2026 (property inspections)

Council introduced Bill 19–2026 to amend city ordinances governing point-of-sale inspections and registration, aligning local code with Pennsylvania’s Ordinance Compliance Act (MOCA). Staff explained the main substantive change is extending the remediation period following an inspection so purchasers have up to 12 months (up from nine months) to complete required work, consistent with state law; staff also inserted statutory definitions into local code.

Council discussion centered on whether a certificate of occupancy (CO) transfers with a sale or whether a new CO is required each transfer. The solicitor and staff pointed to ordinance language indicating a new CO is required each transfer while the inspection report is valid for one year. After debate, the ordinance was put to a roll-call vote and passed 5–1 (Councilman Callahan recorded the lone Nay).

Other votes and adjournment

The council also approved several other ordinances and resolutions by recorded vote (including two budget-related bills and multiple HARB certificates of appropriateness). Two resolutions authorizing transfer of city-issued handguns to retired officers passed 5–1 (one or more council members recorded Nays on those items). The meeting concluded with routine approvals and adjournment.