10202026 Council Meeting

Bethlehem City Council meeting, October 21, 2026: Council held a public hearing on a proposed $16,711 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for replacing or expanding the city’s network of more than 125 public-safety cameras. The administration said the cameras support accident and criminal investigations; access is limited to city departments and staff. A resolution on the grant was scheduled for the November 4 agenda, so no approval vote was reported at this meeting. Council also approved, 7–0, an agreement with Tri-State Financial Group to collect and administer certain local taxes; the agreement automatically renews for three additional one-year terms. A resolution proposing a city match of $2,500 per year for up to four years (maximum $10,000) to support Touchstone Theatre’s participation in the Creative Communities Initiative was presented, but the transcript does not capture its vote outcome.

Council passed an amendment to police civil-service rules removing the college-credit requirement for police applicants, 5–2, with discussion of recruitment challenges and future evaluation of applicant and hiring results. Members discussed the early planning stages of Complete Streets work, including Stefko Boulevard safety and access concerns, and the mayor noted that capital investment would be needed for some projects; no design contract, award, or project funding was approved. Council also passed a data-center zoning ordinance 6–1. No other specific procurement awards or purchasing decisions were identified.