05.12.2026 Committee of the Whole

The City of Bethlehem Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 12, 2026, focusing primarily on ethics and conflict of interest issues related to public employees and officials. The discussion covered various scenarios involving procurement, contracting, and use of government assets, emphasizing the importance of avoiding personal financial gain from public office. Several real-life case examples and videos illustrated violations such as improper use of government equipment, conflicts in awarding contracts, and acceptance of gifts from vendors. The meeting also addressed the filing and enforcement of statements of financial interests, penalties for non-compliance, and the process for seeking advisory opinions to prevent ethics violations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this session, but the content highlighted policies and compliance measures that impact future procurement activities and vendor interactions.