06022026 Council Meeting

The City of Bethlehem Council held a meeting on June 2, 2026, which included extensive public comments on various community issues such as utility-related curbing damage, surveillance technology concerns, environmental resource protection, and affordable housing challenges. The council discussed procurement and contracting matters including the approval of an agreement with Herbert Roland and Grubic Incorporated for design and engineering services related to upgrades at Bernie Fritz, Madison, and Clear View parks. The contract award followed a review of the 40 and 10 parks plan, with council members debating equitable distribution of funds among parks. Additionally, the council authorized several use permit agreements for community events and approved an intergovernmental agreement for participation in the Northampton County Drug Task Force. Budgetary details were noted, including a $15,000 contract with Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation for event-related services and a $41,000 annual contract for police surveillance technology under review for renewal. The council also addressed affordable housing projects, including the Gateway project with a $50 million total cost, partially funded by public grants and tax credits, and discussed challenges related to funding gaps and zoning. Multiple resolutions related to certificates of appropriateness for building projects were passed. The meeting concluded with a focus on transparency, community engagement, and equitable resource allocation in city projects.