The most contentious topic of the evening was the proposed appointment of Rachel Leon to the Bethlehem Housing Authority board. The discussion revealed a sharp divide among council members regarding the ethics and legality of appointing a sitting council member to such a position. One council member expressed skepticism about the ethics of the appointment, stating, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right,” and referenced broader issues of legal versus ethical behavior. They suggested that having a council member serve on the BHA board could set a concerning precedent, given the authority’s budget and influence.

In contrast, another council member praised Leon’s qualifications. They argued, “Miss Leon is an excellent and in fact uniquely qualified candidate for the BHA board,” emphasizing her leadership and dedication to housing justice. The council member expressed disappointment at the insinuations of conflicts of interest, asserting that Leon’s motivations were rooted in integrity rather than personal gain.

The debate also touched on historical precedents and the roles of council members on various boards and commissions. One member pointed out that other council members already serve on boards such as the Human Relations Commission and the Library Board, with those appointments historically passing unanimously.

Ultimately, the council voted on Leon’s appointment, resulting in a decision of four in favor, two against, and one recusal.

Following the appointment debate, Mayor J. William Reynolds provided updates on public safety measures in response to severe weather conditions. Reynolds reported that Arts Quest had shut down activities due to lightning and that preparations were underway for potential flooding from an approaching hurricane. He commended public safety officials for their efforts to adapt schedules and relocate vendors, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in ensuring community safety.

The mayor also announced that Bethlehem had been recognized as a world heritage site, a development that has been in the works for over two decades. This recognition was attributed to the efforts of many individuals and organizations, including former mayors and community leaders. Reynolds stressed that the world heritage designation was not just about celebrating the past but also about upholding the ideals of community and equality. A church service and press conference were scheduled to discuss the acknowledgment further, with a larger celebration planned for October 2023.

In addition to these updates, the council addressed several budget-related ordinances. Bill 19, which amends the 2024 capital budget for non-utilities, was sponsored and received unanimous support from the council. Similarly, Bills 20 and 21, both amending the Community Development Block Grant budget for 2024, also passed unanimously. Bills 22, 23, 24, and 25, which pertained to amendments of the general fund budget for 2024, were discussed and approved, with Bill 25 requiring postponement for additional time to finalize figures related to psychological evaluations for new hires.

The council also approved several resolutions related to infrastructure and community projects. Resolution 10A authorized agreements with Remington and Vernick Engineers for sewer model updates, while Resolution 10B authorized the application for additional HOME ARP funding for non-congregate sheltering. This project would involve 11 family units in a building owned by the Lehigh Conference of Churches, addressing a pressing need for family support services in the community.

Further resolutions included a winter traffic services agreement with PennDOT, an office lease for the police department’s emergency services training facility, and several use permit agreements for upcoming events such as Bethlehem Brewfest, Ciderfest, Vintage Market, and October Fest. These resolutions passed unanimously.