Bethlehem: April 7, 2026 City Council Meeting
Summary. The Bethlehem City Council held its April 7, 2026 meeting, beginning with a citation honoring Thomas Brockel for his 36 years of service with the Department of Water and Sewer Resources. The meeting featured extensive public comment on two main issues: litter and trash accumulation along the canal and trail system, and ongoing air quality complaints about SprayTech facility causing odor problems for Northwest Bethlehem residents for four years. Council conducted routine business including budget amendments for various city funds, approved agreements for a spring festival permit and handicap accessibility assessment, and discussed operational concerns including rising gasoline costs and food truck permitting. The administration committed to following up with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the SprayTech odor complaints and coordinating additional canal cleanup efforts.
Agenda Items
1. Citation for Thomas Brockel
Recognition ceremony for retiring city employee Thomas Brockel after 36 years of service
- Brockel worked for Department of Water and Sewer Resources wastewater treatment plant
- Started in 1990, retired in 2026
- Provided faithful service to residents
2. Public Comments - Environmental Issues
Citizens raised concerns about litter on canal trails and persistent air quality issues from SprayTech facility
- Trash accumulation along Sand Island canal trails
- Four years of ongoing odor complaints from SprayTech affecting quality of life
- Residents calling EPA regularly
- Request for city air quality board
- DEP permit compliance issues
3. Budget Discussion - Gasoline Costs
Council inquiry about impact of rising gas prices on city budget
- City spends approximately $1.8 million annually on gasoline
- Purchases made through state contract with bulk pricing
- Potential budget transfers needed if prices remain elevated for months
4. Administrative Follow-up Items
Council requested administration follow-up on SprayTech complaints and Lehigh University food truck permits
- City to contact DEP about SprayTech permit compliance
- Food truck permitting process on private property
- Canal cleanup coordination with volunteer groups
Motions & Votes
Motion to group ordinances for final passage agenda items 8a through 8e together
Moved by Councilman Colon, seconded by Councilman Callahan
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Contact DEP regarding SprayTech permit compliance and air quality complaints
Assigned to Miss Collins/Administration
Investigate Lehigh University food truck permitting and compliance
Assigned to Miss Collins
Send legal guidance on free speech vs hate speech to all council members
Assigned to City Solicitor
Look into hearing assistance devices for council chambers
Assigned to City Clerk
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Bethlehem City Council held its April 7, 2026 meeting, beginning with a citation honoring Thomas Brockel for his 36 years of service with the Department of Water and Sewer Resources. The meeting featured extensive public comment on two main issues: litter and trash accumulation along the canal and trail system, and ongoing air quality complaints about SprayTech facility causing odor problems for Northwest Bethlehem residents for four years. Council conducted routine business including budget amendments for various city funds, approved agreements for a spring festival permit and handicap accessibility assessment, and discussed operational concerns including rising gasoline costs and food truck permitting. The administration committed to following up with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the SprayTech odor complaints and coordinating additional canal cleanup efforts.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 4 agenda items: Citation for Thomas Brockel; Public Comments - Environmental Issues; Budget Discussion - Gasoline Costs; Administrative Follow-up Items.
How many motions were voted on?
1 motion were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
5 members were recorded as present: Leon, Callahan, Colon, Kwiatek, Laird.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
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