Zoned trash hauling will not be happening in Bethlehem after a potential pilot program was on a 3-3 vote at the city council Aug. 4 meeting.

Council members Mark Recchiuti, Cathy Reuscher, and Adam Waldron voted no to the proposed pilot program, while Louis Stellato, J. William Reynolds, and Bryan Callahan voted yes. Council member Eric Evans was absent.

Reuscher also reported on the Parks and Public Property Committee, which met before the general council. See related story.

During the discussion about the zoned hauling pilot program, which was to begin with a trial on the Southside in October, Recchiuti said he was concerned about the proposed collection time moving from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m.

"I worry about enforcement," he said. Waldron said he agreed with that concern.

Reuscher asked if other council members would support the proposal if the time were still at 6 a.m.

Mayor Bob Donchez said the earlier start time would allow haulers to be done with busy streets before morning commuting and school traffic.

"I feel it's very important. It's a good first step get control of issues," he said, adding that changes would probably need to be made once the program is underway. "We have to tweak it."

Stellato reminded his fellow council members, "Bottom line it is a trial," and agreed that changes could always be made later if necessary.

Donchez also said strong enforcement would be needed for the pilot program.

Reynolds asked, "What is the mechanism to enforce? How do we practically do it?" Currently police can cite violators.

Reynolds asked, "Have we cited any in past year? We're not currently enforcing," he said. He suggested monthly reports to council showing the level of enforcement to make sure haulers are not violating the earlier start time.

Callahan urged members to give the pilot program a test period.

"Let's see how it goes," he said. He noted the earlier start time would be a safety issue. "Let's err on the side of safety."

In other business, council members approved Heim Construction of Orwigsburg, Pa., as the general contractor for the Bethlehem Area Public Library's Room to Grow Phase III renovations.

Funding for the $442,650 project will come from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Department of Education, with funds from the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund.

Josh Berk, executive director of the library, said the project should be done by early next year.

Council members also received an update on the extra police patrols at Saucon Park. Donchez said that during the period of May to July 4, the park has been visited by mostly people from the local area. Since the holiday weekend, he noted, there has been a significant increase of weekend visitors from out of state. He said the extra police patrol at the park would continue through Labor Day.

Police Chief Mark DiLuzio noted that other parks in the area are experiencing a similar situation.