Bethlehem City Council finished 2025 with its final meeting Dec. 16. This meeting also marked the end of Kiera Wilhelm and Grace Crampsie Smith’s terms on council. Both decided not to run again. Filling their seats in January 2026 will be Jo Daniels and Justin Amann.

Residents repeatedly brought up three subjects: Water, firefighters and homeless encampments.

International Association of Firefighters’ Local 735 President Lou Jimesnez, representing Bethlehem’s firefighters, spoke directly to the need for more firefighters and the city’s 2026 budget, which did not propose adding firefighter jobs. Councilperson elect Jo Daniels commented that “disrespect has been shown to these men (firefighters) by not budgeting any new hires.”

Residents voiced concerns regarding the removal of the homeless encampment by the railroad tracks owned by Norfolk Southern. The final physical eviction started Dec. 15. Residents helping the homeless, on site at the time of eviction, viewed this as “inhuman treatment,” with “callousness and lack of respect.” Resident Valerie Noonan described the eviction as “supremely depressing.”

Speaking for the administration was Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins and Health Director Kristen Wenrich. They cited the many resources available for the homeless before eviction day. “Starting as soon as August we engaged Community Connections, Lehigh Conference of Churches and the mobile health clinic, specifically to offer aid to these people” said Wenrich.

The board voted on final passage of the general, water and sewer fund budgets.

The next council meeting was scheduled for Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. in the city hall Rotunda.