Councilmember Jo Daniels had questions about snow removal at the Feb. 17 city council meeting. This was after residents complained about reaching the Rotunda on time while trying to traverse existing snow mounds.

She said conditions were such that, “It was hard to get rid of, I understand that. My concern is property owners not clearing the snow at all or a very narrow path where you literally have to put one foot in front of the other to walk down the street. Is there any possible way where a code inspector can literally go out and fine these people. It’s not that I want people to pay fines – I don’t, believe me – but I don’t think they’re going to get it until they get a fine and realize it’s a safety issue. It’s an accessibility issue.

“There were handicapped people who were stuck in their homes for weeks at a time.”

Director of Public Works Mike Alkhal said public right-of-ways are his department’s purview. “We don’t aggressively look for issues and cite folks, but we have in the past and we get complaints from property owners. [If] someone’s sidewalk has not been shoveled within 24 hours of a storm we do send inspectors out. We notify the address immediately if they don’t comply. But we do it on a complaint basis, mostly because of lack of resources to do so more proactively and aggressively.”

Mayor William Reynolds added snow removal is a challenge for people who are moving and the homeowner in question may be elderly or disabled. “It’s a balance making sure all the sidewalks get safe as soon as possible but also to understanding for some people, it’s a physical challenge.”

Daniels agreed but stressed some residents are “getting away with” consistent ordinance violations, which is devaluing communities. With two new inspectors, she said, “I’m lost as to why we can’t have a dedicated person to make sure codes are being enforced.”

Daniels did not prolong the argument further, satisfied that her questions were duly noted and considered.

Councilmember Bryan Callahan later said he wished to hold a committee of the whole meeting in the coming months to properly review the Bethlehem Parking Authority, about which there are many complains, especially regarding responsiveness, and he said the water piping in the new Walnut Street Garage – a million-dollar job by itself – may not have been installed to the specified quality. “We were quoted on a spec, but apparently that’s not what was delivered.

“I know at some point the Bethlehem Parking Authority was in-house, was in the city. I want to discuss changes that can be made. I don’t know if it’s legally possible to dissolve the Parking Authority and bring it under your administration … I think, personally, that they’d be a lot more responsive toward residents and city council members if it was under your authority.”

Callahan continued. “Almost every citizen I have to deal with feels like they’re not being listened to at all and I’ve had that experience – I asked them for a right-to-know request on the [sprinkler] piping and the procedures they made me go through… and then they wanted to charge the City of Bethlehem for $747 for the paperwork. I told them under no uncertain terms, ‘You are out of your effin’ mind if you think that you are going to charge the City of Bethlehem for you to copy papers from a request from a city councilman.’”

Reynolds said point-blank he has no intention of changing the BPA’s structure; as a stand-alone entity, it has certain debt structure and operated independently – once created, the idea of unwinding one is infeasible.

“As a whole, I will say – 20 years ago I thought the Parking Authority was a financial disaster. I think there’s been a lot of progress. But as far as the bid stuff, I don’t have any idea. That’s a question for the Parking Authority,” he said, as are those about its responsiveness.

The pair bickered over details for some time but ultimately Council President Rachel Leon agreed council and the BPA need to have a conversation.

Councilmember Michael Colon reminded all present the BPA has its own board with public meetings. “I would encourage anyone … to start conversations there.”

The Feb. 24 council meeting was rescheduled because members were taking an ethics training course. The March 3 meeting was likewise canceled though Leon said she would be available at the Rotunda at 6 p.m. to speak with the public.