Resident and frequent critic of city hall Arthur Curatola opened the Oct. 20 council meeting complaining that some residents have to clean up the gutters outside their home, while other citizens get to have their gutters cleaned by the city.

He was referring to the city’s periodic street cleaning that requires residents to find alternate parking on designated street cleaning days. He said this practice causes some residents to violate the law in their quest for the most convenient spots. He proposed that this law be ended.

“This law has to go bye-bye,” said Curatola.

He also suggested residents put their telephone numbers on their vehicles so the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) can call the owners, allowing them to move their vehicles. Repeat offenders should, under Curatola’s plan, have their vehicles towed and have to pay the costs of towing and storage.

He proposed that all handicapped people, senior citizens and military veterans be exempt “at least three times a year” from violations of his suggested ordinance.

Curatola also complained of “booted” cars being left by BPA on the streets for eight days.

He suggested the city could save money on wheel clamps or boots by doing away with the practice and simply towing the vehicles at the owners’ expense.

Curatola offered a third suggestion, that the city reimburse ticketed owners for their expenses if they contest a parking ticket and win the case.

Council members’ reactions to Curatola’s suggestions were obscured by technology, as only Council President Adam Waldron was present in the Rotunda for the Zoom meeting. However, no one expressed support for his plan.

BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom told council that plans to build the Polk Street Garage have been paused pending the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The planned $16 million, 590-space car park was scheduled to break ground in September.

Council approved 7-0 a liquor license transfer for the Royal Farms restaurant at 2335 Avenue A in Bethlehem. The license will be transferred from Louie’s Restaurant on 31st St. S.W. after approval by the PA Liquor Control Board.

In other business, council approved four mayoral appointments to the Fine Arts Commission: Barbara Fraust, Janet B. Pressler, Stacie Elyse Brennan and Thomas Shillea. Heriberto Cruz Burgos was approved for the City Planning Commission.