Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, the Mayor’s South Side Task Force convened online for its monthly meeting April 27.

Stephanie Augello hosted the virtual meeting from the mayor’s office, accompanied by Task Force Chairman Roger Hudak and Mayor Bob Donchez.

“Almost 31,000 individuals have been vaccinated,” said Donchez as he informed task force members the city is looking to move the COVID-19 vaccination clinics from Wind Creek Casino back to the city at the end of May. He said vaccination appointments can still be arranged online, or for those who do not have internet access, by calling the Bethlehem Health Bureau. The bureau is also partnering with the school district to provide vaccination clinics for teens and their parents.

The mayor put the word out that the municipal pools are looking to hire lifeguards at $10 per hour starting in mid-June.

He announced that Wind Creek has begun construction of a second hotel. The 270- room structure will cost around $120-140 million.

In other business, when Susan Vitez from the Steelworkers’ Archives asked about the elevators to the Hoover Mason Trestle, she was assured by Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott that these and the trestle are now open.

Chairman Roger Hudak briefly discussed the two high rise projects recently rejected by Bethlehem’s Historic Conservation Commission after the mayor expressed disappointment they had not been greenlighted. Hudak, who also serves on HCC, said they are too high and he had concerns about one being built over a city street.

Representing the Bethlehem Area Public Library Southside Branch, Janine Santoro announced they are open with limited hours and to a limited number of patrons. However, there were several virtual events being offered to the public online, she said.

Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University spoke about Joseph J. Helble, the college’s incoming president.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D) mentioned his office has been helping residents apply for state property tax and rent rebates for seniors. The legislature is working to raise income eligibility by an additional $6,000.

Samuelson described efforts to pass a series of proposals to change legislative rules to prevent bills being “bottled up” in committee, despite their popular support.

BASD athletic director Fred Harris, filling in for Vivian Robledo-Shorey, asked about providing more recreation and green space for elementary through middle school-aged children.

Also in attendance virtually are Deputy Chief Scott Meixell and Carolina Hernandez from Lehigh.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force meets again virtually on May 25, the last Tuesday of the month.