Following the directives established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit public gatherings, several of the following meetings / activities might be changed, canceled, streamed or online. Masks over the nose and mouth are required in all government offices and buildings. Temperature checks may be made. Check websites and social media as available.

Municipal news

BETHLEHEM YARD WASTE: The Yard Waste Facility may be closed at times due to inclement weather and other factors. Check the city website. Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center, 635 Illick’s Mill Road, will not be accepting Styrofoam materials until furthur notice.

BETHLEHEM FIRE TRUCK: The Bethlehem Fire Department was recently awarded $800,000 from the Northampton County Relief Block Grant Program to replace Fire Engine #3. The new Engine #3 (E3) and its equipment are housed at the Schweder Fire Station located on Bethlehem’s Southside. E3 responds as the primary engine in the Southside district to all high priority medical incidents and supports Bethlehem EMS, in addition to all other emergency incidents requiring multi-unit responses.

In addition to responding as the primary engine for QRS responses, E3 is the first engine due to Northampton Community College’s Fowler Campus, Wind Creek, and I-78. It also serves as the primary QRS engine to a majority of Bethlehem’s Latino Community. E3 is designated as a mass decontamination engine by Northampton County for response in the event that it is requested.

The Bethlehem Fire Department is throwing a community celebration in conjunction with the City of Bethlehem and the Hispanic Center Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Kids will get to meet “Sparky,” the Fire Department’s mascot and enjoy refreshments. They can then help “push” E3 during the housing ceremony at the Schweder Fire Station once the new engine takes a lap around the block from the Hispanic Center to the station.

Community members and leaders are invited to take part in this celebration. The event is free to the community.

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS: Some meeting dates may have changed for February due to Presidents’ Day and other events or holidays.

TAP TO PAY PARKING: Customers using the Bethlehem Parking Authority garages will soon be able to pay for their parking sessions by tapping their smartphone, credit card or debit card on signage placed within BPA garages.

The Bethlehem Parking Authority is introducing a mobile app only pilot zone on the 100 block of West Packer Avenue between Brodhead Ave. and Vine St. starting Jan. 31.

The mobile app, ParkMobile, allows customers to start and stop parking sessions, add multiple vehicles to their account and create notifications to alert them when their parking session is about to expire. For customers without a smart phone, there is an option to pay by text, which is always available through ParkMobile.

Customers can expect Tap to Pay to go live in all BPA garages by the beginning of February. The BPA plans to install detailed signage detailing the mobile app only pilot zone. The pilot is expected to last three to six months.

Wednesday, January 26

Bethlehem Parking Authority, 4 p.m. 85 W. North St.

NorCo Industrial Development Authority, 4 p.m., Northampton Co. Courthouse, 669 Washington St., Easton.

Bethlehem City Zoning Hearing Board, 6 p.m. City hall, 10 E. Church St.

Lehigh Co. Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. Public hearing room, Gov’t. Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown.

Snow date for the Bethlehem Area School Board regular meeting, 7 p.m., East Hills Middle School auditorium

Tuesday, February 1

NorCo General Purpose Authority, 8:15 a.m. Northampton Co. Courthouse, 669 Washington St., Easton.

Bethlehem City Council. 7 p.m. City hall, 10 E. Church St. Current and recent meetings are located online at www.youtube.com/channel/UCRLFG5Y9Ui0jADKaRE1W3xw.

NorCo Farmland Preservation, 7 p.m. Northampton Co. Courthouse, 669 Washington St., Easton.

Freemansburg Council, 7 p.m. 600 Monroe St.

Wednesday, February 2

Historical Architectural Review Board, 5 p.m. Masks are required. City hall, 10 E. Church St. Submit public questions, comments, name and phone number 24 hours in advance via email to planninginfo@bethlehem-pa.gov

Fountain Hill Finance, P.W., Personnel, House committees, 7 p.m. 941 Long St.

Hanover Twp. (LeCo) Council, 7:30 p.m. 2202 Grove Road.