City council passed a number of resolutions June 21, ranging from contract approvals to the awarding of a number of certificates of appropriateness for historic property alterations. However, two issues took center stage, a project honoring the local Lenape heritage and sales of used firearms by Bethlehem’s Police Department.

Emily Newman, as part of the Lehigh Southside Permaculture, which includes Maddie Watts, and Corena Munroe, and Kat Neumann and Emily Michnowski, who are Lehigh University students assisting from personal interest, has a project she would like to formally submit for approval from council. They plan to build a garden on the corner of Webster and Adam streets, with native perennial plants historically used by the Lenape, also known as the Delawares, over hundreds of years, mainly for medicinal purposes. This garden would provide an interactive way for people to learn about the history of the Delaware and their contributions to this part of Pennsylvania. A number of councilors spoke privately with both students at the end of the meeting for more information on this potential project. (Four people - two students?)

Most of the resolutions on the evening’s agenda passed without any issue. However, when the resolution pertaining to the sale by Bethlehem Police Department of a used firearm, council member Hillary Kwiatek questioned the overall nature of this procedure. The resolution in question dealt with the sale of a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol to retired Bethlehem Police Officer Michael Manfredo.

Before voting against the resolution, which passed 6-1, Kwiatek’s concerns led to a discussion about gun-based community violence with President Michael Colon and Mayor William Reynolds. Reynolds said everyone must work together to reduce gun violence. He also mentioned that he will discuss with Police Chief Michelle Kott the raised concerns on the sale of used-firearms.