Backyard chickens in the City of Bethlehem? Well, not quite yet.

In a move that surprised many, city council voted unanimously Aug. 16 to send the now controversial chickens to the Public Safety Committee for closer examination of the pros and cons of this ordinance.

A committee hearing is something which Mayor Reynolds has been publicly calling for over the last few weeks.

Back at the July 17 council meeting, Reynolds had told council that without proper discussion and debate of the merits of this ordinance at a committee level, public transparency and accountability was not being addressed.

City of Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott, who attended thecouncil meeting, added that her department had been receiving many inquiries about the ordinance. She made it clear that she would be attending the Public Safety Committee to listen first-hand to the pros and cons of the proposed issuing of permits for backyard chickens.

A date for the Public Safety Committee had not been confirmed at press time.

Musikfest

A record 1.24 million people attended this year’s Musikfest, announced Mayor Reynolds, making it the most successful year since it started back in 1984.

Chief Kott added that 89 calls were made to the police department and 21 arrests were made during the 10-day music festival.

Both Kott and Reynolds praised the work of all officers who worked extra shifts to help ensure the safety of everyone attending Musikfest, with Kott stating ,“I’m extremely proud of our officers who spent hours keeping people safe.”

As for the incident which took place on Aug. 13, Kott mentioned how quickly the situation was handled, despite initial conflicting reports in what now seems to be an isolated incident. At press time, no charges had been laid and a 20 yr. old man remained in the hospital.

Recycling bid

Laura Collins, the city’s Director of Community and Economic Development, announced that despite an attempt to negotiate a deal, Republic Services decided a few hours earlier to walk-away from continuing to provide recycling services to the city. The city will be going out to bid, with details to be announced shortly.

Other business

A public hearing will be held Sept. 6 regarding the 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The grant would provide $17,894 to be applied for software upgrade at the police department.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 6.