Police Chief Michelle Kott addressed city council Sept. 9 about how funds from the 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant would be attributed.

This year’s annual fund, which is based on population size and crime data, is set at $17.894. This amount is lower than previous years, as the Uniform Crime Reporting Data, set for major crimes, is down this year, which as Kott noted, “is not a bad problem to have.”

Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith told Kott, “Kudos for getting the crime rate down. That is awesome and a testament to you and your officers.”

The proposed use for this year’s funds include mobile data terminals and docking stations for police vehicles allowing officers to fill out their reports on-site.

Council voted unanimously to vote on this grant as a resolution at the Sept. 22 meeting.

Firemen’s overtime

Business Administrator Eric Evans explained Fire Chief Warren Achey’s request for an increase in overtime funds by $21,000. This would mark an overall budget of $260,000 to date for this fiscal year.

Evans explained that factors related to the overtime costs included an unexpected increase in overtime in January due to many being sick with COVID. Mayor J. William Reynolds supported Evans’ points, noting that January had been a particularly difficult for the same reason.

The resolution was unanimously approved.

Appointments

The following appointments were approved:

Mandy Tolino to the Environmental Advisory Council until September 2025

Todd Chambers to the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy

Lara Bly to the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy

Gary Lader to the Historic Conservation Commission – South Bethlehem and Mount Airy

Michele Rayah Levy to the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission until April 2023

Mayor William Reynolds addressed City Council to publicly thank everyone who participated, helped organize and gave their time to help make the recent block party at Friendship Park such a success.

On a final note, Councilwoman Dr. Wandalyn Enix congratulated the Hotel Behtlehem for being named the best historical hotel in the country by USAToday for the second year in a row. Dr. Enix highlighted the deep connection this hotel has with African-American community.

Among the examples Enix highlighted was Roy Wilkins, civil rights leader, who spoke at the hotel when he was leader of the NAACP.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 20.