Chairperson Janine Santoro greeted members of the Mayor’s South Side Task Force with updates from the Mayor’s Office at the April 25 hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center.

Director of Water and Sewer Resources Ed Boscola announced the city will be replacing all old-style brass water meters beginning with the Southside.

He explained the new plastic meters feature electronic technology that will allow his department to track water usage remotely on a daily basis. The existing outdoor touch pads will be encased in radio frequency box-like units that will transmit readings to one of four towers located around the area. This eliminates the need for the department’s three meter readers to check usage on a quarterly basis.

He estimates it will take around six years to swap out 37,000 units in Bethlehem and surrounding communities.

“We will be able to get real time data on usage,” said Boscola. He noted that if a sudden spike in usage is noticed, the customer will be alerted, as it may indicate a possible leak.

Letters to customers about the meter replacement will go out in June or July.

Santoro mentioned that Live on the Greenway has been extended to June 11. The Sunday Concert Series at Harmony Pavilion run 1-4 p.m.

The installation of 300 smoke detectors in 100 Bethlehem homes was to take place May 6. This is part of an American Red Cross national program offering the safety devices for free with the assistance of the city fire department and community volunteers.

While the Puerto Rican Sister City Survey closed April 30, a Sister City Proposal event is scheduled for May 31, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.

Santoro reminded attendees that a recording of Bethlehem’s State of the City address from April 6 can be viewed online via the city’s website.

Southside Community Organizer Samantha Mravlag spoke briefly about upcoming South Side Community Visioning meetings with CADB on “Environmental Justice.” There was one scheduled May 9 at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St.

Ismael Arcelay from the Northampton Community College admissions office introduced himself and described a First-Generation & Adult Learner Community Workshop for May 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Alumni Hall. “One of the things we are doing as a college is to make sure we utilize our middle name ?? Northampton ‘Community’ College,” the former Bethlehem City Councilman said as he mentioned the session will provide information on classes, enrollment and financial aid.

Newcomer Neil Singh from Promise Neighborhoods spoke about how the nonprofit assists the greater Lehigh Valley with conservation, education, and other community challenges. They are currently recruiting for around eight paid positions for their Promise Corps Cohort, an environmental stewardship program. The organization also helps former convicts and people traumatized by poverty.

Jeff Zettlemoyer from Housing Opportunities Group provided updates on new housing being built near his neighborhood. He worried that rents for these new units may not be affordable for area families. “If you don’t make $76,000 dollars, you can’t even afford a house in Bethlehem,” he opined.

He praised the police department for starting to deal aggressively with motorists who drive past school buses displaying flashing red lights while picking up or dropping off students.

Kate Jackson, Lehigh University faculty and resident, discussed “trash hot spots.”

Bethlehem police officers William Rodriguez and Sean Landis mentioned Southside community events they participated in, including Cops & Kids readings. Landis described recent vehicle break-ins. “Keep your vehicle locked,” he advised.

Attending remotely, Eric Fontanez from the Bethlehem Area School District mentioned setting up a food pantry, grant writing, and upcoming PSSA exams.

Before adjourning, Santoro announced Lehigh University’s Great South Side Sale is being held June 3 at the Broughal Middle School field, The Northeast Community Center’s Yard Sale is June 10, starting 8 a.m., and the Hispanic Center Gala 2023: Fiesta Ecuador happens June 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Wind Creek’s Foundry Ballroom.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month.