“Our first speaker tonight again made comments that were antisemitic, and it is important that every time those comments are stated, that we, as a city, reject them,” is how Mayor William Reynolds began his address to city council July 5.

“Many people have decided the best way to get pass them is to ignore them.” Reynolds made it clear that this would not be his strategy.

His remarks followed those of resident Arthur Curatola, who began the evening by voicing antisemitic comments during the Public Comment portion of the City Council.

Over the last few months, Curatola has regularly promoted his pro-Christian views with inflammatory language toward others, most notably Jews.

Back in December, Reynolds and Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek spoke out about Curatola’s views and how they did not reflect what the city was about. Kwiatek said the city is comprised of individuals from different backgrounds and that “folks should be more sensitive to that.”

Chair Michael Colon closed the evening by reflecting on the number of public remarks he has witnessed over his eight years on council, saying he could not understand the reasoning behind such continuous remarks, the use of historical stereotypes, but that everyone who resides in Bethlehem “should be able to move freely in search in peace and joy. Attacks in a public forum is just unfair.”

City solicitor John Spirk provided an update to council about wastewater discharge permits.

Spirk highlighted priorities with permit renewals: From insisting on flow control from the landfills, to testing chemicals in the waters. He confirmed that quarterly testing is already in effect. Spirk highlighted the concerns of “forever chemicals” and how they affect the water system.

Other permits related to water flows are being examined, should state or federal regulations come into effect later.

In his fiscal update, City Administrator Eric Evans said, “This year is off to a better start [than last].” Among his highlights, we have spent $1 million less in medical, real estate are 95 percent collected and are on track.

“We are at 40 percent of budget for 6/30,” said Evans.

Reynolds concluded that the city likes to be conservative in budgeting.