At the Aug. 1 city council meeting, Mayor William Reynolds introduced Schwabisch Gmund Mayor Richard Arnold, who led a visiting delegation of eight members, mostly city councilors of Bethlehem’s German sister city.

“We have a series of events here, throughout the week. They picked a good time to come as Musikfest is kicking off,” said Reynolds.

Director of Mayor’s Initiatives Angela Stein told The Press that this was a great opportunity for everyone to learn about how their respective local governments work. The itinerary included many historical Bethlehem sites, and the trip was planned around Musikfest’s 40th anniversary.

The effectiveness of IMPACT, a program being championed in Northampton County in which community service is given to juvenile offenders, was raised by Councilwoman Rachel Leon.

Leon explained how she has been working for over a year with families and community members to help find alternatives to giving out fines to juvenile delinquents. “Families shouldn’t go hungry because a kid broke a window,” she said.

Leon emphasized the importance of finding ways to turn things around, and in time, help ensure young offenders quickly get back on the right track in hopes of a better future. She pointed to programs like IMPACT as having the right tools and initiatives to achieve these success stories. She lauded District Attorney Terrence Houk for bringing IMPACT to Northampton County.

Leon asked Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott for her department’s approach with juvenile delinquents and the potential use of IMPACT.

Kott made it clear, “Bethlehem City Police Department is going to lead from the front.”

IMPACT is, “a principle, alternative method to handling juvenile delinquent offenders, that are first time offenders that are committing summary or misdemeanor offenses,” according to Kott.

“I may be overly ambitious - I want to program out this fall, 2023, so we can help the most amount of juveniles as possible.”

Lastly, an ordinance subject to a public hearing at the July 18 council meeting, where families from Camel’s Hump Farm appeared, passed unanimously with applause in the public seating area.

The ordinance changes the definition of environment education centers, allowing for day cares.