During the Sept. 5 city council meeting, Mayor William Reynolds addressed the budget transfer of $10,000 for temporary staff, which had been a topic of discussion last month.

Reading an email co-signed by Executive Assistant Stephanie Augello, Director of Initiatives Angelo Stein and Director of Equity and Inclusion Janine Santoro, Reynolds reinforced their message about important tasks that need to be accomplished as the city enters the final phase of UNESCO’s World Heritage designation.

Making the point, “We have three employees in the mayor’s office, but we are paying for 2.5 of them,” Reynolds reminded everyone how Augello retired from the school district for health and personal reasons. Therefore, there is a cap on what she can be paid, even if she is presently working 70 hours per week. In addition, Stein will be leaving on maternity leave in a few weeks.

Reynolds made it clear that his staff is working well beyond expectations, and that this additional part-time help through February 2024 is a necessity.

Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith reiterated her previous doubts. “I’m just trying to see that we are working as efficiently as possible.” As this was a budgetary issue, Smith said she felt justified to question it. She reminded everyone of her vote of support for the budget transfer and her support for the World Heritage Site bid.

In other news, by a vote of 6-1, the Wawa located at 770 Hellertown Road was granted a liquor license after a public hearing earlier in the evening.

Councilwoman voted against the resolution, citing concerns about its location near a public park where young children play baseball. Colleague Paige Van Wirt cited similar concerns, including its proximity to I-78 exit and wondered why only new Wawas seem to be selling liquor.

Ellen Freeman, of Flaherty & O’Hara, said Wawa, “primarily looks at new buildings for liquor licenses because of the prototype to be able to fit seating within the store.” She also explained alcohol sales would be limited to certain hours, and only to those who could prove legal age.

During public comments, several residents from Carbon County spoke about sewage sludge. Their organization, Save Carbon County, serves to educate and raise awareness on the issue.

One of the speakers, Stephen Chukra of Lehighton, explained, “While wastewater can be treated and returned to rivers or an ocean, solid waste is a difficult disposal problem for wastewater treatment plants. This sewage sludge is disposed of in three ways: spreading on farmland, as fertilizer, incineration and landfilling.”

Chukra pointed out the source of sludge provided for farmers to the county comes from the city of Bethlehem.