With the swearing-in of Bryan G. Callahan, Michael G. Colon and Colleen Laird, a new city council with a term ending January 2026 began Jan. 2

Colon was re-elected by his peers to serve as president, Leon was elected vice president, and this marks Callahan’s third time serving as a council member. He said, “We are not here to rubber stamp the administration, we are here to work with them and make our city better.”

New to council, Bethlehem native Laird has long been an active member of the community, from being a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts to founding the Bethlehem Food Co-Op.

An ordinance to outlaw the sale of dogs, cats and bunnies at pet stores in an effort to curb the puppy mill industry was passed unanimously.

Bethlehem resident Angela Mitchell raised concerns about traffic safety on Delaware Avenue, Third Street and Cherokee Street following recent accidents on Dec. 27 and Jan. 2.

Mitchell asked, “I’m wondering what is it going to take to get a stop sign near or traffic speed thing because there is too many accidents that are happening at that corner, as well as Cherokee and Dakota, and Cherokee and Fourth Street.

“I’m really concerned because there is going to be a fatal accident and I don’t want to see that happen.”