Chair Janine Santoro led the gathering in a moment of silence after reading a longtime member’s obituary at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force Feb. 25 hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center.

Susan Vitez was remembered for her service to her faith and community, as well as her talent as a violinist with the Lehigh University Philharmonic. As a member of the former St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church and board member of the Steelworkers Archives, she was heavily involved in the Steeples and Steel tours, promoting Bethlehem’s industrial and religious history.

Vitez unexpectedly passed away Feb. 3 at the age of 68.

Visiting remotely, Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott described how the city’s administration and her department are handling President Donald Trump’s deportation push of undocumented workers. “The Bethlehem Police Department’s mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents regardless of their immigration status,” said Kott. “The Bethlehem Police Department doesn’t participate in ICE’s 287G Program.”

She addressed the Constitutional rights and city ordinances prohibiting search and seizure without probable cause. She called attention to Section 1.1.4, “Prohibition Against Biased-Based Policing.”

Kott noted that they do have to “comply by federal law.” The department must honor and enforce valid arrest warrants and court orders signed by a judge.

Jeff Zettlemoyer from Housing Opportunities said he “applauded her stance” and made a few suggestions the chief welcomed.

Eric Fontanez from the Bethlehem Area School District discussed policies and procedures the school district has in place to handle potential situations involving ICE.

Other topics covered, including the 2025 Community Recovery Fund application process opens mid-March and the South Bethlehem Community Center Feasibility Study, can be viewed online.

Santoro announced a public virtual meeting 6:30 – 8 p.m. on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for March 20.

Spring flag-raising ceremonies at Payrow Plaza include an Irish Flag Raising March 14 at 11 a.m., a Greek Flag Raising on March 24 at 5 p.m. and a Transgender Day of Visibility Flag Raising March 31 at 9 a.m.

An Arts, Crafts, and Performance Event featuring transgender and nonbinary artists is happening March 23 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Ice House Event Center.

The ticketed Bethlehem State of the City is scheduled for 7 – 9:30 a.m. April 3 at the ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus.

The NAACP 80th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 30 at Green Pond Country Club.

Santoro mentioned there are open seats on several authorities, boards and commissions. City hall is also looking for applicants for employment opportunities.

Fontanez announced a Kindergarten Registration event for March 7, from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club. Students can also be registered online.

Duvan Cano and Jennifer Labrador from Community Action Development Bethlehem spoke about the March 18 deadline for CADB South Side’s Tomorrow Project proposals. Two CADB community meetings are scheduled from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Donegan Elementary School on March 5 and at the Lynfield Community Center on March 18.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson and Glori Vasquez from his office took turns highlighting the state budget, REAL ID, Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and other matters.

“The deadline is May 7 to get a REAL ID,” said Vasquez. She encouraged residents to apply online or at a Driver’s License Center ahead of the deadline.

Reduced vehicle registration for retired Pennsylvania residents is available based on income. The discounted rate is $11.

Nayeli Hance from the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side branch said there is ongoing programming at the library and plans are in the works for a grand reopening and book sale later in the spring.

Attending online, Katy Knibbs from South Side Arts District said the National Museum of Industrial History is beginning to participate in the South Side First Friday events with free admission and activities.

Also online, Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University promoted a 15th annual Hope & Healing Juried Art Show held at the College of Health, Science and Technology Building’s lobby that runs through March 31. A March 19 reception is scheduled from 6 – 8 p.m.

Santoro mentioned Moravian University is offering classes in Spanish for Educators for fall 2025 – spring 2026.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one will be March 25.