BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a conflict-of-interest measure that would mandate recusal of “public officials in matters that they hold a financial interest.”
But before the measure was approved, it sparked a debate among officials and members of the public.
- Bethlehem Township commissioners on Monday approved a conflict-of-interest measure for public officials
- Before its approval and near the end of the meeting, the measure sparked debate
- The board also saw final plans on a garden apartment proposal for 4406 Easton Ave.
“This is about transparency,” Commissioner Luke Verdes told township resident Glenn Krier, who had asked about the motion. "The reality is that the current laws allow for Mack Truck-sized holes for people to drive through.
“All this does is require a little bit more transparency for the people up here.”
The specifics behind the “financial interest” include the following, according to the ordinance:
- Any campaign contributions in excess of $250 received within two years of the date on which official action shall be taken on the subject matter
- A township official’s direct or indirect investment or ownership interest in any business, property, intellectual property, personal property or any other venture whatsoever that is 10% or greater
- Any funds subject to Section 4 of the ordinance received by a township official’s spouse, child and/or children, parent, sibling or agent
- Financial interests received from organized and registered unions and political action committees won't be exempted from the rule requiring mandatory recusal
Barry Roth, a member of the Township Planning Commission, said such rules are why the other boards have trouble finding members to take up leadership roles.
Roth said there’s only been one example of a conflict of interest decades ago.
Commissioner John Gallagher said the ordinance discussion on Monday pertained to the commissioners specifically, but any future action could be different.
Section 3a of the ordinance states, “This Ordinance shall apply to members of the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners, members of the boards and commissions of Bethlehem Township, individuals that must file a Pennsylvania Financial Disclosure Form, and Township Officials except as provided for in the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act … .”
“I have been here all my life; I have been through those problems. And if I see it, or you see it, you have the right to take us off that board."Barry Roth, planning commission member
Section 2 of the ordinance defines a “township official” as “Any elected or appointed Township officeholder, including any Township officeholder elected but not yet sworn in; any member of the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners, individually and together.”
“I have been here all my life; I have been through those problems,” Roth said. “And if I see it, or you see it, you have the right to take us off that board.
“But to sit here and make a statement that you’re going to add something after this proposal — why would anybody want to volunteer to be on any of these boards?”
“You don’t have to,” Verdes answered.
After a series of back-and-forth among Krier, Roth and Verdes, the board — minus Commissioner DeAnn Lawrence, who had left — voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.
Garden apartments at Easton Avenue
The commissioners heard from three witnesses regarding two garden-style apartment buildings at 4406 Easton Ave., near Farmersville Road.
Developer Highview Commercial LLC of New Jersey wants to put the buildings on 4.5 acres.
The buildings would include 26 one-bedroom and 34 two-bedroom units in one, with 18 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom units in another.
Nearby property uses include apartments, single-family homes and condominium projects within 1,000 feet of the proposed development, commercial property across the street and a proposed medical office to the west of St. Luke’s Hospital.
“In reality, this is probably a pretty good segue between the commercial uses and the residential uses in the vicinity."Project Engineer Andrew Bohl
“In reality, this is probably a pretty good segue between the commercial uses and the residential uses in the vicinity,” project engineer Andrew Bohl said.
Stanley Margle III, Bethlehem-based attorney representing Highview, called three witnesses to testify on the project.
David Gunia, Highview member, said the one-bedroom units are estimated to be rented for $1,500 a month, while the two-bedroom ones would potentially go for $2,000.
That rate ultimately depends on market demand at the time of construction, he said.
Peter Spisszak, senior project manager with Traffic Planning and Design Inc., was assigned by the applicant to complete a traffic study.
He said the new development may bring about up to a two-second delay in traffic at nearby intersections but no “serious level of degradation.”
Andrew Bohl, project design engineer with Hanover Engineering Associates, said his company is complying with International Fire Code in regards to the size of the complex and providing one access drive.
He said he spoke with the fire marshal to figure out an appropriate amount of fire hydrants and locations for placement around the property.
“It’s good engineering practice to have the two driveways’ access directly across from each other not to have conflicting traffic at a given moment."Project Engineer Andrew Bohl
He said there won’t be access to Easton Avenue to and from the site, since ordinance calls for parking facilities to be at the rear of buildings. Easton Avenue also is across the way from the proposed access drive for the St. Luke’s property.
“It’s good engineering practice to have the two driveways’ access directly across from each other not to have conflicting traffic at a given moment,” Bohl said.
The property is set to feature an underground stormwater management system, he said.
Township resident David Wong said he was concerned about the stormwater and the underground pipes involved, and hopes to see some connectivity along Farmersville Road to the municipal park.
Resident Tom Keefer said he was concerned about potential traffic impacts, but felt the developer is doing its due diligence regarding township parking code.
The board of commissioners will vote on the proposal June 19.
Student heroes and police promotion
In other business, Kevin Lindsay, a nine-year veteran of the township police department, was promoted to the rank of corporal.
Police Chief Gregory Gottschall said Lindsay is “well respected among his peers for his calm demeanor, knowledge, common sense and leadership abilities.”
Also, commissioners honored the “potentially life-saving actions” of two Freedom High School students.
Brenden Lee Henriques and Gabriella Nicole Gomez “responded immediately” to an individual suffering a medical emergency at the school’s pool on May 2, according to the resolution.
