BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Rising fuel prices, odor complaints near a manufacturing facility and trash along the Lehigh Canal were among the issues discussed at Tuesday’s Bethlehem City Council meeting.
Councilmembers first discussed recent increases in gasoline prices and their potential impact on the city budget.
Gas prices in the Allentown area have risen from about $3.49 to $4.19 per gallon on average over the past month.
City Council member Michael Colon asked members of the administration how the city is managing the higher costs.
“Each department has gas as a line item,” Colon said.
City Business Administrator Eric Evans said it is too early to determine whether the city will need additional funds to cover fuel expenses.
Evans noted that retail gasoline prices exceeded $5 per gallon for an extended period in 2022. If prices continue rising to similar levels in the coming months, the city may need to seek additional funding.
“Every department uses it,” Evans said.
Michael Alkhal, the city’s director of public works and city engineer, said the city has a $2 million annual fuel budget.
“Whether or not we see a substantial impact will depend on how sustained the elevated prices are over the course of the year,” Alkhal said.
The city also purchases fuel in advance and stores it, which can delay the impact of market price increases, he said.
“It would have to be months that the price would be elevated to start making a difference for us,” Alkhal said.
He added that the city typically pays about 50 cents less per gallon than average retail prices.
“Stay tuned,” Evans said.
During public comment, residents living near Spray-Tek on Avenue B raised concerns about odors they say are coming from the facility.
“We want Bethlehem to grow, but we don’t want to grow a smelly city,” one commenter said.
Other residents described how odors they attribute to the facility affect daily activities.
Spray-Tek processes ingredients for the pharmaceutical, food and fragrance industries and manufactures biodegradable capsules for consumer and nutritional products.
The company also operates facilities in New Jersey and Wisconsin. Spray-Tek was founded in 1980 in Middlesex, New Jersey, and has operated in Bethlehem since 2002. In 2021, it was acquired by Aurora Capital for an undisclosed price.
Air quality and operating permits are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Laura Collins, the city’s director of community and economic development, said her department can follow up with the DEP to review permit status and determine whether monitoring has occurred or if any remedies are being pursued.
“It’s something we’ve done in the past and are certainly able to do that again,” Collins said.
Councilmember Bryan Callahan said ongoing follow-up may be necessary.
“I think some follow-up needs to be done on a continuous basis,” Callahan said.
Residents were also encouraged to contact state officials with their concerns.
Representatives from Spray-Tek were not present at Tuesday’s meeting.
Council also discussed trash along the Lehigh Canal, particularly near Sand Island, after the issue was raised during public comment.
Alkhal said the area was last professionally cleaned by a contractor about two years ago.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for garbage to return,” he said.
Alkhal said trash removal in the area is discussed regularly and Collins said her department is monitoring conditions to determine cleanup needs.