BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem City Council’s meeting on Tuesday was very unusual for the governing body, said council Vice President Colleen Laird.

With only three members of the seven-member council present, the council lacked a quorum, meaning it couldn’t conduct any official business.

Despite not holding votes, Laird said they wanted to host the meeting anyway to offer a forum for public input.

“This is a very unusual meeting for us. [We] did it to make sure that we did hear from the people who came out to share their thoughts and concerns,” she said.

Councilmembers Laird, Hillary Kwiatek and Bryan Callahan were present on Tuesday.

Council President Rachel Leon previously announced she would miss several meetings due to health-related issues.

Commenters Tuesday discussed a variety of issues, including international politics, student housing, city traffic cameras and water and sewer fees.

Comments regarding the Bethlehem Parking Authority’s Walnut Street Garage project garnered significant discussion during the hour-long session.

During their time at the podium, two workers raised alleged issues related to project contracts, materials and bids.

Callahan, who serves as liaison to the parking authority, also raised similar concerns during the council’s comment period.

He concluded his comments by stating his intention to submit a request for a subcommittee meeting.

For her part, Laird emphasized the authority’s independence from the council’s oversight, describing it as “an independent legal entity with their own authority over contracts.”

“Our City Council does not review parking authority contracts, we do not sign those contracts, we don’t adjudicate those contracts in any way,” Laird said.

In addition to a non-voting council liaison, ties also exist between the council and the authority through the community development committee, but are “very limited in scope,” she said.

“While council is always willing to hear and look into community issues, we want to make sure everyone is aware of the legal separation between the two entities,” Laird said.

Representatives from the parking authority were not present on Tuesday to respond to comments.

All council business from Tuesday’s meeting will be moved to the July 7 meeting, officials said.