A disabled Bethlehem resident who gets everywhere he needs to go on foot addressed City Council Tuesday night on the topic of water access. This should be quite important in a city that is trying very hard to be both pedestrian and bicycle friendly. We need it to survive, especially when temperatures climb.
This resident told City Council that if he enters a business to ask for a cup of water, they often will provide it. But he observed that some places will tell him to leave. He added that this is unlike Arizona, where he claimed incorrectly that it is illegal to deny someone a cup of water. His main complaint, however, is that many of Bethlehem's water fountains are inoperable. He asked if the City could do something.
"Water access to me is just a basic right," observed Council member Rachel Leone. She said she is working with Public Works Director Michale Alkhal to restore service in the parks.
Alkhal stated the City has 19 water fountains, of which only 5 or 6 actually work. He said the others have fallen into disrepair over the years. He added there is little demand for them, they are difficult and expensive to maintain and are often vandalized. "We've been revisiting that," he acknowledged.
Mayor Willie Reynolds said "it's a completely legitimate thing for us to look at." He indicated a meter has been installed at one of the working fountains so the City can determine actual demand. He said the City would never turn anyone away who requests water.
"This isn't something I really honestly gave a ton of thought to, said Council President Michael Colon.
It would be preferable to plastic bottles in a City with a climate action plan.
