Council Members Reconsider First Night Proposal

A proposal for the borough to host the family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration First Night drew some criticism from two Hellertown Borough Council members at their March 7 meeting.

After organizer Gary Fiegel, of the Hellertown Historical Society, told council members that his group has started a "feasibility study" for the event and met with borough staff to discuss potential logistics, council member Gail Nolf said she has concerns about the borough's resources being strained by such a large-scale happening.

"We have a new borough manager," Nolf pointed out. "It's chewing up our resources."

"I'm very concerned about this and at this point I am not supportive of it," she said, adding that she intends to consider the proposal in its entirety before making a final decision about whether or not to support it.

Councilman Thomas Rieger concurred with Nolf, stating "I do have the same concerns as Gail does and at this time I do not support this project."

Fiegel, who led the organization of Bethlehem's now-defunct First Night during its early years, had earlier commended council for its support so far of the idea.

"Working with the council and the people of Hellertown is one of the nicest experiences I've had," he said.

Questions about insurance for the event were also discussed at the meeting, and Fiegel noted that he had yet to meet with potential volunteers and churches that would be participating by hosting entertainment.

According to Fiegel, First Night would help the borough's churches raise funds through the sale of food and drink to attendees.

He has no financial interest in the project, he told council members.

Council President Phil Weber said the borough is in talks with its insurance company about the borough's possible hosting of First Night.

Additional facts and information are scheduled to be presented at council's next meeting on March 21, at which time council is expected to vote on whether or not to approve a plan for First Night in Hellertown.