One notable issue highlighted during the council meeting was the critical understaffing of the Bethlehem Fire Department. Multiple speakers, including current and former firefighters, expressed alarm over the dwindling number of personnel and its impact on public safety. David Ruff, a former firefighter, provided historical insight into the department’s reduction from 116 firefighters in 1976 to the current numbers, despite the city’s population growth. He emphasized the emotional toll on firefighters, recounting tragic incidents that had left lasting impacts on their mental health.

Jonathan Roof, following his father, reiterated the need for more firefighters, pointing out the challenges posed by the increased volume of emergency calls. The current operational level was criticized as insufficient to ensure the safety of both residents and firefighters. Lou Jimenez, president of Local 735, stressed that the department has been grappling with a staffing crisis for years, advocating for a return to a staffing level of 113 firefighters to adequately meet the city’s demands.

The meeting saw a strong consensus among attendees regarding the necessity of bolstering firefighter ranks to prevent potential tragedies. Rosemary Jimenez, speaking from a personal perspective, highlighted Bethlehem’s comparatively low budget allocation for fire protection and warned of the risks associated with such budgetary decisions. The speakers collectively emphasized the need for the council to prioritize fire department staffing.

The council’s discussions on budget allocations further underscored the urgency of the staffing issue. It was revealed that the fire department’s budget is lower than those of comparable cities, accounting for just 10% of the overall budget. Suggestions were made to amend the budget to include additional firefighter positions, with council members debating the potential sources of funding. This included reallocating funds from the general fund or utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, though concerns were raised about the sustainability of such measures.

A council member noted that the fire department’s current staffing levels are lower than those recommended by studies and emphasized the need for a comprehensive study to guide future decisions. However, some members questioned the necessity of such a study, arguing that immediate action is required based on the evident staffing challenges. The potential for hiring additional firefighters was discussed, with the fire chief providing insights into the hiring process and the challenges posed by retirements and attrition.

The meeting also addressed overtime burdens faced by firefighters, with concerns raised about the health and family impacts of excessive overtime. A council member shared a personal story about the emotional toll of such demands on first responders’ families and advocated for additional hiring to alleviate these pressures.

In addition to fire department staffing, the council also discussed the implementation of a conflict of interest ordinance aimed at preventing financial influence on elected officials. Concerns were raised about the current mayor’s campaign contributions from developers and the need for clarity on the ordinance’s enforcement.

Budget discussions extended to the allocation of grants for community development projects, with proposals for funding improvements to Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and construction on West Broad Street. The council reviewed budgetary transfers and amendments, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial priorities with community needs.