BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Mayor J. William Reynolds said Wednesday that the city will soon take a deeper look at data surrounding its fire and emergency management services.

“We’ve really laid out a process where we’re doing something in a comprehensive, collaborative, sophisticated way,” Reynolds said.

The city is reviewing requests for proposals for a comprehensive study that will examine fire department call volume, staffing and paramedic responses. The process began about eight months ago, when request for proposals were sent to consultants. Reynolds said seven responses have been received, and staffing is just one part of a much wider conversation.

According to City Business Administrator Eric Evans, the selection committee hopes to have a preferred consultant to offer to council in the first part of 2026.

Reynolds said the city’s planned study differs from a yet-to-be-released report from the state Professional Fire Fighters and recently released statistics from the International Association of Fire Fighters that were also discussed Wednesday.

Those studies primarily looked at staffing for fire.

According to that data, the city is experiencing staffing shortages, which some say lead to coverage concerns.

During public comment, Bethlehem firefighter Kyle Dalton asked council to hire a supervisor for Engine Company 9.

“It’s a role that’s not just about rank; it’s about leadership, accountability and safety for our newest members,” Dalton said.

He said the officer at Station 6 on Broad Street is currently responsible for also covering Station 9, which serves Catasauqua Road.

Fire Chief Matthew Griffin said an officer oversees day-to-day operations and serves as the first arriving officer on a call until relieved by a higher-level supervisor. When multiple fires occur at the same time, officers are reassigned and positions are backfilled as needed, he said.

Reynolds said hiring for the position would require factoring in multiple shifts, and without the full picture from the study, it is difficult to make that decision.

Griffin has previously stated, “We are currently operating within our budget-approved staffing guidelines. The results of a proposed comprehensive study will help the city determine the proper allocation of Fire and EMS resources. The city is currently in the process of reviewing proposals for that independent study.”

Critics say the failure to follow professional recommendations and standards is a statewide issue, not exclusive to Bethlehem.

Liquor license transfer

In other business, City Council voted to allow a liquor license transfer to Cigar Page, which plans to open a location at 1010 Harvard Ave.

Anthony Brichta, an attorney with Norris McLaughlin, spoke on behalf of the applicant, Keith Meier, during a public hearing. He said the bar and restaurant connected with premium cigar retail sales will include a ground-floor level, a small mezzanine and an outdoor patio facing Route 412.

Seating is planned for 200 to 225 customers, with about 45 bar seats. The site will offer “more than adequate parking” with access from Route 412 and Harvard Avenue, Brichta said.

The establishment will serve upscale American fare, including burgers and flatbreads, and is slated to open in October or November 2026.

Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Meier said he intends to bring 25 new jobs to the city and relocate the corporate headquarters, adding another 50 jobs.

“We definitely appreciate the addition of 75 jobs; that sounds wonderful,” Council Member Rachel Leon said.

“I want to thank you for investing in the city of Bethlehem,” Council Member Bryan Callahan said.

Some council members expressed concern about indoor air quality for patrons and employees.

“We’re very interested in having the air exchange be very advanced. No one wants, even those who enjoy an occasional cigar, to smell like smoke, so that’s a priority of ours,” Meier said.

“These are not designed to be small smoky rooms,” Brichta said.

Council approved the resolution 5-1, with Council Member Colleen Laird voting no.