Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baldwin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in public safety
Volunteer fire department funding and stipend program
Baldwin EMS has only 22.14% subscription participation, and the fire company's call volume is heading toward 1,000 for the year. Council asked for a combined revenue-and-expense report before the mid-year budget review, noting borough contributions have grown from $173,000 in 2018 to $687,000 in 2026.
Tri-community fire services regionalization
Baldwin, Brentwood, and Whitehall are deep into a joint fire services study, with manager interviews underway and substantial findings expected by March or April.
Rescue from Penn Street-area house fire
Firefighters, police, and EMS rescued a woman trapped on the second floor of a burning Baldwin home on Monday. Officials credited the borough's fire stipend staffing program for the fast response.
Switch from PlateSmart to Viper contract
After a closed-door session, council terminated the PlateSmart agreement and signed on with Viper instead — likely tied to traffic/speed-enforcement camera technology.
Repeat vehicle break-ins and firearm theft on Penn Street
Resident George Hunt says a masked suspect has hit his Penn Street neighborhood four times since September, stealing a gun and cash from cars, and says police haven't followed up. The chief says the cases are active and will arrange a detective call.
Tri-Community Fire Study
A firefighter questionnaire goes live March 2 for the tri-community fire services study, and the state flagged two compliance issues with the firefighters' relief association — mostly slow check deposits and an old restitution matter.
Failed Emergency Generator at Municipal Building
The municipal building's backup generator no longer works — and it barely powered anything anyway. Without power, police can't process arrests because their computers run off the borough network. Officials applied for a grant through the state senator's office to replace it with a diesel unit that powers the whole building.
Rising fire call volume and annual fund drive
Baldwin Fire Rescue is on pace for over 1,000 calls this year versus roughly 750 in 2025, and its annual fund drive starts this month — volunteer resources are being stretched.
School zone safety improvements
Crews added stop bars, crosswalks, and fresh signage around the main school route — Manhasset, Wallace, Kathleen, Pleasantview, Marianne — to keep kids and bus stops safe.
EMS ambulances and state licensure
Baldwin EMS gets two new ambulances going into service after an August 30 dedication, and faces its every-three-years state licensure review August 19. Response times ran 7.1 minutes in July.
E-bike safety at Churchview Gardens
A resident reported unsafe e-bike riding through the apartment complex, worried about kids and pedestrians. The chief's advice: call 911 when spotted, and ask the property manager to post no-e-bike signs.
Encampment clearing policy on borough property
Council adopted guidelines for clearing tents and encampments occupied by unhoused individuals on borough property. It sets the ground rules for how the borough handles these situations going forward.
GAP Trail Encampments
Police have confirmed squatter encampments on the GAP Trail but currently lack legal authority to remove them. Solicitor Wagner will draft a resolution creating a removal protocol for next week's vote.
Emergency services capacity and costs
Baldwin EMS goes live with blood products in the field on February 23 — a capability only about 1% of the nation's 11,000 EMS agencies have. It could be lifesaving for trauma, severe bleeding, and obstetric emergencies.
EMS Billing and Insurance Reimbursement
Council discussed a problem where insurers like Highmark pay patients directly instead of the ambulance service, and some patients pocket the money — a case in Shaler allegedly kept $30,000 from EMS. Dee said his own family had to forward a $1,200 check to Baldwin EMS.
Public Safety Awards and Performance
EMS medical director Dr. Michael Turturro won the county Champion Award, and Baldwin EMS earned the American Heart Association's Gold Standard for stroke and heart attack care. The fire department's new pumper truck, UTV, and grant-funded drone were stars of Community Day.
E-bike safety and enforcement
Council member Rambo raised the growing e-bike problem as nearby towns ban them. Chief Cortazzo said an education-first approach is working — no repeat offenders yet — and he opposes a borough ordinance that would force citing kids on first contact.
Proposed Snow Angel Program
After dozens of calls from elderly residents buried in snow, the borough and Baldwin-Whitehall School District are exploring a program where students shovel walks and driveways to earn community service hours. Early stages, but council loved it.