The Hoboken City Council adopted an ordinance amending Division of Fire staffing after a public hearing that included detailed questions about ranks, temporary promotions and an ongoing appellate matter.

Council President Zano led the discussion and Director Franti explained the staffing changes, citing two reasons for the proposal: the fire marshal role had not previously been formally ordained by the city, and the department had used temporary promotions in recent years to prevent list expirations. "After he retired, we had a selection process, and Andrew Fry became the fire marshal who is not a captain," Franti said. He said the ordinance will add seven positions, return two captains, and include one deputy‑chief slot while preserving existing captains’ ranks.

Zano pressed for clarity about how the deputy chief appointment and civil‑service testing would work. Franti explained an interim appointment would trigger a competitive test, likely in the spring, after an interim appointment is made. "Once that happens, it will kick off a test that a test would probably happen in the spring," Franti said.

Council members also asked whether the city had complied with a court order to reinstate former Chief Crimmins. Corporation counsel confirmed the city filed an appeal in April in the Appellate Division of New Jersey and said the matter remains in appellate review; counsel did not state whether the city had been fined for noncompliance but said they would follow up.

The ordinance passed on roll call. The council’s adoption was recorded after the hearing and roll‑call votes in favor were called by the clerk.