Despite a recently imposed hiring freeze, Bethlehem City Council June 3 unanimously approved the decision to hire a business manager for the Department of Community and Economic Development.

The hiring freeze put in place May 6, puts a stop to the hiring of any new city employees until Dec. 31, 2014.

Police, fire and emergency medical services jobs are the only departments to be allowed new hires. Even with the imposed hiring freeze, an amendment to the resolution was passed to allow for the procurement of a business manager and a recycling manager for the city.

When hired, the business manager will report directly to the director of community and economic development, and assist with the planning and implementing of resource and revenue generating avenues for the department, including working on government grants.

Council did not agree on whether to approve the hiring of a recycling manager at the June 3 meeting. The decision was made to table the recycling manager discussion until June 17.

The proposed new recycling manager would be responsible for the design and implementation of city recycling programs.

Council member Eric Evans, a member of the finance committee who voted against the hiring freeze in the past, was the only member of council to oppose the tabling the recycling manager hiring decision.