Bettsville is prepared for an Independence Day celebration Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Howard P. Eells Park.
Campers may enter the park at 5 p.m. Friday. All improved campsites with electricity have been reserved, but 10 primitive sites still are available. A dozen vendors are to be set up with various items. Musical entertainment with patriotic songs is to be played during the fireworks display at 10 p.m. Saturday.
A new service provided this year will be a tent supplying basic first aid and a center for missing children.
Park Manager Linda Davis reported 92 memberships to the park have been sold. She added during a phone conversation that admission to the park Saturday is $5. Costs for swimming are $2 for 6-12 year olds, $3 for 13-59 year olds and all others may swim for free. Those without a membership will be asked to leave the beach area at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with membership holders allowed on the beach during the fireworks.
Police Chief Don Mason said several officers will be present at the park for the weekend festivities. He also said the department needs to replace officers.
Mason said Sgt. Melissa Broshious had completed her handgun instructor training and is now certified to train other officers. Broshious said due to increased burglaries in the area, the police department is taking a look at forming a neighborhood watch. She noted that the block watch programs take the eyes and ears of all community members to be successful. A public meeting for all village residents will be soon.
Fire Chief Jim Maglosky's report stated he received a $1,500 EMS grant that must be used by June 30, 2013. The department has finished its water rescue training and he questioned whether council members needed to complete NIMS training.
Maglosky also reminded residents open or barrel burning is prohibited in the village. A recreational fire must be contained in a 3-foot by 3-foot area using only seasoned wood.
Resident Don Gamertsfelder questioned how long an income tax collected by RITA would continue in the village.
Village Administrator Jon Dabrunz reported concrete work at the sewer plant.
The meeting went into executive session for discussion of personnel.
In other business, council:
Approved the financial report.
Approved the 2013 budget.
Heard Joyce Harrison report 8 notices for clean-up had been dispersed with some positive results.
Heard resident Virginia Vogel state several trees near her home need removed.
Approved the magistrate court report.
Council meets next at 6:30 p.m. August 7.
