Library, police and fire chiefs report seasonal programs and safety reminders; mayor honors community groups

At the Nov. 10 meeting, municipal officials presented routine departmental reports and community recognition.

Library director Christine reported October figures: 10,476 visitors (about 338 per day), 20,460 physical items and 7,879 electronic items borrowed, and an estimated retail value of borrowed items of $735,000 based on a $26-per-book average. She listed programs (94 on-site and 24 outreach) with 2,228 participants and announced holiday closures and seasonal events including a gingerbread scavenger hunt and a library quest with local-business gift-card prizes.

Police Chief Arnold thanked veterans and Bethel Park officers who are veterans, offered holiday-shopping and driving safety tips, and described three annual toy drives (Presents from Police; Stuff a Store; Life Builders) with drop-off locations including the police station, community center and Evie's Hardware. He cautioned residents not to leave packages visible and to park in well-lit areas.

Assistant Fire Chief Rob Osmond gave the October fire report: 48 incidents for the month (including two structure fires, two brush fires, one gas leak, four electrical conditions, 20 good-intent/fire-alarm calls, five smoke investigations, one sprinkler activation and three CO alarms), bringing the year-to-date total to 530. He also announced the death of former fire chief and longtime municipal worker Dan Moore that evening, saying, "He will be deeply missed." Osmond offered seasonal fire-safety advice for cooking and heating.

Mayor Allen recognized the Yugoslav Club of Coverdale with the community-involvement award, noting the club’s scholarships and donations to local events and departments, and announced winners of a neighborhood Halloween-decoration contest by ward.