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Bettsville approves oxygen tanks and meters, discusses hydrant and water-meter grants
Summary
Council approved buying three D-size oxygen tanks for the fire department, authorized electric meter installation to bill EMS usage, and discussed failed water-meter grant and hydrant repair needs; council emphasized need for engineering estimates for larger water projects.
The Bettsville Village Council approved several operational purchases and discussed water infrastructure needs during the meeting.
Mike, an agency official who reported on police and emergency services activity, told the council the village had only five calls in June (64 for the year) and that staffing and training remain ongoing. Officers expressed concern that training reimbursements could push individual pay over the $600 threshold that triggers a 1099; council members said staff would track reimbursements on a spreadsheet so individuals would not be inadvertently pushed over the reporting threshold.
On a separate motion the council authorized purchase of three D-size oxygen tanks for the fire/EMS department; the record shows council members voting in favor. Council members noted regulators were already available and only the tanks were needed.
The council also reviewed a quoted cost to install electric meters and reconfigure panels so the village can measure and bill electricity used by an EMS tenant on the site. The quoted cost on the record was about $2,798 for meters and installation. Council moved, seconded and approved the meter installation so the village can accurately recover power costs from users (county EMS). The clerk was asked to proceed with ordering meters, which may take several weeks to deliver.
Members discussed water infrastructure broadly: the village’s application for a water-meter grant was not successful this round, so councilors discussed alternatives including reapplying next year, obtaining firm engineering/installation quotes to support future grant applications, and assembling a larger project combining meter replacement and water-line work. The record includes per-unit meter price notes for basic (non-radio) meters around $195 in an internal quote, and officials emphasized that grant applications require engineered numbers rather than estimates.
Council also discussed a failed suction/ hydrant access at a quarry that impeded water access during a past fire; John is coordinating hydrant replacement and new piping to restore reliable water access. Officials said having a functioning hydrant is a priority for fire protection and they will pursue quotes and contractors to complete the repairs.
Councilors said they will track the purchase orders and contractor quotes and follow up with timeline estimates once procurement and engineering information are available.
