Significant discussion took place in Weissport Monday evening pertaining to the determination on whether to nullify plans over Weissport’s redneck festival.

The annual festival is scheduled on Labor Day weekend.

Chief Matthew Williams suggested bringing in an officer from a neighboring jurisdiction specifically for an increased level of support the day of the festival.

Having additional help to patrol the town in general, not only the park could help policing by monitoring the streets in an effort to keep people safe, and to quash any disturbance taking place.

“That would help me a whole lot to have a second officer on duty that day, especially with the response time if another officer were needed,” Williams said.

Councilman Thomas Ketchledge voiced his apprehensions over organizer’s plans to go ahead with the event, as most other similar events have been canceled in our area and nationwide.

With the governor’s reigns on social gatherings tightening again people are concerned for the community of Weissport if the festival is held.

In a public comment, Lisa House said, “You’re trying to build your community up, and what may happen, is that people may come and tear it down.”

Ketchledge said, “We’re moving in the right direction right now, and it’s taken years for Weissport to bounce back. We’re working toward coming together. Do we really want to take a step backwards?”

Other members agreed they’d rather see the festival canceled instead of the possibility of spreading the virus or seemingly initiating bringing violence to their town.

“It doesn’t mean that we are fearful in the sense that we are backing down - no, we are not backing down.” Ketchledge said.

“We need to think of our families and the businesses here in town. We can survive a year without the festival.”

House said, “I think most people who live here will respect your decision.”

Mayor Paulette Watson added, “I appreciate hearing everyone communicate their opinions because it helps me to make the best decision given the present circumstances our nation is enduring right now.”

Speed bumps

Williams followed up on last month’s discussion about the prospect of affixing speed bumps to the roadway alongside the playground, to force drivers to slow down.

Williams provided council members with facts and figures from a traffic handbook detailing how to choose the correct type of speed bump needed, based on analysis to determine which speed bump is best suitable.

Williams recommended having an engineer who is familiar with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s specific requirements suggest what would be appropriate for the intended location, referring the handbook as a guide.

Police report

Williams released his crime data for the time period beginning June 15 through Monday.

In total, 19 calls to police were made during this time. A handful of warnings and citations were issued with only one arrest.

“Drug activity seems to have gone down from what I’m seeing while on duty,” Williams said.