Event to be held in memory of Jack Boyd

The Bethel Village Council may consider a policy for closing village streets after they received a request for a 5k run on April 16.

The request came from Becky Taggart, who is holding a 5k for Donate Life in memory of her father, Jack Boyd.

The race would be the second race approved in the village after the Bethel 10k Run and 5k walk was approved for August, and Village Solicitor George Leicht said council should consider adopting a policy for closing streets in preparation for future requests.

“While I can see going at the discretion of the police chief right now, we need to address this issue if this is going to become a continuous thing,” Leicht said. “Normally you have an ordinance that provides how streets are closed, the application method to do so, police protection and various things like that.”

Taggart said the Jack Boyd Memorial Donate Life 5k will begin at 9 a.m. at the Bethel Church of Christ and her suggested route included South East Street, South Charity Street, and South Union Street in an effort to avoid the main roads.

Police Chief Mark Plank said when he needs to close a street for an event he makes sure he has enough officers to protect the intersections. He uses all of the auxiliary officers available and often receives free assistance from Williamsburg and Felicity Police Departments.

“We’re responsible for keeping streets open and free of danger for people to pass,” Leicht said. “I don’t really see any difference between walking in the street and people driving down the street.”

Village Councilman Alan Ausman said the route would have a minimum impact on traffic and would keep main roads open for public use and in case of emergencies.

“I think it’s a very unobtrusive route and everybody should be able to get around,” Ausman said.

The public works and safety committees will review Leicht’s draft ordinance at their next meetings, which were both be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23 beginning at 5 p.m.

Councilwoman Donna Gunn said Taggart’s request would likely be approved at the next council meeting on Feb. 28.

“I can’t imagine us not approving this,” Gunn said. “We just need to get our ducks in a row.”

Taggart said she became involved with Donate Life three years ago when her father died during a liver transplant operation. He was suffering from non-alcoholic sclerosis of the liver and Taggart said the family chose to donate his organs and has been very involved in the organization since.