Burlington Town Council discussed the county emergency ambulance service at its Dec. 9 meeting.

Council President Stan Moore read a report from Burlington Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Miller explaining that due to the budget cuts the county council has placed on the Emergency Medical Service there will be no ambulance in Burlington or paramedic chase vehicle effective Jan. 1. The VFD will respond to EMS calls as First Responders and a First Responder or an EMT will be on the fire truck when it responds to emergency calls. Initial medical treatment will be started while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The VFD will not transport to the hospital.

Councilman Teddy Huffer suggested that township trustees be approached about helping with this critical issue. "They have contracts for fire service, why not ambulance service," he said.

Concern was raised that not everyone in town will know about the change in emergency ambulance service. Ways to get the word out were discussed.

Milt Rodgers reported that the park department wants to purchase replacement fencing for the ball diamond and sow grass on the hill. He said that park board elections will be the first week in January.

There will be vacancies on the board, which is a voluntary position. Anyone interested in representing the town should contact the town office.

The Jake Brake Ordinance 2008-06 was passed on third and final reading. Violators will be subject to fines. Signs will be posted warning drivers of the town's ordinance prohibiting use of the brakes in town. Burlington Town Court will have jurisdiction over violations.

Sheriff Tony Buns said he would be willing to work with the town and Marshal Jill Hammond on a Crime Watch program sometime after the first of the year.

Marshal Hammond reported 3 case reports filed, 23 tickets issued, 4 assists to other agencies, 4 warnings, and 20 calls for service in November.

The street work at Haun Drive and Mill Road is complete. During the work Milestone Contractors stored equipment at the park and scrapped some seal off the parking lot that needs to be redone.

The Christmas Walk was a huge success, said Moore. "The Christmas Walk brought Christmas back to town," he said. "We thank all the people who helped fund and organize the event."

The council adopted the resolution for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Residents were reminded that the town has a burn ordinance that includes no burning of leaves.

Town officials will hold and open house at the town hall on Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This will be an opportunity to speak with council members about concerns and other areas of interest. Snacks will be provided.

The next regular meeting will be Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.