NEW HAVEN — At the most recent meeting of the Town of New Haven Council, Zoning Commissioner Ken Vickers discussed concerns from the Zoning Board that some residents are not applying for building permits.

Mayor George Gibbs spoke to the Point Pleasant Register on this matter, saying one of the main reasons building permits are required for most projects are to protect the residents. If a resident hires a contractor for a project and then acquires a building permit, Gibbs said it forces the residents and the town to know if the contractor is licensed and legitimate. If anything should go wrong, then the town has the contractor’s information on record. Gibbs also said the permits simply help the town officials know what is being built within the town.

Gibbs also discussed the possible consequences of not acquiring a building permit, saying if the resident refused to purchase one, they would be violating a town ordinance and would receive correspondence from the police department and could potentially be taken to court. Gibbs said most instances where a resident did not purchase a permit and was approached about it, the resident didn’t know how or where to get one or that one was needed. Gibbs said building permits are $5 and can be purchased at city hall.

Also concerning the zoning board, council discussed several dilapidated properties in town and Gibbs said they are working with the property owners and exploring possible solutions. Council also discussed the possibility of setting up a place for residents to take their recyclable materials. Gibbs said the town had tried this many years ago and the places set up for recyclable materials also became a place some residents to leave their trash. Gibbs discussed the possibility of one recycling area being set up in the town to see if trash would be left there again, saying if it’s not then council may consider placing other recycling areas around the town. Gibbs said further discussion on this idea should take place at the next meeting.

It was also stated at the meeting that the burning ordinance for the town is still being worked on and will be brought up before the council at a later meeting. Mayor Gibbs also attended a recent school board meeting to present the idea of placing a police officer at New Haven Elementary to board members. It was stated that the board members seemed interested and will contact Mayor Gibbs to set up a meeting to discuss it further.

In other council news, Gibbs also brought up a discussion concerning water leaks and whether or not an on-call employee can handle it. Council members stated the employee should call the mayor, recorder or supervisor with the information on the leak, such as the location and what the problem consists of, which will be forwarded on to the other employees. It was stated this system is in place so employees can save time and are able to fix the problem more quickly.

Concerning the police department, Chief D. L. Hardwick asked for permission to purchase ammo for the department. Councilwoman Howard made a motion to approve with a second from Councilwoman Gibbs. Motion carried. Also, concerning the street department, council members said they would like to see estimates for the piping that will be used in the drainage boxes on Lynn Drive.

Concerning wastewater, Supervisor Johnny Oldaker was given permission to purchase a sludge pump, using the sewer repair fund. A motion to approve was made by Councilman Elias and a second from Councilwoman Howard. Motion carried. Oldaker was also asked to bring receipts from this purchase to the council.

Concerning City Hall, Treasurer Janet May asked for permission to set up automatic withdrawal payments for RUS payments and Municipal Bond payments. A motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Ferguson with a second from Councilwoman Howard. Motion carried.

A motion was also made to hire Mark Roush in the water department at $10 an hour with a first from Councilwoman Ferguson and a second from Councilman Elias. It was also noted that Jason Van Meter was not given a raise when he was hired full time on Jan. 10. A motion was made to give Van Meter a $1 raise with a first from Councilman Elias and a second from Councilwoman Howard. Both motions passed. It was also stated Roush’s wages will be re-evaluated following his certification.

It was also announced that the Town of New Haven now has a website, the address being www.local.wv.gov/newhaven.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved with a first from Councilwoman Gibbs and a second from Councilwoman Howard. The financial report was also read and accepted with a first from Councilwoman Ferguson and a second from Councilman Elias. Accounts payable were also approved with a first from Councilman Elias and a second from Councilwoman Howard. All motions carried.

In addition to Mayor Gibbs, council members present were Jessica Howard Kenneth Vickers, Jim Elias, Amy Ferguson, Sarah Gibbs, and Recorder Roberta Hysell.

The Town of New Haven Council will meet again at 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, at the city building.