NEW HAVEN — The Town of New Haven now has a new mayor.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilwoman Karen Hindel made a motion to appoint Ronnie Zerkle as mayor. The motion carried with all council members approving.

Recorder Janet May swore in Zerkle, and Zerkle then presided over the rest of the council meeting.

Zerkle will finish out the term, which ends June 30, 2010. Former Mayor Steve Smith resigned on May 13 following the previous night’s council meeting.

In other business:

• Susan Hall reported that the town was having problems with the water overflowing from the water tower and building up debris in the ditch on Sixth and Seventh streets. She asked council to address the issue.

• Billy James reported that the town could purchase supplies to place a temporary telemetry system on the water tower for $5,000. Zerkle asked that parts be ordered, and said that something must be done now to correct the issue. Verbal permission to do so was given by council.

• Willis Dudding reported that the house beside his is falling into serious disarray. Hindel said that she had checked with some authorities regarding the issue, and suggested that the town set up a board for the condemnation of houses. Zerkle said that council would look into doing so.

• Pat Williamson addressed council about the funding for the repaving of streets. He suggested a B&O tax for town businesses.

• The police department gave a report on insurance money that the town will receive for a totaled police vehicle. The money will pay off the Farmers Bank loan and will leave $13,429.41 to purchase another vehicle.

The police department also reported that the police jeep needs new tires and breaks.

• Council approved for Zerkle to put his signature on the two DEP, one CSX and one Division of Highway permits for the sewer project, and for the town to pay applicable fees.

• Council approved to transfer $3,000 from the Coal Severance Fund to the Recreation Fund.

• Council approved budget revisions for the 2009-2019 fiscal year.

• Council approved to the hiring of Dave Hardwick as a full-time police officer at 40 hours a week with all benefits except medical and health insurance, which he does not need.

• Council approved to give all full-time town employees a $2 raise and part-time employees a $1 raise. Raises will go into effect July 2. Ian Smith and Hardwick will receive a $1 hour raise after their completion of the West Virginia State Police Academy.

• Council approved to make the office position now held by May as a full-time town position with a minimum work week of 32 hours with all benefits. May will reimburse the town for any insurance cost involved with any hours worked less than 40 a week. This position will no longer be attached to the recorder’s position.

• Council approved a 25-cents-an-hour increase for returning lifeguards. Swimming instructors pay will be $8 an hour for lessons taught.

The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14.