NEW HAVEN — A New Haven woman has been arrested following several reports of stolen porch and yard decorations.

According to Police Chief D.L. Hardwick, Tiffany Dawn Stewart, 25, of New Haven, was arrested on Friday, Feb. 8, and is being charged with petit larceny and trespassing. Hardwick did not release any information regarding what the stolen items were since they are still considered to be evidence.

Hardwick said the reports of stolen property began around one month ago and around eight to 10 people had reported missing items. Hardwick stated the items were all stolen from the same two block area on 7^th Street and 4^th Street.

Hardwick also noted several items have already been identified by their owners and returned, but there are still other items remaining unclaimed. Residents who wish to reclaim their items can do so at the police station.

Hardwick updated Mayor George Gibbs and council members on this situation at the town’s most recent council meeting. Also concerning the police department, Hardwick presented council members with estimates for the purchases of three new weapons, holsters, and ammo. A motion to approve the purchase was made by Councilman Jim Elias with a second from Councilwoman Amy Ferguson. Motion carried. It was also stated that repairs are needed on the police department’s Impala and council members gave Hardwick permission to have this taken care of.

In other council news, it was announced that Mason County Schools Superintendent Suzanne Dickens was interested in meeting with Mayor Gibbs to further discuss the possibility of having a police officer at New Haven Elementary School. Councilman Kenneth Vickers also noted that he spoke with Evelyn Fitzwater on the possibility of recycling within the town, a matter which was reported on in a previous edition. According to the meeting minutes, this topic will be discussed further at a later date.

It was also stated during the meeting the hoist on the garbage truck has been broken and is in the process of getting fixed. It was also noted that this problems is only affecting the truck emptying dumpsters.

Concerning the water department, it was announced that Triad Engineering will be working on paperwork to explore funding options for a possible water project for the town. It was also noted that this paperwork doesn’t obligate the town to do such a project, but simply allows for the town to get possible options. A motion to approve was made by Councilman Vickers with a second from Councilman Elias. Motion carried.

Also at the meeting, Mayor Gibbs acknowledged town workers for their snow removal work on the roads during the recent storms, as well as for repairs made on 4th Street.

Public speakers at the meeting were Sheila Roush and Pam Thompson. Roush asked if town workers could help re-string the flag pole at the library, which Police Chief Hardwick is looking into, and Thompson asked the town to remember the library when working on their budget. Thompson noted it costs approximately $44,000 a year to run the New Haven Library.

Concerning City Hall, it was announced that the treasurer and recorder will be traveling to Charleston for budget training. A motion was also made to pay the Bend Area Community Center $250 a month, with a first from Councilwoman Sarah Gibbs and a second from Councilman Elias. Motion carried with Councilwomen Ferguson and Jessica Howard recusing themselves. A motion was also made by Councilwoman Howard to pay the library $654.21 per month, with a second from Councilwoman Ferguson. Motion carried with Councilwoman Gibbs recusing herself.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved with a first from Councilwoman Gibbs and a second from Councilman Elias. The financial report was also read and approved with a first from Councilwoman Howard and a second from Councilwoman Ferguson. Accounts payable were also approved with a first from Councilwoman Howard and a second from Councilwoman Ferguson. 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. 21, in the town hall.