MASON — Clifton residents may be included in the Town of Mason’s upcoming water project if funding becomes available.

At the most recent council meeting, Delegate Brady Paxton attended to speak on behalf of Clifton residents to discuss funding and the possibility of including Clifton in the project. According to the meeting minutes, Paxton believes he can acquire funding to include Clifton.

Mayor Mindy Kearns stated this water project will include replacing water lines on the “hill” side of the town, whereas the previous water project replaced lines on the “river” side of the town. Kearns said the previous project did include Clifton, but including Clifton in this project was too costly. Kearns said at the meeting if funding is made available, the new project will include Clifton. A start date for the project is still unknown.

Also at the meeting, Recorder Deann Russell updated council on the upcoming election. Candidates for mayor include Jerry Tucker and Larry Daniel. Candidates for recorder include Deann Russell. Candidates for council include Shelly Allensworth, Julie Mitchell, Robert Wing and Marty Yeager, and write-in candidate Ralph Ross. It was noted that the deadline for write-in candidates is April 23. The election will take place on June 11.

In other council news, after adjourning in executive session, Councilman Pauley also made a motion to hire Matthew Terry and David McCoy as police officers, with a second from Councilman Northup. Motion passed.

Kearns also stated she had met with Mason County Commissioners regarding the Virgil Lewis House and stated the front of the house will be moved to the grounds of the West Virginia Farm Museum, possibly around the end of March or beginning of April, and that a small reading park will be constructed in its place. Kearns said since it is located near the library, the park will only include a few benches and a gazebo.

Councilman James Pauley made a motion to order new playground equipment for the park, with a second from Councilman Northup. Motion passed. Kearns said the equipment has been ordered and will most likely be installed in the spring. Kearns also stated she will be looking into the costs of updating the town’s basketball court as well.

Kearns also announced she had recently placed an ad in the Point Pleasant Register for bids for the replacement of the roof at the Senior Citizen Center. Kearns added that bids will be opened at the next meeting. Councilman Nick Northup also made a motion to purchase a two sided sign for the Senior Citizen Center, with a second from Councilwoman Sarah Stover. Motion passed. It was also noted that the new memorandum between the town and the Mason County Action Group will be coming before the board on Feb. 28, and then it will be brought before the council.

Kearns also said the recently purchased salt spreader was helpful for town workers. Russell stated one of the town’s Ordinance Books had been scanned to a flash drive. Councilwoman Michelle Pearson also announced she is working on a date for the town’s Easter Egg Hunt, which will be either March 23 or 30. Pearson is also working on a summer bash.

Making personal appearances at the meeting were Larry Daniel, Jeannie Berber, Donna Vickers, Jerry Tucker, Danny Kearns, Ralph Russell, Earnie Compson, and Patty Allensworth. Daniel presented the council with ideas concerning the Neighborhood Crime Watch. Councilman Pauley also made motion for the town to purchase supplies for Daniel to repair the sinks at the Senior Citizens Center. Councilwoman Stover seconded the motion, which passed.

Gerber passed out flyers for the Neighborhood Crime Watch at the meeting and encouraged council members to attend. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on March 5 in the Town’s Community Room. Vickers also expressed concerns about stray cats on Track Lane. Kearns said the council members will be looking into it.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted with a motion by Councilman Northup and a second from Councilwoman Stover. Bills were also presented for payment with a motion to accept from Councilman Northup and a second from Councilman Pauley. Both motions passed.

In addition to Kearns, council members present were James Pauley, Nick Northup, Michelle Pearson, Sarah Stover, and Recorder Deann Russell. Councilman Marty Yeager was absent.

The Town of Mason Council met again at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Town Hall.