NEW HAVEN — The Town of New Haven will be taking a closer look at local residents’ vehicle registration to ensure all vehicles are registered in West Virginia.

According to the meeting minutes, Police Chief D. L. Hardwick recently met with Mason County Commissioners to discuss out of state license plates and the county’s pursuit to ensure fairness when it comes to personal property taxes on vehicles, as reported on in a previous edition. As previously reported, new Mason County residents have 30 days to change their vehicle’s registration, or they could face a $500 fine.

Also concerning the police department, the deadline for mandatory training for police officers has changed and must be completed by June 30 or the officer will lose their certification. Supervisors are required to have 32 hours of training and anyone below sergeant will have to have eight to 24 hours of training.

Also at the meeting, a verbal agreement was put in place asking department heads to create a weekly newsletter for the mayor and council members, which should be brought to the city building on Friday and will be available to the mayor and council members on Monday, the first being available by March 18. The matter will be officially voted on at the next meeting.

Treasurer Janet May also presented council with the 2013-14 budget which will also be discussed at another meeting. May will also be attending Labor and Wage training on April 26, which will cost $345 and was approved by a majority vote. Council members were also given a copy of the audit report.

In other council news, Councilman Kenneth Vickers stated he would like to start having regular meetings with town employees to discuss OSHA regulations, as well as general information. The first meeting was set for 2:30 p.m. on March 19. Vickers also mentioned he would like to have a board in the city building where employees could write themselves as “in” or “out” of the office as they come and go, as well as noting their days off.

Vickers also discussed whether female inmates could assist with mowing this summer, which could allow other town workers to work on other necessary projects. A concern regarding insurance was brought up and will be looked into further.

Mayor George Gibbs also acknowledged town workers for their hard work and time on fixing several recent water leaks. The Wahama High School Athletic Boosters also asked for permission to use New Haven as a location in the ten mile bike race. A motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Jessica Howard and a second from Councilwoman Amy Ferguson. The race is set for May 18.

It was also announced that no flood plain maps for the town have been received and Town Attorney Mike Shaw is looking into the ownership of the property at 206 Fifth Street. A motion was also made to pay employee Johnny Oldaker’s insurance in the amount of $200, with a second from Councilwoman Howard. A discussion on the town’s burning ordinance was also carried over to a later meeting.

Speaking to the council was Sheila Roush, who asked council members about the signs for the Lutheran Church on either side of town which were not put back up when the signs were redone. Employee Jamie Greene Jr. will look into this matter. Roush also asked about repairs for the flag pole at the library, which Hardwick said there were plans to work on it.

Pam Thompson from Mason County Libraries was also present and asked for the town to keep the library in mind when preparing the budget.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved with a first from Councilwoman Sarah Gibbs and a second from Councilwoman Ferguson. 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 Councilwomen Ferguson and a second from Councilman Jim Elias. All motions carried.

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

The New Haven Town Council will meet again at 6 p.m. on March 21, in the town hall.