NEW HAVEN — At a recent meeting, council members for the town of New Haven considered adopting several sewer ordinances.

This topic was initially brought about by William Bird, who at the meeting presented the council with his desire for a sewer tap for a property on Fifth Street. Following Bird, Johnny Oldaker presented the council with three ordinances from the public service commission concerning a situation like this, where property is not within the town corporation. Council members stated a letter will be sent to Bird, informing him that nothing can be hooked up except the house that is currently on that property. Oldaker also presented several lease/purchase options for the remaining sewer project monies.

Also discussed at the meeting was a recreation fee that council had previously voted on. Councilman Elias made a motion to keep the $0.75 fee on the monthly bill. Motion carried. It was reported that Attorney Craig Tatterson will review the minutes from this meeting, and will give his legal opinion at an upcoming meeting.

Making appearances at the meeting were Eleanor and Clyde Weaver, and Chad Zerkle. Eleanor stated she would not pay the fee until an ordinance was in place. Clyde state he would inform Tatterson to call the Attorney General about this ordinance. Zerkle presented two estimates on the repairs needed on his vehicle. Zerkle’s vehicle was damaged with a town garbage truck backed into it. Councilman Russell made a motion to turn these estimate into the insurance company. Motion carried.

In other council news, Frances Taylor asked for a handicap parking sign to be posted near City Hall. The Mayor stated the land near their driveway did not belong to the town, and he will look further into this matter. Police Chief Dave Hardwick also asked the council if two “No Parking” signs could be donated to New Haven Elementary, and members gave verbal approval.

Johnny Oldaker requested the council that he be put back on an hourly wage instead of salary. Councilman Elias made a motion to withdraw the $5.00 an hour increase for salary and to give a $ .50 hour increase. Motion carried. Council also discussed the Mary Phillips property. A few interested parties were present at the meeting, but it was decided the property would be advertised in the newspaper and sold as is with the receipt of sealed bids.

Discussions on vacation carryover, clothing allowance, water meter replacements, trash service usage, and schedule of payments were all tabled. It was also stated that sick pay will be paid out at the end of year for any unused days, and the mayor also read a resignation letter from Pat Paugh, which will be effective April 30, 2012.

Councilwoman Roush made motion to purchase four new tires for the police department’s Impala. Motion carried. Concerning the street department, it was also stated the project on Seventh Street is nearly completed.

Building permit #648 was also approved for Melissa Burke regarding roofing repairs on Seventh Street.

Following the meeting, council members also recognized James McCormick, who recently received the Jefferson Award and Congressional Medal of Honor.

Council members present were Frances Taylor, Sarah Gibbs, Jim Elias, Jeff Russell, Dorothy Roush, and Roberta Hysell. The Town of New Haven council will meet again at 6 p.m. on April 5.