During the March 24 council meeting, Mayor George Gibbs held a public discussion regarding the status of both the town’s community center and pool. Several residents expressed concern over the possible closing of the center and pool.
One resident proposed the idea of asking the Mason County Commission for financial help to keep the pool open. The resident also suggested that the town form a pool committee. Gibbs agreed that the committee was a good idea. The responsibilities of the committee will include brainstorming ideas to raise money to help fund the pool as well as going out in the community to seek donations from local businesses and residents to keep the facility open.
As of press time, the pool’s status for the upcoming summer season is still unknown.
In other business:
• A resident expressed concern regarding a sink hole under the community pool. Council agreed to look into the issue.
• Council agreed to take the mayor’s pay from $130 per meeting to $100 per meeting. Council also agreed that both the mayor and council members will only get paid for one work session per month.
• Council agreed to table discussion regarding changes to the town’s liquor license for businesses.
• Council approved the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
• Council agreed to separate the police and garbage accounts.
• Council agreed to purchase uniforms for town employees.
• It was announced that the town needs to purchase dumpsters for New Haven Elementary School. Council agreed to contact the Mason County Board of Education to discuss the issue.
• Council read and approved the accounts payable.
• During the public speaker forum, a resident presented council with a bill for the cost of sewer repair at their home. Gibbs said that the town would work with the resident and continue to look into the issue.
• A resident questioned council on what the town ordinance considered a fence to be. Council said that the ordinance does not state what is considered a fence, and agreed to table the issue for a future meeting.
• Several residents discussed their concerns regarding the town’s current boil water advisory. Many residents said that they were not informed of the advisory. Although town employees did send the advisory to local media outlets, council agreed to look into getting a sign regarding announcements, such as the advisory, for city hall. Council also agreed to think of better ways to let residents know about any future advisories.
• A resident came before council to discuss the possibility of putting a one-inch line in his apartment building to help with his water bill — this prompted discussion on both water and sewer charges. In response to comments, Gibbs stated that the New Haven sewer and water rates are still below the minimum rate. In response to this, the resident asked why council did not inform residents of the water bill increase. According to council members, the town published the increases in the Point Pleasant Register as well as posted the increases at the town hall.
The next meeting will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.
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